bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A matheuristic approach for the minimum broadcast time problem using a biased random‐key genetic algorithm
Authors: Lima Alfredo , Aquino Andre L. L. , Nogueira Bruno , Pinheiro Rian G. S. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractTheMinimum Broadcast Time(MBT) is a well‐known data dissemination problem whose goal is to find a broadcast scheme that minimizes the number of steps needed to execute the broadcast operation. The problem has many applications in distributed systems and, in particular, the Industry 4.0 domain. Because Industry 4.0 applications rely primarily on the use of large‐scale machine to machine communications, they need data dissemination techniques that combine high reliability with low communication latency. This work proposes a Biased Random‐Key Genetic Algorithm and a matheuristic for the MBT. We carry out experiments with our algorithms on instances commonly used in the literature (hypercube, shuffle exchange, cube‐connected cycles, de Bruijn, Harary graphs), and also on massive synthetic instances (up to 1000 vertices), allowing to cover many possibilities of real industry topologies. Our proposal is also compared with state‐of‐the‐art exact methods and heuristics. Experimental results show that our algorithm is able to outperform the best‐known heuristics for the MBT, and also that it is a very good alternative for large instances that cannot be solved by current exact methods.
Healing effect of acellular fish skin with plasma rich in growth factor on full‐thickness skin defects
Authors: Biazar Esmaeil , Heidari Keshel Saeed , Rezaei Tavirani Mostafa , Kamalvand Mahshad 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAcellular skin as a scaffold has a good potential to regenerate or repair damaged tissues. Growth factors such as Plasma Rich in Growth Factor (PRGF) as a rich source of active proteins can accelerate tissue regeneration. In this study, an acellular scaffold derived from fish skin with growth factors was used to repair full‐thickness skin defects in a rat model. Cellular results demonstrated that epithelial cells adhere well to acellular scaffolds. The results of animal studies showed that the groups treated with acellular scaffold and growth factor have a high ability to close and heal wounds on the 28th day after surgery. Histological and staining results showed that in the treated groups with scaffold and growth factor, an epidermal layer was formed with some skin appendages similar to normal skin. Overall, such scaffolds with biological agents can cause an acceptable synergistic effect on skin regeneration and wound healing.
Intense continuous‐wave laser and mode‐locked pulse operation from Yb3+‐doped oxyfluoride glass–ceramic fibers
Authors: Kang Shiliang , Wang Wenlong , Qiu Jianrong , Yang Zhongmin , Dong Guoping 
Published: April 2022

AbstractUltrafast fiber lasers, due to their short pulse duration, excellent beam quality, and high brightness, are extensively used in precision processing, biomedicine, nonlinear optics, and spectroscopy. However, great challenges still exist in improving the optical conversion efficiency in glass‐based gain media because of the high non‐radiative transition probability. Here, we demonstrate an oxyfluoride glass–ceramic (GC) fiber containing NaYF4:Yb3+ nanocrystal that enables enhanced 1064‐nm continuous‐wave laser output with an optical signal‐to‐noise ratio of 60 dB. Compared with the as‐prepared glass fiber, the optical conversion efficiency of GC fiber is improved from 24.2% to 30.0%. The improvement of laser action is mainly caused by the preferential incorporation of Yb3+ into the NaYF4 nanocrystal with low phonon energy. Using this well‐developed GC fiber, we successfully built a passively mode‐locked pulsed fiber laser that deliveries laser pulses with a pulse duration of 8.1 ps and a repetition frequency of 56.92 MHz. These results highlight that the GC strategy may provide a roadmap for the development of ultrafast fiber laser and the application of GC fibers in various optoelectronic fields.
