bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adhesion, mobility and aggregation of nanoclusters at surfaces: Ni and Ag on Si, HOPG and graphene
Authors: D’Addato Sergio , Perricone Federica , Paolicelli Guido 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
An experimental investigation of Ag and Ni nanoparticles (NPs) deposited on Silicon with its native oxide, on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and on graphene flakes is reported. The NPs were physically synthesized with a magnetron based gas aggregation source and the produced beam was mass-filtered and deposited in vacuum on the substrates. The study was concentrated on the morphology for the different cases, shedding some light on the interaction of pre-formed NPs with surfaces, a crucial aspect both of technological and scientific relevance. The nature of adhesion can be strongly influenced by the intrinsic properties of the surface (like for instance the energetics of interaction between the NP surface atoms and the first layers of the substrate) and/or the extrinsic properties, like the presence of defects, step edges, impurities and other irregularities. After adhesion, the NPs mobility and their mutual interaction are very relevant. In this work, the study was concentrated on NP/surface morphology, by using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Article highlights

Morphology of physically synthesized metal Nano-Particles (NPs) on Si, HOPG and Graphene was investigated. The NPs were pure Ag and Ni.

Coalescence, diffusion and self-aggregation and preferential adhesion were observed, with possible applications in sensor technology.

Possible explanations are: NP softness, NP/surface bonding interaction and presence of contaminant species molecules between NP.
An analysis of the relationships between human, technological and physical factors in the retail banking sector
Authors: Mason Michela C. , Massara Francesco , Raggiotto Francesco 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn the light of the increasingly massive implementation of technology in retail settings, the present research aims at exploring the relationships between interacting factors of the retail servicescape: human interaction, automated service, and atmosphere, and their impact on customer satisfaction regarding the service. We develop a theoretical framework to understand the relationships between the single components of the servicescape and we empirically test our framework within the context of retail banking services. We develop a moderated mediation model on a sample of 1346 retail banking customers. We find that the human factor mediates the relationship between self-service technologies and satisfaction, and that this mediation is negatively moderated by a favourable perception of the banking service atmosphere. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
A Symbolic Programming Approach to the Rendezvous Search Problem
Authors: Leone Pierre , Alpern Steve 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn this paper we solve the rendezvous problem on the line with markers that can be dropped at chosen times when the initial distance D between the players is known. In the case of one marker, the $$M_1$$

M
1

game, the marker is held by player II at the start of the game and, once dropped and found by player I, indicates in which direction player I must move. In the case of two markers, the $$M_2$$

M
2

game, each player holds one and the dropping times may differ. There is uncertainty regarding the problem initial configuration, and the goal is to minimize the expected rendezvous time that we call the rendezvous value (of the game) denoted $$R_1$$

R
1

and $$R_2$$

R
2

for the $$M_1$$

M
1

and $$M_2$$

M
2

games respectively. We present an algorithm that computes exactly the rendezvous value of the $$M_1$$

M
1

game as a function of the dropping time z, i.e. $$z\mapsto R_1(z)$$

z
↦

R
1

(
z
)

. Then we show that the function $$R_1(z)$$

R
1

(
z
)

is locally an affine function and we compute the parameters of the local representations of $$R_1(z)$$

R
1

(
z
)

. Finally, the rendezvous value of the game $$R_1=min_z R_1(z)$$

R
1

=
m
i

n
z

R
1

(
z
)

and the optimal dropping times can be determined with the expression of $$R_1(z)$$

R
1

(
z
)

