bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spreader‐CDR system for efficient, reproducible, and frugal western blot
Authors: Cha You‐Rim , Sajjad Saba , Han Kyung Ho , Yoon Tae‐Sung , Shin Heung‐Seon , Kang Sunghyun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEfficient antibody incubation is a vital step for successful western blot. During the incubation, a thin antibody‐depleted layer is created around the blotting membrane, which limits antibody binding. Although the conventional batch shaking method is ineffective against it, this layer can be easily disrupted by cyclic draining and replenishing (CDR) of the antibody solution during membrane incubation. Previously, we introduced a closed and rotating cylindrical chamber as a tool to implement CDR for western blots (rCDR). A new open bucket‐style chamber was devised for easier operation and the possibility of process automation. Instead of rotation as in rCDR, rocking it back and forth achieved the CDR antibody incubation (R‐CDR). The chamber was then equipped with a spreader‐rod to facilitate the uniform movement of the antibody solution across the membrane surface. Hence, it was named spreader CDR (S‐CDR). Compared to the batch incubation method, both the S‐CDR and R‐CDR devices produced significantly enhanced signals and developed faster results. There were several additional benefits of using the spreader‐rod, which included uniform antibody binding across the membrane, reduced usage of antibodies, and the ability to recover results even from mishandled, creased membranes. The S‐CDR device ensures better blots and can be easily implemented in existing western blot protocols.
Development and validation of a forensic six‐dye multiplex assay with 29 STR loci
Authors: Qu Yiling , Tao RuiYang , Yu Huan , Yang Qi , Wang Ziwei , Tan Rui , Zhang Xiaochun , Xia Ruocheng , Xiong Lei , Xi Shihan , Wu Jun , Gao Yuzhen , Zhang Suhua , Li Chengtao 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper describes the development and validation of a novel 31‐locus, six‐dye STR multiplex system, which is designed to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Chinese forensic database. This new assay combines 20 extended‐CODIS core loci (D3S1358, D5S818, TPOX, CSF1PO, TH01, vWA, D7S820, D21S11, D8S1179, D18S51, D16S539, D13S317, FGA, D1S1656, D2S441, D2S1338, D10S1248, D12S391, D19S433, and D22S1045), nine highly polymorphic loci in Chinese Han population (D3S3045, D6S1043, D6S477, D8S1132, D10S1435, D15S659, D19S253, Penta D, and Penta E), and two gender determining markers, amelogenin and Y‐Indel, which could amplify DNA from extracts, as well as direct amplification from substrates. To demonstrate the suitability for forensic applications, this system was validated by precision and accuracy evaluation, concordance tests, case sample tests, sensitivity, species specificity, stability, stutter calculation, and DNA mixtures, according to the guidelines described by the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) and regulations published by the China Ministry of Public Security. The validation results indicate the robustness and reliability of this new system, and it could be a potentially helpful tool for human identification and paternity testing in the Chinese population, as well as facilitating global forensic DNA data sharing.
Model prediction capacity of ephemeral gully evolution in conservation tillage systems
Authors: Luquin Eduardo , Campo‐Bescós Miguel A. , Muñoz‐Carpena Rafael , Bingner Ronald L. , Cruse Richard M. , Momm Henrique G. , Wells Robert R. , Casalí Javier 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEphemeral gully (EG) erosion has an important impact on agricultural soil losses and increases field surface hydrology connectivity and transport of pollutants to nearby water bodies. Watershed models including an EG component are scarce and not yet properly evaluated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the capacity of one such tool, AnnAGNPS, to simulate the evolution of two EG formed in a conservation tillage system. The dataset for model testing included runoff measurements and EG morphological characteristics during 3 years. Model evaluation focused on EG evolution of volume, width, and length model outputs, and included calibration and testing phases and a global sensitivity analysis (GSA). While the model did not fully reproduce width and length, the model efficiency to simulate EG volume was satisfactory for both calibration and testing phases, supporting the watershed management objectives of the model. GSA revealed that the most sensitive factors were EG depth, critical shear stress, headcut detachment exponent coefficient b, and headcut detachment leading coefficient a. For EG outputs the model was additive, showing low sensitivity to interactions between the inputs. Prediction of EG spatial evolution on conservation tillage systems requires improved development of gully erosion components, since many of the processes were developed originally for traditional tillage practices or larger channel systems. Our results identify the need for future research when EG form within conservation tillage systems, in particular to study gully headcut, soil erodibility, and width functions specific to these practices.
