bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Child of Koevoet”: Counterinsurgency, Crisis, and the Rise of Private Security in South Africa
Authors: Clarke Paul T. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Scholars of various backgrounds have noted how societies across the globe have come to rely on more and more policing and incarceration since the late 1970s. To date, however, detailed analyses of the causes and consequences of this “punitive turn” have been limited to the Global North, with the vast majority of studies focused on the expansion of states’ capacity for violence. This article offers a corrective to the global study of the punitive turn by tracing the rise of South Africa’s private security industry from its inception in the late apartheid period to its current position as one of the largest of its kind in the world. Using newspaper reports, archival material from the apartheid state’s security apparatus, and ethnographic interviews of former and current members of the security industry, it shows how counterinsurgency doctrine, civil war, and deindustrialization shaped South Africa’s punitive turn, precipitating a process where violence was devolved from the state to private actors, including local militias, vigilante groups, and private security firms. This process, it is argued, is far from anomalous, and should be seen as a paradigm for the way the post-1970s punitive turn has unfolded in the majority of the world.
Syntactic priming as implicit learning in German child language
Authors: Tafuri Michelle , Messenger Katherine 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We investigated syntactic priming in German children to explore crosslinguistic evidence for implicit learning accounts of language production and acquisition. Adult descriptions confirmed that German speakers (N=27) preferred to spontaneously produce active versus passive transitive and DO versus PO dative forms. We tested whether German-speaking children (N=29, M
age
=5.3, 15 girls/14 boys) could be primed to produce these dispreferred forms and whether such priming effects would persist across a target phase. Children first heard a block of priming sentences and then described a block of target pictures. They demonstrated significant priming effects for passive and PO dative structures, and these priming effects did not differ between the first and second halves of the block of target trials. These patterns of German child language production are consistent with implicit learning accounts of syntactic priming.
The spatial–temporal variations and influencing factors of COVID-19 case fatality rate: a worldwide study in 30 countries from February 2021 to May 2022
Authors: Zhao Jing , Huang Xing , Li Xing , Li Bing , Rong Zuhua , Huang Xu , Ren Ruiqi , Li Dan , Li Chao , Li Qun , Xiao Jianpeng , Shi Guoqing 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
To evaluate the variations in COVID-19 case fatality rates (CFRs) across different regions and waves, and the impact of public health interventions, social and economic characteristics, and demographic factors on COVID-19 CFRs, we collected data from 30 countries with the highest incidence rate in three waves. We summarized the CFRs of different countries and continents in each wave through meta-analysis. Spearman’s correlation and multiple linear regression were employed to estimate the correlation between influencing factors and reduction rates of CFRs. Significant differences in CFRs were observed among different regions during the three waves (P < 0.001). An association was found between the changes in fully vaccinated rates (r
s
= 0.41), population density (r
s
= 0.43), the proportion of individuals over 65 years old (r
s
= 0.43), and the reduction rates of case fatality rate. Compared to Wave 1, the reduction rates in Wave 2 were associated with population density (β = 0.19, 95%CI: 0.05–0.33) and smoking rates (β = −4.66, 95%CI: −8.98 – −0.33), while in Wave 3 it was associated with booster vaccine rates (β = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.11–1.09) and hospital beds per thousand people (β = 4.15, 95%CI: 1.41–6.89). These findings suggest that the COVID-19 CFRs varied across different countries and waves, and promoting booster vaccinations, increasing hospital bed capacity, and implementing tobacco control measures can help reduce CFRs.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of bovine tuberculosis occurrence and burden in Bangladesh, 1970–2023
Authors: Islam Sk Shaheenur , Pateras Konstantinos , Kabir S. M. Lutful , Kostoulas Polychronis , Ward Michael P. , Rahman A. K. M. Anisur 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We aimed to estimate the overall apparent prevalence, true prevalence, and the spatial, temporal, and test-specific burden of bovine tuberculosis in Bangladesh. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and BanglaJOL were searched for bovine tuberculosis publications in Bangladesh from 1 January 1970 to 23 June 2023. Of 142 articles screened, systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on 22 (15.5%) articles. The apparent estimated bovine tuberculosis prevalence was 7%. The apparent Bayesian pooled mean bovine tuberculosis prevalences based on caudal fold test and single intradermal comparative tuberculin test were 7.83% and 9.89%, respectively, and the true pooled mean prevalences were 10.39% and 10.48%, respectively. Targeted interventions are recommended for districts with higher prevalence to effectively reduce the bovine tuberculosis burden in those areas. Current diagnostic practices employed in Bangladesh may not accurately reflect the bovine tuberculosis burden. Our findings highlight the need for better diagnostic tools and supplemental testing methods to ensure accurate diagnosis and surveillance. Efforts should prioritize obtaining ‘true’ prevalence estimates corrected for misclassification bias, rather than relying solely on apparent prevalence. Underestimating the bovine tuberculosis burden could result in inadequate resource allocation and hinder the implementation of effective control measures.
Intrauterine administration of paternal and maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells mix as solution for repeated implantation failure
Authors: Elloumi Hanen , Ben Khelifa Mariem , Mnallah Sonia , Khrouf Mohamed , Rekik Sabrine , Zhioua Fethi , Ben khalifa Moncef , Braham Marouen , Jemaà Mohamed , Mahmoud Khaled 
Published: October 2024

