bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bank-specific, industry-specific and macroeconomic determinants of bank profitability: evidence from the UK
Authors: O’Connell Michael 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the effect of bank-specific, industry-specific and macroeconomic determinants of bank profitability amongst domestic UK commercial banks.Design/methodology/approachThis study used an empirically driven single equation framework that incorporates the traditional structure–conduct–performance (SCP) hypothesis. A generalised method of moments technique was applied to a panel of UK banks covering the period 1998–2018 to account for profit persistence.FindingsThe estimation results show that all bank-specific determinants, with the exception of credit risk, significantly affect bank profitability in the anticipated way. However, no evidence was found in support of the SCP hypothesis. Interest rates, especially longer-term interest rates, and the rate of inflation has a significant effect on bank profitability, with the business cycle having a symmetric insignificant effect once other variables have been accounted for. Profitability persists to a moderate extent within the UK banking market, indicating that there exists a departure from a perfectly competitive market structure.Originality/valueThe literature that examines the actual underlying determinants of UK domestic bank profitability is limited.
Thermal and mechanical analysis of low-temperature and low-pressure silver-based sintered thermal joints
Authors: Stojek Krzysztof Jakub , Felba Jan , Nowak Damian , Malecha Karol , Kaczmarek Szymon , Andrzejak Patryk Tomasz Tomasz 
Published: April 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to perform thermal and mechanical characterization for silver-based sintered thermal joints. Layer quality affects thermal and mechanical performance, and it is important to achieve information about how materials and process parameters influence them.

Design/methodology/approach
Thermal investigation of the thermal joints analysis method was focused on determination of thermal resistance, where temperature measurements were performed using infrared camera. They were performed in two modes: steady-state analysis and dynamic analysis. Mechanical analysis based on measurements of mechanical shear force. Additional characterizations based on X-ray image analysis (image thresholding), optical microscope of polished cross-section and scanning electron microscope image analysis were proposed.

Findings
Sample surface modification affects thermal resistance. Silver metallization exhibits the lowest thermal resistance and the highest mechanical strength compared to the pure Si surface. The type of dynamic analysis affects the results of the thermal resistance.

Originality/value
Investigation of the layer quality influence on mechanical and thermal performance provided information about different joint types.
A methodological guide to observe local‐scale geodiversity for biodiversity research and management
Authors: Hjort Jan , Tukiainen Helena , Salminen Henriikka , Kemppinen Julia , Kiilunen Petteri , Snåre Henna , Alahuhta Janne , Maliniemi Tuija 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Current global environmental change calls for comprehensive and complementing approaches for biodiversity conservation. According to recent research, consideration of the diversity of Earth's abiotic features (i.e. geodiversity) could provide new insights and applications into the investigation and management of biodiversity. However, methods to map and quantify geodiversity at local scale have not been developed although this scale is important for conservation planning. Here, we introduce a field methodology for observing plot‐scale geodiversity, pilot the method in an Arctic–alpine tundra environment, provide empirical evidence on the plot‐scale biodiversity–geodiversity relationship and give guidance for practitioners on the implementation of the method.

The field method is based on observation of geofeatures, that is, elements of geology, geomorphology and hydrology, from a given area surrounding a location of species observations. As a result, the method provides novel information on the variation of abiotic nature for biodiversity research and management. The method was piloted in northern Norway and Finland by observing geofeatures from 76 sites at three scales (5, 10 and 25 m radii). To explore the relationship between measures of biodiversity and geodiversity, the occurrence of vascular plant species was recorded from 2 m × 2 m plots at the same sites.

According to the results, vascular plant species richness was positively correlated with the richness of geofeatures (Rs = 0.18–0.59). The connection was strongest in habitats characterized by deciduous shrubs. The method has a high potential for observing geofeatures without extensive geological or geomorphological training or field survey experience and could be applied by conservation practitioners.

