bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Iterative Prediction-and-Optimization for E-Logistics Distribution Network Design
Authors: Liu Junming , Chen Weiwei , Yang Jingyuan , Xiong Hui , Chen Can 
Published: September 2021

The emergence of online retailers has brought new opportunities to the design of their distribution networks. Notably, for online retailers that do not operate offline stores, their target customers are more sensitive to the quality of logistic services, such as delivery speed and reliability. This paper is motivated by a leading online retailer for cosmetic products on Taobao.com that aimed to improve its logistics efficiency by redesigning its centralized distribution network into a multilevel one. The multilevel distribution network consists of a layer of primary facilities to hold stocks from suppliers and transshipment and a layer of secondary facilities to provide last-mile delivery. There are two major challenges of designing such a facility network. First, online customers can respond significantly to the change of logistics efficiency with the redesigned network, thereby rendering the network optimized under the original demand distribution suboptimal. Second, because online retailers have relatively small sales volumes and are very flexible in choosing facility locations, the facility candidate set can be large, causing the facility location optimization challenging to solve. To this end, we propose an iterative prediction-and-optimization strategy for distribution network design. Specifically, we first develop an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict customer demands, factoring in the logistic service quality given the network and the city-level purchasing power based on demographic statistics. Then, a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model is formulated to choose facility locations with minimum transportation, facility setup, and package processing costs. We further develop an efficient two-stage heuristic for computing high-quality solutions to the MILP model, featuring an agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm and an expectation and maximization algorithm. Subsequently, the ANN demand predictor and two-stage heuristic are integrated for iterative network design. Finally, using a real-world data set, we validate the demand prediction accuracy and demonstrate the mutual interdependence between the demand and network design. Summary of Contribution: We propose an iterative prediction-and-optimization algorithm for multilevel distribution network design for e-logistics and evaluate its operational value for online retailers. We address the issue of the interplay between distribution network design and the demand distribution using an iterative framework. Further, combining the idea in operational research and data mining, our paper provides an end-to-end solution that can provide accurate predictions of online sales distribution, subsequently solving large-scale optimization problems for distribution network design problems.
Leveling the Playing Field for Risk-Averse Agents in Security-Bid Auctions
Authors: Fioriti Andrés , Hernandez-Chanto Allan 
Published: September 2021

We introduce risk-averse bidders in a security-bid auction to analyze how the security design affects bidders’ equilibrium behavior and, as a result, the revenue and efficiency of the auction. We show that steeper securities provide more insurance because they allow bidders to smooth payoffs across realizations. Such insurance levels the playing field for more-risk-averse bidders, inducing them to bid more aggressively. As a consequence, the auction’s allocative efficiency weakly increases when the seller switches from a flatter to a steeper security. Furthermore, we prove that when bidders are homogeneously and sufficiently risk averse, the only security that guarantees Pareto efficiency is the steepest, that is, a call option. We also determine the relationship between the security design and the auction format. In particular, we show that for convex and superconvex families of securities, the first-price auction yields higher expected revenues, provided a technical condition, whereas for subconvex families, the second price yields higher expected revenues, provided that bidders are moderately risk averse. Finally, we show that steeper securities also attract higher entry from an ex ante perspective, when entry is costly, and discuss the effects that the presence of risk aversion has on informal auctions. This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.
Chitosan-microencapsulated rhEGF in promoting wound healing
Authors: Tsai Hsin-Chung , Sheng Christine , Chang Le-Shin , Wen Zhi-Hong , Ho Ching-Yin , Chen Chuan-Mu 
Published: September 2021

