bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of Italian board characteristics on environmental, social and governance dimensions
Authors: Menicucci Elisa , Paolucci Guido 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThis study explored how board diversity affects environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance in the Italian banking sector. Specifically, this study examined whether the presence of specific corporate governance (CG) characteristics (board diversity) in Italian Cooperative Credit banks is related to ESG dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThe authors examined a sample of 247 Italian Cooperative Credit banks for the period 2017–2021 and developed an econometric model by applying unbalanced panel data with firm fixed effects and controls per year. To verify the research hypotheses, the authors analyzed board diversity in terms of board attributes variables (size, gender diversity, age, activity, independence and corporate social responsibility/sustainability committee (CSR) and measured ESG dimensions using the ESG score provided by Refinitiv.FindingsThe findings suggest that board size, independence and the existence of a CSR/sustainability committee positively affect banks' ESG performance, while no significant relationship between board average age and ESG performance was found. The study also explored how the critical mass of women on a board affects ESG performance by testing the positive impact of gender diversity on ESG dimensions only up to a certain threshold of female directors.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is highly relevant to managers and investors who consider ESG issues in their decision-making processes. The findings support regulators by offering insights into ways to improve ESG performance through the specific design and application of governance mechanisms.Practical implicationsFrom a practical perspective, this investigation has implications for both practitioners and regulators, suggesting that chief executive officers (CEOs) and managers should pay more attention to CG aspects to improve ESG performance and that policy-makers should give greater consideration to these aspects of CG in their efforts to enhance ESG performance.Originality/valueThis study offers an in-depth analysis of banks' ESG practices and attempts to bridge the gap in the literature on ESG in the Italian banking industry. This study is the first to investigate the relationship between CG variables and ESG dimensions in this context.
Sexual transmission may drive pair similarity of the cloacal microbiome in a polyandrous species
Authors: Prüter Hanna , Gillingham Mark A. F. , Krietsch Johannes , Kuhn Sylvia , Kempenaers Bart 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

All animals host a microbial community within and on their reproductive organs, known as the reproductive microbiome. In free‐living birds, studies on the sexual transmission of bacteria have typically focused on a few pathogens instead of the bacterial community as a whole, despite a potential link to reproductive function. Theory predicts higher sexual transmission of the reproductive microbiome in females via the males' ejaculates and higher rates of transmission in promiscuous systems.

We studied the cloacal microbiome of breeding individuals of a socially polyandrous, sex‐role‐reversed shorebird, the red phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius). We expected (i) higher microbial diversity in females compared to males; (ii) low compositional differentiation between sexes; (iii) lower variation in composition between individuals (i.e. microbiome dispersion) in females than in males; (iv) convergence in composition as the breeding season progresses as a consequence of sexual transmission and/or shared habitat use; and (v) higher similarity in microbial composition between social pair members than between two random opposite‐sex individuals.

We found no or small between‐sex differences in cloacal microbiome diversity/richness and composition. Dispersion of predicted functional pathways was lower in females than in males. As predicted, microbiome dispersion decreased with sampling date relative to clutch initiation of the social pair. Microbiome composition was significantly more similar among social pair members than among two random opposite‐sex individuals. Pair membership explained 21.5% of the variation in taxonomic composition and 10.1% of functional profiles, whereas temporal and sex effects explained only 0.6%–1.6%. Consistent with evidence of functional convergence of reproductive microbiomes within pairs, some select taxa and predicted functional pathways were less variable between social pair members than between random opposite‐sex individuals.

As predicted if sexual transmission of the reproductive microbiome is high, sex differences in microbiome composition were weak in a socially polyandrous system with frequent copulations. Moreover, high within‐pair similarity in microbiome composition, particularly for a few taxa spanning the spectrum of the beneficial–pathogenic axis, demonstrates the link between mating behaviour and the reproductive microbiome. Our study is consistent with the hypothesis that sexual transmission plays an important role in driving reproductive microbiome ecology and evolution.
