bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between nutrition literacy and possible sarcopenia among older adults in Bengbu, China
Authors: Du Jing , Cui Yan , Yang Ling , Sun Yuhui , Tian Xi , Hu Xiaoting , Liu Huaqing 
Published: November 2024

AbstractTo explore the associations between nutrition literacy (NL) and possible sarcopenia in older Chinese adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted. NL was assessed using a twelve-item short-form NL scale. Possible sarcopenia was identified using SARC-CALF. Logistic regression was used to calculate OR and 95 % CI for NL and the incidence of possible sarcopenia. A total of 1338 older individuals, aged 71·41 (sd 6·84) years, were enrolled in this study. After confounders were adjusted for, older adults in the upper quartile of NL were found to be 52 % less likely to have possible sarcopenia than those in the lower quartile of NL (OR = 0·48, 95 % CI: 0·29, 0·77). The associations between NL and possible sarcopenia were present only in those who lived in rural areas (OR: 0·38, 95 % CI: 0·19, 0·77), had a primary school education or less (OR: 0·21, 95 % CI: 0·09, 0·48), had a monthly income < 3000 RMB (OR: 0·39, 95 % CI: 0·22, 0·70) and had chronic diseases (OR: 0·37, 95 % CI: 0·22, 0·63). Moreover, an interaction effect was observed between having a chronic disease and junior high school education and being in the upper quartile of NL. The prevalence of possible sarcopenia in older Chinese adults is substantial, with prevalence decreasing with increasing NL. Moreover, the association between NL and possible sarcopenia varies by residence type, education level, monthly income and chronic disease experience. Targeted NL interventions are required to prevent and manage sarcopenia in older adults, particularly those with low socio-economic status and chronic diseases.
Christian Worldview and Cosmic War: Contexts and Origins of a Religious Combat Concept
Authors: Kennedy Simon P. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis paper explores the origins of two different emergences of the Christian worldview concept, and their relationship to understandings of cultural conflict. It will offer an analysis of the historical, cultural, and theological context for each emergence. In both cases, worldview was what Ian Hunter has termed a “combat concept.” Section I of the paper will offer an overview of the origins of Christian worldview thinking in the late nineteenth century through the thought of James Orr (1844–1913) and Abraham Kuyper (1837–1920). Section II will deal with the second major emergence of Christian worldview as a combat concept in the 1970s, focusing on figures like Francis Schaeffer (1912–1984), Chuck Colson (1931–2012), and Nancy Pearcy (1951–). Both contexts exhibited increased cultural and religious pluralism, and conservative Christians displayed a heightened sense of ideological conflict. Worldview became a tool for differentiation from, and contention with, the “other.”
Puritanism, Spiritual Kinship, and the Lord's Supper in Elizabethan and early Stuart England
Authors: Baddley Jonathan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe rhetoric of spiritual kinship was a pungent part of a “discourse of separation” which materialized among the English puritans in post-Reformation England. Using print literature aimed at properly preparing the godly to come “worthily” to the Lord's Supper, most of which was penned by puritan divines, this article examines family language in use among the godly in the context of the communion meal in the Elizabethan and early Stuart national church. This rhetoric signaled a real identity – an identity tied intimately to the nexus of right doctrine and a certain type of English Protestant practice. The present essay traces out the theological framework that buttressed this identity and suggests the ways in which family language fostered both inclusive and exclusive responses among the godly as they sought to “rightly” celebrate the sacrament. It argues that the use of the language of spiritual kinship helped the godly come to