bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of female representation in audit committees on non-audit fees: evidence from China
Authors: Rahman Md Jahidur , Zhu Hongtao , Zhang Yiling , Hossain Md Moazzem 
Published: January 2024

PurposeThis study aims to investigate whether gender diversity in audit committees affects the purchase of nonaudit services in China. Results from family and nonfamily firms are compared and the critical mass participation of females are further examined.Design/methodology/approachThe sample comprises 1,834 Chinese listed companies from 2012 to 2021, among which 910 are family firms. The Heckman (1979) two-stage model is used to mitigate the potential endogeneity issue in the selection of gender diversity. Propensity score matching is also used to further alleviate the endogeneity problem in relation to family firms.FindingsResults show a significant and negative correlation between the gender diversity in audit committees and nonaudit service fees. This association is more apparent in nonfamily than in family firms. Findings are consistent and robust to endogeneity tests and sensitivity analyses. The analysis of critical mass and symbolic participation shows that three female directors can more significantly restrain nonaudit fees than one to two females on the board.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to literature on resource dependence theory, which posits that audit committees help enterprises establish contact with auditors, improve the company legitimacy, assist in communication and provide relevant expertise. This study also relates to agency theory, which holds that differences in the severity of types I and II agency problems between family and nonfamily firms lead to differences in auditor selection and related costs.Originality/valueExtending from previous research on the relation between the gender diversity in audit committees and nonaudit fees, the present study delves into this connection within the context of China, an emerging economy. As a result, this investigation offers novel insights and expands upon current knowledge. In addition, the correlation between the gender diversity of audit committees and nonaudit fees is explored for family and nonfamily firms.
Perspectives in modelling ecological interaction networks for sustainable ecosystem management
Authors: Quévreux Pierre , Brose Ulrich , Galiana Núria , Potapov Anton , Thébault Élisa , Travers‐Trolet Morgane , Wollrab Sabine , Jabot Franck 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The concept of ecological interaction networks has been widely used in fundamental ecology in the last two decades and has progressively infused in a diverse array of applied studies. Classical studies represented species interactions as static interaction webs to identify generalities in the structure of ecological networks and understand the propagation of indirect effects of species on each other and the environment.

More recent research demonstrates that ecological networks are emerging features of community and interaction processes. Understanding the determinants of interaction variability in space and time and its consequences for biodiversity dynamics and ecosystem functioning constitute current frontiers in ecological network science. Although these frontiers meet a variety of applied ecological questions, many network models have been developed without clear applied perspectives.

We detail how we could build on them to advance three main topics. First, the spatial dimension of ecological networks has direct implications for the design of sustainable landscapes and fisheries, for agroecology and for lake management. Second, the temporal dimension of ecological networks provides important insights for projecting biodiversity changes and adapting human actions. Third, the interactions between the abiotic and biotic components of ecosystems constitute key drivers of biogeochemical cycles, thereby providing important levers for sustainable management.

Synthesis and applications. Collaborative work between empirical and theoretical network ecologists could accelerate the delivery of realistic models to inform applied practices across disciplines.
A flexible method of housing price index construction using repeat‐sales aggregates
Authors: Contat Justin , Larson William D. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe major issue which we address in this article is the one‐size‐fits‐all nature of the typical city‐level housing price index. In this vein, we make two contributions. First, we develop a new algorithm to ensure feasible estimation of geographically granular repeat‐sales price indices in cases of low transactions counts. This facilitates the estimation of a balanced panel of 63,084 U.S. Census tract‐level indices (2010 definitions) at an annual frequency between 1989 and 2021, which we release alongside this article. Second, we use these indices to estimate city‐level price indices that are robust to heterogeneous submarket appreciation and nonrandom sampling, two issues that confound classic approaches. Different index targets require alternative weighting schemes, and these formulations can result in index differences that can widen over time horizons. However, in some cases, sample‐based indices are quite similar to more strictly defined index targets; for instance, in the early COVID‐19 period, standard sample‐based indices are actually quite similar to a unit‐representative house price index for large cities.
