bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of financial literacy of rural households: a case study of tomato farmers in Ghana
Authors: AIDOO-MENSAH DANIEL , ANANG SAMUEL AFOTEY , BOTCHWAY JACK 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Financial literacy has been described as an important a mix of knowledge, skill and attitude of individuals, households and even whole nations towards financial matters. It helps to make informed financial decisions, thereby ensuring financial stability, vis-à-vis, economic well-being of the decision maker. Globally, studies in the area of financial literacy have been conducted with the aim of measuring the level of financial literacy of respondents. The results of most of these studies have brought to the fore the poor level of financial literacy among even educated people. The present study evaluates the financial literacy of 562 tomato farmers randomly sampled from three key tomato growing regions in Ghana. Their financial literacy level was evaluated based on their opinions on five basic financial information regularly asked questions by OECD’s International Network on Financial Education. To ascertain the level of agreement among the respondents in their rankings of the financial literacy items, Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance (Kendall’s W) was estimated. A ranking analysis of the respondents’ responses on the basic financial information indicated that “It is important that one should have a regular savings plan” was ranked as the most important information on financial literacy. Finally, by means of a binary logistic regression, the study went further to determine the tomato farmers’ view on this all-important financial management tool premised on the fact that they viewed financial literacy as important to them thus availing themselves for financial literacy programmes to enhance their financial skills. The results of the binary logistic regression indicate that income diversification significantly influenced a farmer’s view of financial literacy being important whilst farm size and years of education had negative but significant relationship on their view. The study has therefore confirmed the lack of interest of financial literacy among rural households particularly due to their low level of education.
Evolution of acquired humoral immunity after full vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. IgG levels in healthcare workers at 6 and 9 months
Authors: Delicado-Useros María Victoria , Navarro-Rodenas Esther , Sánchez-Onrubia Indalecio Miguel , Ortega-Martínez Carmen , Alfaro-Espín Antonia , Pérez-Serra Juan Daniel , García-Alcaraz Francisco , Lozano-Serra Julia , Robles-Fonseca Lorena , Pérez-Domenech Teresa 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a major worldwide health problem. The present study aims to contribute to surveillance of the immune and clinical response of vaccines to SARS-CoV-2.
Methods
Observational study of medication on acquired immunity and effectiveness of vaccines. Population: 620 workers in the health service of Almansa (Spain). Representative sample of 150 individuals. Sociodemographic, clinical, and epidemiological data and samples were recorded to determine anti- SARS-CoV2 serum IgG levels 6 and 9 months after vaccination with Pfizer.
Results
Mean age 46.45 years; 76% women; 85.1% working in a hospital. 19.3% had had COVID-19 in the year prior to vaccination. 96.7% were fully vaccinated with Pfizer/BioNTech. At 6 months, 100% seropositivity and mean IgG levels of 3017.2 AU/ml. Significant variations in IgG levels in individuals with prior COVID-19 infection and smokers. At 9 months, 99.3% remained seropositive; 2.8% infected after vaccination. The repeated measures analysis showed a difference in means of 669.0 AU/ml (significant decrease in IgG levels of 28.9%).
Conclusion
Antibody levels remained positive 6 and 9 months after vaccination, although IgG levels were found to decay.
The effectiveness of advanced case management in community-based long-term care services
Authors: Ueng Ruey-Shiuan , Hu Hsiao-Yun , Huang Chao-Ming , Chang Yu-Ping , Hsu Chia-Chen 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Aim: This study examined the long-term care in Taiwan to determine the effectiveness of advanced case management with Community Integrated Care Service.
Methods: This was a retrospective observational study targeting individuals who had developed disabilities and received services for at least 6 months between January 2018 and June 2021. Participants who received only long-term care services were assigned to the control group, and those who received advanced case management with long-term care were assigned to the experimental group.Analyzed disability prevention, depression improvement, and consumption of medical resources.
