bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mortality during the first four waves of COVID-19 pandemic in Israel: March 2020–October 2021
Authors: Haklai Ziona , Goldberger Nehama Frimit , Gordon Ethel-Sherry 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic caused four waves of infection in Israel until October 2021. Israel was the first country to offer vaccinations to all the adult population followed by boosters. This study addresses how mortality rates reflect the effects of the pandemic.

Methods
Total mortality rates and rates of mortality without COVID-19 deaths (non-COVID-19 mortality) between March 2020 and October 2021 were compared with the average pre-COVID-19 rates in 2017–2019 by month, population group and by age group. In addition, a cohort vaccinated at least once by 31 March 2021 was followed up for mortality in the following seven months compared to the corresponding months in 2017–2019.

Results
A small number of excess deaths was found in the first wave and a greater excess in the following waves. The monthly mortality rate ratio was highest in October 2020, 23% higher than the average in 2017–2019, followed by August 2021 (22%), September 2021 (20%) and September 2020 (19%). Excess mortality in the Arab population was greater than for Jews and Others, and they had 65% and 43% higher mortality in September and October, 2020, 20–44% higher mortality between December 2020 and April 2021 and 33%, 45% and 22% higher mortality in August, September and October 2021, respectively. In most months of the pandemic, the non-COVID-19 mortality rates were not significantly different from those in 2017–2019. However, between November 2020 and March 2021, they were significantly lower for the total population and Jews and Others. They were significantly higher for the total population only in August 2021, and particularly for the Arab population. Non-COVID-19 mortality was also lower for most sex/age groups over the total study period. In a cohort of 5.07 million Israeli citizens vaccinated at least once by 31 March, 2021, age adjusted and age specific mortality rates for the following 7 months were lower than the average rates in 2017–2019 for these months,

Conclusion
Israel has seen significant excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the Arab sector. Following lockdowns and administration of vaccinations excess mortality was reduced, and no excess mortality was seen amongst the vaccinated in the months after the vaccination campaign. These findings highlight the importance of public health measures such as mandating mask wearing and population vaccinations to control infection and reduce mortality.
The effects of testing the relationships among relational concepts
Authors: Corral Daniel , Healy Alice F. , Jones Matt 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMany concepts are defined by their relationships to one another. However, instructors might teach these concepts individually, neglecting their interconnections. For instance, students learning about statistical power might learn how to define alpha and beta, but not how they are related. We report two experiments that examine whether there is a benefit to training subjects on relations among concepts. In Experiment 1, all subjects studied material on statistical hypothesis testing, half were subsequently quizzed on relationships among these concepts, and the other half were quizzed on their individual definitions; quizzing was used to highlight the information that was being trained in each condition (i.e., relations or definitions). Experiment 2 also included a mixed training condition that quizzed both relations and definitions, and a control condition that only included study. Subjects were then tested on both types of questions and on three conceptually related question types. In Experiment 1, subjects trained on relations performed numerically better on relational test questions than subjects trained on definitions (nonsignificant trend), whereas definitional test questions showed the reverse pattern; no performance differences were found between the groups on the other question types. In Experiment 2, relational training benefitted performance on relational test questions and on some question types that were not quizzed, whereas definitional training only benefited performance on test questions on the trained definitions. In contrast, mixed training did not aid learning above and beyond studying. Relational training thus seems to facilitate transfer of learning, whereas definitional training seems to produce training specificity effects.
Changes in the climate-related disclosure of German listed companies during the first years of the new reporting standard
Authors: Leicht Julia Bettina , Leicht Maximilian 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe relevance of climate or environment-related reporting has been increasing over the years. Since 2017, the Non-Financial Statement (NFS) has been part of the German reporting of listed companies. In this context, this academic paper examines the development of climate-related disclosure within the NFS. The research design involves a developed disclosure index concerning climate-related reporting within the NFS and a t-Test with dependent variables. The descriptive content analysis is the basis of the study to obtain the input data for the t-Test. The study is based on the NFS of the German Share Index, Mid-Cap-DAX, and Small-Cap-DAX companies. The financial years of the companies are the basis of the observation period 2018–2020. Companies whose financial year differs from the calendar year are also part of the sample. The analysis results show an improvement in climate-related reporting in the NFS across the three periods under review. The length of the NFS increased over the three observation periods. It is possible to deduce that the amount of climate-related topics disclosed in the NFS also increased. Furthermore, the number of disclosed environmental goals increased in the observation periods. This also indicates that companies put climate-related topics more on their reporting over the observation period. It is possible to conclude that the relevance of climate-related reporting has increased over the last three years and may increase in the future.
Management of Growth Disorders in Puberty: GH, GnRHa, and Aromatase Inhibitors: A Clinical Review
Authors: Mauras Nelly , Ross Judith , Mericq Veronica 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPubertal children with significant growth retardation represent a considerable therapeutic challenge. In growth hormone (GH) deficiency, and in those without identifiable pathologies (idiopathic short stature), the impact of using GH is significantly hindered by the relentless tempo of bone age acceleration caused by sex steroids, limiting time available for growth. Estrogen principally modulates epiphyseal fusion in females and males. GH production rates and growth velocity more than double during puberty, and high-dose GH use has shown dose-dependent increases in linear growth, but also can raise insulin-like growth factor I concentrations supraphysiologically, and increase treatment costs. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHas) suppress physiologic puberty, and when used in combination with GH can meaningfully increase height potential in males and females while rendering adolescents temporarily hypogonadal at a critical time in development. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) block androgen to estrogen conversion, slowing down growth plate fusion, while allowing normal virilization in males and stimulating longitudinal bone growth via androgen receptor effects on the growth plate. Here, we review the physiology of pubertal growth, estrogen and androgen action on the epiphyses, and the therapeutic impact of GH, alone and in combination with GnRHa and with AIs. The pharmacology of potent oral AIs, and pivotal work on their efficacy and safety in children is also reviewed. Time-limited use of AIs is a viable alternative to promote growth in pubertal males, particularly combined with GH. Use of targeted growth-promoting therapies in adolescence must consider the impact of sex steroids on growth plate fusion, and treatment should be individualized.
Contagious Bank Runs and Committed Liquidity Support
Authors: Li Zhao , Ma Kebin 
Published: May 2022

