bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modified VAIC model: measuring missing components information and treatment of exogenous factors
Authors: Ahmad Fawad 
Published: March 2023

PurposeValue-added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) is extensively used as a measure of intellectual capital (IC), but it is criticized for not capturing the totality of IC. Therefore, this study aims to analyse critiques of the original VAIC and proposes a modified VAIC by adding missing IC components and adjusting for exogenous factors. The study uses a modified VAIC model to investigate the relationship between IC, firm performance (FP) and market value (MV) for US non-financial firms.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed fundamental data of US non-financial firms listed on the NYSE and NASDAQ from 1980 to 2019. A final sample consisted of 6,019 firms and 62,686 firm-year observations.FindingsThe results provide a significant positive effect of aggregate and components of modified VAIC on FP and MV. Moreover, results validate the modified VAIC model and find that the modified VAIC explains changes in shareholders' MV. In addition, findings indicate that modified VAIC serves as an additional intangible factor to explain firms' capital structure decisions.Practical implicationsThe findings have important implications for management, owners, researchers and investors.Originality/valueThe modified VAIC model differs from the original VAIC model in four ways: first, it corrects the measurement of structural capital efficiency (SCE) following the accounting principle. Second, it replaces SCE with innovation capital efficiency (InVCE) and relational capital efficiency (RCE) to account for missing components of information of structural capital (SC). Third, the modified VAIC model adjusts for exogenous factors like business cycles and cross-industry variations. Finally, with the addition of InVCE and RCE as components of SCE, innovation capital (InVC) and relational capital (RC) are added to the calculation of value-added (VA) as components of IC.
COVID‐19 disease frequency, risk factors, and re‐infection rates in patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease receiving rituximab
Authors: Armağan Berkan , Konak Hatice Ecem , Özdemir Bahar , Apaydın Hakan , Atalar Ebru , Akyüz Dağlı Pınar , Güven Serdar Can , Erden Abdulsamet , Küçükşahin Orhan , Omma Ahmet , Erten Şükran 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionRituximab, which is used in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD), can cause both an increased risk of development of COVID‐19 disease and re‐infection due to its potent and long‐acting immunosuppression. So, we aimed to evaluate the frequency, risk factors and re‐infection rates of COVID‐19 in ARD patients receiving rituximab.MethodsA single‐center retrospective study was performed with patients receiving rituximab for ARD in 12 months before the onset of COVID‐19 in Turkey. The data regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 reverse transcription polymerized chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test, clinical, laboratory, and mortality data of all patients were collected from medical records. Logistic regression analysis was used for predictors of COVID‐19 disease. COVID‐19 re‐infection was defined as RT‐PCR positivity and recurrence of acute COVID‐19 symptoms after at least 1 negative RT‐PCR in patients with clinical improvement.ResultsNinety‐eight ARD patients with rituximab were evaluated and 23 (23%) of them had COVID‐19. The presence of hypogammaglobulinemia increased the risk of COVID‐19 disease 8‐fold. COVID‐19 pneumonia occurred in 13 (57%) and these patients' age was higher than those without pneumonia (59.6 ± 11.8 vs 44.9 ± 14.2 years, P = 0.013). Mortality due to COVID‐19 was 13% and COVID‐19 re‐infection was seen in 20% of survivors.ConclusionRegardless of the underlying rheumatic disease and organ involvements, hypogammaglobulinemia in ARD could be a risk factor for COVID‐19 development, and advanced age could be for COVID‐19 severity. Moreover, COVID‐19 re‐infection rates are high.
Tools and data for the analysis of gender policies: A review
Authors: Escot Lorenzo , Latorre María C. , Fernández‐Cornejo José Andrés 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOne of the targets of the UN's Our Common Agenda Report is placing women at the centre. In this paper, we propose a three‐step methodology for the analysis of gender inequality: (1) we explain how gender gaps are measured and present several indicators of inequality and discrimination against women. Several international institutions are paying close attention to the topic, and we present their main indexes; (2) we show the different ways that exist to identify the main factors that explain these gaps, in order to propose gender policies; (3) we evaluate the success of real policies in reducing the gender gaps. Discrimination against women exists, but the extent of ‘real’ gender discrimination is quite complex to identify. We describe some techniques for carefully dealing with this issue. It is clear that real discrimination should be eradicated and that the elimination of gender gaps requires the consideration of different social dimensions: work, occupation, income, poverty, social exclusion, education, health, civil rights, political empowerment, participation in culture, relations within the family, co‐responsibility in childcare and reconciliation of professional life, different forms of violence against women, among others.
