bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Closure, Underdetermination and the peculiarity of Sceptical scenarios
Authors: Tana Guido 
Published: November 2022

AbstractEpistemologists understand radical scepticism as arising from two principles: closure and underdetermination. Both possess intuitive prima facie support for their endorsement. Understanding how they engender scepticism is crucial for any reasonable anti‐sceptical attempt. The contemporary discussion has focused on elucidating the relationship between them to ascertain whether they establish distinct sceptical questions and which of the two constitutes the ultimately fundamental threat. Major contributions to this debate are due to Brueckner, Cohen and Pritchard. This contribution aims at defending Brueckner's contention that underdetermination expresses the fundamental sceptical threat and that the closure‐based argument can ultimately be reduced to it, at least concerning sceptical contexts. This will be achieved by undermining Cohen's objections to Brueckner on both counts. Cohen's argument endorses a picture of evidential underdetermination, which, while apt for non‐sceptical contexts, cannot be applied to radical scepticism. A comparison with a case of scientific underdetermination is developed to argue for this idea. Our argument is then applied to the principle equivalence issue and to objections against it. It is then shown how this analysis possesses a distinctive effect on our understanding of the sceptical threat and the assessment of successful anti‐sceptical strategies.
Do international investment agreements attract foreign direct investment in knowledge intensive industries?
Authors: Ozawa Shunya 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis study estimates the industry‐specific effects of international investment agreements (IIAs) on foreign direct investment (FDI) by focusing on how intellectual properties are intensively used in industries (i.e. knowledge intensity). It also considers the country‐level heterogeneity in the effects of IIAs by focusing on the intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in host countries and addresses the issue of why there is no consensus on the effects of IIAs among the previous studies. Using data of US outward FDI for the period 1999–2018, it finds that the IIAs between the United States and 56 countries promote FDI from knowledge‐intensive industries into countries with weak IPR protection. This result supports the hypothesis that IIAs have a positive effect on FDI if IIAs substitute for the weak legal protection of IPR in host countries.
Optimising cutting method and timing for the control of Abutilon theophrasti seed production
Authors: Kordbacheh Farnaz , Mohler Charles L. , Taylor Alan G. , Westbrook Anna S. , Rahimian‐Mashhadi Hamid , Alizadeh Hassan M. , DiTommaso Antonio 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAbutilon theophrasti (velvetleaf) is a widespread and problematic annual weed. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of different cutting methods on the viability of A. theophrasti seeds. Three cutting methods were assessed: (1) Entire plant cut and dried (EPD)—plants were cut at soil level and dried with capsules attached on the greenhouse bench or soil surface for 4 weeks; (2) capsules detached and dried (CD)—capsules were removed from plants and dried for 4 weeks; and (3) capsules detached and tested while fresh (CF)—a control treatment. Before drying, the developmental stage (stage one, dark green; stage two, light green; stage three, yellowish‐green; or stage four, black with the slightly open capsule) and age (days after flowering, DAF) of each capsule was recorded. Seed viability was measured immediately in the CF treatment and after the 4‐week drying period in the EPD and CD treatments. No seeds in the EPD and CD treatments were viable when harvested at the first developmental stage (1–8 DAF) in either experiment, but 100% of seeds in the CF treatment in the field were viable when harvested at 8 DAF. In both greenhouse and field experiments, seeds attained full viability at earlier harvest ages in CF than in EPD or CD treatments, suggesting that seeds might become viable relatively early in development but lose viability if allowed to dry. These findings could be applied to optimise late‐season mechanical control of A. theophrasti.
