bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monitoring dynamics of biocrust rehabilitation in acid-saturated desert soils
Authors: Kerem T. , Nejidat A. , Zaady E. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe study explores the aftermath of a wastewater reservoir failure in a phosphate fertilizer industry, resulting in the release of acidic water containing phosphorus and sulfate compounds into the Ashalim stream’s Nature Reserve in the Judean desert, which affected the soil surface biological crusts (biocrusts) layer. The study aims to examine contamination effects on biocrusts over 3 years at two research sites along the stream, compare effects between contaminated sites, assess rehabilitation treatments, and examine their impact on soil characteristics. Hypotheses suggest significant damage to biocrusts due to acidic water flow, requiring human intervention for accelerated restoration. The results indicate adverse effects on biocrust properties, risking its key role in the desert ecosystem. The biocrust layer covering the stream’s ground surface suffered significant physical, chemical, and biological damage due to exposure to industrial process effluents. However, soil enrichment treatments, including biocrust components and organic material, show promising effects on biocrust recovery.
Assessment of spatio-temporal dynamics of land degradation and desertification in Pakistan and its impact on agriculture productivity
Authors: Hissan Riaz Ul , Shafiq Hamza , Nassani Abdelmohsen A. , Parveen Nusrat , Hussain Bilal , Radulescu Magdalena 
Published: July 2024

AbstractVarious natural and anthropogenic activities such as climate change, urbanization and industrialization play a vital role in changing the land characteristics. These changes does not only affect the human lives and activities, but also results in tremendous decrease in agricultural productivity and arable land. Thus, the purpose of this study is to analyze the land degradation and desertification in Pakistan using satellite imageries data acquired from the Landsat 8 and 9. For the empirical analysis, various indices such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Normalized Difference Bare Soil Index, Supervised classification and Land Surface Temperature are examined using Google earth engine cloud computing platform. The results showed that desertified and built-up-land are increasing, while degraded land, arable land, and vegetative land are decreasing in the study area. Also, results of land surface temperature analysis showed a rise in the temperature up to 3.060C as compared to previous two years. Moreover, estimated findings from regression analysis showed that Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, and Normalized Difference Bare Soil Index positively affects the Land Surface Temperature. The findings of study are important for government and concern stakeholders to take necessary measures to stop the conversion of productive green land into unproductive degraded and desertified land.
Comparison between rupture parameters of intermediate and deep earthquakes at the Peru–Brazil–Bolivia border and northern Chile
Authors: Pro Carmen , Tavera Hernando , Mattesini Maurizio , Escudero Lucía , Buforn Elisa , Udías Agustín , Centeno Estela 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe determined the main parameters of the source rupture process of intermediate- and deep-depth earthquakes occurring in the Peru–Brazil–Bolivia border region and northern Chile. The parameters of depth, fault-plane orientation, scalar seismic moment, slip distribution, and radiated seismic energy are obtained from seismograms. We selected 15 intermediate-depth earthquakes (100 km < h < 300 km) and 10 very deep earthquakes (h > 500 km) with magnitudes MW ≥ 6.0. For most events, the slip distribution over the rupture plane shows a single asperity, and the source time function presents a simple pulse. There are differences between intermediate-depth and deep earthquakes. The rupture areas, maximum slip and source time function (STF) duration are larger for intermediate-depth events than for deep events. Additionally, the STF’s show a sharper increase for deep earthquakes. The scaled radiated seismic energy shows larger values for deep depth events. The stress regime pattern derived from the obtained focal mechanism agrees with the geometry of the subduction of the Nazca plate. At intermediate depths, in the northern area up to 12°S, the stress pattern corresponds to a horizontal extension, while in the southern area, the tension axes dip at an angle of 30°. At deep depths, the stress regime corresponds to vertical compression in the north and dips of approximately 45° in the south.
Pharmacokinetic Modeling of the Effect of Tariquidar on Ondansetron Disposition into the Central Nervous System
Authors: Chiang Manting , Back Hyunmoon , Lee Jong Bong , Oh Sarah , Guo Tiffany , Girgis Simone , Park Celine , Haroutounian Simon , Kagan Leonid 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonists are promising agents for treatment of neuropathic pain. However, insufficient drug exposure at the central nervous system (CNS) might result in lack of efficacy. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of administration of a Pgp inhibitor (tariquidar) on ondansetron exposure in the brain, spinal cord, and cerebrospinal fluid in a wild-type rat model.

Methods
Ondansetron (10 mg/kg) and tariquidar (7.5 mg/kg) were administered intravenously, plasma and tissue samples were collected and analyzed by HPLC. A mathematical model with brain, spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid and two systemic disposition compartments was developed to describe the data.

