bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organosolv lignin aggregation behaviour of soluble lignin extract from Miscanthus x giganteus at different ethanol concentrations and its influence on the lignin esterification
Authors: Hamzah Muhammad Hazwan , Bowra Steve , Cox Philip 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundLignin is the second most abundant naturally occurring biopolymer from lignocellulosic biomass. While there are several lignin applications, attempts to add value to lignin are hampered by its inherent complex and heterogenous chemical structure. This work assesses the organosolv lignin aggregates behaviour of soluble lignin extract derived fromMiscanthus × giganteususing different ethanol concentrations (50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10% and 1%). The effect of two different lignin concentrations using similar ethanol concentration on the efficacy of esterification was studied.ResultsOverall, particle size of lignin analysis showed that the particle size of lignin aggregates decreased with lower ethanol concentrations. 50% ethanol concentration of soluble lignin extract showed the highest particle size of lignin (3001.8 nm), while 331.7 nm of lignin particle size was recorded at 1% ethanol concentration. Such findings of particle size correlated well with the morphology of the lignin macromolecules. The lignin aggregates appeared to be disaggregated from population of large aggregates to sub-population of small aggregates when the ethanol concentration was reduced. Light microscopy images analysis by ImageJ shows that the average diameter and circularity of the corresponding lignin macromolecules differs according to different ethanol concentrations. The dispersion of lignin aggregates at low ethanol concentration resulted in high availability of hydroxyl group in the soluble lignin extract. The efficacy of the lignin modification via esterification was evidenced directly via FTIR using the similar ethanol concentration of soluble lignin extract at different lignin concentrations.ConclusionThis study provided the understanding of detail analysis on particle size determination, microscopic properties and structural insights of lignin aggregates at wider ethanol concentrations. The esterified lignin derived at 5 mg/mL is suggested to expand greater lignin functionality in the preparation of lignin bio-based materials.
Comparison of caregivers’ characteristics, stigma, and disease burden of children with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit disorder in Egypt
Authors: Gabra Romany H. , Hashem Doaa F. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Studies show that autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder place a significant stigma and burden on caregivers, economically as well as socially, psychologically, and emotionally. The current study aims to assess caregivers of those children with reference to stigma and disease burden, evaluation of different psychiatric symptoms, and quality of life. Also, it aims to compare the extent of such disruption related to the type of the disorder (ASD versus ADHD). A cross-sectional, analytical study was designed including 72 caregivers {38 caregivers of autism versus 34 caregivers of ADHD}; all of them were assessed for (1) stigma; (2) disease burden; (3) depression, anxiety, and sensitivity; and (4) quality of life.

Results
The current results show that caregivers of ASD and ADHD have a higher score of stigmas, burden, depression, anxiety, and a poorer QoL than normal; all these variables are worse in ASD caregivers than ADHD caregivers.

Conclusion
This study supports the notion that both ADHD and ASD pose a great challenge for their caregivers which is higher in ASD than ADHD caregivers.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Examining the Impact of Age on Perioperative Inflammatory Biomarkers
Authors: Patel Abhilasha , Zhang MengQi , Liao Gary , Karkache Wassim , Montroy Joshua , Fergusson Dean A. , Khadaroo Rachel G. , Tran Diem T. T. , McIsaac Daniel I. , Lalu Manoj M. 
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:
Dysregulation of immune responses to surgical stress in older patients and those with frailty may manifest as differences in inflammatory biomarkers. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine differences in perioperative inflammatory biomarkers between older and younger patients, and between patients with and without frailty.

