bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A global adoption of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology into the healthcare system
Authors: Johnson J , Berkshire B 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives
Blockchain technology is revolutionizing various industries by enhancing security, transparency, and efficiency. In healthcare, its small-scale application demonstrates the potential to transform healthcare. This study explores how cryptocurrency and blockchain technology enhance healthcare financial stability, secure medical information exchange, increase payment recovery and interoperability.

Methods
Guided by the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory, this study reviews 34 articles on blockchain and cryptocurrency adoption in healthcare. We performed a thematic analysis focusing on empirical data, theoretical analyses, and existing implementations. Data were categorized by DOI elements: relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, observability, and social system. The findings were synthesized into a detailed framework for adopting these technologies in healthcare.

Results
Our analysis shows that cryptocurrency offers a secure, decentralized payment platform, eliminating the need for third-party intermediaries. Blockchain adoption enhances payment and patient record protection. Cryptographic methods ensure data integrity, transparency, and security, preventing modifications once recorded. Altering data requires consensus from the network majority, protecting healthcare providers from ransomware attacks.

Conclusions
Evidence suggests that cryptocurrency and blockchain will disrupt healthcare payments, data management, and accommodate interoperability within the next decade. These technologies promise improved security, improved public health research, and increased trust in the healthcare system.

Key messages
• Our research will be assessing the challenges of integrating digital coins and blockchain technology into the healthcare system.
• Examine the potential benefits and risks of implementing blockchain technology in healthcare settings.
Assessing Academic Perspectives on Infodemic Management and Health Security: A Needs-Based Approach
Authors: Mandić-Rajčević S , Stevanović A , Rowland A , Zdujić M , Vidojević J , Sotirović I , Zelić P , Martin R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The information environment significantly impacts public health decisions, behaviors, and health security. Misinformation and disinformation can compromise health interventions and undermine public trust, and this phenomenon, known as the infodemic, is increasingly challenging to address and requires innovation and transformation of public health and education of the health workforce. This study aimed to assess the relevance of infodemic management (IM) to different academic fields and training needs to create a competent workforce.

Methods
As part of the US Federal Assistance Award within the University Partnership Program between Emory University and the University of Belgrade, a mixed-methods study was conducted to evaluate the curricula of all 31 faculties at the University of Belgrade. An online survey was distributed to faculty deans to assess the current educational framework and opinions on IM in various academic fields. This approach provided a multidimensional view of how IM is perceived and integrated across diverse disciplines.

Results
The survey received 33 responses from different departments at the University of Belgrade. Over 75% of participants identified misinformation as prevalent in their respective fields. More than half of the respondents believe that students are not sufficiently familiar with the concept of the infodemic and its potential consequences, only 9% believe these topics are well covered in the current curriculum, and over 90% agree that additional content on IM is required to update study programs, indicating a gap in our current educational approach.

Conclusions
Academic circles have acknowledged the issue of misinformation and its negative impact on public health. Current gaps in academic curricula indicate the critical necessity of integrating IM into educational programs. This innovative approach will provide future specialists with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the modern information ecosystem.

Key messages
• Over 75% of surveyed professors identify misinformation and disinformation as prevalent in their professional fields, indicating a widespread impact.
• Over half of professors feel academic programs do not sufficiently equip students to navigate the information ecosystem, with over 90% calling for additional infodemiology content.
Future of nicotine pouches – users’ perspective
Authors: Balwicki L , Kalinowska-Beszczynska O , Wojtecka A , Basinska M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Nicotine pouches (NPs) are gaining popularity. They are a rapidly developing category with little research or regulatory oversight. Studies have shown that the descriptor ‘tobacco-free’ may impact risk perceptions and the appeal of nicotine pouches among young adults and thus shape their position on the market. The aim of the study was to broaden the knowledge on NP users’ perspective about the future of this products.

Methods
Qualitative approach was utilized. In December 2022 there were seventeen structured In-depth Interviews (IDIs) conducted. The sample included of adults aged 18-22, both male and female. The respondents were asked how they see NPs in the context of aim group and competition with other nicotine products.

Results
We found that from NPs users’ perspective, these products are aimed at those who want give up smoking, do not want to play with electronic devices (such us e-cigarettes of heated tobacco products) or just seek for discretion (such as office workers who do want to go outside for a smoke or vape). Special aim group are children who want to hide their nicotine product use. Respondents believe that they will not force traditional cigarettes out of the market but will be a popular alternative for young people. Some suggest they need popularization to help exclude products that produce smelly smoke or vape.

