bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate net working capital: evidence from Shariah compliance
Authors: Bugshan Abdullah , Alnori Faisal , Ananzeh Husam 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThis paper examines the influence of Shariah compliance (SC) on firms' net working capital (NWC) target and adjustment speed.Design/methodology/approach The study samples of non-financial firms taken from six Gulf Cooperation countries between 2005 and 2019 and employs static and dynamic models to answer the present study research questions.FindingsThe outcomes of the study indicate that SC is one of the major determinants of the decision made by the corporation regarding their NWC. More specifically, enterprises that are compliant with restrictions within Shariah are seen to have laid targets of their NWC at a level that exceeds that of enterprises that are not compliant. Furthermore, compared to conventional firms, they seem to have higher speed when adjusting to meet set NWC targets. Submission to Islamic laws limits the choices from which an enterprise can outsource capital from existing funding instruments. Therefore, they experience a higher expected cost of bankruptcy. That being the case, such financial managers should readily maintain and adjust to higher NWC targets to meet current corporate needs, alleviate the risk of bankruptcy and lower dependency on expensive external funding options.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the influence of SC on firms' NWC target and adjustment speed.
The determinants of sustainability reporting: evidence from Saudi petrochemical companies
Authors: Alshhadat Mohammad Q. 
Published: August 2023

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the determinants of sustainability reporting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Design/methodology/approach
Twenty unstructured interviews were conducted to understand thoroughly the determinants and motivations of sustainability reporting among Saudi petrochemical shareholding companies.

Findings
This study finds that cultural aspects, compliance with international best practice, competitiveness, reputation and legitimacy are common motivations for sustainability reporting in KSA.

Research limitations/implications
This study has significant implications for industry, especially petrochemical and other highly polluting industries, and for policymakers. There are economic benefits to industry in adopting sustainability reporting, including transparency; and it is suggested that policymakers encourage industries to give more attention to sustainability reporting.

Originality/value
This study provides an original contribution to the extant literature on sustainability reporting, and incrementally adds to knowledge on sustainability reporting in KSA, Gulf cooperation council and Middle East North Africa region countries.
You are what your host eats: The trophic structure and food chain length of a symbiont community are coupled with the plastic diet of the host ant
Authors: Parmentier T. , Boeckx P. , Bonte D. , De Laender F. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Food chain length provides key information on the flow of nutrients and energy in ecosystems. Variation in food chain length has primarily been explained by environmental drivers such as ecosystem size and productivity. Most insights are obtained from theory or aquatic systems, but the importance of these drivers remains largely untested in terrestrial systems.

We exploited red wood ant nests markedly differing in size as natural experiments to quantify the drivers of trophic structure and food chain length of their symbiont arthropod communities. Using stable isotopes, we explored the variation in the trophic positions of four symbiont species with the trophic position of the top predator as a proxy for food chain length of the symbiont community.

Nest size did not affect food chain length, nor trophic distance between the symbionts. Instead, food chain length and the trophic positions of the symbionts were strongly affected by the host's foraging decisions. When the host diet shifted from predominantly herbivorous to more predacious, the trophic position of the symbionts and food chain length strongly increased.

We show for the first time that a food web can be structured by biotic interactions with an engineering species rather than by abiotic environmental variables.
On the marginal cost of public funds: the implications of charitable giving and warm glow
Authors: An Zhiyong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis paper highlights the important impact of charitable giving and warm glow on the identification of the marginal cost of public funds (MCF). We employ the warm glow model of charitable giving to describe taxpayer behaviour, whereas we employ the standard model to evaluate social welfare. We first identify the impact theoretically. Then we conduct simulations to quantify its size numerically. The results of our numerical simulations show that the standard model underestimates the magnitude of MCF by at least 10 per cent. Our work suggests that adopting a non‐welfarist social welfare function can make a significant difference to the identification of MCF.
Left behind: Voters’ reactions to local school and hospital closures
Authors: NYHOLT NIELS 
Published: August 2023

