bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exposure to Armed Conflict and Fertility in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Thiede Brian C. , Hancock Matthew , Kodouda Ahmed , Piazza James 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Changes in fertility patterns are hypothesized to be among the many second-order consequences of armed conflict, but expectations about the direction of such effects are theoretically ambiguous. Prior research, from a range of contexts, has also yielded inconsistent results. We contribute to this debate by using harmonized data and methods to examine the effects of exposure to conflict on preferred and observed fertility outcomes across a spatially and temporally extensive population. We use high-resolution georeferenced data from 25 sub-Saharan African countries, combining records of violent events from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) with data on fertility goals and outcomes from the Demographic and Health Surveys (n = 368,765 women aged 15–49 years). We estimate a series of linear and logistic regression models to assess the effects of exposure to conflict events on ideal family size and the probability of childbearing within the 12 months prior to the interview. We find that, on average, exposure to armed conflict leads to modest reductions in both respondents’ preferred family size and their probability of recent childbearing. Many of these effects are heterogeneous between demographic groups and across contexts, which suggests systematic differences in women’s vulnerability or preferred responses to armed conflict. Additional analyses suggest that conflict-related fertility declines may be driven by delays or reductions in marriage. These results contribute new evidence about the demographic effects of conflict and their underlying mechanisms, and broadly underline the importance of studying the second-order effects of organized violence on vulnerable populations.
Angiopoietin-like 8 (ANGPTL8) as a potential predictor of NAFLD in paediatric patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome
Authors: Mele C. , Crinò A. , Fintini D. , Mai S. , Convertino A. , Bocchini S. , Di Paolo P. , Grugni G. , Aimaretti G. , Scacchi M. , Marzullo P. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Angiopoietin-like 8 (ANGPTL8) is a liver- and adipose tissue-produced protein that predicts non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and altered metabolic homeostasis in the general population as well as in persons with common and genetic obesity, including the Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). However, its metabolic correlate in paediatric patients with respect to PWS is unknown.

Methods
This cross-sectional study investigated circulating ANGPTL8 and adipocytokines levels in 28 PWS and 28 age-, sex- and BMI-matched children and adolescents (age, 7.0–17.8y) in relation to NAFLD and metabolic homeostasis assessed by OGTT, paediatric metabolic index (PMI) and fatty liver index (FLI), liver ultrasonography (US), as well as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) for analysis of fat (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM).

Results
At the set level of significance, PWS children showed lower values of FFM (p < 0.01) but healthier insulin profiles (p < 0.01) and PMI values (p < 0.05) than matched controls. By US, the prevalence of NAFLD was similar between groups but less severe in PWS than controls. Analysis of ANGPTL8 levels showed no difference between groups, yet only in PWS ANGPTL8 levels were associated with ALT levels, FLI values and NAFLD. In stepwise multivariable regression analysis on merged data, ANGPTL8 levels were independently predicted by BMI SDS, leptin levels and NAFLD.

Conclusion
ANGPTL8 levels are similar in PWS and controls and, overall, they are directly associated with the presence and severity of NAFLD in patients with PWS.
Voice Pitch – A Valid Indicator of One’s Unfaithfulness in Committed Relationships?
Authors: Schild Christoph , Stern Julia , Penke Lars , Zettler Ingo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objectives
When judging a male speakers’ likelihood to act sexually unfaithful in a committed relationship, listeners rely on the speakers’ voice pitch such that lower voice pitch is perceived as indicating being more unfaithful. In line with this finding, a recent study (Schild et al. Behavioral Ecology, 2020) provided first evidence that voice pitch might indeed be a valid cue to sexual infidelity in men. In this study, male speakers with lower voice pitch, as indicated by lower mean fundamental frequency (mean F0), were actually more likely to report having been sexually unfaithful in the past. Although these results fit the literature on vocal perceptions in contexts of sexual selection, the study was, as stated by the authors, underpowered. Further, the study solely focused on male speakers, which leaves it open whether these findings are also transferable to female speakers.

Methods
We reanalyzed three datasets (Asendorpf et al. European Journal of Personality, 25, 16–30, 2011; Penke and Asendorpf Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 95, 1113–1135, 2008; Stern et al. 2020) that include voice recordings and infidelity data of overall 865 individuals (63,36% female) in order to test the replicability of and further extend past research.

Results
A significant negative link between mean F0 and self-reported infidelity was found in only one out of two datasets for men and only one out of three datasets for women. Two meta-analyses (accounting for the sample sizes and including data of Schild et al. 2020), however, suggest that lower mean F0 might be a valid indicator of higher probability of self-reported infidelity in both men and women.

