bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A DNA intercalating dye-based RT-qPCR alternative to diagnose SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Wightman Federico Fuchs , Herz Micaela A. Godoy , Muñoz Juan C. , Stigliano José N. , Bragado Laureano , Moreno Nicolas Nieto , Palavecino Marcos , Servi Lucas , Cabrerizo Gonzalo , Clemente José , Avaro Martín , Pontoriero Andrea , Benedetti Estefanía , Baumeister Elsa , Rudolf Fabian , Lenicov Federico Remes , Garcia Cybele C. , Buggiano Valeria , Kornblihtt Alberto R. , Srebrow Anabella , de la Mata Manuel , Muñoz Manuel J. , Schor Ignacio E. , Petrillo Ezequiel 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEarly detection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been proven crucial during the efforts to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several diagnostic methods have emerged in the past few months, each with different shortcomings and limitations. The current gold standard, RT-qPCR using fluorescent probes, relies on demanding equipment requirements plus the high costs of the probes and specific reaction mixes. To broaden the possibilities of reagents and thermocyclers that could be allocated towards this task, we have optimized an alternative strategy for RT-qPCR diagnosis. This is based on a widely used DNA-intercalating dye and can be implemented with several different qPCR reagents and instruments. Remarkably, the proposed qPCR method performs similarly to the broadly used TaqMan-based detection, in terms of specificity and sensitivity, thus representing a reliable tool. We think that, through enabling the use of vast range of thermocycler models and laboratory facilities for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, the alternative proposed here can increase dramatically the testing capability, especially in countries with limited access to costly technology and reagents.
Blood group A Secretors are associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 cardiovascular disease complications
Authors: Mankelow TJ , Singleton BK , Moura PL , Stevens-Hernandez CJ , Cogan NM , Gyorffy G , Kupzig S , Nichols L , Asby C , Pooley J , Ruffino G , Hosseini F , Moghaddas F , Attwood M , Noel A , Cooper A , Arnold D , Hamilton F , Hyams C , Finn A , Toye AM , Anstee DJ 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe SARS-CoV-2 virus causes COVID-19, an infection capable of causing severe disease and death but which may also be asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic in many individuals. While several risk factors, including age, have been described, the mechanisms of this variation are poorly understood. Several studies have described associations between blood group and COVID-19 severity, while others do not. Expression of ABO glycans on secreted proteins and non-erythroid cells is controlled by a fucosyltransferase (FUT2). Inactivating mutations result in a non-secretor phenotype which is known to protect against some viral infections. We investigated whether ABO or secretor status was associated with COVID-19 severity. Data combined from healthcare records and laboratory tests (n=275) of SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive patients hospitalised with COVID-19, confirmed higher than expected numbers of blood group A individuals compared to O (RR=1.24, CI 95% [1.05,1.47], P=0.0111). There was also a significant association between group A and COVID-19-related cardiovascular complications (RR=2.56, CI 95% [1.43,4.55], P=0.0011) which is independent of gender. Molecular analysis of phenotype revealed that group A patients who are non-secretors are significantly less likely to be hospitalised than secretors. In a larger cohort of 1000 convalescent plasma donors, among whom the majority displayed COVID-19 symptoms and only a small minority required hospitalisation, group A non-secretors were slightly over-represented. Our findings indicate that group A non-secretors are not resistant to infection by SARS-CoV-2, but they are likely to experience a less severe form of its associated disease.Key PointsBlood group type A is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications in COVID-19 patients.FUT2 “non-secretor” status reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes in patients with blood group A.
COVID-19 pandemic dynamics in Ukraine after September 1, 2020
Authors: Nesteruk Igor 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe threats of the COVID-19 pandemic require the mobilization of scientists, including mathematicians. To understand how the number of cases increases versus time, various models based on direct observations of a random number of new cases and differential equations can be used. Complex mathematical models contain many unknown parameters, the values of which must be determined using a limited number of observations of the disease over time. Even long-term monitoring of the epidemic may not provide reliable estimates of its parameters due to the constant change of testing conditions, isolation of infected and quarantine. Therefore, simpler approaches should also be used, for example, some smoothing of the dependence of the number of cases on time and the known SIR (susceptible-infected-removed) model. These approaches allowed to detect the waves of pandemic in different countries and regions and to make adequate predictions of the duration, hidden periods, reproduction numbers, and final sizes of its waves. In particular, seven waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine were investigated.ObjectiveWe will detect new epidemic waves in Ukraine that occurred after September 1, 2020 and estimate the epidemic characteristics with the use of generalized SIR model. Some predictions of the epidemic dynamics will be presented.MethodsIn this study we use the smoothing method for the dependence of the number of cases on time; the generalized SIR model for the dynamics of any epidemic wave, the exact solution of the linear differential equations and statistical approach developed before.ResultsSeventh and eights epidemic waves in Ukraine were detected and the reasons of their appearance were discussed. The optimal values of the SIR model parameters were calculated. The prediction for the COVID-19 epidemic dynamics in Ukraine is not very optimistic: new cases will not stop appearing until June 2021. Only mass vaccination and social distancing can change this trend.ConclusionsNew waves of COVID-19 pandemic can be detected, calculated and predicted with the use of rather simple mathematical simulations. The expected long duration of the pandemic forces us to be careful and in solidarity.The government and all Ukrainians must strictly adhere to quarantine measures in order to avoid fatal consequences.
