bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does affirmative action reduce disparities in healthcare use by Indigenous peoples? Evidence from Australia's Indigenous Practice Incentives Program
Authors: Saxby Karinna , Byrnes Joshua , de New Sonja C. , Nghiem Son , Petrie Dennis 
Published: January 2023

AbstractGlobally, Indigenous populations experience poorer health but use less primary healthcare than their non‐Indigenous counterparts. In 2010, the Australian government introduced a targeted reform aimed at reducing these disparities. The reform reduced, or abolished prescription medicine co‐payments and provided financial incentives for GPs to better manage chronic disease care for Indigenous peoples. Exploiting the framework of a natural experiment, we investigate how the reform affected these health disparities in primary and specialist healthcare utilization using longitudinal administrative data from 75,826 Australians, including 1896 Indigenous peoples, with cardiovascular disease. The differences‐in‐differences estimates indicate that the reform increased primary healthcare use among Indigenous peoples, including 12.9% more prescription medicines, 6.6% more GP services, and 34.0% more chronic disease services, but also reduced specialist attendances by 11.8%. Increases in primary care were larger for those who received the largest co‐payment relief and lived in metropolitan regions, whereas the reduction in specialist attendances was concentrated among lower income Indigenous patients. Affirmative action can reduce inequalities in Indigenous use of primary healthcare, albeit careful design is required to ensure that benefits are equitable and do not lead to substitution away from valuable, or necessary, care.
Pest prevention, risk, and risk management: The case of Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Wang Yanbing , Finger Robert 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPest prevention can play an important role in reducing pest pressure and pesticide use. Yet its adoption remains suboptimal. We develop a theoretical model to analyze the circumstances that favor or hinder the uptake of preventive measures against pests, and test the derived hypotheses using an empirical application of Swiss grapevine producers' decisions on preventive measures against Drosophila suzukii. We show that higher risk aversion hinders farmers' prevention efforts. Furthermore, lower general background risk, characterized by the use of crop insurance, decreases pest prevention. We discuss the implications for supporting policy goals of managing pest pressure and reducing pesticide use.
The employment effects of the minimum wage: A selection ratio approach to measuring treatment effects
Authors: Slichter David 
Published: January 2023

SummaryI develop a method for measuring a binary treatment's effects when more than one control group is available but each control group is imperfect. To study effects of the minimum wage, for example, I compare border counties where the minimum wage increases to the set of neighboring counties, the set of neighbor‐of‐neighboring counties, and so forth. The key innovation is to model the ratio of the biases present in these comparisons. Crucially, the model contains a testable implication. The method can address spillovers and, in another application, is used to measure treatment effects away from the discontinuity in a regression discontinuity design.
Circ_0027470 promotes cadmium exposure‐induced prostatic fibrosis via sponging miRNA‐1236‐3p and stimulating SHH signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Tianqi , Chen Jinglou , Zhang Yumiao , Chen Yao , Xu Congyue , Guo Jing , Ming Hao 
Published: January 2023

AbstractCadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal pollutant and serves as an important environmental endocrine‐disrupting chemical. Cd exposure is believed to can enhance the risks of age‐related disorders including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study was to investigate the harms of Cd exposure on mice prostate and human nonmalignant prostate epithelial RWPE‐1 cells. Mice prostate fibrosis was evaluated by visualizing the prostatic collagen deposition via Masson and Sirius red staining, and detecting the content of hydroxyproline. Additionally, the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), primary ciliogenesis and SHH signaling pathways in both mice prostate and RWPE‐1 cells were evaluated. It was found that Cd exposure stimulated prostatic collagen deposition, EMT and primary ciliogenesis, as well as enhanced the circ_0027470 level and reduced the miRNA‐1236‐3p level. Circ_0027470 functioned as a sponge of miRNA‐1236‐3p, which had the inhibiting target of SHH. The whole results showed that circ_0027470 promoted Cd exposure‐induced prostatic fibrosis via sponging miRNA‐1236‐3p and subsequently stimulating SHH signaling pathway. This study shed a light on a novel molecular mechanism involved in circRNA for Cd exposure‐induced prostate deficits.
