bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The “Free lunches” index for assessing academics: a not entirely serious proposal
Authors: Scanff Alexandre , Mauhe Nicolas , Taburet Marion , Savourat Pierre-Etienne , Clément Thomas , Bastian Benjamin , Cristea Ioana , Braillon Alain , Carayol Nicolas , Naudet Florian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Evaluating academics is a challenge, and the use of indicators such as scientific impact (i.e. number of published papers and their citation rate) is complex and poorly validated. We propose a new indicator for academic medical research: the “Free lunches” index (fl-index), computed from the sum of gifts from the industry. The fl-index provides a direct and straightforward measure of industry investment consisting in regaling a clinical researcher with rewards like a leisurely meal in a Michelin-starred restaurant or a relaxing stay in a high-end resort hotel.

Methods and findings
3,936 French academics were included in this observational and satirical retrospective study using the French database registering gifts received by medical doctors and Web of Science, over the years 2014–2019. Pearson’s correlation coefficients explored the associations between the fl-index and in the h-index (the maximum number of published papers h that have each been cited at least h times) increase over the period 2014–2019. The diagnostic properties and optimal thresholds of the fl-index for detecting high scientific productivity were explored. High scientific productivity was defined as ranking in the top 25% scientists in terms of increase in the h-index. To detect possible differences according to medical disciplines, subgroup analyses were performed. The correlation coefficient between the fl-index and the increase in the h-index was 0.31 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.34). The optimal threshold was 7,700 € for the fl-index, giving a sensitivity of 65% (95% CI 61 to 67%), a specificity of 59% (95% CI 57 to 61%). However, there were considerable differences across medical disciplines, with correlations ranging from 0.12 (Morphology and morphogenesis) to 0.51 (Internal medicine, geriatrics, general surgery and general medicine), and the median fl-index ranging from 37 € (Public health, environment and society) to 30 404 € (Cardiorespiratory and vascular pathologies). Importantly, the highest correlations and values for the fl-index were observed for clinical disciplines.

Conclusions
Overall, the correlation between the fl-index and an increase in the h-index was modest so that the fl-index cannot be used as a surrogate for academic success as gauged by productivity-based metrics. However, future residents could use these results to complement the usual metrics in order to choose (or avoid) certain specialties, depending on whether they are more eager to produce scientific articles or to enjoy an affluent lifestyle that they consider well-deserved.

Registration
osf.io/7d4bk.
Reduced fibrin clot permeability on admission and elevated E-selectin at 3 months as novel risk factors of residual pulmonary vascular obstruction in patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Stępień Konrad , Ząbczyk Michał , Kopytek Magdalena , Natorska Joanna , Zalewski Jarosław , Undas Anetta 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Residual pulmonary vascular obstruction (RPVO) is common following pulmonary embolism (PE) but its association with fibrin clot properties is poorly understood. We investigated whether prothrombotic state and hypofibrinolysis markers can identify patients with RPVO.

Methods
In 79 normotensive noncancer patients (aged 56 ± 13.3 years) with acute PE, we determined fibrin clot permeability (Ks), clot lysis time (CLT), endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), fibrinolysis proteins, oxidative stress markers, and E-selectin on admission before initiation of anticoagulant therapy, after 5–7 days, and 3 months of anticoagulation. RPVO was diagnosed using computed tomography angiography 3–6 months since PE.

Results
Patients with RPVO (n = 23, 29.1%) had at baseline higher simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) (P = 0.004), higher N-terminal brain natriuretic propeptide (P = 0.006) and higher D-dimer (P = 0.044). Patients with versus without RPVO had lower Ks (P < 0.001) and longer CLT (P < 0.05), both at baseline and 5–7 days since admission, but not at 3 months. Patients with RPVO showed 40.6% higher E-selectin (P < 0.001) solely at 3 months. By multivariable logistic regression, baseline Ks (odds ratio [OR] 0.010, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.001–0.837, P = 0.042, per 10− 9 cm2), baseline D-dimer (OR 1.105, 95% CI 1.000-1.221, P = 0.049, per 100 ng/ml), and E-selectin levels after 3 months (OR 3.874, 95% CI 1.239–12.116, P = 0.020, per 1 ng/ml) were associated with RPVO.

