bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pythagorean probabilistic hesitant fuzzy aggregation operators and their application in decision-making
Authors: Batool Bushra , Abdullah Saleem , Ashraf Shahzaib , Ahmad Mumtaz 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis is mainly because the restrictive condition of intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy number (IHFN) is relaxed by the membership functions of Pythagorean probabilistic hesitant fuzzy number (PyPHFN), so the range of domain value of PyPHFN is greatly expanded. The paper aims to develop a novel decision-making technique based on aggregation operators under PyPHFNs. For this, the authors propose Algebraic operational laws using algebraic norm for PyPHFNs. Furthermore, a list of aggregation operators, namely Pythagorean probabilistic hesitant fuzzy weighted average (PyPHFWA) operator, Pythagorean probabilistic hesitant fuzzy weighted geometric (PyPHFWG) operator, Pythagorean probabilistic hesitant fuzzy ordered weighted average (PyPHFOWA) operator, Pythagorean probabilistic hesitant fuzzy ordered weighted geometric (PyPHFOWG) operator, Pythagorean probabilistic hesitant fuzzy hybrid weighted average (PyPHFHWA) operator and Pythagorean probabilistic hesitant fuzzy hybrid weighted geometric (PyPHFHWG) operator, are proposed based on the defined algebraic operational laws. Also, interesting properties of these aggregation operators are discussed in detail.Design/methodology/approachPyPHFN is not only a generalization of the traditional IHFN, but also a more effective tool to deal with uncertain multi-attribute decision-making problems.FindingsIn addition, the authors design the algorithm to handle the uncertainty in emergency decision-making issues. At last, a numerical case study of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as an emergency decision-making is introduced to show the implementation and validity of the established technique. Besides, the comparison of the existing and the proposed technique is established to show the effectiveness and validity of the established technique.Originality/valuePaper is original and not submitted elsewhere.
Toward the e-loyalty of digital library users: investigating the role of e-service quality and e-trust in digital economy
Authors: Anser Muhammad Khalid , Tabash Mosab I. , Nassani Abdelmohsen A. , Aldakhil Abdullah Mohammed , Yousaf Zahid 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the role of e-service quality and e-trust for achieving e-loyalty among digital library users in the digital economy. The current study examined the mediation effect of e-trust in the connection between e-service quality and e-loyalty.Design/methodology/approachCross-sectional design was applied for the purpose of data collection and empirical findings of the study. Survey method was used for the purpose of data collection from 783 online digital libraries users.FindingsResults reveal that e-service quality positively predicts e-trust in digital economy. Moreover, in digital economy e-trust predicts the e-loyalty. The findings also reveal that e-trust mediates the relationship between e-service quality and e-loyalty links.Originality/valueThe finding of study suggested that individual level e-trust have a strong effect on e-loyalty in digital economy. Individual level aspects in term of e-service quality have a direct effect on e-trust to improve their e-loyalty. The finding indicated that digital libraries users in future will be more loyal toward e-service quality providers. The results are useful for the management of digital libraries and academia for future. This is the first study that includes e-service quality, e-trust and e-loyalty in the context of digital economy.
Selective fungal bioprecipitation of cobalt and nickel for multiple‐product metal recovery
Authors: Ferrier John , Csetenyi Laszlo , Gadd Geoffrey Michael 
Published: June 2021

SummaryThere are a need for novel, economical and efficient metal processing technologies to improve critical metal sustainability, particularly for cobalt and nickel which have extensive applications in low‐carbon energy technologies. Fungal metal biorecovery processes show potential in this regard and the products of recovery are also industrially significant. Here we present a basis for selective biorecovery of Co and Ni oxalates and phosphates using reactive spent Aspergillus niger culture filtrate containing mycogenic oxalate and phosphate solubilized from struvite. Selective precipitation of oxalates was achieved by adjusting phosphate‐laden filtrates to pH 2.5 prior to precipitation. Co recovery at pH 2.5 was high with a maximum of ~96% achieved, while ~60% Ni recovery was achieved, yielding microscale polyhedral biominerals. Co and Ni phosphates were precipitated at pH 7.5, following prior oxalate removal, resulting in near‐total Co recovery (>99%), while Ni phosphate yields were also high with a recovery maximum of 83.0%.
