bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the impact of economic integration agreements through extreme bounds analysis
Authors: Park Byungyul , Beghin John 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis article provides an empirical strategy guided by the data to estimate the effects of Economic Integration Agreements (EIAs) on trade flows and their transitional dynamics. The strategy uses Extreme Bounds Analysis (EBA) to guide the choice of lags and leads in the effects without researchers' discretion involved. We show that arbitrarily selected year intervals and starting year can result in non‐robust estimates of transitional dynamics of the effects of EIAs on trade flows. The empirical strategy follows two steps: EBA first sifts lags and leads of EIAs robustly related to trade flows from candidates, then these are included in the gravity equation to estimate the effects of EIAs on trade. We find that various lags and leads are robustly and positively related to trade flows, and the lag and lead structure depends on the level of integration. Our results show that EIAs have a long‐term effect of 63% on trade flows. Under the richer lag and lead structure, deep‐integration agreements beyond the level of free trade agreements have a much higher impact on trade flows than free trade agreements do (132% vs 31%). The estimates of effects of EIAs obtained from EBA‐based estimation have a smaller contemporaneous effect and larger phased‐in effects compared to previous studies relying on the subjective choices of year intervals while similar results are observed with the decomposed EIAs.
External sustainability in Spanish economy: Bubbles and crises, 1970–2020
Authors: Esteve Vicente , Prats María A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe address the issue of the sustainability Spain's external debt, using data for the period 1970–2020. To detect episodes of potentially explosive behavior of the Spanish net foreign assets over GDP ratio and the current account balance over GDP ratio, as well as episodes of external adjustments over this long period, we employ a recursive unit root test approach. Our empirical analysis leads us to conclude that there is some evidence of bubbles in the ratio between Spanish net foreign assets and the GDP. In contrast, the evidence that the ratio between the Spanish current account balance and the GDP had explosive subperiods is very weak. The episode of explosive behavior identified in the position of net foreign assets during the period 2002–2015 was the result of the country's economic expansion 1995–2007. The results also show an external adjustment during the period 2008–2019 after the start of a cyclical economic recession.
Combined effect of biochar and soil moisture on soil chemical properties and microbial community composition in microplastic‐contaminated agricultural soil
Authors: Dissanayake Pavani Dulanja , Palansooriya Kumuduni Niroshika , Sang Mee Kyung , Oh Dongyeop X. , Park Jeyoung , Hwang Sung Yeon , Igalavithana Avanthi Deshani , Gu Cheng , Ok Yong Sik 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAccumulation of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural environments has caused growing concern in recent years because of its detrimental impacts on soil quality, crop productivity and ecosystem function. This study was conducted to assess the impact of biochar on soil chemical and microbial properties in a MP‐contaminated soil under two moisture regimes. Soil was contaminated with 1% (w/w) of low‐density polyethylene MPs. Four types of standard biochar, that is, oil seed rape (OSR) biochar produced at 550°C (OSR 550) and 700°C (OSR 700) and soft wood pellet (SWP) biochar produced at 550°C (SWP 550) and 700°C (SWP 700), were applied at a rate of 5% (w/w). The control was maintained without MP addition. The samples were incubated in soil with two moisture regimes, that is, at 30% and 70% of the water holding capacity, and the soil chemical and microbiological properties were assessed after 100 days of incubation. OSR biochar application significantly increased soil pH (8.53–8.81) and electrical conductivity (0.51–0.58 dS/m) in both moisture regimes. The effect of biochar application on soil enzyme activity and microbial community composition did not show a clear trend. However, SWP 700 biochar improved soil enzyme activity compared with that of the control and improved bacterial diversity and evenness compared with those of other biochars, which was attributed to the high surface area available for microbial colonization. Low soil moisture content significantly reduced enzyme activity and bacterial richness even with biochar amendment, except for SWP 550 biochar. This study implies the suitability of biochar for improvement of soil quality in MP contaminated soil under both moisture regimes. However, further long‐term studies are needed to get a clear understanding on the impact of different types of biochar on MP‐contaminated soil.
Preparation of Oil-Based Foam Gel with Nano-SiO2 as Foam Stabilizer and Evaluation of Its Performance as a Plugging Agent for Fractured Shale
Authors: Li Daqi , Li Fan , Deng Song , Liu Jinhua , Huang Yahong , Yang Shuo 
Published: March 2022