Solution combustion synthesized Y2O3 nanoparticles and influence of Dy doping on their microstructural, optical, and photoluminescence characteristics
Authors: Sharma Nikita , Sahay Pradosh Prakash 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDy‐doped Y2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized by solution combustion route with urea as fuel, and their microstructural features were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The XRD study confirms the formation of a pure cubic phase of Y2O3, with the maximum textural coefficient along the (2 2 2) plane for the Dy‐doped samples. The lattice fringes in the HRTEM image and the bright spotty rings in the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern reveal the highly crystalline nature of the nanoparticles. From the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, using Kubelka‐Monk theory, the direct bandgap energy is estimated to be 5.61 eV for the undoped Y2O3, which is found to decrease upon Dy3+ doping. The room‐temperature excitation spectra of the nanoparticles recorded at 575 nm emission wavelength comprise several excitation bands corresponding to the f‐f transitions of Dy3+ ions in the host lattice. The photoluminescence spectra of the nanoparticles excited at the wavelength of 350 nm comprise three visible emission peaks at 477 nm (blue), 573 nm (yellow), and 666 nm (red). It has been concluded that the 0.5 mol% Dy‐doped Y2O3 nanoparticles are the potential candidate to be used for solid‐state luminescent device applications.
Aggressive COVID‐19 lockdown policies: What factors significantly drove them across nations?
Authors: Goel Rajeev K. , Nelson Michael A. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis paper examines the determinants of COVID‐19 lockdown severity across nations. How significant were health, economic, political, institutional, and social factors in determining the severity of government responses to the pandemic? Using data on 162 nations from March 2020 to July 2022, results show that it was mainly controlling the spread of the pandemic that led nations to more serve measures against the pandemic. These efforts were tempered in nations that had larger governments and in those with better enforcement and the ones with more elderly. On the other hand, economic prosperity, political structures, macro‐level uncertainties, trade openness, and corruption did not appreciably matter.
A synthesized gamma distribution‐based patient‐specific VMAT QA using a generative adversarial network
Authors: Matsuura Takaaki , Kawahara Daisuke , Saito Akito , Yamada Kiyoshi , Ozawa Shuichi , Nagata Yasushi 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI)‐based gamma passing rate (GPR) prediction has been proposed as a time‐efficient virtual patient‐specific QA method for the delivery of volumetric modulation arc therapy (VMAT). However, there is a limitation that the GPR value loses the locational information of dose accuracy.PurposeThe objective was to predict the failing points in the gamma distribution and the GPR using a synthesized gamma distribution of VMAT QA with a deep convolutional generative adversarial network (GAN).MethodsThe fluence maps of 270 VMAT beams for prostate cancer were measured using an electronic portal imaging device and analyzed using gamma evaluation with 3%/2‐mm, 2%/1‐mm, 1%/1‐mm, and 1%/0.5‐mm tolerances. The 270 gamma distributions were divided into two datasets: 240 training datasets for creating a model and 30 test datasets for evaluation. The image prediction network for the fluence maps calculated by the treatment planning system (TPS) to the gamma distributions was created using a GAN. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of detecting failing points were evaluated using measured and synthesized gamma distributions. In addition, the difference between measured GPR (mGPR) and predicted GPR (pGPR) values calculated from the synthesized gamma distributions was evaluated.ResultsThe root mean squared errors between mGPR and pGPR were 1.0%, 2.1%, 3.5%, and 3.6% for the 3%/2‐mm, 2%/1‐mm, 1%/1‐mm, and 1%/0.5‐mm tolerances, respectively. The accuracies for detecting failing points were 98.9%, 96.9%, 94.7%, and 93.7% for 3%/2‐mm, 2%/1‐mm, 1%/1‐mm, and 1%/0.5‐mm tolerances, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity were the highest for 1%/0.5‐mm and 3%/2‐mm tolerances, which were 82.7% and 99.6%, respectively.ConclusionsWe developed a novel system using a GAN to generate a synthesized gamma distribution‐based patient‐specific VMAT QA. The system is promising from the point of view of quality assurance in radiotherapy because it shows high performance and can detect failing points.
Nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry to monitor chromium (VI) reduction by hydrogen peroxide, ascorbic acid, and aluminum powder
Authors: Gossuin Yves , Duez Pierre , Blankert Bertrand , Masson Céline , Laurent Sophie , Rousseau Cédric 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe reduction of K2Cr2O7 solutions by H2O2 was studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry and UV–vis spectroscopy in HCl/KCl buffer (pH 2), NaCl/glycine/HCl buffer (pH 3), and sodium acetate/acetic acid buffer (pH 4). Because of Cr(III) paramagnetism, 1/T1 and 1/T2 of the solutions increase during the reduction of diamagnetic Cr(VI). This increase is proportional to the produced Cr(III) concentration. Using different initial H2O2 concentrations, partially reduced Cr(VI) samples were prepared and studied by T1 and T2 relaxometry and by UV–vis spectroscopy. The correlation between the relaxation rates and the concentration of Cr(VI) remaining in the sample, measured by spectroscopy, was excellent. It was possible, thanks to the measurement of T2, to study the kinetics of the reduction of K2Cr2O7 by H2O2 in the pH 3 and pH 4 buffers. The reduction of Cr(VI) by ascorbic acid was successfully monitored by NMR relaxometry in the pH 2 buffer. The presence of complexing molecules/ions was shown to drastically influence the nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion profiles of reduced K2Cr2O7 solutions: Both relaxation rates are divided by ~5 when citrate or acetate ions are present and by ~3 in the presence of ascorbic acid. Therefore, the comparison of relaxation results obtained in different reaction mixtures must be done carefully. When all the solutions are set to pH 0, which prevents any complexation, the longitudinal and transverse relaxation rates of all samples become comparable. Finally, as a proof of concept for a turbid solution, the kinetics of the reduction of a K2Cr2O7 solution by aluminum powder in the pH 2 buffer was successfully monitored.
Functionalization of Polymer Networks to Target Trans‐Resveratrol in Winemaking Residues Supported by Statistical Design of Experiments
Authors: Bzainia Amir , Dias Rolando C. S. , Costa Mário Rui P. F. N. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe present work aims to produce functionalized polymer networks to target the bioactive molecule trans‐resveratrol found in winemaking residues, specifically at grape stems. The synergistic choice of photoinitiation, polymerization composition, and molecular imprinting approach allows the functionalization of these materials. Experimental design is applied to methodically perform the syntheses. The amount of crosslinker, the total monomer's concentration, and the ratio of trans‐resveratrol to the functional monomer 4‐vinylpyridine (4VP) are the factors selected for this experimental design. The binding capacities and the selectivity of the synthesized materials are assessed through sorption experiments in acetonitrile and hydroalcoholic media. Consequently, a multivariate linear regression analysis leads to describe the uptake of trans‐resveratrol by the materials in both media. The crosslinker content and the ratio of trans‐resveratrol to 4VP are found to be impactful parameters while designing such materials. These studies allow the identification of working conditions for sorption/desorption processes combining a high retention capability of the adsorbents with selectivity. Furthermore, four materials are selected to enrich trans‐resveratrol from grape stems extracts in a continuous process of solid‐phase extraction. The results show that the functionalized materials are able to enrich 12‐fold the content of trans‐resveratrol in some fractions demonstrating the interest of such polymers.
