bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fusion of visible and fluorescence imaging through deep neural network for color value prediction of pelletized red peppers
Authors: Ma Shaojin , Li Yongyu , Peng Yankun , Nie Sen , Wang Wei , Zhang Yuexiang 
Published: October 2024

AbstractA non‐destructive method for determining the color value of pelletized red peppers is crucial for pepper processing factories. This study aimed to investigate the potentiality of visible and fluorescence images for the determination of color value of pelletized red pepper. The imaging problem, caused by the cylindrical shape and irregular cross‐sectional features of the pelletized red peppers, was reduced through the extraction of an approximate plane region. To integrate the information in the visible and fluorescence images, a baseline convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture was designed and low level, middle level, and high level fusion models (denoted as LL‐CNN, ML‐CNN, and HL‐CNN, respectively) were developed upon the baseline CNN. The effects of input image size and color space were examined. According to the training result, CNN fusion models were developed using visible image in L*a*b* color space and fluorescence image in RGB color space using 56 × 56 input image size. Among the three types of CNN fusion models, the HL‐CNN obtained the best performance, resulting in Rv2 of 0.828 and RMSEV of 0.351. This study suggests that the fusion of visible and fluorescence image through CNN is a practical approach to save testing time and replace traditional destructive method. The low cost and compact structure of the imaging systems can maintain the commercial appeal of pepper industry.
Preventive regulation and corporate tax avoidance: Evidence from China
Authors: Yuan Qiaochao , Bai Jun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study examines whether and how preventive regulation impacts corporate tax avoidance in China, using the random inspection of accounting information quality (RIAIQ) by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) as a quasi‐natural experiment. Our staggered difference‐in‐differences estimates indicate that improving preventive regulation through the MOF's RIAIQ can inhibit corporate tax avoidance, especially for firms with tax issues, disclosed specific noncompliance amounts, stronger external supervision, lower marketisation level, and middle nominal tax rates. Mechanism tests demonstrate that preventive regulation diminishes corporate tax avoidance activities by mitigating managerial agency conflicts and intergovernmental agency conflicts in the decision‐making process. Our findings highlight the governance role of preventive regulation in constraining corporate tax avoidance.
Effects of wind farms on raptors: A systematic review of the current knowledge and the potential solutions to mitigate negative impacts
Authors: Estellés‐Domingo I. , López‐López P. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWind farms are a clean and efficient source of renewable energy. However, they cause negative impacts on raptors. Here, we present a review of the existing scientific literature on the effects of wind farms on raptors' ecology with a particular interest in the potential solutions. After collecting 216 studies, we found a consensus in the literature that raptors exhibit avoidance behaviors, and that the abundance of raptors decreases after wind farm installation, although it might recover over time. The position of wind farms on mountaintop ridges poses a particular danger to large soaring raptors, as they rely on orographic uplift to gain altitude. Adult mortality significantly affects population dynamics, particularly in endangered species, but young inexperienced individuals show a higher collision risk. The combination of different methods including field monitoring, GPS telemetry and systematic search for carcasses is an adequate approach to further investigate the problem and solutions. Shutdowns on demand, the installation of deterrents, turbine micro‐sitting and the repowering of wind farms have been suggested as potential solutions, although results are contradictory and case‐specific. Furthermore, it is essential to report the potential occurrence of conflicts of interest in scientific papers, as they can influence the interpretation of the results. Finally, from a future perspective, it is crucial to assess the effectiveness of solutions to mitigate the negative effects of wind farms to promote raptor conservation. This becomes increasingly relevant in the context of renewable energy development and increasing energy demand worldwide.