IFRS adoption and accounting conservatism in Latin America
Authors: Lopez Harold , Jara Mauricio , Cabello Adriana 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of IFRS mandatory adoption on accounting conservatism and to shed light on the drivers of such impact.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of listed firms for five Latin American countries, the authors analyze the relation between mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards and the conditional accounting conservatism of earnings.FindingsThe authors find evidence that IFRS adoption boosts earnings conservatism. This result is robust and heterogeneous. The results also show that the effect of IFRS differs across firms and countries. Specifically, the impact of IFRS adoption is higher for low-earnings-quality firms and for firms with high levels of investment opportunities.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that IFRS adoption in Latin America has enhanced comparability of financial information both across and within countries.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature by providing new evidence on the drivers of the impacts of IFRS adoption in emerging markets.
Navigating the narrative space: insights, experiences, and emotions of the novice researcher
Authors: Shotton Lynette Harland 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to explore the theory and approaches employed by a novice narrative researcher to open, work in, and close the narrative space. The paper reflects on this personal journey and aims to provide insight for other novices to successfully navigate the narrative space.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on the experiences and emotions involved in undertaking narrative inquiry as a novice researcher. The paper focuses specifically on the challenges of opening, working in and closing the narrative space.FindingsThrough a critical and reflective discussion of approaches to narrative inquiry, the papers points to key theories, and approaches, which guide narrative research. In doing this, the diversity in interpretation and application of narrative research are noted as essential components of both its challenge and beauty.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of this paper are linked to its utility in helping others reflect on their own practice and also providing insight and support to other novice researchers seeking to navigate the narrative space.Originality/valueThe paper provides a subjective interpretation and application of the theory underpinning narrative research and how it was used to guide the authors research into care leavers journeys into and through university.
Social entrepreneurship for scalable solutions addressing sustainable development goals (SDGs) at BoP in India
Authors: Goyal Sandeep , Agrawal Anirudh , Sergi Bruno S. 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe study addresses the crucial issue of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and institutional voids in the peri-urban geographies of India. The peri-urban geographies, though within a cosmopolitical city, lack basic amenities like drinking water, sanitation and waste management. We study social entrepreneurial strategies to address these issues and thereby illustrate strategies that could be used to address sustainable development goals.Design/methodology/approachThe article uses a multiple case study method to understand how social enterprises can provide scalable solutions addressing SDG related issues in India.FindingsThe research found three strategies that can help provide scalable solutions: First, the extensive use of the latest digital technologies to decrease cost and increase reach; second, extensive partnerships across the board; and finally, a focus on social innovations and business models that are accessible, affordable, available and known to the end-users.Originality/valueThe research contributes to institutional voids literature, SDGs literature and scaling of social enterprise literature. The research confirms that institutional voids are entrepreneurial opportunities. The research empirically shows how social enterprises are addressing SDGs at BoP. Finally, the core findings of the article contribute to the scaling of social enterprise literature.
Regulation of host‐infection ability in the grass‐symbiotic fungus Epichloë festucae by histone H3K9 and H3K36 methyltransferases
Authors: Lukito Yonathan , Lee Kate , Noorifar Nazanin , Green Kimberly A. , Winter David J. , Ram Arvina , Hale Tracy K. , Chujo Tetsuya , Cox Murray P. , Johnson Linda J. , Scott Barry 
Published: December 2020

SummaryRecent studies have identified key genes that control the symbiotic interaction between Epichloë festucae and Lolium perenne. Here we report on the identification of specific E. festucae genes that control host infection. Deletion of setB, which encodes a homologue of the H3K36 histone methyltransferase Set2/KMT3, reduced histone H3K36 trimethylation and led to severe defects in colony growth and hyphal development. The E. festucae ΔclrD mutant, which lacks the gene encoding the homologue of the H3K9 methyltransferase KMT1, displays similar developmental defects. Both mutants are completely defective in their ability to infect L. perenne. Alleles that complement the culture and plant phenotypes of both mutants also complement the histone methylation defects. Co‐inoculation of either ΔsetB or ΔclrD with the wild‐type strain enables these mutants to colonize the host. However, successful colonization by the mutants resulted in death or stunting of the host plant. Transcriptome analysis at the early infection stage identified four fungal candidate genes, three of which encode small‐secreted proteins, that are differentially regulated in these mutants compared to wild type. Deletion of crbA, which encodes a putative carbohydrate binding protein, resulted in significantly reduced host infection rates by E. festucae.