Nurse‐led vascular risk assessment in a regional Victorian Indigenous primary care diabetes clinic: An integrated Diabetes Education and Eye disease Screening [iDEES] study
Authors: Atkinson‐Briggs Sharon , Ryan Christopher , Keech Anthony , Jenkins Alicia , Brazionis Laima ,   Centre of Research Excellence in Diabetic Retinopathy Study Group
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimThe aim was to describe vascular risk factors in Australian adults with diabetes attending an Indigenous primary care nurse‐led diabetes clinic.DesignThis was a cross‐sectional descriptive single‐site study.MethodsVascular risk factor data were extracted from the electronic health records of participants in the nurse‐led integrated Diabetes Education and Eye disease Screening (iDEES) study at a regional Victorian Indigenous primary health‐care clinic between January 2018 and March 2020.ResultsOf 172 eligible adults, 135 (79%) provided data. Median (IQR) age was 56 (46–67) years; 89% were Indigenous; 95% had Type 2 diabetes of median (IQR) duration of 6 (2–12) years and 48 (36%) were male. Median HbA1c, blood pressure, cholesterol (total; LDL and HDL), triglycerides, eGFR, CRP and BMI were 8.0% (64 mmol/mol), 127/78 mm Hg, 4.2; 1.9; 1.1 mmol/L, 2.3 mmol/L, 89 ml/min/1.73 m2, 7.0 mg/L and 32.4 kg/m2. Of nine clinical risk factors, the median (IQR) number of risk factors at target was 4 (3–5) for women and 3 (2–5) for men, pχ2 = 0.563. Clinical targets for BMI, HbA1c, blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, urine albumin: creatinine ratio, HDL cholesterol and smoking were met by 14%, 34%, 38%, 39%, 44%, 52%, 54%, 62% and 64%, respectively.ConclusionA nurse‐led model of integrated clinical risk factor assessment and diabetes education identified suboptimal levels of clinical risk factor control for avoiding diabetes chronic complications amongst Australian adults with diabetes in an Indigenous primary care setting.ImpactA nurse‐led model of diabetes care integrating clinical risk factor assessment into a diabetes education service is achievable. Understanding by stakeholders, including people with diabetes, their clinicians and health services, of the importance of regular monitoring of risk factors impacting diabetes complications is important. The novel nurse‐managed iDEES primary‐care model of care can assist.Trial registrationThis study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618001204235).
Developmental stages associated with organizational learning in hospitals: An instrument development study
Authors: Lyman Bret , Ethington Kalene M. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimTo develop and test the Organizational Learning Instrument: Development Stages instrument, a measure of hospital units' readiness to engage in organizational learning.DesignCognitive interviewing, expert review and a quantitative, cross‐sectional survey.MethodsItem development was informed by previous research on organizational learning. Content validity was assessed and strengthened using cycles of cognitive interviewing and expert review. The resulting instrument was distributed by email to all nurses providing direct patient care in inpatient units in 11 Magnet® hospitals. Data were collected in 2018. Intraclass correlations, using hospital unit as the grouping variable, indicated the need to use multilevel methods to analyse the survey data. Thus, coefficient omega and multilevel confirmatory factor analysis were used to estimate the instrument's reliability and construct validity, respectively.ResultsThe Organizational Learning Instrument: Development Stages is a 35‐item survey comprised of four scales: Identity & Ownership, Team & Respect, Accountability & Support and Reliability & Sustainability. The expert review yielded scale‐level content validity scores from 0.90 to 1.0 and item‐level content validity scores from 0.86 to 1.0. Survey participants were 1212 nurses, working in 99 inpatient units, across 11 Magnet® hospitals. Intraclass correlations ranged from 0.113 to 0.158. Coefficient omega reliability for the four scales was 0.981–0.993. Standardized factor loadings for the 35 items were 0.699–0.961, with acceptable model fit statistics (comparative fit index = 0.980, Tucker–Lewis Fit Index = 0.979, and root mean squared error of approximation = 0.060).ConclusionsThese results indicate the instrument meets or exceeds generally accepted criteria for content validity, reliability and construct validity instrument, and is suitable for further use and testing.ImpactNurse administrators, managers and researchers now have a valid, reliable instrument to better foster and study organizational learning in hospital units. Advances in organizational learning are expected to improve a variety of patient, staff and organizational outcomes in hospital units.
