bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real-time parking slot availability for Bhavnagar, using statistical block matching approach
Authors: D. Trivedi Janak , Mandalapu Sarada Devi , Dave Dhara H. 
Published: September 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to find a real-time parking location for a four-wheeler.

Design/methodology/approach
Real-time parking availability using specific infrastructure requires a high cost of installation and maintenance cost, which is not affordable to all urban cities. The authors present statistical block matching algorithm (SBMA) for real-time parking management in small-town cities such as Bhavnagar using an in-built surveillance CCTV system, which is not installed for parking application. In particular, data from a camera situated in a mall was used to detect the parking status of some specific parking places using a region of interest (ROI). The method proposed computes the mean value of the pixels inside the ROI using blocks of different sizes (8 × 10 and 20 × 35), and the values were compared among different frames. When the difference between frames is more significant than a threshold, the process generates “no parking space for that place.” Otherwise, the method yields “parking place available.” Then, this information is used to print a bounding box on the parking places with the color green/red to show the availability of the parking place.

Findings
The real-time feedback loop (car parking positions) helps the presented model and dynamically refines the parking strategy and parking position to the users. A whole-day experiment/validation is shown in this paper, where the evaluation of the method is performed using pattern recognition metrics for classification: precision, recall and F1 score.

Originality/value
The authors found real-time parking availability for Himalaya Mall situated in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, for 18th June 2018 video using the SBMA method with accountable computational time for finding parking slots. The limitations of the presented method with future implementation are discussed at the end of this paper.
Causes and consequences of an unusually male‐biased adult sex ratio in an unmanaged feral horse population
Authors: Regan Charlotte E. , Medill Sarah A. , Poissant Jocelyn , McLoughlin Philip D. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

The adult sex ratio (ASR) is important within ecology due to its predicted effects on behaviour, demography and evolution, but research examining the causes and consequences of ASR bias have lagged behind the studies of sex ratios at earlier life stages. Although ungulate ASR is relatively well‐studied, exceptions to the usual female‐biased ASR challenge our understanding of the underlying drivers of biased ASR and provide an opportunity to better understand its consequences.

Some feral ungulate populations, including multiple horse populations, exhibit unusually male‐biased ASR. For example, research suggests that the feral horse Equus ferus caballus population on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada may exhibit a male‐biased ASR. Such exceptions to the rule provide a valuable opportunity to reveal the contributions of environmental context and trait differences to ASR bias.

We aimed to test for bias in Sable Island horse ASR, identify the demographic drivers of bias, and explore its demographic and social consequences. To do this, we used life history, movement and group membership information for hundreds of horses followed through a long‐term individual‐based study between 2007 and 2018.

Sable Island horse ASR is male biased and this skew has increased over time, reaching 62% male in 2018. Our life table response experiment suggested that ASR skew was driven predominantly by male‐biased adult survival. Further analyses pointed to sex‐biased survival being driven by reduced female survival post‐reproduction. Male‐biased ASR was associated with reduced harem sizes, an increase in the number of social groups on the island, and reduced reproduction in young females.

Our results support the idea that male‐biased ASR in feral ungulate populations may be caused by a combination of high population density and high reproductive output. We suggest that female‐biased mortality may be caused by females continuing to reproduce at high density, and thus being more susceptible to resource shortages. Thus, our results highlight the strong context dependence of ASR. Furthermore, our work indicates the potential for ASR to substantially alter a population's social organisation. Such changes in social structure could have knock‐on consequences for demography by altering the formation/stability of social relationships, or competition for matings.
Rare taxa maintain the stability of crop mycobiomes and ecosystem functions
Authors: Xiong Chao , He Ji‐Zheng , Singh Brajesh K. , Zhu Yong‐Guan , Wang Jun‐Tao , Li Pei‐Pei , Zhang Qin‐Bing , Han Li‐Li , Shen Ju‐Pei , Ge An‐Hui , Wu Chuan‐Fa , Zhang Li‐Mei 
Published: September 2020