Urban proximity, access to value chains, and dairy productivity in Ethiopia
Authors: Vandercasteelen Joachim , Minten Bart , Tamru Seneshaw 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis article analyzes how urban proximity introduces spatial heterogeneity in farm productivity within the high‐value dairy sector in one of the poorest countries in Africa, Ethiopia. We look at how urban proximity—measured as travel time—affects the decisions and productivity of milk farmers located in rural production zones serving fresh milk to the capital Addis Ababa. Using an instrumental variable approach, we find that with each additional hour of travel time, farmers’ milk productivity per cow is reduced, on average, by almost 1 L per day or by 26%. When trying to disentangle the underlying mechanisms (and controlling for transaction costs), we find that farmers’ inclusion in “modern” value chains and their access to commercial milk buyers and milk processing companies drive the urban proximity effect. As only a limited number of farmers have access to such value chains in developing countries, measures to make dairy value chains more inclusive to remote—often poorer—farmers can, therefore, have important benefits for them, for the performance of the dairy sector in Ethiopia, and for the process of agricultural transformation as a whole.
An identical‐by‐descent novel splice‐donor variant in PRUNE1 causes a neurodevelopmental syndrome with prominent dystonia in two consanguineous Sudanese families
Authors: Koko Mahmoud , Yahia Ashraf , Elsayed Liena E. , Hamed Ahlam A. , Mohammed Inaam N. , Elseed Maha A. , Hamad Muddathir H. A. , Babai Arwa M. , Siddig Rayan A. , Abd Allah Amal S. I. , Mohamed Mayada , EL‐Amin Melka , Esteves Typhaine , Altmüller Janine , Toliat Mohammad Reza , Thiele Holger , Nürnberg Peter , Salih Mustafa A. , Ahmed Ammar E. , Lerche Holger , Stevanin Giovanni 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPRUNE1 is linked to a wide range of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative phenotypes. Multiple pathogenic missense and stop‐gain PRUNE1 variants were identified in its DHH and DHHA2 phosphodiesterase domains. Conversely, a single splice alteration was previously reported. We investigated five patients from two unrelated consanguineous Sudanese families with an inherited severe neurodevelopmental disorder using whole‐exome sequencing coupled with homozygosity mapping, segregation, and haplotype analysis. We identified a founder haplotype transmitting a homozygous canonical splice‐donor variant (NM_021222.3:c.132+2T > C) in intron 2 of PRUNE1 segregated with the phenotype in all the patients. This splice variant possibly results in an in‐frame deletion in the DHH domain or premature truncation of the protein. The phenotypes of the affected individuals showed phenotypic similarities characterized by remarkable pyramidal dysfunction and prominent extrapyramidal features (severe dystonia and bradykinesia). In conclusion, we identified a novel founder variant in PRUNE1 and corroborated abnormal splicing events as a disease mechanism in PRUNE1‐related disorders. Given the phenotypes’ consistency coupled with the founder effect, canonical and cryptic PRUNE1 splice‐site variants should be carefully evaluated in patients presenting with prominent dystonia and pyramidal dysfunction.
