bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of FTA on Trade Volume and Terms of Trade between Pakistan and China
Authors: Ahmed Arsalan , Rahman Inam Ur , Jauhari Samana 
Published: June 2023

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the impact of free trade agreements on trade volume and terms of trade between Pakistan and China. It examines the effect of the Pakistan–China Free Trade Agreement (PCFTA) on sector-wise trade welfare for both countries. Using the model of Lloyd and Maclaren, this study has quantified the trade welfare effect for both countries through trade volume, intra-union terms of trade and extra-union terms of trade in the context of PCFTA. The study concludes that the trade welfare increases for China and decreases for Pakistan after the complete execution of PCFTA. Also, there has been a trade creation for China and trade diversion for Pakistan by the PCFTA. JEL Codes: F15, F10, F13, I30, F60, F02
Is the Willingness to Take Risks a Credential for Being a Model Farmer?
Authors: Begho Toritseju 
Published: June 2023

Despite the significant role of model or demonstrator farmers in disseminating new technologies, systematic and empirical examination of the behavioural characteristics that distinguish demonstrator farmers from other farmers is lacking. Understanding the characteristics of demonstrator farmers is as important as the characteristics of the technology or practice being demonstrated in model farms. Thus, this article examines whether attitudes to risks distinguish demonstrators from non-demonstrator farmers. The results show that a larger proportion of demonstrator farmers will take risks as compared to non-demonstrators. The results also indicate that being less risk-averse increases the chances of being a demonstrator farmer. The implication is that while demonstrators tolerate the risks that accompany adopting technologies, the reverse could be the case for non-demonstrator farmers. Crucially, this finding will inform the decision-making of extension agents when choosing demonstrator farmers. This article will also serve as evidence for future programmes not to rely wholly on demonstrator farmers as the decisively indicative test of farmers’ overall risk attitude. JEL Codes: D81, C9, Q12
What Role Does EPL Play in Wage Determination under Segmented Labour Markets? A State-level Analysis from India’s Formal Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Sofi Irfan Ahmad 
Published: June 2023

This study explores the role of employment protection legislation (EPL) in wage determination using a state-level panel dataset for India’s formal manufacturing sector. Unlike previous studies, we create a quantitative indicator of EPL using state-wise court judgements (on labour disputes), citing various sections of Chapters 5A and 5B of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, particularly those dealing with employment and wage-related legislations. Our findings suggest that pro-worker court judgements specifically on wage-related issues lead to an increase in the share of wages in industrial output. The findings are robust to alternative model specifications. However, we find that the share of wages responds negatively to an increase in pro-worker strictness in the overall EPL. We also analyse the consequences of labour market dualism, which is increasingly becoming a norm even in formal sectors. Using insights from labour market segmentation theory, we argue that a divergence in the regulation between regular and contract labour has a potential to undermine the success of active labour market policies in curbing the ill-effects of market segmentation. JEL Codes: J21, K31
Comparing Harmful Behaviors Among Dancers According to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Utilizing the RISQ
Authors: Honrado Joshua , Oh Cheongeun , Ryan Linda , Liederbach Marijeanne 
Published: June 2023

Introduction: There is a dearth of information about whether lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) dancers, who often experience increased psychosocial risk factors, are at increased risk of engaging in harmful behaviors compared to their heterosexual cisgender counterparts. This study explores harmful behaviors dancers engage in according to their self-reported sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), utilizing the validated Risky, Impulsive, and Self-Destructive Behavior Questionnaire (RISQ). Methods: Three hundred sixty-four dancers from 7 elite dance entities in New York were contacted by e-mail to participate in the study. Sixty-six participants completed the study through a virtual questionnaire. Chi-square, ANOVA and independent t-test were utilized to assess statistical differences among RISQ outcomes in 4 SOGI groups: Cisgender Heterosexual Female (n = 20); Cisgender Heterosexual Male (n = 7); LGBTQ+ Female (n = 19); and LGBTQ+ Male (n = 20). Results: Chi-square comparing SOGI group frequency of participation within each of the RISQ behaviors revealed statistically significant difference with: difficulty stopping eating ( P = .05); gambling illegally ( P = .036); betting on sports, horses, or other animals ( P = .036); buying expensive items that cannot be afforded at the spur of the moment ( P = .019); and drinking 5 or more alcoholic drinks in 3 hours or less ( P = .013). Between-group frequency comparison through ANOVA and independent t-test revealed: the LGBTQ+ Male group were 92% more likely to have unprotected sex with someone they just met or did not know well ( P < .001) and 83% more likely to use hallucinogens, LSD, or mushrooms ( P = .018); the LGBTQ+ Female and LGBTQ+ Male groups were 4.4 times more likely to buy drugs ( P = .01) and 4.88 times more likely to think about killing themselves ( P = .023); and both male groups were 12.8 times more likely to steal money ( P = .006). Conclusions: This study found significant difference in RISQ scores based on a dancer’s SOGI. Harmful behaviors should be taken into consideration when working to improve dancer patient outcomes and quality of life.
An Exploratory Study on the Effect of 2 Brazilian Dance Protocols on Motor Aspects and Quality of Life of Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Moratelli Jéssica Amaro , Delabary Marcela dos Santos , Curi Vanessa Sanders , Passos-Monteiro Elren , Swarowsky Alessandra , Haas Aline Nogueira , Guimarães Adriana Coutinho de Azevedo 
Published: June 2023

