bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term outcomes of magnetic sphincter augmentation in sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients: a comprehensive analysis
Authors: Ibrahim Mina A. , Mowoh Daniel P. , Al Khadem Mai , Abbas Mujjahid , Khaitan Leena 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Management of gastroesophageal reflux disease after bariatric procedures can be challenging. There are very few long-term studies in this arena. This study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes of the magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) reflux management system in a cohort of bariatric patients who had previously undergone sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, with a focus on assessing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) scores, medication use, and patient-reported symptoms.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective chart review of 16 consecutive bariatric patients who received MSA implants following sleeve gastrectomy (n = 14) or gastric bypass (n = 2) surgeries. Data were collected regarding BMI, GERD quality of life assessments (GERD-HRQL), reflux symptoms, and use of PPIs in the sleeve/RGB patients through an extended period with a mean follow-up of 48 months.

Results
Patients were followed up for a range of .5–84 months. Preoperative assessments included upper gastrointestinal imaging (UGI), high-resolution manometry, Bravo pH studies, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Three patients exhibited reflux on UGI, and 13/13 patients had positive Bravo studies preoperatively. Sixteen patients had a lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure under 18 mmHg, and eight patients had biopsy-proven esophagitis. Long-term outcomes are as follows. Daily PPI use fell from 88 to 25% at greater than three years. GERD-HRQL scores fell from 50.6 at baseline (range 27–70) and normalized at long-term follow-up. GERD symptom of regurgitation completely resolved. At long term, two patients had dysphagia and two patients had ongoing reflux. No adverse events were noted.