. The same proceeding can be extended to apply to the problem $$M_2$$

M
2

. Symbolic execution of programs is a classical technique of program testing in computer science, see King [1] for the pioneering work. In this work we adapt the symbolic execution technique to solve an optimization problem. To our knowledge this is the first time that this is attempted, in particular to deal with rendezvous problems.
The Reduced Order Method for Solving the Linear Complementarity Problem with an M-Matrix
Authors: Fang Xi-Ming , Zhao Heng-Jun , Li Jing , Qiao Zhijun 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn this paper, by seeking the zero and the positive entry positions of the solution, we provide a direct method, called the reduced order method, for solving the linear complementarity problem with an M-matrix. By this method, the linear complementarity problem is transformed into a low order linear complementarity problem with some low order linear equations and the solution is constructed by the solution of the low order linear complementarity problem and the solutions of these low order linear equations in the transformations. In order to show the accuracy and the effectiveness of the method, the corresponding numerical experiments are performed.
Managing type 2 diabetes and depression with Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy (MiCBT)
Authors: Sohrabi Fateh , Sohrabi Ahmad , Shams-Alizadeh Narges , Cayoun Bruno A. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDiabetes Mellitus (DM) is the most common metabolic disorder and the most common cause of death in eastern populations, with prevalence estimated to be at the level of epidemic illness. Despite medical attention, psychological factors remain a significant contributor to DM, requiring effective psychological interventions. This study evaluated the effects of Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy (MiCBT) on depression, treatment adherence, and control of blood glucose of 25 Iranian patients (11 males and 14 females, mean age = 45.6) with type 2 DM, randomly assigned to either an 8-session MiCBT (n = 12) or treatment-as-usual (TAU) (n = 13). We present a theoretical conceptualization and detailed step-by-step implementation of MiCBT, and an assessment of its effectiveness in this sample. While no between-group differences were found at pre-treatment on any of the measures, the MiCBT group showed a significantly greater reduction in depression and greater treatment adherence than the TAU group at post-treatment. The MiCBT group also showed a significantly greater blood sugar reduction than the TAU group at 6-week follow-up. Within-group analysis found no significant change on any of the measures for TAU, whereas the MiCBT group reported a significant decrease in depression and increase in treatment adherence from pre- to post-treatment and maintained at 6-week follow-up. Blood sugar reduction also only occurred in the MiCBT group from pre- to post-treatment. Replication studies with larger samples are necessary to confirm these findings and validate the transdiagnostic efficacy and transcultural applicability of MiCBT in type 2 DM.
Effects of delay to stroke unit admission in patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke
Authors: Chen Bing Yu , Gupta Himanshu , Yacas Clifford , Snyder Hannah Elaine , Lee Catherine , Bharwani Aadil , Jung Jessica , Suk Yujin , Surendran Vithushan , Chen Steven , Zawawi Ismaiel , Ma Yu Fei , MacGregor Sarah , Sharma Mukul 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT:Objective:To determine the association between delay in transfer to a central stroke unit from peripheral institutions and outcomes.Methods:We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients with acute stroke, admitted to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) from three emergency departments (EDs), between 2016 and 2018. The primary outcomes were length of stay, functional status at 3 months, discharge destination, and time to stroke investigations.Results:One thousand four hundred thirty-five patients were included, with a mean age of 72.9 years, and 92.4% ischemic stroke; 663 (46.2%) patients were female. Each additional day of delay was associated with 2.0 days of increase in length of stay (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8–3.2, p = 0.001), 11.5 h of delay to vascular imaging (95% CI 9.6–13.4, p < 0.0001), 24.2 h of delay to Holter monitoring (95% CI 7.9–40.6, p = 0.004), and reduced odds of nondisabled functional status at 3 months (odds ratio 0.98, 95% CI 0.96–1.00, p = 0.01). Factors affecting delay included stroke onset within 6 h of ED arrival (605.9 min decrease in delay, 95% CI 407.9–803.9, p < 0.0001), delay to brain imaging (59.4 min increase in delay for each additional hour, 95% CI 48.0–71.4, p < 0.0001), admission from an alternative service (3918.7 min increase in delay, 95% CI 3621.2–4079.9, p < 0.0001), and transfer from a primary stroke center (PSC; 740.2 min increase in delay, 95% CI 456.2–1019.9, p < 0.0001).Conclusion:Delay to stroke unit admission in a system involving transfer from PSCs to a CSC was associated with longer hospital stay and poorer functional outcomes.
Getting the word out: Methods of learning about research and motivations for participation in a study focusing on a reproductive-aged Latina/x population
Authors: Sekula Nicole M. , Plowden Torie C. , Waldo Anne , Bryce Richard , Castillo-Mackenzie Maricela , Acosta Sonia , Valbuena Felix , Carnethon Mercedes , Marsh Erica E. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background:
Although one of the fastest-growing populations in the USA, Latinx individuals remain underrepresented in research. In this study, we aimed to identify how Latina/Latinx participants of the Environment, Leiomyomas, Latinas, and Adiposity Study (ELLAS) learned about the research study and what motivated them to participate.