terms with their uncomfortable position in a national church they considered insufficiently reformed, and with the difficulties that ensued from “holy” living, as naturally unholy beings, in a fallen world. This study contributes to our understanding of the informal mechanisms by which early modern English Protestants could navigate the choppy waters of social and religious life in Elizabethan and early Stuart England. More generally, this consideration of a distinctive puritan usage of familiar scriptural language to make sense of England's religious landscape in this period underscores the interpretive importance of remaining acutely aware of discursive context in early modern religious sources.
“All Say He is a Downright Methodist”: The Ministry and Evangelical Loyalism of the Rev. William Stringer
Authors: Tirenin Gregory 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWilliam Stringer was at various times a cheesemonger, a Methodist lay preacher, a priest, and an American Loyalist exile. Originally from London, Stringer preached the Gospel for the early Methodist movement, but longed for priestly ordination in the Church of England. Unable to achieve this goal due to his humble background, he was instead ordained in 1764 by the controversial and ecumenically minded Greek Orthodox bishop, Gerasimos Avontilies (also known as Erasmus of Arcadia), who ordained several Methodists under Greek Orthodox rites in London. Having acquired illicit ordination, Stringer moved to Philadelphia where he ministered to a parish that had broken from the Church of England during the Great Awakening. The clergy of Philadelphia responded negatively and wrote to Archbishop Richard Terrick of London, who ordered Stringer to desist from his ministry. However, Stringer did such a remarkable job of bringing his congregation back into the Anglican fold that Terrick agreed to re-ordain him in London under Anglican rites in 1773. With the outbreak of the American Revolution in 1775, Stringer supported the British cause and rejected the revolt as inconsistent with Christian obedience. He was forced to leave America and return to England, where he lived out the rest of his life as a curate. Despite his initial transgressions, I argue that Stringer was a force for order, stability, and orthodoxy in a revolutionary world.
A new genus and species of Microphalloidea (Digenea), parasite of Peropteryx spp. (Chiroptera: Emballonuridae) from the Neotropical region of Mexico revealed by morphological and phylogenetic analyses
Authors: Ruiz-Torres N.G. , Hernandez-Mena D.I. , García-Prieto L. , Falcón L.I. , Panti-May J.A. , Rico-Chávez O. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The present study aims to describe a new genus and species of microphalloid digenean parasite of two species of bats of the genus Peropteryx from the Mexican Neotropics (in the states of Chiapas and Yucatán). Morphological and molecular data (28s rDNA ribosomal gene sequences) were used to study Digeneans. Sagittatrema zutzi gen. nov. sp., nov., is diagnosed morphologically by having a sagittiform body, a genital pore in the midline of the body, posterior to the ventral sucker, and a cirrus sac running through much of the diameter of the ventral sucker. The nine sequences generated from the 28S rDNA gene were used to examine the phylogenetic affinities of this new taxon within the superfamily Microphalloidea Ward, 1901, using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference analyses. Both analyses resulted in trees with similar topologies and formed a well-supported clade (Bt = 100; pp = 1) with the Sagittatrema sequences. Because of the new genus’s phylogenetic position and that some sister families to the proposed taxa, like Pleurogenidae and Prosthogonimidae, are polyphyletic, we prefer to consider Sagittatrema as a genus incertae sedis within Microphalloidea. A full systematic review of microphalloids is needed to confirm their phylogenetic position.
Rhododendron diversity conservation in global botanic gardens: a case study of Maddenia species