Late‐onset chylothorax after lung cancer surgery: clinical characteristics, management, and prevention
Authors: Chen Jindong , Huang Kaili , Yang Xue , Ye Lijuan , Wang Jia , Ma Yan , Tang Xiaojun , Deng Han‐Yu , Zhu Daxing 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical characteristics and management of late‐onset chylothorax after lung cancer surgery remained unknown. Here we aimed to provide evidence on the management of late‐onset chylothorax by analysis of several cases with the largest sample size.MethodsWe retrospectively collected clinical data of patients who developed late‐onset chylothorax after lung cancer surgery and were re‐admitted by a single surgeon in our center from 2016 to 2022. The clinical characteristics and management for these patients were analysed. The role of Hem‐o‐lok clipping after lymphadenectomy in preventing late‐onset chylothorax was further explored by comparing the surgical outcomes between treated group and control group.ResultA total of six patients who were re‐admitted for late‐onset chylothorax after lung cancer surgery were included for analysis. The mean age of them was 60.7 years old. The symptom of late‐onset chylothorax was mainly dyspnea and cough and the diagnosis was all made by Sudan III staining between postoperative day 17 to 42. All patients were firstly treated with thoracocentesis and low‐fat diet with intravenous nutrition. Four patients were successfully managed with low‐fat diet and thoracocentesis, while the other two patients were further managed with pleurodesis with 50% glucose fluid solution. We found a significantly decreased risk of late‐onset chylothorax in the treated group with improved procedure of applying Hem‐o‐lok clipping after lymphadenectomy than in the control group (0% versus 2.6%, P < 0.01).ConclusionLate‐onset chylothorax after lung cancer surgery was a rare and negligible complication, which may usually be managed by non‐surgical methods. Hem‐o‐lok clipping during lymphadenectomy seemed to be an effective method to prevent late‐onset chylothorax after lung cancer surgery.
Settler Midwifery: A Colonial Tool in Canada's Reproductive Healthcare System
Authors: Murdock Melanie , Durant Sarah 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe land we call Canada is a settler colonial country where reproductive healthcare is used as a mechanism to control, subjugate, and erase Indigenous people and to advance the White settler state. Healthcare providers play an integral role in the healthcare system and contribute to Canada's colonization. In this piece, we critically analyze how settler midwifery is complicit with colonialism in reproductive healthcare by exploring the history of midwifery in Canada, midwifery education, and contemporary settler midwifery.DiscussionEuropean settlers omitted the history of Indigenous midwifery in Canada and to justify their erasure, they conceptualized Indigenous Peoples as uncivilized and their birthing practices as substandard. To establish a colonial healthcare system, settler midwives replaced traditional Indigenous birth attendants. When midwifery became regulated, midwives were required to train in formal post‐secondary institutions that sustain colonial logics, systems, and practices. Midwifery education programs maintain colonialism by reinforcing medicalized Western practices and sustaining barriers to the growth of Indigenous midwifery. As a result, Western birthing practices are widespread among settler midwives and Indigenous Peoples face barriers to comprehensive and culturally sensitive care. To decolonize Canadian midwifery, we must dismantle stereotypes about Indigenous Peoples and their birthing practices in historical narratives, implement an anti‐colonial approach to midwifery education, support Indigenous midwives in returning birth home, and improve the provision of culturally sensitive care.ConclusionSettler midwifery in Canada is complicit in colonialism; building anti‐colonial alliances can help support Indigenous midwives in leading a decolonial future for reproduction and birthing.
Using the balance sheet framework for monetary analysis: The case of China
Authors: Li Wenzhe 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMonetary analysis has been out of fashion lately. However recent economic and inflation dynamics call for renewed attention. Since 2021, broad money growth has been associated with high inflation and overheated production. Central banks and academia should pay more attention to monetary analysis to understand the economic dynamics and formulate better monetary policy. This article briefly reviews the monetary analysis practices of major central banks and then focuses on China as a case study. We set out the features of the balance sheet of depository corporations, and use it as a basic framework for monetary analysis. There are seven money‐supply channels of broad money, which fluctuate because of seasonality, demand conditions, regulation, and financial institutions micro‐managing indicators. Any change of broad money will be reflected through the balance sheet. Applications include analysing long‐term evolution of money supply channels, analysing and predicting monetary growth, recording major financial incidents, and so forth.