Our common metrics? Our Common Agenda report and the epistemic infrastructure of the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Bandola‐Gill Justyna 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOur Common Agenda—the flagship report by the UN Secretary General released in September 2021—promises a transformative change in the face of a post‐pandemic crisis in the progress towards global human development. As such, the report is not only closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals but also from the outset outlines its ambition to ‘accelerate’ progress towards the SDGs. This paper unpacks the complex interplay between the two frameworks through the theoretical lens of an epistemic infrastructure of quantification. The paper shows how Our Common Agenda could be seen as a move towards an expansion of the existing infrastructure of measurement to include a new temporal dimension. Overall, the paper argues that the transformative potential of the epistemic infrastructure is in fact impeded by the statistical path dependency of the existing metrics and the distinct politics of infrastructure which promotes blurred accountability lines and lacks specific solutions.
Thymic atypical carcinoid tumors with elevated mitotic counts in a patient with multiple endocrine neoplasia: A case report
Authors: Hiro Shuntaro , Teranishi Shuhei , Sawazumi Tomoe , Nagaoka Satoshi , Sugimoto Chihiro , Nagayama Hirokazu , Segawa Wataru , Kajita Yukihito , Maeda Chihiro , Kubo Sousuke , Seki Kenichi , Tashiro Ken , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Yamamoto Masaki , Kudo Makoto , Kaneko Takeshi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThymic neuroendocrine tumors associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia are only defined as carcinoid and are not associated with large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). We report the case of a multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 patient with atypical carcinoid tumors with elevated mitotic counts (AC‐h), an intermediate condition between carcinoid and LCNEC. A 27‐year‐old man underwent surgery for an anterior mediastinal mass and was diagnosed with thymic LCNEC. Fifteen years later, a mass appeared at the same site, which was determined to be a postoperative recurrence based on the pathological results of a needle biopsy and the clinical course. The patient's disease remained stable for 10 months on anti‐programmed death‐ligand 1 antibody and platinum‐containing chemotherapy. The needle biopsy specimen was submitted for next‐generation sequencing, which revealed a MEN1 gene mutation, and after further examination, a diagnosis of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 was made. A re‐examination of the surgical specimen from 15 years prior showed that it corresponded to AC‐h. Although thymic AC‐h is classified as thymic LCNEC according to the current definition, our data suggests that a search for multiple endocrine neoplasia is warranted in such patients.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists to expand the healthy lifespan: Current and future potentials
Authors: Kreiner Frederik Flindt , von Scholten Bernt Johan , Kurtzhals Peter , Gough Stephen Charles Langford 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTo help ensure an expanded healthy lifespan for as many people as possible worldwide, there is a need to prevent or manage a number of prevalent chronic diseases directly and indirectly closely related to aging, including diabetes and obesity. Glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) have proven beneficial in type 2 diabetes, are amongst the few medicines approved for weight management, and are also licensed for focused cardiovascular risk reduction. In addition, strong evidence suggests several other beneficial effects of the pleiotropic peptide hormone, including anti‐inflammation. Consequently, GLP‐1 RAs are now in advanced clinical development for the treatment of chronic kidney disease, broader cardiovascular risk reduction, metabolic liver disease and Alzheimer's disease. In sum, GLP‐1 RAs are positioned as one of the pharmacotherapeutic options that can contribute to addressing the high unmet medical need characterising several prevalent aging‐related diseases, potentially helping more people enjoy a prolonged healthy lifespan.
Managerial tone and investors' hedging activities: Evidence from credit default swaps
Authors: Liang Peng , Hu Nan , Liu Ling , Zhang Ting 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis study examines investors' hedging behaviours in the credit default swap (CDS) market in response to the managerial tone of the Management Discussion and Analysis section in 10‐K/Q flings. Utilising CDS positions data derived from the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, we first document that managerial tone is negatively associated with CDS positions. We further find that such an effect is stronger for investors with less reliable alternative information channels and for firms with greater default probability. Our inferences persist when using the abnormal tone from a two‐stage analysis, when using change model regression, and when filtering out other potential confounding impacts. The results of this study advance the understanding of how the linguistic tone presented by management affects CDS market investors' hedging decision making through the use of public accounting information in financial disclosures.