Systematic review: Perceptions of type 2 diabetes of people of African descent living in high‐income countries
Authors: Love Onuorah , Peter Draper , Julie Santy‐Tomlinson 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimsTo describe how people of African descent perceive and understand type 2 diabetes, and to examine the impact of their perceptions and beliefs on the uptake of diet, exercise, weight control and adherence to medication recommendations.DesignSystematic literature review of quantitative and qualitative studies.Data sourcesWe searched MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, Psych INFO, Academic Search Premier, Education Research Complete, Web of Science and Scopus, World Health Organization (WHO), Diabetes UK and American Diabetes Association for articles published from January 1999 to December 2019.Review methodsInformed by the PRISMA guidelines, we independently reviewed titles and abstracts, identified articles for full‐text review that met inclusion criteria, conducted a quality assessment and extracted data. Findings were synthesized using a thematic approach.ResultsTwenty‐six studies met the inclusion criteria. Knowledge and understanding of diabetes were poor. Beliefs and behaviours about diet, exercise, weight and health care were erroneous. Most diabetic participants could not recognize diabetes symptoms, failed to take their diagnosis seriously and did not adhere to medication recommendations. The resultant effect was an increased risk of complications with undesirable outcomes.ConclusionPoor diabetes perceptions are linked to negative consequences and may be responsible for poorer outcomes among people of African descent. This review highlights the need to consider this population's beliefs and practices in structuring culturally sensitive programmes for diabetes management.ImpactThis systematic literature review is the first to exclusively explore perceptions of people of African descent in relation to diabetes. It is important to consider people of African descents' diabetes perceptions and practices before formulating interventions for their diabetes management.
To come back or not to come back during the coronavirus crisis—A cross‐sectional online survey of inactive nurses
Authors: Lücker Petra , Henning Esther , Hoffmann Wolfgang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimsTo examine whether inactive nurses are willing to return to nursing during the COVID‐19 pandemic, the reasons for or against their decision and further, possibly relevant factors.DesignCross‐sectional online survey.MethodsWe developed a questionnaire, addressing registration, professional experiences, anticipations, and internal and external factors that might affect the decision of inactive nurses to return to nursing during the pandemic. Between 27 April and 15 June 2020, we recruited participants in Germany via social networks, organizations and institutions and asked them to forward the link to wherever other inactive nurses might be reached.ResultsThree hundred and thirty‐two participants (73% female) could be included in the analysis. The majority of the participants (n = 262, 79%) were general nurses. The main reason for registering was ‘want to do my bit to manage the crisis’ (n = 73, 22.8%). More than two thirds of the participants (n = 230, 69%) were not or not yet registered. One hundred and twelve (49%) out of 220 participants, who gave reasons why they did not register, selected they ‘could not see a necessity at that time’. The few inactive nurses who were deployed reported a variety of experiences.ConclusionsDifferent factors influence the nurses’ decision to register or not. A critical factor for their decision was previous experiences that had made them leave the job and prevented a return—even for a limited time in a special situation.ImpactFrom the responses of the participants in this study, it can be deduced that: negative experiences made while working in nursing influence the willingness to volunteer for a deployment; only one‐third of the inactive nurses would be willing to return to the nursing profession to help manage the Corona pandemic; policymakers and nursing leaders should not rely on the availability of inactive nurses in a crisis.