Molecular detection of Rickettsia felis in fleas and ticks collected from dogs and cats of Puebla, Mexico
Authors: Salceda‐Sánchez Beatriz , Gasca‐Zarate Cecilia M. , Jiménez‐Soto Karen , Grostieta Estefania , López‐Sánchez Claudia G. , Soto‐Gutiérrez Juan J. , Lammoglia‐Villagómez Miguel Á. , Huerta‐Peña Javier , Hernández‐Carbajal Gabriela R. , Chagoya‐Fuentes Jorge L. , Jácome‐Sosa Edelmira , Pérez‐Brígido Carlos D. , Ballados‐González Gerardo G. , Becker Ingeborg , Sánchez‐Montes Sokani 
Published: November 2022

AbstractFleas and ticks represent the two main groups of ectoparasites that infest companion animals. In particular, the flea Ctenocephalides felis felis and several members of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus complex are the main vectors of a wide range of pathogens on the American continent. They are competent vectors for several members of the genus Rickettsia, which encompass at least 15 pathogenic obligate intracellular bacteria that colonize the endothelial cells of vertebrates. In Mexico, 10 species of Rickettsia belonging to three groups have been detected in six species of ectoparasites from dogs in 9 of the 32 states of the country. However, in some larger regions of the country, active epidemiological surveillance has not been carried out. For this reason, the aim of this study was to identify the presence of members of the genus Rickettsia in fleas and ticks of dogs and cats in the state of Puebla, Mexico. A cross‐sectional study was carried out to collect ectoparasites of dogs and cats during August to November 2019. Samples were fixed in 70% ethanol and examined to identify the presence of Rickettsia DNA by the amplification and sequencing of specific fragments of the gltA and ompB genes using conventional PCR. The recovered sequences were compared with those deposited in GenBank, and phylogenetic analyses were carried out to identify the position of the pathogens detected with respect to the valid species previously reported worldwide. Additionally, ecological parameters of the ectoparasite infestations were also calculated. We recovered 196 ectoparasites belonging to two species, 33 C. felis felis and 163 R. sanguineus s.l. (Rhipicephalus linnaei), parasitizing 46 hosts (42 dogs and 4 cats) in 11 localities of the state of Puebla. We detected the presence of Rickettsia felis in three pools of C. felis felis, and five from R. sanguineus s.l. Our work provides the first record of R. felis in hard ticks of Mexico and Central America, with new collection localities for this pathogen in central Mexico.
Pulmonary vascular reactivity to supplemental oxygen in Sherpa and lowlanders during gradual ascent to high altitude
Authors: Subedi Prajan , Gasho Christopher , Stembridge Michael , Williams Alexandra M. , Patrician Alexander , Ainslie Philip N. , Anholm James D. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractProlonged alveolar hypoxia leads to pulmonary vascular remodelling. We examined the time course at altitude, over which hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction goes from being acutely reversible to potentially irreversible. Study subjects were lowlanders (n = 20) and two Sherpa groups. All Sherpa were born and raised at altitude. One group (ascent Sherpa, n = 11) left altitude and after de‐acclimatization in Kathmandu for ∼7 days re‐ascended with the lowlanders over 8–10 days to 5050 m. The second Sherpa group (non‐ascent Sherpa, n = 12) remained continuously at altitude. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were measured while breathing ambient air and following supplemental oxygen. During ascent PASP and PVR increased in lowlanders and ascent Sherpa; however, with supplemental oxygen, lowlanders had significantly greater decrease in PASP (P = 0.02) and PVR (P = 0.02). After ∼14 days at 5050 m, PASP decreased with supplemental oxygen (mean decrease: 3.9 mmHg, 95% CI 2.1–5.7 mmHg, P < 0.001); however, PVR was unchanged (P = 0.49). In conclusion, PASP and PVR increased with gradual ascent to altitude and decreased via oxygen supplementation in both lowlanders and ascent Sherpa. Following ∼14 days at 5050 m altitude, there was no change in PVR to hypoxia or O2 supplementation in lowlanders or either Sherpa group. These data show that both duration of exposure and residential altitude influence the pulmonary vascular responses to hypoxia.