In a crisis, regulators and private investors can find it difficult, if not impossible, to tell whether banks facing runs are insolvent or merely illiquid. We introduce such an information constraint into a global-games-based bank run model with multiple banks and aggregate uncertainties. The information constraint creates a vicious cycle between contagious bank runs and falling asset prices and limits the effectiveness of traditional emergency liquidity assistance programs. We explain how a regulator can set up committed liquidity support to contain contagion and stabilize asset prices even without information on banks’ solvency, rationalizing some recent developments in policy practices. This paper was accepted by Agostino Capponi, finance. Funding: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Project 71803024]. Z. Li also acknowledges financial support from “Innovation and Talent Base for Digital Technology and Finance” of China [Project B21038]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.4258 .
Attaining a British consensus on managing idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus up to walking age
Authors: Gelfer Yael , Davis Naomi , Blanco Jose , Buckingham Rachel , Trees Amanda , Mavrotas Jason , Tennant Sally , Theologis Tim 
Published: May 2022

Aims The aim of this study was to gain an agreement on the management of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) up to walking age in order to provide a benchmark for practitioners and guide consistent, high-quality care for children with CTEV. Methods The consensus process followed an established Delphi approach with a predetermined degree of agreement. The process included the following steps: establishing a steering group; steering group meetings, generating statements, and checking them against the literature; a two-round Delphi survey; and final consensus meeting. The steering group members and Delphi survey participants were all British Society of Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS) members. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis of the Delphi survey results. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation checklist was followed for reporting of the results. Results The BSCOS-selected steering group, the steering group meetings, the Delphi survey, and the final consensus meeting all followed the pre-agreed protocol. A total of 153/243 members voted in round 1 Delphi (63%) and 132 voted in round 2 (86%). Out of 61 statements presented to round 1 Delphi, 43 reached ‘consensus in’, no statements reached ‘consensus out’, and 18 reached ‘no consensus’. Four statements were deleted and one new statement added following suggestions from round 1. Out of 15 statements presented to round 2, 12 reached ‘consensus in’, no statements reached ‘consensus out’, and three reached ‘no consensus’ and were discussed and included following the final consensus meeting. Two statements were combined for simplicity. The final consensus document includes 57 statements allocated into six successive stages. Conclusion We have produced a consensus document for the treatment of idiopathic CTEV up to walking age. This will provide a benchmark for standard of care in the UK and will help to reduce geographical variability in treatment and outcomes. Appropriate dissemination and implementation will be key to its success. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):758–764.
Predictors of metalwork failure and nonunion after hindfoot Charcot reconstruction
Authors: Najefi Ali-Asgar , Zaidi Razi , Chan Oliver , Hester Thomas , Kavarthapu Venu 
Published: May 2022

