bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contact lenses contamination by Acanthamoeba spp. in Upper Egypt
Authors: Hassan Faten A. M. , Tolba M. E. M. , Abed Gamal H. , Omar H. M. , Abdel-Hakeem Sara S. 
Published: November 2021

Background
Acanthamoeba spp. are one of the free-living amoeba that spread worldwide causing keratitis. Owing to the increase in the use of lenses, whether for medical or cosmetic purposes, the incidence of disease increases every year. Contamination of the lenses with the Acanthamoeba trophozoites or cysts may lead to eye infection and cause sight-threatening keratitis in human. We isolated Acanthamoeba spp. from new lenses, used lenses, and contact lens disinfecting solutions and identified them based on morphological characteristics and molecular test.

Methods
New and used lenses and contact lens disinfecting solutions were cultured on monogenic media. Light and scanning electron microscope was used to identify Acanthamoeba spp. morphological features. Genotype identification was also evaluated using PCR sequencing of 18S rRNA gene specific primer pair JDP1 and JDP2.

Results
A hundred samples were examined, 29 (29%) were infected with Acanthamoeba spp. That belonged to two strains of Acanthamoeba (Acanthamoeba 41 and Acanthamoeba 68). 18S rRNA of the Acanthamoeba 41 had 99.69% sequence identity to Acanthamoeba castellanii clone HDU-JUMS-2, whereas Acanthamoeba 68 had 99.74% similar pattern to that of Acanthamoeba sp. isolate T4 clone ac2t4 that are morphologically identified as Acanthamoeba polyphaga. The obtained data revealed that the isolated strains belong to T4 genotype that was evolutionarily similar to strains isolated in Iran.

Conclusions
Cosmetic lenses and disinfectant solutions are a major transmissible mode for infection. This genotype is common as the cause of Acanthamoeba keratitis. To avoid infection, care must be taken to clean the lenses and their preservative solutions and prevent contamination with the parasite.
Multi-site comparison of factors influencing progress of African insecticide testing facilities towards an international Quality Management System certification
Authors: Begg Sara , Wright Alex , Small Graham , Kirby Matt , Moore Sarah , Koudou Ben , Kisinza William , Abdoulaye Diabate , Moore Jason , Malima Robert , Kija Patrick , Mosha Frank , Edi Constant , Bates Imelda 
Published: November 2021

Background
Insecticidal mosquito vector control products are vital components of malaria control programmes. Test facilities are key in assessing the effectiveness of vector control products against local mosquito populations, in environments where they will be used. Data from these test facilities must be of a high quality to be accepted by regulatory authorities, including the WHO Prequalification Team for vector control products. In 2013–4, seven insecticide testing facilities across sub-Saharan Africa, with technical and financial support from Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC), began development and implementation of quality management system compliant with the principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) to improve data quality and reliability.

Methods and principle findings
We conducted semi-structured interviews, emails, and video-call interviews with individuals at five test facilities engaged in the IVCC-supported programme and working towards or having achieved GLP. We used framework analysis to identify and describe factors affeting progress towards GLP. We found that eight factors were instrumental in progress, and that test facilities had varying levels of control over these factors. They had high control over the training programme, project planning, and senior leadership support; medium control over infrastructure development, staff structure, and procurement; and low control over funding the availability and accessibility of relevant expertise. Collaboration with IVCC and other partners was key to overcoming the challenges associated with low and medium control factors.

Conclusion
For partnership and consortia models of research capacity strengthening, test facilities can use their own internal resources to address identified high-control factors. Project plans should allow additional time for interaction with external agencies to address medium-control factors, and partners with access to expertise and funding should concentrate their efforts on supporting institutions to address low-control factors. In practice, this includes planning for financial sustainability at the outset, and acting to strengthen national and regional training capacity.
Alcohol consumption and the risk of gastric intestinal metaplasia in a U.S. Veterans population
Authors: Holmes Hudson M. , Jove Andre G. , Tan Mimi C. , El-Serag Hashem B. , Thrift Aaron P. 
Published: November 2021