SummaryTo date, implantation is the rate-limiting step for the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Accumulating evidence suggests that immune cells contribute to embryo implantation, and several therapeutic approaches have been proposed for the treatment of recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Endometrial immune modulation with autologous activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is one of the most widely used protocols. However, the effect of intrauterine insemination of mixed paternal and maternal-activated PBMCs has not yet been attempted and studied. The aim of our study is to test the effect of the addition of paternal lymphocytes on the implantation rate in RIF patients. Mononuclear cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of 98 RIF patients and cultured for 72 h before insemination into the endometrial cavity 48 h before embryo transfer. Our patients were divided into 4 groups according to the type and number of PBMCs inseminations. Our study shows that activated PBMCs promoted clinical pregnancy rates (CPR) in all groups. Moreover, we found that the groups injected with more than 2 million cells showed a better clinical outcome and, more interestingly, patients inseminated with both paternal and maternal activated PBMCs showed the highest CPR, reaching 47.2%, in addition to the highest implantation rate 31. 2% and the live birth rate 41.39%. Our work demonstrates the importance of administering a large number of activated PBMCs with the addition of paternal activated PBMCs to immunomodulate the endometrium for the success of in vitro fertilization in RIF patients.
Frequency, characteristics, antithrombotic therapies, and outcomes of thromboembolism in paediatric patients with CHD undergoing cardiac surgery: a single centre retrospective study
Authors: Kiskaddon Amy L. , Stock Arabela C. , Betensky Marisol , Ignjatovic Vera , Fierstein Jamie L. , Frank Shannon , Quintessenza James A. , Goldenberg Neil A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroduction:Thromboembolism is a complication in paediatric patients with CHD requiring cardiac surgery. Previous research has focused on post-operative thromboembolism. This study aimed to describe thromboembolism frequency before or after cardiac surgery in children with CHD.Methods:We performed a single-centre retrospective study from October 2020 to June 2023 (inclusive). Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were <21 years of age and underwent cardiac surgery. Outcomes of interest included the occurrence and characteristics of thromboembolism in the 12 months before and after surgery, antithrombotic therapies, recurrent thromboembolism, and clinically significant bleeding.Results:Among 260 patients included, 35 (13.5%) developed an index thromboembolism. Twelve (34.3%) patients had an index thromboembolism <12 months before surgery and 23 (65.7%) had an index thromboembolism <12 months after surgery, including 8 (22.9%) patients who had thromboembolism during both exposure periods. The median interquartile range (IQR) time of thromboembolism relative to cardiac surgery was –26 (–4 to –140) days and 15 (4 to 41) days, respectively. Seven (20%) patients had arterial, 18 (51.4%) venous, and 3 (8.6%) had both arterial and venous thromboembolism. Median (IQR) antithrombotic therapy duration was 49 (24–84) days. Nine (25.7%) patients developed recurrent thromboembolism and five (14.3%) patients experienced clinically significant bleeding.Conclusions:The risk of thromboembolism and recurrence is high both before and after cardiac surgery among paediatric patients with CHD. Prospective multi-centre studies should seek to identify risk factors for preoperative and postoperative thromboembolism to inform the design of future risk-stratified thromboembolism prevention trials in children with CHD.
A tale of two tails: 130 years of growth at risk
Authors: Gächter Martin , Hasler Elias , Huber Florian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We extend the growth-at-risk (GaR) literature by examining US growth risks over 130 years using a time-varying parameter stochastic volatility regression model. This model effectively captures the distribution of GDP growth over long samples, accommodating changing relationships across variables and structural breaks. Our analysis offers several key insights for policymakers. We identify significant temporal variation in both the level and determinants of GaR. The stability of upside risks to GDP growth, as seen in previous research, is largely confined to the Great Moderation period, with a more balanced risk distribution prior to the 1970s. Additionally, the distribution of GDP growth has narrowed significantly since the end of the Bretton Woods system. Financial stress is consistently associated with higher downside risks, without affecting upside risks. Moreover, indicators such as credit growth and house prices influence both downside and upside risks during economic booms. Our findings also contribute to the financial cycle literature by providing a comprehensive view of the drivers and risks associated with economic booms and recessions over time.
Correlation of thickness changes and daily dose detection of delivery analysis (DA) software in helical tomotherapy
Authors: Wijarn Nattawut , Watcharawipha Anirut , Nobnop Wannapha 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
To assess the correlation between the dose distribution provided by the delivery analysis (DA) software and the measured dose distribution using an ArcCHECK (AC) phantom in the presence of thickness variation.