Authors: Hu Ling , MacKay Marion , Gardiner Susan E. , Tate Jennifer A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEffective ex situ conservation of plants in botanic gardens requires sufficient wild accessions to represent wild diversity. In Rhododendron L. (Ericaceae), c. 64% of the taxa are threatened or require field investigation. As a case study of the analysis of ex situ conservation gaps we used ecogeographical representation as a proxy for genetic representation in ex situ collections of the 65 taxa of Rhododendron subsection Maddenia. We compiled the first list profiling both wild distributions and ex situ wild collections of all taxa in subsection Maddenia. Our results reveal that 55 Maddenia taxa are in cultivation. Of the 18 threatened taxa all are in cultivation but nine require further collection to capture adequate wild diversity. There are 12 Data Deficient taxa: these await further field investigation of wild populations and nine of them require wild collections to conserve genetic diversity. The UK, the USA, Australia, New Zealand and China are the top five countries holding ex situ collections of subsection Maddenia; in these countries nearly 66% of the ex situ sites hold > 86% of the global living collections of subsection Maddenia. We recommend that wild collections of endemic species of subsection Maddenia should be established in all 10 countries of origin and that data should be shared internationally for metacollections. In addition to proposing priorities, our case study highlights the challenges facing data and collection management to help achieve effective ex situ conservation for Rhododendron species.
Ethical challenges for Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in the evolving evidence landscape
Authors: Refolo Pietro , Duthie Katherine , Hofmann Björn , Stanak Michal , Bertelsen Neil , Bloemen Bart , Di Bidino Rosella , Oortwijn Wija , Raimondi Costanza , Sacchini Dario , van der Wilt Gert Jan , Bond Kenneth 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Since its inception, Health Technology Assessment (HTA) has typically determined the value of a technology by collecting information derived from randomized clinical trials (RCTs), in line with the principles of evidence-based medicine (EBM). However, data from RCTs did not constitute the sole source of information, as other types of evidence (such as primary qualitative research) have often been utilized. Recent advances in both generating and collecting other types of evidence are broadening the landscape of evidence, adding complexity to the discussion of “robustness of evidence.” What are the consequences of these recent developments for the methodology and conduct of HTA, the HTA community, and its ethical commitments? The aim of this article is to explore some ethical challenges that are emerging in the current evolving evidence landscape, particularly changes in evidence generation and collection (e.g., diversification of data sources), and shifting standards of evidence in the field of HTA (e.g., increasing acceptability of evidence that is thought of as lower quality). Our conclusion is that deciding how to best maintain trustworthiness is common to all these issues.
Implementing a sandbox approach in health technology assessment: benefits and recommendations
Authors: Elvidge Jamie , Crabb Nick , Delnoij Diana , Knies Saskia , Lundin Douglas , Houÿez François , Röning Juha , Wang Junfeng , Jiu Li , Bennett Alastair , Zhang Yingying , Dawoud Dalia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The sandbox approach, developed in the financial technologies sector, creates an environment to collaboratively develop and test innovative new products, methods and regulatory approaches, separated from business as usual. It has been used in health care to encourage innovation in response to emerging challenges, but, until recently, has not been used in health technology assessment (HTA). This article summarizes our learnings from using the sandbox approach to address three challenges facing HTA organizations and to identify implications for the use of this approach in HTA.

