bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
E-motional Landscapes: Marriage and Custody Litigation in Nigeria, 1940s–1960s
Authors: Chapdelaine Robin P. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In this article I examine socio-cultural landscapes where personal relationships are formed, fractured and underscored by physical movement across space. I explore court cases brought forth in South-Eastern Nigeria from the 1940s to the 1960s to settle betrothal, marriage, and custody disputes. I argue that these cases represent patterns of e-motion, a form of migration triggered by family decisions, third party interlocutors, emotional bonds and asperity. Using court case testimony transcripts, court petitions, domestic violence complaints, personal letters, unpublished memoirs and other documents, I show how Nigerians sought legal assistance from district courts when local native courts failed to satisfy the aggrieved. This article highlights how family and social expectations shaped and limited migratory practices for subaltern women and girls, resulting in e-motional landscapes. Engendered by emotional stress, rage, fear and violence, which ultimately shaped their livelihoods.
Effect of seasonality and pretreatment of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste for black soldier fly larvae production
Authors: Jucker C. , Savoldelli S. , Colombini S. , Malabusini S. , Cesari V. , Toschi I. , Pavesi M. , Scaglia B. , Papa G. , D’Imporzano G. , Adani F. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This study investigated the potential of using the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) as a rearing substrate for black soldier fly larvae (BSF). Samples of OFSMW were collected in Italy in four different seasons of the year and fed untreated or pulped to the larvae. The larvae successfully grew on OFMSW with minimal impact from either season or pretreatment (pulped vs untreated). Notably, all treatments achieved high larval survival rates (above 89.2%) and a development time within 11 days. Season and pretreatment influenced the chemical composition of the OFMSW (e.g. higher carbohydrates and organic matter in untreated samples). Compared to BSF grown on pulped samples, larvae grown on untreated samples had higher lipid (34.4 vs 28.5% DM), organic matter (90.7 vs 83.6% DM) and apparent metabolizable energy (22.0 vs 15.3 MJ/kg DM) contents. In vitro protein digestibility (%) varied by season, reaching the highest values in autumn (78.6%); moreover, the crude protein digestibily of BSF reared on untreated samples was lower than that on pulped samples (68.8 vs 73.3%). The chitin content was not affected by pretreatment or season (on average 5.45% on DM). Overall, the study demonstrates the feasibility of the use of OFMSW for BSF larvae production. Nevertheless, observed variability in larval nutrient composition highlights the need for process optimization to ensure consistent larval characteristics.
How Does Technology Affect the Performance of Small and Medium Farms in Tanzania?
Authors: John Yuslida 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The scholarly nature of this work assessed the implications of the adopted digital technology through diffusion innovation theory on the improvement of small and medium farmers. Through a cross-sectional research design and survey method, information was gathered from the sample of 293. Structural equation modeling by the software of amos version 21 indicated that only observation, can improve the performance of small and medium farmers in Tanzania. This is due to the complexity of the innovative technology among this group of farmers, which is associated with a lack of testing, which subsequently leads to incompatible systems. As technological adoption in various sectors of Tanzania has now become inevitable in all sectors, with no exception to the agricultural sector, more efforts by all stakeholders who are alarmed with this sector should not be relaxed. Policymakers and decision-makers have to understand various mechanisms that help small and medium farmers understand technological characteristics.
