bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How different are the alternative Economic Policy Uncertainty indices? The case of European countries.
Authors: Baxa Jaromír , Šestořád Tomáš 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Several alternative news-based Economic Policy Uncertainty indices have been developed for Spain and a few other European countries. These alternative indices differ in the selection of keywords, newspaper coverage, and a scaling factor that is used to calculate the EPU index from the raw news data. Using the generalized forecast error variance decompositions of the time-varying parameter VAR model and the analysis of dynamic connectedness, we show that the restriction to include only domestic news affects estimated spillovers substantially, leading to different qualitative and quantitative assessments of uncertainty spillovers in Europe. Therefore, not all EPU indices are the same.
JEL Classification: C32, F42, F45
Cancer- and non-cancer risk assessment of chlorination by-products in indoor swimming pools in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Liu Qingcheng , Shao Peng , Sun Jian , Shi Rongjie , Li Langwen , Zeng Wei , Chen Fengping , Li Wenjie , Li Li 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Trihalomethanes (THMs) generated in chlorinated pools have raised great concerns for potential genotoxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic features. The present study aimed to assess multi-exposure cancer and non-cancer risk of THMs in indoor swimming pools in Shenzhen, China.
Methods
Six representative indoor swimming pools located in west, central and east of Shenzhen were selected, with waters at 30 cm below and air at 1.2 m above water surface sampled. Headspace gas chromatography-electron capture detector (HSGC-ECD) was used to measure water THMs, and thermal desorption gas chromatography (TD-GC) was adopted to measure air THMs. Swimmer Exposure Assessment Model (SWIMODEL) recommended by USEPA was performed to assess the lifetime cancer and non-cancer risk of THMs.
Results
The median THMs in pool waters was 48.69 µg/L (IQR: 36.81–65.72), and 45.69 µg/m3 (IQR: 24.61–112.50) for ambient air, both with chloroform (TCM) and bromodichloromethane (BDCM) as predominant components. The daily THMs intake was 1.40E-02 µg/kg.d (range: 6.72E-03–3.96E-02), with estimated lifetime cancer risk 9.39E-07 (range: 3.59E-07–3.05E-06) and non-cancer risk 1.26E-03 (range: 6.21E-04–3.58E-03). Inhalation was major exposure route, accounting for 70.5% of total THMs intaking. Female swimmers had significantly higher cancer risk (P = 0.028) and non-cancer risk (P = 0.028) than male swimmers.
Conclusions
The estimated lifetime cancer risk of THMs in indoor swimming pools in Shenzhen was below the USEPA‘s regulatory threshold of 1.0E-06, and non-cancer risk was less than the unacceptable level of 1.0. The lifetime cancer- and non-cancer risk was acceptable for THMs in indoor swimming pools in Shenzhen, China.
How Much Data Do You Need? An Analysis of Pelvic Multi-Organ Segmentation in a Limited Data Context
Authors: Lunardo Febrio , Baker Laura , Tan Alex , Baines John , Squire Timothy , Dowling Jason A , Azghadi Mostafa Rahimi , Gillman Ashley G 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Deep learning models benefit from large and varied, but costly, datasets. This study investigates the dataset size trade-off in the context of pelvic multi-organ MR segmentation; specifically assessing the performance of a well-known segmentation model, nnU-Net, in a limited domain and limited dataset setting.
Materials/methods:
12 participants undergoing treatment on an Elekta Unity were recruited, acquiring 58 MR images, with 4 participants (12 images) withheld for testing. Prostate, seminal vesicles (SV), bladder and rectum were contoured in each image by a radiation oncologist. Six more models were trained on progressively smaller subsets of the training dataset, simulating a restricted dataset setting. To observe the efficacy of data augmentation, another set of identical models were trained without augmentation. The performance of the networks was evaluated via the Dice Similarity Coefficient, mean surface distance and 95% Hausdorff distance metrics.
Results:
When trained with entire training dataset (46 images), the model achieved a mean Dice coefficient of 0.903 (Prostate), 0.851 (SV), 0.884 (Rectum) and 0.967 (Bladder). Segmentation performance remained stable when the number of training sets was >12 images from 4 participants, but rapidly dropped in smaller data subsets. Data augmentation was found to be influential across all dataset sizes, but especially in very small datasets.
