bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Air Pollution and Retail Vegetable Market Prices: Empirical Evidence from Korea
Authors: Ji Jeong-Hun , Lee Sang-Hyeon 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Air pollution can lead to people engaging in avoidance actions. People may limit their time spent outdoors to minimize the health hazards linked with air pollution. Consequently, when severe air pollution causes these behavioral changes, both outdoor and indoor stores may experience the impacts of air pollution. This study estimated the impact of air pollutants on retail vegetable prices (i.e., the total impact of air pollutants on the demand and supply of vegetables) for large discount stores, supermarkets, department stores, and traditional markets in Korea. To this end, we examine the weekly data of 590 Korean retailers during the period from 2015 to 2019, employing both static and dynamic panel approaches. The results indicate that an increase in air pollutants, such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, would lead to a decrease in vegetable prices in the short run and the long run across all types of stores we considered, meaning that deteriorating air pollutant levels could potentially result in decreases in vegetable prices not only in outdoor stores but also in indoor stores. Therefore, we suggest that initiatives to reduce air pollution and improve air quality should be further strengthened to prevent the adverse effects of air pollution on the food market.
Physicochemical properties and flame retardancy of irradiated EPDM nanocomposites and possible application as insulating materials
Authors: Eyssa H.M. , Sherief Marwa A , Amr Ahmed , Senna Magdy M 
Published: December 2024

This work aims to develop a new kind of ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) to be utilized as insulator in electrical cables. This type was incorporated with Al(OH)3, Al2O3, and graphene oxide (GO) to decrease the flammability of the rubber. Al2O3 nanoparticle was synthesized via Sol-Gel route. The produced nano Al2O3 powder was characterized using X-ray diffraction and FTIR absorption. The morphologies were studied using SEM and TEM. The characterization demonstrated that the particle size of the prepared Al2O3 a nano-spheres had an average diameter of 19–30 nm. Gamma radiation affected the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. The incorporated rubber consisted of homogenous nanoparticles. Additionally, the samples flammability was examined utilizing limited oxygen index (L.O.I) and the effect of γ- radiation on the flammability was investigated. The analysis of the obtained values reveals that the additive materials will be incorporated with rubber. Also, the influence of γ- radiation on the mechanical and thermal behavior indicates that a little positive effect accompanied the γ- radiation of the samples. The evaluation of the prepared samples as flame retardant for rubber indicate that the value of L.O.I = 20.5 for native rubber and increased to 27.1 for the composite EPDM/Al(OH)3/2%Al2O3/1% GO. This value candidates this composite to be used as insulator in the electrical cable because the addition of Al component and graphene restricted the spread of the flame and dispersed the smoke.
Research on track vibration characteristics and rail corrugation based on fastener failure
Authors: Xiang Li , Ke Lin , Xinlei He , Shuyang Qi , Shuncai Li 
Published: December 2024

Based on the measured rail corrugation data on the curve, a rigid-flexible coupling vehicle-track system dynamic model is established. The stiffness and damping of the fasteners were changed to simulate the failure behavior of the track structure, and the influence of fastener failure on the vibration characteristics of the system was studied to determine the causes of rail corrugation. The research results show that: (1) The number of peaks on wheel-rail vibration significantly increases after fastener failure, which increases the probability of wheel-rail resonance. The fastener failure causes more frequent wheel-rail resonance, leading to severe system vibration and increased wheel-rail wear. (2) The simulated wavelength of 57 mm on the slight radius curve with the highest proportion of corrugation is similar to the measured wavelength of 55 mm. The fastener failure is related to the generation of rail corrugation, which verifies the existence of rail corrugation on site. (3) The smaller the curve radius, the greater the lateral and longitudinal creep forces and wear number, indicating that the degree of rail corrugation on slight radius curve is more severe. When the slight radius curve and fastener failure are satisfied together, the lateral and longitudinal creep forces and wear number reach their maximum values, which further accelerates the generation of rail corrugation.
The Referrer Matters. Musculoskeletal Surgical Conversion Rates: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Marks Darryn , Pearce-Higgins Jasmine , Frost Taylor , Fittock Joseph , Rathbone Evelyne , Hing Wayne 
Published: December 2024