Materials and Methods:
Using a standardized survey tool, bilingual staff interviewed participants and asked them, 1) how they heard about ELLAS and 2) to identify and rank their top three reasons for participating in ELLAS.

Results:
“Word of mouth” through a friend or relative was the most common method of learning about ELLAS (49.0%), followed by a “community outreach event” (29.3%). The three most common reasons for participating in ELLAS were “to learn more about women’s health” (83.3%), “to receive a free health assessment” (79.4%), and “to contribute to scientific knowledge” (59.5%). Correlation between demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and participant responses indicated that there are different reasons for participation based on these factors.

Conclusions:
Community engagement and word of mouth are vital to the successful recruitment of Latina/Latinx participants to research studies. Latinx participants are most motivated to participate by health benefits and health education, as well as altruistic aspects of research studies. Therefore, establishing mutually beneficial relationships within Latinx communities and appealing to motivations for research participation with close attention to the demographics of participants can both expand and allow for targeted recruitment efforts for this underrepresented group in research studies.
COVID-19-Related Knowledge and Practices of Cancer Patients and Their Anxiety and Depression During the Early Surge Phase of the Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Online Survey
Authors: Pi Hui-Min , Zhang Shao-Yun , Zheng Ru-Jun , Fu Yan , Li Jun-Ying , Yu Chun-Hua , Jiang Yan , Huang Hao 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Objective:
We aimed to investigate the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related knowledge and practices of cancer patients and to assess their anxiety- and depression-related to COVID-19 during the early surge phase of the pandemic.

Methods:
An online questionnaire survey of cancer patients was conducted from February 10-29, 2020. Knowledge and practices related to COVID-19 were assessed using a custom-made questionnaire. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess the presence of anxiety and depression, with scores beyond 7 indicating anxiety or depressive disorder. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify the high-risk groups according to the level of knowledge, practices, anxiety, and depression scores.