Intercomparisons of the Latest Precipitation Estimates from Satellite, Reanalysis, and Merged Products over Alaska
Authors: Song Yang , Behrangi Ali , Yong Bin , Wang Guoqing , Han Dawei , Zhang Yang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This study uses National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Stage IV (Stage IV) precipitation data over the state of Alaska to assess and cross compare precipitation estimates from the most recent versions of multiple precipitation products, including satellite-based passive microwave (PMW) [Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS)–F17, Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS)–MetOp-B, MHS–NOAA-19, Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2), Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS), and Global Precipitation Measurement Microwave Imager (GMI) in V05 and V07], active microwave [AMW or radar; Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) dual-frequency precipitation radar (DPR) in V06 and V07], combined active and passive microwave (DPRGMI in V06 and V07), infrared [Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)], reanalysis [fifth major global reanalysis produced by ECMWF (ERA5) and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2), and satellite–gauge [Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) V1.3 and GPCP V3.2] products. PMW estimates are generally improved in V07 compared to V05 in terms of overall bias, pattern, and capturing precipitation extremes. DPR and DPRGMI show low skill in capturing different precipitation features. ERA5 and MERRA-2 show the highest agreement with Stage IV for all precipitation rate metrics. AIRS and GPCP capture the overall precipitation pattern and magnitude fairly well, performing better than the radar and comparable to the PMW V07 products, although the geographical maps suggest that they provide a relatively smoothed spatial distribution of mean precipitation rates. The outcomes of this study shed light on the performance of various precipitation products over Alaska (partly representing high-latitude regions) and can be useful to guide the development of multisensor products.
Predictability of Severe Convective Storm Environments in Global Ensemble Forecast System, Version 12, Reforecasts
Authors: Berrington Andrew H. , Hoogewind Kimberly A. , Clark Adam J. , Taszarek Mateusz 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Prediction of severe convective storms at time scales of 2–4 weeks is of interest to forecasters and stakeholders due to their impacts on life and property. Prediction of severe convective storms on this time scale is challenging, since the large-scale weather patterns that drive this activity begin to lose dynamic predictability beyond week 1. Previous work related to severe convective storms on the subseasonal time scale has mostly focused on observed relationships with teleconnections. The skill of numerical weather prediction forecasts of convective-related variables has been comparatively less explored. In this study over the United States, a forecast evaluation of variables relevant in the prediction of severe convective storms is conducted using Global Ensemble Forecast System, version 12, reforecasts at lead times of up to 4 weeks. We find that kinematic and thermodynamic fields are predicted with skill out to week 3 in some cases, while composite parameters struggle to achieve meaningful skill into week 2. Additionally, using a novel method of weekly summations of daily maximum composite parameters, we suggest that the aggregation of certain variables may assist in providing additional predictability beyond week 1. These results should serve as a reference for forecast skill for the relevant fields and help inform the development of convective forecasting tools at time scales beyond current operational products.

Significance Statement
Prediction of severe weather beyond 1 week in advance is of interest to stakeholders given their impacts on life and property. In this study, we evaluate 20 years of forecast data generated by a numerical model ensemble to determine whether variables relevant in severe weather forecasts can be predicted in weeks 2–4. The variables with the best skill measures generally represent large-scale weather patterns that are more predictable on longer time scales, although some manipulation of other severe weather parameters yielded additional results. We suggest that the results found in this study can inform future work that assesses the predictability of severe weather in weeks 2–4 using more complex methods such as machine learning.
Red kratom and red corvette: A case of mania induced by kratom withdrawal
Authors: Abidali Mohammmad , St Victor Guitelle , Mashaly Shady , Dahal Pranab 
Published: September 2024

Background Kratom, derived from the Mitragyna speciose, a plant native to Southeast Asia, is a substance that is gaining popularity in the United States as a tool for self-medicating in opiate withdrawal and pain management. Its active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with various receptors in the body, resulting in a spectrum of clinical effects. Case A 56-year-old male with a history of depression and cannabis use disorder arrived at the emergency department in a state of severe agitation with erratic behavior and aggression. Further evaluation revealed a recent abrupt discontinuation of Kratom use. A psychiatric consultation was requested and performed by the consultation liaison team, diagnosing Kratom withdrawal as the most likely cause of his acute mania. Conclusions Neuropsychiatric symptoms arising from Kratom toxicity is a well-documented phenomenon. However, to our knowledge, this is the first documented case of acute mania induced by Kratom withdrawal.