BCALS: Blockchain‐based secure log management system for cloud computing
Authors: Ali Ahmad , Khan Abid , Ahmed Mansoor , Jeon Gwanggil 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA computing environment requires a robust and comprehensive process to track and document user activities to uphold confidence in the system. Audit logs are used for this purpose to monitor the actions of administrators and users. However, these logs are vulnerable to multidimensional attacks, including modification of logs, erasability of logs, and privacy of the user. Since administrators have unprecedented access to these logs, they can modify, delete, and even destroy them. Securing these logs against malicious activities is the prime requirement of audit log management. Existing schemes have several limitations, including immutability, computational expensiveness, missing semantics, and are not verifiable. Various schemes have been proposed for this purpose, but a standard method is required to structure heterogeneous logs and their security semantically. To cope with these limitations, in this paper, we propose a Log Management System using blockchain. The proposed system will ensure audit logs' security, which will eventually strengthen users' trust in the computing environment and make it unbreachable even by the administrators. It has been evinced that our model performed better in terms of performance and features already mentioned when compared with existing schemes.
Forecasting stock return volatility using a robust regression model
Authors: He Mengxi , Hao Xianfeng , Zhang Yaojie , Meng Fanyi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper aims to accurately forecast stock return volatility based on a robust regression model. The robust regression model is developed by replacing the mean squared error (MSE) in the autoregressive (AR) model with the Huber loss function, and the resulting model is called the ARH model. The empirical results show that the ARH model displays significantly stronger predictive power than the AR benchmark model for different evaluation periods and forecasting horizons. From an asset allocation perspective, a mean–variance investor can obtain sizeable utility gains based on the volatility forecasts produced by the ARH model. Furthermore, we find that the superior performance of the ARH model comes from assigning small weights for the extreme values, which are mainly found during recessions and periods of high volatility. Finally, our results are robust to various settings.
Exploring the focus of future CO2 emission reduction in China's industrial sectors
Authors: Wu Qunli , Gu Shuting 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMarginal abatement cost (MAC) of CO2 plays a fundamental role in formulating industry environmental policies. In this paper, we measured the MACs of energy‐related CO2 among 40 industrial sectors during 2005–2017 based on parametric directional distance function, and there were significant differences between the results. Then, industrial sectors were classified into four categories, and we found ‘low carbon intensity’ type (type I, II) has higher MACs of CO2 than ‘high carbon intensity’ type (type III, IV); under the same level of carbon intensity, industrial sectors with lower CO2 emissions have higher MACs (type I>II, type III>IV). Moreover, capital intensity, technology progress, and ownership structure have positive effects on MACs, while energy intensity and energy consumption structure are negatively correlated with MACs. The research suggests: (1) The ‘double control’ of carbon intensity and CO2 emissions is necessary, however, reducing carbon intensity is still the primary target, and CO2 emission should also be controlled appropriately at the present stage. (2) Industrial sectors in type IV should be chosen as key industrial sectors to be supervised. (3) China should consider industry characteristics and implement “common but differentiated” emission reduction policies. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal design of sin taxes in the presence of nontaxable sin goods
Authors: Arnabal Luis Rodrigo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSin good consumption entails health damage, which is in general not fully perceived by individuals, what results in its overconsumption. One way to tackle this problem is to tax these unhealthy goods. However, not all the individual choices that affect health status can be easily observed and effectively taxed by the government. This paper considers a setting where individuals can consume two types of sin goods that differ in their observability (taxability) by the government. As a benchmark, the first‐best taxes for the observable and non‐observable sin good are derived, considering homogeneous individuals. In the second‐best setting, where observability on sin good consumption is limited, the rule for the taxable sin good is shown to depend on the degree of complementarity or substitutability with the unobservable sin good. Finally, redistributional considerations are incorporated by extending the analysis to a setting where individuals differ in their wealth and in their degree of misperception of the health damage caused by sin good consumption. Policy implications are illustrated considering physical inactivity and illicit drugs as examples of non‐taxable sin goods, while alcohol, tobacco, fat and sugar account for the taxable sin goods
A scoping review of workplace wellness audit tools assessing physical activity and sedentary behaviour
Authors: Loitz Christina C. , Gorman Erin , Macridis Soultana , Vaska Marcus 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundRegular physical inactivity and excessive sedentary behaviour are public and population health concerns. The workplace is an ideal health promotion intervention setting to support employees, particularly office workers. Workplace assessments are a critical component of workplace health promotion programming. The aim of this project was to conduct a scoping review to systematically identify and describe workplace audit tools that assess physical activity and sedentary behaviour influences, as two independent behaviours, through a social ecological lens.MethodsFourteen electronic databases were searched for academic literature and 69 web‐based resources were searched for grey literature in May 2017. English language workplace audit tools with items on physical activity or sedentary behaviour established in western countries were included. Key characteristics (ie, aim, type, health behaviour, validity, reliability and theory/model/framework) of the audit tools, checklists or questionnaires for office‐based workplaces were identified, described and summarised.ResultsThe scoping review identified 21 relevant tools. Most tools focused on physical activity alone and did not address sedentary behaviour as a distinct behaviour. Few tools included items assessing physical activity and sedentary behaviour influences across multiple levels of the social ecological model. The most common social ecological focuses in the tools were policy and environmental influences.ConclusionsNumerous workplace physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour audit tools were available. However, a gap was identified as tools and resources that assess and support organisational changes to influence physical activity and sedentary behaviour as two independent health behaviours across multiple social ecological levels within the workplace had not been developed.
