bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An unwanted companion reaches the country: the first record of the alien mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald, 1901) in Slovakia
Authors: Čabanová Viktória , Boršová Kristína , Svitok Marek , Oboňa Jozef , Svitková Ivana , Barbušinová Eva , Derka Tomáš , Sláviková Monika , Klempa Boris 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Invasive mosquitoes of the genus Aedes are quickly spreading around the world. The presence of these alien species is concerning for both their impact on the native biodiversity and their high vector competence. The surveillance of Aedes invasive mosquito (AIM) species is one of the most important steps in vector-borne disease control and prevention.

Methods
In 2020, the monitoring of AIM species was conducted in five areas (Bratislava, Zvolen, Banská Bystrica, Prešov, Košice) of Slovakia. The sites were located at points of entry (border crossings with Austria and Hungary) and in the urban and rural zones of cities and their surroundings. Ovitraps were used at the majority of sites as a standard method of monitoring. The collected specimens were identified morphologically, with subsequent molecular identification by conventional PCR (cox1) and Sanger sequencing. The phylogenetic relatedness of the obtained sequences was inferred by the maximum likelihood (ML) method. The nucleotide heterogeneity of the Slovak sequences was analysed by the index of disparity.

Results
A bush mosquito, Aedes japonicus japonicus, was found and confirmed by molecular methods in three geographically distant areas of Slovakia—Bratislava, Zvolen and Prešov. The presence of AIM species is also likely in Košice; however, the material was not subjected to molecular identification. The nucleotide sequences of some Slovak strains confirm their significant heterogeneity. They were placed in several clusters on the ML phylogenetic tree. Moreover, Ae. j. japonicus was discovered in regions of Slovakia that are not close to a point of entry, where the mosquitoes could find favourable habitats in dendrothelms in city parks or forests.

Conclusion
Despite being a first record of the Ae. j. japonicus in Slovakia, our study indicates that the established populations already exist across the country, underlining the urgent need for intensified surveillance of AIM species as well as mosquito-borne pathogens.

Graphical Abstract
The prior infection with SARS-CoV-2 study (PICOV) in nursing home residents and staff - study protocol description and presentation of preliminary findings on symptoms.
Authors: Goossens Maria E. , Neven Kristof Y. , Pannus Pieter , Barbezange Cyril , Thomas Isabelle , Gucht Steven Van , Dierick Katelijne , Schmickler Marie-Noëlle , Verbrugghe Mathieu , Loon Nele Van , Ariën Kevin K , Marchant Arnaud , Goriely Stanislas , Desombere Isabelle 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has presented itself as one of the most important health concerns of the 2020’s, and hit the geriatric population the hardest. The presence of co-morbidities and immune ageing in the elderly lead to an increased susceptibility to COVID-19, as is the case for other influenza-like illnesses (ILI) or acute respiratory tract infections (ARI). However, little is known, about the impact of a previous or current infection on the other in terms of susceptibility, immune response, and clinical course. The aim of the “Prior Infection with SARS-COV-2” (PICOV) study is to compare the time to occurrence of an ILI or ARI between participants with a confirmed past SARS-CoV-2 infection (previously infected) and those without a confirmed past infection (naïve) in residents and staff members of nursing homes. This paper describes the study design and population characteristics at baseline.

Methods
In 26 Belgian nursing homes, all eligible residents and staff members were invited to participate, resulting in 1,226 participants. They were classified as naïve or previously infected based on the presence of detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and/or a positive RT-qPCR result before participation in the study. Symptoms from a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection between March and August 2020 were compared between previously infected residents and staff members.

Results
Infection naïve nursing home residents reported fewer symptoms than previously infected residents: on average 1.9 and 3.1 symptoms, respectively (p = 0.016). The same effect was observed for infection naïve staff members and previously infected staff members (3.1 and 6.1 symptoms, respectively; p <0.0001). Moreover, the antibody development after a SARS-CoV-2 infection differs between residents and staff members, as previously infected residents tend to have a higher rate of asymptomatic cases compared to previously infected staff members (20.5% compared to 12.4%; p <0.0001).

Conclusions
We can postulate that COVID-19 disease development and symptomatology are different between a geriatric and younger population. Therefore, the occurrence and severity of a future ILI and/or ARI might vary from resident to staff.
Adoption of complementary climate-smart agricultural technologies: lessons from Lushoto in Tanzania
Authors: Ogada Maurice Juma , Radeny Maren , Recha John , Dawit Solomon 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Agriculture is important for economic growth and development in many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania. However, agricultural production and productivity remain relatively low, with significant yield gaps attributed to factors such as limited access to and low adoption of appropriate agricultural technologies, and climate-related risks resulting from climate variability and change. This paper explores the drivers of adoption of climate-smart agricultural (CSA) technologies and practices, taking into account the complementarity among agricultural technologies and heterogeneity of the farm households, using data from Lushoto in Tanzania.