Summary:
This study demonstrated nnU-Net's ability in performing pelvic multi-organ segmentation in a limited domain and limited data context. We conclude that while our model may not generalise well to scanner or protocol changes, the protocol’s low data requirement can be advantageous for in-house cases with a consistently narrow domain. For example, it could assist in treatment planning by initiating the contouring process instead of manually starting from the beginning.
Study on Electromagnetic Characteristics of Control Cores in Shearer Cables
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Jiang Beichen , Bu Jiazheng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study investigates crosstalk in shearer cables used in underground environments, affecting their electromagnetic stability. Unique underground conditions necessitate specific research for these cables, unlike those for vehicle, aircraft, and railway cables. This paper uses a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) modeling method with EMA3D to accurately simulate these conditions and explores integrating steel wire ropes within control cores to enhance electromagnetic stability.Simulation experiments show that embedding steel wire ropes significantly improves electromagnetic stability. Optimal shielding occurs when the steel wire rope diameter matches the twisted diameter of other cable cores, enhancing stability by over 20% compared to cables without steel wire ropes. Under bent conditions, larger steel wire rope diameters improve effectiveness by more than 10%. The study also examines the impact of the diameter difference between steel wire ropes and twisted cable cores, finding that a larger difference has a more significant impact.These findings suggest that the relationship between the diameters of steel wire ropes and cable cores should be carefully considered in cable design to optimize electromagnetic stability. This study provides an effective solution to crosstalk in shearer cables and offers insights for improving electromagnetic stability in various applications.
Current status of proton pump inhibitor usage in patients with acute coronary syndrome and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Bai Ying , Wang Jianqi , Li Guangyao , Zhou Zhen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
The real-world status of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) administration in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) is largely unknown. This study aimed to analyze the prescription patterns of PPI in Chinese patients with ACS and nonvalvular AF.
Methods
This single-center, retrospective, cross-sectional study included patients with ACS and AF who were hospitalized in the Department of Cardiovascular Center at Beijing Tongren Hospital from January 2010 to December 2018. All patients were categorized into two groups (PPI and non-PPI groups) based on PPI usage, and factors influencing PPI use were analyzed. The appropriateness of PPIs prescriptions was evaluated according to clinical guidelines.
Results
This study included 531 patients with ACS and AF. Patients receiving PPIs were more likely to have non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (27.6% vs. 19.5%, p = 0.028), STEMI (33.9% vs. 16.2%, p < 0.001), paroxysmal AF (65.0% vs. 50.5%, p < 0.001), gastrointestinal disorders (59.4% vs. 7.9%, p < 0.001), and lower systolic blood pressure (125mmHg vs. 130mmHg, p = 0.008) as well as underwent percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft or fibrinolytic (44.1% vs. 35.4%, p = 0.040) and catheter ablation (9.1% vs. 1.4%, p < 0.001), they were frequently treated with oral anticoagulants (30.7% vs. 19.9%, p = 0.003). 249 (46.9%) patients did not adhere to guideline recommendations at discharge.
Conclusions
The study revealed that 47.8% of patients with AF and ACS were prescribed PPI, while 46.9% of patients did not adhere to guideline. It is likely that interventions will be necessary to enhance adherence to guidelines to reduce the risk of GIB.
