bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Students toward Passive Smoking at the University of Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Jethniel George Killian , Azumara Stephen Ikechukwu , Ishaya Iliya , Akpobasa Philip Tobi , Atu Mercy Onyeani 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPassive smoking, also known as involuntary or secondhand smoking, is a substantial public severe health concern, leading to illness, disability, and death. The attitude, practice, and knowledge of students towards passive smoking have not been adequately addressed in Nigeria. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the attitude, practice, and knowledge of passive smoking among undergraduate students at the University of Abuja.MethodsThis cross-sectional study employed a multi-stage sampling technique to include 355 students at the University of Abuja, Nigeria. A self-completed questionnaire was utilized to gather information on socio-demographics, attitudes regarding passive smoking, practice of passive smoke exposure, and awareness of passive smoking.ResultsExposure to passive smoke was reported by 60.4% of the participants, 80.6% exhibited a solid comprehension of passive smoking, and most of the participants (98.9%) had a positive attitude towards passive smoking. Characteristics such as level of study and age were identified as statistically significant, showing p-values of 0.000 and 0.001, respectively.ConclusionOur study highlights that even though students at the University of Abuja exhibit a commendable level of knowledge and a positive attitude toward passive smoking prevention, the high prevalence of exposure indicates a significant gap between awareness and practice. Therefore, university authorities in Nigeria should develop educational initiatives to decrease exposure to passive smoke and establish control policies towards mitigating exposure to passive smoking among students in Nigerian universities.
Short-Term Mortality After Opioid Initiation Among Opioid-Naïve and Non-Naïve Patients with Dementia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hwang Yeon-Mi , Hah Jennifer M. , Bramen Jennifer E. , Hadlock Jennifer J. , Hernandez-Boussard Tina 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundDespite the ongoing opioid epidemic, the mortality risk of opioid initiation in patients with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remains understudied despite their vulnerability. This study evaluates mortality risks associated with opioid use in patients diagnosed with dementia or MCI by comparing outcomes between new and consistent users.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from Northern California academic healthcare system (2015/01/01-2024/07/31), including 27,757 patients aged 50–100 with dementia or MCI. Of these, 14,105 received opioids after diagnosis and were classified as new (opioid-naïve; n=9444) or consistent (non-naïve; n=4663) users. Cox regression assessed 14-day mortality risk. Aalen’s additive model examined time-varying impact. Causes of death were extracted from clinical notes using GPT-3·5-Turbo. Findings were validated in community healthcare system cohort (n=207,873) across western U.S. states (2015/01/01-2023/05/31).FindingsIn the primary cohort, 4.1% (572/14105) of patients died within 14 days of opioid exposure. New users had a significantly higher 14-day mortality risk than consistent users (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2·00 [1·59–2·52]; P<0·0001). The validation cohort had a 14-day mortality rate of 6·2% (7022/113343) with a smaller difference between new (n=77,204) and consistent (n=36,194) users (aHR 1·20 [1·13–1·27]; P<0·0001). In both cohorts, elevated risk stabilized after day 30. In the primary cohort, respiratory conditions, particularly pneumonia, were more prevalent among new users who died early.InterpretationOpioid initiation in these patients is associated with increased short-term mortality in new users, underscoring the need for cautious initiation and close monitoring during the first month.FundingNIH
Protocol: Waiting time and ways of accessing specialized health services in public hospitals in Ecuador
Authors: Armijos Briones Marcelo , Intriago Sammy Figueroa , Lanata Flores Antonio , Benitez Sellán Pablo , Toala Oscar Marcillo , Ayala Aguirre Patricia Estefanía 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study aims to determine the waiting time and the forms of access to specialized health services in public hospitals in Ecuador. A representative sample of 32 hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health was considered, with 26 selected by accessibility convenience. Data will be collected using a structured questionnaire. Patients will be asked about the number of days they waited for their medical appointments and the method used to schedule their appointments. The study distinguishes between standardized access, based on Ecuador’s formal referral and counter-referral system, and non-standardized access methods, such as personal connections or hospital staff involvement. The data of this protocol are registered and publicly accessible at:https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.261ge5z7wg47/v1We expect to identify a correlation between waiting times and the type of access to specialized medical services, with non-standardized access potentially leading to shorter waiting times. This research may highlight disparities in the system and suggest areas for improvement in equity and efficiency within the healthcare referral process. To do so, a structured survey will be used. Since a construct is not needed to determine the waiting time or the forms of access, it was not necessary to validate the instrument. However, we did validate the understanding of the questions and the response options in several places in the country. According to the results According to the results of the validation of the instrument, pollsters will be instructed to inform users about the meaning of the question on ethnic identification, which was difficult to understand in the country’s coastal areas.