A topical emollient mitigates the progression of cognitive impairment in the elderly: a randomized, open‐label pilot trial
Authors: Ye L. , Wang Z. , Kim Y. , Elias P.M. , Li T. , Wen S. , Song J. , Lv C. , Yang B. , Man M.‐Q. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundCognitive impairment is common in the elderly. Prior studies suggest a link between chronic inflammation and cognitive dysfunction, while aging‐associated epidermal dysfunction has been connected to elevations in circulating cytokines.ObjectiveWe assessed here whether improvements in epidermal function can mitigate the progression of cognitive impairment.MethodsThis randomized, open‐label pilot trial was carried out in two cities in northern China. A total of 200 participants aged ≥65 years were randomly assigned to the emollient‐treated and untreated groups at 1:1 ratio. Participants in the treated group were treated topically with Atopalm cream® twice‐daily from November to the following May each year for three consecutive years, while the untreated subjects served as controls. The Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) was used to assess the severity of cognitive impairment, while epidermal biophysical properties were measured on the forearms and the shins in parallel.ResultsOver the three‐year trial, GDS significantly increased from baseline (P < 0.0001) in the controls, while in the treated group, GDS stabilized. While stratum corneum hydration on the forearms did not change significantly in the controls, transepidermal water loss rates (TEWL), significantly increased by the end of the trial compared to baselines in the controls (P < 0.0001). On the forearms of the treated group, stratum corneum hydration increased (P < 0.0001) while skin surface pH decreased from baseline (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThese results suggest that improvements in epidermal function with topical emollient can mitigate the progression of cognitive impairment. However, the sample size was relatively small, and trials in a larger cohort are needed to validate the present results.
“Is it time to stop driving?”: A randomized clinical trial of an online decision aid for older drivers
Authors: Betz Marian E. , Hill Linda L. , Fowler Nicole R. , DiGuiseppi Carolyn , Han S. Duke , Johnson Rachel L. , Meador Lauren , Omeragic Faris , Peterson Ryan A. , Matlock Daniel D. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundMany older adults face the difficult decision of when to stop driving. We sought to test whether an online driving decision aid (DDA) would improve decision quality.MethodsThis prospective two‐arm randomized trial enrolled English‐speaking licensed drivers (age ≥70 years) without significant cognitive impairment but with ≥1 diagnosis associated with increased likelihood of driving cessation; all participants received primary care in clinics associated with study sites in three states. The intervention was the online Healthwise® DDA for older adults addressing “Is it time to stop driving?”; control was web‐based information for older drivers only. The primary outcome was decision conflict as estimated by the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS; lower scores indicate higher quality). Secondary outcomes were knowledge and decision self‐efficacy about driving decisions. We examined postrandomization differences in primary and secondary outcomes by study arm using generalized linear mixed‐effects models with adjustment for site and prerandomization scores.ResultsAmong 301 participants (mean age: 77.1 years), 51.2% identified as female and the majority as non‐Hispanic (99.0%) and white (95.3%); 98.0% lived in an urban area. Participant characteristics were similar by study arm but differed across sites. Intervention participants had a lower mean DCS score (12.3 DDA vs 15.2 control; adjusted mean ratio [AMR] 0.76, 95%CI 0.61–0.95; p = 0.017). Intervention participants had higher mean knowledge scores (88.9 DDA vs. 79.9 control; OR 1.13, 95%CI 1.01–1.27, p = 0.038); there was no difference between groups in self‐efficacy scores. The DDA had high acceptability; 86.9% of those who viewed it said they would recommend it to others in similar situations.ConclusionsThe online Healthwise® DDA decreased decision conflict and increased knowledge in this sample of English‐speaking, older adults without significant cognitive impairment, although most chose to continue driving. Use of such resources in clinical or community settings may support older adults as they transition from driving to other forms of mobility.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier “Advancing Understanding of Transportation Options (AUTO)” NCT04141891.