Aims Surgical reconstruction of deformed Charcot feet carries a high risk of nonunion, metalwork failure, and deformity recurrence. The primary aim of this study was to identify the factors contributing to these complications following hindfoot Charcot reconstructions. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent hindfoot Charcot reconstruction with an intramedullary nail between January 2007 and December 2019 in our unit. Patient demographic details, comorbidities, weightbearing status, and postoperative complications were noted. Metalwork breakage, nonunion, deformity recurrence, concurrent midfoot reconstruction, and the measurements related to intramedullary nail were also recorded. Results There were 70 patients with mean follow-up of 54 months (SD 26). Overall, 51 patients (72%) and 52 patients (74%) were fully weightbearing at one year postoperatively and at final follow-up, respectively. The overall hindfoot union rate was 83% (58/70 patients). Age, BMI, glycated haemoglobin, and prior revascularization did not affect union. The ratio of nail diameter and isthmus was greater in the united compared to the nonunited group (0.90 (SD 0.06) and 0.86 (SD 0.09), respectively; p = 0.034). In those with a supplementary hindfoot compression screw, there was a 95% union rate (19/20 patients), compared to 78% in those without screws (39/50 patients; p = 0.038). All patients with a miss-a-nail hindfoot compression screw went on to union. Hindfoot metalwork failure was seen in 13 patients (19%). An intact medial malleolus was found more frequently in those with intact metalwork ((77% (44/57 patients) vs 54% (7/13 patients); p = 0.022) and in those with union ((76% (44/58 patients) vs 50% (6/12 patients); p = 0.018). Broken metalwork occurred more frequently in patients with nonunions (69% (9/13 patients) vs 9% (5/57 patients); p < 0.001) and midfoot deformity recurrence (69% (9/13 patients) vs 9% (5/57 patients); p < 0.001). Conclusion Rates of hindfoot union and intact metalwork were noted in over 80% of patients. Union after hindfoot reconstruction occurs more frequently with an isthmic fit of the intramedullary nail and supplementary hindfoot screws. An intact medial malleolus is protective against nonunion and hindfoot metalwork failure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):703–708.
Pemilihan Metode Predictive Analytics dengan Machine Learning untuk Analisis dan Strategi Peningkatan Kualitas Kredit Perbankan
Authors: Kurniawan Aznovri , Rifa'i Ahmad , Nafis Moch Abdillah , Sefrida Nimas , Patria Harry 
Published: May 2022

<p align="justify">As a factor that determines bank’s profitability, loan quality, that is categorized based on debtor’s collectability classification, always gets attention and become main analysis topic in banking industry. Through recent development of statistics and data science, especially in predictive analytics using machine learning techniques, more comprehensive analysis and prediction in loan quality can be conducted. This research is intended to give example on application of predictive analytics using machine learning technique for analysis and strategy recommendation in increasing bank’s loan quality improvement. In this research, some machine learning classification methods are compared to conduct predictive analytics in loan quality with big data size (big data analytics). Computation result of different methods are compared and summarized, resulted in recommendation on most appropriate method to achieve this research objective. This research concluded that for imbalanced big data size such as bank’s loan collectability, Tree Ensemble method, further development of Decision Tree method that is commonly used in machine learning, is one of appropriate methods to get satisfactory result in this research. Imbalanced data that can result in false positive may be overcame by oversampling Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE). This research scope is limited to analysis and prediction of debtor’s collectability for the next several months, combined with analysis and strategy recommendations based on product type, gender, and debtor’s occupation. Further predictive analytics for the next several years by including external factors, such as economic growth, is not covered in this research and possible to be conducted. As machine learning application in Indonesian banking industry analysis is still in early phase, this research is expected to become one of reference in application of predictive analytics using machine learning in banking industry. </p><p><strong>Keywords</strong><strong>: </strong>predictive analytics; machine learning; loan collectability; loan quality</p>
Perbandingan K-Nearest Neighbor dan Random Forest dengan Seleksi Fitur Information Gain untuk Klasifikasi Lama Studi Mahasiswa
Authors: Hasan Isran K , Resmawan Resmawan , Ibrahim Jefriyanto 
Published: May 2022

