bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public Concern About Immigration and Customer Complaints Against Minority Financial Advisors
Authors: Law Kelvin K. F. , Zuo Luo 
Published: January 2022

We examine the relation between public concern about immigration and customer complaints against minority financial advisors in the United States. We find that minority advisors are more likely to receive complaints in periods of high public concern about immigration than in other periods, relative to their white colleagues from the same firm, at the same office location, and at the same point in time. This result holds for both complaints with merit and dismissed complaints and is more pronounced in counties where residents likely hold stronger anti-immigration views. We also find that minority advisors are more likely to face regulatory actions or leave their firms after customer allegations in periods of high public concern about immigration than in other periods. Overall, our study provides descriptive evidence of a positive relation between public concern about immigration and customer dissatisfaction with minority advisors. This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting. Funding: K. K. F. Law acknowledges financial support from a Nanyang Technological University’s Start-Up Grant. L. Zuo acknowledges financial support from the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and fromUniversity of Toronto RogerMartin Award for Emerging Leaders. Supplemental Material: Code is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.4283 .
The Effects Of High Dose and Low Dose Protocols In Thorax’s CT Scan Image Quality
Authors: Kartika Sari Ni Larasati , Bahagia Deni Tiko , Hartoyo Puji , Muliyati Dewi 
Published: January 2022

<p class="AbstractHeading">ABSTRACT</p><p class="AbstractText">The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of two different dose protocols’ usage on image quality. This research was performed on three different CT Scanners using high dose and low dose protocols of thorax scan. Different exposure parameters were used, depending on each scanner’s setting. GE QA CT Scan phantom was used for image quality assessment. Image quality measured were CT number accuracy, uniformity and linearity, noise uniformity, spatial resolution and Contrast To Noise Ratio (CNR). CT Scan’s dose index, CTDIvol (Volumetric Computed Tomography Dose Index), was also measured to evaluate how these two protocols work in reducing radiation dose. The result showed that the usage of low dose protocols reduce the CTDIvol value at 85-91% compared to the high dose protocols, meanwhile most of the image quality parameters obtained from both protocols were still considered good. The CT number accuracy, uniformity, linearity and noise uniformity for all CT Scans were all still inside BAPETEN’s (Indonesia National Regulator Agency) threshold. There were 20-23% difference on the spatial resolution value measured from both protocols. The most significant difference came from CNR. The CNR obtained from high dose protocols were 65-93% higher than the one from low dose protocols. </p><p class="AbstractText">Keywords: contrast to noise ratio, CTDIvol, CT number, spatial resolution</p><p class="AbstractHeading">ABSTRAK</p><p>Penelitian ini mengevaluasi pengaruh penggunanaan protokol dosis tinggi dan protokol dosis rendah terhadap kualitias citra dan dosis khususnya pada pemeriksaan CT Scan thorax. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada 3 sampel CT Scan yang berbeda. Faktor eksposi yang digunakan berbeda untuk tiap scanner, bergantung pada setting yang terdapat pada scanner. Fantom yagdigunakan untuk menilai kualitas citra adalah fantom GE QA CT Scan. Adapun kualitas citra yang diukur adalah keseragaman, akurasi, dan linearitas CT number, keseragaman noise, resolusi spasial, serta <em>Contrast to Noise Ratio</em> (CNR). Sementara dosis radiasi yang diamati adalah CTDIvol (Volumetrik <em>Computed Tomography Dose Index</em>) yang tampil pada konsol. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan protokol dosis rendah mampu mengurangi nilai CTDIvol sebesar 85-91% dibanding dengan protokol dosis tinggi, sementara sebagian besar parameter kualitas citra yang diukur masih dinilai baik. Nilai akurasi, keseragaman, dan linearitas CT number serta keseragaman noise pada protokol dosis tinggi dan dosis rendah, keseluruhannya masih dalam batas ambang BAPETEN. Terdapat perbedaan sebesar 20-23% pada nilai resolusi spasial yang terukur dari kedua protokol. Nilai CNR pada protokol dosis tinggi lebih baik dari pada protokol dosis rendah, dengan perbedaan yang cukup signifikan, yaitu 65-93%.</p><p class="AbstractText">Kata kunci: <em>contrast to noise ratio</em>, CTDIvol, <em>CT number</em>, resolusi spasial</p>
(Re)Construcción de la realidad y protesta: Un análisis de los repertorios de acción colectiva desde la teoría de las representaciones sociales
Authors: Oyarce Pizarro Javier 
Published: January 2022