Not Quite the True Believer: Henry (Harry) Gullett at the Paris Peace Conference
Authors: KERBY MARTIN 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHenry (Harry) Gullett, the press liaison for the Australian delegation at the Paris peace conference in 1919, was convinced that the valour and sacrifice of Australian soldiers had earned the nation the right to have its voice heard. In this, he was in complete agreement with the Australian prime minister Billy Hughes. Both were equally certain, however, that Australian interests were now ‘grievously imperilled’. These fears were framed not by the potential future actions of Australia's recent enemies, but by a suspicion that its allies were either ignorant of Australian concerns, or dismissive of them. Britain, America and Japan personified Australian fears about the post‐war world, as the correspondence between Gullett and his wife Penelope will attest. Furthermore, this article will show that though the war had been a seismological catastrophe, Gullett saw in it a further validation of his pre‐war commitment to immigration, which bordered on an obsession. Similarly, for the nation as a whole, the years between 1914 and 1918 heightened the strategic and economic concerns that had driven the nation to sacrifice so much of its human and financial treasure. White Australia, the Australian/British relationship and the concern over the nation's strategic vulnerabilities appeared as pressing in 1919 as they had been in 1914.
Individual differences in visuospatial working memory capacity influence the modality effect
Authors: Greenberg Kevin , Zheng Robert , Gardner Michael , Orr Matthew 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe cognitive theory of multimedia learning postulates learning information in a dual‐modality design is more effective than in a single modality, which is known as the modality effect. Research has found that the modality effect supports problem‐solving learning, but not retention‐based learning. This divergence in findings can be explained by the mediating effects of individual differences in visuospatial working memory. The current study confirmed the modality effect, showing superiority of dual‐modality over single modality. Results revealed a significant interaction between visuospatial working memory and modality by retention, but no such interaction was obtained for problem solving. It was found that learners with low visuospatial working memory scored higher on retention in dual modality than these in single modality. Interestingly, no differences were found for learners with high visuospatial working memory on retention in both single‐ and dual‐modality conditions. The findings may explain for whom the modality effect works in relation to retention. Finally, the analysis showed no association between modality conditions and subtypes of cognitive load, that is, extraneous and germane cognitive load.
Efficacy evaluation of Endolift‐based Subcision on acne scar treatment
Authors: Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali , Fakhim Tannaz , Heidari‐Kharaji Maryam , Hanifnia Amir Reza , Hejazi Somayeh , Torkamaniha Elham 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundPeople with acne scar suffer from destruction to the surface of the skin. Treating acne scars is a challenge that might need several methods.AimsSubsection is a method that has been informed to be a useful method in treating rolling acne scars. While Subcision is a valued procedure, its effect is mild to moderate due to its high reappearance rate, and patients' dissatisfaction with some of the side effects such as inflammation after procedure.Patients/MethodsIn this pilot study, 9 rolling acne scar patients underwent Subcision with the Endolift (200‐nm fiber) and followed up for 3 months. Outcomes were evaluated by 3 dermatologists (Blind). Also, the patients’ satisfaction was assessed to compare with dermatologist's opinions.ResultsOur results indicated that Subcision with the Endolift displayed good and very good improvement in about 90% of patient with a good and very good satisfaction in the patients. Photographic data evaluation indicated 100% improvement in scar depth, topography, and total acne scar appearance. The average numbers of lesions before the treatment were 25.5 ± 12.1, and after treatment, it was reduced to 11.4 ± 2.1 (P < .05).ConclusionSubcision with the Endolift seems to be a safe and effective method for acne scar treatment. It is done with a single perforation on each side (instead of several perforations), which reduces the pain and scar risk in the patients. Also, Endolift‐based Subcision needs fewer surgical sessions and less recovery time with less inflammation and erythema.
