bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sectoral Employment Shares Shape Economic Complexity: Empirical Evidence from African Countries
Authors: Ketu Isaac , Ningaye Paul 
Published: July 2023

Since the physiocrats, agriculture has been seen as a panacea for economic development. However, studies suggest that manufacturing and, recently, advanced service industries are the engine of economic growth. This study analyzes how employment structure contributes to economic complexity (EC) in African countries. To achieve this objective, it uses data spanning 1996–2017 on 27 African countries and applies the ordinary least squares, fixed effects, and system generalized method of moments estimators. Results suggest that due to its inability to admit many divisions or develop production linkages, agriculture’s employment growth is negatively associated with EC. Thus, there are better fits for enhancing complex output in Africa than a more significant share of agricultural employment. On the contrary, employment growth in industry and services enhances the production of sophisticated goods. These findings are robust after several sensitivity checks. Among policy implications from these findings, agriculture should shift from subsistence to mechanized farming, allowing excess workers to reallocate to more productive sectors of industry and advanced services. JEL Classification C26, J21, O1, O55
Perspectives and trends for minimally invasive surgery for hallux valgus deformity in the Asia Pacific region
Authors: Tan Chin Yik , Thevendran Gowreeson 
Published: July 2023

Background Evolving evidence and improved instrumentation have led to increasing importance of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) surgery in the treatment of hallux valgus deformity. This study aims to investigate the current trends of the practice of MIS hallux valgus surgery in the Asia Pacific region. Method A survey was sent via email to 30 fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons in 11 Asia Pacific countries, all registered with their respective national orthopaedic societies. The survey consisted of 8 questions and was designed to assess surgeon experience with MIS hallux valgus surgery, including common contraindications, satisfaction levels, learning curves and post-operative rehabilitation after MIS hallux valgus surgery. Results The vast majority of surgeons (63%) performed MIS hallux valgus surgery. However, only 18% of surgeons performed MIS surgery in more than half of their hallux valgus cases. A severe deformity was the most common contraindication (81%), followed by the instability of the first tarsometatarsal joint (50%), and abnormal DMAA (Distal Metatarsal Articular Angle) (38%). There was no statistically significant difference between the satisfaction score of MIS versus open surgery ( p-value 0.1). The median number of cases the surgeons needed to perform before they considered themselves comfortable performing the surgery was 10 cases (range 1–100). Most surgeons allowed full weight bearing at 4–6 weeks after surgery. Conclusions MIS hallux valgus surgery is gaining popularity in the Asia Pacific region, with the majority of surgeons adopting this practice. The fact that severe deformity is seen as the most frequent contraindication and that MIS surgery is still not the most popular alternative demonstrates that surgeons are still circumspect when it comes to MIS surgery. Surgeons can use the findings of this study to guide their adoption of MIS practices in hallux valgus surgery and gauge well they perform in comparison to their counterparts in the Asia Pacific region.
Endovenous thermal ablation in the treatment of large great saphenous veins of diameters > 12 mm: A systematic review meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: Bontinis Vangelis , Bontinis Alkis , Koutsoumpelis Andreas , Potouridis Anastasios , Giannopoulos Argirios , Rafailidis Vasileios , Chorti Angeliki , Ktenidis Kiriakos 
Published: July 2023

Background: We sought to assess the safety and efficacy of endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) in treating large great saphenous veins (GSV) > 12 mm in diameter. Methods: We performed a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 for comparative and noncomparative studies depicting EVTA in the treatment of GSV > 12 mm. Primary endpoints included GSV occlusion, technical success, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT). We conducted a comparative analysis between GSV > 12 mm and < 12 mm and a meta-regression analysis for two sets of studies, one including the whole dataset, containing treatment arms of comparative studies with GSV < 12 mm and one exclusively for GSV > 12 mm. Results: Seven studies, including 2564 GSV, depicting radiofrequency (RFA) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) were included. GSV > 12 mm occlusion, technical success, DVT, and EHIT estimates were 95.9% (95% CI: 93.6–97.8), 99.9% (95% CI: 98.9–100.0), 0.04% (95% CI: 0.0–3.4), and 1.6% (95% CI: 0.3–3.5). Meta-regression revealed a negative association between GSV diameter and occlusion for both the whole dataset ( p < 0.01) and the > 12 mm groups ( p = 0.04), GSV diameter and technical success for both groups ( p < 0.01), ( p = 0.016), and GSV diameter and EHIT only for the whole dataset ( p = 0.02). The comparative analysis between GSV < 12 mm and GSV > 12 mm displayed an occlusion estimate of OR 1.79 (95% CI: 1.25–2.56) favoring small GSV. Conclusion: Whereas we have displayed excellent occlusion and technical success results for the EVTA of GSV > 12 mm, our analysis has illustrated the unfavorable impact of GSV diameter on occlusion, technical success, and EHIT outcomes regardless of the 12 mm threshold. Potential parameter or device adjustments in a diameter-oriented fashion could further enhance outcomes.
Clever little tricks: A socio-technical history of text-to-image generative models
Authors: Steinfeld Kyle 
Published: July 2023

