bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and policies analysis of pool testing method for COVID-19
Authors: Liu Yang , Chen Yi , Xie Kefan , Liu Jia 
Published: September 2021

PurposeThis research aims to figure out whether the pool testing method of SARS-CoV-2 for COVID-19 is effective and the optimal sample size is in one bunch. Additionally, since the infection rate was unknown at the beginning, this research aims to propose a multiple sampling approach that enables the pool testing method to be utilized successfully.Design/methodology/approachThe authors verify that the pool testing method of SARS-CoV-2 for COVID-19 is effective under the situation of the shortage of nucleic acid detection kits based on probabilistic modeling. In this method, the testing is performed on several samples of the cases together as a bunch. If the test result of the bunch is negative, then it is shown that none of the cases in the bunch has been infected with the novel coronavirus. On the contrary, if the test result of the bunch is positive, then the samples are tested one by one to confirm which cases are infected.FindingsIf the infection rate is extremely low, while the same number of detection kits is used, the expected number of cases that can be tested by the pool testing method is far more than that by the one-by-one testing method. The pool testing method is effective only when the infection rate is less than 0.3078. The higher the infection rate, the smaller the optimal sample size in one bunch. If N samples are tested by the pool testing method, while the sample size in one bunch is G, the number of detection kits required is in the interval (N/G, N).Originality/valueThis research proves that the pool testing method is not only suitable for the situation of the shortage of detection kits but also the situation of the overall or sampling detection for a large population. More importantly, it calculates the optimal sample size in one bunch corresponding to different infection rates. Additionally, a multiple sampling approach is proposed. In this approach, the whole testing process is divided into several rounds in which the sample sizes in one bunch are different. The actual infection rate is estimated gradually precisely by sampling inspection in each round.
Effects of boards of directors' external ties on firms' IT success
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Xingteng 
Published: September 2021

PurposeGiven the huge investment and complexity of information technology, it is imperative that boards of directors fully play their important role in promoting firms' IT success. This study aims to investigate the effects of boards of directors' external ties on firms' IT success from the perspective of resource dependence theory.Design/methodology/approachAccording to the method of the matched sample comparison group, a total of 576 samples of listed enterprises in three periods were obtained.FindingsResults show that both boards' political ties and boards' business ties have a positive impact on firms' IT success. Environmental uncertainty and the institutional environment play different roles in the relationships between two types of external ties and firms' IT success. Specifically, the results show that the institutional environment can regulate the influence of the political association of directors on firms' IT success negatively. In addition, environmental uncertainty regulates the influence of directors' political association on firms' IT success negatively, as well as the influence of directors' commercial association with firms' IT success.Research limitations/implicationsThe external ties were measured by cross-sectional data. And the current study focused on two fundamental types of external ties.Originality/valueBoards' external ties are studied from both political and business perspectives, and the effects of these two types of external ties on firms' IT success are compared. Additionally, the moderating effects of the institutional environment (macro level) and environmental uncertainty (micro level) in these relationships are investigated.
Preliminary dielectrophoresis study: Manipulation of protein albumin and electrical quantification by using cyclic voltammetry technique
Authors: Abdul Nasir Nur Shahira , Deivasigamani Revathy , Abdul Rahim Muhammad Khairulanwar , Mohd Nashruddin Siti Nur Ashakirin , Hamzah Azrul Azlan , M. Razip Wee M. Farhanulhakim , Buyong Muhamad Ramdzan 
Published: September 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to visualize protein manipulation using dielectrophoresis (DEP) as a substantial perspective on being an effective protein analysis and biosensor method as DEP is able to be used as a means for manipulation, fractionation, pre-concentration and separation. This research aims to quantify DEP using an electrochemical technique known as cyclic voltammetry (CV), as albumin is non-visible without any fluorescent probe or dye.

Design/methodology/approach
The principles of DEP were generated by an electric field on tapered DEP microelectrodes. The principle of CV was analysed using different concentrations of albumin on a screen-printed carbon electrode. Using preliminary data from both DEP and CV methods as a future prospect for the integration of both techniques to do electrical quantification of DEP forces.

Findings
The size of the albumin is known to be 0.027 µm. Engineered polystyrene particle of size 0.05 µm was selected to mimic the DEP actuation of albumin. Positive DEP of the sample engineered polystyrene particle was able to be visualized clearly at 10 MHz supplied with 20 Vpp. However, negative DEP was not able to be visualized because of the limitation of the apparatus. However, albumin was not able to be visualized under the fluorescent microscope because of its translucent properties. Thus, a method of electrical quantification known as the CV technique is used. The detection of bovine serum albumin (BSA) using the CV method is successful. As the concentration of BSA increases, the peak current obtained from the voltammogram decreases. The peak current can be an indicator of DEP response as it correlates to the adsorption of the protein onto the electrodes. The importance of the results from both CV and DEP shows that the integration of both techniques is possible.

