bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening of lactic starter from Tunisian fermented vegetables and application for the improvement of caper (Capparis spinosa) fermentation through an experimental factorial design
Authors: Ziadi Manel , Bouzaiene Taroub , Lakhal Samia , Zaafouri Kaouther , Massoudi Soumaya , Dousset Xavier , Hamdi Mokhtar 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Purpose
This study aims at designing a lactic starter for caper fermentation isolated from Tunisian fermented vegetables to improve the process and produce consistent and high-quality product.

Methods
In this study, the lactic starter was isolated by exploring the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of Tunisian artisanal fermented vegetables. Identification was carried out by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Screening was based on salt tolerance and antagonistic activities against Escherichia coli ATCC 10536 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 10541. Caper fermentation was optimized through a full factorial experimental design (23), by exploring three factors: starter inoculum size, NaCl concentration, and acetate content. Differences in pH values, Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and LAB counts between the beginning and end of fermentation are selected as responses and corresponding regression coefficients were calculated.

Results
The lactic microbiota is mainly represented by Lactobacillus plantarum group. Based on salt tolerance and antimicrobial activity, the strain Lactobacillus plantarum F3 was selected as starter for caper fermentation. The effect of NaCl concentration, acetate content, and inoculum size on acidity, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria count, and LAB count after 1 week and 1 month of caper fermentation was studied. Depending on the fermentation time, either 1 week or 1 month, the initial conditions should comprise 0% acetate, 108 CFU/mL inoculum, and 5% NaCl for 1 week against 5% acetate, 107 CFU/mL inoculum, and 10% NaCl for 1 month lasting caper fermentation. A protocol for caper fermentation was set up ensuring hygienic quality and LAB viability.

Conclusion
Lb. plantarum F3 was selected as lactic starter for caper fermentation, and initial fermentation conditions were optimized through a full factorial design. This work has shown loss in LAB viability after 1 week of fermentation. Based on results obtained, an optimized fermentation protocol was set up. This protocol ensures LAB survival and high hygienic quality of the product.
Immigration and the Wage Distribution in the United States
Authors: Lin Ken-Hou , Weiss Inbar 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis article assesses the connection between immigration and wage inequality in the United States. Departing from the focus on how the average wages of different native groups respond to immigration, we examine how immigrants shape the overall wage distribution. Despite evidence indicating that an increased presence of low-skilled immigrants is associated with losses at the lower end of wage distribution, we do not observe a similar result between high-skilled immigrants and natives at the upper end. Instead, the presence of foreign-born workers, whether high- or low-skilled, is associated with substantial gains for high-wage natives, particularly those at the very top. Consequently, increased immigration is associated with greater wage dispersion.
A survey of traditional and deep learning-based feature descriptors for high dimensional data in computer vision
Authors: Georgiou Theodoros , Liu Yu , Chen Wei , Lew Michael 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHigher dimensional data such as video and 3D are the leading edge of multimedia retrieval and computer vision research. In this survey, we give a comprehensive overview and key insights into the state of the art of higher dimensional features from deep learning and also traditional approaches. Current approaches are frequently using 3D information from the sensor or are using 3D in modeling and understanding the 3D world. With the growth of prevalent application areas such as 3D games, self-driving automobiles, health monitoring and sports activity training, a wide variety of new sensors have allowed researchers to develop feature description models beyond 2D. Although higher dimensional data enhance the performance of methods on numerous tasks, they can also introduce new challenges and problems. The higher dimensionality of the data often leads to more complicated structures which present additional problems in both extracting meaningful content and in adapting it for current machine learning algorithms. Due to the major importance of the evaluation process, we also present an overview of the current datasets and benchmarks. Moreover, based on more than 330 papers from this study, we present the major challenges and future directions.
Wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 5a: a novel biomarker regulated in type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Xu Wei , Geng Houfa , Liu Xuekui , Wang Xiuli , Li Rui , Lv Qian , Liu Yin , Wang Jie , Yang Manqing , Jones Peter M. , Liang Jun 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectivesType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is sustained by insulin resistance (IR) and reduced β-cell mass, which is largely due to insulin secretory dysfunction. Wnt5a protein is essential to islet formation and β-cell migration in the development of pancreas in vertebrates. Levels of the Wnt5a protein antagonist plasma secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (Sfrp5) were elevated in patients with T2DM. However, the association between Wnt5a, T2DM patients and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is unknown. We aim to investigate the circulating Wnt5a levels in in different clinical stages of T2DM and evaluate its correlation of duration of diabetes mellitus chronic complication.MethodsA total of 329 participants (187 males, 142 females; age range 40 to 80 years) were enrolled in this study. Serum Wnt5a levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The demographic and clinical parameters evaluated in subjects with new onset T2DM, onset T2DM after treatment and DKD at different clinical phases.ResultsWnt5a was significantly down-regulated in newly diagnosed T2DM patients and gradually increased after 3 months of treatment. Interesting, serum wnt5a was gradually increased in patients with long-term diabetes and kidney disease compared to patients with T2DM and onset DKD.ConclusionsWe speculated that the Wnt5a protein might regulate islet function and be involved in the onset of diabetes as a protective factor. It may be one of the inflammatory factors adversely involved in the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
Kangaroo mother care practice, knowledge, and perception among NICU nurses in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Shehri Hassan , Binmanee Abdulaziz 
Published: November 2019

