bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
M-Wallet Adoption in Emerging Markets: A Combination of Technological, Behavioral and Financial Aspects in a Rational Choice Model
Authors: Le Long Hoang , Duong Giang Huong , Nguyen Sang Minh 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The adoption of mobile wallets can help to advance financial inclusion and human development in emerging countries. Current literature on mobile wallet (m-wallet) adoption focuses on technological and behavioral aspects, but neglects the financial aspect, which highly influences the decision-making of low-income people. This study identified the impacts of all three aspects on m-wallet adoption behavior by including behavioral technology acceptance factors and financial-related factors into a research framework derived from rational choice theory. Drawing data from 214 respondents across four emerging countries, the findings reveal the positive effects of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and network externalities on m-wallet adopting intention. Regarding financial factors, while perceived risk negatively affects adopting intention, the effect of price value on adopting intention is not confirmed. Finally, financial literacy is found to have both positively direct and moderating effects on the relationship of perceived risk and users’ adopting intention.
Non-Inclusive Trade Unionism in the Tea Estates in Assam
Authors: Duara Mridusmita , Mallick Sambit 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The state of Assam alone produces nearly 53 percent of the total tea production in India. Around one million workers are engaged in the tea industry in India. Tea – as a commercial product first cultivated and expanded by the British – is an outcome of the toil and struggle of the Adivasi workers or indigenous people of central and east India who were made to migrate to Assam under extremely brutal conditions, and they form one of the most oppressed communities in the state. This section of the population has been waging struggles to protect its rights in the state. Tea production is a labor-intensive enterprise in which trade unions should ideally play an assertive role at every stage. However, trade unions in the tea estates are gradually being questioned on their functionality in shaping industrial relations and upholding the rights of the workers. The key respondents, comprising plantation workers, trade union members, owners of the tea estates, and management staff, belong to the major tea producing districts of Assam: Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Sonitpur, and also the lesser producing district, Kamrup. The present study ascertains the role of trade unions in dealing with the key issues faced by plantation workers, such as non-inclusion of women workers and casual workers and its failure to play an effective role in the negotiation or collective bargaining process with management and the state. It is observed that the trade unions function under the principles of the political parties and acquisition of political power is their sole motto.
Doing Business in the COMESA Region: The Role of Innovation and Trade Facilitation
Authors: Zaibet Lokman , Al Siyabi Mazin , Boughanmi Houcine , Al Abri Ibtisam , Al Akhzami Shaikha 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Developing oil-dependent countries, like Oman, have growing potentials to broaden their export base aside from the hydrocarbon sector, thus enhancing economic growth. The article aims to identify factors to enhance Oman non-oil exports to the COMESA countries with a focus on innovations and trade facilitation. At the macro level, the article uses country trade data to explore the determinants of trade. At the firm level, the focus is on firm export behavior and innovation. Results show the key role of trade facilitation and firm-level innovations in particular at the commodity level. Innovation is significant and positive for commodities like vegetables, plastic, hides, stone, glass, and machinery. Government’s policies to boost exports and enhance economic growth should be geared to reducing market risks facing exporting firms as well as rewarding innovative companies through better innovation-targeted policies.
Midlatitude jet position spread linked to atmospheric convective types
Authors: Fuchs David , Sherwood Steven C. , Waugh Darryn , Dixit Vishal , England Matthew H. , Hwong Yi-Ling , Geoffroy Olivier 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Midlatitude weather is largely governed by bands of strong westerly winds known as the midlatitude jets, but what controls the jet properties, particularly their latitudes, remains poorly understood. Climate models show a spread of about ten degrees in their simulated present-day latitude of the Southern Hemisphere (SH) jet, and a related spread in its predicted poleward shift under global warming. We find that models with more poleward jets simulate more low-level moisture, a warmer upper troposphere, and different precipitation patterns than those with equatorward jets, potentially implicating inter-model differences in moist convection and microphysics. Accordingly, a suite of atmospheric model runs is performed where the deep or shallow convective parametrizations are individually turned off either globally or in specific latitude bands. These experiments suggest that models that produce more shallow convection in the midlatitudes tend to position the jet relatively poleward in SH summer, whereas those which favor deep convection tend to position it equatorward. This accounts for a spread 60% as large as that of AMIP during the Austral summer. Our results suggest that, in the Boreal summer, similar biases appear in the northern hemisphere. The presence of shallow convection in the Northern Hemisphere midlatitudes reduces SH jet shift in a warmer climate in accordance to the correlation between jet positions and shift seen in this season. These results can help explain inter-model differences in the position and shift of the jet, and point to an unexpected role for atmospheric moist convection in the midlatitude circulation.
Cell-based serum anticholinergic activity assay and working memory in cognitively healthy older adults before and after scopolamine: An exploratory study
Authors: Chandramouleeshwaran Susmita , Ghazala Zaid , Nobrega José N , Raymond Roger , Gambino Sara , Pollock Bruce G. , Rajji Tarek K 
Published: September 2022