A systematic review of computational models for the design of spinal cord stimulation therapies: from neural circuits to patient‐specific simulations
Authors: Liang Lucy , Damiani Arianna , Del Brocco Matteo , Rogers Evan R. , Jantz Maria K. , Fisher Lee E. , Gaunt Robert A. , Capogrosso Marco , Lempka Scott F. , Pirondini Elvira 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSeventy years ago, Hodgkin and Huxley published the first mathematical model to describe action potential generation, laying the foundation for modern computational neuroscience. Since then, the field has evolved enormously, with studies spanning from basic neuroscience to clinical applications for neuromodulation. Computer models of neuromodulation have evolved in complexity and personalization, advancing clinical practice and novel neurostimulation therapies, such as spinal cord stimulation. Spinal cord stimulation is a therapy widely used to treat chronic pain, with rapidly expanding indications, such as restoring motor function. In general, simulations contributed dramatically to improve lead designs, stimulation configurations, waveform parameters and programming procedures and provided insight into potential mechanisms of action of electrical stimulation. Although the implementation of neural models are relentlessly increasing in number and complexity, it is reasonable to ask whether this observed increase in complexity is necessary for improved accuracy and, ultimately, for clinical efficacy. With this aim, we performed a systematic literature review and a qualitative meta‐synthesis of the evolution of computational models, with a focus on complexity, personalization and the use of medical imaging to capture realistic anatomy. Our review showed that increased model complexity and personalization improved both mechanistic and translational studies. More specifically, the use of medical imaging enabled the development of patient‐specific models that can help to transform clinical practice in spinal cord stimulation. Finally, we combined our results to provide clear guidelines for standardization and expansion of computational models for spinal cord stimulation.image
Weight Loss and Exercise Effects on Rate of Torque Development and Physical Function in Overweight Older Women
Authors: Williams Ewan R. , Straight Chad R. , Wilson Hannah K. , Lynall Robert C. , Gregory Chris M. , Evans Ellen M. 
Published: November 2022

Exercise training (EX) and weight loss (WL) improve lower extremity physical function (LEPF) in older overweight women; however, effects on rate of torque development (RTD) are unknown. This study aimed to determine the effects of WL + EX or WL alone on RTD, and relatedly LEPF, in overweight older women. Leg strength was assessed using isokinetic dynamometry, and RTD was calculated (RTD200 = RTD at 200 ms, RTDPeak = peak RTD, T2P = time to 1st peak). LEPF was determined via clinical functional tasks. Women (n = 44, 69.1 ± 3.6 years, 30.6 ± 4.3 kg/m2) completed a 6-month trial in EX + WL or WL groups with similar weight loss (−9.8 ± 4.2%, p > .95). EX + WL had greater improvements in (a) most LEPF tasks (p < .001) and (b) RTD200, compared with WL (36% vs. −16%, p = .031); no other RTD parameters differed. Changes in RTD parameters and LEPF were not related (all p > .05). RTD is responsive to EX but is not associated with LEPF in older women.
Effects of the free healthcare policy on health services’ usage by children under 5 years in Burkina Faso: a controlled interrupted time-series analysis
Authors: Debe Siaka , Ilboudo Patrick G , Kabore Lassane , Zoungrana Noelie , Gansane Adama , Ridde Valéry , De Brouwere Vincent , Kirakoya-Samadoulougou Fati 
Published: November 2022

ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyse, at national level, the effects of the free healthcare policy for children on the use of health services by children under five in Burkina Faso. We hypothesised that this policy has led to an immediate and sustained increase in the use of health services for these children in the country.SettingWe conducted a controlled interrupted time series. Monthly data at district level, spanning from January 2013 to December 2018 and corresponding to 72 monthly data points (39 before and 33 after), were extracted from the Burkina Faso National Health Information System. The analysed dataset included data from all the 70 health districts of the country.ParticipantsThe study consisted of aggregated data from children under five as the target for the policy with children aged between 5 and 14 years old as control group.InterventionThe intervention was the introduction of the free healthcare policy for women and children under 5 years from April 2016.OutcomeThe primary outcome was the monthly mean rate of health services visits by children.ResultsAmong the children under five, the rate of visits increased of 57% (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=1.57; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.0) in the month immediately following the launching of the free healthcare policy. An increase in the rate of health facility visits of 1% (IRR=1.01; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.1) per month was also noted during postintervention. Compared with the control group, we observed an increase in the rate of visits of 2.5% (IRR=1.025; 95% CI 1.023 to 1.026) per month.ConclusionFindings suggest that the free healthcare policy increased the use of health facilities for care in Burkina Faso immediately after the implementation of the policy with a small increase in the rate overtime. Strategies to maintain the policy effect over time are necessary.