Synthesis and applications. Consideration of geodiversity in understanding, analysing and conserving biodiversity could facilitate environmental management and ensure the long‐term sustainability of ecosystem functions. With the developed method, it is possible to cost‐efficiently observe the elements of geodiversity that are useful in ecology and biodiversity conservation. Our approach can be adapted in different ecosystems and biodiversity investigations. The method can be adjusted depending on the abiotic conditions, expertise of the observer(s) and the equipment available.
Understanding the participation outcomes for persons with disability when partnered with assistance dogs: A scoping review
Authors: Futeran Nicola , Mackenzie Lynette , Wilkes‐Gillan Sarah , Dickson Claire 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionAssistance dogs are trained to support persons living with disability and mitigate limitations that hinder their participation in everyday activities. Despite participation being a frequent challenge for people with disabilities, evidence linking assistance dog provision to improved participation outcomes is underdeveloped. This scoping review aimed to improve understanding by mapping the participation outcomes claimed in research on assistance dogs using the International Classification of Functioning (ICF), Disability and Health framework.MethodsUsing the Arksey and O′Malley's six‐step framework, this scoping review searched six databases. Data were collected, mapped and summarised in accordance with the domains outlined in the ICF.ResultsIn total, 38 studies across 41 papers met the inclusion criteria. Included studies investigated assistance dogs who were partnered with people living with physical disabilities, mental illness, autism and chronic conditions that require alerting (e.g., epilepsy and diabetes). Mapping of participation outcomes suggested that assistance dogs can have a positive impact on participation in many areas of daily life.ConclusionFindings can assist practitioners, funders and policymakers to recognise the value of assistance dogs as a support for people with disability. However, further research is needed to address limitations regarding study designs, for example, the outcome measures used.
Do opportunistic snap elections affect political trust? Evidence from a natural experiment
Authors: TURNBULL‐DUGARTE STUART J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSnap elections, those triggered by incumbents in advance of their original date in the electoral calendar, are a common feature of parliamentary democracies. In this paper, I ask: do snap elections influence citizens’ trust in the government? Theoretically, I argue that providing citizens with an additional means of endorsing or rejecting the incumbent – giving voters a chance to ‘have their say’ – can be interpreted by citizens as normatively desirable and demonstrative of the incumbent's desire to legitimise their agenda by (re)‐invigorating their political mandate. Leveraging the quasi‐experimental setting provided by the coincidental timing of the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May's, shock announcement of early elections in April 2017 with the fieldwork for the Eurobarometer survey, I demonstrate that the announcement of snap elections had a sizeable and significant positive effect on political trust. This trust‐inducing effect is at odds with the observed electoral consequences of the 2017 snap elections. Whilst incumbent‐triggered elections can facilitate net gains for the sitting government, May's 2017 gamble cost the Conservative Party their majority. Snap elections did increase political trust. These trust‐inducing effects were not observed symmetrically for all citizens. Whilst Eurosceptics and voters on the right of the ideological spectrum – those most inclined to support the incumbent May‐led Conservative government in 2017 – became more trusting, no such changes in trust were observed amongst left‐wing or non‐Eurosceptic respondents. This study advances the understanding of a relatively understudied yet not uncommon political phenomenon, providing causal evidence that snap elections have implications for political trust.
Separation of principal component dihydromyricetin from Ampelopsis grossedentata by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography and its interaction with corn starch
Authors: Xue Hongkun , Cui Pengshan , Tan Jiaqi , Zhang Guowei , Ge Shaoqin , Cai Xu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAmpelopsis grossedentata (AG) is an industrial crop in the grape family, which has been used as a dual‐purpose plant for medicine and tea with high medicinal values. However, little is reported on the separation technology of active components from AG and processing technology of AG products. High‐speed counter‐current chromatography (HSCCC) was applied to separate the principal component dihydromyricetin (DMY) from AG. DMY is added to starch‐based products to improve food quality. The interaction between corn starch (CS) and DMY was investigated to predict and control the structure and function of starch‐based foods. Results show that DMY with 97.13% purity was successfully obtained by HSCCC using a solvent system composed of light petroleum–ethyl acetate–methanol–water–trichloroacetic acid (1:3:1:3:0.01, v/v/v/v/v). Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR) exhibits that the interactions between CS and DMY included hydrogen bond and noncovalent bond. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) shows that DMY could increase the relative crystallinity of CS. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance results (LF–NMR) imply that DMY decreased the spin relaxation time (T2) and inhibited the mobility of free water. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) results suggest that DMY changed the surface morphology of CS through hydrogen bond interaction. Moreover, the results of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicate that DMY could enlarge the pores and change the microstructure of CS–DMY complexes. The findings promote the development of industrial CS‐based products and utilization of corn crop.
Human papillomavirus vaccination in women undergoing excisional treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and subsequent risk of recurrence: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Eriksen Dina Overgaard , Jensen Pernille Tine , Schroll Jeppe Bennekou , Hammer Anne 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionIn this review and meta‐analysis we aimed to investigate whether human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination administered after excisional treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is associated with a reduced risk of recurrence of CIN grade 2 or worse (CIN2+).Material and methodsWe performed a systematic literature search in three online databases through June 2021. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion if the prophylactic HPV vaccine was administered after excisional treatment for histologically verified CIN. Only English language literature was included. The primary outcome measure was recurrence of CIN2+ after treatment. A meta‐analysis was performed using fixed and random‐effects models, and results were reported as pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Quality assessment was performed using ROB2‐tool for RCTs and ROBINS‐I for observational studies. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021238257).ResultsA total of 1561 studies were identified, of which nine, including 19 971 women, were included. Two studies were RCTs and seven were observational studies. Using the fixed‐effect model on the two RCTs, the OR for recurrence of CIN2+ was 0.29 (95% CI 0.16–0.53). Due to considerable heterogeneity in observational studies, the random‐effects model was used to estimate pooled OR for CIN2+ recurrence in these studies. Thus, using unadjusted data from observational studies, the OR for CIN2+ recurrence was 0.35 (95% CI 0.18–0.67), whereas when using adjusted data, the OR for CIN2+ recurrence was 0.54 (95% CI 0.21–1.35). However, quality assessment revealed a serious risk of bias for the majority of the studies included.ConclusionsHPV vaccination post‐treatment was associated with a significantly reduced risk of CIN2+ recurrence when using unadjusted estimates from observational studies and RCTs. We found no significant effect of HPV vaccination on risk of CIN2+ recurrence when using the outcome measure from observational studies with the least risk of bias. Large, well‐designed randomized placebo‐controlled trials are needed to determine whether post‐treatment HPV vaccination should be recommended to all women undergoing excisional treatment for CIN.
