bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bio-control of soil-borne virus infection by seed application of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract and the rhamnolipid Rhapynal
Authors: Fomitcheva Viktoria , Strauch Claudia J. , Bonse Sabine , Bauer Petra , Kühne Thomas , Niehl Annette 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Main conclusion
Seed-application of the natural products protects sugar beet and wheat plants against infection with plasmodiophorid-transmitted viruses and thus may represent an efficient, environmentally friendly, easy and cost effective biocontrol strategy.

Abstract
In times of intensive agriculture, resource shortening and climate change, alternative, more sustainable and eco-friendly plant protection strategies are required. Here, we tested the potential of the natural plant substances Glycyrrhiza glabra leaf extract (GE) and the rhamnolipid Rhapynal (Rha) applied to seeds to protect against infection of sugar beet and wheat with soil-borne plant viruses. The soil-borne Polymyxa betae- and Polymyxa graminis-transmitted viruses cause extensive crop losses in agriculture and efficient control strategies are missing. We show that GE and Rha both efficiently protect plants against infection with soil-borne viruses in sugar beet and wheat when applied to seeds. Moreover, the antiviral protection effect is independent of the cultivar used. No protection against Polymyxa sp. was observed after seed treatment with the bio-substances at our analysis time points. However, when we applied the bio-substances directly to soil a significant anti-Polymyxa graminis effect was obtained in roots of barley plants grown in the soil as well as in the treated soil. Despite germination can be affected by high concentrations of the substances, a range of antiviral protection conditions with no effect on germination were identified. Seed-treatment with the bio-substances did not negatively affect plant growth and development in virus-containing soil, but was rather beneficial for plant growth. We conclude that seed treatment with GE and Rha may represent an efficient, ecologically friendly, non-toxic, easy to apply and cost efficient biocontrol measure against soil-borne virus infection in plants.
The impact of facility type on surgical outcomes in colon cancer patients: analysis of the national cancer database
Authors: Shustak Ashley , Horesh Nir , Emile Sameh Hany , Garoufalia Zoe , Gefen Rachel , Salama Ebram , Sharp Stephen , Wexner Steven D. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
The type of facility where patients with colon cancer are treated may play a significant role in their outcomes. We aimed to investigate the influence of facility types included in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) on surgical outcomes of colon cancer.

Methods
Retrospective cohort analysis of all patients with stage I–III colon cancer included in the NCDB database between 2010 and 2019 was performed. Patients were grouped based on facility type: Academic/Research Programs (ARP), Community Cancer Programs (CCP), Comprehensive Community Cancer Programs (CCCP), and Integrated Network Cancer Programs (INCP). Study outcomes included overall survival, 30- and 90-day mortality, 30-day readmission and conversion to open surgery.

Results
125,935 patients were included with a median age of 68.7 years (50.5% females). Most tumors were in the right colon (50.6%). Patient were distributed among facility types as ARP (n = 34,321, 27%), CCP (n = 12,692, 10%), CCCP (n = 54,356, 43%), and INCP (n = 24,566, 19%). In terms of surgical approach, laparoscopy was more commonly used in ARP (46%) (p < 0.001). Laparotomy was more common in CCP (58.7%) (p < 0.001), and conversely, CCP had the least amount of robotic surgery (3.9%) (p < 0.001). Median overall survival was highest in ARP (129 months, 95% CI 127.4–134.1) and lowest in CCP (103.7 months, 95% CI 100.1–106.7) (p < 0.001). Conversion rates were comparable between ARP (12%), CCCP (12%) and INCP (11.8%) but were higher in CCP (15.5%) (p < 0.001). 30-day readmission rates and 30-day mortality rates were significantly lower in ARP compared to other facility types (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Our findings display differences in surgical outcomes of colon cancer patients among facility types. The findings suggest better outcomes in terms of operative access and survival at ARP as compared to other facilities. These findings underscore the importance of understanding facility-specific factors that may influence patient outcomes and can guide resource allocation and targeted interventions for improving colon cancer care.
Socioeconomic inequalities in patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction in the North-West of England, UK: a three-centre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shrestha Donna , Bampouras Theodoros M. , Shelton Clifford L. , Slade Dominic , Subar Daren A. , Gaffney Christopher J. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Patients from deprived areas are more likely to experience longer waiting times for elective surgery, be multimorbid, and have inferior outcomes from elective and emergency surgery. This study aims to investigate how surgical outcomes vary by deprivation for patients undergoing elective abdominal wall reconstruction.

Methods
A three-centre retrospective cohort study was conducted across three hospitals in North-West England, including patients with complex ventral hernias undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction between 2013 and 2021. Demographic data, comorbidities, and index of multiple deprivation quintiles were recorded.