Conclusions
RPVO patients despite anticoagulation characterize with the formation of denser fibrin clots on admission and higher E-selectin at 3 months. Those parameters could be the potential novel RPVO risk factors that warrant further evaluation in an independent cohort.

Graphical Abstract
To Belong: Feeling “At Home” and Support for Democracy
Authors: Fitzgerald Jennifer , Schauer Kathryn , O’Neal Rachel Janie , Bačovský Pavel 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWhat explains support for democracy? We ask this question in the context of scholarly assertions that democratic values are weakening among citizens of long-time democracies, most notably among young people. We leverage a panel survey of young Swedes to explore the development of pro-democratic sentiments over time. Investigating whether belonging—specifically, feeling “at home” in Sweden, the municipality, and the neighborhood—strengthens support for democracy, we find that it does positively influence principled support for democracy. In relative terms, we find the impact of belonging to be stronger than that of well-known predictors such as socio-economic status and social capital. Our analysis stands to inform scholarship on democratic values and to illuminate the implications of belonging for political behavior. It also offers insight into the ways that societal integration in the form of belonging can develop among young democratic citizens: through feeling integrated into a range of social communities.
Removal of reactive blue 19 from simulated wastewater using Solanum melongena stalk/MWCNTs: thermodynamics, kinetic, equilibrium and regeneration potentials
Authors: Amaku James Friday , Taziwa Raymond 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn the present study, a nanocomposite was prepared for the removal of dye from the aqueous phase. In this regard, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were anchored on the stalk of Solanum melongena (SMB) to obtain a robust adsorbent with the capacity to eliminate reactive blue 19 (RB19) using the batch adsorptive processes. Solanum melongena stalk decorated with MWCNTs (SMC) and SMB were characterized using Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. With the exception of solution pH, an increase in contact time, adsorbent dose, initial RB19 concentration, and solution temperature were noticed to elevate the uptake potential of SMB and SMC. Kinetic experimental data for SMB and SMC were consistent with the pseudo-second-order and Elovich model, respectively. The experimental isotherm data obtained for SMB and SMC were best expressed by Freundlich and Langmuir models, respectively. After the fifth adsorption–desorption cycle, SMC exhibited 52% of adsorption efficiency. Hence, SMC can be an auspicious candidate for the efficient adsorption of RB19.
Innovative Combined Technology with Encapsulated EVOO and Infrared Processing Against Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes in Breaded Poultry Products
Authors: Barón-Yusty Marta , Martínez-Hernández Ginés Benito , Ros-Chumillas María , López-Gómez Antonio 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe high Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes risk in poultry products reinforces the urgent need for new technologies with high antimicrobial effects. In that sense, a combined technology consisting of encapsulated extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) during chicken nugget breading combined with infrared processing was hereby studied at three levels (experiments). The high in vitro EVOO antimicrobial activity (up to 74%), which was 1.2-fold higher against L. monocytogenes than Salmonella, was enhanced after encapsulation (α-cyclodextrin) by 1.5–2.0 and 1.2–1.6-fold, respectively (experiment 1). Oil-free processing (infrared and convection ovens) combined with encapsulated EVOO (2.5 and 1.6% EVOO doses) even enhanced the high in vitro antimicrobial activity of encapsulated EVOO (experiment 2). In the in vivo study (experiment 3), infrared (180 °C, 6.4 min) + convection air (120 °C, 10 min) processing combined with encapsulated EVOO (1.6 and 2.5%) within chicken nugget breading of the chicken nuggets achieved in vivo antimicrobial reductions of 60 and 80% against Salmonella and L. monocytogenes, respectively. In conclusion, this new technology including encapsulated EVOO (1.6–2.5%) within the breading of chicken nuggets and innovative oil-free processing may ensure the food safety of these poultry products very susceptible to the incidence of Salmonella and L. monocytogenes.
In situ X-ray phase contrast imaging of the melt and vapor capillary behavior during the welding regime transition on aluminum with limited material thickness
Authors: Chung W.-S. , Hummel M. , Spurk C. , Häusler A. , Olowinsky A. , Häfner C. , Beckmann F. , Moosmann J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe X-ray phase contrast imaging is a powerful method to understand the fundamental behavior of the melt and keyhole during the laser beam welding process. In this paper, the keyhole-induced vapor capillary formation in the melt pool is investigated by using an adjustable laser beam source. For this purpose, the aluminum A1050 specimen with a thickness of 0.5 mm is molten only with the heat conduction welding regime by using the ring-mode laser beam. Once the specimen is molten through, the core multi-mode laser beam is then applied to vaporize the melt and a transition to keyhole welding regime occurs. Therefore, the core multi-mode laser beam with an intensity value of 33.3 MW/cm2 is investigated. The correlation between the keyhole-induced vapor capillary and the melt behavior is further investigated in this paper which was recorded with a high sampling rate of 19 kHz. In addition, a theoretical calculation about the keyhole depth is discussed in this paper.
The importance of prognosis in geriatric patients attending the emergency department: a comparison between two common short geriatric assessment tools
Authors: Di Prazza Agnese , Canino Baldassare , Barbagallo Mario , Veronese Nicola 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The use of short geriatric tools in the emergency department (ED) is increasing, but the literature is still conflicting. The aim of this study is to compare the precision and the accuracy of two short geriatric assessment tools to predict mortality in a cohort of older patients attending the ED.