BackgroundChronic alcohol use is a risk factor for non-cardia gastric adenocarcinoma. However, it is less well understood whether alcohol use is a risk factor for premalignant mucosal changes, namely gastric intestinal metaplasia. We examined the association between various parameters of alcohol use and risk of gastric intestinal metaplasia.MethodsWe used data from 2084 participants (including 403 with gastric intestinal metaplasia) recruited between February 2008-August 2013 into a cross-sectional study at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston, Texas. All participants underwent a study upper endoscopy with systematic gastric mapping biopsies. Cases had intestinal metaplasia on any non-cardia gastric biopsy. Participants self-reported lifetime history of alcohol consumption, along with other lifestyle risk factors, through a study survey. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for categories of average alcohol consumption using multivariable logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline regression to explore the potential shape of a dose-response relationship.ResultsCompared to lifelong non-drinkers, individuals who consumed on average ≥28 drinks per week had no elevated risk for gastric intestinal metaplasia (adjusted OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.74–2.19). Based on a spline regression curve and its 95% CI, there was also no demonstrable association between cumulative lifetime alcohol consumption and risk of gastric intestinal metaplasia. Similarly, we found no association between beverage type (beer, wine, liquor/spirits) and risk for gastric intestinal metaplasia.ConclusionsNeither amount of alcohol consumed nor specific beverage type was associated with risk of gastric intestinal metaplasia.
A qualitative assessment of factors affecting nursing home caregiving staff experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Snyder Rachel L. , Anderson Laura E. , White Katelyn A. , Tavitian Stephanie , Fike Lucy V. , Jones Heather N. , Jacobs-Slifka Kara M. , Stone Nimalie D. , Sinkowitz-Cochran Ronda L. 
Published: November 2021

Background
A large portion of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the United States have occurred in nursing homes; however, current literature including the frontline perspective of staff working in nursing homes is limited. The objective of this qualitative assessment was to better understand what individual and facility level factors may have contributed to the impact of COVID-19 on Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Environmental Services (EVS) staff working in nursing homes.

Methods
Based on a simple random sample from the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), 7,520 facilities were emailed invitations requesting one CNA and/or one EVS staff member for participation in a voluntary focus group over Zoom. Facility characteristics were obtained via NHSN and publicly available sources; participant demographics were collected via SurveyMonkey during registration and polling during focus groups. Qualitative information was coded using NVIVO and Excel.

Results
Throughout April 2021, 23 focus groups including 110 participants from 84 facilities were conducted homogenous by participant role. Staffing problems were a recurring theme reported. Participants often cited the toll the pandemic took on their emotional well-being, describing increased stress, responsibilities, and time needed to complete their jobs. The lack of consistent and systematic guidance resulting in frequently changing infection prevention protocols was also reported across focus groups.

Conclusions
Addressing concerns of low wages and lack of financial incentives may have the potential to attract and retain employees to help alleviate nursing home staff shortages. Additionally, access to mental health resources could help nursing home staff cope with the emotional burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. These frontline staff members provided invaluable insight and should be included in improvement efforts to support nursing homes recovering from the impact of COVID-19 as well as future pandemic planning.
Towards online repurchase intention: A non-probabilistic approach to unpack its antecedents in Pécs
Authors: Pobee Frederick 
Published: November 2021

THE AIMS OF THE PAPER
This research explores the determining factors of online repurchase of online shoppers in Hungary, focusing on Pécs.
METHODOLOGY
The non-probabilistic sampling technique (convenience sampling) was used to collect cross-sectional data from online shoppers in the city of Pécs. Data was collected from 412 online shoppers. In addition, SmartPLS – Structural equation modeling software was used to investigate the relationships of the hypothesized variables.
MOST IMPORTANT RESULTS
The research findings suggest that information quality, systems quality, and service quality significantly affect user satisfaction. Consequently, user satisfaction was found to influence consumer repurchase intention significantly.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The findings present some practical implications for e-vendors and online business web designers. The significant influence of system quality on user satisfaction implies that e-vendors e-commerce web designers should provide quality website features that are reliable, user-friendly, has quick response time, and are available on a 24/7 basis. Also, to ensure user satisfaction and repurchase, e-vendors must give their consumers a satisfying online experience by providing the necessary support in real-time. Disputes from online transactions should be solved as quickly as they arise to the delight of consumers.
A pénzügyi, biztosítási tevékenység nemzetgazdasági ág értékesítőinek ágazatok közötti átjárhatóságvizsgálata
Authors: Juhász István 
Published: November 2021