METHODS:
MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases were searched (Inception to June 23, 2020). Observational or experimental studies reporting the perioperative level or activity of biomarkers in surgical patients stratified by age or frailty status were included. The primary outcome was inflammatory biomarkers (grouped by window of ascertainment: pre-op; post-op: <12 hours, 12–24 hours, 1–3 days, 3 days to 1 week, and >1 week). Quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Inverse-variance, random-effects meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS:
Forty-five studies (4263 patients) were included in the review, of which 36 were pooled for meta-analysis (28 noncardiac and 8 cardiac studies). Two studies investigated frailty as the exposure, while the remaining investigated age. In noncardiac studies, older patients had higher preoperative levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP), lower preoperative levels of lymphocytes, and higher postoperative levels of IL-6 (<12 hours) and CRP (12–24 hours) than younger patients. In cardiac studies, older patients had higher preoperative levels of IL-6 and CRP and higher postoperative levels of IL-6 (<12 hours and >1 week).

CONCLUSIONS:
Our findings demonstrate a paucity of frailty-specific studies; however, the presence of age-associated differences in the perioperative inflammatory response is consistent with age-associated states of chronic systemic inflammation and immunosenescence. Additional studies assessing frailty-specific changes in the systemic biologic response to surgery may inform the development of targeted interventions.
Workers' Compensation Association With Clinical Outcomes After Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion
Authors: Cha Elliot D. K. , Lynch Conor P. , Jacob Kevin C. , Patel Madhav R. , Parrish James M. , Jenkins Nathaniel W. , Geoghegan Cara E. , Jadczak Caroline N. , Mohan Shruthi , Singh Kern 
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:
Research has suggested that workers' compensation (WC) status can result in poor outcomes after anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF).

OBJECTIVE:
To determine the influence WC status has on postoperative clinical outcomes after ACDF.

METHODS:
A surgical database was reviewed for patients undergoing primary or revision single-level ACDF. Patients were grouped into WC vs Non-WC, and differences in baseline characteristics were assessed. Postoperative improvement was assessed for differences in mean scores between WC subgroups for visual analog scale (VAS) arm, VAS neck, 12-item Short Form Physical Composite Score, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System physical function (PF), and Neck Disability Index (NDI) at preoperative and postoperative time points. Minimum clinically important difference (MCID) achievement was compared between groups.

RESULTS:
The patient cohort included 44 with WC and 95 without. The cohort was 40% female with an average age of 48 years and mean body mass index of 30. Mean VAS arm, VAS neck, NDI, 12-item Short-Form Physical Composite Score, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System PF scores differed between groups; however, the difference was not sustained at the 1-yr time point. MCID achievement among WC subgroups was different for VAS arm (6 wk through 6 mo, P = .005), VAS neck (3 and 6 mo, P < .01), and NDI (3 and 6 mo, P < .05). No statistically significant difference was noted between cohorts for overall rates of MCID achievement for all patient-reported outcome measures collected.

