bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of changes in the type 2 diabetes and MASLD/related SLD status with risk of developing cardiovascular disease
Authors: Matsubayashi Yasuhiro , Fujihara Kazuya , Khin Laymon , Ferreira Efrem d'Àvila , Takabayashi Shizuka , Yamashita Yuko , Yamada Takaho , Kodama Satoru , Sone Hirohito 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackground & AimsThis study assessed the association of remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) or metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)/related SLD (r‐SLD; MASLD with excessive alcohol intake) as defined by the fatty liver index with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).MethodsHealth examination data at baseline and after 2 years (2‐Years) were extracted from a nationwide claims database in Japan. Among participants aged 18–72 years with at least 3 years of follow‐up, 9345 participants with DM‐associated MASLD/r‐SLD and 71 932 participants with non‐DM MASLD/r‐SLD at baseline were included in the study. The participants were stratified by the achievement of remission of MASLD/r‐SLD or DM at 2‐Years. In each group after stratification, the risk of new‐onset CVD during the observation period was analysed using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up of 4.9 years (starting from 2‐Years), 1368 cases of CVD were observed. The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for CVD was 0.50 (0.31–0.80) for participants with remission of DM, 0.65 (0.47–0.91) for participants with remission of MASLD/r‐SLD, and 0.34 (0.15–0.77) for participants with remission of both DM and MASLD/r‐SLD. Conversely, remission of MASLD/r‐SLD was not linked to a reduced risk of CVD in participants with non‐DM MASLD/r‐SLD.ConclusionThe association of MASLD/r‐SLD remission with CVD risk differs greatly in the presence and absence of DM. In patients with DM‐MASLD/r‐SLD, MASLD/r‐SLD remission can significantly reduce CVD risk similarly as remission of DM.
Exploring climate change investment initiatives and funding challenges among faith‐based organizations in Ghana
Authors: Mintah Kelvin Omari , Nakouwo Solomon Nborkan , Ahenkan Albert , Bawole Justice Nyigmah 
Published: January 2025

AbstractMotivationFaith‐based organizations (FBOs) have a significant role to play at a time of environmental upheavals, but their ability to mobilize climate funds in sub‐Saharan Africa, especially Ghana, remains under question.PurposeThe study asked three questions: (1) What spectrum of climate change investment opportunities are FBOs seeking? (2) What are the untapped climate change investment opportunities that FBOs can pursue? (3) What are the constraints that hinder FBOs in mobilizing funds to finance these opportunities?Approach and methodsA qualitative research approach was adopted for the study and 18 FBOs in Ghana were purposively selected as a sample for the study.FindingsThe study uncovered the spectrum of climate change investment opportunities pursued by FBOs in the areas of agriculture and waste. However, there are untapped climate change investment opportunities in the energy and transport sectors. The constraints associated with mobilizing climate finance are ideological differences, knowledge gaps, limited institutional capacity, and bureaucratic bottlenecks.Policy implicationsClimate action funders need to reduce complications surrounding the means of obtaining funding and streamline their funding requirements to suit FBOs. They should also reassess their credibility evaluation standards to help FBOs from being sidestepped due to limited funding track records, despite the promising adaptation and mitigation initiatives they may have to offer. FBOs must upgrade their skills in the climate finance landscape by taking advantage of capacity‐building programmes and training that seek to increase their understanding of the climate finance opportunities and requirements of climate funders.
Physical Management Strategies for Enhancing Soil Resilience to Climate Change: Insights From Africa
Authors: Raheem Abdulkareem , Bankole Oluwaseyi Oyewale , Danso Frederick , Musa Moshood Olawale , Adegbite Temilade Anifata , Simpson Victor Bamidele 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIn Africa, where agriculture is the backbone of the economy and sustains livelihoods, the increasing threat of climate change necessitates a shift towards strategies that improve soil resilience. This study explores a range of soil and water conservation techniques, organic amendments and agroforestry, focusing on their application to specific soil types such as Luvisols, Lixisols, Ferralsols, Nitisols, Vertisols, Cambisols and Arenosols, tailored to address Africa's diverse agroecological zones under a changing climate. Furthermore, it elucidates the role of soil physical management in ensuring resilience to climate change, supported by evidence from long‐term studies. Our review demonstrates that these physical management strategies are essential for improving soil structure, increasing moisture retention, reducing erosion and enhancing soil organic matter. These improvements contribute to more resilient agricultural systems that maintain productivity despite fluctuating climatic conditions. However, their implementation in Africa faces challenges such as high soil variability, barriers to adoption and resource constraints. Despite these obstacles, significant opportunities exist to build resilience through tailored strategies that align with local soil and climate conditions, supported by innovative policies and the integration of traditional knowledge with scientific research. Therefore, we advocate for an integrated approach that harmonises local expertise, scientific advancements and policy interventions to transform Africa's croplands. By addressing both the biophysical and socio‐economic aspects of soil management, this approach can foster resilient, productive and sustainable agricultural systems capable of ensuring food security amidst climate variability.