Settling institutional uncertainty: Policing Chicago and New York, 1877–1923
Authors: Koehler Johann , Cheng Tony 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe show how both the Chicago Police Department and the New York Police Department sought to settle uncertainty about their propriety and purpose during a period when abrupt transformations destabilized urban order and called the police mandate into question. By comparing annual reports that the Chicago Police Department and the New York Police Department published from 1877 to 1923, we observe two techniques in how the police enacted that settlement:identificationof the problems that the police believed themselves uniquely well equipped to manage andauthorizationof the powers necessary to do so. Comparison of identification and authorization yields insights into the role that these police departments played in convergent and divergent constructions of disorder and, in turn, into Progressivism's varying effects in early urban policing.
Spatial‐temporal shifting patterns and in situ conservation of spotted seal (Phoca largha) populations in the Yellow Sea ecoregion
Authors: ZHUANG Hongfei , SHAO Fei , ZHANG Chao , XIA Wancai , WANG Shouqiang , QU Fangyuan , WANG Zongling , LU Zhichuang , ZHAO Linlin , ZHANG Zhaohui 
Published: May 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the habitat shifting pattern is a prerequisite for implementing in situ conservation of migratory species. Spotted seals (Phoca largha) inhabiting the Yellow Sea ecoregion (YSE) comprise a small population with independent genes and represent a charismatic flagship species in this region. However, this population has declined by 80% since the 1940s, and increased support from the countries around the YSE is urgently needed to address the potential local extinction risk. A time‐series niche model and life‐history weighted systematic conservation planning were designed on the basis of a satellite beacon tracking survey (2010–2020) of the YSE population. The results showed clustering and spreading shifting patterns during the breeding and migratory seasons, respectively. The closed‐loop migration route formed in the YSE indicated that this population might be geographically isolated from populations in other breeding areas around the world. The conservation priority area (CPA), with an area of 19 632 km2 (3.58% of the total YSE area), was the most effective response to the potential in situ risk. However, nearly 80% of the CPA was exposed outside the existing marine protected areas (MPAs). Future establishment of MPAs in China should strategically consider the conservation gap identified herein, and it is recommended for Korea's closed fishing season to be spatially set in the western Korean Peninsula from May to August. This study also exemplified that the lack of temporal information would lead to the dislocation of niche modeling for migratory species represented by spotted seals. Attention should be paid to protecting small and migratory populations in marine biodiversity conservation planning.
Exudative age‐related macular degeneration lesion components predicting microperimetric retinal sensitivity during anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatment
Authors: Bygglin Henrik , Immonen Ilkka , Luoma Arto , Hautamäki Asta 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurposeTo analyse the effect of exudative age‐related macular degeneration (eAMD) lesion components on retinal sensitivity during anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatment.MethodsVisual acuity, fluorescein and indocyanine green (ICG) angiographies, autofluorescence images, microperimetries and optical coherence tomographies (OCTs) of 24 eyes of 24 patients were prospectively analysed in a 2‐year study of pro‐re‐nata bevacizumab treatment for eAMD. Microperimetries were aligned with the OCTs, angiographies and autofluorescence images. Thicknesses of the neuroretina, pigment epithelial (RPE) elevation, neuroepithelial detachment (NED), subretinal tissue (SRT) and cystic intraretinal fluid were measured under each stimulus site, and areas of type 1 and type 2 macular neovascularizations (MNVs), ICG plaque, haemorrhage and RPE atrophy were identified. The effects and predictive values of lesion components on retinal sensitivity were analysed with multivariate mixed linear models for repeated measurements.ResultsThe overall microperimetric retinal sensitivity increased during the first year (from 10.1 dB at baseline to 11.9 dB at 1 year; p = 0.021, Wilcoxon signed ranks), but remained the same during the second year (11.5 dB, p = 0.301). The baseline lesion components most strongly predicting deteriorated sensitivity at 1 year were RPE atrophy, the area of Type 2 MNV, intraretinal cysts, haemorrhage, Type 1 MNV and retinal thickening >350 μm. NED and RPE elevation had only small effects. At 2 years, the predictive values of the baseline lesion components remained quite unchanged.ConclusionThe most powerful predictors of retinal sensitivity loss during 2 years of treatment were RPE atrophy, areas of haemorrhage, the area of MNVs, intraretinal cysts and SRT. RPE elevation and NED had lesser effects.