CONCLUSION:
WC patients reported similar preoperative and 1-yr postoperative neck and arm pain compared with non-WC patients after ACDF. One-yr MCID achievement rates were similar between cohorts for disability and PF scores.
Flavokawains, Plant-derived Chalcones, Inhibit Differentiation of Murine Pre-adipocytes
Authors: Hanif Novriyandi , Iswantini Dyah , Hioki Yusuke , Murni Anggia , Kita Masaki , Tanaka Junichi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Efforts to isolate compounds from an Indonesian member of the ginger family, Kaempferia angustifolia, yielded three known molecules, identified as (+)-crotepoxide (1), (+)-pipoxide chlorohydrin (2), and flavokawain A (FKA, 3). All three compounds strongly inhibited triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 murine pre-adipocytes at 10 µg/mL, and compounds 1 and 2 were both cytotoxic at this concentration. To determine the biological activities of natural 3, flavokawains A (3), B (4) and C (5) were synthesized. While 4 was cytotoxic, both 3 and 5 potently inhibited differentiation of murine pre-adipocytes and reduced triglyceride accumulation (EC50 = 64.4 and 26.1 µM, respectively) with relatively weak cytotoxicity. Thus, the electron-donating group on the aromatic B ring may contribute to the highly selective anti-obesity activity.
Two-dimensional Imaging of a Model Pharmaceutical Dosage Tablet Using a Scanning Vibrational Circular Dichroism System
Authors: Sato Hisako , Aisawa Sumio , Ida Honoka , Shimizu Masaru , Watanabe Keisuke , Koshoubu Jun , Yoshida Jun , Kawamura Izuru 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) system with a quantum-cascade laser was used to obtain a two-dimensional image of VCD signals on a pharmaceutical tablet. A KBr disc of a model dosage form was prepared using tartaric acid and phenylalanine as chiral multi-reagents and layered double hydroxides as excipients. VCD spectra were obtained in the range 1500–1700 cm−1 at a 1 mm i.d. spatial resolution. The results demonstrated the utility of the proposed system in quality control during drug manufacturing.
Electric Double Layer Action of High-quality Ionic Liquid Crystal Thin Films
Authors: Komatsu Haruka , Tanaka Miyuki , Kaminaga Kenichi , Maruyama Shingo , Matsumoto Yuji 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We successfully prepared high-quality vacuum-deposited thin films of ionic liquid crystal 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C16mim][PF6]). The key point is to anneal the films in vacuum at the liquid crystal temperature of [C16mim][PF6], thereby much improving their crystallinity, surface smoothness, and air-exposure stability. The differential capacitance measurement of such a high-quality thin film revealed that an electric double layer was formed in the liquid crystalline phase, while it behaves like a normal dielectric in the crystal phase.
Hydrodeoxygenation of Aromatic Ketones under Mild Conditions over Pd-loaded Hydrogen Molybdenum Bronze with Plasmonic Features
Authors: Kuwahara Yasutaka , Okada Masahiro , Ge Hao , Yamashita Hiromi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Reduction of α-MoO3via “hydrogen spillover” process mediated by noble metal nanoparticles leads to a formation of hydrogen molybdenum bronze with plasmon-induced optical features. We herein report that Pd-loaded hydrogen molybdenum bronze effectively promotes the hydrodeoxygenation of aromatic ketones to the corresponding alkyl aromatics at room temperature and under atmospheric pressure of H2. The catalyst shows a further enhanced catalytic activity under the irradiation of visible light due to the plasmonic effect.
Dynamic Discretization Discovery Algorithms for Time-Dependent Shortest Path Problems
Authors: He Edward Yuhang , Boland Natashia , Nemhauser George , Savelsbergh Martin 
Published: December 2021

Finding a shortest path in a network is a fundamental optimization problem. We focus on settings in which the travel time on an arc in the network depends on the time at which traversal of the arc begins. In such settings, reaching the destination as early as possible is not the only objective of interest. Minimizing the duration of the path, that is, the difference between the arrival time at the destination and the departure from the origin, and minimizing the travel time along the path from origin to destination, are also of interest. We introduce dynamic discretization discovery algorithms to efficiently solve such time-dependent shortest path problems with piecewise linear arc travel time functions. The algorithms operate on partially time-expanded networks in which arc costs represent lower bounds on the arc travel time over the subsequent time interval. A shortest path in this partially time-expanded network yields a lower bound on the value of an optimal path. Upper bounds are easily obtained as by-products of the lower bound calculations. The algorithms iteratively refine the discretization by exploiting breakpoints of the arc travel time functions. In addition to time discretization refinement, the algorithms permit time intervals to be eliminated, improving lower and upper bounds, until, in a finite number of iterations, optimality is proved. Computational experiments show that only a small fraction of breakpoints must be explored and that the fraction decreases as the length of the time horizon and the size of the network increases, making the algorithms highly efficient and scalable. Summary of Contribution: New data collection techniques have increased the availability and fidelity of time-dependent travel time information, making the time-dependent variant of the classic shortest path problem an extremely relevant problem in the field of operations research. This paper provides novel algorithms for the time-dependent shortest path problem with both the minimum duration and minimum travel time objectives, which aims to address the computational challenges faced by existing algorithms. A computational study shows that our new algorithm is indeed significantly more efficient than existing approaches.
“Just Words? Just Speeches?” On the Economic Value of Charismatic Leadership
Authors: Antonakis John , d’Adda Giovanna , Weber Roberto A. , Zehnder Christian 
Published: December 2021

