bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the role of pesticide traders in protecting farmers' benefit
Authors: Mottaleb Khondoker A. , Rahut Dil Bahadur , Shakur Shamim 
Published: July 2023

AbstractOwing to the inadequacy of the public extension services, farmers in developing countries often rely on the suggestions of agricultural input traders. As profit‐making agents, these traders, in their turn, may have an incentive to exploit farmers by suggesting relatively expensive inputs. In this study, the Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR) estimation method is applied to demonstrate that input traders in many ways play the substitute role of the public extension agents in a developing country. In the process, this study relied on primary information collected from 379 farmers in Bangladesh in two seasons (N = 758). Then the ESR estimation procedure is applied to predict farmer's expenditure on pesticides, conditional on whether or not they rely on traders' advice. Findings of this study suggest that pesticide expenditures are not statistically different between the farmers that rely on traders' suggestions and those that do not. The study thus concludes that by providing unbiased, useful information to the client farmers, profit‐maximizing agricultural input traders render the services of public extension workers, which corrects possible market failures.
Sanctions in directed trade networks
Authors: Joshi Sumit , Mahmud Ahmed Saber , Nandy Abhinaba , Sarangi Sudipta 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe model three factors that affect effectiveness of trade sanctions: a country's endowment, distance between countries, and network connectivity. Our model explains several empirical observations: (i) sanctions impose costs on both sender and target; (ii) sanctions are often unsuccessful; and (iii) import sanctions, and export plus import sanctions, are more effective than export sanctions alone. We also offer extensions of our benchmark including retaliation by target, incentives of the third country to participate in multilateral sanctions or sanction‐busting, and the consequences of different centralities of sender and target in a trade network.
The stability of personal traits and preferences in times of the Corona pandemic: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Frondel Manuel , Osberghaus Daniel , Sommer Stephan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBased on panel data on around 5500 German households, this article analyzes whether the experience of financial losses due to the Corona pandemic has affected three kinds of personal traits and preferences: the willingness to take risks, patience, and the locus of control (LOC). Our empirical results indicate that patience and the LOC remain unchanged by the experience of pandemic‐related financial losses, whereas we find a negative effect of severe financial losses on risk‐taking, contrasting with the traditional assumption that such preferences are constant. In this respect, our heterogeneity analysis indicates that financial losses due to the Corona pandemic particularly affect the most vulnerable households, notably low‐income households and those with little income diversification.
Performance Analysis of a Solar Cascaded Absorption Cooling System Using a Performance-Enhanced Parabolic Trough Collector
Authors: Altwijri Faisal , Sherif S. A. , Alghamdi Abdulmajeed 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This article proposes an innovative approach to improve the performance of solar cooling systems by utilizing a cascaded absorption cooling (CAC) system. This article also examines the viability of coupling an NH3–H2O absorption system with an H2O–LiBr absorption system to simultaneously satisfy both a refrigeration load and an air-conditioning load. Results of this analysis shows that the CAC system uses 7.1% less thermal energy than the sum of the energies used by the ammonia absorption system and the LiBr absorption system if they were to operate separately to meet the same cooling load. In addition, the article investigates the impact of a performance-enhanced parabolic trough collector (PEPTC) on the thermal and exergetic efficiencies of the solar cooling system. By employing a PEPTC, the area required for the solar field in a given solar cooling system will be reduced by 14% compared to the area required by a conventional parabolic trough collector (PTC). Combining the CAC system with the PEPTC results in a 22% increase in the overall efficiency of a cooling plant compared to a conventional PTC coupled with an ammonia system and a LiBr system in the same plant. In summary, it is suggested that the simultaneous utilization of the proposed CAC system and the PEPTC can considerably improve the efficiency of solar cooling systems. Doing so will lead to sustainable cooling alternatives.
National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Assistant Coaches’ Understanding and Use of Mental Performance and Mental Health Services
Authors: Eckenrod Morgan R. , Hill Heather , Thompson Melissa , Neelis Laurie A. , Donahue Paul T. 
Published: July 2023

Assistant coaches play an important role in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletic departments and spend substantial amounts of time working with student-athletes, yet no research to date has examined their knowledge of mental performance and mental health services. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to learn about NCAA Division I assistant coaches’ understanding and use of mental performance and mental health services. Thirteen assistant coaches employed at universities with at least one mental performance consultant and one licensed mental health provider were interviewed. Thematic analysis procedures were used, and five themes were constructed: (a) day-to-day responsibilities of the assistant coach, (b) needing both mental performance and mental health services, (c) factors influencing understanding of mental performance and mental health services, (d) factors impacting student-athlete utilization of mental performance and mental health services, and (e) confusion between mental performance and mental health services.