Methods
We identified three challenging contemporary HTA-related topics to explore in a sandbox environment, away from the pressures and interests of “live” assessments. We convened a pool of 120 stakeholders and experts to participate in various sandbox activities and ultimately co-develop solutions to help HTA organizations respond to the identified challenges.

Results
Important general learnings about the potential benefits and implementation of a sandbox approach in HTA were identified. Consequently, we developed recommendations to guide its use, including how to implement an HTA sandbox in an effective way and the types of challenges for which it may be best suited.

Conclusions
For many HTA organizations, it is difficult to carefully consider emerging challenges and innovate their processes due to risks associated with decision errors and resource limitations. The sandbox approach could reduce these barriers. The potential benefits of addressing HTA challenges in a collaborative “safe space” are considerable.
A framework for improved collaboration on HTA in the Asia-Pacific region: a role for HTAsiaLink
Authors: Nugraha Ryan Rachmad , Suharlim Christian , Prawiranegara Rozar , Putra Arry Lesmana , Sayekti Mutia A. , Armansyah Armansyah , Masytoh Lusiana Siti , Saxena Sweta , Susanto Anastasia , Langerbrunner John C. , Rahmayanti Nurul Maretia , Choi Miyoung , Wiweko Budi , Hidayat Budi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Countries frequently use health technology assessment (HTA) to set priorities for introducing new interventions or evaluating existing interventions; however, applying the tool effectively is heavily dependent on a country’s resources and capacity. Infrastructure and data, technical expertise, broad stakeholder involvement, and financial support are required to improve HTA processes. In the Asia-Pacific, HTAsiaLink was established to facilitate this practice, but strengthening and legitimizing this organization are needed to maximize its potential to support HTA institutionalization in the region. To realize this objective, HTAsiaLink can serve as a center of excellence while providing experiential learning and sharing information. As a learning hub, HTAsiaLink can share resources—particularly data—that can contribute to joint HTAs as done in the European Union and strengthen capacity in countries needing to develop their HTA expertise.
Second language knowledge can influence native language performance in exclusively native contexts
Authors: Pelzl Eric , Jończyk Rafał , van Hell Janet G. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOver the past decades, bilingualism researchers have come to a consensus around a fairly strong view of nonselectivity in bilingual speakers, often citing Van Hell and Dijkstra (2002) as a critical piece of support for this position. Given the study’s continuing relevance to bilingualism and its strong test of the influence of a bilingual’s second language on their first language, we conducted an approximate replication of the lexical decision experiments in the original study (Experiments 2 and 3) using the same tasks and—to the extent possible—the same stimuli. Unlike the original study, our replication was conducted online with Dutch–English bilinguals (rather than in a lab with Dutch–English–French trilinguals). Despite these differences, results overall closely replicated the pattern of cognate facilitation effects observed in the original study. We discuss the replication of outcomes and possible interpretations of subtle differences in outcomes and make recommendations for future extensions of this line of research.
Characterisation of pathogenic Leptospira in invasive raccoons (Procyon lotor) in northeast and southwest France
Authors: Ayral Florence , Harran Elena , Fournier-Chambrillon Christine , Gautrelet Manon , Tourniaire Océane , Peutot Alexis , Groud Karine , Thenon Nathan , Fournier Pascal , Richomme Céline 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Although crucial to mitigate the disease risk, basic epidemiological information is lacking, such as the identities of Leptospira maintenance hosts. The raccoon (Procyon lotor), an alien invasive species in France, could pose a public health risk if it carries pathogenic Leptospira. We investigated the rate and type (selective vs. unselective) of Leptospira carriage in the two main raccoon populations in France. Out of the 141 raccoons collected, seven (5%) tested quantitative PCR positive, targeting lfb1 gene, based on kidney, lung, and urine samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of three different L. interrogans clusters. The results suggest that raccoons were more likely accidental hosts and made only a limited contribution to Leptospira maintenance.
Understanding behavioural drivers of iron and folic acid supplementation and vitamin A- and iron-rich food consumption among women and adolescent girls in Niger
Authors: Conrad Abigail , Burns Jen , Sherburne Lisa , Kaled Mamoudou Djibo , Souley Hadiara , Nielsen Jennifer 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective:
This study examined drivers and barriers to iron and folic acid supplementation and consumption of iron- and vitamin A-rich foods among women of reproductive age and adolescent girls in Niger.

Design:
This was an exploratory qualitative study using focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews.

Setting:
This study was conducted in the rural areas of three districts in Maradi and Zinder regions of southern Niger.

Participants:
The study included a purposive sample of 56 WRA (15–49 years), 34 non-pregnant adolescent girls (10–14 years), 105 family members and community leaders, 32 health workers and 12 national and regional level stakeholders.

Results:
Respondents demonstrated widespread knowledge of recommendations for iron and folic acid during pregnancy and had positive attitudes towards supplements. However, supply barriers were significant, and adherence was limited by side effects, among other constraints. Despite knowledge about and positive attitudes towards micronutrient-source foods, respondents reported that limited food access was an overriding constraint to increasing consumption. Women of reproductive age were seen as nutritionally vulnerable; however, husbands were often not able to provide sufficient nutritious food, and there was a cultural expectation that wives serve themselves food last. Adolescent girls were not seen as nutritionally vulnerable, and there was little family support for their consumption of nutritious foods.