Background: A new cell-based serum anticholinergic activity (cSAA) assay that measures anticholinergic activity specifically at muscarinic M1 receptors and eliminates many of the drawbacks of the existing assay was developed by our team. Aims: We aimed to study the relationship between changes in working memory and executive function with changes in cSAA using the new assay in cognitively healthy older adults. Methods: Cognitively healthy participants aged 50 years and above, received a single dose of 0.4 mg of intravenous scopolamine. Cognition and cSAA levels were measured before and 30 min after receiving scopolamine. Cognition was measured using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Results: Ten participants were recruited, and nine (mean age = 69.8, SD = 9.5, range 59–86 years) completed the study. Following scopolamine, participants experienced an increase in cSAA (cSAA pre = 0.90 ± 0.97 vs cSAA post = 12.0 ± 3.70 pmol/L; t-test ( df = (8) = −9.5, p < 0.001). In addition, there was an association between change in cSAA and changes in working memory (Spearman’s ρ = 0.68, p = 0.042) and executive function (Spearman’s ρ = 0.72, p = 0.027). Conclusions: In our sample of cognitively healthy older adults, the new cSAA assay was able to quantify the scopolamine induced increase in anticholinergic load which correlated significantly with the observed decline in working memory and executive function.
Generational and Social Forces in the Life Events and Experiences of Lesbian and Gay Midlife and Older Adults Across the Iridescent Life Course
Authors: Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen , Hoy-Ellis Charles , Kim Hyun-Jun , Jung Hailey H. , Emlet Charles A. , Johnson Ian , Goldsen Jayn 
Published: September 2022

Objectives Utilizing Iridescent Life Course, we examine life events among three generations of lesbian and gay adults: Invisible (born 1920–1934), Silenced (born 1935–1949), and Pride (born 1950–1964) Generations. Methods: We utilized a subsample ( n = 2079) from the 2014 wave of Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS). Demographic characteristics, life events, and gender and generational interactions were compared. Results: Compared to other generations, the Invisible Generation disclosed their identity at older ages, were more likely to be retired, served in the military, and survived a partner’s death. Compared to the other generations, the Pride Generation was more likely to have disclosed their identities earlier and experienced higher levels of victimization/discrimination. Discussion: This paper is the first to examine the lived experiences of the oldest lesbians and gay men and compare them to other generations. The findings illustrate the heteronormative nature of most life course research.
Does Conservative Surgical Approach Improve Early and Late Outcome in Patients with Acute Type A Aortic Dissection?
Authors: Kirali Kaan , Mansuroğlu Denyan , Rabuş Murat B. , Erentuğ Vedat , Tuncer Altug , Akinci Esat , İpek Gökhan , Işik Ömer , Yakut Cevat 
Published: September 2022