Leadership theories in sociology and psychology argue that effective leaders influence follower behavior not only through the design of incentives and institutions, but also through personal abilities to persuade and motivate. Although charismatic leadership has received considerable attention in the management literature, existing research has not yet established causal evidence for an effect of leader charisma on follower performance in incentivized and economically relevant situations. We report evidence from field and laboratory experiments that investigate whether a leader’s charisma—in the form of a stylistically different motivational speech—can induce individuals to undertake personally costly but socially beneficial actions. In the field experiment, we find that workers who are given a charismatic speech increase their output by about 17% relative to workers who listen to a standard speech. This effect is statistically significant and comparable in size to the positive effect of high-powered financial incentives. We then investigate the effect of charisma in a series of laboratory experiments in which subjects are exposed to motivational speeches before playing a repeated public goods game. Our results reveal that a higher number of charismatic elements in the speech can increase public good contributions by up to 19%. However, we also find that the effectiveness of charisma varies and appears to depend on the social context in which the speech is delivered. This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, behavioral economics and decision analysis.
A qualitative exploration of the media's influence on UK women's views of breastfeeding
Authors: Srivastava Kiron , Norman Alyson , Ferrario Hannah , Mason Eleanor , Mortimer Samantha 
Published: December 2021

Background In the UK, rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months are at 1%, highlighting the need to encourage and improve the support provided to women to initiate and continue breastfeeding and to improve infant and maternal health. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the influence of media on the intention to initiate and continue breastfeeding. Methods This ethnographic study recruited 40 women; 31 with children and nine of childbearing age (19–28 years), with the intention to have children. Data were collected with semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Five themes associated with sociocultural influences on breastfeeding perceptions and behaviour were identified: family influence, privacy, media as a double-edged sword, negative exposure to breastfeeding and planned behaviour versus experience. Conclusions Media influences strengthened preconceived notions of breastfeeding. Social media can play an important role in maintaining breastfeeding though support but can also put undue negative pressure on mothers who struggle to breastfeed.
Moraxella-dominated pediatric nasopharyngeal microbiota associate with upper respiratory infection and sinusitis
Authors: McCauley Kathryn E. , DeMuri Gregory , Lynch Kole , Fadrosh Douglas W. , Santee Clark , Nagalingam Nabeetha N. , Wald Ellen R. , Lynch Susan V. 
Published: December 2021

Background
Distinct bacterial upper airway microbiota structures have been described in pediatric populations, and relate to risk of respiratory viral infection and, exacerbations of asthma. We hypothesized that distinct nasopharyngeal (NP) microbiota structures exist in pediatric populations, relate to environmental exposures and modify risk of acute sinusitis or upper respiratory infection (URI) in children.

Methods
Bacterial 16S rRNA profiles from nasopharyngeal swabs (n = 354) collected longitudinally over a one-year period from 58 children, aged four to seven years, were analyzed and correlated with environmental variables, URI, and sinusitis outcomes.

Results
Variance in nasopharyngeal microbiota composition significantly related to clinical outcomes, participant characteristics and environmental exposures including dominant bacterial genus, season, daycare attendance and tobacco exposure. Four distinct nasopharyngeal microbiota structures (Cluster I-IV) were evident and differed with respect to URI and sinusitis outcomes. These clusters were characteristically either dominated by Moraxella with sparse underlying taxa (Cluster I), comprised of a non-dominated, diverse microbiota (Cluster II), dominated by Alloiococcus/Corynebacterium (Cluster III), or by Haemophilus (Cluster IV). Cluster I was associated with increased risk of URI and sinusitis (RR = 1.18, p = 0.046; RR = 1.25, p = 0.009, respectively) in the population studied.

