bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Green Credit, Green Reputation, and Risk-taking of Commercial Banks: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Renzhong , Zheng Yanming , Huang Wenyao , Madsen Dag Øivind , Kuang Jinsong , Fan Xianyang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

In the context of promoting resource conservation and environmentally friendly societal development worldwide, this study introduces the theoretical framework of green credit and green reputation into the analysis of bank risk assumption. An evolutionary game model is constructed to simulate the game process of commercial banks implementing green credit and derive the final equilibrium result. By utilizing annual data from Chinese commercial banks for the years 2010-2021, green credit policy (GCP) is treated as a quasi-natural experiment, and a multiple time period difference-in-differences model is constructed to evaluate the impact of green credit on the risk-taking of commercial banks. The study finds that green credit has a significant negative impact on the risk assumption of commercial banks. Increasing the scale of green credit effectively suppresses the rise in non-performing loan ratios and reduces the risk-taking of commercial banks. Further mechanism tests indicate that the green reputation generated by implementing green credit brings implicit value and effectively improves the risk-taking of commercial banks. Additionally, government intervention plays a positive regulatory role in reducing bank risk assumptions through green credit. Active government intervention expands the positive effect of green credit. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the government promptly takes steps to improve green credit policy and legal systems, continuously refine green financing, and effectively guide capital flows towards resource-efficient and environmentally protective industries, thereby optimizing resource allocation, promoting green economic growth, and ensuring the financial system's stability.
Multiple Iterations in Bhutanese Secondary Science Teachers' Implementation of Action Research
Authors: Rabgay Tshewang , Kidman Gillian 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Many theoretical models of action research depict its process as cycles comprising several sequential phases. In Bhutan, teachers use Kemmis and McTaggart’s spiral model which has four phases of plan, act, observe and reflect to conduct action research for their professional learning. As a growing practice, the way Bhutanese teachers carry out action research is an emerging field of inquiry. This study explored how three Bhutanese secondary science teachers in a case study school conducted their first action research project using Kemmis and McTaggart’s model to improve student interaction in the class. Data were collected using diaries, interviews and observations and analysed using three-step coding procedures of grounded theory. The findings showed that the science teachers conducted multiple iterations by moving back-and-forth between the four phases of Kemmis and McTaggart’s model. It demonstrated a messy and non-linear process of action research conducted through continuous reflection which was inconsistent with the neat cycles of Kemmis and McTaggart’s model. Despite a few challenges, the multiple iterations and continuous reflection helped the teachers to make progress in their action research and develop an interactive teaching strategy. Given the absence of multiple iterations and messiness in the action research knowledge disseminated to teachers in Bhutan, the study highlights the requirement for the Ministry of Education and teachers to consider mess and multiple iterations as a normal process of action research.
Performance evaluation of femtosecond laser processed natural bioremediation membranes
Authors: Zhang Zefei , Zhang Jiahui , Wang Li , Feng Yihua , Sun Yujing 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Natural bioremediation membranes are excellent materials for skin repair. Traditional mechanical processing methods have limitations, including low processing speed and heat accumulation. Therefore, scholars have proposed the femtosecond laser as a novel processing technique to improve processing speed, accuracy, and quality at the same time reducing the heat effect.
Methods
In this study, a smoother and flatter surface without carbonization was obtained by optimizing the laser parameters, then compared with mechanical processing in terms of physicochemical properties and biocompatibility.
Results
The results revealed consistent physicochemical properties of the femtosecond laser interface with wound dressing requirements; moreover, the collagen biocompatibility remained preserved, which was beneficial to the adhesion and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts.
Conclusions
Therefore, this work validates the feasibility of femtosecond laser in processing natural bioremediation membranes and addresses the challenges of slow processing speed, low precision, and heat accumulation predominant in conventional processing methods. The findings not only provide insights and methods for processing natural bioremediation membranes but also other medical regenerative materials.