Comprehensive evaluation of AT(N) imaging biomarkers for predicting cognition
Authors: Earnest Tom , Yang Braden , Kothapalli Deydeep , Sotiras Aristeidis ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesImaging biomarkers enablein vivoquantification of amyloid, tau, and neurogenerative pathologies that develop in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Interest in imaging biomarkers has led to a wide variety of biomarker definitions, some of which potentially offer less predictive value than others. We aimed to assess how different operationalizations of AD imaging biomarkers affect prediction of cognition.MethodsWe included individuals from ADNI who underwent amyloid-PET ([18F]-Florbetapir), tau-PET ([18F]-Flortaucipir), and volumetric MRI imaging. We compiled a large collection of imaging biomarker definitions (42 in total) spanning different pathologies (amyloid, tau, neurodegeneration) and variable types (continuous, binary, non-binary categorical). Using cross-validation, we trained regression models to predict neuropsychological performance, both globally and across different subdomains (Phenotype Harmonization Consortium composites), using different combinations of biomarkers. We also compared these biomarker models to support vector machines (SVMs) trained to predict cognition directly from imaging regions of interest. In a subsample of individuals with CSF biomarker readouts, we repeated experiments comparing the accuracy of models using imaging and fluid biomarkers. Additional analyses tested the predictive strength of imaging biomarkers when limited to specific clinical stages of disease (cognitive unimpaired vs. impaired) and when modeling longitudinal cognitive change.ResultsOur sample included 490 people (247 female) with a mix of no impairment (n=288), mild impairment (n=163), and dementia (n=39). While almost all biomarkers tested were predictive of cognitive performance, we observed substantial variability in accuracy, even for measures of the same pathology. Tau biomarkers were the single most accurate single predictors, though combination of biomarkers spanning multiple pathologies were more accurate overall. SVM models were generally more accurate than models using traditional biomarkers. Incorporating continuous or non-binary categorical biomarkers was beneficial only for tau and neurodegeneration, but not amyloid. Patterns of results were largely consistent when considering different clinical stages of disease, neuropsychological domains, and longitudinal cognition. In the CSF subsample (n=246), imaging biomarkers strongly outperformed CSF versions for cognitive prediction.DiscussionWe demonstrated that different imaging biomarker definitions can lead to variability in downstream predictive tasks. Researchers should consider how their biomarker operationalizations may help or hinder the assessment of disease severity.
Factors influencing quantum evaporation of helium from polar semiconductors from first principles
Authors: Dheer Lakshay , Tan Liang Z. , Lyon S. A. , Schenkel Thomas , Griffin Sinéad M. 
Published: November 2024

While there is much indirect evidence for the existence of dark matter (DM), to date it has evaded detection. Current efforts focus on DM masses over ∼GeV—to push the sensitivity of DM searches to lower masses, new DM targets and detection schemes are needed. In this work, we focus on the latter—a novel detection scheme recently proposed to detect 10–100 meV phonons in polar target materials. Previous work showed that well-motivated models of DM can interact with polar semiconductors to produce an athermal population of phonons. This new sensing scheme proposes that these phonons then facilitate quantum evaporation of He3 from a van der Waals film deposited on the target material. However, a fundamental understanding of the underlying process is still unclear, with several uncertainties related to the precise rate of evaporation and how it can be controlled. In this work, we use density functional theory calculations to compare the adsorption energies of helium atoms on a polar target material, sodium iodide, to understand the underlying evaporation physics. We explore the role of surface termination, monolayer coverage, and elemental species on the rate of He evaporation from the target material. Using this, we discuss the optimal target features for He-evaporation experiments and their range of tunability through chemical and physical modifications such as applied field and surface termination.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
SKA sensitivity to potential radio emission from dark matter annihilation in Ursa Major III
Authors: Zhang Peng-Long , Bi Xiao-Jun , Chang Qin , Yin Peng-Fei , Zhao Yi 
Published: November 2024

The recently discovered stellar system, Ursa Major III/UNIONS 1, may be the faintest and densest dwarf spheroidal satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. Owing to its close proximity and substantial dark matter (DM) component, Ursa Major III emerges as a highly promising target for DM indirect detection. It is known that electrons and positrons originating from DM annihilation can generate a broad radio spectrum through the processes of synchrotron radiation and inverse Compton scattering within galaxies. In this study, we investigate the potential of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) in detecting radio signatures arising from DM annihilation in Ursa Major III over a 100 hour observation period. Our analysis indicates that the SKA has strong capabilities in detecting these signatures. For instance, the SKA sensitivity to the DM annihilation cross section is estimated to reach O(10−30)−O(10−28)  cm3 s−1 in the DM mass range from several GeV to ∼100  GeV for the e+e− and μ+μ− annihilation channels. The precise results are significantly influenced by various astrophysical factors, such as the strength of magnetic field, the diffusion coefficient, and the DM density profile in the dwarf galaxy. We discuss the impact of the uncertainties associated with these factors, and find that the SKA sensitivities have the potential to surpass the current constraints, even when considering these uncertainties.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Structures of Trichomonas vaginalis macrophage migratory inhibitory factor