Emergence of
Phytobacter diazotrophicus
carrying an IncA/C
2
plasmid harboring
bla
NDM-1
in Tokyo, Japan
Authors: Kubota Hiroaki , Nakayama Tomohiro , Ariyoshi Tsukasa , Uehara Satomi , Uchitani Yumi , Tsuchida Sachio , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Morioka Ichiro , Koshinaga Tsugumichi , Kusabuka Akiko , Nakatsubo Naoki , Yamagishi Takuya , Tabuchi Yuri , Okuno Rumi , Kobayashi Kai , Mitobe Morika , Yokoyama Keiko , Shinkai Takayuki , Suzuki Jun , Sadamasu Kenji 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

Phytobacter diazotrophicus
is an Enterobacterales species that was originally identified as a plant growth-promoting, Gram-negative bacterium. Recently, this species has been recognized as relevant to opportunistic human and nosocomial infections in clinical settings. Its frequent misidentification as other Enterobacterales species from clinical examination occasionally causes a delay in the identification of nosocomial outbreaks. Here, we report the emergence of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-producing
P. diazotrophicus
isolated from hospitalized pediatric patients and hospital environments in Tokyo, Japan. In our case, these isolates were found during an investigation of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales in relation to nosocomial infections. Whole-genome sequencing is useful for overcoming the difficulty of species identification. Furthermore, we found that
bla
NDM-1
was carried by an IncA/C
2
plasmid (approximately 170 kbp), which was transferrable from the clinical isolates to the recipient strain
Escherichia coli
J53. Our study demonstrated that
P. diazotrophicus
behaves as a carrier of
bla
NDM
-harboring plasmids, potentially disseminating resistance to carbapenems among Enterobacterales.

IMPORTANCE

Early detection of nosocomial outbreaks is important to minimize the spread of bacteria. When an outbreak is caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, a delay in findings makes it difficult to control it because such bacteria often spread not only among human patients but also in hospital environments.
Phytobacter diazotrophicus
, an Enterobacterales species that has recently been found to be relevant to clinical settings, is often misidentified as other bacteria in clinical laboratories. Here, we found NDM-producing
P. diazotrophicus
in hospitalized pediatric patients and their environment in Tokyo, Japan. Given that the isolates carried
bla
NDM-1
-harboring transferrable plasmids, the influence of such bacteria could be greater with the mediation of horizontal transfer of carbapenem resistance. Our findings suggest that
P. diazotrophicus
should be recognized as an NDM-carrier, for which more attention should be paid in clinical settings.
Fetal alcohol syndrome in the UK
Authors: Burleigh Charlotte Rebecca , Lynn Richard M , Verity Chris , Winstone Anne Marie , White Simon R , Johnson Kathryn 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveTo determine the incidence of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in the UK in children aged 0–16 years.DesignActive surveillance was undertaken through the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit between October 2018 and October 2019 inclusive. Data were collected from reporting clinicians using standardised questionnaires.PatientsChildren aged 0–16 years in the UK and Ireland with a diagnosis of FAS seen in the previous month. This study did not include children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.Main outcome measuresDemographic details (including age and ethnicity), details of exposure, growth parameters, neurological and cognitive diagnoses, and service usage.Results148 notifications were received. After exclusions and withdrawals, there were 10 confirmed and 37 probable cases (analysed together). Just 24 of these children were newly diagnosed with FAS during the surveillance period, giving an estimated incidence rate of 3.4/100 000 live births (95% CI 2.2 to 5.0); their median age at diagnosis was just over 5 years and they were diagnosed between 3 months and 14 years 3 months of age.ConclusionsThe estimated incidence rate of FAS is lower than reported by similar studies and there was a wide variation in the age that cases were diagnosed. This, combined with the fact that many cases were notified and then withdrawn or excluded, suggests that in the UK there is a lack of consistency and certainty in diagnosing FAS. The study findings strongly support the need to educate key professionals involved in the care of infants and children at risk of FAS.
Randomised control trial of oxygen assist module in preterm infants on high-flow nasal cannula support
Authors: Nair Vrinda , Kannan Loganathan Prakash , Lal Mithilesh Kumar , Bachman Thomas Edward , Fantl Ron 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of automatic oxygen control (A-FiO2) in reducing the extremes of oxygen saturations (SpO2<80% and SpO2>98%) in preterm infants on high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) respiratory support using Vapotherm Precision Flow.DesignA parallel-arm randomised controlled trial.SettingA level-III neonatal intensive care unit.PatientsPreterm infants born <33 (23+0 to 32+6) weeks receiving HFNC as respiratory support.InterventionsA-FiO2versus manual (M-FiO2) oxygen control during the full course of HFNC support.OutcomesThe primary outcome of this study is percentage of time spent in extreme oxygen saturations (<80% and >98%) in preterm infants when receiving HFNC as respiratory support. Secondary outcomes were time with SpO2between 90% and 95% plus time >95% without supplemental oxygen.Results60 infants were randomised equally to either A-FiO2or M-FiO2arm. Their baseline characteristics were comparable. They spent a median of 5.3 (IQR: 2.0–8.4) and 6.5 (IQR: 2.9–13.7) days in the study, A-FiO2and M-FiO2, respectively. The percentage of time spent in SpO2<80% (median of 0.4% (0.1%–0.8%) vs 1.6% (0.6%–2.6%), p=0.002) and >98% (median 0.2% (0.1%–0.9%) vs 1.9% (0.7%–4%), p<0.001) were significantly lower in A-FiO2compared with M-FiO2. The difference in median percentage of time in target range between the two arms was 26% (81% (74%–93%) in A-FiO2vs 55% (48%–72%) in M-FiO2).ConclusionA-FiO2was associated with statistically significant reduction in the percentage of time spent in extremes of saturation when compared with M-FiO2in preterm infants receiving HFNC.Trial registration numberNCT04687618.