Evaluating Prognosis of Gastrointestinal Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Constructing a Novel Prognostic Nomogram Based on NETPET Score and Metabolic Parameters from PET/CT Imaging
Authors: Liu Yifan , Wang Zhixiong , Cui Ruizhe , Lin Qi , Tang Wei , Zhang Bing , Li Guanghua , Wang Zhao 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Comparing the prognostic performance of NETPET scores, based on gallium-68 DOTANOC (68Ga-DOTANOC) and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT), and PET-CT metabolic parameters in metastatic gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (GI-NET), while constructing and validating a nomogram derived from dual-scan PET-CT.
Methods
In this retrospective study, G1-G3 GI-NET patients who underwent 68Ga-DOTANOC and 18F-FDG PET scans were enrolled and divided into training and internal validation cohorts. Three grading systems were constructed based on NETPET scores and standardized uptake value maximum (SUVmax). LASSO regression selected variables for a multivariable Cox model, and nomograms predicting progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were created. The prognostic performance of these systems was assessed using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, concordance index (C-index), and other methods. Nomogram evaluation involved calibration curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and the aforementioned methods in both cohorts.
Results
In this study, 223 patients (130 males; mean age ± SD: 52.6 ± 12 years) were divided into training (148) and internal validation (75) cohorts. Dual scans were classified based on NETPET scores (D1-D3). Single 68Ga-DOTANOC and 18F-FDG PET-CT scans were stratified into S1-S3 and F1-F3 based on SUVmax. The NETPET score-based grading system demonstrated the best OS and PFS prediction (C-index, 0.763 vs 0.727 vs 0.566). Nomograms for OS and PFS exhibited superior prognostic performance in both cohorts (all AUCs > 0.8).
Conclusion
New classification based on NETPET score predicts patient OS/PFS best. PET-CT-based nomograms show accurate OS/PFS forecasts.
Effect of dry and wet finishing and polishing on color change and opacity of nanofill and nanohybrid composites
Authors: Sisakht Mehdi Molaie , Zadeh Anoosh Mohammad , Ghasemi Amir , Badiee Mehdi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
As superior esthetic is one of the main reasons for using composite resins, it is very important to be familiar with factors and techniques affecting their optical properties and appearance.
Aim
The aim of this study was comparing the effect of finishing and polishing with and without water coolant, on the color change and opacity of composite resin materials.
Methods
Composites used for preparing samples were Z250 (microhybrid), Z350XT (nanofilled), and Z550 (nanohybrid). Then divided into 4 groups of 5 depending on finishing and polishing technique (dry or wet) and time (T0 and T24). After polishing, samples were assessed using a spectrophotometer. Color change and opacity were determined. Data was analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests.
Results
Type of material in T0 and T24 had a significant effect on ΔE and opacity. Our results in dry and wet technique at T0 showed that the highest and lowest ΔE and opacity belong to Z350XT (p < 0.001). At T24, opacity of Z250 in wet condition was higher than dry condition (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Wet or dry technique was only effective on color in immediate polishing. Regarding opacity, technique was only effective in case of delayed polishing.
Comparison of the Diagnostic Significance of Cerebrospinal fluid Metagenomic Next-generation Sequencing Copy Number Variation Analysis and Cytology in Leptomeningeal Malignancy
Authors: Zhang Le , Fang Kechi , Ren Haitao , Fan Siyuan , Wang Jing , Guan Hongzhi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The early diagnosis of leptomeningeal malignancy remains a formidable challenge in clinical practice. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic potential of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and chromosome copy number variations (CNVs) analysis in the detection of leptomeningeal malignancy. The diagnostic significance of mNGS-CNVs was compared with that of cytology.
Methods
A total of 51 patients were enrolled. 34 patients were diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) leptomeningeal malignancy (tumor group), and 17 patients were diagnosed with CNS inflammatory diseases (nontumor group). We explored a well-designed approach utilizing the CSF mNGS-CNVs technique for the early diagnosis of leptomeningeal malignancy. The diagnostic performance of CSF cytology and mNGS-CNVs was evaluated.