The emergence of text-to-image generative models (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E 2, Stable Diffusion) in the summer of 2022 impacted architectural visual culture suddenly, severely, and seemingly out of nowhere. To contextualize this phenomenon, this text offers a socio-technical history of text-to-image generative systems. Three moments in time, or “scenes,” are presented here: the first at the advent of AI in the middle of the last century; the second at the “reawakening” of a specific approach to machine learning at the turn of this century; the third that documents a rapid sequence of innovations, dubbed “clever little tricks,” that occurred across just 18 months. This final scene is the crux, and represents the first formal documentation of the recent history of a specific set of informal innovations. These innovations were produced by non-affiliated researchers and communities of creative contributors, and directly led to the technologies that so compellingly captured the architectural imagination in the summer of 2022. Across these scenes, we examine the technologies, application domains, infrastructures, social contexts, and practices that drive technical research and shape creative practice in this space.
Computed Tomography–Based Templating of Proximal Ulna Intramedullary Screw Fixation
Authors: Goyal Nitin , Coutinho Dominic , Ghodadra Anish , Baratz Mark E. , Kaufmann Robert A. 
Published: July 2023

Background: Intramedullary screw fixation of the proximal ulna can be used for fixation of the ulnar component in total elbow arthroplasty. Our purpose was to use computed tomography (CT) to characterize proximal ulna anatomy with respect to intramedullary screw fixation, and then to validate this templating process by inserting intramedullary screws into 3-dimensional (3D)-printed models. Methods: Thirty elbow CT scans were reformatted in the axis of the proximal ulna. Screw placement was templated by fixing a length at 78 mm distal to the centerline of ulnohumeral rotation and measuring diameter, and then fixing the screw pitch diameter to 5.5 mm and measuring length. Three-dimensional models were printed for 5 patients, and intramedullary screws were advanced as distal as possible until endosteal fit was achieved. Results: All patients had an anatomic limit for intramedullary screw fixation, due to dorsal angulation, varus angulation, or both. At 78 mm distal to the centerline of rotation, mean screw diameter was 5.4 mm (range, 3.2-8.0). When fixing screw diameter to 5.5 mm, the mean screw length was 79.9 mm (range, 64.2-107.9). All intramedullary screws were placed in the 3D models within 3 mm of the templated length, with correlation coefficient 0.992. Conclusion: This study characterized proximal ulna anatomy in the context of intramedullary screw fixation. Templating allows surgeons to predict intramedullary screw sizing, and a broad range of screw lengths and diameters is required when attempting intramedullary screw fixation for placement of the ulnar component in uncemented total elbow arthroplasty.
The effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on blood pressure in uncomplicated and at risk pregnancies: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Giles Courtney , Johnston Rich , Kubler Jade , Spathis Jemima , Beetham Kassia 
Published: July 2023

Background: Regular exercise performed during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of developing perinatal gestational hypertensive conditions. Further evidence on the exact parameters of exercise needed to explain these beneficial responses is required, within both uncomplicated and at-risk pregnancies. Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on blood pressure during pregnancy. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources and Methods: An online search of six search engines was conducted up to February 2023. Randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, cohort, and longitudinal studies were included. Studies included an acute exercise bout or intervention of land-based aerobic and/or resistance exercise during any trimester in uncomplicated and at-risk pregnancies. Outcomes included mean arterial pressure (MAP), or systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Results: Following the removal of duplicates, 1538 articles were screened with 59 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for the review (randomized controlled trials (RCTs) n = 34, clinical trials n = 19, cohort n = 5 and cross-sectional n = 2), and 21 studies included in the meta-analysis. A random effects model was used with mean difference calculated in mmHg. Overall, there were no statistically significant effects of exercise on resting blood pressure (BP) outcomes in pregnant women with normal blood pressure compared to control/usual care populations following intervention (SBP mean diff -1.54 mmHg (favours intervention), p = 0.38; DBP mean diff -2.25 mmHg (favours intervention), p = 0.1; MAP mean diff -1.75 mmHg (favours intervention), p = 0.31). In at-risk pregnant women, both aerobic and combination exercise significantly reduced BP outcomes compared to control (SBP mean diff -3.91 mmHg, p < 0.01; DBP mean diff -2.9 mmHg, p = 0.01; MAP mean diff -2.38 mmHg, p = 0.01). Twenty-seven studies reported an acute increase in SBP and DBP during aerobic exercise, with no difference found between uncomplicated and at-risk pregnancies. Conclusions: Compared to usual care, aerobic and/or resistance exercise performed throughout uncomplicated pregnancy had no influence on blood pressure. Pregnant women with no diagnosed complications should be encouraged to exercise regularly due to the multitude of known benefits. In women who are at risk of, or diagnosed, with gestational hypertensive conditions during pregnancy, moderate to vigorous exercise during pregnancy improves blood pressure outcomes. Higher risk pregnancies may reduce their risk of future cardiovascular complications through regular exercise training during pregnancy. Registration: CRD42020159998.
How did Chinese public health authorities promote COVID-19 vaccination on social media? A content analysis of the vaccination promotion posts
Authors: Luo Chen , Dai Runtao , Deng Yuying , Chen Anfan 
Published: July 2023