Cohort study of diagnostic delay in the clinical pathway of patients with chronic wounds in the primary care setting
Authors: Ahmajärvi Kirsti , Isoherranen Kirsi , Venermo Maarit 
Published: November 2022

ObjectivesExact wound diagnosis is essential for successful wound management and a holistic care of the patient suffering from a wound. Wound management has been traditionally seen as a nursing area, but this can lead to considerable delays in wound diagnostics. A diagnostic delay has been recognised as an element of diagnostic error, which, in turn, affects patient safety. The aim of this cohort study was to examine diagnostic delays of chronic wound within primary care.SettingA specialised diagnostic unit, a wound care team, was established in the primary healthcare with the objective of reducing diagnostic and treatment delays in primary care.ParticipantsThe data consists of 197 consecutive patients attending their first appointment with the wound care team in 2016. The collected data included basic demographics, information about the clinical pathway, including doctor’s appointments in primary and specialised care, as well as the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) diagnostic codes.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe diagnostic delays were calculated in days and divided into three groups: (1) patient-related delay, (2) diagnostic delay and (3) organisational delay.ResultsThe median duration of a patient-related delay was 2 days (IQR 0–14), whereas a physician’s first evaluation was performed at a median of 8 (1–32) days from wound appearance and the correct diagnosis by the wound care team was established in a median of 57 (33–100) days. The organisational delay from first contact to diagnosis was a median of 41 (22–80) days. Only one in three patients had a diagnostic delay of less than 4 weeks.ConclusionsAccording to this study, the diagnostic delay occurs within primary care, as an organisational delay from first contact to correct diagnosis. It is possible to arrange an optimal pathway of care in which a holistic wound care process starts within primary care.
Strengthening ethics committees for health-related research in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review
Authors: Chaudhry Iqra , Thurtle Val , Foday Edward , Leather Andrew J M , Samai Mohamed , Wurie Haja , Parmar Divya 
Published: November 2022

ObjectiveHealth-related research in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has grown over the years. However, concerns have been raised about the state of research ethics committees (RECs). This scoping review examines the literature on RECs for health-related research in SSA and identifies strategies that have been applied to strengthen the RECs. It focuses on three aspects of RECs: regulatory governance and leadership, administrative and financial capacity and technical capacity of members.DesignA scoping review of published literature, including grey literature, was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute approach.Data sourcesBioOne, CINAHL, Embase (via Ovid), Education Abstracts, Global Health, Google Scholar, Jstor, OpenEdition (French), Philosopher’s Index, PsycINFO, PubMed, Science Citation and Expanded Index (Web of Science), reference lists of included studies and specific grey literature sources.Eligibility criteriaWe included empirical studies on RECs for health-related research in SSA, covering topics on REC leadership and governance, administrative and financial capacity and the technical capacity of REC members. We included studies published between 01 January 2000 and 18 February 2022 and written in English, French, Portuguese or Swahili.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent reviewers screened the records. Data were extracted by one reviewer and cross-checked by another. Owing to the heterogeneity of included studies, thematic analysis was used.ResultsWe included 54 studies. The findings show that most RECs in SSA work under significant administrative and financial constraints, with few opportunities for capacity building for committee members. This has an impact on the quality of reviews and the overall performance of RECs. Although most countries have national governance systems for RECs, they lack regulations on accountability, transparency and monitoring of RECs.ConclusionsThis review provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on RECs for health-related research in SSA and contributes to our understanding of how RECs can be strengthened.