Results
CSF cytology displayed a sensitivity of 82.35% (95% CI: 66.83%-92.61%) and a specificity of 94.12% (95% CI: 69.24%-99.69%). In comparison, CSF mNGS-CNVs exhibited a slightly lower sensitivity of 70.59% (95% CI: 52.33%-84.29%), but an impressive specificity of 100% (95% CI: 77.08%-100%). Notably, comparative analysis revealed no significant difference in diagnostic consistency between cytology and mNGS-CNVs.
Conclusions
Our study highlighted the advantage of CSF mNGS-CNVs as a diagnostic tool for leptomeningeal malignancy when compared to traditional cytology. This comprehensive approach provides a promising strategy for utilizing CSF mNGS in the detection of CNS tumors.
Inter-rater Reliability of ACS-NSQIP Colorectal Procedure Coding in Canada
Authors: Xiong Yingqi , Hirsch Gregory , Spence Richard , Walsh Mark , Neumann Katerina 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) collects risk-adjusted surgical data utilizing Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Inconsistent code assignment may affect benchmarking calculations. This study aims to assess inter-rater reliability of coding colorectal resection procedures across Canada by ACS-NSQIP surgical clinical nurse reviewers (SCNR) and the impact on risk predictions. An electronic survey was distributed to Canadian SCNRs, asking them to assign CPT codes to simulated synoptic operative reports. Percent agreement and free-marginal kappa correlation were calculated. The ACS-NSQIP risk calculator was used to compare predicted morbidity and mortality between the two most frequently chosen codes for each case, to demonstrate impact on risk prediction. 44 of 150 (29.3%) survey recipients responded. There was significant variability in the CPT codes chosen. Agreement ranged from 6.7% 62.3%. Free-marginal kappa correlation ranged from moderate agreement (0.53) to high disagreement (-0.17). The ACS-NSQIP risk calculator predicted absolute differences in risk of serious complications and mortality ranging from 0.2–13.7% and 0.2–6.3%, respectively. This study demonstrated low inter-rater reliability in the coding of ACS-NSQIP colorectal resection procedures in Canada among trained SCNRs. The resulting coding inconsistency translated to variation in risk prediction.
Research on the risk of imbalanced development of land urbanization and population urbanization——Evidence from Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Zhao Hangli , Ai Xinnan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
As land urbanization and population urbanization are two basic elements in the development of new urbanization, their coordinated development is very important. Based on the comprehensive evaluation method of AHP, PCA and ANP, this paper calculates the coordinated development level of land urbanization and population urbanization in Shaanxi Province of China, and predicts the risks if the development is imbalanced. The results show that the development of population urbanization in Shaanxi Province lagged behind during 2010–2015, in 2008–2009 and during 2016–2020, the development of land urbanization lagged behind. Among the risks of imbalance between land urbanization and population urbanization in Shaanxi Province, the risk of economic development is the highest, followed by the risk of resources and environment, the risk of residents` life and the risk of public service, respectively. Therefore, the risk of imbalance between land urbanization and population urbanization should be prevented and defused by creating jobs, optimizing spatial distribution, improving social security, reducing dependence on land finance, deepening the reform of household registration system, and optimizing environmental protection mechanism.
Responding to extreme weather with innovative urban social governance mechanisms driven by complex adaptive systems theory: The 7.20 Zhengzhou flood
Authors: Yang Jianfeng , Zheng Pin , Chai Zitong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
To accurately grasp the logic and challenges of urban social governance during extreme weather disasters, this paper examines the 7.20 Heavy Rain Disaster in Zhengzhou, Henan, as a case study. After comprehensively reviewing the evolution of disasters and failures in emergency responses, several issues were identified in the urban social governance mechanisms for extreme weather risks, such as inadequate agility in adapting to extreme weather, limited effectiveness of grassroots governance, and insufficient overall coordination in handling extreme weather risks. Using complex adaptive systems theory, a framework is proposed for understanding the complex adaptive response of urban social governance to extreme weather risks. On the basis of this framework, the paper recommends innovative pathways for urban social governance to cope with extreme weather risks, including enhancing the agility of overall urban disaster response through digital empowerment, unleashing grassroots resilience in emergency responses by adjusting authority relationships, and improving intergovernmental coordination capacities by establishing standardized contingency plans.