The development of natural fracture will lead to lost circulation, which will be likely to cause economic losses and reduce drilling efficiency. In order to solve this problem, an oil-based pressure-bearing foam gel plugging agent for fractured shale was developed. The basic components such as foaming agent, foam stabilizer, and cross-linking agent were optimized and compounded, and the basic formula of the oil-based foam gel system was

0.6
%
DSFA

foaming

agent
+
0.3
%
BPMO

foaming

agent
+
0.5
%
EPDM
+
1.5
%
SBS
+
0.05
%
rigid

cross
−
linking

agent

DB

+
0.02
%
modified

Si

O

2

nanoparticles

. Then, the performance of the oil-based foam gel plugging agent was evaluated through core plugging experiments, and the results showed that the prepared plugging agent had good stability and plugging performance with a plugging rate of about 90%.
Health Promotion, Health Literacy and Vaccine Hesitancy: The Role of Humanoid Robots
Authors: McIntosh Christine , Elvin Anne , Smyth Wendy , Birks Melanie , Nagle Cate 
Published: March 2022

The use of humanoid robot technologies within global healthcare settings is rapidly evolving; however, the potential of robots in health promotion and health education is not established. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of a social humanoid robot on individuals’ knowledge of influenza (flu) prevention and attitudes towards influenza vaccination. A multi-methods approach involving pre and post-test questions and interviews was used. The study was undertaken in a publicly funded tertiary level hospital in northern Queensland, Australia. Of the 995 participants, the majority were visitors (53.07%). The mean age of the participants was 42.25 (SD=19.54) years. Based on the three knowledge questions that were posed at the two-point interactions of participants with the humanoid robot ‘Pepper’, the results showed that there was a significant difference in the correct responses pre- and post-test regarding the best way to avoid getting the flu (Exact McNemar significance probability <.0001), how long the flu virus can live outside the human body ( p <.0001) and the length of time for handwashing to be effective against spreading germs ( p <.0001). The results also showed that there was a significant difference in attitudes associated with influenza vaccination when pre-test was compared to post-test ( p=.0019). Interaction of the participants with the humanoid robot demonstrated immediate knowledge gains and attitudinal change that suggests that humanoid robots may be an important intervention for health promotion in prevention of influenza and other respiratory viruses.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors: Regional Differences Among Oldest-Old in Brazil
Authors: Freitas Javanna L. G. da S. , Silva Jaíza M. M. , Nóbrega Júlia Cristina L. , Simões Raisa F. M. , Medeiros Juliana B. , Alves Ricardo O. , Santos Jair L. F. , Duarte Yeda Aparecida O. , Zatz Mayana , Matheson David , Menezes Tarciana N. de , Santos Silvana 
Published: March 2022

Purpose The aim of this research was to investigate the extent to which socioeconomic and regional differences in Brazil may influence the quality of life. To this end, we examined factors associated with health-related quality of life in two populations of oldest-old people, aged 80 and over: one from the Northeast of Brazil and the other from the Southeast. Methods 417 participants aged 80 and over were interviewed face-to-face, 179 from Brejo dos Santos, one of the poorest regions in the Northeast; and 238 from São Paulo, one of the largest urban metropolises in Southeast Brazil. Data, which included socioeconomic and demographic factors, health status, and health-related quality of life, were collected using a structured questionnaire. The dependent variable was determined by the completion rate of the 12-item Short Form Survey and analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results Although the population of São Paulo had four times as many long-lived women than men, had better literacy levels, used more medications, and presented a greater prevalence of symptoms suggestive of depression in comparison to the Northeast’s population, no difference was observed in the proportion of good physical components among the two populations, 54.3% in Brejo dos Santos’ oldest-old and 50.4% in São Paulo’s ( P = .6272). Quality and quantity of sleep were factors that most affected the health-related quality of life among the oldest-old of Northeast. Conclusion Factors associated with health-related quality of life were different among the oldest-old people of the two locations, thereby corroborating the heterogeneous nature of the longevous population.
State Preemption of Municipal Laws and Policies that Protect Immigrant Communities: Impact on Latine Health and Well-Being in North Carolina
Authors: Mann-Jackson Lilli , Simán Florence M. , Hall Mark A. , Alonzo Jorge , Linton Julie M. , Rhodes Scott D. 
Published: March 2022