Materials and Methods:
Two sets of targets were established within the phantom. Target A was placed on the detector areas, whereas Target B was positioned at the centre of the phantom. Bolus was applied to the surface of the phantom at different thicknesses ranging from 0 to 2 cm to verify the dose distribution in both TomoHelical (HT) and TomoDirect (TD) techniques. The gamma passing rate (GPRs) were evaluated against predefined thresholds of 3%/3 mm and 3%/2 mm. Correlation study evaluated the level of agreement between DA and AC values.

Results:
Both AC and DA exhibited a decline in GPRs as the bolus thickness decreased. Significant correlations were observed between AC and DA for both HT and TD techniques, with a p value of less than 0.001.

Conclusion:
The results indicate that DA software has the capability to detect anatomical changes during tomotherapy treatments. This is substantiated by the statistical association found between DA and the standard AC phantom system for dose distributions in both HT and TD methods.
Electronic referral system policy analysis: a qualitative study in the context of Iran
Authors: Kabir Mohammad Javad , Heidari Alireza , Honarvar Mohammad Reza , Khatirnamani Zahra 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Referral system is among the key elements of primary health care that leads to enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, reduced waiting time, and patients’ enhanced access to more specialized services. The present study was aimed at analysing the policies of the electronic referral (e-Referral) system in Iran.

Methods:
This qualitative study was conducted based on Walt and Gilson’s policy triangle and Kingdon’s models. Data were collected through document analysis and 51 semi-structured interviews with managers at various levels, experts, family physicians, specialist physicians, and patients. Document analysis was performed by content analysis method, and interview analysis was performed through framework analysis method in Atlas.ti 8.

Results:
The e-Referral system was launched with the aim of equitable access to services and to benefit from better management of health resources. Valid scientific evidences were used to formulate policies. Numerous meetings were held with domestic and foreign stakeholders at the provincial, city, and rural levels. The implementation of the programme followed a bottom-up approach, and the main obstacles to the implementation of the programme included the change of senior managers of the health system and their not being fully aware of the importance of the programme, inadequate allocation of financial resources, and unwillingness of some patients to follow the referral system.

Conclusions:
The policy triangle framework, while explaining the components of the e-Referral system programme, revealed the obstacles to the proper implementation of the programme. In order to ensure that the programme goes on continuously and successfully, it is essential to create the necessary determination and commitment on the part of the minister of health and medical education and senior managers of the health system, earmark resources for the programme, improve resource allocation with insurance management, reform the payment system, plan to raise public awareness, and attract community participation.
Exploring health worker absenteeism at public healthcare facilities in Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Kerketta Priyanka , Maniyara Karthika , Palle Edukondal , Kodali Prakash Babu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aim:
This study aims to assess the health worker absenteeism and factors associated with it in a high-focus district in Chhattisgarh, India.

Background:
Human resources for health are among the key foundations to build resilient healthcare systems. Chhattisgarh is a high-focus Indian state with a severe shortage of health care workers, and absenteeism further aggravates the shortage.

Methods:
This study was conducted as a mixed-methods study employing sequential explanatory design. Absenteeism was defined as the absence of health worker in the designated position without a formal leave or official reason in two different unannounced visits. A facility survey across all the public healthcare facilities in Jashpur district, Chhattisgarh, was conducted through random, unannounced visits employing a checklist developed based on Indian Public Health Standards. Twelve participants were purposively sampled and interviewed from healthcare facilities to explore factors associated with absenteeism. Survey data were analysed descriptively, and thematic analysis was employed to analyse qualitative interviews.

Findings:
Among all the positions filled at primary health centre level (n = 339), close to 8% (n = 27) were absent, whereas among the positions filled at community health centre level (n = 285), only 1.14% (n = 4) were absent. Absenteeism was not found in the district hospital. Qualitative interviews reveal that macro-level (geographical location and lack of connectivity), meso-level (lack of equipment and amenities, makeshift health facilities, doctor shortage, and poor patient turnover), and micro-level (unmet expectations) factors contribute to health worker absenteeism.

Conclusion:
Health worker absenteeism was more at PHC level. Systemic challenges, human resource shortages, and infrastructural shortcomings contributed to health worker absenteeism.
Evaluating physical activities in clinical diabetes: lifestyle scores hypothesis
Authors: Bwititi Phillip , Egwuenu Solomon , Oshionwu Echinei , Okuzor John , Odufu Alex , Ofili Charles , Nwose Ezekiel Uba 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
The concept of lifestyle-based risk scores is known but not evaluated in most rural communities of low- to mid-income countries. This study investigated the correlation of lifestyle scores with health indices.