Conclusion
This is the first long-term outcomes study of magnetic sphincter augmentation placement after bariatric surgery. Our study showed the majority of patients had long-term improvement in GERD-HRQL scores and resolution/ relief of their reflux symptoms, with decreased use of PPIs. MSA is a safe, effective and durable management tool for reflux after bariatric surgery in carefully selected patients.
Older caregivers’ depressive symptomatology over time: evidence from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe
Authors: Agapitos Marie , Muniz-Terrera Graciela , Robitaille Annie 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe prevalence of informal caregiving is increasing as populations across the world age. Caregiving has been found to be associated with poor mental health outcomes including depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study is to examine the mean trajectory of depressive symptomatology in older caregivers in a large European sample over an eight-year period, the effects of time-varying and time-invariant covariates on this trajectory, and the mean trajectory of depressive symptomatology according to pattern of caregiving. The results suggest that depressive symptoms in the full sample of caregivers follow a nonlinear trajectory characterized by an initial decrease which decelerates over time. Caregiver status and depressive symptoms were significantly associated such that depressive symptoms increased as a function of caregiver status. The trajectory in caregivers who report intermittent or consecutive occasions of caregiving remained stable over time. Significant associations were found between sociodemographic, health and caregiving characteristics and the initial levels and rates of change of these trajectories. While these results point to the resilience of caregivers, they also highlight the factors that are related to caregivers’ adaptation over time. This can help in identifying individuals who may require greater supports and, in turn, ensuring that caregivers preserve their well-being.
Voluntary disclosures and monetary policy: evidence from quantitative easing
Authors: Vincenzi Roberto 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the influence of central bank private-sector quantitative easing (QE) policies on firms’ voluntary disclosures. While the effects of QE on borrowing costs and asset prices are well documented, spillovers in the disclosure realm remain understudied. This study specifically analyzes the effects of the Corporate Sector Purchase Program (CSPP), a private-sector QE policy implemented by the European Central Bank (ECB) in 2016 targeting corporate bonds in the euro area. Applying a difference-in-differences methodology to pre- and post-CSPP periods, I find that firms whose bonds the central bank purchased under the CSPP decreased their voluntary disclosures, particularly those related to cash flows and liabilities. My analysis attributes this decrease to reduced demand for firm-specific information from the central bank. My findings highlight the indirect consequences of QE monetary policy tools on corporate disclosure and contribute to the understanding of the transmission of monetary policy and investor-clientele dynamics.
Are authoritative international organizations challenged more? A recurrent event analysis of member state criticisms and withdrawals
Authors: Dijkstra Hylke , Ghassim Farsan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMember states’ challenges to international organizations (IOs) are at the heart of the supposed crisis of our multilateral order – from the “African bias” debate surrounding the International Criminal Court, to the United Kingdom’s “Brexit” from the European Union, to Trump’s attacks on the World Health Organization during the COVID-19 pandemic. IOs are regularly challenged by their member states in different ways, ranging from verbal criticisms to withdrawals. But why are some IOs challenged more than others? An important – but so far largely theoretical – academic debate relates to the authority of IOs as an explanatory factor for why some face more challenges: Authoritative IOs may invite more challenges (for example, due to domestic contestation) or fewer challenges (due, in part, to the investment of member states and their greater capacity to resolve conflicts internally). Our article assesses these explanations using the Andersen-Gill approach for analyzing recurrent events of member states’ public criticisms and withdrawals. We do not find strong and consistent evidence that more authoritative IOs are more regularly challenged by their own member states. There is some evidence that authoritative IOs experience fewer withdrawals, but we find stronger evidence for alternative factors such as preference heterogeneity between members, the existence of alternative IOs, and the democratic composition of an IO’s membership. Our study is significant for scholarly debates and real-world politics, as it implies that granting IOs more authority does not make them more prone to member state challenges.
Chlorine-Substituent Regulation in Dopant-Free Small-Molecule Hole-Transport Materials Improves the Efficiency and Stability of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Xinyi , Zhang Xiaoye , Li Zhanfeng , Chen Jinbo , Tian Yanting , Liu Baoyou , Si Changfeng , Yue Gang , Dong Hua , Wu Zhaoxin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAlthough doped hole-transport materials (HTMs) offer an efficiency benefit for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), they inevitably diminish the stability. Here, we describe the use of various chlorinated small molecules, specifically fluorenone-triphenylamine (FO-TPA)-x-Cl [x = para, meta, and ortho (p, m, and o)], with different chlorine-substituent positions, as dopant-free HTMs for PSCs. These chlorinated molecules feature a symmetrical donor–acceptor–donor structure and ideal intramolecular charge transfer properties, allowing for self-doping and the establishment of built-in potentials for improving charge extraction. Highly efficient hole-transfer interfaces are constructed between perovskites and these HTMs by strategically modifying the chlorine substitution. Thus, the chlorinated HTM-derived inverted PSCs exhibited superior efficiencies and air stabilities. Importantly, the dopant-free HTM FO-TPA-o-Cl not only attains a power conversion efficiency of 20.82% but also demonstrates exceptional stability, retaining 93.8% of its initial efficiency even after a 30-day aging test conducted under ambient air conditions in PSCs without encapsulation. These findings underscore the critical role of chlorine-substituent regulation in HTMs in ensuring the formation and maintenance of efficient and stable PSCs.
Introduction to the Special Issue ‘Umwelt Theory and Phenomenology’
Authors: Brentari Carlo , Tønnessen Morten 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis introduction to the special issue “Umwelt Theory and Phenomenology” is composed of a brief theoretical introduction to phenomenology seen as a key attitude of philosophical research, an investigation of the possibilities offered by a combined application of phenomenology and biosemiotics, and an overview of the articles that are included in the special issue. The theoretical introduction stresses the possibility of distinguishing, within phenomenology, between approaches centred on the object (in other terms, the phenomenon), and subject-centred approaches which have emerged in the wake of Kantian transcendental idealism. The connection with biosemiotics is explored for both kinds of approaches, showing how Uexküll, and many other scholars after him, have used phenomenological tools and perspectives in the study of biological meaning and meaning-making processes. For each article in the collection, the overview of the articles indicates one or two points that we believe are of the greatest interest for the reader.
Assessment of Exposure to Synthetic Pyrethroids with the Use of Silicone Wristbands and Biomonitoring of Urinary Metabolites: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wacławik Małgorzata , Skwarło Dominika , Jurewicz Joanna , Wielgomas Bartosz 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