Aims:Chitosan and epidermal growth factor (EGF) have been shown to improve wound healing. This study investigates the healing effects of a spray solution (NewEpi, JoyCom Bio-Chem Co. Ltd., Taiwan) containing recombinant human EGF (rhEGF) delivered via a newly patented technology—chitosan microencapsulated nanoparticles.Methods:On Wistar rats, two full-thickness wounds on the dorsum bilateral of the spine were created. The rats were randomised to the following treatment groups: hydrogel, wet dressing, foam, rhEGF spray and rhEGF spray+foam. Sterile dressings were applied and changed daily. A total of 2μg of rhEGF was administered in two sprays during each dressing change. All animals were euthanised on day 14. Tissue samples were taken from the wound bed, including an area of 2cm surrounding the wound margin for histological evaluations.Results:Wounds treated with the rhEGF spray achieved the greatest size reduction by day 14 compared with other types of conventional dressings. An overall significant difference in levels of collagen synthesis existed between groups (p<0.01). Pair-wise comparisons showed that the rhEGF spray treatment significantly promoted higher levels of mature Type I collagen than any other conventional dressings (p<0.01), whereas non-rhEGF treatments resulted in higher levels of Type III collagen. The regenerated tissue in rhEGF spray treatment groups was also in alignment with that of normal skin. Epidermis, dermis and hair follicles were easily observed in wounds treated with the rhEGF spray.Conclusion:The major challenge of topical application of rhEGF was overcome by using a new drug delivery technology: chitosan–rhEGF nanoparticles. The positive healing effects observed in this study suggest the therapeutic potentials of this novel rhEGF topical spray solution.
Health professionals' perceptions of maggot debridement therapy
Authors: Pajarillo Carmen , Sherman Ronald A , Sheridan Robert , Kazis Lewis E 
Published: September 2021

Background:Maggot debridement therapy (MDT), or the use of maggots in dead tissue removal, has been shown to be beneficial in wound healing. Yet MDT in the US is often only used once conventional debridement methods have failed.Method:In this study, nine health professionals, experienced in MDT, were interviewed in order to identify and analyse the perceived societal barriers to MDT acceptance and usage in the US.Results:Through qualitative analysis, using the grounded theory framework, this study found that among those interviewed, insurance reimbursement restrictions and stigmatisation of medicinal maggots were the factors driving resistance to MDT use.Conclusion:Specifically, the ‘yuck’ factor and the perception of MDT as an ‘ancient’ modality contributed towards MDT stigma; in addition, lack of outpatient insurance coverage deterred MDT use. These findings provide useful information regarding the perceptual and systemic barriers that prevent greater acceptance of MDT. Ultimately, these barriers must be understood if we are to facilitate MDT implementation and improve MDT usage in the future.
Intradermal methylene blue administration on the progression of burn injuries
Authors: Beldi Vinícius FM , Rosique Marina J , Tirapelli Luis Fernando , Moriguti Eny KU , Nunes Altacílio A , Farina Jayme A , Evora Paulo Roberto B 
Published: September 2021