Objective Drawing upon the health belief model, this study aims to analyze the message characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination promotion messages posted by influential Chinese public health institutions and how those characteristics affect audiences’ participative engagement on Weibo, which is a popular social media site in China. Methods Two Chinese phrases for the COVID-19 vaccine were adopted as search terms to retrieve qualified posts on Weibo from 1 December 2019 to 18 March 2023. A total of 2546 posts by the top nine most impactful public health institutions were retained for quantitative content analysis. Message characteristics derived from the health belief model and participative engagement indicators were coded by the authors. Results Among health belief model constructs, the collective-oriented constructs (i.e., benefits, cues to action, and susceptibility) appeared in almost half of the posts, while the individual-oriented constructs (i.e., barriers, self-efficacy, and severity) were mentioned less. Moreover, negative binomial regression models revealed that collective-oriented constructs and self-efficacy facilitated engagement, while other constructs played impeding roles. Conclusions Appearances and functions of the health belief model's constructs in the COVID-19 vaccination promotion context are closely associated with China's collectivistic culture. Furthermore, constructs conforming to people's psychological traits are likely to promote public engagement and may facilitate vaccination behavior.
Process model of emotion regulation-based digital intervention for emotional problems
Authors: Qu Diyang , Liu Dongyu , Cai Chengxi , Zhang Xuan , Yu Jiaao , Zhang Quan , Liu Kunxu , Wei Ziqian , Tan Jiajia , Cui Zaixu , Zhang Xiaoqian , Chen Runsen 
Published: July 2023

Background To address the lack of mental health practitioners in developing countries, the current study explored the feasibility of a newly developed self-guided digital intervention program TEA (training for emotional adaptation) in alleviating depressive and anxiety symptoms, as one of a few studies which adapted from theoretical models with effective intervention techniques. Methods The first part of this study involved 11 professional mental health practitioners giving feedback on the feasibility of the TEA; while the second part involved a mixed-method single-arm study with 32 participants recruited online, who went through the seven intervention sessions within 14 days. The questionnaires were collected before, after, 14 days after, and 30 days after intervention. Additionally, 10 participants were invited to semi-structured interviews regarding their suggestions. Results Practitioners thought that the TEA showed high professionalism (8.91/10) and is suitable for treating emotional symptoms (8.09/10). The generalized estimating equation model showed that the TEA significantly reduced participants' depressive and anxiety symptoms, while the effects of the intervention remained 30 days post intervention (Cohen's d > 1). Thematic analysis revealed three main themes about future improvement, including content improvement, interaction improvement, and bug-fixing. Conclusions To address the current needs for digital mental health intervention programs to account for the insufficient availability of mental health services in China, the current study provides preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of TEA, with the potential to address the urgent need for remote mental health services. Trial registration The study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR), with number [ChiCTR2200065944].
Effectiveness of a personalized digital exercise and nutrition-based rehab program for patients with gastric cancer after surgery: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Inah , Lim Ji Young , Kim Jong Kwang , Lee Jun Ho , Sohn Tae Sung , Park Sungsoo , Kang Seok Ho , Lee Ji Youl , Hwang Ji Hye 
Published: July 2023

Background Patients with gastric cancer often encounter impaired quality of life and reduced tolerability to adjuvant treatments after surgery. Weight preservation is crucial for the overall prognosis of these patients, and exercise and supplemental nutrition play the main role. This study is the first randomized clinical trial to apply personalized, treatment stage-adjusted digital intervention with wearable devices in gastric cancer rehabilitation intervention for 12 months, commencing immediately after surgery. Methods This is a prospective, multicenter, two-armed, randomized controlled trial and aims to recruit 324 patients from two hospitals. Patients will be randomly allocated to two groups for 1 year of rehabilitation, starting immediately after the operation: a personalized digital therapeutic (intervention) group and a conventional education-based rehabilitation (control) group. The primary objective is to clarify the effect of mobile applications and wearable smart bands in reducing weight loss in patients with gastric cancer. The secondary outcomes are quality of life measured by the EORTC-QLQ-C30 and STO22; nutritional status by mini nutrition assessment; physical fitness level measured by grip strength test, 30-s chair stand test and 2-min walk test; physical activity measured by IPAQ-SF; pain intensity; skeletal muscle mass; and fat mass. These measurements will be performed on enrollment and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months thereafter. Conclusions Digital therapeutic programs include exercise and nutritional interventions modified by age, body mass index, surgery type and postoperative days. Thus, expert intervention is pivotal for precise and safe calibration of this program. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04907591 (registration date: June 11, 2020; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04907591 ).
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Screening for Commercial Drivers Examined in Occupational Practice: Implementing Evidence-Based Practice to Champion the Health of Essential Workers
Authors: Barnes Annette 
Published: July 2023