A TANULMÁNY CÉLJA
A tanulmány alapvető célja, hogy bebizonyítsa a pénzügyi, biztosítási tevékenység nemzetgazdasági ágban dolgozó értékesítők egy 1000 fős mintáján végzett vizsgálata alapján a bank, a biztosítás, a lakástakarékpénztár és a pénzügyi tanácsadás ágazataiban dolgozó értékesítők személyisége a Kaliforniai Pszichológiai Kérdőív rövidített verziójának eredményei alapján eltér egymástól (H1 hipotézis).
ALKALMAZOTT MÓDSZERTAN
A vizsgálat alanyai a jelenleg pénzügyi területen, azon belül is értékesítői munkakörben dolgozó munkavállalók közül azok, akik elsősorban a bankokban, biztosítóknál, lakástakarékpénztárakban, pénzügyi tanácsadóknál tevékenykednek. A vizsgálati alanyok on-line az internet segítségével töltötték ki a kérdőíveket. A mintavétel a nem véletlen mintavételi eljárások közül, a hólabda-mintavételi eljárás révén történt. A begyűjtött adatok elemzése és kiértékelése az SPSS program segítségével zajlott, melynek használata során az adatokon diszkriminanciaelemzés került lefuttatásra.
LEGFONTOSABB EREDMÉNYEK
A vizsgált, pénzügyi területen dolgozó üzletkötők mintáján végzett diszkriminanciaelemzés során kapott diszkriminanciafüggvények a véletlennél nagyobb valószínűséggel képesek előre jelezni, hogy az egyes üzletkötők melyik ágazatban dolgoznak. A vizsgálati eredmények tükrében azonban nincs olyan jelentős eltérés a pénzügyi, biztosítási tevékenység nemzetgazdasági ág egyes ágazataiban foglalkoztatott üzletkötőinek – a Kaliforniai Pszichológiai Kérdőív rövidített verziójával történt felmérés eredményei alapján feltérképezett – személyisége között, mely megakadályozná, hogy azok más ágazatokban is alkalmazásra kerüljenek.
GYAKORLATI JAVASLATOK
A kutatási eredmények alapján javaslom, hogy a pénzügyi területen tevékenykedő értékesítők kiválasztásában részt vevő HR vezetők, kiválasztási szakemberek, vállalati döntéshozók fontolják meg, hogy a pénzügyi, biztosítási tevékenység nemzetgazdasági ág egy másik ágazatában már bizonyított üzletkötőt felvegyenek és alkalmazzanak vállalatuknál (amennyiben más kiválasztási kritériumoknak is megfelel), mivel a kérdőívben elért eredmények alapján nincs számottevő különbség az egyes ágazatok üzletkötőinek személyisége között.
Visual Motion and Decision-Making in Dyslexia: Reduced Accumulation of Sensory Evidence and Related Neural Dynamics
Authors: Manning Catherine , Hassall Cameron D. , Hunt Laurence T. , Norcia Anthony M. , Wagenmakers Eric-Jan , Snowling Margaret J. , Scerif Gaia , Evans Nathan J. 
Published: November 2021