Information aggregation to form earnings expectations: Evidence from CEO networks and management forecast accuracy
Authors: Lee Sam (Sunghan) , Matsunaga Steven R. , Oh Peter (Seung Hwan) , Hong Hyun A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe investigate whether a larger CEO employment network provides access to information that improves firms' earnings forecasts and find a significantly positive relation between CEO employment network size and management earnings forecast accuracy. Our results suggest that firms use information obtained from CEO contacts to increase the accuracy of their earnings forecasts. Our conclusion is further supported by evidence of positive associations between CEO employment network size and the likelihood, frequency, and precision of management earnings forecasts. We also find that CEO employment network size is positively related to analysts' reactions to the forecast news and the accuracy of management earnings forecasts relative to analyst forecasts. Overall, our results are consistent with a larger CEO employment network generating external information that increases the accuracy of firms' earnings forecasts.
Dementia and glaucoma: Results from a Nationwide French Study between 2006 and 2018
Authors: Chamard Chloé , Alonso Sandrine , Carrière Isabelle , Villain Max , Arnould Louis , Debourdeau Eloi , Huguet Héléna , Mura Thibault , Daien Vincent 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPurposeGlaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The brain and eye share many characteristics, so the eye may provide an easy‐access window on brain processes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the link between glaucoma as well as intraocular pressure (IOP)‐lowering drops load and all‐cause dementia.MethodsThis was a nested case‐control study based on the French national healthcare database from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2018in individuals aged ≥60 years. We compared cases of incident all‐cause dementia with 1:5 controls matched by date of case diagnosis (index date), age, sex, and income. We set a 5‐year exposure to glaucoma period ending 2 years before the index date (lag‐time period to avoid protopathic bias). The main outcome was glaucoma defined with hospitalization related to POAG and/or dispensations of IOP‐lowering drops. The secondary outcome was the IOP‐lowering drops load.ResultsIn total, 4810 incident all‐cause dementia and 24 050 matched controls were analysed (median [IQR] age 82 [10] years; 66.6% women). The prevalence of glaucoma was 14.0% in controls and cases. Risk of all‐cause dementia was not associated with glaucoma (crude OR, 1.02; 95% CI [0.93–1.11]; p = 0.7; adjusted OR, 0.99; 95% CI [0.91–1.09]; p = 0.9) or IOP‐lowering drops load (p = 0.2).ConclusionThe present study in general population ≥60 years old in France did not find any association between glaucoma and incident all‐cause dementia.
Effect of pectin coating incorporated with guava leaf extract (Psidium guajava L.) on the stability of fresh beef steak
Authors: Nascimento Clarissa P. F. , Lopes M. Vinicius Aquino , Bessa Juliana M. R. , Andrade Ana P. C. , Oliveira Luciana S. , Eça Kaliana S. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThis work evaluated the effect of a pectin‐based coating added with guava leaf extract on the quality and conservation of fresh beef during cold storage. Beef steak (CON), beef steak coated with pectin (PCB) and beef steak coated with pectin added with 5% guava leaf extract (PCB‐GLE) were evaluated for physical (weight loss, colour) and chemical (pH, lipid oxidation) parameters quality, as well as tissue modifications during 7 days of storage at 4 °C. PCB and PCB‐GLE showed the least weight loss, maintained the L* value and increased the a* value during the storage. Coated beef steaks showed lower lipid oxidation values during storage when compared with uncoated beef, highlighting samples covered with pectin coating added with guava leaf extract for the lowest TBARS indices during storage. Thus, the extract concentration added to the pectin coating showed potential antioxidant effect on beef steak. In fact, pectin‐based coating proved to be an excellent technology to improve the quality attributes of beef steak during refrigerated storage.