Risk of glaucoma after vitreoretinal surgery – Findings from a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Loukovaara Sirpa , Gucciardo Erika , Korhonen Ani , Virtanen Aapo , Harju Mika , Haukka Jari 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the association between different types of vitrectomy and risk of different types of glaucoma and to determine the effect of systemic medication and diabetes status on this risk.MethodsA population‐based nested case–control study included individuals of age ≥ 18 years who had undergone single vitrectomy, vitrectomy with retinal procedure, or combined phaco‐vitrectomy between 2001 and 2010. End of follow‐up was 2017. Odds ratio (OR) for the development of glaucoma after different types of vitrectomy and 95% confidence interval (CI) were based on conditional logistic regression models. For every glaucoma case, five controls were matched by age, sex, start of follow‐up year, and hospital district.ResultsThe cohort (n = 37 687), of which 52.8% was female, consisted of 6552 individuals diagnosed with glaucoma and 31 135 controls matched by age, sex, and hospital district. Vitrectomy was performed on 103 eyes in the glaucoma group and 158 eyes in the control group. As regards the risk of any glaucoma, the risk was lowest in eyes that underwent combined phaco‐vitrectomy (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.8–4.1), followed by single vitrectomy (OR: 3.15, 95% CI: 2.1–4.8), and highest in eyes that underwent vitrectomy with retinal procedure (OR: 4.5, 95% CI: 2.7–7.4). Diabetes had no effect (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92–1.01), but 5‐year systemic statin use slightly decreased glaucoma risk (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77–0.97).ConclusionsVitreoretinal surgery was associated with an increased glaucoma risk; the risk being related to the complexity of vitrectomy. Long‐term systemic statin therapy may decrease glaucoma risk, while diabetes had no association.
The COLO‐COHORT (Colorectal Cancer Cohort) study: Protocol for a multi‐centre, observational research study and development of a consent‐for‐contact research platform
Authors: Hampton James S. , Koo Sara , Dobson Christina , Stewart Christopher J. , Neilson Laura J. , Montague Kyle , Mitra Suparna , Whelpton John , Addison Caroline , Kelly Phil , Rushton Stephen , Hull Mark A. , Sharp Linda , Rees Colin J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimThe COLO‐COHORT study aims to produce a multi‐factorial risk prediction model for colorectal neoplasia that can be used to target colonoscopy to those at greatest risk of colorectal neoplasia, ensuring that people are not investigated unnecessarily and maximizing the use of limited endoscopy resources. The study will also explore the link between neoplasia and the human gut microbiome. Additionally, the study aims to generate a cohort of colonoscopy patients who are ‘research ready’ through the development of a consent‐for‐contact (C4C) platform, to facilitate a range of colorectal cancer prevention studies to be conducted at scale and speed.Methods and analysisThis is a multi‐centre observational study involving sites across the UK. Recruitment is over a 6‐year period (2019–2025). Patients recruited to the study are those attending for colonoscopy. Patients are recruited into two groups, namely observational group A (10 000 patients) and C4C group B (10 000 patients), known as COLO‐SPEED (Colorectal Cancer Screening Prevention Endoscopy and Early Diagnosis; https://colospeed.uk). Patients complete a health questionnaire, provide anthropometric measurements and submit biosamples (blood and stool—depending on the part of the study they are recruited into). Patients' colonoscopy and histology findings are also recorded. Models of factors associated with the presence of neoplasia at colonoscopy will be developed using logistic or multinomial regression. For internal validation, model discrimination and calibration will be assessed and bootstrapping and cross‐validation approaches used. To enable long‐term follow‐up for outcomes related to colorectal cancer and polyps, patients are asked to consent to follow‐up through data linkage with national databases.DisseminationIn keeping with good research practice, following analysis by the study team the study investigators will make the anonymized dataset available to other researchers. The C4C platform will also be accessible to other researchers. The study findings will be submitted for publication in peer‐reviewed journals and lay summaries will be disseminated to participants and the wider public.
Strengthening monitoring and evaluation of multiple benefits in conservation initiatives that aim to foster climate change adaptation
Authors: Oakes Lauren E. , Peterson St‐Laurent Guillaume , Cross Molly S. , Washington Tatjana , Tully Elizabeth , Hagerman Shannon 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAs the need to monitor and evaluate progress on climate change adaptation is increasingly recognized, practitioners may benefit from applying lessons about effective monitoring from the conservation field. This study focuses on monitoring conservation interventions that aim to foster climate change adaptation by assessing: what ways practitioners are adopting best practices from monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in conservation; what practitioners are monitoring in relation to reported outcomes; how monitoring comprehensiveness varies in practice and what factors enable more comprehensive monitoring; and practitioner views on what could improve M&E of adaptation actions. We conducted this study using a portfolio of 76 adaptation projects implemented across the United States and employed a mixed‐methods design that included document analysis, an online survey, and semi‐structured interviews. The majority (84%) of projects reported social outcomes at project completion in addition to ecological outcomes (100%), but monitoring plans focused primarily on ecological and biophysical changes. Only 21% of projects connected monitoring metrics to a theory of change linking actions to expected outcomes. Involvement of an external research partner was identified as a key factor in supporting more comprehensive monitoring efforts. Results provide applied insights for enhancing delivery of social and ecological outcomes from adaptation projects, and suggest research pathways to improve monitoring and effectiveness of climate‐informed conservation.
Technical change and wage premiums amongst skilled labour: Evidence from the economic transition
Authors: Alexeev Sergey 
Published: April 2022