AbstractVoters in rural and peripheral areas have increasingly turned away from mainstream parties and towards right‐wing populist parties. This paper tests the extent to which political decisions with adverse local effects—such as school and hospital closures—can explain this electoral shift. I theorize that political decisions such as these substantiate a perception of a disconnect between “ordinary” people and the politicians in power in day‐to‐day experiences. Using data on 315 school closures and 30 hospital closures in Denmark from 2005 to 2019 in a generalized difference‐in‐differences design, I find that mayors lose about 1.6 percentage points of the valid votes in areas where they close a school. Furthermore, I find that right‐wing populist parties increase their support in both local and national elections when a local school or hospital is closed. These findings provide insight into the electoral consequences of political decisions with adverse local effects and thus contribute to our understanding of the rise of right‐wing populism.
Rapid and non‐destructive approach for characterization and differentiation of sealing wax using ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Bhatia Dimple , Nimi Chongtham , Sharma Sweety , Das Abhilash Kumar , Singh Rajinder 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSealing wax is used for maintaining the integrity and authenticity of a document or physical evidence. Any tampering with the seal calls into question the overall integrity and authenticity of the tangible evidence or document. In these circumstances, determining the authenticity of the sealing material (physical and chemical) becomes imperative. In this study, ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy supported by chemometrics has been used to differentiate sealing wax samples belonging to 12 different brands available across India. All the samples were first melted, cooled, and then analyzed using ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy in the mid‐infrared region (4000–600 cm−1). The obtained spectra were first examined visually for the presence of different functional groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) and principal component analysis‐linear discriminant analysis (PCA‐LDA) were employed to analyze the sample clustering patterns and to categorize them into their respective groups, respectively. For classification, a PCA‐LDA training model was applied, and it demonstrated 95.83% accuracy. The validation test resulted in an accuracy of 83.33%. PCA‐LDA model offered 100% accurate prediction for samples on various substrates, including cloth, cardboard, and paper. A blind study was also performed using five unknown samples, which were accurately classified into their respective groups. PCA‐LDA model will be helpful in providing investigative leads by linking a questioned sealing wax sample with its respective group.
Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF‐1) negativity as a predictor of unfavorable response to EGFR‐TKI therapy in advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR mutations
Authors: Ding Xiaosheng , Shi Weiwei , Han Bingxuan , Chen Hanxiao , Li Jia , An Juan , Zhou Lili , Xu Weiran , Shi Hui , Zheng Xixi , Hua Yichun , Li Xiaoyan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe absence of thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF‐1) is associated with a lower frequency of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of TTF‐1 expression on the clinical response to EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in patients with advanced LUAD.MethodsThe data of patients with advanced LUAD who were admitted to the Beijing Tiantan Hospital and Peking University Cancer Hospital (China) between April 2009 and May 2023 was retrospectively analyzed.ResultsA total of 227 patients diagnosed with advanced LUAD were included, of which 28.2% (64/227) had TTF‐1‐negative adenocarcinoma, while 54.6% (124/227) harbored EGFR mutations. Negative TTF‐1 expression significantly correlated with male sex (68.8% vs. 42.3%, p < 0.001), history of heavy smoking (57.8% vs. 36.2%, p = 0.003), poorly differentiated tumors (86.5% vs. 43.2%, p < 0.001), and lower frequency of EGFR mutations (26.6% vs. 65.6%, p < 0.001) compared with TTF‐1 positivity. Multivariable logistic regression showed that low prevalence of EGFR mutations (p < 0.001) and male sex (p = 0.006) were independent predictive factors for the negative expression of TTF‐1. Patients lacking TTF‐1 also exhibited worse overall response rate (ORR; 23.5% vs. 54.2%, p = 0.019), disease control rate (DCR; 58.8% vs. 89.7%, p = 0.003), and median progression‐free survival (PFS; 2.9 vs. 11.6 months, p < 0.001) following treatment with EGFR‐TKIs compared to the TTF‐1‐positive patients with EGFR mutations.ConclusionsPatients with TTF‐1‐negative and EGFR‐mutant LUAD show a diminished response to EGFR‐TKIs.
Clinicopathological impact of VEGFR2 and VEGF‐C in patients with EGFR‐major mutant NSCLC receiving osimertinib