Results: The data of 1,947 participants. The ratios of complicated care needs and severe disabilities were significantly higher in the experimental group. The two groups had similar levels of disabilities. The experimental group had significantly of depression improvement scores than the control group did. No significant difference was observed in medical resources expended before and after intervention between groups. Complex cases had more medical expenses, and interventions prevent the medical expenses from increasing rapidly.
Conclusion: The advanced case management group achieved superior results in alleviating depression and lowering the costs incurred on the taxpayers and patients’ families . From a holistic health-care perspective, advanced case management is essential.
Controlled chemical transformation and crystallization design for the formation of multifunctional Cu-doped ZnO/ZnAl2O4 composites
Authors: Tinku Artyom , Shelemanov Andrey , Evstropiev Sergey , Nikonorov Nikolay , Dukelskii Konstantin 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Photoactive Cu-doped ZnO-ZnAl2O4 ceramic nanocomposites and coatings were prepared by polymer-salt method. The luminescent and IR spectroscopy, SEM and XRD methods were used for the study the structure, morphology and materials properties. The nanocomposites consist of small hexagonal ZnO and cubic ZnAl2O4 nanocrystals having size about 10 nm. The study of luminescence properties shows that prepared nanocomposites can be used as light down-converters that transfer UV-C radiation into UV-A and visible spectral range. These nanocomposites can be very attractive in photovoltaic applications as spectral down-converters. Also obtained nanocomposites demonstrate the ability to generate chemically active singlet oxygen under UV-A radiation and blue light. The experiments show that Cu-doped ZnO-ZnAl2O4 materials demonstrate antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria.
Thrombopoietin receptor agonist antibody for treating chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Shin Jiwon , Kim Min-Jung , Quan Xingguo , Kim Ji Woong , Lee Sukmook , Park SaeGwang , Jeong Jee-Yeong , Yea Kyungmoo 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background: Thrombocytopenia is a common complication in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) leads to dose reduction and treatment delays, lowering chemotherapy efficacy and survival rate. Thus, rapid recovery and continuous maintenance of platelet count during chemotherapy cycles are crucial in patients with CIT. Thrombopoietin (TPO) and its receptor, myeloid proliferative leukemia (MPL) protein, play a major role in platelet production. Although several MPL agonists have been developed to regulate thrombopoiesis, none have been approved for the management of CIT due to concerns regarding efficacy or safety. Therefore, the development of effective MPL agonists for treating CIT needs to be further expanded.
Methods: Anti-MPL antibodies were selected from the human combinatorial antibody phage libraries using phage display. We identified 2R13 as the most active clone among the binding antibodies via cell proliferation assay using BaF3/MPL cells. The effect of 2R13 on megakaryocyte differentiation was evaluated in peripheral blood CD34+ cells by analyzing megakaryocyte-specific differentiation markers (CD41a+ and CD42b+) and DNA ploidy using flow cytometry. The 2R13-induced platelet production was examined in 8- to 10-week-old wild-type BALB/c female mice and a thrombocytopenia mouse model established by intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil (150 mg/kg). The platelet counts were monitored twice a week over 14 days post-initiation of treatment with a single injection of 2R13, or recombinant human TPO (rhTPO) for seven consecutive days.
Results: We found that 2R13 specifically interacted with MPL and activated its signaling pathways. 2R13 stimulated megakaryocyte differentiation, evidenced by increasing the proportion of high-ploidy (≥8N) megakaryocytes in peripheral blood-CD34+ cells. The platelet count was increased by a single injection of 2R13 for up to 14 days. Injection of 5-fluorouracil considerably reduced the platelet count by day 4, which was recovered by 2R13. The platelets produced by 2R13 sustained a higher count than that achieved using seven consecutive injections of rhTPO.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that 2R13 is a promising therapeutic agent for CIT treatment.