Early intervention in post‐traumatic stress disorder without exposure to trauma memories using internet‐delivered cognitive therapy: A pilot case series
Authors: Thew Graham R. , Wild Jennifer , Ehlers Anke 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectivesTrauma‐focussed psychological interventions are the treatments of choice for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As many clinical services receive high demand for PTSD interventions, strategies to improve treatment efficiency are needed. Some people seek help in the early phase post‐trauma, including as soon as the first few months. It is unclear whether all components of trauma‐focussed CBT are needed in this initial stage. Providing brief intervention in this early phase without work on trauma memories may be feasible and effective. This service evaluation study describes a case series of five participants experiencing PTSD following recent traumas.MethodsParticipants completed a shortened 6‐week form of Internet‐delivered Cognitive Therapy for PTSD (iCT‐PTSD), which used fewer treatment modules and focussed primarily on psychoeducation about PTSD, and two key treatment components, ‘reclaiming your life’ and trigger discrimination. Unlike the full course of iCT‐PTSD, this format did not include working directly with trauma memories.ResultsThe intervention was associated with large reductions in symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety at the 6‐week timepoint, which were maintained at 3‐month follow‐up. Scores on the composite PTSD measure showed an average reduction of 91% between baseline and end of follow‐up. One client required an extension to the weekly phase of treatment and received further treatment modules. All were discharged after follow‐up and did not require further treatment.ConclusionsThe findings provide preliminary evidence that this briefer format of iCT‐PTSD was of benefit for those seeking support following recent traumas. Further examination in a larger controlled study is required.
Empowerment evaluation: Key methodology aspects from participatory research and intervention with Roma girls
Authors: Francés‐García Francisco , La Parra‐Casado Daniel , Sanchís‐Ramón María José , Camacho María Félix Rodríguez , Gil‐González Diana 
Published: March 2023

AbstractEmpowerment evaluation (EE) is an especially useful tool that enables people to be involved in both individual and group transformation processes, in particular in contexts characterized by social inequality. By using a participatory approach, this methodological article analyses an Empowerment Evaluation experience within the European RoMoMatteR project. This project, which focuses on the notion of reproductive justice, has involved a group of Roma girls from Alicante (Spain), in a context characterized by discrimination based on ethnicity, gender and age, as well as by structural determinants such as social exclusion. The main research objective has been to analyse the relevance of the methodology designed to assess how project participants have developed a sense of autonomy and the acquisition of socio‐cultural resources as assets for their future life choices. Therefore, the study design has followed the model proposed by Fetterman for Empowerment Evaluation: establishing a mission to be assessed, participatory diagnosis of the current status and finally planning for the future to start the desired change. Fetterman's model was adapted by designing and organizing participatory workshops with the girls involved in the project. The results confirm the relevance of the methodological proposal of the workshops to engage aspects of empowerment. The findings also allow to detect the empowerment of the Roma girls especially in two areas of the project: reaching the proposed objectives and the methodology used to register significant information. In the first case, the results show that Roma girls' establish a critical perspective on the idea of reproductive justice, and related to this, the activation of proactive behaviours linked to the acquisition of socio‐cultural resources in the development of visions of their personal futures. In the second case, the Roma girls have also shown empowerment in decision‐making on technical aspects, methodological design and taking action aimed at the collective construction of useful information in the project.
Effects of memantine on mania‐like phenotypes exhibited by Drosophila Shaker mutants
Authors: Mocci Ignazia , Casu Maria Antonietta , Sogos Valeria , Liscia Anna , Angius Rossella , Cadeddu Francesca , Fanti Maura , Muroni Patrizia , Talani Giuseppe , Diana Andrea , Collu Maria , Setzu Maria Dolores 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionIncreased glutamate levels and electrolytic fluctuations have been observed in acutely manic patients. Despite some efficacy of the non‐competitive NMDA receptor antagonist memantine (Mem), such as antidepressant‐like and mood‐stabilizer drugs in clinical studies, its specific mechanisms of action are still uncertain. The present study aims to better characterize the Drosophila melanogaster fly Shaker mutants (SH), as a translational model of manic episodes within bipolar disorder in humans, and to investigate the potential anti‐manic properties of Mem.Methods and ResultsOur findings showed typical behavioral abnormalities in SH, which mirrored with the overexpression of NMDAR‐NR1 protein subunit, matched well to glutamate up‐regulation. Such molecular features were associated to a significant reduction of SH brain volume in comparison to Wild Type strain flies (WT). Here we report on the ability of Mem treatment to ameliorate behavioral aberrations of SH (similar to that of Lithium), and its ability to reduce NMDAR‐NR1 over‐expression.ConclusionsOur results show the involvement of the glutamatergic system in the SH, given the interaction between the Shaker channel and the NMDA receptor, suggesting this model as a promising tool for studying the neurobiology of bipolar disorders. Moreover, our results show Mem as a potential disease‐modifying therapy, providing insight on new mechanisms of action.