Preparation of halogen-free flame retardant curing agent and its application in epoxy resin
Authors: Jiang Lei , Liang Bing , Long Jiapeng 
Published: September 2024

9,10-Dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide-N-Aminoethylpiperazine (DOPO-AEP), a phosphorus and nitrogen intumescent flame retardant curing agent was prepared by using acetonitrile as solvent using 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) and N-aminoethylpiperazine (AEP) as raw materials. The structure of the flame retardant curing agent DOPO-AEP was analyzed Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS), and the synthesis method of the target product was determined. In addition, the content of char residue was determined by thermogravimetric analyzer, and its thermal properties were comprehensively explored, and based on the obtained results, the curable epoxy resin was selected to prepare DOPO-AEP/EP flame retardant composites. According to the amount of DOPO-AEP added product, different proportions of DOPO-AEP/EP flame retardant composites were prepared, and the actual impact of flame retardant properties and mechanical properties of epoxy resin in different proportions was explored. When the content of DOPO-AEP is 35%, the limiting oxygen index of DOPO-AEP/EP reaches 29.9, which has a significant increase compared with the limiting oxygen index of pure epoxy resin of 19.8, but compared with the content of DOPO-AEP of 30%, the limiting oxygen index of DOPO-AEP/EP is 28.7, and there is no significant increase change. Comprehensive analysis shows that when the component content of DOPO-AEP is 30%, the flame retardant system has a tensile strength of 29.0 MPa, an impact strength of 4.5Kj/m2 and a flexural strength of 73.9 MPa, and its limiting oxygen index is as high as 28.7, and the comprehensive performance of the system is the best. By testing the surface morphology of the flame retardant composites after combustion by SEM, it was found that a dense char layer was formed on the surface of the epoxy resin cured char residue and foamed obviously, indicating that the flame retardant curing performance of DOPO-AEP was good.
Molluscum contagiosum is associated with atopic dermatitis and sexually transmitted infections in a matched case-control study using a national database
Authors: Hill Rachel C. , Parikh Aarushi K. , Lipner Shari R. 
Published: September 2024

Background Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a poxvirus that manifests as firm, smooth, dome-shaped, umbilicated, flesh-colored papules. In adults, MC is commonly spread by sexual contact, and is self-limited in patients with intact immune systems but more widely distributed and difficult to treat in immunocompromised persons. We analyzed cases of adult MC for associations with immunosuppression, lifestyle risk factors, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Methods Using the All of Us Research Program database, adults with MC were identified and matched with controls 1:10 based on demographic factors. Comorbidities, lifestyle risk factors, and medication exposures were analyzed. Odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression. Results Our analysis included 146 cases of adults with MC and 1460 demographic-matched controls. Patients with MC were 48 years old on average, 59% female, and majority White (82.5%). Controls were similar for all demographic features. Adults with MC were more likely to have syphilis (odds ratio (OR) 16; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.57-99.5), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (OR 9.54; 95% CI 3.95-23.0), chlamydia (OR 6.24; 95% CI 2.38-16.4), condyloma acuminata (OR 13.9; 95% CI 7.36-26.2), genital herpes (OR 4.13; 95% CI 1.87-9.15), or atopic dermatitis (AD) (OR 2.85; 95% CI 1.5-5.4) (all p < .01). There were no differences in prevalence of other comorbidities, lifestyle risk factors, nor medication exposures (all p > .05). Conclusions We showed that adult MC is associated with AD and STIs, including HIV, chlamydia, condyloma acuminata, genital herpes, and syphilis. Sexually active adolescents and adults and those diagnosed with AD may be screened for MC and counseled on their potentially increased risk.