Mating system analysis of Spanish argan [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels] accessions in-situ and ex-situ conserved by using SSR markers
Authors: Martínez-Gómez Pedro , Patiño-García María , Devin Sama Rahimi , López-Alcolea Jesus , Mahdavi Sayyed Mohammad Ehsan , Bastida Felipe , Rubio Manuel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The argan tree [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels] is a multipurpose species endemic of Morocco. It has been mainly characterized as a self-incompatible (SI) species. Argan trees are also found in Murcia, a region located in Southeaster Spain, where they are currently yielding viable fruits and seeds in an isolated environment. This study investigated the self-compatibility (SC) of these Spanish argan accessions. This was done through in-situ research and characterization of isolated argan trees in open pollination settings. Addi-tionally, the seedlings from these trees were characterized using (Simple Sequence Repeat) SSR markers. In addition, the ex-situ study of the collection of Spanish argan accessions from the CEBAS-CSIC (Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas) in Murcia, have also be characterized in open polli-nation conditions and by bagging argan accessions to evaluate fruit set in absence of pollinator also analysing the obtained seedlings by SSRs. As expected, in the analysis of in-situ conserved argan accessions, the isolated trees showed a suitable flowering intensity during the two years evaluated. However, while the Spanish argan accessions isolated from ‘Cartagena’ and ‘Mazarrón’ showed fruits, the accessions from ‘Molina de Segura’ and ‘Ojos’ showed a null fruit set in both years. In the case of bagging of these ex-situ con-served accessions, results showed that in the absence of natural pollinators of argan (especially flies), a certain level of fruiting is observed in bagged branches in some specimens. First results showed then that self-fertilization is possible in some argan accessions and that fruits are obtained without pollen from other accessions. If self-compatibility accessions are confirmed in Spain or Morocco, they are very useful for basic research in breeding programmes.
Two recurrent pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in PALB2 account for almost half of PALB2 positive families in Slovenia
Authors: Mesarič Vita Andreja , Blatnik Ana , Starič Kristina Drusany , Strojnik Ksenija , Stegel Vida , Hotujec Simona , Šetrajčič Vita Dragoš , Škerl Petra , Novaković Srdjan , Krajc Mateja 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence and spectrum of PALB2 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (PV/LPVs) may vary across different regions, and these have not yet been analysed and reported in Slovenian HBOC families. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all 5099 consecutively tested individuals from 4610 families who fulfilled national criteria for HBOC-panel testing from January 2015 to January 2022. After genetic counselling, genetic testing with next generation sequencing was performed for all probands and cascade testing was offered to their blood relatives. Results: Among all probands tested 0.9% (40/4610) were PALB2 PV/LPV carriers. 14 different PALB2 PV/LPVs were detected, one of them was novel. Five PV/LPVs were found to be recurrent in Slovenian population with two most frequent being c.509_510del and c.1451T > A. Altogether, 61 individuals from 41 PALB2 positive families were identified, 43 being cancer patients. 27.9% PALB2-positive cancer patients were diagnosed with more than one malignant tumour. We identified three double heterozygote carriers with additional PV/LPVs in ATM, CHEK2 and BRCA1. Discussion: This report provides the first comprehensive description of molecular and clinical characteristics of PALB2 carriers in Slovenia. The frequency of PALB2 pathogenic variants in the Slovenian HBOC accounts for 0.9% of all individuals tested for PVs in HBOC-related genes. Our study adds a novel recurrent mutation, which is unique to the Slovenian context and one PV/LPVs, which had not been reported in the literature so far. The results of our study add information on genotype and phenotype in PALB2-positive patients and may be used for population specific assessment. Ethics approval: The present study was approved by the National Ethics Committee and the Institutional Ethics Committee of the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana (0120–591/2020/3 on the 20th of January 2021).
Hybrid analysis for Tolcv (Tomato Leaf Curl Virus) and Root Knot Nematode resistance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) And molecular validation of Ty-3 and Mi-1 gene
Authors: R Shanmugabhavatharani , T Saraswathi , M Kavitha , M Manivannan , N Seenivasan , S Harish 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a vital vegetable crop cultivated due to their abundant supply of nutrients, and their recent popularity is mainly accredited to the antioxidant and anti-cancer properties of lycopene. Low productivity in India is due to incidence of both tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) and root knot nematode (RKN), resulting in 25–100% yield loss. The aim of this study was to develop and screen tomato hybrids for ToLCV and RKN resistance and validate the presence of the Ty-3 and Mi-1 gene. The study involved evaluating 12 parents, 8 hybrids, and 7 double-cross hybrids carrying genes, which underwent screening at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. An assorted array of Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) markers, including P6-25, FLUW-25F, SCAR-1, Mi-23, PMi, and PM3, was utilized to assess the resistance genes linked with ToLCV and RKN, focusing specifically Ty-3 and Mi-1. These markers demonstrated high reliability in distinguishing susceptible and resistant lines, facilitating the efficient identification of homozygous or heterozygous alleles. The screening for ToLCV and RKN resulted in the identification of three resistant parents (CBESL159, CBESL162, CBESL169), two hybrids (H5-CBESL133×CBESL169, H7-CBESL146×CBESL162), and two double hybrids (H5xH7 and H4xH5). These promising parents hold potential as parental materials for developing lines or hybrids with genes providing strong and enduring resistance against ToLCV, RKN and yield improvement. The double hybrids can be used for the development of breeding lines.