Results
234 patients (49.6% female), age 57 (SD 13) years, underwent elective abdominal wall reconstruction. Significantly higher unemployment rates were found in the most deprived quintiles (Q1 and Q2). There were more smokers in Q1 and Q2, but no significant deprivation related differences in BMI, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or ischaemic heart disease. There were also higher rates of Clavien-Dindo 1–2 complications in Q1 and Q5, but no difference in the Clavien-Dindo 3–4 outcomes. Patients in Q1 and Q5 had a significantly greater hospital length of stay.

Conclusion
The association between deprivation and greater unemployment and smoking rates highlights the potential need for equitable support in patient optimisation. The lack of differences in patient co-morbidities and hernia characteristics could represent the application of standardised operative criteria and thresholds. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between socioeconomic status, complications, and prolonged hospital length of stay.
Fast algebraic multigrid for block-structured dense systems arising from nonlocal diffusion problems
Authors: Chen Minghua , Cao Rongjun , Serra-Capizzano Stefano 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAlgebraic multigrid (AMG) is one of the most efficient iterative methods for solving large structured systems of equations. However, how to build/check restriction and prolongation operators in practical AMG methods for nonsymmetric structured systems is still an interesting open question in its full generality. The present paper deals with the block-structured dense and Toeplitz-like-plus-cross systems, including nonsymmetric indefinite and symmetric positive definite (SPD) ones, arising from nonlocal diffusion problems. The simple (traditional) restriction operator and prolongation operator are employed in order to handle such block-structured dense and Toeplitz-like-plus-cross systems, which are convenient and efficient when employing a fast AMG. We provide a detailed proof of the two-grid convergence of the method for the considered SPD structures. The numerical experiments are performed in order to verify the convergence with a computational cost of only $$\mathscr {O}(N \text{ log } N)$$

O
(
N

log

N
)