Objective: Acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) represents an emergency in cardiac surgery that requires immediate treatment to prevent death due to its fatal complications. The surgical approach is dependent on the involvement of AAAD. Methods: Sixty-one patients were operated for AAAD at our clinic. 48 (78.7%) were male and 13 (21.3%) were female with a mean age of 51±12.3 yr (range, 21–80 yr). Only the ascending aorta was replaced in 33 (54.1%) patients (Group I) and aortic arch replacement was included in 28 (45.9%) patients (Group II). The aortic valve was preserved in 43 (70.5%) patients (Group A) and replaced in 18 (29.5%) patients (Group B). Results: Early mortality rate was 23% (14/61). Multivariate analysis revealed that previous cardiac operations ( P=0.048), renal complications ( P=0.024), pump time ( P=0.024), and cardiac complications ( P=0.017) were significantly factors increasing early mortality. Late mortality rate was 8.5% (4/47) and multivariate analysis revealed that pulmonary complication ( P=0.015) was the only statistically significant independent risk factor. Arch replacement or aortic valve replacement was not a predictor for early or late mortality. Cumulative survival was 73.8±5.63% at 1 yr and 68.3±6.46% at 7.5 yr. Cumulative survival was not different between groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: Both radical and conservative surgical approaches in AAAD do not differ in mean of early or late results. Surgery before development of hemodynamic instability and prevention of other system complications improves the outcome of surgical treatment in AAAD.
Splanchnic Oxygenation in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair and Volume Expansion with eloHAES
Authors: Rittoo D. , Gosling P. , Bonnici C. , Burnley S. , Millns P. , Simms M. H. , Smith S. R. G. , Vohra R. K. 
Published: September 2022

Background: Gastric intramucosal pH (pHi), a surrogate marker of splanchnic oxygenation, falls following abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. Aim: To investigate the effects of volume expansion with hydroxyethyl starch (eloHAES) on splanchnic perfusion compared to another colloid such as gelofusine. Patients and methods: Twenty-two consecutive patients undergoing AAA repair were randomised to receive either eloHAES or gelofusine as plasma expanders. Tissue oxygenation was monitored (10 gelofusine and 12 eloHAES) indirectly by measuring pHi using a nasogastric tonometer. Results: Compared to the eloHAES group, the fall in pHi was significantly greater in the gelofusine group at clamp release (7.29 vs 7.33, P = 0.003) and at 4 h following clamp release (7.29 vs 7.33, P= 0.03). There was a good inverse correlation between the lowest pHi and the peak serum interleukin-6 ( rs= −0.47, P= 0.03). By multivariate analysis, the only factor that influenced the pHi was the type of colloid used ( F= 5.54. P= 0.005). The eloHAES treated patients required significantly less colloid on the first postoperative day (3175±175 vs 4065±269 ml, P=0.01). Conclusion: In patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, plasma expansion with eloHAES improves microvascular perfusion and splanchnic oxygenation.
Stentless Aortic Valve Replacement in Elderly Patients
Authors: Gelsomino S. , Da Col P. , Morocutti G. , Frassani R. , Porreca L. , Minen G. , Livi U. 
Published: September 2022

Objective. Seven-year clinical and hemodynamic results of the Cryolife O'Brien (CLOB) stentless bioprosthesis in elderly patients are reported. Methods. From 1993 to 2000, 36 patients aged >75 years had a CLOB implanted in the aortic position. Eighteen (50%) were male. All patients were monitored with serial echocardiograms performed preoperatively, at discharge, six months, one year and yearly thereafter. Results. The 30-day mortality was 2.4% (1/36). Actuarial survival at one, five and seven years were 96.7±1.5. 94.8±2.0 and 94.8±2.0%, respectively. Peak and mean gradients (PG and MG) reduced and effective orifice area index (EOAI) increased over time ( P<0.001). Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) reduced by 32 g/m2 at discharge ( P<0.001) and by 33 g/m2 at six months ( P<0.001) without further significant changes. Conclusions. In our series CLOB xenograft resulted to be a satisfactory valve substitute in elderly patients.
The Effect of Age on Serum Creatinine Levels in an Aging Population: Relevance to Vascular Surgery
Authors: Tiao Jim Yu-Hsiang , Semmens James B. , Masarei John R. L , Lawrence-Brown Michael M. D 
Published: September 2022