Methods
A retrospective study was conducted including patients ≥ 65 years, attending the ED and transferred to a medical assessment unit from February to July 2022. Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and Brief Multidimensional Prognostic Index (Brief MPI) were administered. The association between Brief MPI and CFS and mortality was analysed via area under the curve (AUC) with its 95% confidence intervals (CIs), the C-statistics and a multivariate Cox’s regression analysis, in the latter case reporting the data as hazard ratios (HRs) with their 95% CI.

Results
Among the 579 patients enrolled (mean age: 77 years), both Brief MPI and CFS showed a good accuracy in predicting mortality (AUC: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.61–0.83 for Brief MPI; 0.754; 95% CI: 0.65–0.83 for CFS). The discrimination of Brief MPI and CFS in predicting mortality was excellent, since the C-index of the Brief MPI was 0.85 and of CFS = 0.84. In the multivariate analysis, the risk for mortality was significantly increased for frailer subjects (HR 4.65; 95% CI: 1.45–15.00 for Brief MPI > 0.66; HR = 9.24; 95% CI: 1.16–76.90 for CFS > 6).

Conclusions
Brief MPI and CFS showed a good accuracy/precision to predict mortality in older patients attending the ED. Considering that they are quick to perform, their introduction in ED clinical practice could be extremely helpful.
Potential side effects of the interaction between Phthorimaea absoluta parasitoids: the exotic Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris and the native Bracon nigricans
Authors: Mama Sambo Sahadatou , Ndlela Shepard , du Plessis Hannalene , Owino Esther Awuor , Mohamed Samira Abuelgasim 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe coexistence and efficiency in pest control of introduced and native parasitoids can be challenging. Continuous observations of the cohabitation of parasitoid species could confirm the persistence of the introduced parasitoid in the ecosystem under co-existence scenarios. This study provides an example of such a co-existence for biocontrol of the invasive pest, Phthorimaea absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Two parasitoids, the introduced endoparasitoid Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris (Marsh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and the native ectoparasitoid Bracon nigricans Szépligeti (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were released in cages containing a tomato plant infested with P. absoluta. Parasitism and killing rate of P. absoluta by both parasitoid species, and the parasitoid and P. absoluta population were monitored weekly. The parasitoid species coexisted for seven weeks in the experimental units. Parasitism by D. gelechiidivoris was significantly affected by the presence of B. nigricans, with 73% and 22% parasitism in the absence and presence of B. nigricans, respectively. Parasitism by B. nigricans was not affected by its co-existence with D. gelechiidivoris. The number of D. gelechiidivoris adults increased eight-fold in five weeks in the absence of B. nigricans, while less than the initial number of adults were present in co-existence with B. nigricans. The P. absoluta infestation declined from the fifth week to 98% lesser than the control in all the treatments, either D. gelechiidivoris or B. nigricans as standalone treatments, as well as in combination. Since B. nigricans negatively affected D. gelechiidivoris population growth, releases of this introduced parasitoid should be considered with caution in areas where B. nigricans occurs.
Antibacterial finishing of textile materials using modified bentonite