Background: Efficient musculoskeletal care is important for health services and society. Surgical conversion rates are a common measure of efficiency, yet normal values and the impact of referrer type are unclear. This information could assist musculoskeletal care, service benchmarking and redesign. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was undertaken with PubMed, CINAHL and EMBASE databases searched from inception to 12th of October 2024, to identify studies from which musculoskeletal surgical conversion rates could be extracted. Data were categorised according to the professional group responsible for referral (all doctors, general practitioners, sports physicians, allied-health/physiotherapy-led screening services) and methodology used to define surgical conversion. Meta-analysis of pooled data was undertaken. Results: Twenty-eight studies with a combined total of 5358 patients were included. Pooled data revealed surgical conversion rates of 23% for referrals from all types of doctors (0.23, 95% CI 0.18-0.27), 28% from general practitioners (0.28, 95% CI 0.12-0.52), 61% from allied health physiotherapy-led screening services (0.61, CI 0.50-0.70) and 70% from sports physicians at (0.70, CI 0.64-0.75). A variety of methodological factors impacted surgical conversion rate reporting and heterogeneity. Conclusions: Musculoskeletal services seeking to improve efficiency through higher surgical conversion rates, should include sports physician and/or physiotherapy-led models of care for referral generation or management.
The hypointense pulvinar sign on susceptibility weighed magnetic resonance imaging: A visual biomarker for iron deposition in epilepsy
Authors: Martella Victoria , Ludovichetti Riccardo , Nierobisch Nathalie , Obermüller Carina , Gunzer Felix , Maibach Fabienne , Heesen Philip , Hamie Qeumars , Terziev Robert , Galovic Marian , Kulcsar Zsolt , Hainc Nicolin 
Published: December 2024

Objective Our study aimed to investigate potential alterations in iron deposition within pulvinar, using susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) MRI in epilepsy patients through a biomarker termed the “hypointense pulvinar sign.” Methods A full-text radiological information system search of radiological reports was performed for the term “epilepsy” between 2014 and 2022. Only patients with the diagnosis of epilepsy were included. SWI was assessed by two readers recording lateralization of an asymmetrically more hypointense pulvinar. Cohen’s kappa for inter-rater reliability was calculated. Fisher’s exact test was performed to assess for significance between groups. Results Our epilepsy cohort comprised 105 patients with following diagnoses: 45 intra-axial tumor, 13 meningioma, 13 MRI negative, 12 encephalomalacia, seven siderosis, six cavernoma, five arteriovenous malformation, two acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis, one tuberous sclerosis, one giant aneurysm. The hypointense pulvinar sign was correct in 44% of cases. Notably, right hemispheric lesions exhibited a significantly higher proportion of correct hypointense pulvinar signs compared to the left hemisphere (46% vs 24%; p = 0.044). Inter-rater reliability was substantial at 0.62 ( p < 0.001). Only two of 21 (10%) of healthy controls demonstrated a hypointense pulvinar sign, which was significantly different from the epilepsy cohort ( p < 0.01). Conclusions The hypointense pulvinar sign has proven to be a reproducible, simple to use biomarker for iron deposition in epilepsy which could be considered for inclusion into multimodal precision medicine models.
Long-term outcomes after first-ever posterior circulation stroke and the prognostic significance of the New England Medical Center Posterior Circulation Registry stroke classification: A prospective study from the Athens Stroke Registry
Authors: Karvelas Nikolaos , Palaiodimos Leonidas , Karamanis Dimitrios , Sagris Dimitrios , Louka Anna-Maria , Papanagiotou Panagiotis , Korompoki Eleni , Ntaios George , Vemmos Konstantinos 
Published: December 2024