SummaryPlants harbour highly diverse mycobiomes which sustain essential functions for host health and productivity. However, ecological processes that govern the plant–mycobiome assembly, interactions and their impact on ecosystem functions remain poorly known. Here we characterized the ecological role and community assembly of both abundant and rare fungal taxa along the soil–plant continuums (rhizosphere, phyllosphere and endosphere) in the maize–wheat/barley rotation system under different fertilization practices at two contrasting sites. Our results indicate that mycobiome assembly is shaped predominantly by compartment niche and host species rather than by environmental factors. Moreover, crop‐associated fungal communities are dominated by few abundant taxa mainly belonging to Sordariomycetes and Dothideomycetes, while the majority of diversity within mycobiomes are represented by rare taxa. For plant compartments, the abundant sub‐community is mainly determined by stochastic processes. In contrast, the rare sub‐community is more sensitive to host selection and mainly governed by deterministic processes. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that rare taxa play an important role in fungal co‐occurrence network and ecosystem functioning like crop yield and soil enzyme activities. These results significantly advance our understanding of crop mycobiome assembly and highlight the key role of rare taxa in sustaining the stability of crop mycobiomes and ecosystem functions.
Growing without changing: A tale of Egypt's weak productivity growth
Authors: Morsy Hanan , Levy Antoine 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDespite fast growth during 2000–2010, Egypt saw limited productivity gains from sectoral labor reallocation over the past three decades. Using a novel data set and updated measures of productivity growth induced by structural change in employment patterns across a large set of countries, we explain why Egypt failed to significantly reduce unemployment, lower poverty, or raise productivity. We use cross‐country comparisons, counterfactual scenarios, and regression analysis to demonstrate that limited openness to trade, weak export diversification, and low access to finance prevented Egypt from tapping the growth potential of a structural shift in labor towards skilled manufacturing and private services, locking Egypt instead into a “low value trap.” The paper suggests policy implications on how to overcome impediments to efficient sectoral reallocation of workers.
Monuments after Empire? The Educational Value of Imperial Statues
Authors: Enslin Penny 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The Black Lives Matter campaign has forced a reassessment of monuments that commemorate historical figures in public spaces. One of these, a statue of General Lord Roberts, stands in Glasgow, once the Second City of the Empire. A critical reading of this monument as a memorial text in a landscape of power contrasts the intended heroic depiction of Roberts with the excluded histories of those who were on the receiving end of his actions. I consider possible courses of action in determining what should be done with this memorial, recommending against its removal. Keeping the monument in its privileged public space without further action will not do. Arguing that the Roberts memorial is educationally valuable, despite and because of its celebration of Roberts as a hero of Empire, I defend its potential role in postcolonial and postimperial education.
A report on the impact of rapid prenatal exome sequencing on the clinical management of 52 ongoing pregnancies: a retrospective review
Authors: Dempsey E , Haworth A , Ive L , Dubis R , Savage H , Serra E , Kenny J , Elmslie F , Greco E , Thilaganathan B , Mansour S , Homfray T , Drury S 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveStudies have shown that prenatal exome sequencing (PES) improves diagnostic yield in cases of fetal structural malformation. We have retrospectively analysed PES cases from two of the largest fetal medicine centres in the UK to determine the impact of results on management of a pregnancy.DesignA retrospective review of clinical case notes.SettingTwo tertiary fetal medicine centres.PopulationPregnancies with fetal structural abnormalities referred to clinical genetics via a multidisciplinary team.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the notes of all patients who had undergone PES. DNA samples were obtained via chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. Variants were filtered using patient‐specific panels and interpreted using American College of Medical Genetics guidelines.ResultsA molecular diagnosis was made in 42% (18/43) ongoing pregnancies; of this group, there was a significant management implication in 44% (8/18). A positive result contributed to the decision to terminate a pregnancy in 16% (7/43) of cases. A negative result had a significant impact on management in two cases by affirming the decision to continue pregnancy.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that the results of PES can inform pregnancy management. Challenges include variant interpretation with limited phenotype information. These results emphasise the importance of the MDT and collecting phenotype and variant data. As this testing is soon to be widely available, we should look to move beyond diagnostic yield as a measure of the value of PES.Tweetable abstractPrenatal exome sequencing can aid decision‐making in pregnancy management; review ahead of routine implementation in NHS.
Comparison of three different surgical treatment methods, semi‐open closure, primary repair, and rotational flap for pilonidal sinus
Authors: Enshaei Ali , Amestejani Morteza , Yousefiazar Awat , Rouhani Ramin , Sayyadi Hojjat , Rezaei Seyfollah , Vafaeiardeh Simin , Ghanizadeh Leila 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundPilonidal sinus disease is a common infectious process that occurs on the natal cleft and sacrococcygeal part. The treatment of pilonidal sinus disease remains challenging and despite the existence of many non‐surgical and surgical methods, there is no consensus for the best treatment for this disease.ObjectiveThe goal of this study is to investigate the outcomes of pilonidal sinus surgery by three methods of semi‐open, primary repair, and elliptical rotational flap.MethodologyThis prospective randomized study was conducted on patients suffering from primary pilonidal sinus. The patients were randomly assigned to one of the three groups based on surgical technique, were followed according to a checklist within the first, second and fourth weeks, as well as third and sixth months after surgery. Follow up was done in terms of recurrence, surgical complications, post‐operative pain, and duration of hospitalization.ResultsOne hundred forty‐six patients completed the study, including 21 women and 125 men. The mean age of patients was 26.56 ± 5 years. There was only one case of recurrence and the rate of post‐operative haematoma and infection were not significant between groups, while the rate of itching problem was significantly different (P‐value = .001). The highest degree of itching, haematoma and infection were in the semi‐open, rotational flap and primary repair group, respectively. The mean duration of pain relief and time of hospitalization were 25.73 ± 11.36 hours and 4.41 ± 1.56 days, respectively, which were significantly different between groups. The longest mean duration of pain relief and hospitalization were in primary repair and semi‐open group, respectively.ConclusionsElliptical rotational flap is preferred to the other two methods due to less pain, lower recurrence rate after surgery and early return of patients to the economic cycle.