Characteristics and outcomes of biopsy-proven lupus nephritis in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
Authors: Gerber Hanri , Freercks Robert 
Published: September 2024

Objective In Africa, the treatment outcomes of lupus nephritis (LN) are not well known. This is especially true in the current era where contemporary treatment options are more widely available. This retrospective study aimed to measure the outcomes of biopsy-proven LN treated at the Livingstone Tertiary Hospital (LTH) Renal Unit in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), South Africa and to identify predictors of a poor outcome. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 131 patients with biopsy-proven LN who had a kidney biopsy between 01 January 2012 to 31 December 2021 as identified from the biopsy register. A sub-analysis of 107 patients with proliferative and/or membranous LN was performed. Results Mean age was 31.4 ± 12.7 years with a female predominance of 86.3%. At 6-month follow-up, 69.6% of patients had complete or partial response to treatment. This increased to 70.3% and 72.6% at 18 and 30 months, respectively. Twenty-seven patients were lost to follow-up, while 7 (5.3%) patients progressed to kidney failure (KF). There were 3 (2.3%) deaths. Predictors of poor response were an elevated baseline serum creatinine (OR = 2.53, 95% CI 0.99 – 6.52, p = .054), a decreased eGFR (OR = 2.92, 95% CI 0.94 – 9.09, p = .065) and an elevated blood pressure (OR = 6.06, 95% CI 1.11 – 33.33, p = .038) at the time of biopsy. Infections were the most common adverse event with 50 infections seen in 39 (29.8%) patients. Herpes viral infections were frequently noted ( n = 12) accounting for 24.0% of all documented infections. Conclusion Response rates were similar in this cohort when compared to other contemporary studies. Predictors of poor response were an elevated baseline serum creatinine, a decreased eGFR and an elevated blood pressure at time of the biopsy. Infections were the most common occurring adverse event, although the mortality rate remained low at 2.3%.
Default Risk, Risk Premium, and Corporate Resilience: The Role of Regulatory and Stabilization Policies
Authors: Firano Zakaria , Karaouch Doha 
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the interaction between monetary and macroprudential policy measures and evaluates whether policymakers should address financial disruptions. To achieve this goal, we developed a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model that incorporates frictions in financial markets and financial shocks alongside traditional macroeconomic shocks. One of the main focuses of macroprudential policies is to stabilize credit cycles. We used Moroccan data to estimate the model and assess various policy actions to counter imbalances in financial markets, including adjustments to the interest rate tool. Our findings highlight the benefits of addressing financial disruptions, the extent depending on the shock characteristics. While acting on interest rates in response to financial variables may stabilize some economic factors, it has the potential to increase the volatility of others substantially. The results confirm that the use of optimal regimes can reduce default processes and ensure companies stabilize risk premiums. Implementing such regulations leads to greater opening of the companies’ capital to external financing sources. JEL Classification C11, D53, D58, E52, E58
Economic Integration and Endogenous Trade Agreements: Analysing Global Trade Effects
Authors: Paul Anusree 
Published: September 2024

After the 1990s, global trade has seen a sudden proliferation of regional trade agreements (RTAs). Existing empirical literature argues about the differential impact of these trade agreements on high-income and lower-middle income countries’ trade. Further, economic and political arguments have developed to justify the proliferation of such trade negotiations. In this article, we have tried to build an argument taking economic and non-economic rationales of the formation of trade agreements as a complement to each other. Unlike the majority of existing literature in this field, our empirical analysis is an establishment of this debate which provides a platform to consider RTA formation to be an endogenous rather than exogeneous decision. Further, RTAs of varying nature are related differently to the unobservable which impede or facilitate trade. These unobservable also create endogeneity bias in the traditional estimation of RTAs’ impact on the trade flows of a country. In this study, we have attempted to investigate the endogeneity in the context of RTA engagements using the Heckman control function approach. This study ensures the endogeneity of RTAs with their positive and significant impact on trade flows. This results do not significantly differ from similar kinds of empirical studies available on international platforms. JEL Classification: F1, F12, F14
American Foregut Society Cooperative White Paper on Mechanisms of Pathologic Reflux and Antireflux Surgery
Authors: Nguyen Ninh T. , Abu Dayyeh Barham , Chang Kenneth , Lipham John , Bell Reginald , Buckley Francis Paul , Dunst Christy M. , Mittal Ravinder K. , Thosani Nirav , Oelschlager Brant K. , Hinojosa Marcelo W. , Brunaldi Vitor , Yadlapati Rena , Kahrilas Peter J. 