Identifying the important social outcomes for childhood cancer survivors: an e-Delphi study protocol
Authors: Milner Sarah , Feltbower Richard G , Absolom Kate , Glaser Adam 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionOptimising the health of childhood cancer survivors is important given the high long-term survival rate coupled with a significant late effects burden. Included within the WHO’s definition of ‘Health’ are social outcomes. These are of interest given their impact on adult functioning within society, complex interactions with physical and mental health outcomes and potential for cross generational effects. Categories included within the definition of social outcomes are ill defined leading to potential gaps in research and service provision which could affect the ability of survivors to achieve their maximal potential. An e-Delphi study will be used to achieve expert consensus on the most important social outcomes for childhood cancer survivors to inform future research and ultimately, service provision.Methods and analysisA heterogeneous sample of at least 48 panel members will be recruited across four groups chosen to provide different perspectives on the childhood cancer journey: childhood cancer survivors, health professionals, social workers and teachers. Purposive sampling from a UK, regional long-term follow-up clinic will be used to recruit a representative sample of survivors. Other panel members will be recruited through local channels and national professional working groups. Opinions regarding breakdown and relevance of categories of social outcome will be collected through 3–5 rounds of questionnaires using an e-Delphi technique. Open ended, 7-point Likert scale and ranking questions will be used. Each round will be analysed collectively and per group to assess inter-rater agreement. Agreement and strength of agreement will be indicated by a median score of 6 or 7 and mean absolute deviation from the median, respectively.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for this study has been granted by Regional Ethics Committee 4, West of Scotland (ID 297344). Study findings will be disseminated to involved stakeholders, published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences.
Changes in pharmaceutical retail market and regional inequality of community pharmacists accessibility in mainland China: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Feng Zhen , Ye Yun , Ye Hua , Tang Zhijia 
Published: November 2022

ObjectivesTo describe the development of pharmaceutical retail market and community pharmacists in mainland China and identify challenges from both government and business perspectives.DesignA retrospective cross-sectional study.SettingCommunity pharmacies providing primary care in mainland China.ParticipantsCommunity pharmacies and community pharmacists in all 31 provincial units in mainland China registered in the National Medical Products Administration during 2014–2020. Number of community pharmacies ranged from 433 529 (2014) to 553 892 (2020). Number of community pharmacists ranged from 129 895 (2014) to 541 264 (2020).Primary and secondary outcome measuresChanges in pharmaceutical retail market and accessibility of community pharmacists over the study period. We also examined the qualification of pharmacists and regional differences.ResultsDuring 2014–2020, the total number of retail companies and pharmacies increased by 47.6% and 27.4%, respectively. The national retail chain rate boosted from 39.4% to 56.5%, and average number of stores per company increased from 40.2 to 49.7. The number of community pharmacists rose by 316.7%. Regarding accessibility, number of pharmacy stores per 10 000 inhabitants increased from 3.2 to 3.9; the average number of pharmacists per store and per 10 000 residents rose from 0.30 to 0.98 and from 0.95 to 3.83. However, the proportion holding a postgraduate or bachelor’s degree dropped to one-third. Pharmacy resources were unevenly distributed across the country. Correlations were observed between economic indicators and number of pharmacy stores and pharmacists (p<0.05).ConclusionsIn general, the accessibility and centralisation of retail pharmacies in China have shown a steady growth with a sign of regional disparities. The availability of community pharmacists has increased significantly, although with an unreasonable composition of academic qualifications and a shortage of personnel. Further efforts are necessary to provide sufficient pharmacy resources for community settings and resolve regional disparities.