El presente trabajo expone las reflexiones en torno al análisis de los repertorios de acción colectiva desde el marco interpretativo que permite la teoría de las representaciones sociales. Se problematiza respecto de la acción colectiva y los marcos de sentido que permiten la participación individual y colectiva articulando representaciones alternativas a las forma da vida/relación institucionalizadas. El texto busca presentar argumentos que permitan abordar una síntesis sujeto/estructura, partiendo desde la crítica de Jodelet a la subordinación de los agentes sociales y las subjetividades en las ciencias sociales a través de una epistemología objetivista reificadora, representada en la idea de Simmel de “teatro de marionetas”. En conclusión, los repertorios de acción colectiva, superan su noción objetiva, representan formas de hacer o significar relaciones sociales normalizadas, pudiendo a través de la performance construir o reconstruir realidades desde los marcos de sentido colectivo del movimiento social. El presente trabajo expone las reflexiones en torno al análisis de los repertorios de acción colectiva desde el marco interpretativo que permite la teoría de las representaciones sociales. Se problematiza respecto de la acción colectiva y los marcos de sentido que permiten la participación individual y colectiva articulando representaciones alternativas a las forma da vida/relación institucionalizadas. El texto busca presentar argumentos que permitan abordar una síntesis sujeto/estructura, partiendo desde la crítica de Jodelet a la subordinación de los agentes sociales y las subjetividades en las ciencias sociales a través de una epistemología objetivista reificadora, representada en la idea de Simmel de “teatro de marionetas”. En conclusión, los repertorios de acción colectiva, superan su noción objetiva, representan formas de hacer o significar relaciones sociales normalizadas, pudiendo a través de la performance construir o reconstruir realidades desde los marcos de sentido colectivo del movimiento social.
Indicadors de riquesa i de desigualtats en el món artesanal de Barcelona als segles XVI i XVII. Dots i famílies en el gremi de terrissers
Authors: García-Oses Isaac 
Published: January 2022

Aquest treball presenta els dots com a font que permet escatir els nivells de riquesa i de desigualtats econòmiques entre l’artesanat barceloní d’època moderna. Partint de l’anàlisi de gairebé 160 capítols matrimonials (1501-1777), amb participació de diferents oficis, realitzem una proposta de categorització dels sectors socioproductius. Analitzem principalment el grup de terrissers, prenent-lo com a exemple per exposar l’evolució de les quantitats dotals i la seva categorització social. A través dels diferents oficis d’aquest sector professional, hom podrà evidenciar les desigualtats internes de riquesa i de poder adquisitiu.
Paraules clau: dot, capítols matrimonials, terrissers, poder adquisitiu, estalvi.
Three-dimensional point cloud denoising via a gravitational feature function
Authors: Shi Chunhao , Wang Chunyang , Liu Xuelian , Sun Shaoyu , Xiao Bo , Li Xuemei , Li Guorui 
Published: January 2022