Assessing the Very High Cycle Fatigue Behavior and Frequency Effect of Structural Steel Welds
Authors: England Andrew , Gorash Yevgen , Toumpis Athanasios 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe very high cycle fatigue behavior of S275J2+N flux‐core arc welded joints was investigated using the ultrasonic fatigue testing method at a loading frequency of 20 kHz. A bespoke specimen design featuring the weld toe was employed to more suitably represent in‐service welded joints than typical ultrasonic fatigue testing specimens. This revealed that fracture occurs above 10 million cycles, beyond the classically accepted fatigue limit. Additionally, comparative fatigue tests were performed at 10 Hz to investigate the frequency effect on the fatigue behavior. A 35% increase in fatigue strength was measured at 20 kHz when compared to 10 Hz, indicating that a correction must be considered in the use of ultrasonic fatigue testing data for design purposes. Fracture surfaces for both test frequencies showed similar morphologies and typical characteristics for fatigue failures of ductile metals.
Development of Resources and Equipment to Promote Best Practices for the Humane Dispatch of Sharks in a Commercial Fishery
Authors: Diggles B. K. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to identify best‐practice methods and equipment for humane dispatch of 15 species of sharks commonly captured by commercial fishers in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia. Anatomical brain location was determined for each species using dissection, external photographs and radiographs (see www.ikijime.com website and Ikijime Tool phone apps). Eight dispatch methods were qualitatively evaluated for their effectiveness on sharks of various sizes. Electrical stunning equipment could not be used because it failed to meet Australian electrical safety standards. Field trials of 206 dispatch events found that penetrating captive bolt tools were most effective on medium‐sized (120–210 cm) and large sharks (210–360 cm long), with mean total dispatch scores (MTDS) that ranged from 4.6 to 4.84 out of 5 and instantaneous death rate (IDR) that ranged from 88.57% to 95.45% (n = 79), while ikijime was most effective on small sharks (< 120 cm long), with an MTDS of 4.69 and IDR of 93.75% (n = 16). In contrast, percussive stunning (MTDS = 3.95, IDR = 80.95%, n = 42), shooting with a 12‐gauge shotgun (MTDS = 2.92, IDR = 36.54%, n = 52) and spinal section (MTDS = 3, IDR = 0%, n = 2) were less effective, as shown by their lower IDR and MTDS scores. These preliminary findings may be useful for directing further research into best‐practice dispatch methods for sharks in the NT, Australia, and elsewhere globally.
Challenges and Strategies for Academic Diaspora Engagement in the Internationalisation of Higher Education Institutions: Empirical Evidence From a Low‐ and Medium‐Income Country
Authors: Moshtari Mohammad , Ghorbani Maryam 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTWhile the academic diaspora can serve as a facilitator of internationalisation for higher education institutions (HEIs) in low‐ and medium‐income countries, anecdotal evidence on the engagement of the academic diaspora indicates that it is temporary, superficial and of little impact on the quality of research and educational programmes; it has mainly benefited HEIs by raising their visibility and university rankings, thus exploiting the diaspora rather in home countries than vigorously engaging them in academic activities and capacity building efforts. The present study builds on the boundary‐spanning perspective to elaborate on the potential functions of academic diaspora as enhancers of HEIs' capabilities by enabling genuine partnerships between HEIs in developing and developed countries. Furthermore, using an explorative qualitative approach, the paper provides insights into the factors involved in the low‐quality engagement of academic diaspora at the national, institutional and individual levels. Finally, several implications for HEIs' managers and policymakers are laid out to improve the quality and impact of academic diaspora engagement.
Lions, Game Players and Niche Providers: Universities' Positioning in Funding Competitions in Germany
Authors: Krücken Georg , Götze Nicolai , Seidenschnur Tim 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis research addresses two important developments in the academic field: First, universities are transforming into organisational actors, gaining more responsibilities and capacities for strategic action, and second, competition has reached a new level. An important driver of competition and universities' development towards strategic actorhood is funding contests in which actors compete with proposals over a limited timeframe with clear evaluation criteria. In Germany, funding contests are central to the crystallisation of a broader competitive positioning and universities develop different strategic approaches in relation to them. We focus on two large‐scale funding contests to analyse universities' heterogeneous positioning strategies: The German Excellence Initiative (EI) and the Quality Pact for Teaching (QPL). We empirically develop three ideal types of universities in terms of strategic positioning (lions, niche providers and game players) and examine different strategic approaches taken by universities when relating to internal and external reference groups.