‘There is always a way to living with illness’—Self‐management strategies reported by Chinese hospitalized patients with cardiovascular disease: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Qiu Ruolin , Schick‐Makaroff Kara , Tang Leiwen , Wang Xiyi , Zhang Qi , Ye Zhihong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesPatients living with cardiovascular diseases use different strategies to solve various problems. This study aimed to identify the category, type and specific self‐management strategies reported by hospitalized patients with cardiovascular diseases.MethodsThis is a qualitative descriptive study. Twenty‐eight individuals with cardiovascular diseases from a Cardiology Department affiliated with a school in China were recruited by purposive sampling. Face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews were used. The interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, translated and analysed by using content analysis.ResultsFive self‐management strategy categories (medical and alternative therapy uptake, risk assessment and avoidance, resource seeking and utilization, maintaining normality, and optional management), and seventeen self‐management strategy types, encompassing one hundred and ten specific strategies were identified. The most commonly used self‐management strategy types were lifestyle adjustment (eleven strategies), self‐maintenance (nine strategies) and problem‐solving (nine strategies). Additionally, the most described explicit self‐management strategies were receiving family/colleague support, maintaining daily routines, monitoring symptoms and managing side effects, discussing with professionals, using medicines, and improving awareness.ConclusionThis study identified diverse strategies reported by some Chinese cardiovascular patients. It may inform the design and development of personalized self‐management interventions for health practitioners and policymakers, helping cardiovascular patients in Chinese communities worldwide receive culture‐tailored services.
Health‐related quality of life and quality of care in pregnant and postnatal women during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A cohort study
Authors: Alaya Fátimah , Worrall Amy P. , O’Toole Fiona , Doyle Jillian , Duffy Richard M. , Geary Michael P. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveHealth‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and the delivery of high‐quality care are ongoing concerns when caring for pregnant women during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. We compared self‐reported HRQoL and hospital quality of care among perinatal women with and without COVID‐19.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study of perinatal women attending a tertiary maternity unit during the pandemic. Eighteen women who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and 20 SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative women were recruited. Participants completed the Short Form Health Survey (SF‐12), Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation‐Outcome Measure, and Quality from the Patient's Perspective questionnaires. Mean scores were compared.ResultsOf the Non‐COVID‐19 cohort, 95% (n = 19) were Caucasian, whereas 67% (n = 12) of the COVID‐19 cohort were not Caucasian (χ2 = 16.01, P < 0.001). The mean SF‐12 for physical health in the COVID‐19 cohort had significantly lower scores (P < 0.002). There was no difference in mental health and well‐being between cohorts. The quality of care experienced was notably similar and very positive.ConclusionThere was a significantly greater burden on physical health among pregnant women with COVID‐19. Mental health and psychological status were similar in both groups. High quality of care during a pandemic is possible to deliver in a maternity setting, irrespective of COVID‐19 status.
Is routine frozen section analysis necessary in patients with non‐endometrioid cancer or grade 3 endometrioid cancer?