Results
The results demonstrate that tariquidar at 7.5 mg/kg resulted in a complete inhibition of Pgp efflux of ondansetron in the brain and spinal cord. The compartmental model successfully captured pharmacokinetics of ondansetron in wild type and Pgp knockout (KO) animals receiving the drug alone or in wild type animals receiving the ondansetron and tariquidar combination.

Conclusions
The study provided important quantitative information on enhancement of CNS exposure to ondansetron using co-administration of Pgp Inhibitor in a rat model, which will be further utilized in conducting a clinical study. Tariquidar co-administration resulted in ondansetron CNS exposure comparable to observed in Pgp KO rats. Results also highlighted the effect of tariquidar on plasma disposition of ondansetron, which may not be dependent on Pgp inhibition, and should be evaluated in future studies.
Spatial Competition Models in Health Care Markets: A Review
Authors: Levaggi Laura , Levaggi Rosella 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThrough time, spatial competition has become the natural environment for studying a number of problems, ranging from product differentiation to mail order versus traditional business, to service provision under various assumptions about the institutional setting. Health economics research has greatly benefited from the intuitions that underlie the Hotelling model and several authors have contributed to the literature on the architecture of the market for health care by proposing models within this framework. In this paper we explore how spatial competition has been used in health economics to improve the knowledge of the mechanisms of the market for health care through the derivation of significant policy implications. One of the most important messages is that in spite of competition, the regulator still should have a central role in the architecture of the market and policies have to be carefully tailored in order to avoid the onset of perverse, undesired effects on quality and welfare.
Relative Standing and Political Participation
Authors: Fransman Tina , von Fintel Marisa 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe significance of absolute income has consistently been highlighted in the literature as an important factor shaping individuals’ propensity to engage in political participation. However, considerably less research has been done on the relationship between relative income and individuals’ propensity to engage in both conventional and unconventional forms of political participation. Using relative income to quantify relative standing, this paper explores the relationship between relative standing and political participation in South Africa. Results show that individuals’ relative standing had a divergent relationship with their propensity to engage in voting and protest. More specifically, the results showed that South Africans with a higher relative standing, i.e., those who experienced relative privilege were more likely to engage in voting, while those with a lower relative standing, i.e., those who experienced relative deprivation, were more likely to engage in protest participation.
The reliability of evidential pluralism in drug regulation
Authors: Andreoletti Mattia , Pérez-González Saúl 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to shed light on and critically evaluate the potential impact of evidential pluralism in the realm of pharmaceutical regulation. In the complex landscape of drug evaluation and approval, the role of evidence is pivotal. Firstly, we delve into the role of evidence of mechanisms within drug regulation, with a particular focus on the Accelerated Approval pathway administered by the US Food and Drug Administration. Our analysis reveals that this program, in practice, closely resembles a pluralistic approach to evidence. Secondly, we undertake a thorough examination of the reliability of evidential pluralism within the context of drug regulation. We dissect and discuss the open-cases approach recently put forth by Sung and Holman. While acknowledging its potential merits, we also identify and articulate significant limitations inherent in this approach. Finally, we propose an alternative empirical approach that centres on the real-world outcomes of regulatory programs.
Reflexive awareness and reflexivity: an identity model of reflexive awareness with Korta and Perry’s reflexive-referential theory of content (RRT)
Authors: Hung Jenny 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn recent years, much debate has centered on the same-order representational theory of consciousness. According to this theory, (1) conscious mental episodes are episodes of which we are aware; and (2) the awareness of an external object and the immediate, reflexive awareness of the mental episode together constitute a single episode. In this paper, I propose that the reflexive-referential theory of content developed by Korta and Perry can be used to establish the claim that reflexive awareness is numerically identical to the mental episode it represents. The advantage of this model is threefold. First, it avoids misrepresentation and vicious infinite regress. Second, it illustrates the intimate connection between a mental episode and the reflexive awareness of it. Third, it explains why consciousness is an intrinsic property.
McDowell’s overlooked argument for disjunctivism - realism, self-consciousness, and knowledge
Authors: Gersel Johan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMcDowell’s defence of disjunctivism is often portrayed as starting from a controversial epistemological access-internalism, which he fails to support in his writings. This paper critiques such interpretations and presents an alternative reading of McDowell’s argument in favour of disjunctivism. Taking outset in McDowell’s early debate with Michael Dummett, it is shown why disjunctivism is a consequence of McDowell’s realism combined with his acceptance of the Fregean claim that Sense determines reference. It is argued that even within the modest approach to meaning theories which McDowell favour, disjunctivism is a necessary requirement for a defence of realism. This approach means that, rather than starting from controversial epistemological convictions, McDowell’s disjunctivism motivates the adoption of access-internalism, as it enables truth-ensuring experiential support for our thoughts. Hence, while I deny that disjunctivism follows from premises about the nature of knowledge, I agree with McDowell that the landscape of our debate about knowledge may be irrevocably altered once we accept disjunctivism.
Patient-Portal Compared with Supplemental In-Office Tablet Screening for Health-Related Social Needs in Primary Care
Authors: Meltzer Kerry , Yang Max , Rossmann Alice , Kinsey Eliza W. , Cronholm Peter F. , Morgan Anna U. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Screening for health-related social needs (HRSN) has become more widespread but the best method of delivering the screening tool is not yet known.