Investigation into the physiochemical properties of soy protein isolate and concentrate powders from different manufacturers
Authors: Schmid Eva‐Maria , Farahnaky Asgar , Adhikari Benu , Savadkoohi Sobhan , Torley Peter J. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe physiochemical properties of five commercially available soy protein isolates (SPI) from different manufacturers and one soy protein concentrate were analysed. Despite their identical botanical origin and an almost interchangeable molecular weight profile, remarkable differences were revealed in their solubility, protein dispersibility index (PDI), water holding capacity (WHC), zeta potential (measured at different pHs) and particle size distribution. Protein solubility and PDI values, which can be considered as a simple and reliable measure of soy protein powder's suitability for industrial formulations such as extrusion premixes, revealed to be strongly intercorrelated, with SPI A, B and E showing higher values at pH 7.0 and 9.0 as compared to their counterparts (sample C and D). WHC appeared to be less influenced by solubility, but greatly by particle size distribution. SPI A, B and E showed largest increase in diameter upon hydration (‘swelling’) and gave the highest WHC.
A comprehensive study on the risk factors and pathogen analysis of postoperative wound infections following caesarean section procedures
Authors: Dong Hui , Song Jie , Jia Yanju , Cui Hongyan , Chen Xu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPostoperative wound infections (PWIs), a subtype of surgical site infections, are a significant concern for patients undergoing caesarean sections (C‐sections). Understanding risk factors and pathogen profiles can greatly assist in early diagnosis and effective treatment. This study aimed to identify risk factors and analyse the pathogenic landscape contributing to PWIs in C‐sections. A nested case‐control study was carried out, utilising stringent criteria for case selection and control matching. Diagnostic criteria for surgical site infections included both clinical and microbiological parameters. Risk variables examined included patient age, Body Mass Index, duration of surgery and several other clinical indicators. Microbiological analysis was performed using the BD Phoenix‐100 Automated Bacterial Identification System. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26.0, and risk factors were evaluated through both univariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 50 patients, aged between 20 and 45 years (mean age 26.3 ± 5.6), developed PWIs following C‐sections. The study revealed a temporal distribution and various clinical indicators of PWIs, including elevated white blood cell count and C‐reactive protein levels. Gram‐negative bacteria were found to be more prevalent at 57.4%. Notable pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. Antimicrobial resistance patterns were also identified, highlighting the need for a targeted antibiotic approach. Increased infection risks were linked to lack of prophylactic antibiotics, absence of preoperative povidone‐iodine antisepsis, operations over an hour, anaemia, amniotic fluid contamination, diabetes, GTI, premature rupture of membranes and white blood cells counts above 10 × 109/L. The study provides critical insights into the risk factors and microbial agents contributing to PWIs following C‐sections. Our findings emphasise the importance of early diagnosis through clinical and laboratory parameters, as well as the need for constant surveillance and reassessment of antibiotic stewardship programs.
Elevated small dense low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio is associated with an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yang Shouxing , Xu Jing 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionIt is demonstrated that elevated small dense low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL‐C), and reduced high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) is associated with Metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This study aims to explore the relationship between sdLDL‐C to HDL‐C ratio (SHR) and MAFLD in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed among 1904 patients with T2DM. Weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between the SHR and the risk of MAFLD. In addition, this study used a two‐part linear regression model to identify threshold effects. Subgroup analysis, interaction tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were also carried out.ResultsThe overall MAFLD prevalence reached 48.1%. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that SHR was positively correlated with the risk of MAFLD (OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.80–3.12). Subgroup analysis stratified by age, gender, hypertension and BMI showed that there was a consistent positive correlation. A non‐linear relationship and saturation effect between SHR and MAFLD risk were identified, with an inverted L shaped curve and an inflection point at 1.02. The area under the curve (AUC) for SHR in the ROC analysis was significantly greater than sdLDL‐C and HDL‐C, with a sensitivity of 71.2% and a specificity of 62.1%.ConclusionsElevated levels of SHR is independently associated with an increased risk of MAFLD in patients with T2DM. SHR may be taken as practical indicators to assess the risk of MAFLD in T2DM patients.