Children with and without dyslexia differ in their behavioral responses to visual information, particularly when required to pool dynamic signals over space and time. Importantly, multiple processes contribute to behavioral responses. Here we investigated which processing stages are affected in children with dyslexia when performing visual motion processing tasks, by combining two methods that are sensitive to the dynamic processes leading to responses. We used a diffusion model which decomposes response time and accuracy into distinct cognitive constructs, and high-density EEG. Fifty children with dyslexia (24 male) and 50 typically developing children (28 male) 6-14 years of age judged the direction of motion as quickly and accurately as possible in two global motion tasks (motion coherence and direction integration), which varied in their requirements for noise exclusion. Following our preregistered analyses, we fitted hierarchical Bayesian diffusion models to the data, blinded to group membership. Unblinding revealed reduced evidence accumulation in children with dyslexia compared with typical children for both tasks. Additionally, we identified a response-locked EEG component which was maximal over centro-parietal electrodes which indicated a neural correlate of reduced drift rate in dyslexia in the motion coherence task, thereby linking brain and behavior. We suggest that children with dyslexia tend to be slower to extract sensory evidence from global motion displays, regardless of whether noise exclusion is required, thus furthering our understanding of atypical perceptual decision-making processes in dyslexia.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTReduced sensitivity to visual information has been reported in dyslexia, with a lively debate about whether these differences causally contribute to reading difficulties. In this large preregistered study with a blind modeling approach, we combine state-of-the art methods in both computational modeling and EEG analysis to pinpoint the stages of processing that are atypical in children with dyslexia in two visual motion tasks that vary in their requirement for noise exclusion. We find reduced evidence accumulation in children with dyslexia across both tasks, and identify a neural marker, allowing us to link brain and behavior. We show that children with dyslexia exhibit general difficulties with extracting sensory evidence from global motion displays, not just in tasks that require noise exclusion.
Excess Fruit Juice Consumption by Preschool-aged Children Is Associated With Short Stature and Obesity
Authors: Dennison Barbara A. , Rockwell Helen L. , Baker Sharon L. 
Published: November 2021

Background. In a referral population of young children, excessive fruit juice consumption has been reported to be a contributing factor in nonorganic failure to thrive.
Objective. To evaluate, in a population-based sample of healthy children, fruit juice consumption and its effects on growth parameters during early childhood.
Design. Cross-sectional study.
Setting. General primary care health center in upstate New York.
Participants. One hundred sixteen 2-year-old children and one hundred seven 5-year-old children, who were scheduled for a nonacute visit, and their primary care taker/parent were recruited over a 2-year period.
Measurements. For 168 children (ninety-four 2-year-old children and seventy-four 5-year-old children), mean dietary intake was calculated from 7 days of written dietary records, entered, and analyzed using the Minnesota Nutrition Data System. Height was measured using a Harpenden Stadiometer. Weight was measured using a standard balance beam scale.
Results. The 2-year-old and 5-year-old children consumed, on average, 5.9 and 5.0 fl oz/day of fruit juice and 9.8 and 11.0 fl oz/day of milk, respectively. Nineteen children (11%) consumed ≥12 fl oz/day of juice. Forty-two percent of children consuming ≥12 fl oz/day of juice had short stature (height less than 20th sex-specific percentile for age) vs 14% of children drinking less than 12 fl oz/day of juice. Obesity was more common among children drinking ≥12 fl oz/day of juice compared with those drinking less juice: 53% vs 32% had a body mass index ≥75th age- and sex-specific percentile; 32% vs 9% had a body mass index ≥90th age- and sex-specific percentile; and 32% vs 5% had a ponderal index ≥90th age-specific percentile. After adjustment for maternal height, child age, child sex, and child age-sex interaction, children consuming ≥12 fl oz/day of juice, compared with those drinking less than 12 fl oz/day of juice, were shorter (86.5 vs 89.3 cm and 106.5 vs 111.2 cm for the 2-year-old and 5-year-old children, respectively) and more overweight (body mass index = 17.2 vs 16.3 kg/m2 and ponderal index = 18.4 vs 16.8 kg/m3).
Conclusions. Consumption of ≥12 fl oz/day of fruit juice by young children was associated with short stature and with obesity. Parents and care takers should limit young children's consumption of fruit juice to less than 12 fl oz/day.
Emerging roles of sortilin in affecting the metabolism of glucose and lipid profiles
Authors: Su Xin , Chen Xiang , Wang Bin , Chen Linjian , Dai Cuilian 
Published: November 2021