Background: There is paucity of data on the long-term outcomes after acute ischemic posterior circulation stroke (PCS). Additionally, the long-term prognostic value of the New England Medical Center-Posterior Circulation Registry (NEMC-PCR) classification of PCS has not been studied. Patients and methods: All consecutive patients with PCS registered in the Athens Stroke Registry between 01/1993 and 12/2012 were prospectively followed for up to 10 years and included in the analysis. The NEMC-PCR criteria were applied to classify them in relation to topography. The main studied outcomes were all cause mortality, stroke recurrence and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Results: A total of 653 patients with PCS (455 men, mean age 68.06 years) were followed up for 52.8 ± 44.0 months. Seventy-four (11.3%), 219 (33.5%), 335 (51.3%), and 25 (3.8%) patients had proximal, middle, distal, and multiple territories PCS, respectively. During the 10-year follow-up period, 217 patients died (7.6 per 100 patient years), 127 developed recurrent stroke (4.2 per 100 patient years), and 209 had a MACE (7.3 per 100 patient years). The cumulative 10-year mortality was higher in distal and multiple territories PCS compared to middle and proximal PCS (55.6%, 58.8%, 40.0%, 35.5%, respectively, p < 0.001 by log-rank test). Patients with distal location PCS had almost twofold increased 10-year risk of mortality compared to proximal location patients after adjusting for all confounding variables (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.05–3.77). Per TOAST classification, large artery atherosclerosis was associated with almost two-fold increase in risk of mortality, stroke recurrence and MACEs. Discussion and conclusion: A large proportion of PCS patients experienced 10-year death, stroke and MACE occurrence after PCS. NEMC-PCR topographic classification was found to have significant prognostic value, with distal and middle PCS having worse long-term outcomes than proximal PCS.
Expansion of Pleioblastus amarus in tea plantations significantly enhances the appearance and nutritional composition of bamboo shoots but adversely affects palatability
Authors: Fan Lili , Chen Shuanglin , Cai Zongming , Guo Ziwu , Yang Jie , Zheng Rong , Hu Ruicai 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe expansion of Pleioblastus amarus into tea plantations introduces environmental heterogeneity, significantly influencing the growth and quality of bamboo shoots. This study examined the effects of bamboo expansion on the appearance, nutrition, and palatability of bamboo shoots, utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to identify key influencing factors. Results revealed that bamboo expansion increased shoot diameter, length, and fresh weight, enhancing overall size and edibility, particularly in the tea-bamboo mixed forest center zone (TBC), where appearance quality peaked. Nutritional analysis revealed substantial increases in protein, fat, starch, and vitamin C content after bamboo expansion, along with the improvements in amino acid score (AAS), essential amino acid index (EAAI), and nutritional index (NI), indicating elevated nutritional value. However, despite the rise in soluble sugars and flavor-enhancing amino acids, higher levels of total acids, oxalic acid, tannins, and cellulose diminished the palatability, notably in TBC site. PLS-SEM further indicated that while bamboo expansion positively influenced shoot appearance and nutrition, soil factors predominantly drove these changes and concurrently detracted from overall palatability. These findings provide a framework for enhancing bamboo shoot quality and optimizing management practices in tea plantation ecosystems.
Innovative behavior and structural empowerment among the Chinese clinical nurses: the mediating role of decent work perception
Authors: Wang Zhangyi , Yang Li , Zhu Yue , Tang Xiaochun , Wang Tingrui , Chen Li , Li Liping , Xie Weimin , Peng Jiaofeng , Yang Jie , Long Qianxiang , Lu Feng , Wang Yan , Shen Huilong , Yin Jun , Zhan Xiaoping , Zhou Huifang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Clinical nurses play a vital role in healthcare. Their innovative behavior is crucial for improving patient care, advancing the profession, and ensuring the healthcare industry’s continued success. Many studies have highlighted the importance of nurse innovative behavior, but the link between their innovative behavior, structural empowerment, and decent work perception remains unclear.

Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between innovative behavior, structural empowerment, and decent work perception among the Chinese clinical nurses and identify the mediating role of decent work perception.