Market structure and price clustering: Maker‐taker versus taker‐maker
Authors: Cox Justin S. , Griffith Todd G. , Van Ness Robert A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe examine whether the different fee structures on equity exchanges, maker‐taker or taker‐maker, affects the frequency with which security prices cluster on round increments. We find higher price clustering on traditional maker‐taker venues relative to inverted taker‐maker venues. These results generally hold at the individual exchange level and across transaction‐ and quotation‐level clustering measures. Furthermore, we document that quoted depth, both inside and outside the best prices, is significantly greater on maker‐taker venues than on taker‐maker venues. We show that liquidity supply is the main economic driver behind the difference in price clustering between market structures. Our findings indicate that fees and rebates alter order‐routing strategies, which affect the precision of asset prices.
Application of fractional carbon dioxide laser monotherapy in keloids: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Jinhui , Yu Qi , Zhou Qiujun , Tao Maocan , Cao Yi , Yang Xiaohong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundThere is no evidence‐based guidance on the use of fractional CO2 laser in the excision of scars.AimTo explore the effectiveness and safety of fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of keloids.MethodsIn this meta‐analysis, we searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to April 2023. We only included studies reporting fractional CO2 laser treatment of keloids. We excluded duplicate published studies, incomplete studies, those with incomplete data, animal experiments, literature reviews, and systematic studies.ResultsThe pooled results showed that the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) parameters of height weighted mean difference (WMD) = −1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.46 to −0.74), pigmentation (WMD = −0.61, 95% CI: −1.00 to −0.21), and pliability (WMD = −0.90, 95% CI: −1.17 to −0.63) were significantly improved after fractional CO2 laser treatment of keloids. However, vascularity did not significantly change. Additionally, the total VSS was significantly improved after treatment (WMD = −4.01, 95% CI: −6.22 to −1.79). The Patient Scars Assessment Scale was significantly improved after treatment (WMD = −15.31, 95% CI: −18.31 to −12.31). Regarding safety, the incidences of hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, pain, telangiectasia, and atrophy were 5%, 0%, 11%, 2% (95% CI: 0%–6%), and 0% (95% CI: 0%–4%), respectively.ConclusionsFractional CO2 laser is effective in the treatment of keloids and can effectively improve the height, pigmentation, and pliability of scars, and patients are satisfied with this treatment. Further studies should explore the role of combination therapy.
The elite eating quality alleles Wxb and ALKb are regulated by OsDOF18 and coordinately improve head rice yield
Authors: Zhu Maodi , Liu Yongqiang , Jiao Guiai , Yu Junming , Zhao Rumeng , Lu Ao , Zhou Wei , Cao Ni , Wu Jiamin , Hu Shikai , Sheng Zhonghua , Wei Xiangjin , Zhao Fengli , Xie Lihong , Ahmad Shakeel , Lin Yongjun , Shao Gaoneng , Tang Shaoqing , Hu Peisong 
Published: January 2024

SummaryHead rice yield (HRY) measures rice milling quality and determines final grain yield and commercial value. Here, we report that two major quantitative trait loci for milling quality in rice, qMq‐1 and qMq‐2, represent allelic variants of Waxylv/Waxyb (hereafter Wx) encoding Granule‐Bound Starch Synthase I (GBSSI) and Alkali Spreading Value ALKc/ALKb encoding Soluble Starch Synthase IIa (SSIIa), respectively. Complementation and overexpression transgenic lines in indica and japonica backgrounds confirmed that Wx and ALK coordinately regulate HRY by affecting amylose content, the number of amylopectin branches, amyloplast size, and thus grain filling and hardness. The transcription factor OsDOF18 acts upstream of Wx and ALK by activating their transcription. Furthermore, rice accessions with Wxb and ALKb alleles showed improved HRY over those with Wxlv and ALKc. Our study not only reveals the novel molecular mechanism underlying the formation of HRY but also provides a strategy for breeding rice cultivars with improved HRY.