Methods
We use a Multivariate Probit analysis of cross-sectional data collected from 264 smallholder farmers in Lushoto—a climate hotspot in Tanzania—to understand the drivers of household decisions to adopt CSA technologies and practices. The technologies included diversification of multiple stress (drought, floods, pests, diseases)-tolerant crop varieties, use of fertilizers, and application of herbicides and pesticides. The Multivariate Probit model was preferred as it takes into account the inter-relationships of the technologies as well as heterogeneity of the smallholder farmers for more robust estimates. The independent variables used in the analysis included household socio-economic factors such as the relative importance of crop and livestock enterprises, household land size, social capital, access to agricultural credit and weather information, previous experience with fertilizer use and household characteristics (age, education and gender of household head, and household size).

Results
About 63% of the households diversified their crop enterprises, shifting to improved resilient crops and crop varieties. Another 37% adopted fertilizers, while 38% applied pesticides and herbicides. Conditional on the unobservable heterogeneity effects, the results show that household adoption decisions on diversification of multiple stress-tolerant crops and crop varieties, fertilizer, and pesticides and herbicides are complementary. In addition, the results confirm existence of unobserved heterogeneity effects leading to varying impact of the explanatory variables on adoption decisions among farmers with similar observable characteristics.

Conclusions
The findings indicate that any effective CSA technology adoption and diffusion strategies and policies should take into account the complementarity of the technologies and heterogeneity of the smallholder farmers. Therefore, inter-related technologies should be promoted as a package or bundled while taking into consideration household and farm-level constraints to adoption.
Assessing the microbiota of recycled bedding sand on a Wisconsin dairy farm
Authors: Pilch Hannah E. , Steinberger Andrew J. , Sockett Donald C. , Aulik Nicole , Suen Garret , Czuprynski Charles J. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Sand is often considered the preferred bedding material for dairy cows as it is thought to have lower bacterial counts than organic bedding materials and cows bedded on sand experience fewer cases of lameness and disease. Sand can also be efficiently recycled and reused, making it cost-effective. However, some studies have suggested that the residual organic material present in recycled sand can serve as a reservoir for commensal and pathogenic bacteria, although no studies have yet characterized the total bacterial community composition. Here we sought to characterize the bacterial community composition of a Wisconsin dairy farm bedding sand recycling system and its dynamics across several stages of the recycling process during both summer and winter using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

Results
Bacterial community compositions of the sand recycling system differed by both seasons and stage. Summer samples had higher richness and distinct community compositions, relative to winter samples. In both summer and winter samples, the diversity of recycled sand decreased with time drying in the recycling room. Compositionally, summer sand 14 d post-recycling was enriched in operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to the genera Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas, relative to freshly washed sand and sand from cow pens. In contrast, no OTUs were found to be enriched in winter sand. The sand recycling system contained an overall core microbiota of 141 OTUs representing 68.45% ± 10.33% SD of the total bacterial relative abundance at each sampled stage. The 4 most abundant genera in this core microbiota included Acinetobacter, Psychrobacter, Corynebacterium, and Pseudomonas. Acinetobacter was present in greater abundance in summer samples, whereas Psychrobacter and Corynebacterium had higher relative abundances in winter samples. Pseudomonas had consistent relative abundances across both seasons.

Conclusions
These findings highlight the potential of recycled bedding sand as a bacterial reservoir that warrants further study.
A review of the resistome within the digestive tract of livestock
Authors: Ma Tao , McAllister Tim A. , Guan Le Luo 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAntimicrobials have been widely used to prevent and treat infectious diseases and promote growth in food-production animals. However, the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance poses a huge threat to public and animal health, especially in less developed countries where food-producing animals often intermingle with humans. To limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance from food-production animals to humans and the environment, it is essential to have a comprehensive knowledge of the role of the resistome in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), The resistome refers to the collection of all antimicrobial resistance genes associated with microbiota in a given environment. The dense microbiota in the digestive tract is known to harbour one of the most diverse resistomes in nature. Studies of the resistome in the digestive tract of humans and animals are increasing exponentially as a result of advancements in next-generation sequencing and the expansion of bioinformatic resources/tools to identify and describe the resistome. In this review, we outline the various tools/bioinformatic pipelines currently available to characterize and understand the nature of the intestinal resistome of swine, poultry, and ruminants. We then propose future research directions including analysis of resistome using long-read sequencing, investigation in the role of mobile genetic elements in the expression, function and transmission of AMR. This review outlines the current knowledge and approaches to studying the resistome in food-producing animals and sheds light on future strategies to reduce antimicrobial usage and control the spread of AMR both within and from livestock production systems.
Psychometric properties of the persian version of the inventory of statements about self-injury (ISAS)
Authors: Rezaei Omid , Athar Mojtaba Elhami , Ebrahimi Ali , Jazi Elham Azamian , Karimi Sirwan , Ataie Shima , Taheri Ehsan , Abbassian Mahboubeh , Storch Eric A 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a serious public health problem prevalent among adolescents and young adults. The present study examines the factor structure, internal consistency, and validity of the Persian version of the Inventory of Statements About Self-injury (ISAS), a self-report measure designed to comprehensively assess non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).