Dynamic changes in the central autonomic network of patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: de la Cruz Feliberto , Schumann Andy , Suttkus Stefanie , Helbing Nadin , Bär Karl‐Jürgen 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAutonomic cardiac dysfunction is a common complication in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Despite its high prevalence, physicians often overlook this clinical condition, and little research has been dedicated so far. To probe the functional role of the neurocircuitry underpinning the poorly understood autonomic cardiac dysfunction, we examined dynamic functional differences in the central autonomic network (CAN) between 21 acute AN individuals and 24 age, sex and heart rate‐matched healthy controls (HC). We assessed functional connectivity (FC) changes in CAN using seeds in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, left and right anterior insular cortex, left and right amygdala and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. The overall FC between the six investigated seeds is reduced in AN individuals compared to HC, although no changes were observed for single connections. Moreover, AN exhibited higher complexity in the FC time series of such CAN regions. Contrary to HC, we found that the degree of complexity between FC and heart rate (HR) series did not correlate in AN, suggesting a shift from central to peripheral control of the heart in AN individuals. Using dynamic FC analysis, we showed that the CAN transits across five functional states with no preference for any. Strikingly, at the state of weakest connectivity, the entropy significantly diverges between healthy and AN individuals, reaching its minimum and maximum values, respectively. Overall, our findings provide evidence that core regions of the CAN engaged in cardiac regulation are functionally affected in acute AN.
Age invariant face recognition using discriminative tensor subspace learning with fuzzy based classification
Authors: Mittal Sonia , Patel Mukesh 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAging is a complex process that affects both the shape and texture of a face. In the aging domain, various methods have been proposed for age estimation or simulation of the face based on an image at a given age. Face recognition methods that are designed for automatic face recognition are still a challenging issue. We present a novel age invariant face recognition method using tensor subspace learning with fuzzy synthetic classification. Local Binary Pattern (LBP) processed face images are used to learn the tensor sub‐space, which converts high dimensional feature space to age‐invariants while retaining key elements of the local geometrical structure of the face. Tensor sub‐space is better in terms of sub‐space learning and feature extraction than Principal Component Analysis (PCA)/Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) that been used in many techniques in the literature. Tensor Normalized Face images are generated which exhibit maximum inter‐class distances and minimum intra‐class distances. Further local patches are used for synthesizing global Fuzzy membership scores to classify the test face images. Experiments performed on standard face‐aging datasets, namely FG‐NET, AGEDB, and MORPH‐Album‐II, and received accuracy of 99.15%, 99.20%, and 99.8%, respectively. Experimental results outperform the current state‐of‐the‐art techniques, and results show the promise of the proposed system for personal identification despite the aging process. It also proved that the local descriptor gives better performance over the global descriptor like PCA for the aging process. The method also demonstrated improved performance as compared with compute‐intensive methods that required training on deep networks.
Species‐specific acclimatization capacity of key traits explains global vertical distribution of seagrass species
Authors: Minguito‐Frutos Mario , Boada Jordi , Pagès Jordi F. , Marco‐Méndez Candela , Arthur Rohan , Adams Matthew P. , Alcoverro Teresa 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimThe global vertical depth distribution of seagrass species remains poorly understood. Locally, the abundance and distribution of seagrasses is determined by light penetration, but at global levels each seagrass species has very distinct maximum distributional depth ranges, indicating that plant‐associated traits must also influence their specific depth ranges. Seagrass‐specific attributes, such as plant size or architecture, growth or reproductive strategy and their physiological and/or morphological acclimatization potential, have been suggested to be responsible for this variety of vertical distributions. We investigate here whether these species‐specific traits drive differences in the global maximum vertical distribution of seagrasses.LocationGlobal.Time periodPublications between 1982 and 2020.Major taxa studiedSeagrasses (order Alismatales).MethodsWe tested whether the species‐specific maximum vertical distribution of seagrasses can be predicted by (1) their rhizome diameter (a proxy for plant size); (2) their functional resilience (growth/reproductive strategy); or (3) their acclimatization capacity. For the last aspect, we used a systematic review followed by meta‐analytical approaches to select key seagrass traits that could potentially acclimatize to extreme light ranges across different seagrasses.ResultsWe found that vertical distribution is best explained by the species‐specific acclimatization capacity of various seagrass traits, including saturation irradiance (physiological trait), leaves per shoot (morphological trait) and above‐ground biomass (structural trait). In contrast, our results indicate no predictive power of seagrass size or growth/reproductive strategy on the vertical distribution of seagrasses.Main conclusionsAcross the globe, the ability of seagrass species to thrive at a wide range of depths is strongly linked to the species‐specific acclimatization capacity of key traits at different organizational levels.