Background: Due to its multiple benefits in Parkinson’s Disease, Dance has been a widely recommended activity in rehabilitation. However, there is a gap in the literature on the use of Brazilian sytles in rehabilitation protocols. This study aimed to compare the effect of 2 different protocols of Brazilian dance, samba and forró, and samba on motor aspects and quality of life of individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Methods: In a nonrandomized clinical trial lasting 12 weeks, 69 individuals with Parkinson’s disease participated in the study: forró and samba group (FSG = 23), samba group (SG = 23), and control group (CG = 23). Results: Significant improvements were found after SG intervention in the UPDRSIII and in the subitem quality of life mobility. In intra-group comparisons of FSG, significant differences were found in the subtype of quality of life discomfort. In the intergroup analysis, significant differences were found between CG, SG, and FSG in the communication sub-item, showing a greater increase in the scores of the groups that participated in the SG and FSG. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that Brazilian dance practice is capable of improving the perception of some aspects of quality of life and motor symptoms in relation to controls in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Evidence of the Effects of Dance Interventions on Adults Mental Health: A Systematic Review
Authors: Moratelli Jéssica Amaro , Veras Gabrielli , Lyra Vanessa Bellani , Silveira Juliana da , Colombo Rafael , de Azevedo Guimarães Adriana Coutinho 
Published: June 2023

Background: Recent research has shown that dancing takes effect directly in improving mental health, by reducing rates of depression, anxiety, and enhancing the mood aspects in people of any age. Aim: This systematic review aimed to search for evidence of the effects of dance interventions on adults’ mental health. Methods: The eligibility criteria of the studies were defined by following the PICOS strategy, considering the population, intervention, comparison, result, and the study design. Only randomized clinical trials, conducted in adults of both sexes, with results related to mental health, including depression and/or anxiety and/or stress and/or mood disorder were considered eligible for this review. The search was conducted using 5 databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect from 2005 to 2020. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias in randomized clinical trials. The synthesis and presentation of results followed the guidelines of the PRISMA model. Results: Of 425 selected studies, 10 randomized clinical trials were included in the review with a total of 933 participants between 18 and 62 years old. Studies included Dance Movement Therapy, Latin dance, tango, rumba, waltz, Nogma, quadrille, and Biodanza. The results indicate that regardless of style, adults who participated in dance interventions showed a reduction in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to groups that did not participate in any type of intervention. Discussion: In general, studies showed an unclear risk of bias in most items assessed. Based on these studies, it is possible to assume that the practice of dance contributes positively to the maintenance or improvement of mental health in adults.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of a digital Diabetes Prevention Program (dDPP) in prediabetic patients
Authors: Park Sooyeol , Ward Trevor , Sudimack Andrew , Cox Sam , Ballreich Jeromie 
Published: June 2023