Originality/value
The integration of both methods could give rise to a new technique with precision to be implemented into the dialyzers used in renal haemodialysis treatment for manipulation and sensing of protein albumin.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates defective in function of the LasR quorum sensing regulator are frequent in diverse environmental niches
Authors: Groleau Marie‐Christine , Taillefer Hélène , Vincent Antony T. , Constant Philippe , Déziel Eric 
Published: September 2021

SummaryThe saprophyte Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a versatile opportunistic pathogen causing infections in immunocompromised individuals. To facilitate its adaptation to a large variety of niches, this bacterium exploits population density‐dependent gene regulation systems called quorum sensing (QS). In P. aeruginosa, three distinct but interrelated QS systems (las, rhl and pqs) regulate the production of many survival and virulence functions. In prototypical strains, the las system, through its transcriptional regulator LasR, is important for the full activation of the rhl and pqs systems. Still, LasR‐deficient isolates have been reported, mostly sampled from the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis, where they are considered selected by the chronic infection environment. In this study, we show that a defect in LasR activity appears to be an actually widespread mechanism of adaptation in this bacterium. Indeed, we found abundant LasR‐defective isolates sampled from hydrocarbon‐contaminated soils, hospital sink drains and meat/fish market environments, using an approach based on phenotypic profiling, supported by gene sequencing. Interestingly, several LasR‐defective isolates maintain an active rhl system or are deficient in pqs system signalling. The high prevalence of a LasR‐defective phenotype among environmental P. aeruginosa isolates questions the role of QS in niche adaptation.
Engineering modeling frameworks for microbial food safety at various scales
Authors: Ranjbaran Mohsen , Carciofi Bruno A. M. , Datta Ashim K. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe landscape of mathematical model‐based understanding of microbial food safety is wide and deep, covering interdisciplinary fields of food science, microbiology, physics, and engineering. With rapidly growing interest in such model‐based approaches that increasingly include more fundamental mechanisms of microbial processes, there is a need to build a general framework that steers this evolutionary process by synthesizing literature spread over many disciplines. The framework proposed here shows four interconnected, complementary levels of microbial food processes covering sub‐cellular scale, microbial population scale, food scale, and human population scale (risk). A continuum of completely mechanistic to completely empirical models, widely‐used and emerging, are integrated into the framework; well‐known predictive microbiology modeling being a part of this spectrum. The framework emphasizes fundamentals‐based approaches that should get enriched over time, such as the basic building blocks of microbial population scale processes (attachment, migration, growth, death/inactivation and communication) and of food processes (e.g., heat and moisture transfer). A spectrum of models are included, for example, microbial population modeling covers traditional predictive microbiology models to individual‐based models and cellular automata. The models are shown in sufficient quantitative detail to make obvious their coupling, or their integration over various levels. Guidelines to combine sub‐processes over various spatial and time scales into a complete interdisciplinary and multiphysics model (i.e., a system) are provided, covering microbial growth/inactivation/transport and physical processes such as fluid flow and heat transfer. As food safety becomes increasingly predictive at various scales, this synthesis should provide its roadmap. This big picture and framework should be futuristic in driving novel research and educational approaches.
The new rapid and accurate analytical HPLC‐ECD method for the determination of rosmarinic acid in meat products
Authors: Jurič Urška , Slemnik Mojca , Škerget Mojca 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA new rapid method has been developed for the determination of low levels of rosmarinic acid extracted from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and has been used as an antioxidant in meat and meat products after cold storage at 4°C. The method is a high performance liquid chromatography using a coulometric electrochemical detector. It provides a significant improvement on the limit of detection, which was 0.33 ppb, while the limit of quantification was 1 ppb of rosmarinic acid. The advantage of the method also lies in the simpler and faster sample preparation, which can quantify a very low concentration of rosmarinic acid (60 ppb), and is more than 40 ppb below the limits of previously existing methods. A coulometric method is well suited for determining low analyte concentrations and is one of the most sensitive analytical approaches available today, in addition to being time efficient and cost effective.Practical ApplicationA new method for determining low concentrations (60 ppb) of rosmarinic acid in meat and meat products is presented. The method is user‐friendly, as it does not require complex sample preparation. It is a selective, precise, and accurate method that makes it useful for routine applications in the meat and other food industries.