Authors: Topalić-Trivunović Ljiljana , Savić Aleksandar , Petrović Rada , Bodroža Darko , Grujić Dragana , Mitrić Miodrag , Obrenović Zoran , Gajić Dragana , Imamović Mugdin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDirect application of heavy metals as antibacterial agents can cause skin irritations and discoloration of the tissue and it can result in short-term applicability. One of the ways to solve these problems is to immobilize these agents on bentonite. Treatment of textile materials with such activated bentonite for use in various branches of industry has attracted the attention of many researchers in recent years. The objective of the present study was to develop a potential use of Cu- and Zn-modified bentonites as antibacterial finishing agents for two textile materials, non-woven textile (NT) and knitted fabric (PL). The bentonite samples were characterized using ED-XRF (energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry), XRPD (X-ray powder diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), and BET (N2 adsorption-desorption) analyses. SiO2 and Al2O3 oxides were the main components of all bentonite samples indicated by ED-XRF analysis, while the XRPD analysis confirmed that the natural bentonite (NB) consisted of montmorillonite (Mnt) as the dominant mineral (peaks at 6.94, 19.94, 35.09, and 54.09°2θ) and small amounts of quartz and calcite. A reduction in the basal plane spacing, d001, of Mnt occurred in Cu/Zn-B1, Cu/Zn-B3, and CuB, while in Cu/Zn-B2 and ZnB the basal spacing increased. Also, the size and form of particles and porosity changed, which was confirmed by the BET analysis. Modified bentonite samples experienced a reduction in the specific surface area and total pore volume, as well as movement of the middle mesopore diameter toward the larger diameters. The Zn-modified bentonite demonstrated a greater antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus than Cu- and Na-modified bentonite samples with a MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of 0.94 mg/mL, while among Cu/Zn bentonite samples, Cu/Zn-B2 had the strongest antibacterial effect (MIC 0.47 mg/mL). Cu/Zn-B2 was integrated on NT and PL using a screen printing method and showed good antibacterial activity. The printed NT showed better activity than printed PL, and increasing the concentration of applied Cu/Zn-B2 also increased the antibacterial properties.
Treatment choice, mean square regret and partial identification
Authors: Kitagawa Toru , Lee Sokbae , Qiu Chen 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe consider a decision maker who faces a binary treatment choice when their welfare is only partially identified from data. We contribute to the literature by anchoring our finite-sample analysis on mean square regret, a decision criterion advocated by Kitagawa et al. in (2022) "Treatment Choice with Nonlinear Regret" . We find that optimal rules are always fractional, irrespective of the width of the identified set and precision of its estimate. The optimal treatment fraction is a simple logistic transformation of the commonly used t-statistic multiplied by a factor calculated by a simple constrained optimization. This treatment fraction gets closer to 0.5 as the width of the identified set becomes wider, implying the decision maker becomes more cautious against the adversarial Nature.
Educational interventions to improve compliance with disinfection practices of noncritical portable medical equipment: A systematic review
Authors: Bhan Aarushi , Green Chloe V. , Liang Philpotts Lisa , Doherty Megan , Greenfield Andrea Silva , Courtney Amy , Shenoy Erica S. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjective:To describe educational interventions that have been implemented in healthcare settings to increase the compliance of healthcare personnel (HCP) with cleaning and disinfection of noncritical portable medical equipment (PME) requiring low-level disinfection (LLD).Design:Systematic review.Methods:Studies evaluating interventions for improving LLD practices in settings with HCP, including healthcare students and trainees, were eligible for inclusion.Results:In total, 1,493 abstracts were identified and 1,416 were excluded, resulting in 77 studies that underwent full text review. Among these, 68 were further excluded due to study design, setting, or intervention. Finally, 9 full-text studies were extracted; 1 study was excluded during the critical appraisal process, leaving 8 studies. Various forms of interventions were implemented in the studies, including luminescence, surveillance of contamination with feedback, visual signage, enhanced training, and improved accessibility of LLD supplies. Of the 8 included studies, 4 studies reported successes in improving LLD practices among HCP.Conclusions:The available literature was limited, indicating the need for additional research on pedagogical methods to improve LLD practices. Use of visual indicators of contamination and multifaceted interventions improved LLD practice by HCP.