Hard Flaccid Syndrome Symptoms, Comorbidities, and Self-Reported Efficacy and Satisfaction of Treatments: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Niedenfuehr Jenny , Stevens David 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Hard flaccid syndrome (HFS) is a poorly understood condition with no formal consensus on its definition, symptom presentation, etiology, or treatment plan. We aimed to advance the understanding of HFS by evaluating symptom prevalence, cause of symptom onset, comorbidities, and self-reported efficacy and satisfaction with current treatments. An online cross-sectional survey on Qualtrics with purposive and convenience sampling methods were conducted on participants self-identifying as having HFS. Participants were recruited through social media platforms. Only 58% of participants reported their HFS symptoms began following a specific incident/trauma. Changes in penis shape/size and rigid penis when not erect were the most common complaints. Activities such as laying down and stretching improved symptoms while masturbation, weight lifting, and standing worsened symptoms for most patients. Comorbid conditions reported in our sample affect multiple body parts including pudendal nerve, spine, hips, and pelvic region. Self-reported efficacy and satisfaction of current therapies were poor. Innovative, multimodal, and personalized treatment strategies are greatly needed for HFS patients.
Failure-based Design Validation for Effective Repair of Multi-metal Additive Manufacturing: The Case of Remanufacturable Brake Caliper
Authors: Aziz Nurhasyimah Abd , Elanggoven Lenggeswaran , Wahab Dzuraidah Abd , Zakaria Nur Alia Shazmin , Kamarulzaman Nadhira Fathiah , Awang Nurfadzylah 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The inclusion of additive manufacturing (AM) as an automated repair method leads to a sustainable remanufacturing process, which is known as additive repair. Despite its potential in improving the efficiency of repair and restoration, additive repair remains in its infancy and requires a thorough investigation on part design and process parameters. The major concern raised in additive repair is the capability to create perfect bonding between two metals, which will affect the mechanical properties of the complete repaired part. Hence, performing evaluation from the beginning is crucial to validate the feasibility of the process through appropriate structural analysis and to obtain deformation and stress results. Brake caliper housing is selected as a remanufacturable component for case exemplary purposes. Prior to analysis, the potential damages and failures of the brake caliper component were initially evaluated through literature surveys and direct interviews with industry experts where two types of damages were identified, namely, cracks and broken or fractured parts. Then, the validation focuses on comparative analysis of three different conditions of the brake caliper housing: original, damaged and repaired caliper model using finite element analysis in ANSYS. Results indicate that the strength of the repaired caliper model shows equal and higher strength compared with the original model. This result confirms that the repair process through AM can retain or improve the quality of the remanufactured brake caliper housing. Therefore, this paper provides a systematic framework for the evaluation of mechanical properties in multi-metal additive repair with the integration of failure analysis techniques.
Effect of a nutraceutical combination on sleep quality among people with mildly impaired sleep: A randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Gutiérrez-Romero Sebastián Antonio , Torres-Narváez Erika Sofía , Zamora-Gómez Adrián Camilo , Castillo-Castillo Silvana , Latorre-Velásquez Angela Liliana , Betancourt-Villamizar Carolina , Mendivil Carlos O. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In this randomised, placebo-controlled trial, we assigned adults with a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) > = 5 to receive a formulation containing L-theanine (from green tea – Camellia sinensis extract), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) extract, valerian (Valeriana officinalis) extract, and saffron extract (Crocus sativus), or placebo, during six weeks. We enrolled and randomised 64 individuals, of whom 31 from the active group and 27 from the placebo group completed the six-week follow-up. Mean sleep efficiency remained unmodified in the active group, and increased by 3% in the placebo group, the between-group difference in the change was not statistically significant (p = 0.49). Total sleep time also improved more with placebo (13.0 vs. 1.33 minutes, p = 0.66). Time wake after sleep onset (WASO) decreased more in the active group (4.6% vs. 2.4%), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.33). Mean PSQI decreased by 3.11 points (32.3%) in the active group, and by 3.86 points (39.5%) in the placebo group (p = 0.41). SF-36 increased more with placebo (+ 18.3 in active, + 32.1 in placebo, p = 0.68). Salivary cortisol remained unchanged in both groups. No serious adverse events were reported. Among adults with mildly impaired sleep, a nutraceutical combination did not improve objective or subjective sleep parameters more than a placebo infusion.