Conclusions
In line with prior research, higher masculinity, as indicated by lower mean F0, seems to be linked to self-reported infidelity in both men and women. However, given methodological shortcomings, future studies should set out to further delve into these findings.
Burns Depth Assessment Using Deep Learning Features
Authors: Abubakar Aliyu , Ugail Hassan , Smith Kirsty M. , Bukar Ali Maina , Elmahmudi Ali 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Burns depth evaluation is a lifesaving task and very challenging that requires objective techniques to accomplish. While the visual assessment is the most commonly used by surgeons, its accuracy reliability ranges between 60 and 80% and subjective that lacks any standard guideline. Currently, the only standard adjunct to clinical evaluation of burn depth is Laser Doppler Imaging (LDI) which measures microcirculation within the dermal tissue, providing the burns potential healing time which correspond to the depth of the injury achieving up to 100% accuracy. However, the use of LDI is limited due to many factors including high affordability and diagnostic costs, its accuracy is affected by movement which makes it difficult to assess paediatric patients, high level of human expertise is required to operate the device, and 100% accuracy possible after 72 h. These shortfalls necessitate the need for objective and affordable technique.

Method
In this study, we leverage the use of deep transfer learning technique using two pretrained models ResNet50 and VGG16 for the extraction of image patterns (ResFeat50 and VggFeat16) from a a burn dataset of 2080 RGB images which composed of healthy skin, first degree, second degree and third-degree burns evenly distributed. We then use One-versus-One Support Vector Machines (SVM) for multi-class prediction and was trained using 10-folds cross validation to achieve optimum trade-off between bias and variance.

Results
The proposed approach yields maximum prediction accuracy of 95.43% using ResFeat50 and 85.67% using VggFeat16. The average recall, precision and F1-score are 95.50%, 95.50%, 95.50% and 85.75%, 86.25%, 85.75% for both ResFeat50 and VggFeat16 respectively.

Conclusion
The proposed pipeline achieved a state-of-the-art prediction accuracy and interestingly indicates that decision can be made in less than a minute whether the injury requires surgical intervention such as skin grafting or not.
Review of solid oxide fuel cell materials: cathode, anode, and electrolyte
Authors: Hussain Saddam , Yangping Li 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThere is a growing interest in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) technology among the researchers a promising power generation with high energy efficiency, inflated fuel flexibility, and low environmental impact compared to conventional power generation systems. SOFCs are devices in which the chemical energy is directly converted into electrical energy with negligible emission. SOFCs have low pollution characteristics, high efficiency (~ 60%), and possess expanded fuel selection with little environmental effects. A single cell component of SOFCs is consisting an anode, cathode and an electrolyte which are stacked layer by layer to produce higher amount of power. The dense ceramic electrolyte transporting O2− ions and fills the space between the electrodes material. Redox reaction occurred at the electrodes side in the presence of fuels. The operating temperatures of SOFCs of 600–1200 °C which produced heat as a byproduct and fast electro-catalytic activity while using nonprecious metals. Many ceramic materials have been investigated for SOFCs electrolyte. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) material was extensively used as dense electrolyte in SOFCs technology. In this review, the article presents; overview of the SOFCs devices and their related materials and mostly reviewed newly available reported.
Safe areas for the protection of civilians. An overview of existing research and scholarship
Authors: Hering Robin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSafe areas for the protection of civilians remain a possible instrument in the foreign policy-making toolbox. Lately, this was highlighted by calls for a safe area in Syria by German chancellor Angela Merkel and defence minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. Yet, the subsequent debates demonstrated that many policy-makers, pundits and scholars lack a detailed knowledge about the concept. They further showed that various different perspectives on the idea of safe areas exist. This article therefore provides a comprehensive and inclusive account of the academic engagement with the topic of safe areas. It demonstrates that some arguments focus on the (geo)political dynamics of safe areas, whereas others emphasise the potential to protect civilians. It further presents the legal codification of consent-based safe areas in the Geneva Conventions as well as debates about the legality of enforced, post-Cold War safe area cases. Regarding the research on displacement and safe areas, the majority tends to focus on the containment effects, although some highlight the capacity of safe areas as an alternative to flight. Overall, however, the article concludes that recent and conceptual academic engagement with safe areas remains rare and that a safe area perspective is missing in relevant current empirical cases. More research that contributes to the conceptual development of safe areas or to the assessment of current empirical examples, for instance in South Sudan, is necessary.
Implementation of Thin-Walled Approximation to Evaluate Properties of Complex Steel Sections Using C++
Authors: Siddiqui Shahida Anusha , Ahmad Ali 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSteel sections have several applications in the construction industry. They are often used in the design and construction of huge industrial complexes. They also are used in transport, shipbuilding and packaging industries. Typical steel sections are used, and their properties have been recorded and are not needed to be calculated per application. They are recorded in most design software and used easily when required. This work focusses on using thin-walled approximation to calculate the section properties of complex sections which are a combination of existing section profiles. A program is written using C++ which would apply dimensions from the user and display the section properties at the end as result. The aim is to automate the process to calculate the required values and this would in turn save time. The values obtained from the program are compared with those calculated using existing formulas and the error obtained is reported.
Is Pornography Consumption Related to Risky Behaviors During Friends with Benefits Relationships?
Authors: Henderson Elena , Aaron Sean , Blackhurst Zachary , Maddock Meghan , Fincham Frank , Braithwaite Scott R. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Friends with benefits encounters are a relatively new pattern of relating among emerging adults where risky sexual behavior may occur.