Authors: Guo Qingyong , Yi Huan , Chen Xiaodan , Song Jianrong , Chen Lingsi , Zheng Xiangqin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the accuracy related to type and subtype between frozen section (FS) results and final pathology results in patients with endometrial cancer and to suggest whether it should be routinely performed.MethodsRetrospective data were collected from 184 patients with endometrial cancer who underwent surgery at a single center (January 2014–December 2018). FS results were compared with the final pathology results with respect to histotype, tumor grade, and depth of invasion to define the accuracy of FS analysis.ResultsFrozen section analysis was performed in 141 (76.6%) patients. The accuracy rates and κ values between the FS and final pathology results with respect to histotype, tumor grade, and depth of invasion were 87.23%, 81.15%, and 98.2% and 0.41, 0.7, and 0.9, respectively (P < 0.001). Among the 18 patients with preoperative non‐endometrioid cancer (non‐EC), six underwent FS analysis, and final pathology confirmed EC in three, of whom 75% were detected by FS analysis. Eight of 19 patients with preoperative grade 3 EC underwent FS analysis and the accuracy rate was 87.5%.ConclusionIntraoperative FS analysis is a reliable method that can help intraoperative decision making. It should be performed routinely in patients with non‐EC and grade 3 EC.
Surface water quality classification using data mining approaches: Irrigation along the Aladag River*
Authors: Sattari Mohammad Taghi , Feizi Hajar , Colak Muslume Sevba , Ozturk Ahmet , Ozturk Fazli , Apaydin Halit 
Published: April 2021

AbstractKnowledge of water quality is an important requirement in planning, developing, and protecting water resources. Therefore, it is essential to determine the quality of water for various uses, including irrigation in different areas. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of different data mining methods using water quality parameters measured in Aladag River. At the first stage, the water quality in the Aladag River in Turkey was classified by United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagrams and the Schofield 1933, Schofield 1935, and Wilcox–Magistad methods. Support vector classifier (four different kernels), k‐nearest neighbour, and decision tree methods—including Hoeffding tree, random forest, random tree, and REP tree methods were used to classify the water quality. Hydro‐chemical and hydrological parameters were used in the analysis, based on alternative scenarios. The methods were compared for accuracy based on kappa statistics and error rates. Evaluation of the data mining methods reflected the high accuracy and performance of these methods in classifying the water quality. In general, from the kernels used for the support vector classifier method, the Pearson universal kernel and from the decision trees, the REP tree provided the best results for Aladag River water quality classification. For the k‐nearest neighbour method, the best results were obtained using the four nearest neighbours and Euclidean distances.
Impacts of population growth and climate change on food production and irrigation and drainage needs: A world‐wide view*
Authors: De Wrachien Daniele , Schultz Bart , Goli Mudlagiri B. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe world population is expected to grow from 7.8 billion at present to 9.7 billion by 2050 and 10.9 billion by the end of the century. The growth is especially expected in urban areas of the countries with a low, medium, and high human development index (HDI) in Africa and Asia. Especially because of the on‐going increase in farm sizes in the rural areas of the countries with a medium, high, and very high HDI, a reduction in population in these areas may be expected. In the countries with a low HDI, this reduction is expected to start at a later stage.Globally, prospects of increasing the gross cultivated area are limited by the decrease of suitable sites for land reclamation or large‐scale irrigation and drainage projects. Therefore, increase in food production will largely rely on a more accurate application of the crop water requirements and modernization or improved operation and maintenance of irrigation and drainage systems. These issues have to be analysed in light of the expected impacts of climate change and environmental sustainability.This paper presents the relevant impacts of these issues on the need to increase food production and for sustainable irrigation and drainage system development and management. In light of this, the goals and objectives of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) Strategic Action Plan are presented.
Empathy and theft by finding: The intermediary role of moral emotions and norms
Authors: De Buck Ann , Pauwels Lieven J. R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis study explores the intermediary role of anticipated shame, guilt, and norms in the association between empathy and the likelihood of a specific uncooperative act: theft by finding. Empirical evidence supports a negative association between empathy and a broad range of uncooperative behaviors. Some studies suggest that empathy reduces noncooperation via intermediary factors such as empathy and moral emotions shame and guilt. Inspired by Martin Hoffman's empathy‐based theory of moral development, we propose a testable model in which individual differences in empathic concern and perspective‐taking are positively related to anticipated guilt, shame, and conduct‐specific moral norm, which in turn reduce the likelihood of theft by finding. Data were collected from a region‐wide cross‐sectional sample of adolescents and young adults in the Dutch‐speaking part of Belgium in 2019 (N = 3591). Overall, our propositions were corroborated. Structural equation modeling suggests that empathic concern inhibits the likelihood of theft by finding via anticipated guilt–shame. The discussion focuses on a better understanding of the relationship between empathy, moral dimensions, and uncooperative choices.