<p align="justify">Accreditation is a quality and feasibility assessment form in carrying out higher education. One of the factors that affect accreditation is the length of student study. In this study, the length of student study is classified by using the best attributes resulting from selecting information gain features. In optimizing the classification algorithm, we process the data by converting the original data into data that is ready to be mined. The next step is dividing the data into training and testing data so that the classification algorithm can be applied. This study gives the best four attributes, with <em>K</em>-nearest neighbor (K-NN) classification of 86.67% and random forest classification of 100%.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong><strong>: </strong>length of study; information gain; <em>K</em>-nearest neighbor; random forest</p>
The impact of COVID-19 on major trauma (ISS>15) in London, across its four Level 1 centres
Authors: Bhattacharya R , Pearse M , Bates P , Tahmassebi R , El-Daly I , Jeyaseelan L , Sedgwick P , Trompeter A ,   On behalf of London Major Trauma Collaborative
Published: May 2022

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has led to reconfiguration of healthcare resources to manage increased demand for acute hospital beds and intensive care places. Concerns were raised regarding continuing provision of critical care for non-COVID patients during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients admitted with major trauma (Injury Severity Score >15) across the four Level 1 trauma centres in London. Methods Data were collected from all four major trauma centres (MTCs) in London using the Trauma Audit and Research Network database and from local databases at each centre. A 2-month period from 5 March to 5 May 2020 was selected and the same period during 2019 was used to compare changes due to the pandemic. Results There was a 31% decrease in overall number of patients presenting to the four MTCs during the COVID-19 period compared with 2019. There was no difference in patient demographics or mechanism of injury between the two periods. Sports-related injuries and proportion of self-presentation to hospital were reduced slightly during the pandemic, although the differences were not statistically significant. The mortality rate and association between mortality and injury severity were similar. Proportion of patients requiring intensive care unit facilities also did not change. Conclusion Despite diversion of critical care resources to deal with COVID-related admissions, we did not observe a change in mortality rate or proportion of severely injured patients requiring critical care. Our results suggest London MTCs were able to provide their usual standard of care for critically injured major trauma (Injury Severity Score >15) patients during the pandemic.
The impact of multidisciplinary team decision-making in locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer
Authors: Harji D P , Houston F , Cutforth I , Hawthornthwaite E , McKigney N , Sharpe A , Coyne P , Griffiths B 
Published: May 2022

Introduction Appropriate patient selection within the context of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) is key to good clinical outcomes. The current evidence base for factors that guide the decision-making process in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) and locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) is limited to anatomical factors. Methods A registry-based, prospective cohort study was undertaken of patients referred to our specialist MDT between 2015 and 2019. Data were collected on patients and disease characteristics including performance status, Charlson Comorbidity Index, the English Index of Multiple Deprivation quintiles and MDT treatment decision. Curative treatment was defined as neoadjuvant treatment and surgical resection that would achieve a R0 resection, and/or complete treatment of distant metastatic disease. Palliative treatment was defined as non-surgical treatment. Results In total, 325 patients were identified; 72.7% of patients with LARC and 63.6% of patients with LRRC were offered treatment with curative intent (p = 0.08). Patients with poor performance status (PS > 2; p < 0.001), severe comorbidity (p < 0.001), socio-economic deprivation (p = 0.004), a positive predictive circumferential resection margin (p = 0.005) and metastatic disease (p < 0.001) were associated with palliative treatment. Overall survival in the curative cohort was 49 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.4–65.5) compared with 12 months (95% CI 9.1–14.9) in the palliative cohort (p < 0.001). The presence of metastatic disease was identified as a prognostic factor for patients undergoing curative treatment (p = 0.05). The only prognostic factor identified in patients treated palliatively was performance status (p < 0.001). Conclusions Our study identifies a number of preoperative, prognostic factors that affect MDT decision-making and overall survival.
Professional Responsibility in the Field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Its Definition, Application, and Impacts
Authors: Luckasson Ruth , Tassé Marc J. , Schalock Robert L. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This article addresses the need to clearly understand professional responsibility and the critical role it plays in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), in shaping professions for the better, and in enhancing the functioning of society for the benefit of all. Understanding professional responsibility is especially timely during the current transformation that is occurring in the field of IDD. To that end, the article discusses what is a profession, who is a professional, and what is professional responsibility. Using a logic model framework, the article describes the components of professional responsibility that include its building blocks such as respect for the person, professional ethics and standards, critical thinking skills, and clinical judgment; its use of nine professional practices including empowerment, evidence-based practices, individualized supports, and person-centered outcome evaluation; its outcomes in terms of mutual trust, the improved effectiveness of clinical functions, and professional accountability; and its impacts regarding individual benefit, professional integrity, and societal enhancement.