Economic growth by catch‐up nations in an age of neo‐protectionism and smart automation
Authors: Gur Nurullah 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe global economic landscape has recently undergone significant changes, marked by the rise of neo‐protectionist policies and the emergence of a new techno‐economic paradigm driven by smart automation technologies such as artificial intelligence and robots. Advanced nations have increasingly used neo‐protectionism and smart automation technologies to address their structural problems. These policies will inevitably trigger changes in global supply chains and trade networks. This could undermine the competitive advantages of catch‐up nations, and an economic growth strategy centred on foreign direct investments. While these changes in the global economy may have negative impacts on the economic progress of some catch‐up countries, they may open new windows of opportunity for others. This article examines the challenges and opportunities for catch‐up nations in an era of neo‐protectionism and smart automation technologies.
Diversity of Mycorrhizal Types Along Altitudinal Gradients in the Tropical Andes
Authors: Rendón Espinosa Miguel Ángel , Bottin Marius , Sanchez Adriana , Vargas Carlos , Raz Lauren , Corrales Adriana 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAimMycorrhizal fungi play key roles in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. The main types of mycorrhizal associations are arbuscular mycorrhizae, ectomycorrhizae, ericoid mycorrhizae and orchid mycorrhizae. Previous studies have shown that the abundance of plants with different types of mycorrhizal associations change gradually along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients driven by the effects of climate and soil nutrients. We aimed to understand how altitude and climatic and soil variables shape the distribution patterns of tropical plant mycorrhizal types and nitrogen‐fixing plants along altitudinal gradients in the Andes.LocationColombian Andean mountain range.Time PeriodPresent day.Major Taxa StudiedPlants (vascular and non‐vascular).MethodsWe used a herbarium plant records database and assigned mycorrhizal type to each plant species based on the available literature. Bioclimatic and soil variables were also compiled at a resolution of 10 km. We calculated the proportion of each mycorrhizal association type per grid cell and created a diversity index to explore their spatial distribution and association with abiotic factors based on LMs.ResultsThe diversity of mycorrhizal associations increased with altitude and peaked around 3000 m, in an ecotone belt known as the subpáramo recognised by the high abundance of Ericaceae species. Soil carbon stock and soil total nitrogen were also positively correlated with the diversity of mycorrhizal types. Moreover, the abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal plants was highest at low elevations and increased with the proportion of nitrogen‐fixing plants per cell.Main ConclusionsOur results indicate that mycorrhizal associations gradually change along altitudinal gradients in the tropical Andes. Climatic factors and the interactions between climatic and edaphic factors have the greatest explanatory power to predict the distribution of types of mycorrhizal associations along the altitudinal gradient. Based on these results we expect that climate change could potentially alter the distribution of mycorrhizal types in tropical mountains with unknown consequences for ecosystem functions.
Identification and characterization of an enhancer element regulating expression of Cdkn1c (p57 gene)
Authors: Koga Daisuke , Nakayama Shogo , Higa Tsunaki , Nakayama Keiichi I. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe mammalian p57 protein is a member of the CIP/KIP family of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors and plays an essential role in the development of multiple tissues during embryogenesis as well as in the maintenance of tissue stem cells in adults. Although several transcription factors have been implicated in regulating the p57 gene, cis‐elements such as enhancers that regulate its expression have remained ill‐defined. Here we identify a candidate enhancer for the mouse p57 gene (Cdkn1c) within an intron of the Kcnq1 locus by 4C‐seq analysis in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Deletion of this putative enhancer region with the CRISPR‐Cas9 system or its suppression by CRISPR interference resulted in a marked attenuation of Cdkn1c expression in differentiating mESCs. Our results thus suggest that this region may serve as an enhancer for the p57 gene during early mouse embryogenesis.