Lower free thyroid hormone levels are associated with high blood glucose and insulin resistance; these normalize with metabolic improvement of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gu Liping , Yang Jiaying , Gong Yujia , Ma Yuhang , Yan Shuai , Huang Yunhong , Wang Yufan , Peng Yongde 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the relationship of thyroid function and glucose metabolism and to investigate the changes in thyroid function after National Metabolic Management Center (MMC) management in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM).MethodsA total of 2000 euthyroid participants from MMC in Shanghai General Hospital and a community physical examination were recruited. They were categorized into four groups: normal glucose tolerance (NGT, n = 132), prediabetes (N = 147), DM well‐controlled (T2DM with glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c] ≤ 7%, n = 505), and DM uncontrolled (T2DM with HbA1c > 7%, n = 1216). The parameters were compared among the groups and their changes before and after MMC follow‐up in DM uncontrolled group were observed.ResultsFree triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels varied significantly among groups. FT3 and FT4 levels negatively correlated with HbA1c level (P < 0.05), and positively correlated with the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) (P < 0.05). Following MMC management, blood glucose and insulin resistance in the DM uncontrolled group were dramatically improved (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, FT3 was elevated compared to the baseline (from 4.51 ± 0.78 pmol/L to 4.68 ± 0.87 pmol/L, P < 0.05), and reverse triiodothyronine (r‐T3) decreased from 1.03 ± 0.24 nmol/L to 0.92 ± 0.25 nmol/L (P < 0.001). Thyroid‐stimulating hormone significantly decreased as well (P < 0.001).ConclusionsDecreased free thyroid hormone levels in normal range were associated with high glucose and insulin resistance. After MMC management, improvement of blood glucose and insulin resistance were accompanied by the restoration of low‐normal thyroid function.
High‐throughput sequencing of 5S‐IGS in oaks: Exploring intragenomic variation and algorithms to recognize target species in pure and mixed samples
Authors: Piredda Roberta , Grimm Guido W. , Schulze Ernst‐Detlef , Denk Thomas , Simeone Marco Cosimo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMeasuring biological diversity is a crucial but difficult undertaking, as exemplified in oaks where complex patterns of morphological, ecological, biogeographical and genetic differentiation collide with traditional taxonomy, which measures biodiversity in number of species (or higher taxa). In this pilot study, we generated high‐throughput sequencing amplicon data of the intergenic spacer of the 5S nuclear ribosomal DNA cistron (5S‐IGS) in oaks, using six mock samples that differ in geographical origin, species composition and pool complexity. The potential of the marker for automated genotaxonomy applications was assessed using a reference data set of 1,770 5S‐IGS cloned sequences, covering the entire taxonomic breadth and distribution range of western Eurasian Quercus, and applying similarity (blast) and evolutionary approaches (maximum‐likelihood trees and Evolutionary Placement Algorithm). Both methods performed equally well, allowing correct identification of species in sections Ilex and Cerris in the pure and mixed samples, and main lineages shared by species of sect. Quercus. Application of different cut‐off thresholds revealed that medium‐ to high‐abundance (>10 or 25) sequences suffice for a net species identification of samples containing one or a few individuals. Lower thresholds identify phylogenetic correspondence with all target species in highly mixed samples (analogous to environmental bulk samples) and include rare variants pointing towards reticulation, incomplete lineage sorting, pseudogenic 5S units and in situ (natural) contamination. Our pipeline is highly promising for future assessments of intraspecific and interpopulation diversity, and of the genetic resources of natural ecosystems, which are fundamental to empower fast and solid biodiversity conservation programmes worldwide.
Predictors of glucocorticoid‐free remission in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica treated with prednisolone
Authors: Hattori Kyosuke , Hirano Yuji , Kojima Toshihisa 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimThis study aimed to identify predictive factors of glucocorticoid (GC)‐free remission in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) treated with prednisolone (PSL).MethodAmong 75 PMR patients in our single‐center registry, this retrospective study targeted 20 patients who achieved GC‐free remission (Remission group) and 30 patients who continued treatment with PSL (PSL group) at 30 months from the initiation of PSL treatment (baseline).ResultsThere was no significant difference between Remission and PSL groups in baseline demographics. C‐reactive protein (CRP) decreased more rapidly at 1 and 3 months from baseline in the Remission group than in the PSL group (P = .013 and .046, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the normalization of CRP at 1 month was associated with the achievement of GC‐free remission (odds ratio = 5.83, 95% CI = 1.28‐26.51, P = .023). In addition, when CRP at 1 month was ≤ 0.17 mg/dL, as determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, both the daily PSL dose and cumulative PSL dose were lower, and the rate of GC‐free remission higher, at 30 months compared to when CRP at 1 month was > 0.17 mg/dL (P = .010, .049 and .004, respectively).ConclusionThe normalization of CRP within 1 month from baseline predicted GC‐free remission in PMR patients treated with PSL, and resulted in a lower cumulative PSL dose.
Identification of a large dataset of SNPs in Larimichthys polyactis using high‐throughput 2b‐RAD sequencing
Authors: Chen Y. , Mao J. , Senanan W. , Wang W. 
Published: September 2020