Influence of maternal postpartum depression on children’s toothbrushing frequency
Authors: Tsuchiya Shinobu , Tsuchiya Masahiro , Momma Haruki , Nagatomi Ryoichi , Arima Takahiro , Yaegashi Nobuo , Igarashi Kaoru ,   the Japan Environment, Children’s Study Group
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectivesDaily toothbrushing behaviour is very effective for the prevention of early childhood dental caries (ECC), but is mostly dependent upon parental management. Intrapersonal association between lower toothbrushing frequency and depression is well known; however, the impact of maternal postpartum depression on child toothbrushing behaviour within the mother‐child dyad remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the prevalence of maternal postpartum depression and lower toothbrushing frequency in children aged two years.MethodsA secondary analysis of a data set from the Japan Environment and Children's Study was performed. A total of 104 062 fetuses were enrolled after obtaining informed written parental consent, in which 84 533 mother‐infant pairs were included after applying exclusion criteria. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to evaluate maternal postpartum depression (a total score of ≥9 in EPDS) at one and six months postpartum. Indeed, the participants were classified based on the persistence of postpartum depression: ‘Resilient’ (no prevalence); ‘Improving’ (prevalence only at one month postpartum); ‘Emergent’ (prevalence only at six months postpartum); and ‘Chronic’ (prevalence at both time points). The association between postpartum depression and a toothbrushing frequency in children (the reference group: more than once per day, the low group: once per day, and the very‐low group: less than once per day) was examined using Poisson regression models with adjustments for maternal and child characteristics after multiple imputations for missing data.ResultsThe prevalence of maternal postpartum depression at one and six months postpartum was 13.9% and 11.4%, respectively; the proportions of each persistence group were 81.1% (‘Resilient’), 7.5% (‘Improving’), 5.0% (‘Emergent’) and 6.4% (‘Chronic’). Concerning children's toothbrushing frequency, 51.6% and 0.5% of participants self‐reported frequencies of once per day and less than once per day, respectively. The association of maternal postpartum depression with a lower toothbrushing frequency in children consistently had higher relative risks (RRs). However, these associations were weakened when adjusting for whether the child could self‐perform toothbrushing or whether this was done under parental supervision. A key result is that participants with persistent postpartum depression at both one and six month(s) postpartum showed the highest adjusted RRs (95% CI) for lower toothbrushing frequency in children (1.08 [1.04‐1.12] with a decrease in children's toothbrushing frequency).ConclusionMaternal mental health provides valuable screening information for children with lower toothbrushing frequency for the purpose of preventing ECC.
Chronic demodicosis in patients with immune dysregulation: An unexpected infectious manifestation of Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 gain-of-function
Authors: Shamriz Oded , Lev Atar , Simon Amos J , Barel Ortal , Javasky Elisheva , Matza-Porges Sigal , Shaulov Adir , Davidovics Zev , Toker Ori , Somech Raz , Zlotogorski Abraham , Molho-Pessach Vered , Tal Yuval 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 heterozygous gain-of-function (GOF) mutations are known to induce immune dysregulation and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMCC). Previous reports suggest an association between demodicosis and STAT1 GOF. However, immune characterization of these patients is lacking. Here, we present a retrospective analysis of patients with immune dysregulation and STAT1 GOF who presented with facial and ocular demodicosis. In-depth immune phenotyping and functional studies were used to characterize the patients. We identified five patients (three males) from two non-consanguineous Jewish families. The mean age at presentation was 11.11 (range = 0.58–24) years. Clinical presentation included CMCC, chronic demodicosis and immune dysregulation in all patients. Whole-exome and Sanger sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous c.1386C&gt;A; p.S462R STAT1 GOF mutation in four of the five patients. Immunophenotyping demonstrated increased phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription in response to interferon-α stimuli in all patients. The patients also exhibited decreased T cell proliferation capacity and low counts of interleukin-17-producing T cells, as well as low forkhead box protein 3+ regulatory T cells. Specific antibody deficiency was noted in one patient. Treatment for demodicosis included topical ivermectin and metronidazole. Demodicosis may indicate an underlying primary immune deficiency and can be found in patients with STAT1 GOF. Thus, the management of patients with chronic demodicosis should include an immunogenetic evaluation.
Resource users as land‐sea links in coastal and marine socioecological systems
Authors: Williams Nicholas E. , Sistla Seeta A. , Kramer Daniel B. , Stevens Kara J. , Roddy Adam B. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCoastal zones, which connect terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, are among the most resource‐rich regions globally and home to nearly 40% of the global human population. Because human land‐based activities can alter natural processes in ways that affect adjacent aquatic ecosystems, land‐sea interactions are increasingly recognized as critical to coastal conservation planning and governance. However, the complex socioeconomic dynamics inherent in coastal and marine socioecological systems (SESs) have received little consideration. Drawing on knowledge generalized from long‐term studies in Caribbean Nicaragua, we devised a conceptual framework that clarifies the multiple ways socioeconomically driven behavior can link the land and sea. In addition to other ecosystem effects, the framework illustrates how feedbacks resulting from changes to aquatic resources can influence terrestrial resource management decisions and land uses. We assessed the framework by applying it to empirical studies from a variety of coastal SESs. The results suggest its broad applicability and highlighted the paucity of research that explicitly investigates the effects of human behavior on coastal SES dynamics. We encourage researchers and policy makers to consider direct, indirect, and bidirectional cross‐ecosystem links that move beyond traditionally recognized land‐to‐sea processes.