Methods
A total of 655 Iranian school-attending adolescents completed study measures online, and 246 youth (37.70 %) (M age = 15.38, SD ± 0.50; 53 % female) reported a history of NSSI at least once during their lifetime.

Results
Confirmatory factor analysis supported the proposed two-factor model of ISAS (i.e., Interpersonal and Intrapersonal dimensions), which were internally consistent and yielded direct associations with converging correlates (e.g., depression, anxiety, irritability, and anger).

Conclusions
Findings indicated that the Persian version of the ISAS has sound psychometric properties and is a valid and reliable self-report measure of NSSI.
Characterization of variable-sensitivity force sensor using stiffness change of shape-memory polymer based on temperature
Authors: Takashima Kazuto , Kobuchi Jo , Kamamichi Norihiro , Takagi Kentaro , Mukai Toshiharu 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn the present study, we propose a variable-sensitivity force sensor using a shape-memory polymer (SMP), the stiffness of which varies according to the temperature. Since the measurement range and sensitivity can be changed, it is not necessary to replace the force sensor to match the measurement target. Shape-memory polymers are often described as two-phase structures comprising a lower-temperature “glassy” hard phase and a higher-temperature “rubbery” soft phase. The relationship between the applied force and the deformation of the SMP changes depending on the temperature. The proposed sensor consists of strain gauges bonded to an SMP bending beam and senses the applied force by measuring the strain. Therefore, the force measurement range and the sensitivity can be changed according to the temperature. In our previous study, we found that a sensor with one strain gauge and a steel plate had a small error and a large sensitivity range. Therefore, in the present study, we miniaturize this type of sensor. Moreover, in order to describe the viscoelastic behavior more accurately, we propose a transfer function using a generalized Maxwell model. We verify the proposed model experimentally and estimated the parameters by system identification. In addition, we realize miniaturization of the sensor and achieve the same performance as in our previous study. It is shown that the proposed transfer function can capture the viscoelastic behavior of the proposed SMP sensor quite well.
The humanitarian alibi: an overview and a redefinition
Authors: Bywater Matthew 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis paper explores and illustrates the diverse manifestations of the phenomenon of the ‘humanitarian alibi’, drawing upon historical and contemporary cases of violent conflict in order to identify substitutionary phenomena by governments and international actors. It affirms the existence of substitution process where humanitarian aid intervention substitutes for the prevention and resolution of violent conflict and the protection of civilian populations. The paper argues for expanding the humanitarian alibi, however, to take into account how international aid intervention compensates for both the systemic neglect of conflict related crises and for the systemic harm that exacerbates and perpetuates these crises. It also challenges the suggestion that the humanitarian alibi phenomenon is the product of a bygone era, and finds that the use of aid as a substitute for peacemaking can co-exist alongside the use of aid as a direct component of international intervention.
Re-mineralization potential, shear bond strength and hydration characteristics of experimentally prepared tri-calcium aluminate phase-modified glass ionomer cement on sound and caries-affected dentin (An in vitro/in vivo study)
Authors: Radwan M. M. , EL-Hamid H. K. Abd , Nagi Shaymaa M. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to in vivo and in vitro evaluate the remineralization potential and shear bond strength (SBS) of experimentally prepared tri-calcium aluminate (C3A)-modified glass ionomer cements on sound and artificial caries-affected dentin (CAD). A pure tricalcium aluminate (C3A) phase prepared via solid state reaction at elevated temperature from chemically pure calcium carbonate and alumina, to formulate ceramic composite of composition: 75% C3A, 15% CaSO4·2H2O and 10% Bi2O3. The influence of artificial saliva solution on the hydration characteristics and microstructure of the synthesized composite was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, FTIR spectral analysis, pH determination and scanning electron microscope (SEM) in comparison with distilled water curing medium. Modified cements of C3A glass ionomers (C3A-CGIC) were prepared by addition of the experimentally prepared C3A to the powder component of the conventical glass ionomer cement (CGIC). Five and 10 wt% of C3A- CGICs powder were prepared and compared to CGIC. Cements were applied in prepared class V cavities in rabbits’ teeth either to sound or artificial CAD. All rabbits were killed after 15 days, and then, Ca and P wt% were evaluated at the cement–dentin interface using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Analysis. Specimens for SBS evaluation were prepared for the tested cements bonded either to sound or artificial CAD, then tested using universal testing machine.