Assessing Lung Parenchymal Enhancement on Dual‐Energy CT Pulmonary Angiograms: Potential utility of dual‐energy technique as an angiographic and parenchymal ‘one‐stop shop’ in the initial workup of patients with pulmonary symptoms
Authors: Thoo Sophie , Wong Teresa , Chong Chee , Lim Wanyin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the enhancement of lung parenchyma on dual‐energy (DE) computed tomogram (CT) by comparing attenuation between routine post‐contrast and dual‐energy generated virtual unenhanced (VU) images.MethodsPatients presenting to the Emergency Department who subsequently underwent DE‐CT pulmonary angiogram from the 1st to the 30th of November were enrolled. The DE data set obtained was used to generate VU images. Attenuation in Hounsfield units (HU) was measured at two sites for each patient and compared between VU and routine post‐contrast (PC) reconstructions. Statistical analysis was performed using paired‐samples t‐test.ResultsThere is a statistical difference between lung parenchymal attenuation value between the CV and PC images, denser in the PC dataset and also towards the bases, with a mean HU of −841 and −817 (difference of 24) respectively.ConclusionsThis study confirms increased lung parenchymal density when comparing PC and VU reconstructions. Based on results, the paper recommends utilising dual‐energy capabilities for VU reconstructions in CTPAs to optimise assessment of lung parenchyma.
COVID‐19 pandemic and methanol poisoning outbreak in Iranian children and adolescents: A data linkage study
Authors: Mahdavi Seyed Amirhosein , Kolahi Ali‐Asghar , Akhgari Maryam , Gheshlaghi Farzad , Gholami Narges , Moshiri Mohammad , Mohtasham Neda , Ebrahimi Sara , Ziaeefar Pardis , McDonald Rebecca , Tas Basak , Kazemifar Amir Mohammad , Amirabadizadeh Alireza , Ghadirzadeh Mohammadreza , Jamshidi Farkhondeh , Dadpour Bita , Mirtorabi Seyed Davood , Farnaghi Fariba , Zamani Nasim , Hassanian‐Moghaddam Hossein 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundDuring the first wave of COVID‐19, many Iranians were poisoned by ingesting hand sanitizers and/or alcoholic beverages to avoid viral infection. To assess whether the COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in an increased prevalence of accidental hand sanitizer/alcoholic beverage exposure in children and adolescents, we compared pediatric hospitalization rates during COVID‐19 and the previous year. For poisoning admissions during COVID‐19, we also evaluated the cause by age and clinical outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective data linkage study evaluated data from the Legal Medicine Organization (reporting mortalities) and hospitalization data from nine toxicology referral centers for alcohol‐poisoned patients (age 0 to 18 years) for the study period (February 23 to June 22, 2020) and the pre‐COVID‐19 reference period (same dates in 2019).ResultsHospitalization rates due to ethanol and methanol exposure were significantly higher in 2020 (n = 375) than 2019 (n = 202; OR [95% CI] 1.9 [1.6, 2.2], p < 0.001). During COVID‐19, in patients ≤15 years, the odds of intoxication from hand sanitizers were significantly higher than from alcoholic beverages, while in 15‐ to 18‐year‐olds, alcoholic beverage exposure was 6.7 times more common (95% CI 2.8, 16.1, p < 0.001). Of 375 children/adolescents hospitalized for alcoholic beverage and hand sanitizer exposure in 2020, six did not survive. The odds of fatal outcome were seven times higher in 15‐ to 18‐year‐olds (OR (95% CI) 7.0 (2.4, 20.1); p < 0.001).ConclusionThe Iranian methanol poisoning outbreak during the first wave of COVID‐19 was associated with significantly increased hospitalization rates among children and adolescents—including at least six pediatric in‐hospital deaths from poisoning. Public awareness needs to be raised of the risks associated with ingesting alcoholic hand sanitizers.