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, with 20% of deaths in adults under age 65. Commercial drivers have an increased CVD incidence rate of 50% compared to 30% for the general population, yet one third of drivers will not be screened for risk factors due to a lack of insurance or primary care. With approximately 3.5 million commercial drivers nationally and correlation of CVD to increased motor vehicle accidents, fatalities, and excessive healthcare costs, addressing the care gap for this high-risk population is imperative. Methods: An evidence-based practice (EBP) project synthesized the literature and implemented CVD risk screening for commercial drivers examined in an occupational practice setting. Using the non-laboratory Framingham CVD risk score calculator, over 90% of drivers were screened during mandated medical examinations and provided education regarding modifiable risk factors during a 2-month period. Findings: Over 40% of commercial drivers were at high risk for CVD with 25% uninsured and 32% without primary care. The average CVD risk score was twice the general population’s risk score, with obesity, hypertension, and smoking being the most common risk factors discussed. Conclusions/Application to Practice: Incorporating CVD risk screening and education during opportune encounters is logical, efficient, and financially prudent. The EBP change supports occupational professionals’ standards, and ongoing review of CVD screening guidelines with integration into practice provides health promotion and promotes public safety for these essential workers.
Can Fiscal Transfers Help India Meet Its SDG Goals?
Authors: de Xavier Fernanda Andrade , Mukhopadhyay Pranab 
Published: July 2023

This paper examines the possibility of using fiscal devolution in India to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. We propose alternative weights and criteria to see how allocation between states would change if the Finance Commission of India (FC) used a framework that incentivizes achievements in social and environmental outcomes. Two different proposals are examined—one where level values of the female–male ratio, female literacy rate and forest cover are used to decide allocations and another where incremental values are used. The advantage of the second proposal is that it reduces historical bias. We calculate the alternative allocation that would emerge using these proposals and compare it with the actual allocation for the last three Finance Commissions—XIII to the XV. We find that the reallocation among the states incentivizes better performers and also help India achieve the goals for sustainable development. JEL Classification: H77, Q56, Q58
Peroneal Tendoscopy Technique
Authors: Sobotie Alex , Brown Marsalis , Miskovsky Shana 
Published: July 2023

Background: Peroneal tendoscopy is indicated for patients with persistent posterolateral ankle pain in which other intraarticular or extraarticular etiologies have been excluded. Physical examination findings and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation are often equivocal, making direct visualization critical in characterizing the injury. Peroneal tendoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that is used to achieve this with little disruption to surrounding anatomy and minimal complications. Indications: We present a 57-year-old woman with 3 months of left posterolateral ankle pain and subluxation after a hyper-inversion injury despite conservative management. Magnetic resonance imaging showed irregularities of the peroneal tendons. Physical examination demonstrated swelling of the posterolateral ankle with tenderness to palpation and crepitus over the peroneal tendons and weakness with eversion. With inconclusive MRI findings and physical examination findings concerning for peroneal pathology, peroneal tendoscopy is indicated to evaluate the injury and indication for accompanying procedures. Technique Description: The patient is placed in a semi-lateral decubitus position using a bean bag. External anatomic landmarks are identified for a 2-portal approach with the “nick and spread” technique used to form the openings and avoid neurovascular structures and minimize retinacular disruption. The scope and a probe are used to manipulate the tendons for circumferential visualization and evaluation for tears, adhesions, tenosynovitis, and other pathologies. Dynamic testing of peroneal tendon tracking is completed. The decision is made to convert to a targeted open procedure based on the extent of peroneal pathology. Results: Clinical studies of patients undergoing peroneal tendoscopy have shown excellent results, with most patients reporting excellent outcomes and no recurrent subluxation events. Patients return to athletic activities as early as 3 to 4 months from surgery. Rare minor complications have been reported, including iatrogenic tendon damage and peroneal sheath rupture. Discussion/Conclusion: Posterolateral ankle pain may be difficult to diagnose and manage as it is often missed on MRI evaluation. Peroneal tendoscopy is a safe and efficacious procedure to evaluate and treat refractory posterolateral ankle pain secondary to peroneal pathology. Due to its minimally invasive technique, few complications have been reported, and most patients report good or excellent results. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.