Background Some U.S. municipalities have proclaimed themselves “sanctuary cities” and/or adopted laws and policies limiting local involvement in enforcement of federal immigration policies. Several states, however, have adopted laws that preempt municipal laws and policies designed to protect immigrants. We explored the consequences of House Bill (H.B.) 318, one such preemption law in North Carolina (NC), on the health and well-being of Latine immigrants. Methods We conducted focus groups with Latine immigrants (n=49) and in-depth interviews with representatives from health, social service, and immigrant-serving organizations and local government (including law enforcement) (n=21) in NC municipalities that, before HB 318, adopted laws and policies supporting immigrants. Data were analyzed using constant comparison. Results Twelve themes emerged, including the positive impacts of municipal sanctuary laws and policies are limited by preemption and other state and federal actions; laws and policies like HB 318 are confusing, have a chilling effect on health services use, and make life harder overall for Latine communities; intensified federal immigration enforcement has increased fear among Latine communities; Trump administration policies worsened anti-immigrant climates; and use of community identification cards and greater information dissemination and inter-organization coordination can lessen the consequences of preemption and other restrictive laws and policies. Conclusion State preemption of protective municipal laws and policies negatively and profoundly affects immigrant health and well-being. However, creative strategies have been implemented to respond to preemption. These findings provide critical data for decision-makers and community leaders regarding the detrimental impacts of preemption laws and mitigation of these impacts.
Ambient loop district heating and cooling networks with integrated mobility, power and interseasonal storage
Authors: Revesz Akos , Jones Phil , Dunham Chris , Riddle Anthony , Gatensby Norman , Maidment Graeme 
Published: March 2022

This paper describes a heat pump investigation for GreenSCIES (GS), a fifth Generation district heating and cooling (5DHC) network in Islington, London. The paper describes the GreenSCIES concept integrating Mobility, Power and Heat into a Smart Local Energy System (SLES). At the heart of the system is an ultra-low temperature ambient loop network, which permits bi-directional flow within the pipes to allow energy exchange between heating and cooling customers at different times and in different locations, depending on where demand is at any given time. An existing data centre provides the primary source of waste heat for the scheme. Heat pumps in distributed energy centres are utilised to amplify the temperature of the ambient loop to deliver heat in connected buildings. The energy centres integrate heat pumps with building-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and electric vehicle (EV) charging points. The paper provides an overview of the integrated SLES concept, focussing on the heat pump selection and the short and long-term thermal storage options designed for the scheme. The results show that even the smaller constructible ‘New River’ scheme will save 5,000 tons of CO2e annually. This will tend to 100% as the grid decarbonise further. Therefore, the GS SLES concept applied to urban areas could deliver significant carbon emission savings in the UK and elsewhere. Practical application: Project GreenSCIES, is a detailed design study to develop a Smart, Local Energy System (SLES) for a large community in the London Borough of Islington. Our consortium have developed an innovative SLES concept, centred around a fifth generation district heating and cooling network. The GS ambient loop systems have negligible losses and much greater efficiencies than traditional district heat networks. As recognised by the UK Government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy, ambient loop systems should be considered where large-scale neighbourhood regeneration occurs. The proposed SLES concept applied to wider urban areas could deliver significant carbon emission savings in the UK.
Tracheobronchial chondritis as an immune-related adverse event occurring during the administration of nivolumab for recurrent hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Someya Miwako , Kondo Takahito , Okimura Akira , Nakatsugawa Munehide , Okubo Mitsuru , Yunaiyama Daisuke , Takeda Atsuo , Kishida Takuma , Yoshida Shigekazu , Yonekura Minami , Ogawa Yasuo , Tsukahara Kiyoaki 
Published: March 2022