Cooperative membership and new technology adoption of family farms: Evidence from China
Authors: Wu Fang , Guo Xibao , Guo Xia 
Published: May 2023

AbstractVarious policies have been implemented to encourage the development of family farms and cooperatives in the past decade in China. New technology adoption is a crucial part in promoting the performance of family farms. However, empirical evidence on whether and how cooperatives would facilitate family farms to adopt new technologies remains unclear. To address the gap, this paper examines the impact of family farms’ cooperative membership on new technology adoption (i.e., new varieties, new machinery, new fertilizers, new pesticides, new pest control techniques, new production methods and new management methods). Using novel survey data from 848 family farms in China, and employing both propensity score matching approach and endogenous switching probit model, we find that for family farms, cooperative membership has positive and significant impacts on new technology adoption. When looking into different types of technology, we find that the impacts are larger on the adoption of new methods than new techniques. Moreover, the impacts are larger for family farms with lower operation income and smaller size. The findings provide important insights for policymakers tasked with promoting agricultural technology adoption.
Robot‐assisted adrenalectomy using a hinotori surgical robot system: Report of first series of six cases
Authors: Motoyama Daisuke , Matsushita Yuto , Watanabe Hiromitsu , Tamura Keita , Otsuka Atsushi , Fujisawa Masato , Miyake Hideaki 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimThe hinotori surgical robot system, a newly launched platform, has already been utilized in several urological robotic surgeries; however, limited information is available in terms of its feasibility and safety in each type of surgery. The objectives of this study were to describe the perioperative outcomes of the first series of six patients who underwent robot‐assisted adrenalectomy (RAA) using hinotori, and compare the outcomes with a similar set of five patients undergoing RAA with the existing system, da Vinci.MethodsThis study included a total of 11 consecutive patients with adrenal tumors undergoing RAA between July 2020 and November 2022 at our institution. Comprehensive perioperative outcomes in these patients were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsMedian age, body mass index (BMI), and tumor diameter in the hinotori group were 48 years, 27.5 kg/m2, and 36 mm, respectively, and four patients were diagnosed with a functioning tumor, consisting of three and one with hypersecretion of cortisol and catecholamine, respectively. All procedures using hinotori were performed via the transperitoneal approach, and could be completed without conversion to open surgery. Median operative time, time using robotic system, the estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay in this group were 119 min, 58 min, 8 mL, and 7 days, respectively, and no patient experienced major perioperative complications. There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the hinotori and da Vinci groups, and no significant differences in the perioperative outcomes were noted between these two groups.ConclusionDespite being a small case series, this is the first study focusing on RAA using the hinotori surgical robot system, which could be efficaciously performed, resulting in the achievement of perioperative findings comparable with those of the da Vinci system.
