bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of working from home on technical efficiency within the service industry: A meta‐frontier approach
Authors: Yang Migyeong , Jang Soobin , Goh Michelle , Lee Daeho 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has accelerated the introduction of working from home (WFH), but it has not been verified how it affects corporate performance, and many companies are still hesitant to introduce WFH. In this study, service companies were divided into a group that introduced WFH and a group that did not introduce WFH during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the technical efficiencies of the two groups were compared through meta‐frontier analysis. As a result, the WFH group had a lower technical efficiency (TE) but a higher meta‐technology ratio (MTR) than the group that did not introduce WFH, suggesting that the introduction of WFH can be positive for improving corporate performance in the long run.
High SNR full brain relaxometry at 7T by accelerated MR‐STAT
Authors: Versteeg Edwin , Liu Hongyan , van der Heide Oscar , Fuderer Miha , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. , Sbrizzi Alessandro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeTo demonstrate the feasibility and robustness of the Magnetic Resonance Spin TomogrAphy in Time‐domain (MR‐STAT) framework for fast, high SNR relaxometry at 7T.MethodsTo deploy MR‐STAT on 7T‐systems, we designed optimized flip‐angles using the BLAKJac‐framework that incorporates the SAR‐constraints. Transmit RF‐inhomogeneities were mitigated by including a measured ‐map in the reconstruction. Experiments were performed on a gel‐phantom and on five volunteers to explore the robustness of the sequence and its sensitivity to inhomogeneities. The SNR‐gain at 7T was explored by comparing phantom and in vivo results to MR‐STAT at 3T in terms of SNR‐efficiency.ResultsThe higher SNR at 7T enabled two‐fold acceleration with respect to current 2D MR‐STAT protocols at lower field strengths. The resulting scan had whole‐brain coverage, with 1 x 1 x 3 mm3 resolution (1.5 mm slice‐gap) and was acquired within 3 min including the ‐mapping. After ‐correction, the estimated T1 and T2 in a phantom showed a mean relative error of, respectively, 1.7% and 4.4%. In vivo, the estimated T1 and T2 in gray and white matter corresponded to the range of values reported in literature with a variation over the subjects of 1.0%–2.1% (WM‐GM) for T1 and 4.3%–5.3% (WM‐GM) for T2. We measured a higher SNR‐efficiency at 7T (R = 2) than at 3T for both T1 and T2 with, respectively, a 4.1 and 2.3 times increase in SNR‐efficiency.ConclusionWe presented an accelerated version of MR‐STAT tailored to high field (7T) MRI using a low‐SAR flip‐angle train and showed high quality parameter maps with an increased SNR‐efficiency compared to MR‐STAT at 3T.
An improved hybrid genetic search with data mining for the CVRP
Authors: Maia Marcelo Rodrigues de Holanda , Plastino Alexandre , Souza Uéverton dos Santos 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe hybrid genetic search (HGS) metaheuristic has produced outstanding results for several variants of the vehicle routing problem. A recent implementation of HGS specialized to the capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP) is a state‐of‐the‐art method for this variant. This paper proposes an improved HGS for the CVRP obtained by incorporating a new solution generation method into its (re‐)initialization process to guide the search more efficiently and effectively. The solution generation method introduced in this work combines an approach based on frequent patterns extracted from good solutions by a data mining process and a randomized version of the Clarke and Wright savings heuristic. As observed in our experimental comparison, the proposed method significantly outperforms the original algorithm regarding the final gap to the best known solutions and the primal integral.
Medical Student Research Activity in Otolaryngology
Authors: Chen Tiffany , Ho Bethany , Decker Megan , Basta Daniel , Hong Ellen M. , Durrant Frederick , Eloy Jean Anderson , Benson Brian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate medical student research productivity by institutions associated with otolaryngology residency programs and identify correlates of productivity.Study DesignRetrospective review.SettingN/A.MethodsA systematic search for articles indexed on PubMed published by 116 programs from January 1, 2016 to February 28, 2021 was conducted. Primary outcomes were number of faculty publications, first‐author medical student publications and medical students from each institution. Secondary outcomes included geographic region, number of otolaryngology faculty members, and program rankings.ResultsNationally, the mean number of faculty per institution was 21.7 at the time of search. Over a 5‐year period, there was a mean 98.7 total publications and 15.8 medical student first‐author publications per institution consisting of a mean of 10.03 distinct medical students. One‐way analysis of variance showed no statistically significant difference in medical student productivity (P = .09) or department size (P = .12) between regions. Number of medical student first‐author publications positively correlated to number of faculty (R = .43, P < .05) and number of faculty publications (R = .63, P < .05). The top 30 programs ranked by United States News & World Report or National Institute of Health for funding had a statistically significantly greater mean number of medical student first‐author publications and distinct medical student first authors than all other programs (P < .05).ConclusionGreater numbers of faculty members likely provide more mentorship and opportunities that allow medical students to engage in projects that lead to first‐author publications. These findings allow institutions to reflect on efforts in medical student engagement and provide data to students for career planning.
Effect of an Outbound Scheduling Team on the Timeliness of Scheduling Referrals to Pediatric Otolaryngology
Authors: Allred Caleb M. , Nakamura Rina , Mull Helen , Wang Xing , Jio Jason , Messner Jack , Parikh Sanjay R. , Sie Kathleen , Bonilla‐Velez Juliana 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveFamilies preferring to receive care in a language‐other‐than‐English have disparities in access to care. We studied the effect of implementing an ambulatory outbound scheduling team on the timeliness of scheduling referrals to pediatric otolaryngology. We hypothesized this intervention could increase access to care.Study DesignRetrospective cohort analysis.SettingTertiary care academic center.MethodsData were abstracted from the hospital's enterprise database for patients referred to Otolaryngology over 3 years (October 2019‐August 2022; 7675 referrals). An outbound scheduling team was created April 2021 and tasked with calling out to schedule referrals within one business day of receipt. Referral lag was compared across patient cohorts before and after the scheduling intervention. Log‐transformed linear regression models were used to assess the impact of the scheduling intervention on referral lag for language cohorts.ResultsThe median preintervention referral lag was 6 days (interquartile range [IQR] 2‐18), which was reduced to 1 day postintervention (IQR 0‐5; P < .001). Preintervention language‐other‐than‐English families had a median referral lag of 8 days (IQR 2‐23), which was 1.27 times higher than for patients speaking English (P < .001). With implementation of the scheduling intervention, language‐other‐than‐English families were scheduled in a median of 1 day (IQR 0‐6), and the disparity in timeliness of scheduling was eliminated (P = .131). Postintervention, referral lag was reduced by 58% in the English and 64% in the language other than English cohorts.ConclusionImplementation of an outbound ambulatory scheduling process reduces referral lag for all patients and eliminated a disparity in referral lag for language‐other‐than‐English families.
Access to Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Care at Private Equity‐Owned Otolaryngology Clinics
Authors: Haleem Afash , Garcia Alejandro , Khan Sophia , Shakelly Purvi , Lee Daniel J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveCharacterizing access to sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) care at private practice otolaryngology clinics of varying ownership models.Study DesignCross‐sectional prospective review.SettingPrivate practice otolaryngology clinics.MethodsWe employed a Secret Shopper study design with private equity (PE) owned and non‐PE‐owned clinics within 15 miles of one another. Using a standardized script, researchers randomly called 50% of each clinic type between October 2021 and January 2022 requesting an appointment on behalf of a family member enrolled in either Medicaid or private insurance (PI) experiencing SSNHL. Access to timely care was assessed between clinic ownership and insurance type.ResultsSeventy‐eight total PE‐owned otolaryngology clinics were identified across the United States. Only 40 non‐PE clinics could be matched to the PE clinics; 39 PE and 28 non‐PE clinics were called as Medicaid patients; 39 PE and 25 non‐PE clinics were called as PI patients; 48.7% of PE and 28.6% of non‐PE clinics accepted Medicaid. The mean wait time to new appointment ranged between 9.55 and 13.21 days for all insurance and ownership types but did not vary significantly (P > .480). Telehealth was significantly more likely to be offered for new Medicaid patients at non‐PE clinics compared to PE clinics (31.8% vs 0.0%, P = .001). The mean cost for an appointment was significantly greater at PE clinics than at non‐PE clinics ($291.18 vs $203.75, P = .004).ConclusionsPatients seeking SSNHL care at PE‐owned otolaryngology clinics are likely to face long wait times prior to obtaining an initial appointment and reduced telehealth options.
Estimation of Nasal Airway Cross‐sectional Area From Endoscopy Using Depth Maps: A Proof‐of‐Concept Study
Authors: Garcia Guilherme J.M. , Catalano Dominic , Shum Axel , Larkee Christopher E. , Rhee John S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveEndoscopy is routinely used to diagnose obstructive airway diseases. Currently, endoscopy is only a visualization technique and does not allow quantification of airspace cross‐sectional areas (CSAs). This pilot study tested the hypothesis that CSAs can be accurately estimated from depth maps created from virtual endoscopy videos.Study DesignCross‐sectional.SettingAcademic tertiary medical center.MethodsVirtual endoscopy and depth map videos of the nasal cavity were digitally created based on anatomically accurate three‐dimensional (3D) models built from computed tomography scans of 30 subjects. A software tool was developed to outline the airway perimeter and estimate the airspace CSA from the depth maps. Two otolaryngologists used the software tool to estimate the nasopharynx CSA and the nasal valve minimal CSA (mCSA) in the left and right nasal cavities. Model validation statistics were performed.ResultsNasopharynx CSA had a median percent error of 3.7% to 4.6% when compared to the true values measured in the 3D models. Nasal valve mCSA had a median percent error of 22.7% to 33.6% relative to the true values. Raters successfully used the software tool to identify subjects with nasal valve stenosis (ie, mCSA < 0.20 cm2) with a sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity ≥ 90.7%, and classification accuracy ≥ 90.0%. Interrater and intrarater agreements were high.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that airway CSAs in 3D models can be accurately estimated from depth maps. The development of artificial intelligence algorithms to compute depth maps may soon allow the quantification of airspace CSAs from clinical endoscopies.
Electrospun statin‐loaded nanofibers for treating diabetic wounds
Authors: Pamu Divya , Garikapati Kusuma Kumari , Kuppusamy Gowthamarajan , Krishnamurthy Praveen Thaggikuppe , Ganesan Srividhya , Naik Mudavath Ravi , Karri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Reddy , Ponpandian Nagamony , Alexiou Athanasios , Antoniou Sofia , Khan Azmat Ali , Alanazi Amer M. , Papadakis Marios 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aims to develop, characterize, and evaluate the best statin‐loaded Collagen Silver nanoparticle‐coated polycaprolactone nanofibers by electrospinning technique. The characterization and evaluation results reveal that nanofibers had shown an aligned Collagen Silver nanoparticle‐coated polycaprolactone nanofibers distribution of fibers and aliment of collagen and silver nanoparticle coating material on the surface of the nanofibers. Furthermore, the electrospun nanofibers have shown no interaction between the drug and collagen and PCL polymeric material and have demonstrated controlled drug release for 360 h and significant degradation for 60 days of the study. In vitro, among the nanofiber treatment groups and the control groups, Pravastatin Collagen Silver nanoparticle‐coated polycaprolactone nanofibers have shown cell proliferation and migration of NHDF cells and blood vessel development in the CAM assay and potential anti‐bacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. In vivo, the Pravastatin Collagen Silver nanoparticle‐coated polycaprolactone nanofibers have demonstrated improved wound recovery, re‐epithelization, fibroblast cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and ECM remodeling and enhanced VEGF‐sprouting in the excised tissues of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats for 7, 14, and 21 days of the study. Therefore, the developed Pravastatin Collagen Silver nanoparticle‐coated polycaprolactone nanofibers could be a promising wound‐dressing platform for effectively treating and managing diabetic wounds.Highlights
Nanofiber wound dressings provide numerous structural features in biomaterials.
Polycaprolactone can release the repurposed statin molecules into the wound site in a controlled manner.
In diabetic wounds, ECM tissue remodeling stimulates repair and vessel growth.
Pravastatin has been demonstrated to improve angiogenesis and ECM secretion for wound healing in diabetic conditions.
Diverse genetic basis of Vip3Aa resistance in five independent field‐derived strains of Helicoverpa zea in the US
Authors: Yang Fei , Head Graham P , Kerns Dawson D , Jurat‐Fuentes Juan Luis , Santiago‐González José C , Kerns David L 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDPractical resistance of Helicoverpa zea to Cry proteins has become widespread in the US, making Vip3Aa the only effective Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) protein for controlling this pest. Understanding the genetic basis of Vip3Aa resistance in H. zea is essential in sustaining the long‐term efficacy of Vip3Aa. The objectives of this study were to characterize the inheritance of Vip3Aa resistance in four distinct field‐derived H. zea strains (M1‐RR, AC4‐RR, R2‐RR and R15‐RR), and to test for shared genetic basis among these strains and a previously characterized Texas resistant strain (LT#70‐RR).RESULTSMaternal effects and sex linkage were absent, and the effective dominance level (DML) was 0.0 across Vip3Aa39 concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 31.6 μg cm−2, in all H. zea resistant strains. Mendelian monogenic model tests indicated that Vip3Aa resistance in each of the four strains was controlled by a single gene. However, interstrain complementation tests indicated that three distinct genetic loci are involved in Vip3Aa resistance in the five resistant H. zea strains: one shared by M1‐RR and LT#70‐RR; another shared by R2‐RR and R15‐RR; and a distinct one for AC4‐RR.CONCLUSIONResults of this study indicate that Vip3Aa resistance in all H. zea strains was controlled by a single, recessive and autosomal gene. However, there were three distinct genetic loci associated with Vip3Aa resistance in the five resistant H. zea strains. The information generated from this study is valuable for exploring mechanisms of Vip3Aa resistance, monitoring the evolution of Vip3Aa resistance, and devising effective strategies for managing Vip3Aa resistance in H. zea. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma ‐ a spectrum of disease: two case reports
Authors: Gleeson Margaret , Finan Megan , Redmond Karen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAdenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare form of adenocarcinoma that usually begins in the oral cavity, with most cases arising from the salivary glands. Owing to its low incidence, the precise clinical and pathological features, including therapeutic strategy and survival data have not been conclusively reported. ACCs are typically characterized by slow growth, perineural invasion with local and often late recurrence after initial diagnosis. However, some cases demonstrate unusual aggressive biologic behaviour. Herein we describe our experience of two patients with a diagnosis of ACC. These cases highlight the spectrum of the disease with individualized treatment strategies.
Non‐Fullerene Acceptors Assisted Target Therapy for Interface Treatment Enable High Performance Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Pu Zhenwei , Li Jun , Xie Lisha , Tong Xinyu , Yang Shuncheng , Liu Jian , Chen Jiujiang , Yang Mengjin , Yang Daobin , Ge Ziyi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTargeted treatment of the interface between electron transport layers (ETL) and perovskite layers is highly desirable for achieving passivating effects and suppressing carrier nonradiative recombination, leading to high performance and long‐term stability in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, a series of non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs, Y‐H, Y‐F, and Y‐Cl) are introduced to optimize the properties of the perovskite/ETL interface. This optimization involves passivating Pb2+ defects, releasing stress, and modulating carrier dynamics through interactions with the perovskite. Remarkably, after modifying with NFAs, the absorption range of perovskite films into the near‐infrared region is extended. As expected, Y‐F, with the largest electrostatic potential, facilitates the strongest interaction between the perovskite and its functional groups. Consequently, champion power conversion efficiencies of 21.17%, 22.21%, 23.25%, and 22.31% are achieved for control, Y‐H‐, Y‐F‐, and Y‐Cl‐based FA0.88Cs0.12PbI2.64Br0.36 (FACs) devices, respectively. This treatment also enhances the heat stability and air stability of the corresponding devices. Additionally, these modifier layers are applied to enhance the efficiency of Cs0.05(FA0.95MA0.05)0.95PbI2.64Br0.36 (FAMA) devices. Notably, a champion PCE exceeding 24% is achieved in the Y‐F‐based FAMA device. Therefore, this study provides a facile and effective approach to target the interface, thereby improving the efficiency and stability of PSCs.