Background:
The imapct of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in neonates is positively reported in the literature. However, several challenges hindered the wide-scale application of this practice.

Objectives:
To assess the levels of knowledge and competency of kangaroo mother care (KMC) among nurses and to identify the potential barriers to practice.

Methodology:
Structured web-based questionnaires were submitted to nurses working at neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The participants were asked to answer 23 questions distributed in four main domains, namely, demographic data, knowledge about KMC, practice levels, and barriers to KMC practice. For answers to the knowledge and barriers to practice domains, the mean scores (standard deviations) were calculated to present participants' perceptions and beliefs from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).

Results:
Two hundred nine NICU nurses responded (95.2% females, 89.5% working in a government hospital, 69.9% obtained a Bachelor's degree). The majority of respondents perceived KMC as promoting maternal-infant bonding (4.47 ± 1.3) and enhancing successful breastfeeding (4.44 ± 0.9), while there were considerable uncertainties about KMC application in infants weighing < 1000 g (2.21 ± 1.2). Most of the nurses encouraged parents to perform KMC (92.8%) and provided sufficient information to optimize practice (90%). However, several barriers were apparent, including fear of accidental extubation, lack of time due to workload, familial reluctance to initiate KMC, and lack of privacy during KMC practice.

Conclusion:
There is reasonable knowledge among NICU nurses, and most of them are actively engaged in practice. There is an urgent need to address the reported barriers through the implementation of clear practice guidelines, provision of suitable educational programs, optimization of staff numbers, and financial support for the development of areas conducive to KMC.
A systematic review of the use of virtual reality and its effects on cognition in individuals with neurocognitive disorders
Authors: Moreno Alexander , Wall Kylie Janine , Thangavelu Karthick , Craven Lucas , Ward Emma , Dissanayaka Nadeeka N. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionVirtual reality (VR) interventions are increasingly used in individuals with brain injuries. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of VR on overall cognitive functioning in individuals with neurocognitive disorders (NCDs).MethodsUsing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, a systematic review of the published literature on immersive and nonimmersive VR technologies targeting cognition in minor and major NCDs was conducted: (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019121953).ResultsA total of 22 studies were included in the review, for an aggregated sample of 564 individuals with NCDs. Most of the studies were conducted on patients who had stroke (27.3%), followed by mild cognitive impairment (22.7%) and Alzheimer's disease (13.6%). VR interventions used for cognitive rehabilitation suggested to improve cognition (e.g. memory, dual tasking, and visual attention), and secondarily to psychological functioning (e.g. reduction of anxiety, higher levels of well‐being, and increased use of coping strategies).ConclusionVR interventions are useful to improve cognition and psychological symptoms in NCDs.
Feasibility of an at‐home, web‐based, interactive exercise program for older adults
Authors: Feng Nicole C. , Ryan Eliza , Kidane Mhretab , Tusch Erich S. , McFeeley Brittany M. , Carlsson Roger , Mohammed Abdul H. , Håkansson Krister , Daffner Kirk R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionIncreased physical exercise is linked to enhanced brain health and reduced dementia risk. Exercise intervention studies usually are conducted at facilities in groups under trainer supervision. To improve scalability, accessibility, and engagement, programs may need to be structured such that individuals can execute and adjust routines in their own homes.MethodsOne hundred eighty‐three healthy older adults from two sites (the United States and Sweden) were screened. One hundred fifty‐six subjects (mean age 73.2), randomly assigned to one of four interventions (PACE‐Yourself physical exercise program, mindfulness meditation, or Cogmed® adaptive or nonadaptive computerized working memory training) began the study. All interventions were structurally similar: occurring in subjects' homes using interactive, web‐based software, over five weeks, ∼175 minutes/week. In the PACE‐Yourself program, video segments presented aerobic exercises at different pace and intensity (P&I). The program paused frequently, allowing subjects to indicate whether P&I was “too easy,” “too hard,” or “somewhat hard.” P&I of the subsequent exercise set was adjusted, allowing subjects to exercise at a perceived exertion level of “somewhat hard.” Program completion was defined as finishing ≥60% of sessions.ResultsA high percentage of participants in all