Mixed‐alkali effect in the thermal collapse and melting kinetics of Zeolite X
Authors: Azar Ayda Nemati Vesali , Duval Alexis , Wondraczek Lothar 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe thermal stability of zeolites underlies their many applications. Structural collapse usually occurs through a series of reactions, involving an initial low‐density amorphous state (LDA), a high‐density melt (HDA), and, eventually, a dense recrystallization product. The LDA–HDA transition resembles a glass melting process; the HDA phase can sometimes be quenched into a glass. Using isothermal as well as nonisothermal in situ observation methodology on the faujasitic zeolite X and its potassium‐for‐sodium ion‐exchanged derivatives, we find a pronounced mixed‐alkali effect in the characteristic nonisothermal transition temperatures as well as in the isothermal reaction timescale of the LDA–HDA transition. The latter is taken as being directly related to the viscosity of the liquid into which the zeolite framework is melting; the apparent viscosity associated with this melting process was found to reach as high as 1015 Pa.s at 740°C. The observed mixed‐alkali effect is similar to the one observed in the dynamics of common oxide glasses and their corresponding melts.
Impact of skin biopsy practices: A comprehensive nationwide study on skin cancer and melanoma biopsies
Authors: Nervil G. G. , Vestergaard T. , Klausen S. , Tolsgaard M. G. , Ternov N. K. , Hölmich L. R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundDue to a multitude of factors, skin cancer incidence is increasing and challenges medical professionals in biopsy decision‐making. While skin cancer may have a profound impact on the patient and be costly for society, there is little knowledge about the number and cost of benign skin lesions biopsied as collateral damage.ObjectivesThis study evaluates the number and costs of skin biopsies in Denmark over 15 years, focusing on benign and malignant skin lesions and melanomas across medical settings. It aims to determine the benign to malignant ratio (BMR) and number needed to biopsy (NNB) and estimate the direct cost of benign skin lesion biopsies in the Cancer Pathway from the perspective of a public healthcare system.MethodsThe study included 4,481,207 biopsy specimens from January 2007 to June 2022 from the Danish Pathology Data Bank, of which 151,988 from the Cancer Pathway were included in the primary analysis of BMR. The national reimbursement rates for biopsies were used, alongside histopathological examination costs extracted from several pathology departments, for a Monte‐Carlo simulation of a simple cost and sensitivity analysis.ResultsThe number of biopsies increased by 39.1% from 2007 to 2021. Overall BMR for malignancy was 4.1:1, and NNB for melanoma was 31.8, but biopsies performed on clinical suspicion of malignancy or melanoma had a BMR and NNB of 1.5:1 and 2.8, respectively. The cost of benign skin biopsies performed on suspicion of cancer or melanoma in 2021 was €6.6M, predominantly in hospitals.ConclusionA healthcare system that employs filtering functions before biopsy of skin lesions can achieve some of the lowest BMR reported in the world, but with most benign skin lesion excisions due to suspicion of malignancy performed in the expensive hospital setting. Including clinical reason for biopsy in diagnostic accuracy studies using NNB is crucial.