A novel approach to assess exposure to synthetic pyrethroids includes the use of silicone wristbands (WBs). In this pilot study completed on (n = 24) volunteers, comprising a week-long sampling period, paired urine samples (metabolites), and WBs (native compounds) were analyzed. This study employed a newly developed method for the determination of six pyrethroids in WBs. Permethrin was the most frequently detected compound (58.3%) in WBs and its geometric mean concentration was 79.64 ng/g. The most frequently detected metabolite in urine was 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) (68.06%). The geometric mean concentrations of urinary pyrethroid biomarkers varied from 0.21 ng/mL for 3-PBA to 0.08 ng/mL for cis-3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (DBCA). Higher concentrations of urinary metabolites (3-PBA, DBCA, cis-DCCA, and trans-DCCA) and permethrin in WBs were detected in study participants who reported pest control in occupied buildings within the last 5 years. The concentrations of 3-PBA, cis-DCCA, trans-DCCA, and permethrin were greater among people using insecticides in their homes. Both the ownership of pets and the use of antiparasitic veterinary drugs also resulted in significantly higher concentrations of metabolites in urine and permethrin in WBs. Silicone wristbands turned out to be a promising tool that may supplement qualitative and quantitative assessment of external exposure and the detection of key sources of pyrethroids in a minimally invasive way. Although our study is only a pilot one with a small number of participants, both urine analysis and wristbands independently allowed for the identification of the same exposure predictors, thereby documenting a certain potential for the practical application of WBs in exposure assessment.
The impact of forage condition on household food security in northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia
Authors: Alulu Vincent Harry , Shikuku Kelvin Mashisia , Lepariyo Watson , Paliwal Ambica , Galgallo Diba , Gobu Wako , Banerjee Rupsha 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe studied the causal link between forage condition and food security in northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia and probed the mechanisms through which the effects occur. The study utilized weekly panel survey data collected over a period of 94 weeks (March 2021–December 2022) from drought-prone pastoral regions and estimated two-stage least squares instrumental variables regression to assess causal impacts. We found that an increase in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) – our proxy for forage condition – by 10% significantly reduced the likelihood of a household experiencing food insecurity by 12 percentage points. The main mechanisms through which improved forage condition increased food security were livestock productivity enhancement, reduced prices of basic food commodities (cereals, legumes, and vegetables), and utilization of better coping strategies by households. These findings suggest the need for interventions and initiatives aimed at boosting livestock productivity and reducing vulnerability to drought-induced poor forage conditions. Efforts focused on the monitoring of forage conditions and supporting market development for livestock feed are important for addressing the adverse impacts of drought and deteriorating forage conditions in the horn of Africa. Furthermore, the monitoring of drought conditions and shocks using high-frequency data has the potential for providing early warning and informing anticipatory action.
A Randomised Controlled Trial of SFX-01 After Subarachnoid Haemorrhage — The SAS Study
Authors: Zolnourian Ardalan , Garland Patrick , Holton Patrick , Arora Mukul , Rhodes Jonathan , Uff Christopher , Birch Tony , Howat David , Franklin Stephen , Galea Ian , Bulters Diederik 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSFX-01 is a novel drug for clinical delivery of sulforaphane (SFN). SFN is a potent nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 activator that reduces inflammation and oxidation, improving outcomes after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) in animal models. This was a multi-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group randomised clinical trial to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of 28 days of SFX-01 300 mg BD in patients aged 18–80 with spontaneous SAH and high blood load on CT. Primary outcomes were (1) safety, (2) plasma and CSF SFN and metabolite levels and (3) vasospasm on transcranial doppler ultrasound. Secondary outcomes included CSF haptoglobin and malondialdehyde and clinical outcome on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and SAH outcome tool (SAHOT). A total of 105 patients were randomised (54 SFX-01, 51 placebo). There were no differences in adverse events other than nausea (9 SFX-01 (16.7%), 1 placebo (2.0%)). SFN, SFN-glutathione and SFN-N-acetyl-cysteine AUClast were 16.2, 277 and 415 h × ng/ml. Plasma SFN was higher in GSTT1 null individuals (t = 2.40, p = 0.023). CSF levels were low with many samples below the lower limit of quantification and predicted by the CSF/serum albumin ratio (R2 = 0.182, p = 0.039). There was no difference in CSF haptoglobin (1.981 95%CI 0.992–3.786, p = 0.052) or malondialdehyde (1.12 95%CI 0.7477–1.687, p = 0.572) or middle cerebral artery flow velocity (1.04 95%CI 0.903–1.211, p = 0.545) or functional outcome (mRS 1.647 95%CI 0.721–3.821, p = 0.237, SAHOT 1.082 95%CI 0.464–2.525, p = 0.855). SFX-01 is safe and effective for the delivery of SFN in acutely unwell patients. SFN penetrated CSF less than expected and did not reduce large vessel vasospasm or improve outcome. Trial registration: NCT02614742 clinicaltrials.gov.
Quantifying the intensity of high-frequency mechanical impact treatment
Authors: Schubnell Jan , Hanji Takeshi , Tateishi Kazuo , Gkatzogiannis Stefanos , Ummenhofer Thomas , Farajian Majid 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHigh-frequency mechanical impact (HFMI) is a user-friendly and efficient mechanical post-weld treatment method, and the achieved fatigue life improvement is statistically proved and is attributed to HFMI-induced compressive residual stresses amongst other effects. Several studies have shown in the past that the process parameters (treatment time and working speed) have an influence on the stress state introduced by the HFMI treatment. Thus far, however, only device-specific quantitative recommendation for the HFMI treatment exists based on the instructions of each HFMI device manufacturer. It is not clear if a certain treatment time for a given intensity leads to optimum results regarding the enhanced fatigue life and the treatment parameters of the several HFMI devices cannot be directly compared with each other. For these reasons, a universal and simple definition of the HFMI treatment’s intensity based on the kinetic energy of the HFMI pin was used to quantitatively correlate the HFMI-induced compressive residual stress with the HFMI-process parameters for two different HFMI devices: pneumatical impact treatment (PIT) and high-frequency impact treatment (HiFIT). To this purpose, data from former studies of HFMI-treated base material and welded specimens are revaluated. It is shown, that the compressive residual stresses show only slight changes after reaching a threshold value of the applied kinetic energy ($$\approx$$
≈
50 to 100 J/mm). This energy-based approach for the quantification of the treatment intensity was also used for a case study with PIT- and HiFIT-treated transverse stiffeners with different treatment intensities (2 J/mm and 7 J/mm). A high influence of the treatment intensity on the residual stress state was determined.
A Review on the Analysis and Optimal Control of Chemotaxis-Consumption Models
Authors: Corrêa Vianna Filho André Luiz , Guillén-González Francisco 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn the present review we focus on the chemotaxis-consumption model $$\partial _t u - \Delta u = - \nabla \cdot (u \nabla v)$$