Methods
A cross-sectional correlational design was employed, and from July 2023 to April 2024, 1,513 clinical nurses were recruited from 8 tertiary grade-A hospitals across three cities in China. Data from the Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire, the Nurse Innovation Behavior Scale, the Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire-II, and the Decent Work Perception Scale were collected through convenience sampling and analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate correlation, and process plug-in mediation effect analyses.

Results
The total scores of innovative behavior, structural empowerment, and decent work perception were 28.36 ± 6.25, 51.15 ± 12.63, and 42.97 ± 9.25, respectively. Innovative behavior was significantly, moderately and positively correlated with structural empowerment (r = 0.657, p < 0.01) and decent work perception (r = 0.618, p < 0.01); decent work perception played a partial mediating role between innovative behavior and structural empowerment (52.5%).

Conclusion
The innovative behavior, structural empowerment, and decent work perception among the Chinese clinical nurses were relatively moderate, indicating a need for improvement. Structural empowerment perception can, directly and indirectly, impact innovative behavior through decent work perception among Chinese clinical nurses. Nursing managers should promote innovative behavior of clinical nurses by raising structural empowerment and decent work perception to improve the quality of clinical nursing. Thus, it can be improved by creating a positive empowerment climate for clinical nurses and providing them with the information, resources, support, and opportunities for their jobs and improving their level of structural empowerment and decent work perception.
Impact of HIV exposure without infection on hospital course and mortality among young children in sub-Saharan Africa: a multi-site cohort study
Authors: Lwanga Christopher , Aber Peace , Tickell Kirkby D. , Ngari Moses M. , Mukisa John , Atuhairwe Michael , Brown Lindsay , Mupere Ezekiel , Potani Isabel , Shahrin Lubaba , Morgan Brooks , Singa Benson O. , Nankabirwa Victoria , Mugambe Richard K. , Mukasa Zakaria , Walson Judd L. , Berkley James A. , Lancioni Christina L. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Although mortality risk associated with HIV is well described, HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) young children are also at increased risk of hospitalization and death as compared to HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) children. The drivers of poor outcomes among HEU children remain unknown, limiting the development of interventions to support this vulnerable population.

Methods
We performed a secondary analysis of data from a large multi-country prospective cohort [Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition (CHAIN) Network] study. Data from 5 sites in Uganda, Kenya, and Malawi were included. Hospitalized children aged 2–23 months were followed from an index admission for 6 months after discharge to determine acute and long-term outcomes. Using perinatal HIV exposure (HEU and HUU) as the primary exposure and adjusting for child, caregiver, and household characteristics, we compared inpatient and 30-day survival outcomes, nutritional status, hospital length of stay, illness severity, and utilization of inpatient resources.

Results
We included 1486 children: 217 HEU and 1269 HUU. HEU children had an increased risk of mortality both during hospitalization [adjusted OR 1.96, 95% CI (1.14–3.37)] and in the 30 days following hospital admission [adjusted hazard ratio 2.20, 95% CI (1.10–4.42)]. Wasting and stunting were more frequent in HEU than HUU children, with adjusted OR 1.41, 95% CI (1.03–1.95) and adjusted OR 1.91, 95% CI (1.34–2.70), respectively. HEU children were also more likely to have a prolonged hospital stay compared to HUU children [adjusted OR 1.58, 95% CI (1.08–2.29)], although admission diagnoses, illness severity at admission, and use of inpatient resources (supplemental oxygen, nasogastric tube, and second-line antibiotics) did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions
HEU children are more likely to die during hospitalization and within 30 days of admission, to be wasted and stunted upon hospital admission, and to require a prolonged hospital stay, as compared to HUU children. Hospitals in settings with a high prevalence of women-living-with-HIV should ensure that maternal HIV status is established among children requiring admission and build capacity to provide additional hospital monitoring and early post-discharge support for HEU children.
Impact of the digital health application ViViRA on spinal mobility, physical function, quality of life and pain perception in spondyloarthritides patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Blaskowitz Paloma Palm von Alten , Liphardt Anna-Maria , Bouzas Claudia , Coppers Birte , Petit Pascal , Vuillerme Nicolas , Bundle Vanessa , Rudolf Sebastian , Knitza Johannes , Raimondo Maria Gabriella , Labinsky Hannah , Hatscher Lukas , Wirsching Andreas , Bohr Daniela , Araujo Elizabeth , Ramming Andreas , Ramming Alina , Schett Georg , Morf Harriet 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Spondyloarthritides (SpAs) are a group of common rheumatic diseases that often cause limited mobility and lower back pain. Physiotherapy is an integral part of treatment, but access to physiotherapy limits treatment success. Digital health applications (DHAs) enable home-based physiotherapy and could significantly improve access for SpAs patients. The aim is to investigate the clinical effects of the DHA ViViRA compared with those of standard physiotherapy.