Background and Aim. Serum creatinine is commonly used to assess and monitor renal function in the management of abdominal aortic aneurysm with endoluminal grafting, and for intervention of renal artery occlusive disease. The majority of patients selected for these procedures are elderly and serum creatinine is used post-operatively to monitor renal function. There is a need to adjust the serum creatinine concentration for age to determine the changes that might be due to the procedure: especially with endoluminal grafting using transrenal manipulation and fixation, and procedures involving interventions directly on the renal arteries. A single reference interval for serum creatinine is usually given for each sex but does not take into account variation due to age. The objective of this study was to establish age related reference intervals for serum creatinine, especially for those over 60 years of age to assist in the clinical interpretation of creatinine levels in the years following endoluminal grafting for aneurysms of the abdominal aorta. Methods. A pathology services database was established for serum creatinine measurements from 98,688 patients (44,784 males and 53,904 females). Data was stratified into five year age groups and reference intervals assigned for each age group after a reference population was determined. The heterogeneous population was refined firstly by removing patients with extreme (≥200 μmol/1) concentrations of serum creatinine, outliers and repeated values. Secondly, a putative “healthy” population was determined by removing values outside three standard deviations of the mean. Two statistical methods, the Bhattacharya and Hoffmann methods, were then applied to obtain a putative reference population. Serum creatinine data was obtained from the Busselton Population Research Foundation for comparison. Findings. Serum creatinine concentration increased steadily with age; in females from the age of 40 years and 60 years for males. Reference intervals for males and females aged from 20 to 94 years were established. Advancing age affects serum creatinine levels, especially in the “vascular” age group of 60 to 80 years. The changes in serum creatinine concentration that occur with age is relevant in interpretation of the results of renal monitoring after intervention.
Initial in Vivo Results of the New Medtronic Advantage™ Bileaflet Valve in Aortic Position and Comparison to the SJM
Authors: Kleine Peter , Klesius Armin A. , Scherer Mirella , Abdel-Rahman Ulf , Moritz Anton 
Published: September 2022

The present study investigated the Medtronic Advantage (MA) bileaflet valve in an animal model and compared the results to the St. Jude Medical (SJM) valve. Systolic performance and coronary artery flow in different orientations were studied. A rotation device holding either a MA or SJM aortic valve size 23 mm was implanted into eight pigs. Transvalvular pressure gradients and ventricular dimensions were investigated with the valves in different orientations. Coronary artery flow was measured at normal and high cardiac output. Orientation significantly influenced the hemodynamic performance of both valves. The best results for both valves were obtained with one orifice proximal to the right cusp. Pressure gradients and ventricular dimensions of the MA corresponded to the SJM. Coronary artery flow was higher for the MA. The systolic performance of the new MA bileaflet valve was similar to the SJM. During diastole, the MA showed significantly higher LAD coronary flow.
Primary Forearm Arteriovenous Fistula for Hemodialysis Access — An Integrated Approach to Improve Outcomes
Authors: Shemesh D. , Zigelman C. , Olsha O. , Alberton J. , Shapira J. , Abramowitz H. 
Published: September 2022

Purpose Maximizing the ratio of primary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) over bridge graft fistula (BGF) for hemodialysis access is a primary recommendation of the National Kidney Foundation published as Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (DOQI). Imaging, anesthetic and surgical techniques were taken into account to achieve this and other goals, including extensive use of forearm vessels to lower immediate and early failure rates and prolong the useful life of PAVFs. Design Prospective non-randomized study. Methods High-resolution duplex ultrasonography (DUS) was added to careful clinical assessment in planning and follow-up of the dialysis access. Brachial plexus block, which allowed the use of an arterial tourniquet and gave a postoperative sympathectomy type effect, was used for anesthesia, and together with meticulous surgical technique, prevented spasm. Access puncture, post-operative follow-up and surgical revisions were planned in close cooperation with the nephrology team. Findings Ninety (57.3%) of the 157 fistulas constructed for new hemodialysis access between August 1998 and March 2000 were PAVFs. Seventy-three (81.1%) of these were confined to the forearm and comprise the study population, with a mean follow-up of 8.4±4.4 months. There were no immediate failures in the study group. The early failure rate (1 month) was 6.8% and revisions based on DUS were easily accomplished in all cases. The one year assisted primary patency rate was 81.8% and the secondary patency rate at 18 months was 98.6%. Conclusions DUS for planning and follow-up of PAVF along with careful surgical technique under a brachial plexus blockade can achieve a PAVF/BGF ratio well above 50% with a low early failure rate and a high secondary patency rate. Algorithms are presented to achieve these goals.
Ten Year Experience with Aspire (Tissuemed) Porcine Bioprosthesis: Single Centre Experience
Authors: Kumar P. , Athanasiou T. , Mussa S. , Wood A. J. 
Published: September 2022