Conclusions
Nicotine pouches as smokeless products will probably fill the market space with product aimed at young people who seek discretion of their nicotine addiction as well as those who do not want to inhale smoke.

Key messages
• Nicotine pouches users see value of these products.
• Nicotine pouches future seems to be bright unless regulations disrupt their market development.
An Artificial Intelligence approach to monitor infectious diseases: lessons learned from COVID-19
Authors: Antinozzi M , del Re D , Palla L , Meridiani P , Soffi L , Loiudice M T , Cattaruzza M S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The World Health Organization declared the start (March 11th 2020) and the end (May 5th 2023) of COVID19 pandemic, while in Italy it has been present since February 2020. Indicators such as number of new positive cases, deaths and hospitalizations are used to monitor epidemiological trends, but they suffer from biases limiting their effectiveness.

Methods
We used data from the Emergency Medical Services Activities as an alternative and studied three types of contributions: COVID19, flu and baseline during three time frames: -period 1 (July 1st-Oct 11th 2016; Feb 10th-May 20th 2017) used to model the baseline, when flu contribution should be negligible. -Period 2: (Dec 15th-Feb 14th 2017), when flu in 2017 is very evident. -Period 3: (March 11th-31st 2020), when the first COVID19 wave is dominant. To extract the pure contribution from flu and COVID19, the baseline contribution was properly subtracted.

Results
From these data we developed a machine learning approach (MLA) that offers a simple and powerful tool to monitor COVID19 or future infectious diseases. To maximize the identification power of COVID19, we used the Toolkit for multivariate analysis package. An artificial neural network, multilayer perceptron, deep neural network and boosted decision tree methods have been trained, considering the events in period 3 as signal and period 1 as background. To avoid overtraining, the samples were divided in two: one half to train the algorithm, and the other to check the performance. The results are stable over time and able to efficiently discriminate COVID19. With 50% efficiency of accepting COVID19 patients, roughly 95% of baseline patients can be rejected.

Conclusions
MLA can be used to early assign a probability of COVID19 without specific test, only relying on standard triage and emergency call details. This tool could be very useful to early detect the presence of new pandemics and tag positive patients before the official healthcare reporting system.

Key messages
• AI model using data from Emergency Medical Services Activities can be a useful tool to early detect new pandemics and tag positive patients before the official healthcare reporting system.
• Covid19 pandemic gave us the possibility to develop new digital tools to use in the analysis of epidemiological trends.
Public Perceptions and Engagement in mHealth Across Eight European Countries
Authors: Tona D M , Causio F A , Beccia F , Cristiano A , Verduchi A , Porcelli M , Van El C , Calabrò G E , Pastorino R , Boccia S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Mobile health technologies have the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery and patient engagement. This study explores public attitudes toward health app usage and data sharing across eight European countries, addressing a significant gap in understanding the public’s perspective on mHealth adoption.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 6,581 participants from Italy, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Poland, Romania, and Hungary. The survey assessed current health app usage, future interest, willingness to share health data, and concerns about data privacy and security.

Results
21.87% of respondents currently use health apps, with 42.71% expressing interest in future use. Regarding data sharing, 52.82% are willing to share health data with healthcare providers, and 25.48% would share data with research institutions. However, 53.18% fear unauthorized use or hacking of their health data. Significant generational and geographical differences in mHealth engagement were observed, with older generations showing higher willingness to adopt health apps OR 1.22 (CI 1.03 - 1.46) for Baby Boomers, OR 1.45 (CI 0.97 - 2.16) for Silent Generation. Education level emerged as a crucial factor, with tertiary-educated individuals more likely to use health apps (OR 1.41 CI 1.24 - 1.58) and demand transparency (OR 1.61 CI 1.45 -1.78).

Conclusions
The findings underscore the need for targeted strategies to enhance digital literacy, ensure data privacy, and promote equitable access to mHealth technologies across Europe. Policymakers and healthcare stakeholders should prioritize these areas to foster greater public trust and engagement in mHealth, ultimately improving health outcomes and patient care.