Published: September 2024

Background: Within the spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), pathologic reflux applies to the subset of patients with either erosive esophagitis or abnormal esophageal acid exposure on pH-metry, consequences of a dysfunctional antireflux barrier (ARB). Methods: The American Foregut Society (AFS) tasked a 13-member working group of expert foregut surgeons and esophagologists (The ARB Cooperative) to develop a white paper on ARB function, dysfunction, and mechanisms of action of antireflux surgery through discussion of relevant literature summarized herein. Results: The ARB Cooperative concluded that pathologic reflux is a consequence of the interplay between progressive anatomical distortion of the ARB and physiology. Factors contributing to ARB dysfunction include (1) separation of crural diaphragm from the lower esophageal sphincter with widening of the hiatus and diminished crural diaphragm sphincteric function; (2) loss of the intra-abdominal lower esophageal sphincter segment with complete disabling of the flap valve component of the ARB; (3) axial hiatal hernia leading to reflux during swallow-induced lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation, LES hypotension, inspiration related reflux, a lowered threshold for eliciting transient LES relaxations, and increased compliance of the gastroesophageal junction leading to greater diameter of sphincter opening during transient LES relaxations. With regard to antireflux surgery, the objectives include: (1) reduction of hiatal hernia and restoration of the intra-abdominal esophageal segment; (2) repair of the dilated hiatus; (3) restoring flap valve function by modifying gastroesophageal anatomy; and (4) restricting gastroesophageal junction opening during periods of relaxation. Conclusions: This ARB Cooperative white paper supports the concept of there being 3 major inter-related mechanisms promoting ARB competence: the LES as an intrinsic sphincter, the crural diaphragm as an extrinsic sphincter, and the gastroesophageal valve, a mechanical 1-way valve. Pathological reflux occurs with progressive anatomical disruption of the ARB which in turn leads to physiological dysfunction, the severity of which parallels the extent of anatomical disruption. The corollary of this is that the primary mechanism of antireflux surgery is to restore the ARB by eliminating or compensating for its anatomical disruption. It is the hope of the cooperative that understanding the proposed framework will help clinicians and researchers in improving antireflux procedures.
Baseline immune state and T-cell clonal kinetics are associated with durable response to CAR-T therapy in large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Maurer Katie , Grabski Isabella N. , Houot Roch , Gohil Satyen H. , Miura Shogo , Redd Robert , Lyu Haoxiang , Lu Wesley , Arihara Yohei , Budka Justin , McDonough Mikaela , Ansuinelli Michela , Reynolds Carol , Jacene Heather , Li Shuqiang , Livak Kenneth J. , Ritz Jerome , Miles Brodie , Mattie Mike , Neuberg Donna S. , Irizarry Rafael A. , Armand Philippe , Wu Catherine J. , Jacobson Caron 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Engineered cellular therapy with CD19-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-Ts) has revolutionized outcomes for patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), but the cellular and molecular features associated with response remain largely unresolved. We analyzed serial peripheral blood samples ranging from the day of apheresis (day –28/baseline) to 28 days after CAR-T infusion from 50 patients with LBCL treated with axicabtagene ciloleucel by integrating single-cell RNA and T-cell receptor sequencing, flow cytometry, and mass cytometry to characterize features associated with response to CAR-T. Pretreatment patient characteristics associated with response included the presence of B cells and increased absolute lymphocyte count to absolute monocyte count ratio (ALC/AMC). Infusion products from responders were enriched for clonally expanded, highly activated CD8+ T cells. We expanded these observations to 99 patients from the ZUMA-1 cohort and identified a subset of patients with elevated baseline B cells, 80% of whom were complete responders. We integrated B-cell proportion ≥0.5% and ALC/AMC ≥1.2 into a 2-factor predictive model and applied this model to the ZUMA-1 cohort. Estimated progression-free survival at 1 year in patients meeting 1 or both criteria was 65% vs 31% for patients meeting neither criterion. Our results suggest that patients’ immunologic state at baseline affects the likelihood of response to CAR-T through both modulation of the T-cell apheresis product composition and promoting a more favorable circulating immune compartment before therapy. These baseline immunologic features, measured readily in the clinical setting before CAR-T, can be applied to predict response to therapy.