Objectives To assess the cost-effectiveness of a digital Diabetes Prevention Program (dDPP) in preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus among prediabetic patients from a health system perspective over a 10-year time horizon. Methods A Markov cohort model was constructed to assess the cost-effectiveness of dDPP compared to a small group education (SGE) intervention. Transition probabilities for the first year of the model were derived from two clinical trials on dDPP. Transition probabilities for longer-term effects were derived from meta-analyses on lifestyle and Diabetes Prevention Program interventions. Cost and health utilities were derived from published literature. Partial completion of interventions was incorporated to provide a robust prediction of a real-world deployment. Parameter uncertainties were assessed using univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Cost-effectiveness was measured by an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) between dDPP and SGE from a health system perspective over a 10-year time horizon. Results The dDPP dominated the SGE at the $50,000, $100,000, and $150,000 willingness-to-pay thresholds per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The base case analysis at the $100,000 willingness-to-pay threshold (WTP) revealed a dominated ICER, with the SGE costing $1332 more and accruing an average of 0.04 fewer QALYs. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the dDPP was preferred in 64.4% of simulations across the $100,000 WTP thresholds. Conclusions The findings comparing a dDPP to an SGE suggest that a dDPP can be cost-effective for patients with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The Value of Troponin Measurement in Carotid Revascularization: A Scoping Review
Authors: Jovanovic Ksenija , Trailovic Ranko , Jonsson Magnus , Capoccia Laura , Grego Franco , Stankovic Sanja , Stevanovic Predrag , Koncar Igor 
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) are at substantially increased risk of short-term and long-term cardiac complications. Still, the role of perioperative troponin in predicting cardiac events remains unclear. The objective was to systematically summarize the existing evidence on the topic and provide directions for further research. Materials and Methods: Studies that examined perioperative troponin values and its association with myocardial injury, and/or myocardial infarction (MI), and/or major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and postoperative mortality in exclusively CEA/CAS patients, published in English until March 15, 2022, were retrieved through a systematic search of MEDLINE and Web of Science. The study selection process was independently performed by 2 authors, while the third researcher resolved disagreements. Results: Four studies with 885 participants met the inclusion criteria. Age, chronic kidney disease, presentation of carotid disease, type of closure (primary closure/venous patch/Dacron/polytetrafluoroethylene patch), coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, and the long-term use of calcium channel blockers represent risk factors for troponin elevation, which occurred in 11% to 15.3%. Myocardial infarction and MACE occurred in 23.5% to 40%, that is, 26.5% of patients with troponin elevation, respectively, during the first 30 postoperative days. Elevated postoperative troponin levels were significantly associated with adverse cardiac events during the long-term surveillance period. The rates of cardiac-related and all-cause mortality were higher in patients with postoperative troponin elevation. Conclusion: Troponin measurement could be helpful in the prediction of adverse cardiac events. The predictive role of preoperative troponin, the patient population in whom routine troponin sampling should be used, and a comparison of different treatment methods/anesthesia techniques in carotid patients should be further examined. Clinical Impact The present scoping review critically appraises the extent and nature of the existing literature data on the predictive value of troponin on the occurrence of cardiac complications in patients undergoing CEA and CAS. In particular, it provides clinicians with essential insights by systematically summarizing the core evidence and identifying knowledge gaps that may direct future research. This, in turn, may significantly alter the current clinical practice and perhaps even reduce the incidence of cardiac complications in patients undergoing CEA/CAS.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Stenting for Aortic Coarctation Management in Adults
Authors: Nana Petroula , Spanos Konstantinos , Brodis Alexandros , Kouvelos George , Rickers Carsten , Kozlik-Feldmann Rainer , Giannoukas Athanasios , Kölbel Tilo 
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Endovascular treatment of aortic coarctation (CoA) constitutes a valuable alternative with low morbidity and mortality. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the technical success, re-intervention, and mortality after stenting for CoA in adults. Materials and Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement and PICO (patient, intervention, comparison, outcome) model were followed. An English literature data search was conducted, using PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL, until December 30, 2021. Only studies reporting on stenting, for native or recurrent CoA, in adults were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A proportional meta-analysis was performed to assess the outcomes. Primary outcomes were technical success, intra-operative pressure gradient and complications, and 30-day mortality. Results: Twenty-seven articles (705 patients) were included (64.0% males, 34.0±13.6 years). Native CoA was present in 65.7%. Technical success was 97% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96%–0.99%; p<0.001, I2=9.49%). Six (odds ratio [OR]: 1%; 95% CI, 0.00%–0.02%; p=0.002, I2=0%) ruptures and 10 dissections (OR: 2%; 95% CI, 0.001%–0.02%; p<0.001, I2=0%) were reported. The intra-operative and 30-day mortality were 1% (95% CI, 0.00%–0.02%; p=0.003, I2=0%) and 1% (95% CI, 0.00%–0.02%; p=0.004, I2=0%), respectively. The median follow-up was 29 months. Sixty-eight re-interventions (OR: 8%; 95% CI, 0.05%–0.10%; p<0.001, I2=35.99%) were performed; 95.5% were endovascular. Seven deaths were reported (OR: 2%; 95% CI, 0.00%–0.03%; p=0.008, I2=0%). Conclusion: Stenting for CoA in adults presents high technical success and the intra-operative and 30-day mortality rates were acceptable. During the midterm follow-up, the re-intervention rate was acceptable, and mortality was low. Clinical Impact Aortic coarctation is a quite common heart defect that may be diagnosed in adult patients, as a first diagnosis in native cases or as a recurrent after previous repair. Endovascular management using plain angioplasty has been associated to a high intra-operative complication and re-intervention rate. Stenting in this analysis seems to be safe and effective as is related a high technical success rate, exceeding 95%, with a low intra-operative complication and death rate. During the mid-term follow-up, the re-interventions rate is estimated at less than 10% while most cases are managed using endovascular means. Further analyses are needed on the impact of stent type on endovascular repair outcomes.
Minimal clinically important difference of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire score and the pain visual analogue scale in conservative treatment of trigger finger
Authors: Atthakomol Pichitchai , Tongsu Rerkchai , Ngamsuprom Khunawuth , Wangtrakunchai Vorathep , Phinyo Phichayut , Manosroi Worapaka 
Published: June 2023