Methods:
This was a descriptive cross-sectional investigation. A total of 203 participants (141 females and 62 males), 18–90 years, had anthropometric assessments and lifestyle scores determined from a 12-item framework. Data analysis included average age in different health conditions, lifestyle scores in age groups, and correlations with age.

Results:
Average age of healthy subpopulation was 39 years while diabetes, hypertension, and obesity subpopulations were 58, 64, and 56 years, respectively. The percentage of participants whose activities of daily living (ADL) were unaffected by ill-health decreased with age (P < 0.0001), and lifestyle scores also decreased with age (P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with physical activities.

Conclusion:
This report contributes to diabetes cardiovascular complications management. Sedentary ADL factors need integration in healthy lifestyle education especially among the elderly.
Fossil and present-day stromatolite ooids contain a meteoritic polymer of glycine and iron
Authors: McGeoch Julie E.M. , Frommelt Anton J. , Owen Robin L. , Cinque Gianfelice , McClelland Arthur , Lageson David , McGeoch Malcolm W. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Hemoglycin, a space polymer of glycine and iron, has been identified in the carbonaceous chondritic meteorites Allende, Acfer 086, Kaba, Sutter's Mill and Orgueil. Its core form has a mass of 1494 Da and is basically an antiparallel pair of polyglycine strands linked at each end by an iron atom. The polymer forms two- and three- dimensional lattices with an inter-vertex distance of 4.9 nm. Here the extraction technique for meteorites is applied to a 2.1 Gya fossil stromatolite to reveal the presence of hemoglycin by mass spectrometry. Intact ooids from a recent (3000 Ya) stromatolite exhibited the same visible hemoglycin fluorescence in response to x-rays as an intact crystal from the Orgueil meteorite. X-ray analysis confirmed the existence in ooids of an internal three-dimensional lattice of 4.9 nm inter-vertex spacing, matching the spacing of lattices in meteoritic crystals. FTIR measurements of acid-treated ooid and a Sutter's Mill meteoritic crystal both show the presence, via the splitting of the Amide I band, of an extended anti-parallel beta sheet structure. It seems probable that the copious in-fall of carbonaceous meteoritic material, from Archaean times onward, has left traces of hemoglycin in sedimentary carbonates and potentially has influenced ooid formation.
Religious citizens, secular states: why do states in sub-Saharan Africa provide minimal support to religion?
Authors: Jeffery-Schwikkard David 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAlthough most people in sub-Saharan Africa are very religious, state support for religion (such as through policies legislating religious values and supporting religious institutions) is very low in the region. Why is this? This paper explores this phenomenon using data from Pew Research Centre and Religion and State Project. While population religiosity is ordinarily correlated with state support for religion elsewhere in the world, sub-Saharan Africa is indeed anomalous. Yet contrary to popular explanations, this is not explained by limited state capacity, weak democracies, religious and ethnic pluralism, or majority religion. Using case studies of Rwanda and Mozambique, the paper considers whether challenges to the moral authority of religious actors as leaders of “the nation” may help explain why state support for religion is so low in sub-Saharan Africa. Taken together, these findings challenge assumptions that high religiosity in sub-Saharan Africa is a threat to secular governance.
Benefits and Pitfalls of GRACE and Streamflow Assimilation for Improving the Streamflow Simulations of the WaterGAP Global Hydrology Model
Authors: Schulze K. , Kusche J. , Gerdener H. , Döll P. , Müller Schmied H. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDistribution and change of freshwater resources is often simulated with global hydrological models. However, owing to process representation limitations and forcing data uncertainties, these model simulations have shortcomings. Combining them with observations via data assimilation, for example, with data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission or streamflow measured at in situ stations is considered to improve the realism of the simulations. We assimilate gridded total water storage anomaly (TWSA) from GRACE into the WaterGAP Global Hydrology Model (WGHM) over the Mississippi River basin via an Ensemble Kalman Filter. Our results agree with previous studies where assimilating GRACE observations nudges TWSA simulations closer to the observations, reducing the root mean square error (RMSE) by 21% compared to an uncalibrated model. However, simulations of streamflow show degeneration at more than 90% of all gauge stations for metrics such as RMSE and correlations; only the annual phase of simulated streamflow improves at half the stations. Therefore, for the first time, we instead assimilated streamflow observations into the WGHM, which improved simulated streamflow at up to nearly 80% of the stations, with normalized RMSE showing improvements of up to 0.1, while TWSA was well‐simulated in all metrics. Combining both approaches, that is, jointly assimilating GRACE‐derived TWSA and streamflow observations, leads to a trade‐off between a good fit of both variables albeit skewed to the GRACE observations. Overall, we speculate that our findings point to limitations of process representation in WGHM hindering consistent flux simulation from the storage history, especially in dry regions.