Results:
A total of 341 patients were included. The rate of lower level of knowledge and practices was 49.9% and 18.8%, respectively. Education level of junior high school degree or lower showed a significant association with lower knowledge score (β: −3.503; P < 0.001) and lower practices score (β: −2.210; P < 0.001) compared to the education level of college degree and above. The prevalence of anxiety and depression among the respondents was 17.6% and 23.2%, respectively. A higher depression score was associated with older age, marital status of the widowed, and lower level of education, knowledge score, and practices score (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:
Targeted COVID-19-related education interventions are required for cancer patients with a lower level of knowledge to help improve their practices. Interventions are also required to address the anxiety and depression of cancer patients.
COVID-19 post-vaccination depression in older Israeli adults: the role of negative world assumptions
Authors: Greenblatt-Kimron Lee , Hoffman Yaakov , Ben-Ezra Menachem , Goodwin Robin , Palgi Yuval 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundWith the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, the aging population has been shown to be highly vulnerable. As a result, policy makers and the media urged older adults to restrict social interactions, placing them at greater risk of mental health problems, such as depression. However, there has been a little previous attempt to examine coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccine-related risk factors and depressive symptoms amongst older adults.MethodsParticipants (938 older adults, Mage = 68.99, s.d. = 3.41, range 65–85) answered an online questionnaire at the start of the COVID-19 vaccination program in Israel. Participants completed measures of background characteristics, world assumptions, COVID-19 vaccine-related variables, and symptoms of depression.ResultsUnivariate logistic regression revealed that more negative world assumptions were linked with clinical depression levels.ConclusionsOlder adults in our sample were susceptible to unique factors associated with clinical depression influenced by their world assumptions during their COVID-19 vaccination. The high level of depression following vaccination indicates that it may take time to recover from depression associated with pandemic distress. Cognitive interventions that focus on world assumptions are recommended.
Improving antibiotic use for sinusitis and upper respiratory tract infections: A virtual-visit antibiotic stewardship initiative
Authors: Wasylyshyn Anastasia I. , Kaye Keith S. , Chen Julia , Haddad Haley , Nagel Jerod , Petrie Joshua G. , Gandhi Tejal N. , Petty Lindsay A. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground:Asynchronous virtual patient care is increasingly used; however, the effectiveness of virtually delivering guideline-concordant care in conjunction with antibiotic stewardship initiatives remains uncertain. We developed a bundled stewardship intervention to improve antibiotic use in E-visits for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs).Methods:In this before-and-after study, adult patients who completed E-visits for “cough,” “flu,” or “sinus symptoms” at Michigan Medicine between January 1, 2018, and September 30, 2020, were included. Patient demographics, diagnoses, and antibiotic details were collected. The multifaceted intervention occurred over 6 months. Segmented linear regression was performed to estimate the effect of the intervention on appropriate antibiotic use for URTI diagnoses (defined as no antibiotic prescribed) and sinusitis (defined as guideline-concordant antibiotic selection and duration). Regression lines were fit to data before the bundled intervention (January 2019) and after the bundled intervention (May 2019).Results:In total, 5,151 E-visits were included. The intervention decreased the number of visits for flu, cough, or sinus symptoms prescribed antibiotics from 43.2% to 28.9% (P < .001). Guideline concordance of antibiotic prescriptions improved following the intervention: first-line amoxicillin-clavulanate rose from 37.9% of prescriptions to 66.1% of prescriptions (P < .001), second-line doxycycline rose from 13.8% to 22.7% (P < .001); and median duration of antibiotics decreased from 10 days to 5 days (P < .001).Conclusions:A multifaceted stewardship bundle for E-visits involving both changes in the EMR and audit and feedback improved guideline-concordant antibiotic use for URTIs. This approach can aid stewardship efforts in the ambulatory care setting with regard to telemedicine.
Scientific Theories as Bayesian Nets: Structure and Evidence Sensitivity
Authors: Grim Patrick , Seidl Frank , McNamara Calum , Rago Hinton E. , Astor Isabell N. , Diaso Caroline , Ryner Peter 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe model scientific theories as Bayesian networks. Nodes carry credences and function as abstract representations of propositions within the structure. Directed links carry conditional probabilities and represent connections between those propositions. Updating is Bayesian across the network as a whole. The impact of evidence at one point within a scientific theory can have a very different impact on the network than does evidence of the same strength at a different point. A Bayesian model allows us to envisage and analyze the differential impact of evidence and credence change at different points within a single network and across different theoretical structures.
Derived categories of skew-gentle algebras and orbifolds