Machinability of high strength molybdenum-refined graphite grey cast iron and conventional vermicular automobile engine heads using heptagonal and double-sided carbide inserts
Authors: Reis Alcione dos , de Ataide Matheus Gonçalves , de Souza José Aécio Gomes , Vaughan Luiz Leroy Thomé , Viana Rhander , Machado Álisson Rocha 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
In the current scenario, industry has been faced with growing restrictions imposed by law, aimed at reducing the emission of fuel gases and pollutants into the atmosphere. The automotive industry is seeking to produce vehicles with higher performance to match these needs, so that engines become increasingly smaller, less pollutant and silent. Regulatory factors have guided and contributed to the development of new technologies applied to the internal combustion engine. Depending on such developments, maximum injection and combustion pressures can be achieved, thus, ensuring more efficiency and better performance, in addition to emission reduction. However, recent technology requires engines to withstand even greater mechanical stresses, which can inevitably lead to a component premature failure if no additional improvement are made. Therefore, there has been an incessant search for an alloy capable of replacing conventional gray cast iron, commonly used in the manufacture of blocks, but not yet suitable for high pressures. This work objective is to evaluate the face milling cutting power behavior in FC300 high strength cast iron with the addition of molybdenum and refined graphite, grade (FC300Mo + RG), for application in engine heads, compared to alloys already used for this purpose, such as the FC250 gray cast iron, the FC300 molybdenum alloyed gray cast iron, grade (FC300Mo), and the FV450 vermicular cast iron, grade (CGI).
Homocysteine modulates social isolation-induced depressive-like behaviors through BDNF in aged mice
Authors: Wei Wei-Dan , Lan Yan-Xian , Lu Kun , Wang Yan , Chen Wen-Ying 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Social isolation is an unpleasant experience associated with an increased risk of mental disorders. Exploring whether these experiences affect behaviors in aged adults is particularly important, as the elderly is very likely to suffer periods of social isolation during their late-life. In this study, we analyzed the depressive-like behaviors, plasma concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy), and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels in aged mice undergoing social isolation. Results showed that depressive-like behavioral performance and decreased BDNF level were correlated with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) levels that were detected in 2-month isolated mice. Elevated Hcy induced by high methionine diet mimicked the depressive-like behaviors and BDNF downregulation in the same manner as social isolation, while administration of vitamin B complex supplements to reduce Hcy alleviated the depressive-like behaviors and BDNF reduction in socially isolated mice. Altogether, our results indicated that Hcy played a critical role in social isolation-induced depressive-like behaviors and BDNF reduction, suggesting the possibility of Hcy as a potential therapeutic target and vitamin B intake as a potential value in the prevention of stress-induced depression.
Evaluation and Attribution of Shortwave Feedbacks to ENSO in CMIP6 models
Authors: Huang Junjie , Li Lijuan , Ran Haiyan , Liu Juan , Wang Bin , Feng Tao , Chang Youli 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The shortwave (SW) feedback to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is one of the largest biases in climate models, as the feedback includes atmosphere–ocean interactions and cloud processes. In this study, the performance of SW feedback in 19 models from the 6th Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) is evaluated and the biases are attributed using the historical and Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) runs. The results demonstrate that most CMIP6 models underestimate the strength of SW feedback, although 11 models (~ 58%) show the observed negative signs in the Niño-3 region, a superior result to that (7 of 17, ~ 41%) of CMIP5. The underestimates of SW feedback arise mainly from the biased feedbacks to El Niño in the four models with relatively better skills, while from both underestimated negative feedbacks to El Niño and overestimated positive feedbacks to La Niña in other 15 models, which reproduce better seasonal variations than corresponding CMIP5 models. Furthermore, the SW feedback bias is connected to weak convective/stratiform rainfall feedback, which is sensitive/insensitive to sea surface temperature (SST) biases during El Niño/La Niña. There are different biases among the factors contributing to SW feedback, such as erroneous compensations between underestimated cloud fraction feedback and overestimated liquid water path feedback in the four best-performing models, whereas both are underestimated in the other models, and weakened dynamical feedbacks are observed in all models. The rainfall feedbacks in the AMIP runs are much closer to the observations than those in CMIP5, although they are greatly reduced in the historical runs, indicating that the atmospheric models may be over-tuning under given observed SSTs.