Point cloud noise is inevitable in the LiDAR scanning of objects and affects measurement accuracy and integrity. To minimize such noise, we propose a gravitational feature function-based point cloud denoising algorithm and a universal gravitation formula for a point cloud. First, we calculate the point cloud barycenter (i.e., the position of the average mass distribution) and the spherical neighborhood of points in terms of the distribution of the point cloud in three-dimensional space. Next, using the proposed formula, we calculate the gravitational forces between the barycenter and the spherical neighborhood of all points. We then combine all of the gravitational forces into a gravitational feature function and filter the noises in the point cloud using a gravitational feature-function threshold. This novel algorithm, to the best of our knowledge, effectively removes drift noises and takes into account the local and global structure of point clouds. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm through extensive experiments in which sparse, dense, and mixed noises are removed.
Design and fabrication of SU-8 polymer arrayed waveguide gratings based on flexible PDMS substrates
Authors: Li Hongqiang , Wang Yingjie , Sun Yaqiang , Zhang Sai , An Zhixuan , Zhang Shanshan , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Zanyun , Mao Quanhua , Prades García Juan Daniel 
Published: January 2022

We investigated and fabricated

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8

and

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traditional/saddle arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) wavelength division multiplexing devices on flexible substrates. The core layer was made of the negative epoxy photoresist SU-8, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material was selected for the cladding based on the high refractive index difference. A chemical modification method of PDMS was proposed to enhance the film-forming characteristics of the SU-8 core layer on PDMS substrates. After fabricating and characterizing the optical properties of the AWGs, the dimensions of the proposed

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AWGs were

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c
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and

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, respectively. Experimental results showed that the saddle-type

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and

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AWGs had good signal transmission characteristics, and the insertion losses were only 5.1 dB and 6.8 dB, respectively, which were lower than those of traditional-type AWGs with the same dimensions and number of waveguides.
Quarantine-related traumatic stress, views, and experiences during the first wave of Coronavirus pandemic: A mixed-methods study among adults in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bin Helayel Halah , Ahmed Anwar , Ahmed Syed Khabir , Ahmad Abeer , Khan Ruhi , Al-Swailem Samar A. 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
Mental health is a significant problem following exposure to a traumatic event. This study aimed to examine quarantine-related experiences, traumatic stress, and coping strategies among adults quarantined in Saudi Arabia due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exposure or travel history.

Methods
Individuals aged ≥ 18 years who were quarantined in Saudi Arabia due to COVID-19 exposure or travel history were included. We used a sequential mixed methods design, using an online survey followed by in-depth individual telephonic interviews. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES–R) was used to measure post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after the quarantine. To identify factors associated with significant symptoms (IES–R score ≥ 33), prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals were computed using Poisson regression with robust error variance. In the next phase, a subset of the participants (n = 26) were interviewed to elicit their quarantine-related experiences and coping responses. Major themes and subthemes were identified.

Results
Of the 111 adults who completed the survey, 32 (28.8% [95% CI, 21.1–38.0%]) had significant PTSD symptoms (IES–R score ≥ 33) and 27 (24.3% [95% CI, 17.2–33.3%]) had severe symptoms (IES–R score > 37). Marital status was the only variable that was significantly associated with significant PTSD symptoms (P = 0.028). Significant symptoms were twice as prevalent in married adults than among other marital groups (PR 2.00, 95% CI, 1.08–3.72). Participants reported negative emotions such as overwhelming fear, helplessness, anxiety, and disgust. Participants utilized both problem-centered coping (e.g., use of social support) and emotion-centered coping (e.g., use of positive diversionary activities) during the quarantine period.

Conclusion
PTSD symptoms were present in one out of every four quarantined persons. The quarantine experience is viewed negatively. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness about stress-related disorders among quarantined individuals. Efforts are needed to detect and manage these symptoms early while making the quarantine experience more satisfying for the involved individuals and groups.
miR-27a-3p regulates expression of intercellular junctions at the brain endothelium and controls the endothelial barrier permeability
Authors: Harati Rania , Hammad Saba , Tlili Abdelaziz , Mahfood Mona , Mabondzo Aloïse , Hamoudi Rifat 
Published: January 2022

Background
The brain endothelial barrier permeability is governed by tight and adherens junction protein complexes that restrict paracellular permeability at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Dysfunction of the inter-endothelial junctions has been implicated in neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. The molecular mechanisms underlying junctional dysfunction during BBB impairment remain elusive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as versatile regulators of the BBB function under physiological and pathological conditions, and altered levels of BBB-associated microRNAs were demonstrated in a number of brain pathologies including neurodegeneration and neuroinflammatory diseases. Among the altered micro-RNAs, miR-27a-3p was found to be downregulated in a number of neurological diseases characterized by loss of inter-endothelial junctions and disruption of the barrier integrity. However, the relationship between miR-27a-3p and tight and adherens junctions at the brain endothelium remains unexplored. Whether miR-27a-3p is involved in regulation of the junctions at the brain endothelium remains to be determined.