Study of aphid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in Australian grain production landscapes
Authors: Ward Samantha , Umina Paul A , Polaszek Andrew , Hoffmann Ary A 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAphid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) were surveyed within grain production landscapes in Victoria, Australia, between 2017 and 2018, as well as more sporadically nationwide between 2016 and 2019. In addition, Aphidiinae records were collated from insect depositories around Australia and online databases. The 5525 specimens recorded constituted a total of 23 species and seven genera. Diaeretiella rapae (M'Intosh) was the most common species, representing more than 70% of all Aphidiinae recorded. This species also showed a greater northerly geographical range than other Aphidiinae. During sampling between 2017 and 2019, Aphidiinae were reared from mummies to ascertain host–parasitoid relationships. Diaeretiella rapae was again the most commonly reared parasitoid, although parasitoid preference varied with aphid host and between states and territories. An illustrated dichotomous key to Australian Aphidiinae in grain production landscapes is provided for the 11 species sampled in our field surveys. This is the first comprehensive review of Aphidiinae sampled within Australia in over two decades. Knowledge about the diversity and distribution of these parasitoids is important for understanding their impact on current and future invasions of aphid species. In addition, understanding the interactions between grain aphids and their associated parasitoids will further support the inclusion of parasitoid wasps into integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
Preterm birth reduces the risk of IgE sensitization up to early adulthood: A population‐based birth cohort study
Authors: Mitselou Niki , Andersson Niklas , Bergström Anna , Kull Inger , Georgelis Antonios , van Hage Marianne , Hedman Anna M. , Almqvist Catarina , Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Melén Erik 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundImmunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization is associated with asthma and allergic diseases. Gestational age influences early immune system development, thereby potentially affecting the process of tolerance induction to allergens.ObjectiveTo study IgE sensitization to common allergens by gestational age from childhood up to early adulthood.MethodsPopulation‐based birth cohort, data from the Swedish BAMSE study were used. Allergen‐specific IgE antibodies to a mix of common food (fx5) and inhalant (Phadiatop) allergens were analysed at 4, 8, 16 and 24 years. Sensitization was defined as allergen‐specific IgE ≥0.35 kUA/L to fx5 and/or Phadiatop at each time point. Using logistic regression and generalized estimated equations, adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for sensitization in relation to gestational age were calculated. Replication was sought within the Swedish twin study STOPPA.ResultsIn BAMSE, 3522 participants were screened for IgE antibodies during follow‐up; of these, 197 (5.6%) were born preterm (<37 gestational weeks) and 330 (9.4%) post‐term (≥42 weeks). Preterm birth reduced the risk of sensitization to common food and/or inhalant allergens up to early adulthood by 29% (overall aOR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.52–0.98), and to food allergens specifically by 40% (overall aOR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.38–0.93). No relation was found between post‐term birth and IgE sensitization at any time point. Replication analyses in STOPPA (N = 675) showed similar risk estimates for sensitization to food and/or inhalant allergens (aOR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.42–1.21), which resulted in a combined meta‐analysis aOR = 0.71 (95% CI: 0.54–0.94).ConclusionsOur study suggests an inverse association between preterm birth and long‐term IgE sensitization.
Chronotypes and circadian rest–activity rhythms in bipolar disorders: a meta‐analysis of self‐ and observer rating scales
Authors: Meyrel Manon , Scott Jan , Etain Bruno 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveChronobiological models postulate that abnormalities in circadian rest/activity rhythms (CRAR) are core phenomena of bipolar disorders (BDs). We undertook a meta‐analysis of published studies to determine whether self‐ or observer ratings of CRAR differentiate BD cases from comparators (typically healthy controls [HCs]).MethodWe undertook systematic searches of four databases to identify studies for inclusion in random effects meta‐analyses and meta‐regression analyses. Effect sizes (ES) for pooled analyses of self‐ and observer ratings were expressed as standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe 30 studies meeting eligibility criteria included 2840 cases and 3573 controls. Compared with HC, BD cases showed greater eveningness (ES: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.12–0.54), lower flexibility of rhythms (ES: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.06–0.67), lower amplitude of rhythms (ES: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.39–0.70) and more disturbances across a range of CRAR (ES of 0.78–1.12 for general and social activities, sleep and eating patterns). Between study heterogeneity was high (I2 > 70%) and evidence indicated a potential publication bias for studies using the Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry. Meta‐regression analyses suggested significantly larger ES were observed in studies using observer ratings or including BD cases with higher levels of depressive symptoms.ConclusionThis meta‐analysis demonstrates that BD is associated with higher levels of self‐ or observer‐rated CRAR disturbances compared with controls. However, further studies should examine the respective performance of individual instruments when used alone or in combination, to clarify their applicability and utility in clinical practice.
Characterization of multiple diagnostic terms in melanocytic skin lesion pathology reports
Authors: Chang Oliver H. , Elder David E. , Barnhill Raymond L. , Piepkorn Michael W. , Eguchi Megan M. , Knezevich Stevan R. , Lee Annie C. , Moreno Raul J. , Kerr Kathleen F. , Elmore Joann G. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundHistopathologically ambiguous melanocytic lesions lead some pathologists to list multiple diagnostic considerations in the pathology report. The frequency and circumstance of multiple diagnostic considerations remain poorly characterized.MethodsTwo hundred and forty skin biopsy samples were interpreted by 187 pathologists (8976 independent diagnoses) and classified according to a diagnostic/treatment stratification (MPATH‐Dx).ResultsMultiple diagnoses in different MPATH‐Dx classes were used in n = 1320 (14.7%) interpretations, with 97% of pathologists and 91% of cases having at least one such interpretation. Multiple diagnoses were more common for intermediate risk lesions and are associated with greater subjective difficulty and lower confidence. We estimate that 6% of pathology reports for melanocytic lesions in the United States contain two diagnoses of different MPATH‐Dx prognostic classes, and 2% of cases are given two diagnoses with significant treatment implications.ConclusionsDifficult melanocytic diagnoses in skin may necessitate multiple diagnostic considerations; however, as patients increasingly access their health records and retrieve pathology reports (as mandated by US law), uncertainty should be expressed unambiguously.