Conclusions:
Projects should work with local actors to develop multi-pronged solutions that address supply and access barriers for iron and folic acid and micronutrient-rich foods and to improve social support for nutrition.
Design of a pHEMT RF mixer based on compact microstrip diplexer
Authors: Ali Firas M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This paper presents a new topology for a microwave active mixer using compact microstrip diplexer constituted from two dual-mode open loop resonators. The resonators are tuned to the radio frequency (RF) and local-oscillator (LO) frequencies, respectively, to effectively isolate the two input signals, while the diplexer output port is connected to the gate circuit of a commercial low cost GaAs pHEMT transistor. The drain circuit of the active device is connected to the load via an intermediate-frequency (IF)-modified Chebyshev low-pass filter to remove the unwanted RF and LO signals and reduce other spurious frequencies at the output of the mixer circuit. The circuit has been designed and constructed for an RF of 850 MHz, LO frequency of 1050 MHz, and an IF of 200 MHz. Experimental measurements show that the circuit provides a conversion gain of 18 dB at LO drive power of +2 dBm. It also operates satisfactorily over the RF range from 800 to 900 MHz with good image frequency rejection and stable operation.
Strategic States: The Congressional Roots of Federal Grant Applications
Authors: McLaughlin Peter T. , Finocchiaro Charles J. , Crespin Michael H. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWhile a large body of research explores the federal-level influences over distributive politics decisions, very little attention has been given to the active role state and local governments play in the geographic distribution of federal funds. Before presidents, legislators, and agency leaders can influence the selection of federal grants, state and local governments must expend time and resources to submit grant proposals. We focus on grant applications as our unit of analysis and advance a theory that congressional representation influences the grant application behavior of state and local governments. We analyze US Department of Transportation grant applications and awards from 2009 to 2022 and find evidence that congressional representation meaningfully influences state-level grant application behavior. States apply more aggressively for federal transportation grants when represented by senators in the Senate majority party, and states apply more efficiently for grants when represented by a senator holding an advantageous committee leadership post.
Updated Smoke Exposure Estimate for Indonesian Peatland Fires Using a Network of Low‐Cost PM2.5 Sensors and a Regional Air Quality Model
Authors: Graham Ailish M. , Spracklen Dominick V. , McQuaid James B. , Smith Thomas E. L. , Nurrahmawati Hanun , Ayona Devina , Mulawarman Hasyim , Adam Chaidir , Papargyropoulou Effie , Rigby Richard , Padfield Rory , Choiruzzad Shofwan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIndonesia accounts for more than one third of the world's tropical peatlands. Much of the peatland in Indonesia has been deforested and drained, meaning it is more susceptible to fires, especially during drought and El Niño events. Fires are most common in Riau (Sumatra) and Central Kalimantan (Borneo) and lead to poor regional air quality. Measurements of air pollutant concentrations are sparse in both regions contributing to large uncertainties in both fire emissions and air quality degradation. We deployed a network of 13 low‐cost PM2.5 sensors across urban and rural locations in Central Kalimantan and measured indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations during the onset of an El Niño dry season in 2023. During the dry season (September 1st to October 31st), mean outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were 136 μg m−3, with fires contributing 90 μg m−3 to concentrations. Median indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios were 1.01 in rural areas, considerably higher than those reported during wildfires in other regions of the world (e.g., USA), indicating housing stock in the region provides little protection from outdoor PM2.5. We combined WRF‐Chem simulated PM2.5 concentrations with the median fire‐derived I/O ratio and questionnaire results pertaining to participants' time spent I/O to estimate 1.62 million people in Central Kalimantan were exposed to unhealthy, very unhealthy and dangerous air quality (>55.4 μg m−3) during the dry season. Our work provides new information on the exposure of people in Central Kalimantan to smoke from fires and highlights the need for action to help reduce peatland fires.