groups completed the program, although the number (86%) was slightly lower in the PACE‐Yourself group than the other three. Excluding dropouts, the PACE‐Yourself group had a lower adherence rate of 93%, compared with the other three (∼98%). Over the five weeks, PACE‐Yourself participants increased exercising at the highest intensity level, consistent with augmented aerobic activity over time. The number of exercise sessions completed predicted the postintervention versus preintervention increase in self‐reported level of physical activity.DiscussionThis study supports the feasibility of a home‐based, subject‐controlled, exercise program in which P&I is regulated via real‐time participant feedback, which may promote self‐efficacy. Further study is needed to determine if similar results are found over longer periods and in more diverse populations.
A Study of Variation of the 11-yr Solar Cycle before the onset of the Spoerer Minimum based on Annually measured 14C Content in tree Rings
Authors: Moriya Toru , Miyahara Hiroko , Ohyama Motonari , Hakozaki Masataka , Takeyama Mirei , Sakurai Hirohisa , Tokanai Fuyuki 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTProxy-based observations of solar activity in the past have revealed long-term variations, such as the Gleissberg cycle (~88 yr), de Vries cycle (~200 yr), and the Hallstatt cycle (~2000 yr). Such long-term variations of solar activity sometimes cause the disappearance of sunspots for several decades. Currently, solar activity is becoming weaker, and there is a possibility that another long-term sunspot minimum could occur. However, the detailed mechanism of the weakening in solar activity is unknown, and the prediction of solar activity is ambiguous. In this study, we investigate the transitions of solar cycle length before the onset of the Spoerer Minimum, the longest grand minimum in the past 2000 yr. We measured the 14C content in an asunaro tree (Thujopsis dolabrata) excavated at Shimokita Peninsula from 1368–1420 CE using the compact AMS system at Yamagata University. It is found that the solar cycle lengthened to be 14–16 yr from 2 cycles before the onset of the Spoerer Minimum.
Manatee habitat characterization using side-scan sonar
Authors: McLarty Mindy J. , Gonzalez-Socoloske Daniel , Alvarez-Alemán Anmari , Angulo-Valdés Jorge 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIdentifying benthic substrates is important to researchers studying aquatic organisms in fresh and salt water systems. Benthic substrates are often not visible from the surface making it necessary to find another method to gather these data. Previous research has demonstrated that low cost side-scan sonar is a reliable way to identify hard substrates, such as rock and gravel, in a small, freshwater stream. In this study, the reliability of the side-scan sonar to accurately identify softer substrates such as grass and mud was tested in a large, brackish lagoon system. A total area of 11.55 km2 was surveyed with the sonar. Videos and pictures were taken at various points to groundtruth the sonar images and provide a measure of accuracy. Five substrate types were identified: dense seagrass, sparse seagrass, mangrove soil, mangrove soil with rock, and silt. Unidentifiable substrates were classified as unknown. A manually zoned benthic substrate map was created from the sonar recordings. Dense seagrass was most accurately identified. Sparse seagrass was the least accurately identified. A bathymetric map was also created from the sonar recordings.
Fifty years of tagging skates (Rajidae): using mark-recapture data to evaluate stock units
Authors: Bird C. , Burt G. J. , Hampton N. , McCully Phillips S. R. , Ellis J. R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDespite increased focus on ascertaining the status of elasmobranch fish, the stock units for many species are uncertain. Data from mark-recapture tagging studies undertaken from 1959–2017 were analysed for 13 batoid species. Data were most comprehensive for skates (Rajidae), with 22,374 released and 3342 (14.9%) returned. Most data related to thornback ray Raja clavata, blonde ray R. brachyura and spotted ray R. montagui. Tags were generally returned from areas less than 50 km from their release, and usually from the ICES Division in which they were released. However, straight-line distances travelled of up to 910 km (R. brachyura) and 772 km (R. clavata) were recorded, highlighting that individual skates are capable of longer-distance movements. The maximum time at liberty was 16.6 years (R. clavata). Whilst mark-recapture data indicated that the current stock units used by ICES are broadly appropriate, southward movements of several skate species tagged off Northern Ireland (Division 6.a) to the Irish Sea (Division 7.a) were observed. In contrast, skates tagged in the Irish Sea and Bristol Channel (Division 7.f) generally remained in that area, with only occasional recaptures from Division 6.a.
PROCESSING VARIABILITY IN INTENTIONAL AND INCIDENTAL WORD LEARNING
Authors: Hui Bronson 
Published: November 2019