We investigated the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) and the pain visual analogue scale (VAS-pain) after conservative treatment of trigger finger. This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial compared pain reduction, symptoms and functional improvement at 12 weeks. Patients included were at least 18 years old and able to complete MHQ and VAS-pain at enrolment and 12 weeks after treatment. The MCIDs of MHQ and VAS-pain were evaluated using a distribution-based, anchor-based and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve-based approach. Of the 117 patients, the MCIDs of MHQ and VAS-pain using a distribution-based approach were 5.3 and 0.6, respectively; applying ROC method were 23.5 and 2.5, respectively; and using anchor questions were 15 and 2, respectively. These MCID values by anchor-based method with a minimal difference of 15 for MHQ and 2 for VAS-pain are recommended as primary evidence to determine clinically significant improvement after conservative treatment of trigger finger. Level of evidence: I
Flow diversion for posterior circulation aneurysms: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Qi Peng , Tong Xin , Liang Xin , Xue Xiaopeng , Wu Zhongxue , Feng Xin , Zhang Meng , Jiang Zhiqun , Wang Daming , Liu Aihua 
Published: June 2023

Background: The prevalence of intracranial aneurysms is approximately 3% worldwide. Posterior circulation (PC) aneurysms have a higher risk of treatment complications than anterior circulation aneurysms. Improving the survival rate and quality of life of patients with PC aneurysms remains one of the most important issues in the field. Objectives: Flow diverter (FD) treatment of PC aneurysms remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the effects of FD treatment and analyze differences among different application methods or aneurysm types in PC aneurysms. Design: This is a multicenter retrospective study. Methods: Patients with PC aneurysms treated with the pipeline embolization device (PED) or Tubridge embolization device (TED) between 2015 and 2020 in five neurovascular centers were retrospectively enrolled. The primary outcomes were major perioperative complication, clinical outcome, and aneurysm occlusion rates. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors of each outcome. Results: In total, 252 aneurysms were included. Major perioperative complication, favorable clinical outcome, and complete occlusion rates were 7.5%, 91.0%, and 79.1%, respectively. Compared with other types of aneurysms, dissecting aneurysms had the best clinical outcome and highest occlusion rate. Both clinical and angiographic outcomes were independently associated with the aneurysm location at the basilar artery. Aneurysm size was not associated with any outcome. TED had similar clinical and angiographic outcomes compared with PED but more perioperative major complications. Tandem treatment and coiling assistance may have poorer clinical outcomes but similar occlusion rates. Single- and multiple-stent treatments had similar outcomes. Conclusion: FD treatment of PC aneurysms achieved favorable clinical outcomes and long-term aneurysm occlusion rates with acceptable perioperative complication rates, especially in dissecting and non-basilar artery aneurysms. There was no additional improvement in outcomes with coiling assistance, multi-stent application, or tandem treatment. Therefore, the use of PC aneurysms should be carefully considered.
Design propositions for nudging in healthcare: Adoption of national electronic health record systems
Authors: Steinhauser Stefanie , Raptis Georgios 
Published: June 2023

Objectives Electronic health records (EHRs) are considered important for improving efficiency and reducing costs of a healthcare system. However, the adoption of EHR systems differs among countries and so does the way the decision to participate in EHRs is presented. Nudging is a concept that deals with influencing human behaviour within the research stream of behavioural economics. In this paper, we focus on the effects of the choice architecture on the decision for the adoption of national EHRs. Our study aims to link influences on human behaviour through nudging with the adoption of EHRs to investigate how choice architects can facilitate the adoption of national information systems. Methods We employ a qualitative explorative research design, namely the case study method. Using theoretical sampling, we selected four cases (i.e., countries) for our study: Estonia, Austria, the Netherlands, and Germany. We collected and analyzed data from various primary and secondary sources: ethnographic observation, interviews, scientific papers, homepages, press releases, newspaper articles, technical specifications, publications from governmental bodies, and formal studies. Results The findings from our European case studies show that designing for EHR adoption should encompass choice architecture elements (i.e., defaults), technical elements (i.e., choice granularity and access transparency), and institutional elements (i.e., regulations for data protection, information campaigns, and financial incentives) in combination. Conclusions Our findings provide insights on the design of the adoption environments of large-scale, national EHR systems. Future research could estimate the magnitude of effects of the determinants.