Authors: Kaira Kyoichi , Imai Hisao , Mouri Atsuto , Hashimoto Kosuke , Miura Yu , Shiono Ayako , Yamaguchi Ou , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Kawasaki Tomonori , Yasuda Masanori , Kagamu Hiroshi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been identified as one of the resistant mechanisms to epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs). However, the relationship between the efficacy of osimertinib and protein expression of VEGF family members in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutations remains unclear.MethodsA total of 76 patients with advanced NSCLC with EGFR major mutations (del19 or L858R) receiving first‐line osimertinib were eligible as the osimertinib (Osi) group, whereas 43 patients receiving first‐ or second‐generation EGFR‐TKIs were compared with the control group. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF‐C) in the tumor specimens was analyzed using immunohistochemistry.ResultsVEGFR2 and VEGF‐C were highly expressed in 65.8% and 51.3% of patients, respectively, in the Osi group, and 69.7% and 76.7%, respectively, in the control group. High VEGFR2 and VEGF‐C levels were significantly associated with poor performance status (PS) and female sex, respectively. In the Osi group, patients with co‐high expression of VEGFR2 and VEGF‐C showed significantly worse progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than those without co‐high expression. In del19, VEGFR2 was a significant predictor of PFS and OS and independent predictor of OS in multivariate analysis. In L858R, co‐high expression of VEGFR2 and VEGF‐C was identified as a significant predictor of PFS and OS and independent predictor of PFS.ConclusionVEGFR2 and VEGF‐C are highly expressed in EGFR‐mutant NSCLC cells. Increased expression of VEGFR2 was identified as a significant prognostic factor in patients with EGFR del19 mutation who received osimertinib, whereas co‐high expression of VEGFR2 and VEGF‐C was a significant predictor for those with EGFR L858R mutation.
Investigating performance implications of intra‐family ownership successions: Equity transfers with versus without debt creation
Authors: Janssen Ellen , Vandemaele Sigrid , Voordeckers Wim , Vancauteren Mark 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe relate two routes of intra‐family ownership succession (i.e., succession financed with versus without debt) to post‐succession financial performance. Investigating a sample of 203 privately‐held family businesses, our results show that the succession‐induced performance paths of the two subgroups are significantly different. When debt is used to fund the intra‐family share transfer, financial performance significantly increases in the post‐succession period. This phenomenon is absent when no debt is used to fund succession. We attribute the performance gap to a governance device characterising the debt‐financed succession route: debt creation at succession leads to firm‐level efficiency gains.
Artificial Intelligence text generators for overcoming language barriers in ecological research communication
Authors: Zenni Rafael D. , Andrew Nigel R. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLanguage barriers can impede the dissemination of research findings, restrict collaboration and exclude non‐English‐speaking researchers from the global scientific community. To overcome this challenge, we explore the potential of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) text generators to assist non‐anglophone researchers in producing high‐quality academic texts for publication in scientific journals, with a focus on the field of ecological research. These tools can produce grammatically correct, coherent and contextually appropriate text, improving scientific communication quality. Improving scientific communication is vital in Ecology, where research findings can have important implications for the environment and public policy. GenAI text generators can generate summaries of research findings, abstracts and social media posts promoting research findings. Nonetheless, researchers must exercise caution and use these tools together with human review and editing to ensure accuracy and clarity. As natural language processing and machine learning continue to evolve, the use of GenAI text generators in scientific communication is poised to become increasingly important.
Investigating the impact of innovative AI chatbot on post‐pandemic medical education and clinical assistance: a comprehensive analysis
Authors: Xie Yi , Seth Ishith , Hunter‐Smith David J. , Rozen Warren M. , Seifman Marc A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly disrupted clinical experience and exposure of medical students and junior doctors. Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in medical education has the potential to enhance learning and improve patient care. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three popular large language models (LLMs) in serving as clinical decision‐making support tools for junior doctors.MethodsA series of increasingly complex clinical scenarios were presented to ChatGPT, Google's Bard and Bing's AI. Their responses were evaluated against standard guidelines, and for reliability by the Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, the Coleman‐Liau Index, and the modified DISCERN score for assessing suitability. Lastly, the LLMs outputs were assessed by using the Likert scale for accuracy, informativeness, and accessibility by three experienced specialists.ResultsIn terms of readability and reliability, ChatGPT stood out among the three LLMs, recording the highest scores in Flesch Reading Ease (31.2 ± 3.5), Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level (13.5 ± 0.7), Coleman–Lau Index (13) and DISCERN (62 ± 4.4). These results suggest statistically significant superior comprehensibility and alignment with clinical guidelines in the medical advice given by ChatGPT. Bard followed closely behind, with BingAI trailing in all categories. The only non‐significant statistical differences (P > 0.05) were found between ChatGPT and Bard's readability indices, and between the Flesch Reading Ease scores of ChatGPT/Bard and BingAI.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the potential utility of LLMs in fostering self‐directed and personalized learning, as well as bolstering clinical decision‐making support for junior doctors. However further development is needed for its integration into education.