AbstractI investigated the trajectory of processing variability, as measured by coefficient of variation (CV), using an intentional word learning experiment and reanalyzing published eye-tracking data of an incidental word learning study (Elgort et al., 2018). In the word learning experiment, native English speakers (N = 35) studied Swahili-English word pairs (k = 16) before performing 10 blocks of animacy judgment tasks. Results replicated the initial CV increase reported in Solovyeva and DeKeyser (2018) and, importantly, captured a roughly inverted U-shaped development in CV. In the reanalysis of eye-tracking data, I computed CVs based on reading times on the target and control words. Results did not reveal a similar inverted U-shaped development over time but suggested more stable processing of the high-frequency control words. Taken together, these results uncovered a fuller trajectory in CV development, differences in processing demands for different aspects of word knowledge, and the potential use of CV with eye-tracking research.
Linking women-led community kitchens to school food programmes: lessons learned from the Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Children intervention in Palestinian refugees in Lebanon
Authors: Ghattas Hala , Choufani Jowel , Jamaluddine Zeina , Masterson Amelia Reese , Sahyoun Nadine R 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjective:Decades of marginalization have led Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon to experience multigenerational poverty and food insecurity. The Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Children programme implemented and examined the impact of a two-pronged intervention that employed women through community kitchens to deliver a subsidized healthy daily school snack to elementary-school children in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. We describe the rationale, study design, theorized impact pathways, and discuss lessons learned.Design:The programme was quasi-experimental. We conducted formative and process evaluation of both components of the intervention to elucidate the pathways to programme impact.Setting:Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.Participants:Thirty-three women participated in the kitchens and provided subsidized snacks to 714 children.Results:Snacks were healthy, traditional Palestinian recipes designed by women and a nutritionist. Participation fluctuated but eventually increased after modifying the meals to ensure acceptability by children. The main challenges to sustainability related to the need for subsidization of the meals and the lack of school policies around the regulation of sales of school food, which together led to fluctuations in programme participation.Conclusions:The study provides lessons learned on the potential of this model to improve the human capital of two generations of protracted refugees. The availability of schools as a constant market for these social enterprises offers an opportunity for sustainable livelihood generation and food security gains. Challenges to sustainability remain and could be addressed through social (subsidies to support the programme) and structural (policies to restrict unhealthy food sales) measures.
The bio-habitable zone and atmospheric properties for planets of red dwarfs
Authors: Wandel A. , Gale J. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe Kepler data show that habitable small planets orbiting Red Dwarf stars (RDs) are abundant, and hence might be promising targets to look at for biomarkers and life. Planets orbiting within the habitable zone of RDs are close enough to be tidally locked. Some recent works have cast doubt on the ability of planets orbiting RDs to support life. In contrast, it is shown that temperatures suitable for liquid water and even for organic molecules may exist on tidally locked planets (TLPs) of RDs for a wide range of atmospheres. We chart the surface temperature distribution as a function of the irradiation, greenhouse factor and heat circulation. The habitability boundaries and their dependence on the atmospheric properties are derived. By extending our previous analyses of TLPs, we find that tidally locked as well as synchronous (not completely locked) planets of RDs and K-type stars may support life, for a wider range of orbital distance and atmospheric conditions than previously thought. In particular, it is argued that life clement environments may be possible on tidally locked and synchronously orbiting planets of RDs and K-type stars, with conditions supporting oxygenic photosynthesis, which on Earth was a key to complex life. Different climate projections and the biological significance of tidal locking on putative complex life are reviewed. We show that when the effect ofcontinuousradiation is taken into account, the photo-synthetically active radiation available on TLPs, even of RDs, could produce a high-potential plant productivity, in analogy to mid-summer growth at high latitudes on Earth. Awaiting the findings of TESS and JWST, we discuss the implications of the above arguments to the detection of biomarkers such as liquid water and oxygen, as well as to the abundance of biotic planets and life.
Transient Response of MJO Precipitation and Circulation to Greenhouse Gas Forcing
Authors: Bui Hien X. , Maloney Eric D. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRecent studies have shown that Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) precipitation anomaly amplitude tends to increase while associated circulations weaken at the end of 21st century in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 models under Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5. Transient changes of MJO characteristics earlier in the 21st century have received less attention. In this study, changes of MJO precipitation and circulation amplitude during these interim time periods under Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 are examined in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 models. Multimodel mean changes in MJO precipitation and circulation amplitude are not individually detectable in the early and middle 21st century relative to the historical period (1986–2005). However, robust multimodel mean decreases in the ratio of MJO wind to precipitation anomalies occur even early in the 21st century. This decreased ratio is explained by increasingly large tropical static stability as the climate warms, which under weak temperature gradient balance mandates that a diabatic heating anomaly is balanced by an increasingly weaker circulation anomaly. These results suggest the robustness of weak temperature gradient theory for explaining MJO dynamics, not only in an equilibrium climate but also in the transient response.