Background: Aspire (Tissuemed) bioprosthesis is a third generation porcine bioprosthesis. 10-year outcome of this bioprosthesis is unknown. Methods: We report our experience of 139 consecutive prosthesis implanted between 1990–1998. The clinical outcome was reviewed retrospectively. Results: 126 patients (67 males and 59 females), mean age 68.4 ± 8.4 years underwent 139 valve replacements. Sites of valve implantation included the aortic in 77 patients (61%); mitral in 35 patients (27%); aortic + mitral in 13 patients (10%) and tricuspid in 1 patient (0.8%). 32/126 patients (25%) also underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). 30-day mortality for the whole group was 8.7% (11/126) with no valve related deaths. Follow up was 98.4% complete with a mean follow up of 6.1 ± 3.3 years (766 patient-years, range 0–10.2 years). Overall 10-year actuarial survival was 41 ± 7% (AVR 49 ± 10%, MVR 29 ± 11%) and this was influenced by pre-operative poor left ventricular function (EF < 30%) ( p = 0.007) and pre-operative NYHA class III/IV ( p = 0.001). Overall estimated 10-year actuarial freedom from valve related events (Kaplan—Meier) and valve related events expressed as linearised rates (%/patient—year) were: freedom from structural valve failure 97 ± 2% (0.26%/patient—year); non-structural dysfunction 98 ± 1% (0.13%/patient-year); freedom from prosthetic valve endocarditis 94±3% (0.39%/patient—year); freedom from significant haemorrhagic event 82 ± 6% (1.33%/patient—year); freedom from thrombo-embolism 90 ± 3% (0.91 %/patient—year) and freedom from re-operation was 93 ± 3% (0.52%/patient—year). Conclusion: In our experience Aspire (Tissuemed) porcine bioprosthesis functions satisfactorily at 10-years with low valve related complications. Further follow-up will determine its long-term durability.
Pre-Operative Balloon Counterpulsation and off-pump Coronary Surgery for High-Risk Patients
Authors: Babatasi G. , Massetti M. , Bruno P. G. , Hamon M. , Le Page O. , Moreilo R. , Khayat A. 
Published: September 2022

Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) can be performed less invasively without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Multivessel off-pump CABG (OPCAB) is challenging in patients with critical left main stenosis (> 70%) and/or severe ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction < 0.35) Our objective was the evaluation of efficiency of intra aortic balloon pump (IABP) preoperatively in this high-risk group in order to perform OPCABG safely. Material and method: In a consecutive 10-month period (out of 88 OPCABG patients) 23 high-risk patients were treated and were compared with 15 on-pump patients (out of 69) with the same criteria. Results: Preoperative implantation of IABP was significantly higher in the OPCABG group (70% vs 46%, p < 0.05). No conversion to CPB was required in the OPCABG group. Postoperative angiography was systematically performed and demonstrated 97.5% patency of anastomosis. No device-related complications occured. No difference was found concerning age, risk factors, emergency surgery, ejection fraction, mean number of grafts per patient (2.64 versus 2.75) and average operating time. In contrast, OPCABG demonstrated a trend toward reduced morbidity in terms of atrial fibrillation, reexploration for bleeding and prolonged ventilator requirement > 12 h. Mortality was less in the OPCABG group ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: More randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the true efficacy of elective IABP in OPCABG high-risk patients. Until such studies are evaluated, and therefore because older and sicker patients now constitute a greater percentage of candidates for OPCABG, the timing of application of the IABP is warranted. These results may further justify preoperative use of the IABP in a large proportion of this group of patients.