∂
t

u
-
Δ
u
=
-
∇
·

(
u
∇
v
)

and $$\partial _t v - \Delta v = - u^s v$$

∂
t

v
-
Δ
v
=
-

u
s

v

in $$(0,T) \times \Omega $$

(
0
,
T
)
×
Ω

, for any fixed $$s \ge 1$$

s
≥
1

, endowed with isolated boundary conditions and nonnegative initial conditions, where (u, v) model cell density and chemical signal concentration. Our objective is to present an overview of the related literature and latest results on the aforementioned model concerning the following three distinct research lines we have obtained in Corrêa Vianna Filho and Guillén-González (Nonlinear Anal Real World Appl 70, 103795, 2023), Guillén-González and Corrêa Vianna Filho (SIAM J Numer Anal 61(5), 2509–2533, 2023), Guillén-González and Corrêa Vianna Filho (SIAM J Control Optim 61(5), 3156–3182, 2023), Corrêa Vianna Filho and Guillén-González (Appl Math Optim 89(2), 48, 2024): the mathematical analysis, the numerical analysis and the related optimal control theory with a bilinear control acting on the chemical equation.
Impact and Modal Characteristics of Steels Manufactured by a Novel Hybrid Selective Laser Melting Method
Authors: Kayacan Mevlüt Yunus , Yılmaz Mustafa Safa , Alshihabi Mamoun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOne of the most popular methods of manufacturing metal parts is selective laser melting (SLM). This study uses a novel hybrid manufacturing method for lattice structures, integrating vibration modal and Charpy impact analyses. This integrated approach offers a promising route for advancing the understanding and optimisation of lattice structures in additive manufacturing. This research aims to discover the Charpy impact and vibration-damping behaviours of the 316 L, MS1, and 316 L + 2%Cu alloys and their lattice samples. Charpy impact tests revealed 33 J energy absorption, with the 316 L + 2%Cu material closed hexagon lattice structure. Vibration modal analysis provided insights into dynamic behaviour, aiding in identifying weaknesses. The closed hexagon lattice structure of MS1 exhibited damping ratio of 0.7, indicating its strong potential for vibration-damping applications. Results showcase the potential for widespread industrial applications, emphasising the importance of integrating structural and mechanical assessments in additive manufacturing processes.
Preventable mortality, related socioeconomic, and cultural factors across European countries
Authors: Tavares A. I. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPreventable mortality is a societal burden, impacting significantly on a country’s economy. The aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with the preventable mortality rate across European countries. The major contribution of this study comes from the consideration of cultural values to be related with preventable mortality. The cultural values taken into consideration are uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation which have a strong correlation with economic preferences. For this purpose, panel data from 27 countries was collected for the period 2011–2019. Various models were applied to the dataset, including least squares dummy variable regression, AR(1) model, as well as Driscoll-Kraay, Prais-Winstein, and Hausman-Taylor models. Results show that while preventable mortality rate across European countries closely correlates with GDP per capita, social security expenditures, and air pollution, it is also associated with immigrants per capita and health expenditures. The key findings point to the relationship between cultural values and preventable mortality. These results show that designing effective policies and measures to reduce preventable mortality need to account for the cultural traits of the population.
Computational urban science needs to go beyond computational
Authors: Huang Xiao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this paper, I advocate for a radical expansion of computational urban science to encompass a multidisciplinary, human-centered approach, addressing the inadequacies of traditional methodologies in capturing the complexities of urban life. Building on insights from Jane M. Jacobs and others, I argue that integrating computational tools with disciplines like sociology, anthropology, and urban planning can significantly enhance our understanding and management of urban environments. This integration facilitates a deeper analysis of cultural phenomena, improves urban policy design, and promotes more sustainable, inclusive urban development. By embracing qualitative research methods—such as ethnography and participatory observations—alongside computational analysis, I highlight the importance of capturing the nuanced social fabrics and subjective experiences that define urban areas. I also stress the necessity of including community stakeholders in the research process to ensure that urban science not only analyzes but also improves the lived experiences of urban populations. Furthermore, I underscore the need for ethical governance and the mitigation of biases inherent in computational tools, proposing rigorous model auditing and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in model development. Overall, this work champions a holistic approach to urban science, aiming to make cities smarter, more equitable, and responsive to their residents’ needs.