Enhanced Biocompatibility and Multifunctional Properties of Iron-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Applications
Authors: Foyshal M. , Kabir M. F. , Islam A. , Ferdousy J. , Islam M. R. , Rahman M. M. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Nanoparticles' enhanced biocompatibility and multifunctional properties for medical applications, including advanced drug delivery systems, nanotheranostics, in vivo imaging, and electronic device fabrication, have attracted considerable interest. ZnO and iron-doped ZnO (Fe:ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using the wet-chemical process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis illustrates that the crystallite dimension of these nanoparticles decreased as iron (Fe) concentration increased up to 20 wt%. The crystallite dimension reduced from 89.63 nm to 70.47 nm as the iron content grew, and then it continued to increase as the iron proportion increased. The particle size of these nanoparticles was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and determined to be between 80 nm and 110 nm. The functional group of active Fe:ZnO samples shows the FT-IR peaks at approximately 399 cm− 1, 750 cm− 1, between 3500 cm− 1 and 3600 cm− 1, and 1420 cm− 1 ascribed to the Zn-O, -CH2-NH2, -OH, and -CO vibrations, respectively. Whereas the peaks at 2860 cm− 1 and 2925 cm− 1 were attributed to the -CH3 and -CH2 stretching vibrations, respectively. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was also used to determine the hydrodynamic diameter of ZnO and Fe:ZnO NPs. Zeta potential values for ZnO, Fe10%:ZnO, Fe20%:ZnO, and Fe30%:ZnO were 0.2 mV, 0.4 mV, 0.6 mV, and 0.9 mV, respectively. All samples exhibited strong absorption peaks at 350 nm in the UV region. The band gap energy of Fe:ZnO decreased as the Fe concentration increased. The band gap energies calculated using UV-Vis data were at about 3.06 eV, 2.92 eV, 2.82 eV, and 2.78 eV for ZnO, Fe10%:ZnO, Fe20%:ZnO, and Fe30%:ZnO, respectively. The outcomes of the research may have potential applications in semiconductor device fabrication, including spintronics and nanomedicine.
Next generation sequencing based exploration of potential candidate variants and microRNAs in patients with idiopathic Hypospermatogenesis sub-type of Non-Obstructive Azoozpermia
Authors: Sharma Nisha , Halder Ashutosh , Kaushal Seema , Kumar Manoj , JAIN MANISH 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Hypospermatogenesis (HS) is among the most prevalent histopathological subtype of primary testicular failure and is characterized by a decrease in the total number of germ cells within the seminiferous tubules, leading to azoospermia or oligospermia. Spermatozoa retrieval for intracytoplasmic sperm injection in hypospermatogenesis cases has a high success rate, but there is a risk that the progeny will inherit genomic and epigenetic causative factors. A multifactorial etiology is associated with all subtypes of primary testicular failure, and a broad multiomics approach is required to identify and classify them. Due to the rare nature of the condition, a total of 30 HS patients were recruited and based on availability of blood and testicular tissue samples whole exome sequencing and miRNA sequencing was performed. In-silico analysis and prediction tools were used for target and pathway prediction. Exome sequencing revealed copy number variants in the TLK1 and MTOR genes and single nucleotide variants in the CDC27 and TUBB8 genes. Small RNA sequencing and nCounter miRNA expression analysis showed differential miRNA expression profile of 240 downregulated and 186 upregulated miRNAs in HS patients. The in-silico prediction using the miRNA profile showed evidence for cellular proliferation and differentiation pathways as important targets.