Taste and smell abnormalities in advanced cancer: Negative impact on subjective food intake
Authors: O'Donoghue Aidan , Barrett Michelle , Dhuibhir Pauline Ui , Kennedy Aileen , O'Leary Norma , Walsh Declan 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundTaste and smell abnormalities (TSAs) are present in all cancer stages and may contribute to malnutrition. Despite this, they are rarely screened for. This study examined the prevalence and characteristics of TSAs and their influence on subjective food intake in advanced cancer.MethodsConsecutive patients with advanced cancer were recruited. A modified Taste and Smell Survey assessed subjective TSAs. Objective TSAs were assessed with validated taste strips and “Sniffin Sticks.” A six‐item food intake questionnaire identified any effect TSAs had on food preferences/aversions. Nutrition status was evaluated with the abridged Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment.ResultsAll 30 participants had either subjective or objective TSAs. The prevalence of TSAs varied based on the assessment tool used. Participants were more aware of taste changes (TCs) than smell changes (SCs). TCs caused reduced food intake in 13 participants. Six reported SCs affected food intake. Food choices caused by TSAs were inconsistent. Some foods preferred because of TSAs were avoided by other participants. None received nutrition counseling on TSA management. Almost all were at malnutrition risk (97%). Almost half (47%) felt TSAs reduced quality of life (QoL). Participants reported “not looking forward to meals” and “can't sit down and eat anything” because of TSAs.ConclusionTSAs were highly prevalent and impactful on food intake. Both TCs and SCs were complex and varied on an individual basis. Despite the effect on health and QoL, no patients received any nutrition counseling on TSA management. Individualized screening and advice are needed for TSAs in advanced cancer.
Perception of nurses on the use of mobile phone text messaging for the management of diabetes mellitus in rural Ghana
Authors: Korsah Kwadwo Ameyaw , Abdulai Eliasu , Dzansi Gladys , Gamor Nathan 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAimThis study aims to explore the perception of nurses on the use of mobile phone SMS for managing diabetes in rural Ghana.DesignExploratory Descriptive Qualitative Design.MethodsPurposive sampling was used to recruit (13) participants relative to data saturation after ethical clearance (REDACTED); using a semi‐structured interview guide. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis.ResultsParticipants believe SMS was useful in facilitating interaction between nurses, clients, family and statistically significant others; improving medication adherence and supporting blood glucose monitoring. The use of infographics was preferred to traditional SMS among digitally literate patients and voice calls for those who were illiterate. Participants had limited knowledge of downloadable diabetic applications. Participants were willing to accept and use SMS for the management of diabetes mellitus.Patient or Public ContributionThirteen nurses actively participated in the study.
Integrated factors affecting intention of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours including vaccination in Korea
Authors: Lee Wee Kyung , Shin Sung Rae 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAimThe aim of the study was to determine the multiple potential contributing factors in preventive behaviours, including COVID‐19 vaccination for an effective campaign strategy.DesignThis is a descriptive correlation study to examine the effects of the behavioural outcome, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, optimistic bias and social stigma on the intention of preventive behaviour, based on Ajen's Theory of Planned Behaviour.MethodsThe survey was performed by a professional research company online from 16–19 July 2021. Two hundred and thirty‐three participants who had not been vaccinated against COVID‐19 at the time of data collection completed the survey.ResultsPerceived benefit, perceived behavioural control and social stigma are significantly associated with intention of preventive behaviours. The factors engaging in preventive behaviour presents us that our society is strongly influenced by social groups. Social groups influence decision‐making in intention of preventing behaviour. Public education using social networks can increase such desirable behaviour.