Tracheobronchial chondritis is a rare immune-related adverse event (irAE) associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. We report a case wherein tracheobronchial chondritis occurred while administering nivolumab for recurrent hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a man diagnosed with T2N3bM0 stage IVB hypopharyngeal SCC. After treatment with cisplatin and radiotherapy followed by left and right neck dissection, local recurrence was observed in the hypopharynx. Because of the difficulty of salvage surgery, we administered 240 mg/body of nivolumab. After 9 cycles of nivolumab, the patient was judged to have complete response. After 10 cycles, he had cough and sputum, for which prompting us to perform imaging tests. Computed tomography (CT) showed edematous thickening around the trachea and bilateral bronchi and elevated amounts of adjacent subcutaneous fat tissue. Positron emission tomography-CT showed diffuse fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the trachea and bilateral bronchi, bronchial endoscopy showed redness and swelling throughout the bronchi, and biopsy showed partial mucosal erosion, inflammatory cell (lymphocyte) infiltration, interstitial edema, and desmoplasia. The patient was diagnosed with tracheobronchial chondritis as an irAE resulting from administering anti-programmed death-1 monoclonal antibody. After four-day prednisolone treatment, his cough and sputum disappeared; after two weeks, tracheobronchial chondritis no longer appeared on CT.
The Choice of Contract-enforcement Institutions: A Review
Authors: Singh Indervir 
Published: March 2022

All public- and private-order institutions have strengths and weaknesses when it comes to the enforcement of contracts. In general, the availability of a low-cost legal system and multilateral reputation institutions is found to be more important for the long-term development of a country than bilateral reputation and private enforcement. The efficiency and cost of institutions differ considerably from place to place. The studies have observed that the cost of using private-order institutions is often lower than public-order institutions in underdeveloped economies. While the existing literature has substantially added to our understanding of contract-enforcement institutions, the issue of complementarity among these institutions has only recently received attention. Investigating this issue may considerably enhance our understanding of enforcement institutions and their economic impact. JEL: K12, K42
Modification of protocol with one extra drop of endovascular cyanoacrylate improved closure rates in incompetent great saphenous veins
Authors: Chan Yiu Che , Cheung Grace C , Ting Albert C , Cheng Stephen W 
Published: March 2022

Introduction Great saphenous vein diameter (GSV) of >8 mm was predictor of recanalization following Venaseal cyanoacrylate treatment. The aim of this study was to report our modified protocol with a single extra-drop for treatment for GSV>8 mm, and comparative duplex results in closure rates. Methods Patients in our single-centre registry treated with Venaseal were followed up by serial duplex examinations at week 1 and month(s)- 1, 6, 12, 18, 24, and then annually. The primary endpoint was successful obliteration of the GSV, secondary endpoints were closure distance from Saphenofemoral junction (SFJ), presence of endovenous glue-induced thrombosis (EGIT) or deep vein thrombosis. Results A total of 243 legs in 123 consecutive patients with duplex-proven SFJ/GSV incompetence were included in this study between September 2014 and October 2020. The median duplex follow-up period of this cohort of patients was 24 (range 0.2–58) months. Comparing closure rates in GSV diameter ≥8 mm treated with normal protocol, the ‘extra-drop protocol’ significantly improved closure rates ( p = .034). However, the closure rates of ≥8 mm GSV treated with ‘extra-drop protocol’ was still not as good as GSV <8 mm ( p < .001). There were no statistically significant differences in the stump distance between the three groups and no difference in the occurrence of EGIT. There were no deep vein thrombosis. Conclusion Our experience showed that VenaSeal cyanoacrylate worked best in GSV<8 mm diameter. Even in GSV diameter of ≥8 mm which has a higher recanalization rate on follow-up duplex, our modified extra-drop protocol significantly improved the closure rates, and did not predispose to development of EGIT.
Long-Term Healthcare Cost Savings of a Pediatric Nephrotoxic Medication-Associated Acute Kidney Injury Reduction Program in a Simulated Sample
Authors: Dynan Linda , Lazear Danielle , Goldstein Stuart L. 
Published: March 2022