Key messages
• Public attitudes toward mHealth vary significantly across generations, countries, and education levels in Europe.
• Addressing data privacy concerns and enhancing digital literacy are crucial for widespread mHealth adoption.
Trust in sources of information about digital health technologies: The User’s Perspective
Authors: Hannemann N , Babitsch B 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Trust is key to healthcare, including all types of health information. This applies not only to the process of healthcare delivery, but also to health-related behaviors and the utilization of healthcare services. Trust in health information sources has been shown to vary by social and health characteristics. Therefore, the research question is: Are there social and health-related differences in perceptions of trust in sources of information (government agencies or physicians) about digital health technologies?

Methods
The analysis is based on a cross-sectional online survey (STELLAR) conducted in 2022 (N = 1,200), Participants were asked whether they perceive trust (1= fully agree- 4= not at all) in information about digital health technologies provided by government agencies (institutional trust) or physicians (interpersonal trust). For the analysis, binary logistic regressions (references: traditionalists, low education level, poor self-perceived health) were used.

Results
Institutional Trust. Overall, 43.9% of the participants perceived trust in this information source. Baby Boomers (OR 2.022), Generation Y (OR 2.544), and Generation Z (OR 2.566), as well as medium (OR 2.526) and high (OR 3.823) educational level, increased the odds of perceived trust; the same was found for better self-perceived health (OR 1.569). Interpersonal Trust. In general, 94.8 % of the participants expressed trust physicians. Belonging to Generation Z decreased the chance (OR 0.097) and a better subjective health status increased the chance (OR 4.250) of perceiving trust. Education did not emerge as a significant determinant.

Conclusions
The study confirmed that interpersonal and institutional trust varies by social and health characteristics. There seems to be a need to strengthen efforts to explain the process of trust building in different population groups., e.g. to find explanations for why educational level was only relevant for institutional trust but not for interpersonal trust.

Key messages
• Trust in sources of information about digital health technologies differ by generation, educational level, and subjective health status.
• Given the existing differences in perceptions of trust, it is worthwhile to explore the unknown mechanisms of the trust-building process among different population groups.
Evaluating healthcare inequalities using ChatGPT4 – The case of potentially inappropriate medication
Authors: Öberg J , Khalaf K , Midlöv P , Perez R , Merlo J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Issue/problem
Regular and standardized monitoring of healthcare is necessary to inform decision makers and clinicians about healthcare quality. Equity is a fundamental dimension in such evaluations. We aimed to investigate if artificial intelligence (AI) large language models (LLM), such as ChatGPT4, may facilitate routine monitoring of healthcare inequalities using an established framework for healthcare quality and equity evaluation, analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (AIHDA).

Description of the problem
We have previously demonstrated that compared to traditional methods, AIHDA improves the evaluation of healthcare inequity. We asked ourselves if ChatGPT4 could facilitate the standardized application of the AIHDA approach in routine monitoring of healthcare.

Results
Using strict guidelines, we instructed a GPT model, based on ChatGPT 4, to utilize the AIHDA framework for evaluating healthcare inequalities. To demonstrate the analysis, we used the quality indicator potentially inappropriate medication among elderly and analyzed simulated data of individuals &gt;75-year-old belonging to 36 socioeconomic strata and residing in 21 Swedish regions. The GPT performed an accurate analysis, correctly interpretated the results and formulated an informative short rapport with illustrative tables and figures.

Lessons
AI appears to facilitate routine monitoring of health care inequity using the AIHDA approach. AI also allows a constructive interaction with the user but, so far, it needs be closely supervised.

Key messages
• ChatGPT 4 can improve the standardized evaluation of healthcare inequity.
• Although the technology is under development and must be used with caution.
Two decades of electronic nicotine delivery systems discussions in Türkiye: AI-driven text analysis
Authors: Doğan Jamil S , Jamil H , Ay P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
As Turkiye ranks second in cigarette consumption in Europe, the increasing shift to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) presents emerging public health concerns. This study aims to introduce a hybrid approach by combining AI-driven large language models (LLM) with traditional thematic analysis to explore 20 years of ENDS discourse on Eksisozluk, a popular Turkish social media platform, using the Health Belief Model (HBM).

Methods
This mixed-methods study, analyzed 5,907 comments about ENDS from 2003 to 2023, sourced from a renowned online user-generated forum in Turkiye. Utilizing an LLM, comments were first categorized according to the HBM. Subsequently, the LLM’s generative capabilities were employed to identify sub-themes through thematic analysis. A temporal analysis was then conducted to examine the evolving trends over the 20-year span.