Scalability of mobile technology interventions in the prevention and management of HIV among adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Adebayo Emmanuel S , Wang Dongqing , Olaniyan Halimat Omowumi , Olumide Adesola Oluwafunmilola , Ogunniyi Adesola , Fawzi Wafaie 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionThe rate of new infections with HIV remains high among adolescents globally. Adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), who are least likely to have access to quality healthcare, have the highest proportion of those living with HIV. Mobile technology has played an important role in providing access to information and services among adolescents in recent years. This review aims to synthesise and summarise information that will be useful in the planning, designing and implementing of future mHealth strategies.Methods and analysisInterventional studies, reported in English, on the prevention and management of HIV among adolescents that used mobile technology in LMICs will be included. MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), and the Cochrane Library are the information sources that have been identified as relevant to the area of study. These sources will be searched from inception to March 2023. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The scalability of each study will be assessed using the Intervention Scalability Assessment Tool. Two independent reviewers will conduct the selection of studies, data extraction, and assessment of the risk of bias and scalability. A narrative synthesis of all the included studies will be done.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was not necessary for this study. This is a systematic review of publicly available information and therefore ethical approval was not deemed necessary. The results of this review will be published in a peer reviewed journal.Trial registrationThis protocol has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42022362130.
Establishing internationally accepted conceptual and operational definitions of social prescribing through expert consensus: a Delphi study
Authors: Muhl Caitlin , Mulligan Kate , Bayoumi Imaan , Ashcroft Rachelle , Godfrey Christina 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to establish internationally accepted conceptual and operational definitions of social prescribing.DesignA three-round Delphi study was conducted.SettingThis study was conducted virtually using an online survey platform.ParticipantsThis study involved an international, multidisciplinary panel of experts. The expert panel (n=48) represented 26 countries across five continents, numerous expert groups and a variety of years of experience with social prescribing, with the average being 5 years (range=1–20 years).ResultsAfter three rounds, internationally accepted conceptual and operational definitions of social prescribing were established. The definitions were transformed into the Common Understanding of Social Prescribing (CUSP) conceptual framework.ConclusionThis foundational work offers a common thread—a shared sense of what social prescribing is, which may be woven into social prescribing research, policy and practice to foster common understanding of this concept.
Motor and autonomic concomitant health improvements with neuromodulation and exercise (MACHINE) training: a randomised controlled trial in individuals with spinal cord injury
Authors: Shackleton Claire , Samejima Soshi , Williams Alison MM , Malik Raza N , Balthazaar Shane JT , Alrashidi Abdullah , Sachdeva Rahul , Elliott Stacy L , Nightingale Thomas E , Berger Michael J , Lam Tania , Krassioukov Andrei V 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionMotor and autonomic dysfunctions are widespread among people with spinal cord injury (SCI), leading to poor health and reduced quality of life. Exercise interventions, such as locomotor training (LT), can promote sensorimotor and autonomic recovery post SCI. Recently, breakthroughs in SCI research have reported beneficial effects of electrical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) on motor and autonomic functions. Despite literature supporting the independent benefits of transcutaneous SCS (TSCS) and LT, the effect of pairing TSCS with LT is unknown. These therapies are non-invasive, customisable and have the potential to simultaneously benefit both sensorimotor and autonomic functions. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of LT paired with TSCS in people with chronic SCI on outcomes of sensorimotor and autonomic function.Methods and analysisTwelve eligible participants with chronic (>1 year) motor-complete SCI, at or above the sixth thoracic segment, will be enrolled in this single-blinded, randomised sham-controlled trial. Participants will undergo mapping for optimisation of stimulation parameters and baseline assessments of motor and autonomic functions. Participants will then be randomly assigned to either LT+TSCS or LT+Sham stimulation for 12 weeks, after which postintervention assessments will be performed to determine the effect of TSCS on motor and autonomic functions. The primary outcome of interest is attempted voluntary muscle activation using surface electromyography. The secondary outcomes relate to sensorimotor function, cardiovascular function, pelvic organ function and health-related quality of life. Statistical analysis will be performed using two-way repeated measures Analysis of variance (ANOVAs) or Kruskal-Wallis and Cohen’s effect sizes.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved after full ethical review by the University of British Columbia’s Research Ethics Board. The stimulator used in this trial has received Investigation Testing Authorisation from Health Canada. Trial results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and seminars.Trial registration numberNCT04726059.