Objective: A burn injury has two defined areas: central necrosis and an adjacent area of ischaemia, which may or may not progress to necrosis. The concentration of nitric oxide (NO) increases after burn injury and may originate from potent oxidising agents. Methylene blue (MB) may act as an antioxidant and is supposed to reduce burn progression. This investigation was carried out to evaluate the effects of intradermal MB on necrosis progression in burns. Methods: Full-thickness burn injuries were performed by applying a heated metal comb on the shaved back of male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into three groups: Control (C, n=7); MB (2mg/kg) one hour after burn injury (MB1h, n=11); and MB (2mg/kg) six hours after burn injury (MB6h, n=8). After seven days the lesions were photographed for visual assessment of burn necrosis; full-thickness cuts of lesions were dyed with Masson and Giemsa for microscopic histopathology; and tissue fragments of unburned interspaces were processed for chemiluminescence with nitrite/nitrate (NOX) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as oxidative stress markers. Results: No statistically significant differences between groups were observed during visual analysis and NOX dosage. However, in microscopic analysis, the MB1h and MB6h groups showed smaller areas of necrosis, less inflammatory infiltration, and a more significant extension of interspaces. Furthermore, the dosage of MDA revealed that the MB1h group showed lower values when compared with the control group (p=0.001). Conclusions: The study provided good evidence that MB intradermal injection can reduce necrosis progression in ischaemic perilesional areas and suggests an alternative to treating burns.
Relationship between socio-demographics, body composition, emotional state, and social support on metabolic syndrome risk among adults in rural Mongolia
Authors: Kim Jin Hee , Kim Hyun Lye , Battushig Bolorchimeg , Yoo Jae Yong 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundIn Mongolia, where there is a large regional gap in the quality of healthcare services, metabolic syndrome (MetS) is steadily increasing. However, there are few studies on the risk level of MetS and affecting factors among adults living in rural Mongolia. This study aims to explore the relationship between socio-demographics, clinical characteristics, emotional state, and social support on the risk level of MetS prevalence among adults living in rural Mongolia.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 143 adults living in the soum area of Dondgovi aimag in Mongolia were recruited. Data collection was conducted from July 2 to 3, 2019. The self-reported questionnaires including socio-demographic, clinical characteristics and emotional status, anthropometric tests using the InBody, and blood sampling tests were conducted. The number of individual diagnostic criteria met was scored as a MetS risk score and classified into 6 groups, from the lowest score of 0 to the highest score of 5. The ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors affecting the risk of MetS.ResultsThe prevalence of MetS among adults living in rural Mongolia was 58.0%, and the mean MetS risk score was 2.70±1.34 points. In the ordinal logistic regression analysis, age, regular exercise of moderate intensity or higher, InBody score reflecting obesity or sarcopenia, and depression level were statistically significantly associated with the risk score for MetS.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that MetS risk levels among adults living in rural Mongolia with limited medical resources were strongly associated with demographic characteristics, body composition and emotional health condition, particularly depression.
Food insecurity status and determinants among Urban Productive Safety Net Program beneficiary households in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Derso Atimen , Bizuneh Hailemichael , Keleb Awoke , Ademas Ayechew , Adane Metadel 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundMeasuring household food insecurity in specific geographic areas provides vital information that enables appropriate and effective intervention measures to be taken. To that end, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of food insecurity and associated factors among Urban Productive Safety Net Program (UPSNP) beneficiary households in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 624 UPSNP beneficiary households in nine districts of Addis Ababa from June to July 2019. A multi-stage sampling method was used; study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique after establishing the proportionally allocated sample size for 9 districts. Data were collected by trained personnel using a pretested, structured questionnaire. The outcome variable was food insecurity as measured by Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), a tool developed by the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance Scale (FANTA) and validated for developing countries, including Ethiopia. A binary (crude odds ratio [COR]) and multivariable (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]) logistic regression analysis were employed at 95% CI (confidence interval). From the bivariate analysis, factors having ap-value<0.25 were included in the multivariable analysis. From the multivariable analysis, any variable atp-value < 0.05 at 95% CI was declared significantly associated with household food insecurity. Model fitness was also checked using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test withp-value>0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of household food insecurity was 77.1% [95%CI:73.8–80.7] during the month prior to the survey. Illiteracy of household head [AOR: 2.56; 95%CI:1.08–6.07], family size of 4 or more [AOR: 1.87, 95%CI:1.08–3.23], high dependency ratio [AOR: 3.95; 95%CI:1.31–11.90], household lack of access to credit [AOR:2.85; 95%CI:1.25–6.49], low household income [AOR: 4.72; 95%CI:2.32–9.60] and medium household income [AOR: 9.78; 95%CI:4.29–22.35] were significantly associated with household food insecurity.ConclusionWe found that three in four of Addis Ababa’s UPSNP beneficiary households were food-insecure. Implementation of measures to improve household income, minimize the dependency ratio of households, and arrange access to credit services are paramount ways to tackle food insecurity problems in Addis Ababa.
Predictors of social anxiety disorder with major depressive episodes among Japanese university students
Authors: Watanabe Shinya , Mitsui Nobuyuki , Asakura Satoshi , Toyoshima Kuniyoshi , Takanobu Keisuke , Fujii Yutaka , Kako Yuki , Kusumi Ichiro 
Published: September 2021

Background
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) develops in the early teens and is a common disorder among university students. Understanding the predictive factors of SAD comorbid with major depressive episode (MDE) is important for student mental health care. The aim of this study was to identify the personality traits that predict SAD with MDE by analyzing longitudinal data of Japanese university students.

Methods
In this retrospective study, Japanese university students who visited the health care center of Hokkaido University for the first time were divided into the following four groups: “Control” (n = 43), “MDE” (n = 16), “SAD” (n = 28), and “SAD with MDE” (n = 61) based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, and core anxiety symptoms for SAD in the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview during screening. Predictors for SAD with MDE were identified by a four-group comparison of the Temperament and Character Inventory and PHQ-9 data previously obtained at the enrollment using analysis of variance and post-hoc tests.

Results
Upon comparing the four groups using analysis of variance, there were significant differences in the baseline PHQ-9 summary score, Harm-Avoidance (HA), and Self-Directedness (SD). According to results of the post-hoc test, all three showed a significant difference between the “Control” and “SAD with MDE.” Furthermore, there was a significant difference in HA scores between “SAD” and “Control.” In all the groups, the mean time from enrollment to the first visit to the center was >2 years.