Results
ENDS popularity peaked in 2017, dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic, and later rebounded. Using an LLM with 70% accuracy, validated by a manually labeled sample, we discerned two main themes: perceived benefits (40.5%) - primarily using ENDS as for harm reduction (32.8%) and smoking cessation tools (21.6%)- and perceived barriers (27.7%), with cost and accessibility (21.9%) being the most significant throughout the period. Initially, the focus was on cessation, but shifted to harm reduction post-pandemic.

Conclusions
Our study indicates that consumers in Turkiye initially used ENDS for cessation but recognized their ineffectiveness over time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, usage shifted towards harm reduction, likely influenced by the rhetoric of the Tobacco Industry. Despite a national ban, ENDS remain widely used in Turkiye.

Key messages
• Turkiye should develop a social marketing strategy to raise awareness that ENDS is not a valid tool for harm reduction.
• Although the sale of ENDS is prohibited in Turkiye, enforcement of bans should be strengthened as part of an effective control strategy.
Exploring the Impacts of Artificial Intelligence Interventions on Provider Practice practice
Authors: Lintz J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite the growing prevalence of AI in healthcare, there has been a lack of recent studies exploring its impact on providers’ practices and patient outcomes. This study investigates healthcare providers’ perceptions of AI interventions’ influence on their practice efficiency and patient outcomes, as well as the correlation between providers’ perceptions of AI and its effects on patient outcomes.

Methods
A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to 38 healthcare providers at a rural medical center in north Texas, with a 70% percent response rate (n = 27). In addition to descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression test was conducted to discern the relationship between their perceptions of AI and its impact on patient outcomes.

Results
The findings revealed that a majority of providers perceived AI to still be in its early stages, posing challenges for practice and having a limited impact on patient outcomes. Additionally, various factors such as age, gender, a user-centered design approach, AI experience, along with perceptions of workplace support and stress, significantly shape providers’ attitudes toward AI and ultimately affecting patient outcomes.

Conclusions
Before AI technology can fulfill its promise of transforming healthcare through integration with other technologies, the healthcare sector must address numerous hurdles. It is crucial to approach the development and testing of intricate systems like AI-integrated electronic health record (EHR) systems with caution to ensure their reliability and dependability in clinical decision-making. Additionally, navigating medico-legal responsibilities and pursuing fair distribution of benefits are equally crucial.

Key messages
• This study offers insights into the extent of AI interventions’ impact on healthcare.
• This study specifically focuses on enhancing patient care, reducing costs, and improving the efficiency of the healthcare system.
Using marketing strategies to promote maternal health: an international students’ collaboration
Authors: Nazaruk D , Pardo L , Palacios A , Chopak-Foss J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
About 1 in 8 birth parents experience symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). The purpose of this collaborative project was to create a social media deliverable to lower the risk of postpartum depression in pregnant and postpartum parents in Georgia, USA.

Methods
Using the SM 10-step model, Master of Public Health Students from Georgia Southern University (GSU), Georgia in collaboration with Creative Business students from Breda University of Applied Science (BUas), the Netherlands, designed an evidence-based SM product. They were mentored by public health and media faculty from both institutions. Roles and responsibilities according to the skill sets were divided, but briefly: students 1) identified a target audience; 2) conducted tertiary data collection; 3) set goals and objectives; 4) developed 4 P’s (product, price, place, and promotion) 5) developed marketing strategies.; 6) and used the strategy to create a specific social media deliverable.

Results
Utilizing the 10-step model social marketing strategy used state-of-the-art marketing and digital media techniques and evidence-based strategies to create a digital electronic booklet that focused on reducing the stigma associated with help seeking behaviors with the ultimate goal to reduce the incidence and prevalence of PMADs. The digital interactive booklet will be pilot tested in selected OBGYN offices and health departments in Southeast Georgia in July 2024.

Conclusions
This collaborative project demonstrates effective collaboration between disciplines from different world regions utilizing strengths from both teams: public health and digital media skills to create an SM product that will be utilized to promote social engagement among postpartum parents.

Key messages
• Students utilized social marketing strategies to create an electronic booklet to address postpartum depression using state-of-the-art digital media techniques and evidence-based strategies.
• This collaborative project demonstrates effective collaboration between disciplines from different world regions and utilizes strengths from both teams.