To see or not to see – or to wait and see: clinical decisions in an oncological emergency telephone consultation
Authors: Jørgensen Lone , Jacobsen Heidi Ramlow , Pedersen Birgith 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundCancer treatment is often given on an outpatient basis. An oncological emergency telephone line has been established to improve access to cancer care and prevent life‐threatening side effects. However, healthcare professionals need to make clinical decisions without being able to assess patients face‐to‐face, which may be problematic. This study explores how healthcare professionals experience clinical decision‐making in oncological emergency telephone consultations.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative approach applying three focus groups with healthcare professionals from a Danish university hospital were undertaken. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis.ResultsAn overall theme elucidated how healthcare professionals ended up deciding during each call whether the problem could be solved on the phone or the patient had to come for a face‐to‐face consultation or to wait and see whether the condition changed. Some decisions were easy to make, while others were moderate or difficult. The decision was influenced by several factors that could be structured into three themes: reliance on one’s own knowledge and experience, consideration of different perspectives and the influence of context.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that clinical decision‐making in oncological emergency telephone consultations includes three types of decisions that are intertwined with intra‐personal, inter‐professional and contextual factors such as personal knowledge, collaboration and workload. These factors are essential for the timely referral of patients to the right level of service.
Living Revolution, Financial Collapse and Pandemic in Beirut: Notes on Temporality, Spatiality, and “Double Liminality”
Authors: Majed Rima 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This article reflects on the experience of living an exceptional year of revolution, financial collapse, pandemic (and later, explosion) in Lebanon since October 2019. Based on auto-ethnography, the article grapples with the experience of “double liminality” by juxtaposing the revolutionary moment of publicness, enthusiasm and clarity; to the pandemic moment of isolation, rumination and anxiety.
Breaking the Cycle: Existential Politics and the Beirut Explosion
Authors: Geha Carmen , Kanaan Fida , Saliba Najat Aoun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This essay was written in the wake of the Beirut port explosion on August 4th, 2020. We explore the extent to which activists, academics, and practitioners can find a way to break the cycle of corruption caused by decades of sectarian power-sharing. Through our own story and experience of breaking our own cycle of hopelessness and transcending disciplinary boundaries, we document and analyze how we can create an evidence-based, community-led, and locally-driven roadmap for Beirut’s recovery. The essay focuses on our experience creating and building Khaddit Beirut (the shake-up) amidst multiple crises and in doing so opening up the university to the grievances of a devasted community. In doing so we review existing literature about what we already know about Lebanon’s political system and explain why breaking the cycle is as much an existential project as it is a political struggle.
Chinese Fort Creolization: on the Origin of Xining Mandarin
Authors: Bell Daniel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Xining Mandarin (Qinghai province, Northwest China) strikingly diverges from the usual syntactic profile of Sinitic languages, featuring an array of head-final categories which are inherent instead to the local substrate languages. In this paper, the formation of the dialect is considered from a historical perspective and it is seen to have emerged in a fort creolization (Bickerton, 1988) scenario, comparable to that found for European lexifier creoles along the West African coast. Linguistically relevant aspects of the socio-historical scenario underlying the dialect are reconstructed and Xining Mandarin is argued to have formed as the language of Ming dynasty Chinese colonists was acquired imperfectly due to poor access to Chinese among the local population. The speed of creolization and the role of language shift is evaluated, and it is argued that Ming creolization was gradual (rather than abrupt), reflecting cases of fort creolization elsewhere in the world.
The ‘Insecurity Toolbox’ of the Illiberal Regime: Rule by Law and Rule by Exclusion
Authors: Kopper Ákos , Körtvélyesi Zsolt , Majtényi Balázs , Szalai András 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This article scrutinizes the ‘insecurity toolbox’ that Hungary’s illiberal regime relies on in order to create an increasingly authoritarian system that sidelines the opposition and silences discontent. While authoritarian shifts are widespread, what makes the case of Hungary unique is that it involves a member state of the European Union. We identify three important features of the regime: (1) it relies on securitization by using an anti-immigrant meta-frame to justify virtually all policies and identify enemies whose presence justifies exceptional measures; (2)it applies law instrumentally and rules by law, which effectively undermines the rule of law and its guarantees against arbitrariness; (3)it maintains a screen of compliance with democratic and constitutional norms. While the EU seems impotent, or unwilling to halt this authoritarian backsliding, the Hungarian government feels it necessary to fake compliance with democratic norms by adopting policies that formally acquiesce to European standards but contradict them in essence.
Contracts and the Implied Freedom of Political Communication
Authors: McCabe Patrick 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis article considers the phenomenon of contractually-imposed restraints on political communication. Such restraints often incidentally arise from broad limits on out-of-hours conduct imposed by employment contracts or from confidentiality or non-disparagement clauses in deeds of settlement. It is argued that the implied freedom of political communication has work to do in relation to at least some categories of such restraints. The various objections to that view are examined and it is argued those objections are not compelling. The article analyses the question of how the implied freedom would operate in respect of contracts that impermissibly burden freedom of political communication, and suggests that this may be achieved by developing the common law of contract to accomodate a doctrine similar to the doctrine governing unreasonable restraints of trade.