WITHDRAWN: Non-destructive Methods for Evaluating the Physical and Mechanical Aging of Composites
Authors: Maldonado Ignacio Bobadilla , Behzad Hamed Matini , López Roberto Martínez , Hillig Everton 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Wood-plastic composites (WPC) have been developed into new and important wood-based materials because of their benefits for the environment, their economy and their recyclability. When WPCs are used outdoors, they are subjected to a climate with moisture and temperature fluctuations. It is therefore necessary to obtain information on the effects of climate aging on WPCs. This study explores the relationship between laboratory aging, physical and mechanical changes, and the results of non-destructive testing of wood-polymer composites. This was done by testing 45 pieces of composite with 60% wood fibre, 35% low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and 5% additives. A laboratory aging process consisting of a water immersion at 20 and 50°C for a total of 56 days was carried out on composite specimens. During the aging test, several specimen batches were extracted and tested to record their physical (density) and mechanical properties (bending strength and modulus of elasticity). Non-destructive testing was also carried out with ultrasound and stress wave, screw withdrawal resistance meter and penetration tester devices. Temperature was found to have more influence than humidity on the deterioration of the material. A barely significant decrease in density (2-4%) and a clear drop in mechanical properties (20-60%) was also observed. The non-destructive methods used were reliable estimators of composite properties, especially ultrasound wave propagation, coinciding with previous works on other materials.
Mental health outcomes following COVID-19 infection: impacts of post-COVID impairments and fatigue on depression, anxiety, and insomnia
Authors: Badinlou Farzaneh , Lundgren Tobias , Jansson-Fröjmark Markus 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health is now clearly established. However, information on the levels of mental ill health of people infected with COVID-19 and potential correlates of poor mental health is still limited. Therefore, the current study aimed to study indicative of potential mental health problems in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection/infections and address the impacts of post-COVID impairments and fatigue following COVID-19 infection/infections on depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Methods
A web-survey including demographics, questions related to COVID-19 status and post-COVID impairments, and standardized measures of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue was completed by 507 individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection/infections.
Results
We found significant rates of significant depression, anxiety, and insomnia in our sample, with more than 70% experiencing levels above the clinical cut offs for at least one psychological health problems. Higher levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia were associated with the severity of COVID-19 infection in the acute phase, hospitalization because of COVID-19, and higher levels of post-COVID impairments and fatigue. Reduced motivation emerged as the strongest predictor for mental ill health.
Conclusions
These findings highlight that individuals infected with COVID-19, especially those who still have experienced post-COVID impairments, are more likely to suffer from mental ill-health and may be more vulnerable for poor mental health outcomes. Therefore, more effective actions are needed to take in order to promote and protect mental health of individuals with a history of COVID-19 infection.
The potential application of MR-derived ADCmin values from 68Ga-DOTATATE and 18F-FDG dual tracer PET/MR as replacements for FDG PET in assessment of grade and stage of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Gao Jing , Xu Si , Ju Huijun , Pan Yu , Zhang Yifan 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the utility of 68Ga-DOTATATE and 18F-FDG PET/MR for prediction of grade and stage of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs), and to examine the correlation between parameters obtained from FDG PET and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) MR parameters.
Methods
A retrospective study using 68Ga-DOTATATE and 18F-FDG PET/MR imaging was performed between April 2020 and May 2022 on 46 individuals with histologically confirmed PNETs. Metabolic tumor volume (MTV), maximum standardised uptake value (FSUVmax), and tumor lesion glycolysis (TLG) for FDG; somatostatin receptor density (SRD), maximum standardised uptake value (GSUVmax), and total lesion somatostatin receptor density (TLSRD) for DOTATATE; and minimum and maximum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmin and ADCmean) values for MRI, respectively. We performed Spearman's correlation analysis to examine the links between these variables and primary tumor stage and grading.
Results
Higher PNET grading was associated with higher FSUVmax, MTV, and TLG values (P < 0.05). TLG, SRD, ADCmin, and ADCmean values were correlated with N staging, while SRD, MTV, ADCmin, TLG, and ADCmean were associated with M staging. Notably, ADCmin was negative correlation between FSUVmax (r = -0.52; P < 0.001), MTV (r = -0.50; P < 0.001), and TLG (r = -0.56; P < 0.001).