Dyslipidemia has recently been identified as an important factor in modulating the progression of several health conditions, grouped as cardio-metabolic syndrome and including obesity,insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis. Among multiple factors which regulate the development of cardio-metabolic syndrome, sortilin has been found in multiple cell types, such as adipocyte, hepatocyte, and macrophage, suggesting that sortilin is correlated to the development and the severity of cardio-metabolic syndrome. Consistently, several genome-wide association (GWAS) and basic experimental research studies are being conducted to find novel gene loci involved in regulating the pathological progression of cardio-metabolic syndrome. According to these data, both SORT1 gene and sortilin protein have an important function in regulating the circulating lipid and glucose metabolism resulting in modulation of disease progression. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the recent research results in regards to sortilin function in modulating the circulating lipid and glucose metabolism. Moreover, we also discuss and analyze the emerging evidence elucidating the potential mechanisms by which sortilin affects synthesis and secretion of lipid and glucose.
Radiation protection technologies using granular materials
Authors: Gerasimov O.I. , Andrianova I.S. , Sidletska L.M. , Spivak A.Ya. , Kuryatnikov V.V. , Kilian A.M. 
Published: November 2021

Technological overcoming of the potential threat of a decrease in the quality of radiation monolithic structures of protective shields, which are under constant influence of ionizing radiation (due to radiation embitterment) is one of the most urgent tasks of ensuring protection against radiation exposure.
The aim of the work is to carry out a comparative analysis of the quality (in terms of radiation protection) of monolithic and granular protective screens. In contrast to monolithic prototypes, granular conglomeration has clear advantages, which are to avoid destructive processes of radiation embitterment, simplify replacement and handling (compaction and compaction), and disposal. It is important to emphasize that the protective properties of granular screens hardly differ from their monolithic counterparts, and the economic advantages of the corresponding technologies are significant at the same time. The material provided is actually the formulation of the problem on the theoretical substantiation of the advantages of using granular materials (in comparison with monolithic ones) in radiation protection technologies based on analysis as physical mechanisms and form factors of interaction neutron and gamma radiation with a substance with a developed morphology on a micro-scale.
TREND AND EFFECT OF POPULATION IN INDIA: A SCENARIO ANALYSIS
Authors: Mandal Ram Krishna 
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Population growth is critical for sustainable development in the true sense. Overpopulation indicates a scenario in which the population of a living species exceeds the carrying capacity of its ecological niche. So far, India's family planning programmes have seen only limited success because the programmes have not tackled the issue in a holistic way. Methodology: The paper aims to examine the trend and effect of population in India. This study is descriptive in nature based basically on data of secondary sources collected from government offices, books, articles, various census reports, and websites published in different times. Result and Discussion: India occupies 2.4 per cent of the world's land area and supports over 17.5 per cent of the world's population. There are some vital impacts of overpopulation such as Food Shortage, Deforestation, Water shortage, Energy, Extinction, etc. Conclusion: Stabilising population is an essential requirement for promoting sustainable development. India's population policy needs to be based on concrete measures that not only help to solve our population problem but also helps the poor to improve their lives in tangible and meaningful ways.
Adult Soft-Tissue Sarcomas of the Extremities
Authors: Bickels Jacob , Malawer Martin M. 
Published: November 2021

➤ Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) in adults comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors of mesenchymal origin that share similar biological patterns of local tumor growth and metastatic dissemination.➤ The judicious use of imaging studies, biopsy techniques, and pathological evaluations is essential for accurate diagnosis and for planning treatment strategy.➤ Wide local resection and radiation therapy form the cornerstone of management of high-grade STS. The role of adjuvant radiation therapy is questionable in the management of small (≤5 cm) superficial lesions that can be resected with negative margins. Chemotherapy given to patients who have nonmetastatic, high-grade STS results in varying benefit in terms of local tumor control and overall survival.➤ Coordinated care by a multidisciplinary team of trained surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists has been documented to improve local tumor control and the overall survival of patients with STS.➤ Although considerable progress in tumor diagnostics and targeted therapies has been made over the past 2 decades, recommendations and controversies relating to tumor imaging and margins of resection have not changed.