Glacial connectivity and current population fragmentation in sky islands explain the contemporary distribution of genomic variation in two narrow‐endemic montane grasshoppers from a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Tonzo Vanina , Ortego Joaquín 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimCold‐adapted biotas from mid‐latitudes often show small population sizes, harbour low levels of local genetic diversity and are highly vulnerable to extinction due to ongoing climate warming and the progressive shrinking of montane and alpine ecosystems. In this study, we use a suite of analytical approaches to infer the demographic processes that have shaped contemporary patterns of genomic variation in Omocestus bolivari and Omocestus femoralis, two narrow‐endemic and red‐listed Iberian grasshoppers forming highly fragmented populations in the sky island archipelago of the Baetic System.LocationSouth‐eastern Iberia.MethodsWe quantified genomic variation in the two focal taxa and coupled ecological niche models and a spatiotemporally explicit simulation approach based on coalescent theory to determine the relative statistical support of a suite of competing demographic scenarios representing contemporary population isolation (i.e. a predominant role of genetic drift) versus historical connectivity and post‐glacial colonization of sky islands (i.e. pulses of gene flow and genetic drift linked to Pleistocene glacial cycles).ResultsInference of spatial patterns of genetic structure, environmental niche modelling and statistical evaluation of alternative species‐specific demographic models within an approximate Bayesian computation framework collectively supported genetic admixture during glacial periods and post‐glacial colonization of sky islands, rather than long‐term population isolation, as the scenario best explaining the current distribution of genomic variation in the two focal taxa. Moreover, our analyses revealed that isolation in sky islands has also led to extraordinary genetic fragmentation and contributed to reduce local levels of genetic diversity.Main conclusionsThis study exemplifies the potential of integrating genomic and environmental niche modelling data across biological and spatial replicates to determine whether organisms with similar habitat requirements have experienced concerted/idiosyncratic responses to Quaternary climatic oscillations, which can ultimately help to reach more general conclusions about the vulnerability of mountain biodiversity hotspots to ongoing climate warming.
A novel mouse model to evaluate neuropeptide Y–mediated melanocyte pathology
Authors: Anderson Zoya T. , Mehl Julian , Corder Katelynn M. , Dobrunz Lynn E. , Harris Melissa L. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractVitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by depigmented patches of skin due to loss of the pigment‐producing melanocytes. No cure exists for vitiligo. The available treatments are inefficient for many patients, suggesting that universal treatment approaches may be inappropriate. Deeper understanding of the mechanistic basis for variability in vitiligo aetiologies is necessary. Genetic mutations in neuropeptide Y (NPY), a widely distributed protein, are associated with increased NPY expression and increased susceptibility for vitiligo. NPY is also upregulated in the circulation and lesional skin of some vitiligo patients. However, the contributions of NPY to melanocyte pathology are not understood, and presently there are no models with which to investigate this possibility. In this study, we employed NPY‐overexpressing mice to explore the role of NPY in melanocyte dysfunction. Our results show that NPY overexpression induces progressive hair greying (depigmentation) due to premature depletion of follicular melanocyte stem cells. Additionally, NPY transcripts and protein are elevated in the skin and melanocytes of these mice, respectively, suggesting that these effects may be mediated locally. Together, these results suggest that supraphysiological levels of NPY in the skin can induce melanocyte dysfunction, thus identifying this mouse line as a novel model to study NPY‐mediated melanocyte pathology.