Aim
To understand whether pornography consumption is associated with riskier behaviors during friends with benefits encounters.

Methods
Cross-sectional study of 2 samples of emerging adults who have engaged in friends with benefits relationships (study 1, N = 411; study 2, N = 394). For binary outcomes, we used logistic regression and report odds ratios. For ordinal outcomes, we used ordered logistic regression and reported odds ratios. We tested for moderation by biological sex.

Results
Men who consumed pornography more frequently were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors during their friends with benefits encounters. More frequent pornography consumption was associated with increased likelihood and amount of intoxication for both the respondent and his partner, less frequent condom use, and a higher probability of having penetrative friends with benefits encounters while intoxicated and not using a condom. For each of these outcomes, our parameter estimates from study 2 fell within the 95% confidence intervals from study 1. These associations persisted when controlling for the effects of binge drinking frequency, broader patterns of problematic alcohol use, trait self-control, openness to experience, and permissive attitudes toward casual sex. The findings of this study may inform interventions to reduce risky behaviors among emerging adults.

Limitations
Our cross-sectional studies examined only emerging adults in college with measurement that was exclusively self-reported.

Conclusions
These results are discussed in terms of sexual script theory, and several implications for intervention are outlined.
Elections, Protest, and Authoritarian Regime Stability
Authors: Smyth Regina 
Published: October 2020

In a path-breaking study of Russian elections, Regina Smyth reveals how much electoral competition matters to the Putin regime and how competition leaves Russia more vulnerable to opposition challenges than is perceived in the West. Using original data and analysis, Smyth demonstrates how even weak political opposition can force autocratic incumbents to rethink strategy and find compromises in order to win elections. Smyth challenges conventional notions about Putin's regime, highlighting the vast resources the Kremlin expends to maintain a permanent campaign to construct regime-friendly majorities. These tactics include disinformation as well as symbolic politics, social benefits, repression, and falsification. This book reveals the stresses and challenges of maintaining an electoral authoritarian regime and provides a roadmap to understand how seemingly stable authoritarian systems can fall quickly to popular challenges even when the opposition is weak. A must-read for understanding Russia's future and the role of elections in contemporary autocratic regimes.
A Gap in Post-Stroke Blood Pressure Target Attainment at Entry to Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Sawicki Carolyn , Oh Paul , Marzolini Susan 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT:Background:Recurrent events account for approximately one-third of all strokes and are associated with greater disability and mortality than first-time strokes. Blood pressure (BP) is the most important modifiable risk factor. Objectives were to determine the proportion of post-stroke patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) meeting systolic and diastolic BP (SBP/DBP) targets and to determine correlates of meeting these targets.Methods:A retrospective study of 1,804 consecutively enrolled post-stroke patients in a CR program was conducted. Baseline data (database records 2006–2017) included demographics, anthropometrics, clinical/medication history, and resting BP. Multivariate analyses determined predictors of achieving BP targets.Results:Mean age was 64.1 ± 12.7 years, median days from stroke 210 (IQR 392), with most patients being male (70.6%;n= 1273), overweight (66.8%;n= 1196), and 64.2% diagnosed with hypertension (n= 1159), and 11.8% (n= 213) with sleep apnea. A mean of 1.69 ± 1.2 antihypertensives were prescribed, with 26% (n= 469) of patients prescribed 3–4 antihypertensives. SBP target was met by 71% (n= 1281) of patients, 83.3% (n= 1502) met DBP target, and 64.3% (n= 1160) met both targets. Correlates of meeting SBP target were not having diabetes, younger age, fewer prescribed antihypertensives, and more recent program entry. Correlates of meeting DBP target were not having diabetes, older age, fewer prescribed antihypertensives, and more recent stroke.Conclusions:Up to one-third of patients were not meeting BP targets. Patients with diabetes, and those prescribed multiple antihypertensives are at greater risk for poorly controlled SBP and DBP. Reasons for poor BP control such as untreated sleep apnea and medication non-adherence need to be investigated.
A new ammonite from the Penarth Group, South Wales and the base of the Jurassic System in SW Britain
Authors: Hodges Peter 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTwo ammonites have been found in porcelaneous limestones of the White Lias Formation traditionally considered to be of Rhaetian (Late Triassic) age at Lavernock Point, south Wales (ST 181 681). These ammonites, named here Neophyllites lavernockensis. sp. nov, are the earliest recorded from the UK. This horizon is located directly above a major negative δ13C isotope anomaly (CIE1) in the Upper Cotham Member that marks the top of the Triassic System and below another negative δ13C isotope anomaly (CIE3). Both correlate with negative δ13C isotope anomalies in the Triassic–Jurassic global boundary stratotype section and point (GSSP) at Kuhjoch, Austria. This establishes the base of the tilmanni Chronozone, Hettangian Stage and Jurassic System in SW Britain within the White Lias Formation at Lavernock Point.
Altered neuronal activity in the visual processing region of eye-fluke-infected fish
Authors: Stumbo Anthony , Poulin Robert , Ruehle Brandon 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFish, like most vertebrates, are dependent on vision to varying degrees for a variety of behaviours such as predator avoidance and foraging. Disruption of this key sensory system therefore should have some impact on the ability of fish to execute these tasks. Eye-flukes, such as Tylodelphys darbyi, often infect fish where they are known to inflict varying degrees of visual impairment. In New Zealand, T. darbyi infects the eyes of Gobiomorphus cotidianus, a freshwater fish, where it resides in the vitreous chamber between the lens and retina. Here, we investigate whether the presence of the parasite in the eye has an impact on neuronal information transfer using the c-Fos gene as a proxy for neuron activation. We hypothesized that the parasite would reduce visual information entering the eye and therefore result in lower c-Fos expression. Interestingly, however, c-Fos expression increased with T. darbyi intensity when fish were exposed to flashes of light. Our results suggest a mechanism for parasite-induced visual disruption when no obvious pathology is caused by infection. The more T. darbyi present the more visual stimuli the fish is presented with, and as such may experience difficulties in distinguishing various features of its external environment.
EH domain binding protein 1-like 1 (EHBP1L1), a protein with calponin homology domain, is expressed in the rat testis
Authors: Venditti Massimo , Donizetti Aldo , Aniello Francesco , Minucci Sergio 
Published: October 2020