A cross‐sectional study in college‐based nursing education: The influence of core self‐evaluation and career calling on study engagement in nursing undergraduates
Authors: Wang Yuan , Zhou Ying , Li Tao , Wang Yiyang 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAimTo investigate undergraduate nursing students' general study engagement using intra‐individual assessment and to evaluate the impact of core self‐evaluation and career calling on study engagement.DesignA descriptive and cross‐sectional design.MethodsData were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire survey. Four hundred and twenty nursing students from first‐ to fourth (final)‐academic year in Guangzhou Medical University were invited to participate in the spring of 2021. The Cronbach's alpha, one‐way analysis of variance, Bonferroni post hoc analysis, Pearson correlation analysis and multiple stepwise regression analysis were used to analyse the data.ResultsThe first‐ and fourth‐year undergraduates showed significantly higher levels of study engagement (first‐year undergraduates, 3.52 ± 0.59; fourth‐year undergraduates, 3.54 ± 0.64), core self‐evaluation (first‐year undergraduates, 3.04 ± 0.48; fourth‐year undergraduates, 3.11 ± 0.45) and career calling (first‐year undergraduates, 3.65 ± 0.47; fourth‐year undergraduates, 3.69 ± 0.50) than those of second‐year undergraduates (study engagement, 3.32 ± 0.61; core self‐evaluation, 2.93 ± 0.52; career calling, 3.41 ± 0.50) and third‐year undergraduates (study engagement, 3.16 ± 0.61; core self‐evaluation, 2.88 ± 0.50; career calling, 3.34 ± 0.38). The Pearson correlation analysis among nursing students revealed a significant positive correlation between core self‐evaluation, career calling and study engagement (p < 0.01). A partial mediation effect of career calling was present in the relationship between core self‐evaluation and study engagement.
Feasibility of a standardized family participation programme in the intensive care unit: A pilot survey study
Authors: Dijkstra Boukje , Uit het Broek Lucia , van der Hoeven Johannes , Schoonhoven Lisette , Bosch Frank , Van der Steen Marijke , Rood Paul , Vloet Lilian 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAimTo assess the feasibility and applicability of a standardized programme to facilitate family participation in essential care activities in the intensive care unit.DesignPilot study with a cross‐sectional survey design.MethodsA standardized programme to facilitate family participation in essential nursing care activities was implemented in intensive care units of three hospitals in the Netherlands from November 2018 until March 2019. The feasibility and applicability of the programme were assessed with surveys of the patients, relatives and healthcare providers.ResultsThree intensive care units successfully implemented the standardized programme. Three patients, ten relatives and 37 healthcare providers responded to the surveys. Patients appreciated family participation and recognized that their relatives liked to participate. Relatives appreciated being able to do something for the patient (80%) and to participate in essential care activities (60%). The majority of relatives (60%) felt they had sufficient knowledge and skills to participate and did not feel obliged nor uncomfortable. Healthcare providers felt they were trained adequately and motivated to apply family participation; application was perceived as easy, clear and relatively effortless according to the majority. According to 68% of the healthcare providers, most relatives were perceived to be capable of learning to participate in essential care activities. Some healthcare providers felt uncertain about the patient's wishes regarding family participation, with some indicating the behaviours of relatives and patients discouraged them from offering family participation. Use of a standardized programme to facilitate family participation in essential care activities in the intensive care unit seems feasible and applicable as determined by relatives and healthcare providers.
Understanding the role of positive emotions in healthcare communication – A realist review
Authors: Heyn Lena Günterberg , Løkkeberg Stine Torp , Ellington Lee , van Dulmen Sandra , Eide Hilde 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAimTo explore how the expression of positive emotions during the interaction between patients and providers can cultivate the patient‐provider relationship.DesignWe conducted a realist review guided by the Realist and Meta‐narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards.MethodsWe systematically searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsychINFO and Scopus from inception to March 2019. Study selection and data extraction were performed blinded in pairs. From 3146 abstracts blinded in pairs, 15 papers were included and analysed. From each included paper, we extracted contexts, mechanisms and outcomes that were relevant to answer our research questions, creating a configuration between these elements (CMO configuration).ResultsOur findings suggest that in the contexts of person orientation and positive outlook, patient‐provider relationships improve by communication conveying and eliciting positive emotions. We found six underlying mechanisms for this that form either direct or indirect pathways between the context and the outcome.