Conservation status of Erebia palaricaChapman, 1905 (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae): Local insight and whole distribution perspective
Authors: Torrado‐Blanco Laura , Carballa Miguel , Vila Marta 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Conservation efforts are often limited by the lack of information on poorly understood species. Such is the case of Erebia palarica Chapman, 1905, a narrow endemic butterfly restricted to the mountain ranges of northwest Iberia and classified as of “Least Concern” by the IUCN. By combining mark‐release‐recapture (MRR) and genetic data, we provide an insight into the population size of this species.
First, we marked 707 butterflies in a relatively isolated E. palarica population—Serra do Courel (NW Spain)—and obtained census size estimates for two close localities (Alto do Couto, Nc = 303; A Cabeza Grande, Nc = 565); the vast majority of individuals dispersed less than 500 metres.
Second, genotyping of 120 individuals from Alto do Couto (four generations, 1999–2021) with seven nuclear microsatellites revealed a small effective population size (Ne < 100), while also depicting a steady increase in its value since 2018. We also provide a fine‐scale distribution map of the species in the study area: we found E. palarica in a number of new sites with favourable habitat and confirmed its persistence in an area affected by a massive wildfire during 2022.
Finally, we propose that the conservation status of E. palarica should be updated to “Near Threatened”, as it is remarkably close to meet several criteria of the IUCN to qualify as “Vulnerable”.
Association between body mass index at birth and neonatal health outcomes in preterm infants: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Liu Chuntian , Chen Yijia , Pan Mengqing , Lu Xiaoyu , Xu Jianhong , Chen Xiaochun 
Published: January 2025

SummaryBackgroundStudies on how birth body mass index (BMI) affects health outcomes in preterm infants are relatively limited.AimTo analyze the association between BMI at birth and neonatal health outcomes in extremely low and very low birth weight preterm infants in China.MethodsUsed data from the Chinese Premature Infant Informatization Platform (2022–2023). Preterm infants were categorized based on their birth BMI z‐scores into three groups: low BMI group (< −2), normal BMI group (−2 to 2) and high BMI group (>2). The relationship between BMI and neonatal health outcomes was then analyzed.ResultsThe final analysis included 1662 extremely low and very low birth weight preterm infants. The results indicated that low BMI was significantly associated with an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (AOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.31–2.30), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (AOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.00–1.80) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (AOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.01–2.42). High BMI was significantly associated with an increased risk of RDS (AOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.05–2.45).ConclusionsBMI at birth is significantly associated with the risks of RDS, BPD and NEC in ELBW and VLBW, highlighting the importance of monitoring BMI as an additional risk predictor in a population of neonates already at high risk for adverse outcomes.
Frames of Reference: Dynamics of Change and Frame Misalignment Between Employers and Unions
Authors: Signoretti Andrea , Wilkinson Adrian 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIndustrial relations studies have struggled to explain the variations in human resource (HR) practices in firms operating in the same institutional contexts and sectors and facing similar market pressures. Budd, Pohler, and Huang's (2021) model on the frames of reference used by managers and employees constitutes a notable exception, as it focuses on how actors view HR practices. We build on this model and critique and extend it by including unions as actors and exploring employers' and unions' frames concerning HR practices and the ensuing outcomes. We also develop an analytical framework composed of workplace‐level relational and beyond‐workplace external elements. We invite future research to show the empirical validity of our model and framework.
Deciphering the Anti‐Diabetic Potential of Gymnema Sylvestre Using Integrated Computer‐Aided Drug Design and Network Pharmacology
Authors: Mayyas Amal , Al‐Samydai Ali , Oraibi Amjad Ibrahim , Debbabi Nawres , Hassan Sara S. , Al‐Hussainy Hany Aqeel , Salamatullah Ahmad Mohammad , Dauelbait Musaab , Bourhia Mohammed , Almaary Khalid S. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis study explores novel therapeutic avenues for diabetes, a global health concern marked by elevated blood glucose levels. We investigated the anti‐diabetic potential of Gymnema Sylvestre's bioactive compounds, including Gymnemic acid I, Stigmasterol, Deacylgymnemic acid, Beta‐Amyrin acetate, Longispinogenin, Gymnemic acid II, Gymnemic acid, Gymnemic acid X, Gymnemaside VI, Phytic acid and Gymnemic acid X. Employing network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD), we elucidated the potential mechanism of action. SwissTargetPrediction identified targets for bioactive constituents, while DisGeNET provided diabetes‐related targets. A GeneVenn diagram revealed 397 common potential targets for diabetes management. The protein–protein interaction network, constructed via the STRING database, underwent topological analysis in Cytoscape, identifying AKT1, SRC, TNF, PPARG and IL1B as top targets. Gene ontology analysis using FunRich identified crucial roles of screened targets in integrin family cell surface interactions and glypican pathways for diabetes management. Molecular interactions and binding affinities with the top target, AKT1, were assessed, with Gymnemic acid I displaying the least binding energy (−9.813) with H‐ and non‐H‐bond interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations provided insights into the distinct behaviours of Gymnemic acid I within the protein complex. In conclusion, our study elucidates the potential anti‐diabetic mechanism of Gymnemic acid I, underscoring the need for further in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies to validate our findings.