Clinical Characteristics and Patterns of Valve Lesions in Rheumatic Heart Disease Among Children at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: A Comparative Study of Newly Diagnosed and Known Cases.
Authors: Libe Temesgen Teferi , Kelil Yunus Edris , Tegene Samrawit Abebaw , Abdi Faisal , Mesfin Kibrom Hailemariam 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Rheumatic heart disease remains a significant health burden in resource-limited settings. This study investigates the clinical characteristics and valve lesion patterns of RHD in children from Eastern Ethiopia, comparing newly diagnosed and known RHD patients.
Objective: This study aims to characterize the clinical features and valve lesion patterns in children with Rheumatic heart disease and provide a comparative analysis between newly diagnosed and known cases.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from January 1 to December 31, 2021. A total of 39 children with RHD were included, with data collected from medical records, clinical assessments, and echocardiographic evaluations. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analysis.
Results: Among the 39 children studied, 25 were newly diagnosed and 14 were known RHD cases. The majority were female (71.8%). The median age was 10 years. Shortness of breath (53.9%) and cough (38.5%) were the most common presenting complaints. Only 14.3% of known RHD patients were adherent to secondary prophylaxis. Severe acute malnutrition and severe anemia were the most common comorbidities. Class IV heart failure was present in 89.7% of the patients. Echocardiographic findings revealed that all patients had mitral valve involvement, with mitral regurgitation (94.9%) being the most frequent.
Conclusion: The study highlights significant clinical characteristics and valve lesion patterns among children with Rheumatic heart disease at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis, improved adherence to prophylaxis, and targeted interventions to manage comorbidities and advanced heart failure.
Improving the approach to calculating shielding in computed tomography rooms
Authors: Druzhinina P. S. , Chipiga L. A. , Golikov V. Yu. , Vodovatov A. V. , Bazhin S. Yu. , Shleenkova E. N. , Berkovich G. V. , Soldatov I. V. , Lantukh Z. A. , Tolkachev K. V. 
Published: July 2024

The study assessed the acceptability of the currently existing approach to calculating shielding in computed tomography rooms and formulated proposals for its improvement, taking into account the parameters of research in domestic medical practice. It is proposed to use the dose-length product as the main measured parameter in the new approach to calculating shielding. Typical tomograph workload values of dose-length product, typical for examinations in the Russian Federation, were assessed. Using thermoluminescent detectors, the experimental assessment of the distribution of absorbed dose in the air in a computed tomography room was carried out. The experimental results showed that the distribution of of X-ray exposure in the central plane is not isotropic. Due to the attenuation of exposure by the gantry design, “shadow” zones are observed, where the absorbed dose reduction in the air reaches 10-13 times compared to its level in the direction of couch movement. Based on the results of measurements of the distribution of absorbed dose in air, the relative scatter coefficients were calculated. The workload was determined for 7 tomographs (1 in St. Petersburg and 6 in Moscow). For each tomograph, the average weekly number of head and body examinations and the values of dose-length product for these areas were assessed, taking into account the number of multiphase examinations. The obtained workload values turned out to be one or two orders of magnitude higher than those currently used in calculating shielding. Based on the results of the study and literature data, the work proposes a new approach to calculating shielding in computed tomography rooms, based on the value of measured dose-length product during the examination and allowing to take into account the specifics of the operation of the device.
Barriers to water, sanitation, and hygiene in Sub-Saharan Africa: a mini review
Authors: Hlongwa Nelile , Nkomo S'phumelele L. , