bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socio-demographic determinants of earthquake risk perception: the case of the Corinthiakos Gulf, in Greece
Authors: Niforatos Stavros , Panagiotakos Demosthenes , Delladetsimas Pavlos-Marinos 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRisk perception has been widely recognized as an essential factor in shaping attitudes and behaviors of individuals and communities proactively, during and after the experience of extreme catastrophic events. Its importance derives out mostly due to its intrinsic relationship with socioeconomic parameters and capacity building of communities affected by such events. The aim of this paper was to elaborate on the demographic and socioeconomic determinants of earthquake risk perception of populations living in an extremely earthquake-prone environment. For this purpose, a population sample of municipalities in the Corinthiakos Gulf in Central West Greece was examined. The sample (230 men and 276 women) was randomly selected from three coastal municipalities of the Gulf: Aigialeia, Nafpaktia and Corinthos. Multi-adjusted linear regression analysis was performed to reveal the determinants of the participants’ perceptions regarding earthquake risk. Findings revealed that mean earthquake risk perception score was moderate in both men and women and notably lower for the participants living in the municipality of Nafpaktia, as compared to the participants of the other two study areas. Earthquake risk perception varied significantly according to age, sex, income and building construction period (of assets resided or used by the participants). Younger strata, especially young men, and households of lower-income status tend to correlate to lower earthquake risk perception. Moreover, individuals living in newly constructed buildings presented lower earthquake risk perception levels. Also, increased individuals’ earthquake safety information provided by state agencies and local civil protection authorities was associated with increased risk perception. Issues like education, household structure, building earthquake insurance, savings and trust in civil protection authorities were not associated with risk perception. From a policy design point of view, such findings provide noteworthy insights for local communities and civil protection authorities allowing to identify vulnerable population groups and to provide noteworthy insights to design targeted measures and policies in the making of a safe and resilient environment.
Dynamic inconsistency under ambiguity: An experiment
Authors: Caferra Rocco , Hey John D. , Morone Andrea , Santorsola Marco 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper experimentally investigates the potential existence of dynamically inconsistent individuals in a situation of ambiguity. The experiment involves participants making two sequential decisions concerning the allocation of a sum of money, with an ambiguous move by Nature occurring after first decision, and again after the second. We conducted two between-subject sessions: one incentivised and one unincentivised. By analysing the resulting data, we are able to classify participants into four distinct decision-making types: Myopic, Resolute, Sophisticated and Expected Utility (EU). Our results suggest that a significant proportion of the participants do not exhibit dynamic inconsistency being either Resolute, Sophisticated or EU. We discuss how monetary incentives can change the dynamic consistency of decision-makers and the salience of the Ambiguity. Differently from the incentivised treatment, we detect a slight increase of the proportion of Myopic behaviour in the hypothetical case, suspecting that incentives might affect dynamic consistency. A noteworthy observation is that, in the majority of cases, ambiguity tends to simplify to risk in the absence of monetary incentives. These findings have implications for economic decision-making and policymaking. By identifying the different types of decision-makers and understanding how they make choices, we can develop more effective strategies to promote desirable outcomes.
Assessment of PCR Inhibitor Removal Methods to Monitor Viruses in Environmental Water Samples: DAX-8 Outperforms Competitors
Authors: Hamza Ibrahim Ahmed , Leifels Mats 
Published: December 2023

AbstractComplex water matrices or viral elution buffers can interfere with the qPCR leading to an underestimation of the potential public health hazards of waterborne viral pathogens. Here, we assessed different approaches to mitigate inhibitory impact of complex water samples during RT-qPCR of murine norovirus (MNV), as an inhibition control. The dilution of extracted samples, the use of qPCR additives, a commercial PCR inhibitor removal kit, and polymeric adsorbents such as Supelite DAX-8 and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were all investigated in this context. Data indicated that the maximum amplification of MNV by RT-qPCR could be obtained by pre-dilution of samples. However, the dilution factor may depend on inhibitors concentration, primer length, probe sequence, and binding capacity. Interestingly, PCR inhibitor removal kits do not seem to be adequate for removing all PCR inhibitors. In comparison to other approaches studied here, the application of 5% DAX-8 led to an increase in MNV qPCR concentrations. DAX-8 can permanently eliminate humic acids from the extracted nucleic acids from the environmental water samples, and it has the potential to considerably improve the accuracy of the obtained non-detects and measured concentrations by qPCR. Further research is required to understand the performance of polymeric adsorbents with enveloped viruses.
The effects of electrochemical pretreatment and curing environment on strength and leaching of stabilized/solidified contaminated sediment
Authors: Norén Anna , Strömvall Ann-Margret , Rauch Sebastien , Andersson-Sköld Yvonne , Modin Oskar , Karlfeldt Fedje Karin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractStabilization and solidification (S/S) is known to improve the structural properties of sediment and reduce contaminant mobility, enabling the utilization of dredged contaminated sediment. Further reduction of contaminants (e.g., tributyltin (TBT) and metals) can be done using electrochemical treatment prior to S/S and could potentially minimize contaminant leaching. This is the first study on how electrochemical pretreatment affects the strength and leaching properties of stabilized sediments. It also investigates how salinity and organic carbon in the curing liquid affect the stabilized sediment.The results showed that the electrolysis reduced the content of TBT by 22% and zinc by 44% in the sediment. The electrolyzed stabilized samples met the requirements for compression strength and had a reduced surface leaching of zinc. Curing in saline water was beneficial for strength development and reduced the leaching of TBT compared to curing in fresh water. The results indicate that pretreatment prior to stabilization could be beneficial in reducing contaminant leaching and recovering metals from the sediment. The conclusion is that a better understanding of the changes in the sediment caused by electrochemical treatment and how these changes interact with stabilization reactions is needed. In addition, it is recommended to investigate the strength and leaching behavior in environments similar to the intended in situ conditions.
A Preliminary Assessment of Short-Term Social and Substance Use-Related Outcomes Among Clients of Integrated Safer Opioid Supply Pilot Programs in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Nafeh Frishta , Mbichila Tinkhani , Bouck Zachary , Scheim Ayden , Mitra Sanjana , Bonn Matthew , Morris Franky , Atkinson Kate , Mason Kate , Eeuwes Jolene , Strike Carol , Gomes Tara , Werb Dan , Karamouzian Mohammad 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCanada is experiencing an ongoing overdose crisis, driven by a toxic unregulated drug supply. Integrated safer supply pilot programs offer pharmaceutical alternatives, coupled with comprehensive support services, to individuals using unregulated drug supply who are at high risk of overdose. We collected data from December 2020 to January 2023 on clients receiving safer opioid supply from five frontline service providers in Toronto, Canada, using interviewer-administered questionnaires. We assessed the incidence rate ratio of self-reported overdose comparing pre- and post-enrolment in the programs and examined changes in the prevalence of social and substance use outcomes post-enrolment. Forty-one participants were recruited, of whom 26 were followed up for a median of eight months (interquartile range, 5.0–11.7). The incidence rate ratio of overdose comparing post-enrolment to pre-enrolment was 0.20 (95% confidence interval, 0.09–0.43). Participants reported several positive social and substance use outcomes at follow-up, including a reduction in reliance on the unregulated supply and reduced criminal activity. Future implementation of integrated safer opioid supply pilot programs with larger sample sizes and rigorous epidemiological designs could help further illustrate the potential impacts of these programs in reducing overdose rates in Canada.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Positive-Controlled, Multicenter Clinical Trial on the Efficacy and Safety of ShuganJieyu Capsule and St. John’s Wort for Major Depressive Disorder with Somatic Complaints
Authors: Xiang Yajie , Wang Lihua , Gu Ping , Wang Chunxue , Tian Yuling , Shi Wanying , Deng Fang , Zhang Yongbo , Gao Li , Wang Kai , Wang Yi , He Jincai , Zhao Wenfeng , Bi Xiaoying , Hu Jian , Zhong Lianmei , Guo Yi , Zhou Xinyu , Wang Hongxing , Xie Peng ,   On behalf of the Society of Neuropsychological, Affective Disorders, Chinese Neurology Association, Chinese Medical Doctor Association
Published: December 2023

AbstractPrevious studies have found the effect of ShuganJieyu capsule and St. John’s wort on the treatment of depression and explored their potential benefits for somatic symptoms, while the evidence of comparison of them for depression with somatic complaints is lacking. In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, 198 major depressive disorder (MDD) patients with somatic complaints were randomly allocated, 92 in the ShuganJieyu capsule group, and 91 in the St. John’s wort group completed 8 weeks treatment. Primary outcome was the change score of the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) at week 8. Secondary outcomes included other indices of depression, somatic symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, quality of life, and adverse events. The change scores of HDRS-17 were not significantly difference between the two groups, but the reduction in HDRS-17 was significantly improved in both the ShuganJieyu capsule (HDRS-17Δ =  − 11.35 ± 5.38, p < 0.001) and St. John’s wort (HDRS-17Δ =  − 11.20 ± 5.71, p < 0.001) groups. The other outcomes showed similar results. Compared with St. John’s wort, the ShuganJieyu capsule induced significantly greater HDRS-17 reductions in male (SMD, − 0.55; 95% CI, − 1.08 to − 0.02) but not in female. Overall, The ShuganJieyu capsule was comparable to St. John’s wort as a complementary and alternative intervention for MDD patients with somatic complaints in the acute treatment, especially for male patients.
[18F]FDG PET/CT can trigger relevant oncological management changes leading to favorable outcome in iodine-negative thyroid cancer patients
Authors: Zhi Yingjun , Higuchi Takahiro , Hackenberg Stephan , Hagen Rudolf , Stöth Manuel , Scherzad Agmal , Buck Andreas K. , Werner Rudolf A. , Serfling Sebastian E. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
In patients with iodine-negative thyroid cancer (TC), current guidelines endorse an [18F]FDG PET/CT to identify dedifferentiated sites of disease. We aimed to determine the rate of oncological management changes triggered by such a molecular imaging approach, along with the impact on outcome.

Methods
42 consecutive patients with negative findings on [131I] whole body scan were scheduled for [18F]FDG PET/CT and treatment based on PET results were initiated. To determine the impact on oncological management, we compared the therapeutic plan prior to and after molecular imaging. Based on imaging follow-up, the rate of controlled disease (CD, defined as stable disease, complete or partial response) was also recorded, thereby allowing to assess whether [18F]FDG-triggered management changes can also lead to favorable outcome.

Results
We observed no alterations of the treatment plan in 9/42 (21.4%) subjects (active surveillance in 9/9 [100%]). Oncological management was changed in the remaining 33/42 (78.6%; systemic treatment in 9/33 [27.3%] and non-systemic treatment in 24/33 [72.7%]). Among patients receiving non-systemic therapy, the following changes were noted: surgery in 20/24 (83.3%) and radiation therapy in 4/24 (16.7%). In the systemic group, tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) was prescribed in 8/9 (88.9%), while radioiodine therapy based on a TKI-mediated redifferentiation approach was conducted in 1/9 (11.1%). In 26 subjects with available follow-up, rate of CD was 22/26 (84.6%) and among those, 15/22 (68.1%) had experienced previous management changes based on PET/CT findings.

Conclusions
In subjects with iodine-negative TC, [18F]FDG PET/CT triggered relevant management changes along with disease control in the vast majority of patients. As such, in dedifferentiated TC, [18F]FDG PET/CT may serve as a relevant management tool and therapeutic decision-aid in the clinic.
Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Spanish healthcare workers: a systematic review of prevalence and wave-based patterns
Authors: Jaén Irene , Ausín Carolina , Castilla Diana 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of the entire population, and especially of the healthcare, due to their close contact with the virus and the health emergency. However, the diversity of studies makes it difficult to determine the prevalence of mental health problems in Spanish healthcare workers. This study aims to examine the studies carried out during COVID-19 with the Spanish healthcare population to determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and burnout symptomatology. A systematic search of the articles in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was performed following PRISMA criteria. Pooled prevalence was obtained for all the mental health symptomatology from moderate to severe, as well as divided by wave. Our data revealed that 50.54% of healthcare workers reported stress, 41.02% burnout, 35.25% anxiety, 29.76% depression, and 25.82% PTSD symptomatology. Anxiety, depression, PTSD and burnout symptomatology diminished in the second and/or the third waves but increased in the following waves. However, stress showed the maximum prevalence during the second wave. Our study highlights a significant impact on the mental health of healthcare workers during health crises, and emphasizes the immediate need for mental health support for healthcare workers during and after pandemics. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and burnout symptomatology exhibit a “valley” effect, initially decreasing but increasing with prolonged exposure to the COVID-19 health crisis. This underscores the necessity to implement prevention strategies to enhance stress management, emotional regulation skills, and coping abilities.
Robot Feedback Design for Response Delay
Authors: Kang Dahyun , Nam Changjoo , Kwak Sonya S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe investigated an effective human-robot interaction design to alleviate the user’s negative experience caused by the response delay of a robot. The feedback regarding a robot’s delayed response was designed using human-like and machine-like approaches. The first experiment was conducted in task-based interaction to explore the effects of the feedback type (human-like or machine-like feedback versus a baseline robot) and task type (a high-cognitive-demand task versus a low-cognitive-demand task) on the understandability, perceived waiting time, and service evaluation of the robot (N= 36). The robot with machine-like feedback was rated the most positive in terms of understandability, perceived waiting time, and service evaluation. The perceived waiting time mediated the effect of feedback type on service evaluation. There were significant effects between the feedback types and the task types on understandability, perceived waiting time, and service evaluation. In a low-cognitive-demand task, machine-like feedback was evaluated more positively than human-like feedback, while in a high-cognitive-demand task, there was no significant difference between human-like feedback and machine-like feedback. In addition, the second experiment was conducted in social interaction between humans and robots to explore the effect of the two feedback types on the understandability, perceived waiting time, sociability, and service evaluation of the robot (N= 36). The robots providing feedback were evaluated more positively than the baseline robot, which did not provide any feedback, and sociability mediated the effect of feedback type on service evaluation.
Morphologic Differentiation of the Exotic Parasitoid Eupelmus pulchriceps (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) in the Galapagos Archipelago
Authors: Camargo-Martinez Nicolas David , Camacho-Erazo Mariana , Amarillo-Suárez Angela R. , Herrera Henri W. , Sarmiento Carlos E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe historical and geographical properties of the archipelagos allow a detailed study of species diversification, and phenotypic traits can indicate the extent of such processes.Eupelmus pulchriceps(Cameron, 1904) is an exotic species to the Galapagos archipelago, and generalist parasitoid that attacks a beetle species that consumes the seeds of the invasive shrubLeucaena leucocephala(Lam.) de Wit.Despite extensive sampling, the wasp is recorded only in Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands of the Galapagos archipelago. Thus, using 112 female wasps, we compare body size, proportion, and allometric differentiations within and between the two islands. There were no body size differences between islands. A PerMANOVA indicates differences between the islands and a single differentiation between two localities of one island. Allometric differences between islands were not the same for all structures. These results are consistent with the greater distance between islands than between localities and suggest a differentiation process. The variables with allometric differentiation are associated with wings and ovipositor, possibly responding to different ecological pressures. It is interesting that this parasitoid, recently arrived at the archipelago, is already showing differentiation. Also, it is essential to monitor the behavior of these wasps in the archipelago, given their potential to access other species affecting the trophic interactions of the local biota.
Behavioral Modification of Leucauge mariana Induced by an Ichneumonid Spider-Parasitoid, Hymenoepimecis castilloi, in the Colombian Andes
Authors: Velasco-Cárdenas Andrés F. , Jacome-García Jesús C. , Pádua Diego G. , Kloss Thiago G. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHymenoepimecis is a genus of Darwin wasps in the Polysphincta group of genera (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) known as ectoparasitoids of a broad spectrum of spiders. The parasitoid induces production of a web known as cocoon web, which provides shelter and support for the wasp pupa. In this study, we describe for the first time the interaction between Hymenoepimecis castilloi Pádua & Sääksjärvi (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and its host spider Leucauge mariana (Taczanowski) (Araneae: Tetragnathidae) in the Colombian Andes, provide new records of wasp genus distribution, and described the behavioral modifications induced in the spider. Web modifications occurred in the webs of both solitary and aggregated individuals. Adhesive spirals were lacking, and webs were connected to vegetation by multiple threads in all cocoon webs, which was not seen attached to webs of non-parasitized spiders. All parasitoid cocoons were observed hanging on a vertical line in the hub of the cocoon web. As previously described for other species, we believe that this modified web design results in increased web strength and favors parasitoid development during the pupal stage.
The Behaviour of Shallow-Buried Corrugated Steel Plate Bridge with RC Slab and EPS Geofoam Under Static Live Loads
Authors: Beben Damian , Maleska Tomasz , Janda Adriana , Nowacka Joanna 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe increasing use of buried corrugated steel plate (CSP) bridges and culverts in transportation infrastructure contributes to looking for the most optimal solutions regarding durability and cost. The paper presents a finite element analysis and experimental testing under static live loads of a shallow-buried CSP bridge with a span of 10.00 m and a height of 4.02 m. The depth of the soil cover (0.65 m) did not meet the minimum requirements in this respect. Therefore, a reinforced concrete (RC) relieving slab was placed above the shell crown. In the parametric analysis, it was decided to use various types of expanded polystyrene (EPS) geofoam as an alternative to RC slab. Undoubtedly, using EPS is cheaper and faster than using an RC slab. Nevertheless, it is essential whether it gives a similar (or better) effect as the RC slab. Five models of the bridge were used in the analysis, i.e. without RC slab (model I), with RC slab (model II) and with various types of EPS (models III–V). The numerical analysis results were compared with experimental tests for the buried bridge with the RC slab. The obtained results can help design buried CSP bridges and culverts with a small depth of soil cover.
Bimolecular photoinduced symmetry-breaking charge separation of perylene in solution
Authors: Wega Johannes , Vauthey Eric 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Photoinduced symmetry-breaking charge separation (SB-CS) results in the generation of charge carriers through electron transfer between two identical molecules, after photoexcitation of one of them. It is usually studied in systems where the two reacting moieties are covalently linked. Examples of photoinduced bimolecular SB-CS with organic molecules yielding free ions remain scarce due to solubility or aggregation issues at the high concentrations needed to study this diffusion-assisted process. Here we investigate the excited-state dynamics of perylene (Pe) at high concentrations in solvents of varying polarity. Transient absorption spectroscopy on the subnanosecond to microsecond timescales reveal that self-quenching of Pe in the lowest singlet excited state leads to excimer formation in all solvents used. Additionally, bimolecular SB-CS, resulting in the generation of free ions, occurs concurrently to excimer formation in polar media, with a relative efficiency that increases with the polarity of the solvent. Moreover, we show that SB-CS is most efficient in room-temperature ionic liquids due to a charge-shielding effect leading to a larger escape of ions and due to the high viscosity that disfavours excimer formation.

Graphical abstract