The Association Between Medication Adherence and Rational Drug Use Knowledge and Health Literacy in Older Adults Residing in Nursing Homes
Authors: İlhan Nesrin , Savci Cemile , Yildirim Sevinc 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundMedication adherence is a crucial factor in managing and treating chronic diseases in older adults. Health literacy (HL) skills and rational drug use (RDU) knowledge are important for individuals to make informed decisions about medication adherence behaviours.AimThis study was conducted to determine the association between medication adherence and rational drug use knowledge and health literacy in older adults residing in nursing homes.MethodsThe cross‐sectional study was conducted with 121 older adults residing in a nursing home in Turkey. The data were collected using the Participant Information Form, the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS‐5), the Rational Drug Use Scale (RDUS), and The Turkish version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS EUEU‐Q‐TR).ResultsThe mean age of the older adults was 69.92 ± 6.45 years and 76.9% were male. The mean score of MARS‐5 was 21.80 ± 3.55. Among older adults, 43.8% were found to have inadequate RDU knowledge, 28.9% had inadequate HL, and 46.3% had problematic‐limited HL. The RDU knowledge was a statistically significant strong predictor of medication adherence (R2 = 0.495, p < 0.001). The HL was a statistically significant predictor of medication adherence (R2 = 0.037, p < 0.05).ConclusionThe study found that medication adherence among older adults residing in nursing homes was moderate, RDU knowledge and HL levels were low, and medication adherence increased as RDU knowledge and HL levels increased.
Parental separation and children's genetic influences on education
Authors: Van Winkle Zachary , Baier Tina 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectiveThis study focuses on the extent to which parental divorce and separation during childhood affect children's chances to realize genetic influences on educational attainment.BackgroundWhether the family context matters for genetic influences on children's educational attainment remains an open question. Previous research mainly considers parents' socio‐economic standing and overlooks a key dimension of social stratification: childhood family structure.MethodThis study draws on the US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to estimate the association between education polygenic scores and educational attainment of adults who experienced a parental separation before age 16 compared to adults who lived continuously with both parents.ResultsResults show that genetic effects are smaller for adults whose parents separated compared to adults whose parents remained coupled. Moreover, additional analysis directed at the mechanisms provided no evidence that the negative impact of parental separation was attributable to adverse socioeconomic conditions during childhood.ConclusionThe findings suggest that distinct inner‐familial conditions linked to parental separation affect children's genetic influences on educational attainment.
Regular Smoking Accelerates the Decline in Masticatory Performance in Japanese Men: The Suita Study
Authors: Kosaka Takayuki , Ono Takahiro , Fushida Shuri , Kida Momoyo , Nokubi Takashi , Kokubo Yoshihiro , Watanabe Makoto , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Ikebe Kazunori 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundSmoking is presumed to cause a decline in masticatory performance by worsening the intraoral environment in various ways. However, no longitudinal study has examined the relationship between smoking and masticatory performance.ObjectivesTo clarify how smoking affects future decline in masticatory performance through a 5‐year follow‐up study of a general urban population.MethodsThe study participants were 494 men (mean age at baseline: 65.8 years) who participated in baseline and follow‐up dental examinations in the Suita Study. The masticatory performance of the participants was evaluated using a test gummy jelly. The rate of change in masticatory performance during the follow‐up period was calculated by subtracting the masticatory performance at baseline from the masticatory performance at follow‐up and dividing this by the masticatory performance at baseline. Logistic regression analysis was performed, with the presence or absence of a decline in masticatory performance as the objective variable and age at baseline, number of functional teeth, periodontal status, salivary flow rate, maximum bite force, smoking status, utilisation of dental services, and follow‐up years as the explanatory variables.ResultsThe rate of change in masticatory performance during the follow‐up period was significantly higher in smokers than in non‐smokers. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, maximum bite force, and smoking were significant explanatory variables for a decline in masticatory performance.ConclusionA 5‐year follow‐up study showed that smoking causes a decline in masticatory performance in men, even after adjusting for confounding factors.