Objective
Describe HRSN screening completion rate, specifically portal-based and in-person tablet-based screening.

Design
Cross-sectional retrospective observational study.

Participants
Adults age 18 or older who had a non-acute primary care visit at one of three internal medicine primary care clinics at a large, urban, academic medical center between July 2022 and July 2023.

Main Measures
We identified the proportion of individuals who were screened using the HRSN questionnaire, whether screening was completed by patient-portal or tablet, as well as the degree of burden of HRSN. Using the electronic health record, we explored associations between sociodemographic characteristics and HRSN attributes.

Key Results
Our study included 24,597 patients, of whom 37% completed the HRSN questionnaire. A smaller proportion of Black/African American patients and those with Medicaid insurance completed the questionnaire, yet they comprised a greater percentage of those who screened positive for unmet HRSN (p ≤ 0.001). Most patients completed the questionnaire by patient-portal (86.1%) compared with in-office tablets (14.0%). A larger proportion of those who completed screening by tablet screened positive for HRSN. Of all patients screened, 21.8% were positive for an unmet HRSN and 11.5% had more than one unmet HRSN.

Conclusions
A majority of patients are not being screened for HRSN and results illustrate disparities when screening patients for HRSN through portal-based compared with supplemental in-office tablet-based screening. Prevalence of unmet HRSN varied by demographics such as race and insurance status.
Knowledge uptake from lived experience regarding sustainable groundwater management: complementing scientific knowledge in urban policymaking
Authors: Nettenbreijers Karin , Tromp Ellen , Perez Paquita 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUrbanization can pose water management challenges in cities while overlooking the possibilities of residents’ lived experience and collaborative action learning. We show how the conceptual model of the Lived Experience of Sustainable Urban Groundwater Level identifies several aspects of local knowledge development through an ex-post case study in Rotterdam’s Flower Neighbourhood (The Netherlands), where too low groundwater levels threaten house foundations. Three types of local knowledge development emerged: (i) performing and monitoring well measurements by residents, (ii) environment-specific insights collected by residents and shared with civil servants, and (iii) collaboration on groundwater management experiments, resulting in empirical groundwater data. Overcoming communication barriers, trust issues, and power dynamics are crucial for effectively retrieving and integrating lived experience into collective learning for urban sustainable development.
Optimizing Hospital Performance Evaluation in Total Weight Loss Outcomes After Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis to Guide Further Improvement in Dutch Hospitals
Authors: Bruinsma Floris F. E. , Liem Ronald S. L. , Nienhuijs Simon W. , Greve Jan Willem M. , de Mheen Perla J. Marang-van ,   on behalf of the Dutch Audit for Treatment of Obesity Research Group, van Acker G. J. D. , Apers J. , Bruin S. C. , de Castro S. M. M. , Damen S. L. , Faneyte I. F. , Greve J. W. M. , van ’t Hof G. , Jonker F. H. W. , Klaassen R. A. , Lagae E. A. G. L. , Langenhoff B. S. , Liem R. S. L. , Luijten A. A. P. M. , Nienhuijs S. W. , Smeenk R. M. , Smeets S. J. M. , Vening W. , Takkenberg M. , de Witte E. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Bariatric surgery aims for optimal patient outcomes, often evaluated through the percentage total weight loss (%TWL). Quality registries employ funnel plots for outcome comparisons between hospitals. However, funnel plots are traditionally used for dichotomous outcomes, requiring %TWL to be dichotomized, potentially limiting feedback quality. This study evaluates whether a funnel plot around the median %TWL has better discriminatory performance than binary funnel plots for achieving at least 20% and 25% TWL.

Methods
All hospitals performing bariatric surgery were included from the Dutch Audit for Treatment of Obesity. A funnel plot around the median was constructed using 5-year %TWL data. Hospitals positioned above the 95% control limit were colored green and those below red. The same hospitals were plotted in the binary funnel plots for 20% and 25% TWL and colored according to their performance in the funnel plot around the median. We explored the hospital’s procedural mix in relation to %TWL performance as possible explanatory factors.