Geographical variation in persistence to oral anticoagulation therapy and clinical outcomes among patients with atrial fibrillation initiating therapy in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland
Authors: Vinter Nicklas , Halminen Olli , Lehto Mika , Airaksinen K. E. Juhani , Andersson Tomas , Wändell Per , Holzmann Martin , Rutherford Ole‐Christian , Halvorsen Sigrun , Cordsen Pia , Frost Lars , Johnsen Søren Paaske 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimTo examine inter‐national and regional variations in persistence of oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy and incidence of clinical outcomes and mortality, among patients with incident atrial fibrillation (AF) in the Nordic countries.MethodsWe conducted a registry‐based multinational cohort study of OAC‐naïve patients diagnosed with AF that redeemed at least one prescription of OAC after AF in Denmark (N = 25 585), Sweden (N = 59 455), Norway (N = 40 046) and Finland (N = 22 415). Persistence was dispensing at least one prescription of OAC from Day 365 after the first prescription and 90 days forward.ResultsPersistence was 73.6% (95% confidence interval 73.0–74.1) in Denmark, 71.1% (70.7–71.4) in Sweden, 89.3% (88.2–90.1) in Norway and 68.6% (68.0–69.3) in Finland. One‐year risk of ischemic stroke varied between 2.0% (1.8–2.1) in Norway and 1.5% (1.4–1.6) in Sweden and 1.5% (1.3–1.6) in Finland. One‐year risk of major bleeding other than intracranial bleeding varied between 2.1% (1.9–2.2) in Norway and 5.9% (5.6–6.2) in Denmark. One‐year mortality risk varied between 9.3% (8.9–9.6) in Denmark and 4.2% (4.0–4.4) in Norway.ConclusionIn OAC‐naïve patients with incident AF, persistence of OAC therapy and clinical outcomes vary across Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. Initiation of real‐time efforts are warranted to ensure uniform high‐quality care across nations and regions.
Endoscope‐assisted maxillary sinus floor augmentation with a mini‐lateral window: A retrospective study
Authors: Ye Guanchen , Yu Xiaowen , Wang Baixiang , Zhou Yu , Yu Mengfei , Wang Huiming 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscope‐controlled sinus floor augmentation through a mini‐lateral window, compared with traditional lateral window approach.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective research included 19 patients and 20 augmented sinuses using lateral window approach with simultaneous implant placement (test group: a 3–4 mm round osteotomy; control group: a 10 × 8 mm rectangular osteotomy). Preoperatively (T0), immediately after surgery (T1), and 6 months postoperatively (T2), cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained. Residual bone height (RBH), lateral window dimension (LWD), endo‐sinus bone gain (ESBG), apical bone height (ABH), and bone density were measured. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Patients' evaluation of pain first day after surgery and a week later was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS).ResultsNo significant difference was found in ESBG, ABH between the two groups at T1, T2 or their changes from T1 to T2. However, the increase of bone density value in the test group was significantly higher than control group (356.28 ± 149.59 vs. 242.99 ± 129.54; p < 0.05). The sinus perforation rate of test and control group was 10% and 20%, respectively. The VAS score of the test group at the first day after surgery was significantly lower than control group (4.20 ± 1.03 vs. 5.60 ± 1.71; p < 0.05).ConclusionsEndoscope‐controlled maxillary sinus floor augmentation through a mini‐lateral window yield similar result with traditional approach in terms of bone height gain. The modified approach could facilitate new bone formation, reducing sinus perforation rate and postoperative pain.
Involving people with lived experience in developing a core outcome set for implant dentistry research. The Implant Dentistry‐Core Outcomes Sets and Measures (ID‐COSM) project
Authors: Needleman Ian , Sanz Mariano , Carrillo de Albornoz Ana , Safii Syarida , Hassan Norul Husna Mohamad , Qian Shujiao , Tonetti Maurizio 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimsThe aims of this project were to establish the outcomes for dental implant research that are important to people with lived experience (PWLE) and to achieve consensus with those developed by dental professionals (DPs) for a core outcome set (COS). This paper reports the process, outcomes and experiences of involving PWLE in developing a COS for dental implant research: the Implant Dentistry Core Outcome Sets and Measures project.Materials and MethodsOverall methods were guided by the Core Outcome Set Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) initiative. Initial outcome identification was achieved from focus groups with PWLE employing calibrated methods across two low‐middle‐income countries (China and Malaysia) and two high‐income countries (Spain and the United Kingdom). Following consolidation of the results, the outcomes were incorporated into a three‐stage Delphi process with PWLE participation. Finally, consensus between PWLE and DPs was achieved using a mixed live and recorded platform. The experiences of PWLE involvement in the process was also evaluated.ResultsThirty‐one PWLE participated in four focus groups. Thirty‐four outcomes were suggested across the focus groups. Evaluation of the focus groups revealed a high level of satisfaction with the engagement process and some new learning. Seventeen PWLE contributed to the first 2 Delphi rounds and 7 to the third round. The final consensus included 17 PWLE (47%) and 19 DPs (53%). Out of the total of 11 final consensus outcomes considered essential by both PWLE and health professionals, 7 (64%) outcomes mapped across to ones that PWLE initially identified, broadening their definition. One outcome (PWLE effort required for treatment and maintenance) was entirely novel.ConclusionsWe conclude that engaging PWLE in COS development can be achieved across widely different communities. Furthermore, the process both broadened and enriched overall outcome consensus, yielding important and novel perspectives for health‐related research.