SummaryIn this paper, with the aim to find new genes involved in mammalian spermatogenesis, we isolated, for the first time in the rat testis, a partial cDNA clone that encoded EH domain binding protein 1-like 1 (Ehbp1l1), a protein that has a single calponin homology domain (CH). Bioinformatic analysis showed that EHBP1l1 contains three domains: the N-terminal C2-like, the CH and the C-terminal bivalent Mical/EHBP Rab binding (bMERB) domains, which are evolutionarily conserved in vertebrates. We found that Ehbp1l1 mRNA was expressed in several rat tissues, including the liver, intestine, kidney and also in the testis during its development, with a higher level in testis from 12-month-old animals. Interestingly,in situhybridization experiments revealed that Ehbp1l1 is specifically expressed by types I and II spermatocytes, this result was validated by RT-PCR performed on total RNA obtained from enriched fractions of different testicular cell types. As EHBP1l1 has been described as linked to vesicular transport to the actin cytoskeleton and as an effector of the small GTPase Rab8, we hypothesized that it could participate both in cytoskeletal remodelling and in the regulation of vesicle sorting from thetrans-Golgi network to the apical plasma membrane. Our findings provide a better understand of the molecular mechanisms of the differentiation process of spermatogenesis; Ehbp1l1 may also be used as a new marker of testicular activity.
Large symptomatic coronary artery fistulas draining to the left heart: transcatheter management
Authors: Sivakumar Kothandam , Bawage Sangamesh , Mohakud Asish Ranjan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLarge coronary artery fistulas draining to the left heart structures causing heart failure are very rare. Interventional closure of such fistulas is limited to isolated reports, often in asymptomatic patients. Technical differences in these interventions include either deep arterial cannulation till their exit or transseptal arteriovenous circuit formation. Transcatheter closure of three large symptomatic fistulas in small children is reported.
Language control in bilingual production: Insights from error rate and error type in sentence production
Authors: Martin Clara D. , Nozari Nazbanou 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMost research showing that cognates are named faster than non-cognates has focused on isolated word production which might not realistically reflect cognitive demands in sentence production. Here, we explored whether cognates elicit interference by examining error rates during sentence production, and how this interference is resolved by language control mechanisms. Twenty highly proficient Spanish–English bilinguals described visual scenes with sentence structures ‘NP1-verb-NP2’ (NP = noun-phrase). Half the nouns and half the verbs were cognates and two manipulations created high control demands. Both situations that demanded higher inhibitory control pushed the cognate effect from facilitation towards interference. These findings suggest that cognates, similar to phonologically similar words within a language, can induce not only facilitation but robust interference.