Authors: Srivastava Aruesha , Nair Aryana , Dawson Omolara C. O. , Gao Raymond , Liu Lijun , Craig Justin K. , Battaile Kevin P. , Harmon Elizabeth K. , Barrett Lynn K. , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Subramanian Sandhya , Myler Peter J. , Lovell Scott , Asojo Oluwatoyin A. , Darwiche Rabih 
Published: November 2024

The unicellular parasitic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis causes trichomoniasis, the most prevalent nonviral sexually transmitted disease globally. T. vaginalis evades host immune responses by producing homologs of host proteins, including cytokines such as macrophage migration inhibitory factor. T. vaginalis macrophage migration inhibitory factor (TvMIF) helps to facilitate the survival of T. vaginalis during nutritional stress conditions, increases prostate cell proliferation and invasiveness, and induces inflammation-related cellular pathways, thus mimicking the ability of human MIF to increase inflammation and cell proliferation. The production, crystallization and three structures of N-terminally hexahistidine-tagged TvMIF reveal a prototypical MIF trimer with a topology similar to that of human homologs (hMIF-1 and hMIF-2). The N-terminal tag obscures the expected pyruvate-binding site. The similarity of TvMIF to its human homologs can be exploited for structure-based drug discovery.
Context matters? The influence of happiness, trust, democracy and economic development on DEI policies in communications in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Labarca Claudia , Sadi Gabriel , Álvarez Nobell Alejandro 
Published: November 2024

PurposeAlthough significant research has been developed in the Global North regarding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the communication field, the subject has been neglected in the Latin American and Caribbean region. The purpose of this paper is twofold: on the one hand, this article analyzes to what extent DEI policies are implemented in LAC organizations, and on the other, it examines how four contextual variables (trust, democracy, economic development and happiness) impact the development of DEI in the region.Design/methodology/approachA dataset corresponding to the 2022/2023 edition of the Latin American Communication Monitor is used. For the study of DEI policies and their relationship with communication management in the region, four dimensions of study are defined, as well as two indices related to DEI.FindingsThe most relevant category linked to DEI for LAC professionals is generation and age, above other usually more consolidated categories such as gender or sexual orientation. As for contextual variables, only democracy seems to really influence the incorporation of DEI policies in communications, given that generalized trust would not affect their implementation, while happiness and economic development do not show conclusive evidence.Originality/valueThis study can contribute to expanding the knowledge on the corporate communication field by conducting contextualized and more inclusive research and, therefore, decolonizing proposals from the Global North.
Understanding graphic designers’ usage behavior of generative artificial intelligence tools
Authors: Qiu Ting , Yang Di , Zeng Hui , Chen Xinghao 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe rapid development of generative artificial intelligence has witnessed its widespread integration across various industries, contributing to enhanced productivity. However, a comprehensive exploration of the underlying factors influencing the behavior of graphic designers in employing such tools remains incomplete. This research aims to amalgamate the IDT theory with the UTAUT2 model to construct a structural model, delving into the factors affecting graphic designers’ behavior in using GenAI tools.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted with 394 respondents, and the results were analyzed using PLS-SEM.FindingsThe findings reveal that most factors proposed in both the UTAUT2 and IDT theories exert positive influences. Notably, the study highlights that AI anxiety significantly influences designers’ usage behavior.Originality/valueThis research provides a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for both graphic designers and AI developers.
Effects of technological diversity and core technologies on R&D efficiency
Authors: Park Soohyun , Yoo Hyoung Sun 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis study investigates the effects of related and unrelated technology diversity on R&D efficiency and how a firm’s unique core technology moderates this relationship. In particular, this study aims to address the research gap in the technological diversity literature by examining whether the effects of related and unrelated technological diversity on R&D efficiency are consistent in the context of R&D-intensive firms.Design/methodology/approachUsing a panel dataset of 516 top R&D investors worldwide from 2012 to 2018, the paper tests hypotheses on how the ambivalence of technological diversity affects R&D efficiency depending on the level of diversity.FindingsUnrelated technological diversity has an inverted U-shaped curve relationship with R&D efficiency, which indicates that there exists an optimal point of unrelated technological diversity. Additionally, core technology plays a contingent role in this relationship by alleviating the volatility of the inverted U-shaped relationship between unrelated technological diversity and R&D efficiency.Originality/valueThis study makes an original contribution to the technological diversity literature by adopting an approach not limited to specific countries or industries, focusing on R&D-intensive contexts. Furthermore, the paper distinguishes the various types of technological diversity, considering that the motivations and strategic objectives underlying technological diversity vary depending on the specific type. This allows researchers to gain a deeper insight into how different types of diversity strategies impact R&D efficiency.