arithmetic operations, by exploiting the fast Fourier transform, where N is the number of the grid points. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first contribution regarding Toeplitz-like-plus-cross linear systems solved by means of a fast AMG.
Vulnerability to extreme weather events: mapping future hazards in Wielkopolska region, Poland
Authors: Pińskwar Iwona , Choryński Adam , Graczyk Dariusz 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study is to assess future hazards due to extreme meteorological events in the Wielkopolska region, Poland, based on five climate model projections and three scenarios: SSP126, 370, and 585. The paper analyzes the changes of mean and extreme precipitation, mean and extreme temperatures, and humidity index, as well as changes in difference between maximum temperatures observed from day to day and changes in difference between mean atmospheric pressure at the sea level observed from day to day. Additionally, we look at possible future occurrence of wildfires due to changes in fire weather conditions. Based on climate model projections, future hazard due to extreme meteorological events in Wielkopolska region is to be more serious and will be most noticeable in the end of twenty-first century and for two higher scenarios: SSP370 and SSP585. For near future, 2021–2050, projected conditions of meteorological extremes for analyzed scenarios are quite consistent. Therefore, there is a strong need for implementing adaptation actions. Nevertheless, such activities are so far lacking, and several adaptation options are not present in local and national legislation, even though they are recognized as effective.
Utility of serum uric acid levels in excluding pulmonary hypertension in severe chronic lung disease: insights from a tertiary care center
Authors: Izhakian Shimon , Gorenshtein Alon , Engelstein Haya , Freidkin Lev , Rosengarten Dror , Eldar Ofir , Kramer Mordechai R. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHyperuricemia is a known predictor of World Health Organization (WHO) Group 1 pulmonary hypertension (PH) (pulmonary arterial hypertension), but its role in excluding PH secondary to chronic lung diseases (WHO Group 3) remains unclear. We retrospectively analyzed data from 323 patients with severe chronic pulmonary diseases who underwent evaluation for lung transplantation at a tertiary medical center between June 2017 and February 2023. We examined the association between hyperuricemia (serum uric acid > 6 mg/dL or > 0.357 mmol/L) and PH [mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) > 20 mmHg]. Compared to the normouricemia group (n = 211), hyperuricemic patients (n = 112) were more likely to be younger (P = 0.02), male (P < 0.001), and present with PH (P = 0.001) and severe PH (MPAP > 35 mmHg; P < 0.001). These patients also had a higher body mass index (P = 0.004), plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (P < 0.001), serum creatinine (P < 0.001), and C-reactive protein levels (P = 0.03). Significant associations with PH included higher body mass index (P = 0.005), uric acid levels (P < 0.001), total lung capacity (P = 0.02), and residual volume (P = 0.01); shorter 6-min walk test distance (P = 0.005); and lower forced expiratory volume in one second (P = 0.006) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed elevated uric acid levels remained significantly associated with PH (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.05–1.58, P = 0.01). In conclusion, normal serum uric acid levels serve as a significant predictor for excluding pulmonary hypertension in patients with severe chronic lung diseases.
The effects of myocardial bridging on two-dimensional myocardial strain during dobutamine stress echocardiography
Authors: Ballo Haitham , Uusitalo Valtteri , Pietilä Mikko , Wendelin-Saarenhovi Maria , Saraste Markku , Knuuti Juhani , Saraste Antti 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMyocardial bridging (MB) is a common anatomic variant in coronary arteries with unclear functional significance. We evaluated regional myocardial strain by speckle tracking during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in patients with MB in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). We studied 11 patients with MB in the LAD and no obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), 7 patients without MB, but obstructive CAD in the LAD, and 12 controls without MB or obstructive CAD. MB was defined as either > 1 mm (superficial) or > 2 mm (deep) intramyocardial course of the LAD in coronary CT angiography. Regional longitudinal, radial and circumferential strains and strain rates as well as post-systolic strain index (PSI) were measured at rest, peak stress, and early recovery (1 min after stress). Strain parameters during DSE were similar in the myocardium distal to MB and other myocardial regions of the same patients as well as the LAD territory in controls. However, patients with obstructive CAD showed impaired LS and strain rate as well as increased PSI at peak stress. None of the MB was associated with systolic compression in invasive coronary angiography and strain parameters were similar between superficial and deep MB. Stress myocardial blood flow by positron emission tomography correlated with LS and RS at peak stress in the myocardium distal to MB (r = − 0.73, p = 0.03, and r = 0.64, p = 0.04, respectively). Myocardial strain is not reduced during DSE in patients with MB in the LAD and no significant systolic compression.
Towards a foundation large events model for soccer
Authors: Mendes-Neves Tiago , Meireles Luís , Mendes-Moreira João 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis paper introduces the Large Events Model (LEM) for soccer, a novel deep learning framework for generating and analyzing soccer matches. The framework can simulate games from a given game state, with its primary output being the ensuing probabilities and events from multiple simulations. These can provide insights into match dynamics and underlying mechanisms. We discuss the framework’s design, features, and methodologies, including model optimization, data processing, and evaluation techniques. The models within this framework are developed to predict specific aspects of soccer events, such as event type, success likelihood, and further details. In an applied context, we showcase the estimation of xP+, a metric estimating a player’s contribution to the team’s points earned. This work ultimately enhances the field of sports event prediction and practical applications and emphasizes the potential for this kind of method.
Changes of bacterial versus fungal community composition along a forest degradation gradient of logged-over tropical rain forests, and their consequences on soil enzyme activities in Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Jiang Linzi , Ushio Masayuki , Imai Nobuo , Sugau John , Kitayama Kanehiro 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background and aim
Soil bacterial and fungal communities play different but mutually interrelated roles in releasing enzymes that catalyze organic matter decomposition. In Malaysian Borneo, decreasing litter inputs caused by forest degradation lead to reductions in soil organic carbon (SOC) and C/N ratio. Enzyme activities also decrease with forest degradation. However, it is unclear if/how changes in microbial community compositions affect soil enzymes, despite their importance in ecosystem processes. We investigated how reduced SOC substrate affects microbial community compositions and further influences enzyme activities during forest degradation.

Methods
We used 16S and ITS amplicon sequencing and ergosterol extraction to derive microbial absolute and relative abundances. A principal coordinate analysis was performed on absolute abundances to analyze patterns of bacterial and fungal community compositions. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to investigate how SOC affects enzyme activities via microbial community compositions.

Results
Fungal community composition shifted more distinctly than bacterial community composition along the forest degradation gradient. SEM suggested that reduced SOC influenced bacterial and fungal community compositions, while fungal community composition affected activities of acid phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and leucine aminopeptidase.