Background: Nephrotoxic medication exposure is a common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized children and is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The pharmacist-reliant NINJA program reduced nephrotoxic medication exposure and associated AKI. Objectives: We assess potential healthcare cost savings from reduced CKD by preventing AKI with the NINJA program for a pediatric population through age 21. Methods: We simulated a cohort of 1000 hospitalized non-critically ill children. From the published literature, 310 develop AKI, 267 survive to 6 months, and 10-70% develop CKD, and NINJA implementation reduced AKI by 23.8%. Allowing for varying CKD rates, we estimated a range of NINJA’s savings. We assumed an annual GFR decline of 1.2 (noHTN) ml/min/1.73 m2 for half the sample and 1.7 (HTN) ml/min/1.73 m2 for the other half to account for CKD progression without and with hypertension (HTN). We model attributable costs including CKD stage-related medications and outpatient visits/tests in 2018 dollars discounted at 3%. We subtract the cost of NINJA screening (daily serum creatinine and pharmacist time) from net savings. We exclude end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and hospitalization costs. Results: No intervention estimated CKD related costs are $761,852 to $5,735,027. Post-NINJA cost decreases to $616,086 to $4,312,183 (net savings: $145,766 to $1,422 183). Total savings, accounting for NINJA screening ($256,680) are -$110,914 to $1,1 165 503. The breakeven AKI to CKD conversion rate is 13-14% with growth hormone cost included, and 64-65% without. Conclusion: The NINJA program is likely cost beneficial, with greater savings into adulthood by avoiding/delaying ESRD and its costs.
Effects of Antibiotics on Respiratory Symptoms in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients With Pneumonia: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Odagiri Takuya , Maeda Isseki , Masanori Mori  , Morita Tatsuya , Kaneishi Keisuke , Junko Nozato  , Kazuhiro Kosugi  , Higashibata Takahiro , Hamano Jun , Shimoinaba Junichi , Nishi Tomohiro , Kawashima Natsuki 
Published: March 2022

Context Patients in the terminal stages of cancer are frequently affected by infection, especially pneumonia; but the effects of antibiotics on respiratory symptoms and factors associated with improvement are still unclear. Objectives This study aimed to clarify the effects of antibiotics on respiratory symptoms of terminally ill cancer patients with pneumonia, and to explore factors associated with the improvement. Methods This was a prospective cohort study in which we consecutively recruited terminally ill cancer patients diagnosed with pneumonia and treated with antibiotics at one of 23 palliative care units across Japan. At the baseline and Day 3, primarily responsible palliative care specialists recorded patient backgrounds, the results of physical and laboratory examination, and patient symptoms using the Support Team Assessment Schedule. Improvement was defined as improvement of dyspnea, cough, and sputum production on Day 3. Results Among all 1896 patients admitted during the study periods, 137 patients (7.2%) were enrolled into this study. Improvement was achieved in 65 patients (47.4%; 95% confidence intervals, 39–56). Univariate analyses revealed that the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI), respiratory rate (RR), and oxygen requirement were significantly associated with the improvement. A multiple logistic regression analysis identified that PPI score of ≤ 6 and RR of <20 were independently associated with the improvement (odds ratios, 4.4 [1.6–12] and 2.5 [1.1–5.5], respectively). Conclusion Antibiotics may relieve respiratory symptoms from pneumonia in approximately half of the terminally ill cancer patients. PPI and respiratory rate are useful to identify the patients who received benefits of antibiotics.