Cerebral palsy in children born after assisted reproductive technology in Norway: Risk, prevalence, and clinical characteristics
Authors: Carlsen Henriette , Vik Torstein , Andersen Guro L. , Stangenes Kristine , Bjellmo Solveig , Westvik‐Johari Kjersti , Hollung Sandra Julsen 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe aim was to investigate the risk, prevalence, and clinical characteristics of cerebral palsy among children born after assisted reproductive technology (ART) in Norway.Material and methodsAll liveborn children from 2002 to 2015 were included. Information was collected from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, linked to the Norwegian Quality and Surveillance Registry for Cerebral Palsy as of December 31, 2022. Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the prevalence of cerebral palsy per 1000 live births after ART and natural conception with birth year as covariate, crude odds ratios (OR) for cerebral palsy among children born after ART using children born after natural conception as reference, and OR adjusted for potential confounders, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Potential mediators of the association were studied in stratified analyses. Descriptive statistics were used to compare proportions in clinical characteristics among children with cerebral palsy born after ART and natural conception.ResultsAmong 833 645 livebirths, 23 645 children were born after ART and of the latter 97 were diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The overall prevalence of cerebral palsy after ART was 4.10 per 1000 live births (95% CI 3.36–5.00), decreasing from 7.79 per 1000 in 2002 to 3.55 in 2015. Compared with children born after natural conception, the OR for cerebral palsy was 2.01 (95% CI 1.63–2.47) adjusted for mother's age at birth, parity, and pre‐pregnancy health. When restricted to singletons born at term, the adjusted OR for cerebral palsy was 1.13 (95% CI 0.76–1.69). The distribution of cerebral palsy subtypes and the severity of gross and fine motor function and associated impairments did not differ significantly between children with cerebral palsy born after ART and natural conception.ConclusionsChildren born after ART had a risk of cerebral palsy that was twice that of children born after natural conception. The increased risk of cerebral palsy after ART is likely attributed to multiple pregnancies and preterm births. The prevalence of cerebral palsy after ART decreased significantly during the study period, despite an increased use of ART in the population. The distribution of clinical characteristics did not differ between children with cerebral palsy born after ART and those born after a natural conception, suggesting that the risk factors for, and causes of cerebral palsy were similar.
Association of suicide with psychiatric hospitalization in Taiwan
Authors: Shan Jia‐Chi , Tseng Mei‐Chih Meg , Chang Chin‐Hao 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionA knowledge gap exists in the relationship between suicide and psychiatric hospitalization in Asia. This study investigated inpatient service utilization before suicide and suicide risk at different periods of hospitalization in Taiwan.MethodsUsing the National Health Insurance Research Database, we applied a nested case–control design with controls being alive on the date each case died by suicide.ResultsA total of 56 939 suicide cases and 1 138 780 controls were included (2:1 male‐to‐female ratio). Only 5.7% of suicide cases had a history of psychiatric hospitalization in the preceding year. Patients with a history of psychiatric hospitalization were associated with a higher risk of inpatient and postdischarge suicide than those without prior hospitalization. The risk was greatest in the first postdischarge week, decreased gradually, and remained significantly elevated over 7 years after discharge. The suicide risk increased more in females. Patients with affective disorders had higher inpatient and postdischarge suicide risks than those with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.DiscussionA low rate of psychiatric hospitalization before suicide implies that inpatient treatment of psychiatric disorders could be enhanced. Community‐based approaches to suicide prevention can improve the treatment utilization of those with suicide risk and bridge continuous care from hospital to community.
Trends in the performance of arms‐length agencies in the Government of Canada
Authors: Doberstein Carey 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCanada mirrors developments in most countries with the growth of government agencies created to deliver public goods—whether it is service delivery, adjudication of disputes, regulatory oversight, enforcement activities—purported to benefit from an arms‐length relationship to cabinet. There is a robust comparative literature documenting the “agencification” of the state, yet Canadian studies remain mostly absent. This article draws on the Government of Canada's Public Service Employee Survey (PSES) microdata from 2017, 2011, 2005, and 1999 to test key hypotheses advanced by proponents of agencification, specifically that agencies are more innovative, autonomous, and efficient public organizations. We find that those working in enforcement agencies exhibit few of the purported advantages of agencification. We also observe that in recent years regulatory, adjudicative, and parliamentary agencies consistently surpass conventional department organizations on these metrics. Future research avenues are proposed to explore how governance and oversight reforms may explain this shift.