Multi‐stakeholder contribution to the identification of a core outcome set and measurements in implant dentistry (ID‐COSM initiative) using the Delphi methodology
Authors: Sanz Mariano , Carrillo de Albornoz Ana , Martín Conchita , Needleman Ian , Tonetti Maurizio S. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimTo obtain input from multiple stakeholders and generate agreement on essential outcomes in implant dentistry using the Delphi methodology and incorporate them into an international consensus defining a core outcome set.Materials and MethodsCandidate outcomes in implant dentistry were generated from scientific evidence through five commissioned systematic reviews and from people with lived experience in dental implants (PWLE) through four international focus groups. A steering committee identified stakeholders among representatives from dental professionals, industry‐related experts and PWLE. Participants underwent a three‐round Delphi survey using a multi‐stakeholder approach; they assessed candidate outcomes and additional outcomes identified in the first Delphi round. The process followed the COMET methodology.ResultsFrom the 665 potential outcomes identified in the systematic reviews and 89 in the PWLE focus group, the steering committee selected 100 and organized them into 13 categories, to be included in the first‐round questionnaire as candidate outcomes. A total of 99 dental experts, 7 dental‐industry‐related experts and 17 PWLE participated in the first round, and 11 additional outcomes were added to the second round. There was no attrition between the first and second rounds, where 61 (54.9%) outcomes exceeded the pre‐established threshold of agreement. PWLE and experts participated in the third round that applied “a priori” standard filters to distil a list of candidate essential outcomes.ConclusionThis Delphi study utilized a standardized, transparent and inclusive methodology and preliminarily validated 13 essential outcomes organized into four core areas. These results informed the final stage of the ID‐COSM consensus.
People who use drugs in hospital settings: ‘Moving towards a person‐centred harm reduction model’
Authors: Naren Thileepan , MacCartney Paul , Crawford Sione , Cook Jon 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPeople who use drugs often continue to use drugs while in hospital. However, health‐care systems often expect abstinence from drugs as a condition of engagement in various services. This commentary piece proposes that this approach is inconsistent with the principles of person‐centred care. A harm reduction‐based approach in conjunction with collaboration of people who use drugs is proposed as a model for providing person‐centred care to people who use drugs during hospital‐based treatment.
Topical treatment of psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Ramic Lejla , Sator Paul 
Published: May 2023

SummaryTopical therapy plays an important role in the treatment of psoriasis. It is the gold standard in mild psoriasis cases and is also recommended in addition to UV and systemic therapy in cases of moderate to severe psoriasis. In this overview article we summarize the current therapeutic options, taking into account special localizations (scalp, facial, intertriginous/genital, or palmoplantar lesions) and situations (hyperkeratotic or inflammatory forms), as well as the therapy options during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In the initial phase, the combination of topical corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues has proven to be the therapy of choice, as well as monotherapy in each case. In maintenance therapy, fixed combination therapy is recommended once or twice a week.In addition to the right choice of active substances, the choice of the right formulation also plays an important role. To increase adherence, it is very important to consider the personal preferences and experiences of the patient. If topical therapy does not lead to a satisfactory result, additional UV therapy or systemic therapy should be considered.