Methods
Using a gain-and-loss of function approach, we modulated levels of miR-27a-3p in an in-vitro model of the brain endothelium, key component of the BBB, and examined the resultant effect on the barrier paracellular permeability and on the expression of essential tight and adherens junctions. The mechanisms governing the regulation of junctional proteins by miR-27a-3p were also explored.

Results
Our results showed that miR-27a-3p inhibitor increases the barrier permeability and causes reduction of claudin-5 and occludin, two proteins highly enriched at the tight junction, while miR-27a-3p mimic reduced the paracellular leakage and increased claudin-5 and occludin protein levels. Interestingly, we found that miR-27-3p induces expression of claudin-5 and occludin by downregulating Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta (GSK3ß) and activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, a key pathway required for the BBB maintenance.

Conclusion
For the first time, we showed that miR-27a-3p is a positive regulator of key tight junction proteins, claudin-5 and occludin, at the brain endothelium through targeting GSK3ß gene and activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Thus, miR-27a-3p may constitute a novel therapeutic target that could be exploited to prevent BBB dysfunction and preserves its integrity in neurological disorders characterized by impairment of the barrier’s function.
Efficacy of Fluorecare SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Test Kit for SARS-CoV-2 detection in nasopharyngeal samples of 121 individuals working in a manufacturing company
Authors: Tonelotto Valentina , Davini Annamaria , Cardarelli Laura , Calderone Milena , Marin Paola 
Published: January 2022

Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of the Fluorecare SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Test Kit, a rapid immunochromatographic assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Moreover, we sought to point out the strategy adopted by a local company to lift the lockdown without leading to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, by performing a precise and timely health surveillance.

Methods
The rapid Fluorecare SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Test was performed immediately after sampling following the manufacturer’s instructions. RT-PCRs were performed within 24 hours of specimen collection. A total amount of 253 nasopharyngeal samples from 121 individuals were collected between March 16 and April 2, 2021 and tested.

Results
Of 253 nasopharyngeal samples, 11 (9.1%) were positive and 242 (90.9%) were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by RT-PCR assays. The rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection test’s mean sensitivity and specificity were 84,6% (95% CI, 54.6–98.1%) and 100% (95% CI, 98.6–100%), respectively. Two false negative test results were obtained from samples with high RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct).

Conclusion
Our study suggested that Fluorecare SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Test can be introduced into daily diagnostic practice, as its mean sensitivity and specificity follow the standards recommended by WHO and IFCC Task Force. In addition, we underlined how the strategy adopted by a local company to risk assessment and health surveillance was appropriate for infection containment. This real-life scenario gave us the possibility to experience potential approaches aimed to preserve public health and work activities.
Does weight mediate the effect of smoking on coronary heart disease? Parametric mediational g-formula analysis
Authors: Mokhayeri Yaser , Nazemipour Maryam , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Naimi Ashley I. , Kaufman Jay S. 
Published: January 2022

Background
In settings in which there are time-varying confounders affected by previous exposure and a time-varying mediator, natural direct and indirect effects cannot generally be estimated unbiasedly. In the present study, we estimate interventional direct effect and interventional indirect effect of cigarette smoking as a time-varying exposure on coronary heart disease while considering body weight as a time-varying mediator.

Methods
To address this problem, the parametric mediational g-formula was proposed to estimate interventional direct effect and interventional indirect effect. We used data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis to estimate effect of cigarette smoking on coronary heart disease, considering body weight as time-varying mediator.