SummaryThe small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) is one of the most commercially exploited marine fishes along the coast of the Yellow‐Bohai Sea and the East China Sea. In this study, we used next‐generation high‐throughput 2b‐RAD‐seq technology to identify novel SNPs in L. polyactis. We scored a total of 1 374 008 putative SNPs genome‐wide. Further filtration yielded a final dataset of 6457 high‐quality SNPs. These SNP markers presented sufficient power in detecting genetic distinction between two wild samples from the Yellow‐Bohai Sea and one captive sample from the East China Sea, and inbreeding reflected by strong heterozygote deficiency within the samples; some of the genetic polymorphisms are diagnostic among the samples and related to biological functions. The panel of SNPs could be used as powerful tools in further population genetic and stock assessment research in L. polyactis as it has relatively scarce genomic resources. The findings from this study will advance our understanding of population and functional genomics for facilitating fishery resource management and developing desirable characteristics for the benefit of culture and farming of L. polyactis.
Protection influence on grassland structure in Widou Thiengoly's grazing areas at Ferlo
Authors: Badji Eric Sylvain , Diallo Aly , Sagna Moustapha Bassimbé , Sarr Oumar , Diallo Mariama Dalanda , Ngom Daouda , Guissé Aliou 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis work consisted of analysing the impact of protection on the Widou Thiengoly's grasslands structure. Data were collected from three selected sites by the quadrat point methodology, consisting of reading the herbaceous on a 10 m line. These sites were the 2013 defended plot (site A), the 2009 semi‐protected plot (site B) and the unprotected grazing areas or off plot (site C). The results revealed a floristic composition of 45 species, belonging to 34 genera and 17 botanical families. The number of species identified was 28 in site A, 31 in site B and 29 in site C. Despite a certain similarity noted in the number of species, the herbaceous vegetation was more balanced in 2013 plot than in 2009 plot and in off plot where it tended to be homogeneous. The herbaceous cover in October 2015 was 99.8% in the 2013 plot; 98.8% in the 2009 plot; and 96.8% in the unprotected sites. The vertical stratification of herbaceous cover showed a better development at the intermediate strata (between 20 cm and 50 cm) in all the sites except in off plot where small grasses dominated. In this study, protection improved the specific balance, while semi‐protection had a positive effect on the specific richness and growth of the grasses.
The Importance of Ritual Discourse in Framing Ayahuasca Experiences in the Context of Shamanic Tourism
Authors: Fotiou Evgenia 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this article, I discuss how ritual is framed in the context of ayahuasca tourism, using ethnographic data collected in and around Iquitos, Peru. Alluding to a lack of socially sanctioned spaces for altered states of consciousness (ASCs) in western cultures, contemporary seekers flock to the Amazon to participate in ayahuasca ceremonies for an array of reasons, including healing and personal transformation. Taking Gregory Bateson's concept of “framing” as a point of departure, and applying Erving Goffman's frame analysis, I will show that contemporary ayahuasca ceremonies attended by westerners are designed to be liminal, transformative, and meaningful experiences that aim to heal the body through emotional modulation. I will demonstrate how this is achieved through specific discourse that takes place before or during rituals in the form of long speeches delivered by the shamans. This framing not only separates the ritual space as liminal but also frames the way that the experience is conceptualized by the participants, ultimately increasing its meaningfulness.