Local Leaflets: Constituency Issue Messaging at the 2024 General Election
Authors: Duggan Alan , Milazzo Caitlin , Trumm Siim 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe 2024 general election brought about a significant change in the parliamentary balance of power. There has already been much attention devoted to the issues that dominated the national campaign. Using original leaflet data from the OpenElections project, this study extends the focus to explore the issues emphasised in local electoral communications put forward by parties and candidates in their constituency campaigns. The article reveals that the top issues featured in election leaflets were health, the economy and the environment. There is also evidence of considerable variation across parties in terms of the issues emphasised, as well as in the focus of the discussion within issue areas and the keywords they tended to prioritise. These findings suggest that, while political elites recognise the need to engage with the key issues of the campaign, how they engage with an issue depends on many factors, including their own record and/or the perceived shortcomings of their opponent(s).
Rousseau's Second Discourse and Social Contract: Challenging the Received View
Authors: Holm Andreas Beck 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAccording to conventional wisdom, Rousseau's two key texts, the Second Discourse and the Social Contract, are tied together as question and answer. This is the view that is challenged in the present article. It is demonstrated how the Social Contract cannot, in fact, be more than a partial solution to the problems defined by the Second Discourse, and it is pointed out how Rousseau's Project for Corsica is a far more plausible answer to the challenges presented by him in the earlier work. This conclusion has significant consequences for our understanding of Rousseau's political philosophy in general, as well as his position in relation to later theoretical currents in political philosophy.
Direct sales and bargaining
Authors: Donna Javier D. , Pereira Pedro , Pu Yun , Trindade Andre , Yoshida Renan C. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCutting out the intermediary and selling directly to consumers is an increasingly common strategy by manufacturers. We develop a structural model of vertical relations where manufacturers bargain with retailers and sell their products directly to consumers. Direct sales generate potential consumer gains due to additional competition and product variety but also increase manufacturers' bargaining leverage, thereby increasing upstream and downstream prices and potentially reducing consumer welfare. We estimate the model using data from the outdoor advertising industry to quantify the bargaining‐leverage and welfare effects of direct sales. We discuss the relevance of the bargaining‐leverage effect for vertical merger evaluation.
A Mendelian randomization study of alcohol use and cardiometabolic disease risk in a multi‐ancestry population from the Million Veteran Program
Authors: Kember Rachel L. , Rentsch Christopher T. , Lynch Julie , Vujkovic Marijana , Voight Benjamin , Justice Amy C. ,   Million Veteran Program, Assimes Themistocles L. , Kranzler Henry R. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundObservational studies link moderate alcohol consumption to reduced risk of cardiometabolic diseases, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Mendelian randomization (MR) studies suggest that these associations are due to confounding. We present observed and genetically proxied associations between alcohol consumption and the incidence of CHD and T2D among African Americans (AA), European Americans (EA), and Hispanic Americans (HA) from the Million Veteran Program.MethodsWe conducted two retrospective, nested case–control studies of 33,053 CHD and 28,278 T2D cases matched to five controls each at the time of the event (index date). We used the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Consumption (AUDIT‐C) score closest in time prior to the index date to estimate alcohol exposure. Models were adjusted for smoking, body mass index (BMI), chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and the use of statins or antihypertensive medications. MR analyses used either a single variant in ADH1B or a genetic score (GS) as instrumental variables.ResultsObservational analysis showed a U‐shaped association of alcohol consumption with CHD and T2D risk. However, in MR analyses, neither ADH1B genotype‐predicted (in 36,465 AAs, 146,464 EAs, and 11,342 HAs) nor GS‐predicted (in EAs) alcohol consumption was associated with CHD risk. Similarly, T2D was not associated with alcohol consumption predicted either by ADH1B genotype (in 42,008 AAs, 109,351 EAs, and 13,538 HAs) or GS (in EAs). Multivariable MR analyses that adjusted for the effects of blood pressure and smoking also showed no association between alcohol consumption and cardiometabolic diseases.ConclusionsWe replicate prior observational studies that show a U‐shaped association between alcohol consumption and cardiometabolic diseases, but MR findings show no causal association between these traits. This is largely consistent with previous MR analyses in EAs and expands the literature by providing similar findings in AA and HA populations.