Conclusion
In a pediatric population, URI and sinusitis associate with the presence of Moraxella-dominated NP microbiota.
Diagnosis of tuberculosis among COVID-19 suspected cases in Ghana
Authors: Afum Theophilus , Asare Prince , Asante-Poku Adwoa , Darko-Otchere Isaac , Morgan Portia Abena , Bedeley Edmund , Asandem Diana Asema , Musah Abdul Basit , Siam Ishaque Mintah , Tetteh Phillip , Adusi-Poku Yaw , Frimpong-Manso Rita , Bonney Joseph Humphrey Kofi , Ampofo William , Yeboah-Manu Dorothy 
Published: December 2021

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 pandemics are both diseases of public health threat globally. Both diseases are caused by pathogens that infect mainly the respiratory system, and are involved in airborne transmission; they also share some clinical signs and symptoms. We, therefore, took advantage of collected sputum samples at the early stage of COVID-19 outbreak in Ghana to conduct differential diagnoses of long-standing endemic respiratory illness, particularly tuberculosis.

Methodology
Sputum samples collected through the enhanced national surveys from suspected COVID-19 patients and contact tracing cases were analyzed for TB. The sputum samples were processed using Cepheid’s GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay in pools of 4 samples to determine the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Positive pools were then decoupled and analyzed individually. Details of positive TB samples were forwarded to the NTP for appropriate case management.

Results
Seven-hundred and seventy-four sputum samples were analyzed for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in both suspected COVID-19 cases (679/774, 87.7%) and their contacts (95/774, 12.3%). A total of 111 (14.3%) were diagnosed with SARS CoV-2 infection and six (0.8%) out of the 774 individuals tested positive for pulmonary tuberculosis: five (83.3%) males and one female (16.7%). Drug susceptibility analysis identified 1 (16.7%) rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis case. Out of the six TB positive cases, 2 (33.3%) tested positive for COVID-19 indicating a coinfection. Stratifying by demography, three out of the six (50%) were from the Ayawaso West District. All positive cases received appropriate treatment at the respective sub-district according to the national guidelines.

Conclusion
Our findings highlight the need for differential diagnosis among COVID-19 suspected cases and regular active TB surveillance in TB endemic settings.
Husbands’ participation in birth preparedness and complication readiness plan in Kucha district, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Gultie Teklemariam , Tanto Zinash , Estifanos Wubshet , Boti Negussie , de Courten Barbora 
Published: December 2021

Background
Birth-preparedness and complication-readiness (BPCR) is the process of planning for normal birth and anticipating the actions needed in case of an emergency. The involvement of husband during pregnancy helps a mother to make timely decisions to avoid delays. Identifying the level of husband involvement in Birth-preparedness and complication-readiness is very important, as husband is the major decision maker in household and health service related issue. However, there is no sufficient data in the Kucha district, which describes the level of husband involvement in Birth-preparedness and complication-readiness. Therefore, this study assessed the level of husband involvement in birth preparedness and complication readiness in Kucha District, Gamo Zone, Ethiopia.

Methods
Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 421 husbands whose wife gave birth within the last 12 months at Kucha District using simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire by trained data collectors. Binary and multivariable logistic regression with odds ratios along with the 95% confidence interval analysis were employed to find factors associated with the level of husband involvement. A p-value <0.05 with 95% confidence level used to decide statistical significance.

Results
Data were collected from 421 study participants. One hundred twenty-seven (30.2%) were involved in birth preparedness and complication readiness plan. Participants who had at least secondary school education AOR = 3.1, CI (1.84–5.23), had at least four antenatal care visits AOR = 4.91, CI (2.36–10.2), and live more than five km from the health care facility AOR = 2.35, CI = 1.40–3.96) were involved in birth preparedness and complication readiness plan.

Conclusion
Husbands’ involvement in birth preparedness and complication readiness was low. Husband’s higher educational level, high frequency of antenatal care, and long distance to the health facility were significantly associated with husbands’ involvement in Birth-preparedness and complication-readiness plan. Therefore, advocating for higher frequency of antenatal care and improving educational level are important to increase husbands’ involvement in birth preparedness and complication readiness plan.