Urinary biomarkers of early renal injury in antiretroviral‐naïve HIV‐positive persons in Shanghai, China: comparison with the general population
Authors: Le XQ , Liu DP , Chen J , Gong ZY , Xun JN , Wang JR , Sun JJ , Steinhart C , Liu L , Shen YZ , Qi TK , Wang ZY , Zhang X , Tang Y , Song W , Lu HZ , Zhang RF 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesPeople living with HIV (PLWH) have a high risk of kidney injury. Measurement of serum creatinine, along with proteinuria, is not sensitive to detect early kidney injury. Here, we investigated novel urinary biomarkers of early renal injury in PLWH.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional study of 166 antiretroviral‐naïve PLWH and 99 HIV‐negative persons who all had an estimated glomerular filtration rate > 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. We compared the levels of seven urinary biomarkers between the two groups using the propensity score matching (PSM) approach and explored the risk factors associated with elevated urinary biomarkers in PLWH.ResultsEighty‐three pairs were successfully matched based on PSM. Compared with the HIV‐negative group, the HIV‐positive group had higher ratios of N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAG) to urine creatinine (UCr), alpha1‐microglobulin (α1‐M) to UCr, kidney injury marker‐1 (KIM‐1) to UCr, neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin to UCr, and epidermal growth factor to UCr, whereas the Tamm–Horsfall protein to UCr ratio and the abnormal albumin to UCr ratio were not significantly different. Positive correlations were observed between HIV RNA level and NAG: UCr (rs = 0.32; P < 0.001) and α1‐M:UCr (rs = 0.24; P = 0.002) ratios, and negative correlations were observed between CD4 cell count and NAG:UCr (rs = –0.34; P < 0.001), KIM‐1:UCr (rs = –0.16; P = 0.042) and α1‐M:UCr (rs = –0.36; P < 0.001) ratios. In multivariate linear regression analyses, older age, lower total cholesterol and higher HIV RNA were independently associated with higher NAG:UCr; older age, lower total cholesterol and lower CD4 cell count were independently associated with higher α1‐M:UCr.ConclusionsIn comparioson with HIV‐negative participants, PLWH were more likely to have tubular injury. Early antiretroviral treatment might mitigate the development of kidney injury.
Anthropometry‐based prediction of body composition in early infancy compared to air‐displacement plethysmography
Authors: Olga Laurentya , van Beijsterveldt Inge A. L. P. , Hughes Ieuan A. , Dunger David B. , Ong Ken K. , Hokken‐Koelega Anita C. S. , De Lucia Rolfe Emanuella 
Published: June 2021

SummaryBackgroundAnthropometry‐based equations are commonly used to estimate infant body composition. However, existing equations were designed for newborns or adolescents. We aimed to (a) derive new prediction equations in infancy against air‐displacement plethysmography (ADP‐PEA Pod) as the criterion, (b) validate the newly developed equations in an independent infant cohort and (c) compare them with published equations (Slaughter‐1988, Aris‐2013, Catalano‐1995).MethodsCambridge Baby Growth Study (CBGS), UK, had anthropometry data at 6 weeks (N = 55) and 3 months (N = 64), including skinfold thicknesses (SFT) at four sites (triceps, subscapular, quadriceps and flank) and ADP‐derived total body fat mass (FM) and fat‐free mass (FFM). Prediction equations for FM and FFM were developed in CBGS using linear regression models and were validated in Sophia Pluto cohort, the Netherlands, (N = 571 and N = 447 aged 3 and 6 months, respectively) using Bland–Altman analyses to assess bias and 95% limits of agreement (LOA).ResultsCBGS equations consisted of sex, age, weight, length and SFT from three sites and explained 65% of the variance in FM and 79% in FFM. In Sophia Pluto, these equations showed smaller mean bias than the three published equations in estimating FM: mean bias (LOA) 0.008 (−0.489, 0.505) kg at 3 months and 0.084 (−0.545, 0.713) kg at 6 months. Mean bias in estimating FFM was 0.099 (−0.394, 0.592) kg at 3 months and −0.021 (−0.663, 0.621) kg at 6 months.ConclusionsCBGS prediction equations for infant FM and FFM showed better validity in an independent cohort at ages 3 and 6 months than existing equations.