Sdr4 dominates pre‐harvest sprouting and facilitates adaptation to local climatic condition in Asian cultivated rice
Authors: Zhao Bo , Zhang Hui , Chen Tianxiao , Ding Ling , Zhang Liying , Ding Xiali , Zhang Jun , Qian Qian , Xiang Yong 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPre‐harvest sprouting (PHS), which reduces grain yield and quality, is controlled by seed dormancy genes. Because few dormancy‐related genes have been cloned, the genetic basis of seed dormancy in rice (Oryza sativa L.) remains unclear. Here, we performed a genome‐wide association study and linkage mapping to dissect the genetic basis of seed dormancy in rice. Our findings suggest that Seed Dormancy4 (Sdr4), a central modulator of seed dormancy, integrates the abscisic acid and gibberellic acid signaling pathways at the transcriptional level. Haplotype analysis revealed that three Sdr4 alleles in rice cultivars already existed in ancestral Oryza rufipogon accessions. Furthermore, like the semi‐dwarf 1 (SD1) and Rc loci, Sdr4 underwent selection during the domestication and improvement of Asian cultivated rice. The distribution frequency of the Sdr4‐n allele in different locations in Asia is negatively associated with local annual temperature and precipitation. Finally, we developed functional molecular markers for Sdr4, SD1, and Rc for use in molecular breeding. Our results provide clues about the molecular basis of Sdr4‐regulated seed dormancy. Moreover, these findings provide guidance for utilizing the favorable alleles of Sdr4 and Rc to synergistically boost PHS resistance, yield, and quality in modern rice varieties.
Exosome therapy in hair regeneration: A literature review of the evidence, challenges, and future opportunities
Authors: Kost Yana , Muskat Ahava , Mhaimeed Nour , Nazarian Roya S. , Kobets Kseniya 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundAlopecia is a common chief complaint and is challenging to treat. As such, regenerative treatments to promote hair growth are an emerging area of research. Exosomes, which are extracellular vesicles involved in cell communication, homeostasis, differentiation, and organogenesis, have been shown to play a central role in hair morphogenesis and regeneration with potential for use as alopecia treatment.AimsThis review summarizes and assesses the body of literature surrounding exosomes as regenerative therapeutics for alopecia and identifies areas for improvement in future research.MethodsA review was conducted using a comprehensive list of keywords including “exosome,” “alopecia,” and “hair loss” on PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases published from inception to February 2022. Reference lists of identified articles were included. 47 studies were included. Clinical trial databases were searched using the term “exosome”; however, no trials relevant to hair growth were identified.ResultsOur updated and comprehensive review details the history of exosome use in medicine, postulated underlying mechanisms in treating hair loss, and current clinical studies. Preclinical studies demonstrate clear benefits of exosome therapeutics in regenerative medicine and for hair loss treatment. Clinical trials demonstrate safety of exosome use in medicine, but data showing efficacy and safety of exosome therapy for alopecia are lacking. We identified several gaps in knowledge required for effective clinical translation including safety, exosome source, and optimal treatment delivery mechanism and dosage.ConclusionExosomes are on the horizon as an exciting therapeutic for the treatment of alopecia. Further studies and clinical trials are required.
Effect of apical microsurgery on force regulation of incisor teeth during unpredictable force control task
Authors: Al‐Manei Khaled , Almotairy Nabeel , Al‐Manei Kholod Khalil , Grigoriadis Anastasios , Kumar Abhishek 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundApical microsurgery (AMS) involves removal of the root‐end which can affect the force regulation of teeth.ObjectiveTo investigate the force regulation of incisor teeth treated with AMS during the unpredictable force control task in comparison with their contralateral teeth with complete root apices, in humans.MethodsFifteen eligible participants (8 women and 7 men; mean age 52.9 ± SD 4.4 years) performed a standardised unpredictable force control task, which involved pulling and holding a force transducer with AMS‐treated incisors and their contralateral control teeth (n = 30 teeth). A series of four load masses: 100, 200, 50 and 300 gm were attached to the force transducer through a string in an unpredictable manner. The obtained force profile was divided into initial and later time‐segments. The peak force and peak force rate during the initial time‐segment, and the holding force and coefficient of variability during the later time‐segments were calculated and compared by the repeated measures analysis of variance.ResultsDuring the initial time‐segment, the peak force and peak force rate were significantly lower in the AMS‐treated teeth than in the controls (p = .001, p = .013, respectively). However, during the later time‐segment, no significant differences in the holding force nor the coefficient of variability were observed between the AMS‐treated teeth and their controls (p = .755, p = .213, respectively).ConclusionIn contrast to incisors with complete normal root apices, AMS‐treated incisors do not show robust changes in force regulation.