AbstractI present reduced‐form and structural evidence that the reorganization of the Russian economy in the post‐transitional period increased the demand on law and business graduates. This demand shock provides a novel unified explanation of the Russian wage structure for 1985–2015. I then show that this shock is a common feature of all transitional economies, and it contributed to the transformational recession. The demand behaviour is identified with a new skill‐biased technical change model of demand for skills with three production inputs (high school graduates and bachelor‐level educations with two majors), showing that a technology shift that favours a particular skill might emerge within the skilled group rather than between skilled and unskilled. This is relevant because similar shifts (e.g., data scientists vs. liberal arts) emerge today in the frontier economies that adopt new general‐purpose technologies (e.g., machine learning). Thus, this paper informs policymakers today on tools to counteract a potential drop in economic equality and performance that result from this adoption. Lastly, because of similarities between the mechanics of the transition and the 2022 sanctions to discourage Russia's war effort, my results highlight the importance of additional sanctions against the education system to prevent the regime's structural adaptation and preservation.
Coexistence mechanisms of Colocasiomyia species (Diptera: Drosophilidae) sharing inflorescences of Alocasia odora (Araceae) as a host plant: Comparison between two‐ and three‐species systems
Authors: Toda Masanori J. , Takano Kohei Takenaka , Katoh Toru , Xiao Ling , Gao Jian‐Jun , Yafuso Masako 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThere are two pollination‐mutualistic systems between Colocasiomyia flies and Alocasia odora. The two systems are different in the number of fly species involved. One is a two‐to‐one system, where C. xenalocasiae and C. alocasiae share inflorescences/infructescences of A. odora in the Ryukyu Islands (Japan), Taiwan, Guangdong, and Guangxi (China). The other system, which additionally involves the third species, C. grandis, is seen from southern Yunnan (China) to northern Vietnam. To reveal coexistence mechanisms in these systems, we compared breeding habits of the component species between the two‐ and three‐species systems in natural conditions, and undertook a field experiment to test a hypothesis whether oviposition sites of the component species are affected by interference competition between them. The observations under natural conditions confirmed the breeding niche separation of component species in the two‐species system: C. xenalocasiae uses mostly the pistillate region of spadix, whereas C. alocasiae uses mostly the staminate region, with partial overlap of their oviposition sites in the lower intermediate region. In the three‐species system, however, these two species separated their oviposition sites nearly completely from each other, suggesting that they are excluded from the lower intermediate region by the third species, C. grandis, which monopolizes there. The result of field experiments did not support this hypothesis: neither C. xenalocasiae nor C. alocasiae changed oviposition behavior regardless of the absence or the presence of C. grandis. Therefore, we propose an alternative hypothesis that the oviposition site segregation among the three species has evolved as a consequence of the past and/or ongoing competition of larvae.