Invasion by Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) does not affect understory abundance or diversity in early-successional meadows
Authors: Nebhut Andrea N. , Dukes Jeffrey S. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTrait differences between invasive plants and the plants in their recipient communities moderate the impact of invaders on community composition. Callery pear (Pyrus calleryanaDecne.) is a fast-growing, stress-tolerant tree native to China that has been widely planted for its ornamental value. In recent decades,P. calleryanahas naturalized throughout the eastern United States, where it spreads rapidly and achieves high abundance in early-successional environments. Here we compare the impacts of low-density, establishment-phaseP. calleryanato those of functionally similar native trees on the understory community diversity and total cover of three early-successional meadows in Indiana’s Eastern Corn Belt Plains. In contrast to our prediction thatP. calleryanawould have greater negative effects on the total abundance and diversity of the understory plant community compared with native tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipiferaL.), American sycamore (Platanus occidentalisL.), or non-tree control plots, we found that these low-density populations ofP. calleryanahad no significant impact on total cover, species richness, or diversity indices for the understory community compared with the native trees and non-tree control plots. Likewise, the studied populations ofP. calleryanahad no significant impact on the native, introduced, woody, or native tree subsets of the understory community. These results indicate that in young, low-density populations situated in early-successional meadows, the trait differences betweenP. calleryanaand functionally similar native trees are not of a great enough magnitude to produce changes in community composition. Going forward, complementary research on the impacts ofP. calleryanaon community composition and ecosystem processes in areas with long-established, dense invasions or invasions in more sensitive ecosystems would allow us to more fully understand how this widespread invader disrupts its host ecosystems.
Genetic analysis of invasive spread of wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei), a popular ornamental groundcover
Authors: Elam Robert J. , Culley Theresa M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAn important route of introduction of some nonnative species that subsequently become invasive in the United States is through horticulture. One such plant isEuonymus fortunei(Turcz.) Hand.-Maz., commonly known as wintercreeper, an evergreen groundcover with more than 52 different horticultural varieties, which is still sold at many plant nurseries and garden centers in the midwestern United States. Although several states have recognizedE. fortuneias an invasive species, it is unknown how its escape from cultivation has occurred and even the identity of spreading populations, including whether hybrids or cultivars are involved. Using codominant microsatellite markers, we sampled multiple invasive populations in Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas, and Minnesota and compared their genotypes with commercially available cultivars to determine how spread has occurred. All samples collected from invasive populations were genetically identical to one another and matched perfectly with the ‘Coloratus’ cultivar, the only cultivar to exhibit polyploidy. The data also suggest thatE. fortuneimay potentially reproduce via apomixis and/or clonally through propagule fragments, which can quickly fix favorable genotypes within a population. To curb continued invasive spread, we suggest that Coloratus be removed from commercial sale and distribution. We also propose that land managers, horticultural and landscaping businesses, and governmental agencies carefully monitor otherEuonymuscultivars for invasive potential and spread.