Construction of Inorganic/Polymer Tandem Layer on Li Metal with Long‐Term Stability by LiNO3 Concentration Gradient Electrolyte
Authors: Liu Zewen , Zhang Qi , Song Xiaosheng , Shi Yue , Zhu Xuebing , Liu Xiao , Zhou Yamei , Chen Zhonghui , Feng Yunchong , Chen Silei , He Jinling , Guo Zhijie , Zhao Yong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMetal electrode with long cycle life is decisive for the actual use of metal rechargeable batteries, while the dendrite growth and side reaction limit their cyclic stability. Herein, the construction of polymer and inorganic‐rich SEI tandem layer structure on Li metal can be used for extraordinarily extending its cycle life is reported, which is generated by an in situ PVDF/LiF/LiNO3 (PLL) gel layer on the surface of Li metal with a chemically compatible ether solvent. The cycle life of Li//Li cells with the tandem layer structure is over 6000 h, six times longer than those with LiNO3 homogeneous electrolyte. It highlights the importance of LiNO3 concentration gradient electrolyte formed by the in situ PLL gel layer, in which highly concentrated LiNO3 is confined on the surface of Li metal to generate the uniform and inorganic‐rich LiF/Li2O/Li3N layer on the bottom of PVDF/LiF with good mechanical strength, resulting in the dendrite free anode in cell cycling. The assembled Li//LiFePO4 and Li//NMC811 batteries show the capacity retention rate of 80.9% after 800 cycles and 82.3% after 500 cycles, respectively, much higher than those of references.
Ionic Liquids Microenvironment Modulates the Interface Properties of g‐C3N4 for Boosting the Performance of Photodegradation and Infected Wound‐Healing Therapy
Authors: He Bin , Zhao Wanting , Li Wenjin , Wei Chunlei , Sun Jian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe improvement of photocatalytic activity of g‐C3N4 is expected for its advanced applications but remains a challenge due to the limitations of current strategies, such as single function, inefficiency, and uneconomical. Herein, a modified g‐C3N4 with improved interface properties is constructed through the modulation of the ionic microenvironment affected by ionic liquids (ILs) and exhibits a 2.3‐fold enhanced photodegradation efficiency and a 3.5‐fold enhanced reaction rate relative to pristine g‐C3N4. It has demonstrated excellent performance in photo‐therapy bacterial‐infected wounds. Theoretical calculation indicated that the precursor can be regulated by designing the specific ILs microenvironment to form “ILs‐Mel” clusters due to the diversity of interaction energy and electrostatic potential. The cluster results in uneven stress on the 2D plane, further inducing the reconstruction of the microstructure. The synergistic effect of cations and anions of ILs on regulating the interface properties of g‐C3N4 due to the change of skeleton structure during thermolysis of ILs. The microstructure, surface, and optical‐electrical properties can be adjusted by selecting different cations of ILs, and the custom‐made band structure and wettability can be obtained by selecting different anions. This work provides a facile strategy to modulate the interface properties of g‐C3N4 by building specific a microenvironment of precursor.
Pillar‐Structured Ti3C2Tx MXene with Engineered Interlayer Spacing for High‐Performance Magnesium Batteries
Authors: Raisi Bahareh , Liu Xudong , Rahmatinejad Jalal , Ye Zhibin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTwo‐dimentional (2D) Ti3C2Tx MXene has attracted significant attention in non‐lithium‐ion batteries due to its excellent electrical conductivity, high volumetric capacity, and ability to accommodate intercalants. Rechargeable magnesium batteries with Mg metal anodes are noted for their high theoretical energy density, potential safety, earth abundance, dendrite‐free Mg2+ plating/stripping mechanism on the anode side, and low cost. Nevertheless, owing to the large polarity of divalent Mg2+ ions, the insertion of Mg2+ into the MXene layers suffers from sluggish kinetics, limiting the performance for storage of Mg2+ ions. Herein, a simple self‐assembly strategy is demonstrated to achieve high magnesium ion storage capability with pillar‐structured Ti3C2Tx MXene by intercalating a hyperbranched polyethylene ionomer containing quaternary ammonium ions. The ionomer intercalation/modification leads to the expansion of interlayer spacing of the MXene and, meanwhile, improves its affinity to low‐polarity THF‐based electrolyte. The delaminated ionomer‐modified MXene shows significantly improved electrochemical performance as a cathode material for Mg batteries. It shows a promising cycling stability with a capacity retention of 86% after 400 cycles at 200 mA g−1, as well as outstanding high‐rate performance with a capacity of 110 mAh g−1 retained at 1,000 mA g−1 relative to 213 mAh g−1 at 20 mA g−1.