Results
Over a 11-years period, smoking 20 cigarettes per day compared to no smoking directly (not through weight) increased risk of coronary heart disease by an absolute difference of 1.91% (95% CI: 0.49%, 4.14%), and indirectly decreased coronary heart disease risk by -0.02% (95% CI: -0.05%, 0.04%) via change in weight. The total effect was estimated as an absolute 1.89% increase (95% CI: 0.49%, 4.13%).

Conclusion
The overall absolute impact of smoking to incident coronary heart disease is modest, and we did not discern any important contribution to this effect relayed through changes to bodyweight. In fact, changes in weight because of smoking have no meaningful mediating effect on CHD risk.
Acceptability of a nurse-led non-pharmacological complex intervention for knee pain: Nurse and patient views and experiences
Authors: Nomikos Polykarpos Angelos , Hall Michelle C. , Fuller Amy , Ogollah Reuben , Valdes Ana M. , Doherty Michael , Walsh David Andrew , das Nair Roshan , Abhishek Abhishek 
Published: January 2022

Objectives
The overall purpose of this research programme is to develop and test the feasibility of a complex intervention for knee pain delivered by a nurse, and comprising both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions. In this first phase, we examined the acceptability of the non-pharmacological component of the intervention; issues faced in delivery, and resolved possible challenges to delivery.

Methods
Eighteen adults with chronic knee pain were recruited from the community. The intervention comprised holistic assessment, education, exercise, weight-loss advice (where appropriate) and advice on adjunctive treatments such as hot/cold treatments, footwear modification and walking aids. After nurse training, the intervention was delivered in four sessions spread over five weeks. Participants had one to one semi-structured interview at the end of the intervention. The nurse was interviewed after the last visit of the last participant. These were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Themes were identified by one author through framework analysis of the transcripts, and cross-checked by another.

Results
Most participants found the advice from the nurse easy to follow and were satisfied with the package, though some felt that too much information was provided too soon. The intervention changed their perception of managing knee pain, learning that it can be improved with self-management. However, participants thought that the most challenging part of the intervention was fitting the exercise regime into their daily routine. The nurse found discussion of goal setting to be challenging.

Conclusion
The nurse-led package of care is acceptable within a research setting. The results are promising and will be applied in a feasibility randomised-controlled trial.
The Symptom Burden and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients in the Gaza Strip, Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: ElMokhallalati Yousuf , Alaloul Enas , Shatat Mohammed , Shneewra Tasneem , El Massri Saad , Shaer Omar , Relton Samuel , Abu-Odah Hammoda , Allsop Matthew J. 
Published: January 2022

Objectives
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, but there is an absence of evidence systematically assessing symptom burden and quality of life (QoL) using validated tools. Our objective was to assess associations between socio-demographic and disease-related characteristics, symptom burden and QoL in a sample of cancer patients accessing outpatient services in the Gaza Strip.

Design
A cross-sectional, descriptive survey using interviews and medical record review involving patients with cancer accessing oncology outpatient services at Al Rantisi Hospital and European Gaza Hospital (EGH) in the Gaza Strip was employed. Socio-demographic and disease-related data, the Lebanese version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS-Leb), and the Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) were collected. Multiple linear regression was used to judge the relative influence of determinants of QoL.

Results
Of 414 cancer patients approached, 385 patients consented to participation. The majority were women (64.7%) with a mean age of 52 years (SD = 16.7). Common cancer diagnoses were breast (32.2%), haematological (17.9%) and colorectal (9.1%). The median number of symptoms was 10 (IQR 1.5–18.5). Mean overall QoL was 70.5 (SD 19.9) with common physical and psychological symptoms identified. A higher burden of symptoms was associated with marital status, education and income. Limited access to both opioids and psychological support were reported.

Conclusions
A high symptom burden was identified in outpatients with cancer. Increasing provision and access to supportive care for physical and psychological symptoms should be prioritised alongside exploring routine assessment of symptom burden and QoL.