Effectiveness of laparoscopic niche resection versus expectant management in patients with unexplained infertility and a large uterine caesarean scar defect (uterine niche): protocol for a randomised controlled trial (the LAPRES study)
Authors: Vissers Jolijn , Klein Meuleman Saskia J M , de Leeuw Robert A , van Eekelen Rik , Groenman Freek A , Mol Ben W , Hehenkamp Wouter J K , Huirne Judith A F 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionA uterine niche is a defect at the site of the uterine caesarean scar that is associated with gynaecological symptoms and infertility. Promising results are reported in cohort studies after a laparoscopic niche resection concerning reduction of gynaecological symptoms in relation to baseline and concerning pregnancy outcomes. However, randomised controlled trials to study the effect of a laparoscopic niche resection on reproductive outcomes in infertile women are lacking. This study will answer the question if laparoscopic niche resection in comparison to expectant management improves reproductive outcomes in infertile women with a large uterine niche.Methods and analysisThe LAPRES study is a randomised, non-blinded, controlled trial, including 200 infertile women with a total follow-up of 2 years. Women with the presence of a large niche in the uterine caesarean scar and unexplained infertility of at least 1 year or failed IVF will be randomly allocated to a laparoscopic niche resection within 6 weeks or to expectant management for at least 9 months. A large niche is defined as a niche with a depth of >50% of the myometrial thickness and a residual myometrium of ≤3 mm on transvaginal ultrasound. Those receiving expectant management will be allowed to receive fertility therapies, including assisted reproductive techniques, if indicated. The primary outcome is time to ongoing pregnancy, defined as a viable intrauterine pregnancy at 12 weeks’ gestation. Secondary outcome measures are time to conception leading to a live birth, other pregnancy outcomes, received fertility therapies after randomisation, menstruation characteristics, patient satisfaction, quality of life, additional interventions, and surgical and ultrasound outcomes (intervention group). Questionnaires will be filled out at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months after randomisation. Ultrasound evaluation will be performed at baseline and at 3 months after surgery.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was approved by the medical ethics committee of the Amsterdam University Medical Centre. (Ref. No. 2017.030). Participants will sign a written informed consent before participation. The results of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.Trial registration number: Dutch Trial Register (ref. no. NL6350http://www.trialregister.nl).
Effect of neurosurgical high observation beds (HOBs) on service provision: a single-centre experience and cost analysis
Authors: Crispi Vassili , Bolton William , Town Rebecca , Anderson Ian 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of level 1, high observation beds (HOBs) compared with high dependency unit (HDU) and neurosurgical intensive care unit (NICU) admission on service provision, such as cancelled operations, and healthcare costs.MethodsA retrospective, observational, single-centre cross-sectional study at a single, large UK neurosurgical centre. All adult patients admitted to neurosurgical HOBs between December 2021 and July 2022 were included. The list of cancelled procedures was collected from 2019 to 2022. To evaluate the impact of admission of eligible patients to HOBs, the total bed days, cost per bed day, number of admissions and cost per admission were obtained for all clinical areas the financial years 2019/2020 and 2021/2022.Results307 patients were included in the study: 59.7% of HOBs admissions were elective and 37.7% were acute; admissions were for cranial procedures or conservative treatment (64.8%), spinal (32.6%) or other (2.6%). Following admission, 73.3% of patients were stepped down to the ward prior to discharge home. Only seven patients required escalation to level-2 or level-3 care. Overall, 97% of all HOBs patients were discharged home at the end of hospital stay. Occupancy rate was 90.4%.The cost of bed day increased from ward, level 0 (£384), then level 1 (£376), to level 2 (£787–1211) and to level 3 (£1628). From 2019 to 2021, 558 operations had been cancelled, and 140 (37.8%) of 370 were estimated to have been potentially avoided by HOBs admissions due to conflict of scheduling, ward bed capacity and critical care bed capacity. In addition, a minimum total expenditure due to cancelled operations was estimated at £22 923.50 yearly on average.ConclusionThis study recognises HOBs growing role in the management of acutely unwell patients in ward-based environments. While recognising the associated challenges, this study highlighted the potential in reducing healthcare costs. Further studies should evaluate the impact and limitations of HOBs on patients’ recovery and outcomes, compared to HDU and NICU.