Conclusion
Changes in fungal community composition may be due to different responses of fungal phyla to changing quality of bulk soil organic matter with decreasing litter input during forest degradation. Variations in fungal community composition subsequently induced changes in enzyme activities. By contrast, bacterial community composition did not change because labile organic matter of bacterial substrates was available throughout degradation course, particularly such matter being supplied as fungal decomposition by-products.
Need for reform in AAOIFI standards on murabaha financing: evidence from Islamic Banks in Pakistan
Authors: Bhatti Maria , Saleem Muhammad Shujaat , Mansor Fadillah 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis paper addresses the need for reform in AAOIFI standards on murabaha financing, providing a legal analysis and examining compliance by Islamic banks in Pakistan with AAOIFI Shariah Standard No. (8). Through qualitative research involving face-to-face interviews and content analysis, primary data was collected and analyzed using NVivo software. The findings reveal that Islamic banks in Pakistan do not fully comply with AAOIFI Shariah Standard No. (8), specifically regarding the arrangement fee outlined in clause 2/4/4. Additionally, a contradiction is identified between Shariah Standard No. (24) (clause: 7(1)) and Shariah Standard No. (8) (clause: 2/4/4), as the former permits the charging of an arrangement fee while the latter does not. It’s important to note that this study focuses exclusively on murabaha financing as a debt-based product of Islamic banks and is conducted in Karachi, the financial capital of Pakistan, with respondents including Shariah advisors, assistant Shariah advisors, and bank managers from Islamic banks. The findings contribute to the significance of standardizing the international Islamic banking system and recommend reforms in AAOIFI Standards to foster a harmonized and uniform practice among Islamic banks in Pakistan. This research paper provides valuable insights into contemporary Islamic banking practices, assisting the State Bank of Pakistan in evaluating AAOIFI compliance. Additionally, it helps shape the public’s perception of Islamic banks’ adherence to Islamic principles and offers potential guidance for future research in various jurisdictions.
Social Background Effects on Educational Outcomes—New Insights from Modern Genetic Science
Authors: Baier Tina , Lyngstad Torkild Hovde 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSociological theory and empirical research have found that parents’ socioeconomic status and related resources affect their children’s educational outcomes. Findings from behavior genetics reveal genetic underpinnings of the intergenerational transmission of education, thus altering previous conclusions about purely environmental transmission mechanisms. In recent years, studies in molecular genetics have led to new insights. Genomic data, polygenic scores, and other facets of sociogenomics are increasingly used to advance research in social stratification. Notably, the 2018 discovery of “genetic nurture” suggested that parents’ genes influence children above and beyond the genes they directly transmitted to their children. Such indirect genetic effects can be interpreted as consequences of parental behavior, which is itself influenced by the parents’ genetics and is essential for their children’s environment. Indirect genetic effects fit hand in glove with the sociological literature because they represent environmental transmission mechanisms. For instance, parenting behaviors, which are partly influenced by parents’ genes, shape children’s home environments and possibly their later educational outcomes. However, current findings based on more sophisticated research designs demonstrate that “genetic nurture” effects are actually much smaller than initially assumed and hence call for a reevaluation of common narratives found in the social stratification literature. In this paper, we review recent developments and ongoing research integrating molecular genetics to study educational outcomes, and we discuss their implications for sociological stratification research.
Sources of Sexual Knowledge and Information, and Sexual Attitudes of Men: A Narrative Synthesis of the Literature
Authors: Ndasi Darlene Mwende , Nunfam Victor Fannam , Adusei-Asante Kwadwo , Grobbelaar Madalena , Van Ha Anh Vo 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study sought to synthesise evidence on the sources of sexual knowledge and information and relationship with sexual attitudes of cis men. From a review of existing literature, five categories were obtained from 11 studies and grouped into three syntheses: (1) sources of sexual knowledge and information, (2) sexual attitudes and (3) the relationship between sources of sexual knowledge and information and sexual attitudes. Sex research relation to sexual knowledge and attitudes of cis men is scant across the globe. Men desire reliable sexual information despite peers and online media being more readily available with consequences for sexual attitudes that impact on sexuality of men. We posit that research, sex education, sexological practice and policy intervention are necessary to avail knowledge that provides reliable sexual knowledge and information to men for safe sexual decision making.
Sticky feet: a tribological study of climbing shoe rubber
Authors: Elkington Robert J. , Armitage Josh L. , Khan Thawhid , Bryant Michael G. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study examines the tribological properties of climbing shoe rubbers, challenging the common belief in the climbing community that softer rubbers are inherently grippier. This study investigates the mechanical and wear characteristics of climbing shoe rubbers by employing a high-precision modular mechanical testing environment (Bruker UMT TriboLab) and representative granite counter-surfaces. Key parameters, including surface roughness, Shore A hardness, interfacial adhesion, static and dynamic friction coefficients, and material wear patterns, were analyzed. The mechanical properties of each rubber compound were characterized through Shore A hardness testing and ball indentation–retraction tests, measuring indentation force, energy, and adhesive properties. Sliding friction tests, simulating real climbing conditions, were conducted to understand the tribological behavior of each rubber compound under different loads, further analyzing static and dynamic friction coefficients and wear characteristics. The findings of this study indicate that rubber performance is a convolution of several factors, including material hardness, surface roughness, and interfacial adhesion. Contrary to popular belief, softer rubbers did not consistently exhibit superior tribological characteristics. The findings of this study suggest that climbing shoe selection and design should consider a broader range of material characteristics beyond hardness, emphasizing the role of surface roughness and adhesion in determining overall frictional performance. This research offers valuable insights for the climbing community, providing methodologies to benchmark climbing rubber material characteristics.