Methods
SpAs patients with chronic back pain were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention group received ViViRA DHA, whereas the control group received standard physiotherapy. Pain (verbal rating scale, PAIN-Detect), quality of life (SF-36) and mobility (BASMI) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks as the primary outcomes.

Results
Data from 59 participants (71.2% female, mean age 45.2 years) were analyzed. The intervention group showed a significant improvement in mobility (average BASMI score: baseline: 1.1 [range 0.7–1.5]; follow-up: 1.0 [range 0.5–1.4]; p = 0.05), whereas the control group showed a significant decrease in mobility (baseline: 1.5 [range 1.1–1.9]; follow-up: 1.8 [range 1.4–2.2]; p = 0.00). The intervention group demonstrated lower pain intensity (VRS pain level at week 3.5 ± 2.8) than did the control group (VRS pain level at week 4.5 ± 2) after 12 weeks.

Conclusion
Our results highlight the efficacy of DHAs such as ViViRA in the treatment of lower back pain in SpAs patients. Compared with the current gold standard, physiotherapy, DHA use results in superior outcomes. However, further larger studies are needed to confirm these promising results.

Trial registration
The study is registered in the German clinical trial registry (DRKS) under the following ID: DRKS00031254.
Occupational risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in Bangladesh: a multicenter hospital-based study and lessons for future epidemics
Authors: Basher Ahamed Khairul , Biswas Md Abdullah Al Jubayer , Rahman Aninda , Rahman Mahmudur , Chowdhury Fahmida , Hassan Md. Zakiul 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) were particularly vulnerable to contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection as a result of occupational exposure. There is a scarcity of data characterizing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs, particularly in low-income hospital settings. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 among HCWs and identify associated risk factors.

Methods
From July 2021 to July 2023, we enrolled HCWs from 13 primary, 2 secondary, and five tertiary care hospitals in four selected districts of Bangladesh. We collected information on demography and risk exposure in a face-to-face interview. We calculated the odds ratio to measure the risk using multivariable logistic regression.

Results
We enrolled 3436 HCWs: 22% (747) physicians, 47% (1632) nurses, and 31% (1057) support staff. Most of the HCWs were female 67% (2292), and the mean age was 38.1, IQR = 29–44 years. Overall, 26% (889) of HCWs had lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among HCWs, nurses accounted for the highest proportion of COVID-19 infections at 53% (473/1632). Physicians had a significantly higher risk of infection with an aOR of 3.08 (95% CI 2.42–3.93; p < .001) compared to support staff. HCWs who had direct exposure to COVID-19 patients were also at a higher risk, with a 1.93 times higher likelihood of infection ([aOR] = 1.93, 95% CI 1.50–2.47; p < .001), compared to HCWs who were not exposed.

Conclusions
This study highlights the heightened vulnerability of HCWs to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to occupational exposure and indicates the risk of nosocomial transmission to patients and emphasizes the importance of implementing targeted infection control measures, such as improved workplace safety protocols and comprehensive training to tackle future pandemics of similar traits.