Results
The XRD results indicate that there is an acceleration effect on the hydration reactions and decrease in the rate of conversion process of C3A phase composite due to the presence of free ions in saliva solution which was emphasized by the results of the IR spectral bands of the hydrated paste samples. The SEM micrographs showed a more-dense microstructure with large accumulations of aluminate hydrate crystals of samples cured under saliva solution. Results of the prepared C3A-CGICs showed that 10wt% C3A-GIC group had the highest statistically significant mean Ca, P wt% and SBS values on CAD compared to 5wt% C3A-GIC and CGIC.

Conclusions
10 wt% C3A-GIC has a remineralizing effect on artificial CAD under in vivo conditions, plus its improved bonding to dentin compared to CGIC. Thus, it might be promising restorative/base with advanced remineralization potential and adequate bond strength to both sound dentin and CAD.
Therapeutic dilemma and clinical issues in management of the button battery ingestion: a case report and literature review
Authors: Agolli Olsi , Agolli Arjola , Hange Namrata , Agadi Kuchalambal 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe incidence of button battery ingestion in children less than 6 years, from year 1985 to 2019 was 59,000 and it is still a clinical challenge for pediatricians. Objects which are commonly ingested are large amounts of food, coins, toy parts, jewels, batteries, sharp materials and non-metallic sharp objects. It is an increased incidence of mortality and morbidity due to button battery ingestion, compared to accidental ingestion of other objects, due to its small size, and because of its potent source of energy. A literature search was carried out to evaluate the challenges in diagnosing, treatment, and follow-up of button battery ingested cases in children. A total of 36 original articles were included for the review.Conclusions: Button batteries can quickly cause severe damage to the mucosal lining of the GI tract. Esophageal button batteries require emergency removal because they can cause serious complications leading to hemorrhage, and death. In children, where the button battery has passed the esophagus watchful management should be made. In the majority of cases, the button batteries with a diameter less than 2 cm lodged in the stomach will pass spontaneously with no complications. However, asymptomatic children may be followed up with X-rays to assess progression up to 10–14 days after ingestion. Endoscopic or surgical removal may be required to prevent intestinal perforation with peritonitis. Symptomatic children will always need a consultation with a pediatric surgeon for surgery no matter where the button battery is placed in the GI tract. Developing countries shall adopt surveillance and reporting systems for BBI ingestion and related complications and it is recommended as essential to have management protocols in place for button batteries ingestion.
Effects of crude oil prices on copper and maize prices
Authors: Kaulu Byrne 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis study explains the effects of crude oil prices on copper and maize prices. Vector autoregressive and vector error correction models are used to study the relationship between oil prices and prices of copper and maize. The commodity price data used consist of average monthly prices of each of the commodities: crude oil, copper and maize for the months January 1982 to June 2021. For robustness, the analysis was also run on a sample of the same data for the period January 2000 to June 2021. A long-run relationship was found between crude oil and copper prices on the one hand and maize prices on the other for the 1982 to 2021 period at the 5% significance level. The same was not true for the shorter sample (2000 to 2021). Granger causality flowing from crude oil prices alone to copper and maize prices was not found. Recommendations that are useful for energy, mining, agriculture and general development policy and practice are made. The findings are also useful for bilateral and multilateral aid discussions. The limitations of the study and recommendations for future scholarship are also made.
Ejection of marine microplastics by raindrops: a computational and experimental study
Authors: Lehmann Moritz , Oehlschlägel Lisa Marie , Häusl Fabian P. , Held Andreas , Gekle Stephan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractRaindrops impacting water surfaces such as lakes or oceans produce myriads of tiny droplets which are ejected into the atmosphere at very high speeds. Here we combine computer simulations and experimental measurements to investigate whether these droplets can serve as transport vehicles for the transition of microplastic particles with diameters of a few tens of μm from ocean water to the atmosphere. Using the Volume-of-Fluid lattice Boltzmann method, extended by the immersed-boundary method, we performed more than 1600 raindrop impact simulations and provide a detailed statistical analysis on the ejected droplets. Using typical sizes and velocities of real-world raindrops – parameter ranges that are very challenging for 3D simulations – we simulate straight impacts with various raindrop diameters as well as oblique impacts. We find that a 4mm diameter raindrop impact on average ejects more than 167 droplets. We show that these droplets indeed contain microplastic concentrations similar to the ocean water within a few millimeters below the surface. To further assess the plausibility of our simulation results, we conduct a series of laboratory experiments, where we find that microplastic particles are indeed contained in the spray. Based on our results and known data – assuming an average microplastic particle concentration of 2.9 particles per liter at the ocean surface – we estimate that, during rainfall, about 4800 microplastic particles transition into the atmosphere per square kilometer per hour for a typical rain rate of $10 \frac {\text {mm}}{\mathrm {h}}$
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.