Conclusion
This study highlights significant correlative relationships between FDG PET-derived parameters and ADCmin. ADCmin may offer utility as an alternate tool for PNET staging and grading in lieu of FDG PET. 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/MR alone may be a sufficient alternative to dual tracer PET/MR when conducting grading and staging of primary PNETs.
Tuuned In: Use of an Online Decision Aid Increases Women’s Reproductive Self-Efficacy and Knowledge; Results of an Experimental Clinical Trial
Authors: Mengelkoch Summer , Espinosa Matthew , Butler Stephen A. , Prieto Laura Joigneau , Russell Emma , Ramshaw Chris , Nahavandi Shardi , Hill Sarah E. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Digital decision aids are becoming increasingly common in many areas of healthcare. These aids are designed to involve patients in medical decision making, with the aim of improving patient outcomes while decreasing healthcare burden. Previously developed contraceptive-based decision aids have been found to be effective at increasing women’s knowledge about reproductive health and contraception. Here, we sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel contraceptive-based decision aid at increasing women’s self-efficacy and knowledge about their reproductive health and contraceptive options, as well as their perceptions of their learning. This study was registered as a clinic trial at ClinicalTrials.gov (Contraception Decision Aid Use and Patient Outcomes, ID# NCT05177783) on 01-05-2022.
Methods
The Tuune→ contraceptive decision aid’s effectiveness was evaluated by conducting an experiment in which 324 women were assigned to use the TuuneⓇ decision aid or a control decision aid. Primary outcomes included reproductive health self-efficacy, reproductive health and contraceptive knowledge, and perceptions of learning. Secondary analyses examined whether prior experience using hormonal contraceptives moderated the relationship between decision aid and each outcome measure.
Results
Women assigned to use the Tuune→ decision aid exhibited greater reproductive health self-efficacy, greater knowledge about reproductive health and contraception, and perceived having learned more than women assigned to use the control decision aid. This pattern was also observed in women with previous contraceptive use experience, where women using TuuneⓇ reported better outcomes than women using the control aid, regardless of their history of hormonal contraceptive use experience.
Conclusions
Use of the Tuune→ contraceptive-based decision aid improved each of the predicted outcomes relative to a control decision aid. This suggests that use of the TuuneⓇ contraceptive-based decision aid is well poised to increase women’s confidence and knowledge about contraceptive use and may also reduce burden on healthcare systems.
A Randomized Clinical Trial comparing Immediate to MOdified DElayed coloanal anastomosis after total mesorectal excision: the IMODE trial protocol
Authors: Bendib Hani , Anou Abdelkrim , Djelali Nabil , Oukrine Hind , Lahrech Said , Azzouz Abdelghani , Chekman Chemseddine , Djennaoui Azeddine 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Immediate coloanal anastomosis (ICA) remains the standard technique for restoring the digestive tract after proctectomy for low rectal cancer. Often, it requires a temporary diversion stoma, thus increasing the risk of complications. Recent data have shown a great potential of the delayed coloanal anastomosis (DCA) both in decreasing anastomosis morbidity and in avoiding ileostomy to the patients. More recently, a modified delayed coloanal anastomosis (mDCA) has been described and seems to have promising results. This study aims to determine whether mDCA is non-inferior to ICA.
Methods
The IMODE trial is a randomized, controlled, non-inferiority trial designed to enroll 70 adults with mid or low rectal cancer. Participants are randomized to ICA or mDCA. The primary endpoint is the anastomotic fistulas (AF) rate at 6 months.
Conclusions
The mDCA can constitute an interesting modality to restore the digestive tract following proctectomy for mid and low rectal cancer; this by decreasing the morbidity of the coloanal anastomosis on the one hand and by avoiding ileostomy on the other hand.
Trial registration
PACTR202209500145137, September 9th, 2022 (retrospectively registered).