Results
The median-based funnel plot identified four underperforming and four outperforming hospitals, while only one underperforming and no outperforming hospitals were found with the binary funnel plot for 20% TWL. The 25% TWL binary funnel plot identified two underperforming and three outperforming hospitals. The proportion of sleeve gastrectomies performed per hospital may explain part of these results as it was negatively associated with median %TWL (β =  − 0.09, 95% confidence interval [− 0.13 to − 0.04]).

Conclusion
The funnel plot around the median discriminated better between hospitals with significantly worse and better performance than funnel plots for dichotomized %TWL outcomes.

Graphical Abstract
The Elusive Nature of ABCC8-related Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (ABCC8-MODY). A Review of the Literature and Case Discussion
Authors: Marassi Marella , Morieri Mario Luca , Sanga Viola , Ceolotto Giulio , Avogaro Angelo , Fadini Gian Paolo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) are monogenic forms of diabetes resulting from genetic defects, usually transmitted in an autosomal dominant fashion, leading to β-cell dysfunction. Due to the lack of homogeneous clinical features and univocal diagnostic criteria, MODY is often misdiagnosed as type 1 or type 2 diabetes, hence its diagnosis relies mostly on genetic testing. Fourteen subtypes of MODY have been described to date. Here, we review ABCC8-MODY pathophysiology, genetic and clinical features, and current therapeutic options.

Recent Findings
ABCC8-MODY is caused by mutations in the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette transporter subfamily C member 8 (ABCC8) gene, involved in the regulation of insulin secretion. The complexity of ABCC8-MODY genetic picture is mirrored by a variety of clinical manifestations, encompassing a wide spectrum of disease severity. Such inconsistency of genotype-phenotype correlation has not been fully understood. A correct diagnosis is crucial for the choice of adequate treatment and outcome improvement. By targeting the defective gene product, sulfonylureas are the preferred medications in ABCC8-MODY, although efficacy vary substantially. We illustrate three case reports in whom a diagnosis of ABCC8-MODY was suspected after the identification of novel ABCC8 variants that turned out to be of unknown significance. We discuss that careful interpretation of genetic testing is needed even on the background of a suggestive clinical context.

Summary
We highlight the need for further research to unravel ABCC8-MODY disease mechanisms, as well as to clarify the pathogenicity of identified ABCC8 variants and their influence on clinical presentation and response to therapy.
Machine learning classification approach for predicting tensile strength in aluminium alloy during friction stir welding
Authors: Fuse Kishan , Venkata Pavan , Reddy R. Meenakshi , Bandhu Din 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The machine learning (ML) methodology is receiving significant attention as a promising approach for addressing and modeling manufacturing challenges. This research designed an ML framework to forecast the tensile strength of aluminium alloys produced using friction stir welding (FSW). The dataset comprising 213 samples of aluminium alloy sourced from peer-reviewed literature was used. A range of ML algorithms such as decision tree, random forest, adaptive boosting classifier (ABC), k-nearest neighbors, gaussian naive Bayes classifier, and support vector machines were applied to the dataset. The findings revealed that the ABC algorithm attained the highest accuracy, reaching 81.6% among the models tested. This study highlights the effectiveness of ML methodologies in predicting the tensile properties of FSW-manufactured aluminium alloys, thus driving progress in the field of welding and joining.
Exploring COVID-19 Pandemic Disparities with Transcriptomic Meta-analysis from the Perspective of Personalized Medicine
Authors: Kori Medi , Kasavi Ceyda , Arga Kazim Yalcin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractInfection with SARS-CoV2, which is responsible for COVID-19, can lead to differences in disease development, severity and mortality rates depending on gender, age or the presence of certain diseases. Considering that existing studies ignore these differences, this study aims to uncover potential differences attributable to gender, age and source of sampling as well as viral load using bioinformatics and multi-omics approaches. Differential gene expression analyses were used to analyse the phenotypic differences between SARS-CoV-2 patients and controls at the mRNA level. Pathway enrichment analyses were performed at the gene set level to identify the activated pathways corresponding to the differences in the samples. Drug repurposing analysis was performed at the protein level, focusing on host-mediated drug candidates to uncover potential therapeutic differences. Significant differences (i.e. the number of differentially expressed genes and their characteristics) were observed for COVID-19 at the mRNA level depending on the sample source, gender and age of the samples. The results of the pathway enrichment show that SARS-CoV-2 can be combated more effectively in the respiratory tract than in the blood samples. Taking into account the different sample sources and their characteristics, different drug candidates were identified. Evaluating disease prediction, prevention and/or treatment strategies from a personalised perspective is crucial. In this study, we not only evaluated the differences in COVID-19 from a personalised perspective, but also provided valuable data for further experimental and clinical efforts. Our findings could shed light on potential pandemics.