The application of behavioral change theories in addressing vaccine hesitancy: A Literature Review
Authors: Pan Warren Kemuel M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractVaccination is vital in combating infectious diseases, including COVID‐19. Nevertheless, vaccine hesitancy poses a substantial obstacle to achieving high vaccination rates. This study investigated the determinants of vaccine hesitancy using behavioral change theories and proposes a comprehensive conceptual framework to address this challenge.The paper conducted a review of several behavior change theories relevant to understanding vaccine hesitancy. The health belief model (HBM) highlighted the importance of individuals' perceptions of the effectiveness of health behaviors and their perceived susceptibility to illness. The social cognitive model (SCT) underscored the role of personal experiences, environmental factors, and social support in shaping health behaviors. The theory of reasoned action and planned behavior (TRA) suggested that attitudes and subjective norms are crucial in determining behavioral intentions. The transtheoretical model (TTM) outlined stages of behavior change, while the socio–ecological model (SEM) considered factors at individual, relationship, community, and societal levels. Comprehending vaccine hesitancy is essential for developing effective strategies to promote vaccine acceptance. This study, which examined vaccine hesitancy through various behavior change theories, sought to shed light on the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy among Filipinos. The resulting conceptual framework offers guidance for future interventions aimed at addressing vaccine hesitancy and ultimately improving vaccination rates.
Clinical significance of decreased or loss ofABOblood group expression in acute myeloid leukaemia: A single‐centre retrospective study
Authors: Han Jay Ho , Lee Howon , Kim Jae Kwon , Yoo Jaeeun , Park Kyuho , Jekarl Dong Wook , Kim Yonggoo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesDecreased or loss of ABO blood group antigen expression has been observed in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients. We studied the clinical significance of this group in AML patients.Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective, single‐centre cohort study in which the data were retrieved from April 2009 to December 2019. A total of 1592 AML patients with normal ABO blood group antigen (Group I) and 65 patients of decreased or loss of ABO blood group antigen (Group II) group were enrolled. Data were collected at the time of initial admission for pathological diagnosis. To interrogate the underlying mechanism, publicly available The Cancer Genome Atlas AML data were downloaded.ResultsGroup II consisted of 3.9% (65/1657) of AML patients. The 90‐day survival (D90) probability was higher for Group II with a mean survival of 86.4 days compared to 80.6 days for Group I (p = 0.047). Group II had higher haematocrit (28.6 vs. 27.4%) and lowerd‐dimer, fibrinogen degradation production and C‐reactive protein. Publicly available data revealed that among 11 CpG methylation sites within theABOgene, 4 sites with elevated methylation level were associated with improved D90 survival probability and demonstrated an inverse correlation withABOgene expression. Lower expression of theABOgene showed improved survival trends for D90 (p = 0.058) and 180‐day survival (p = 0.072).ConclusionAML with decreased expression or loss of ABO blood group showed better early survival during D90. Transfusion support for this subgroup of AML patients should be meticulously performed considering serum typing.
Casimir effect of a rough membrane in 2 + 1 Hořava–Lifshitz theory
Authors: Bórquez Claudio , Droguett Byron 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe investigate the Casimir effect of a rough membrane within the framework of the Hořava–Lifshitz theory in $$2+1$$

2
+
1

dimensions. Quantum fluctuations are induced by an anisotropic scalar field subject to Dirichlet boundary conditions. We implement a coordinate transformation to render the membrane completely flat, treating the remaining terms associated with roughness as a potential. The spectrum is obtained through perturbation theory and regularized using the $$\zeta $$
ζ
-function method. We present an explicit example of a membrane with periodic border. Additionally, we consider the effect of temperature. Our findings reveal that the Casimir energy and force depend on roughness, the anisotropic scaling factor and temperature.