Conclusion
A higher HA score at baseline is a predictor of SAD with or without MDE. Higher PHQ-9 summary and lower SD scores at baseline are predictive factors of SAD with MDE.
Enhancing research and scholarly experiences based on students’ awareness and perception of the research-teaching nexus: A student-centred approach
Authors: Howell Katherine 
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesResearch is a core competency of a modern-day doctor and evidence-based practice underpins a career in medicine. Early exposure encourages graduates to embed research in their medical career and improves graduate attributes and student experience. However, there is wide variability of research and scholarly experiences offered in medicals schools, many developed with a significant degree of pragmatism based on resources and financial and time constraints. We examined undergraduate medical students’ awareness and experience of research throughout their degree to provide recommendations for implementation and improvement of research and scholarly experiences.MethodFocus groups were conducted with medical students at all five stages of the medical degree programme. Data was coded to facilitate qualitative analysis for identification of important themes from each stage.ResultsStudents reported positive impacts of research on undergraduate experience, future career and society in general. Two important themes emerged from the data, the opportunity for research and timing of research experiences. Early-stage students were concerned by their lack of experience and opportunity, whereas later-stage students identified the importance of research to employability, personal development and good medical practice, but ironically suggested it should be integrated in early stages of the course due to limitations of time.ConclusionsStudents provided feedback for improving research and scholarly experiences, ideally involving early exposure, a clear programme overview, with equality of access and a longitudinal approach. An emerging framework is proposed summarising the important issues identified by students and the positive impacts research experiences provide for them. These recommendations can be applied to both existing and new research programmes to provide a student-centred approach designed to augment the students’ critical analysis, inspire life-long learning, enhance the student experience and inevitably train better physicians.
Potential considerations in decision making on laparoscopic colorectal resections in Hungary based on administrative data
Authors: Benedek Zsófia , Surján Cecília , Belicza Éva 
Published: September 2021

Background
Laparoscopic colorectal surgeries offer numerous advantages over their open counterparts. To compare these measurable short-time outcomes of open and laparoscopic resections in Hungary, data of colorectal surgeries were collected and analysed. The study focused on identifying patients’ characteristics that can influence the decision on laparoscopic colorectal resections and on comparing efficiency of Hungarian colorectal operations with international data.

Methods
Using patients’ data of laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery performed in 2015 and 2016 from the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary, a countrywide retrospective comparative analysis was done. Logistic regression was used to explore main influencing factors for laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Results
A total of 17,876 colorectal surgical cases, including 14,876 open and 3,000 laparoscopic resections were selected and analysed. Laparoscopy was used only in 16.78% of all cases. Comparison of age groups showed that odds ratio (OR) of laparoscopic colorectal resections was significantly lower in over 40 years than in younger patients (18–39 years). In university institutes patients had higher odds (OR: 2.23 p<0.0001) for laparoscopic colorectal resections. Presence of comorbidity codes and preoperative treatment in internal medicine department decreased odds for laparoscopic colorectal operations.

Conclusions
Patients’ age, comorbidities and hospital type influenced the likelihood of decision on laparoscopic colorectal resection. Selection of patients contributed to improved laparoscopic outcomes.
Prevalence and contextual factors associated with compassion fatigue among nurses in northern Uganda
Authors: Kabunga Amir , Anyayo Lucas Goodgame , Okalo Ponsiano , Apili Brenda , Nalwoga Viola , Udho Samson 
Published: September 2021

Background
Compassion fatigue is associated with negative consequences that undermine workplace performance. However, literature is scarce on compassion fatigue among nurses in the context of Uganda who are at higher risk of compassion fatigue owed to the nature of their occupation and the unfavorable work environment. We aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of compassion fatigue among nurses in Northern Uganda.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 395 randomly selected nurses from two referral and four general hospitals in Northern Uganda. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and logistic regression at a 95% level of significance in SPSS version 25.

Results
Of 395 nurses who took part in the study, 58.2% were female, 39.8% had a diploma, 47.1% were single, and 32.4% had worked for between 11–15 years. Close to 50% of the nurses experienced compassion fatigue. The predictors of compassion fatigue among the participants were; workplace bullying (AOR: 3.83; 95% CI: 1.99–7.36; p = <0.001) career enhancement opportunities (AOR: 9.16; 95% CI: 2.32–36.22; p = 0.002; and remuneration (AOR: 7.30; 95% CI: 2.73–19.49; p = <0.001).

Conclusion
More than 3 in 4 nurses in Northern Uganda experience compassion fatigue. The Ministry of Health together with other stakeholders should strive to increase career enhancement opportunities for nurses, improve nurses’ remuneration and improve the overall workplace environment to prevent compassion fatigue among nurses in the country.