Authors: Labardini-Fragoso Daniel , Schroll Sibylle , Valdivieso Yadira 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSkew-gentle algebras are a generalisation of the well-known class of gentle algebras with which they share many common properties. In this work, using non-commutative Gröbner basis theory, we show that these algebras are strong Koszul and that the Koszul dual is again skew-gentle. We give a geometric model of their bounded derived categories in terms of polygonal dissections of surfaces with orbifold points, establishing a correspondence between curves in the orbifold and indecomposable objects. Moreover, we show that the orbifold dissections encode homological properties of skew-gentle algebras such as their singularity categories, their Gorenstein dimensions and derived invariants such as the determinant of theirq-Cartan matrices.
Genetic evidence indicates the occurrence of the Endangered Kashmir musk deer Moschus cupreus in Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Kumar Ajit , Singh Bhim , Sahoo Subhashree , Gautam Kumudani Bala , Gupta Sandeep Kumar 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe Endangered Kashmir musk deer Moschus cupreus occurs in the western Himalayan region from Nepal to Afghanistan, but there is a lack of comprehensive and reliable information on its range. The region also harbours the Endangered Himalayan musk deer Moschus leucogaster, and this range overlap may have led to misidentification of the two musk deer species and errors in the delimitation of their ranges. Here, using genetic analysis of the mitochondrial DNA control region, we examined the phylogenetic relationship among musk deer samples from three regions in India: Ganderbal District in Jammu and Kashmir, and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, both in Uttarakhand. The Bayesian phylogenetic analysis indicated a close genetic relationship between samples from Jammu and Kashmir, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, validated by previously published sequences of Kashmir musk deer from Nepal. Our analyses confirmed the samples from Uttarakhand to be from the Kashmir musk deer, which was not previously known from this region. Therefore, we recommend further research in this area, to validate species identification and confirm the geographical distribution of the various species of musk deer. In addition, we recommend revision of the range of M. cupreus in the IUCN Red List assessment, to facilitate effective conservation and management of this Endangered species.
Never let a serious crisis go to waste: the introduction of supplemental carbon taxes in Europe
Authors: Bothner Fabio , Schrader Svenja Marie , Bandau Frank , Holzhauser Nicole 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe literature on carbon pricing offers competing explanations for the introduction of carbon taxation. This article contributes to the field by highlighting the interaction of dynamic political factors and external pressures in explaining the timing of the adoption of carbon taxes. Focusing on the second wave of European countries, the study combines the multiple streams framework with qualitative comparative analysis to identify conditions favourable to the introduction of carbon taxes. Additional case studies on Ireland and Portugal serve to illuminate the reform process, especially the role of policy entrepreneurs. This approach yields three insights. First, fiscal crises provide political actors with an opportunity to raise environmental taxes. Second, the introduction of carbon taxation is most likely when push and pull factors come together, i.e. when high problem pressure coincides with governments receptive to environmental issues. Finally, the prospects of “green” policy entrepreneurs are strongly determined by their standing within the government.
Understanding innovation of health technology assessment methods: the IHTAM framework
Authors: Jiu Li , Hogervorst Milou A. , Vreman Rick A. , Mantel-Teeuwisse Aukje K. , Goettsch Wim G. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Adequate methods are urgently needed to guarantee the good practice of health technology assessment (HTA) for technologies with novel properties. The aim of the study was to construct a conceptual framework to help understand the innovation of HTA methods (IHTAM). The construction of the IHTAM framework was based on two scoping reviews, one on the current practice of innovating methods, that is existing HTA frameworks, and one on theoretical foundations for innovating methods outside the HTA discipline. Both aimed to identify and synthesize concepts of innovation (i.e., innovation processes and roles of stakeholders in innovation). Using these concepts, the framework was developed in iterative brainstorming sessions and subsequent discussions with representatives from various stakeholder groups. The framework was constructed based on twenty documents on innovating HTA frameworks and fourteen guidelines from three scientific disciplines. It includes a generic innovation process consisting of three phases (“Identification,” “Development,” and “Implementation”) and nine subphases. In the framework, three roles that HTA stakeholders can play in innovation (“Developers,” “Practitioners,” and “Beneficiaries”) are defined, and a process on how the stakeholders innovate HTA methods is included. The IHTAM framework visualizes systematically which elements and stakeholders are important to the development and implementation of novel HTA methods. The framework could be used by all stakeholders involved in HTA innovation to learn how to engage dynamically and collaborate effectively throughout the innovation process. HTA stakeholders in practice have welcomed the framework, though additional testing of its applicability and acceptance is essential.