FibroScan‐AST score for diagnosing fibrotic MASH: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies
Authors: Malandris Konstantinos , Arampidis Dimitrios , Mainou Maria , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Karagiannis Thomas , Nayfeh Tarek , Liakos Aris , Sinakos Emmanouil , Tsapas Apostolos , Bekiari Eleni 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and AimFollowing the approval of the first agent for the management of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH), identification of patients with fibrotic MASH (MASH with NAS ≥ 4 and fibrosis stage ≥ 2) is crucial. We assessed the performance of FibroScan‐aspartate aminotransferase (AST) score (FAST) for ruling in/out fibrotic MASH.MethodsWe searched Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and gray literature sources up to January 11, 2024. Studies were eligible if they assessed the accuracy of FAST score for the detection of fibrotic MASH using biopsy as the reference standard at previously reported thresholds (FAST ≥ 0.67 for ruling‐in and ≤ 0.35 for ruling‐out fibrotic MASH). We calculated pooled sensitivity and specificity estimates for FAST thresholds alongside 95% confidence intervals following bivariate random‐ effects models. We assessed the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework.ResultsWe included 16 studies with 8838 participants. A FAST score ≥ 0.67 yielded a pooled specificity of 0.87 (0.82–0.90) while a FAST score ≤ 0.35 yielded a summary sensitivity of 0.88 (0.83–0.91). At a prevalence of 30%, the positive predictive value for ruling‐in fibrotic MASH was 60% while the negative predictive value for ruling‐out the target condition was 91%. AST levels, cirrhosis prevalence, and number of pathologists reviewing biopsies were sources of heterogeneity among studies. The certainty of evidence was low to very low.ConclusionsFAST score can be used as a triage test for ruling out fibrotic MASH. Nevertheless, its low positive predictive value necessitates sequential testing for ruling‐in fibrotic MASH.
Feline blood donation: Description and adverse reactions from 29 201 donation events between 2019 and 2023
Authors: Taylor Samantha S. , Ferreira Helena C.M. , Cambra André F.P. , Lo Iacono Giovanni , Jeevaratnam Kamalan , Mesa‐Sanchez Ignacio , Ferreira Rui R.F. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundFeline blood transfusion is required for the treatment of various illnesses in cats, and the safety of donor cats is vital. Donor adverse reactions can include cardiorespiratory, venepuncture‐related, and behavioral abnormalities.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo describe a large number of feline blood donation events and document use of sedation and anxiolysis, record volume of blood collected and describe the frequency, type, and risk factors for, adverse reactions.AnimalsThe study included 7812 individual cats and 29 201 donation events at a blood banking center over 5 years.MethodsRetrospective analysis of donation event records with signalment, donation volume, sedation status, donation number, and adverse reactions (acute and caregiver reported) recorded. Risk factors for adverse reactions were examined by stratifying data according to groups exposed to relevant predictors and calculating odds ratios with 95% and 99% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsAdverse reactions were uncommon (0.29%, 2.88/1000 donor events) and most commonly were cardiorespiratory (0.08%, 0.75/1000 donor events) or behavioral (0.06%, 0.62/1000 donor events). The only risk factor significantly associated with adverse reactions was conscious donation, with conscious donors 4.4 times more likely to have an adverse reaction (95% CI, 2.5‐7.9, P ≤ .0001).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceFeline blood donation is associated with a low rate of adverse reactions. Sedation should be considered to reduce adverse reactions, and the environment and interactions optimized to reduce donor stress. Caregiver education on care postdonation could reduce behavioral adverse reactions.
Rivers and spatial distance are drivers of genetic diversity in the south American dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus)
Authors: Vasconcelos B. D. , Camurugi F. , Mudrek J. R. , Brandão R. A. , Santana D. J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe distribution of species and the way that lineages are structured are the result of intrinsic historical processes of the species and their relationships with landscape features. Paleosuchus palpebrosus is one of the smallest crocodilians in the world and has a wide geographic distribution in South America, occurring in different habitats. Here, we analyzed mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences of 227 individuals, investigated how elements of landscape heterogeneity impact genetic differentiation, and evaluated the evolutionary and phylogeographic history of the species. Thus, we hypothesized that landscape structures, such as aridity and slope, should act as resistance surfaces to population connectivity, while rivers could mediate the dispersion of the species as a conductor of the gene flow. The analyses recovered three main lineages of P. palpebrosus. While most of the observed genetic variation was explained by geographic resistance distance, river connectivity had a smaller contribution for the observed variation. We also found a recent history with limited genetic divergence throughout the wide distribution of the species. Our findings highlight the main drivers for the evolutionary history of the species and how landscape features can shape the diversification, especially if we consider rivers as a facilitator of gene flow.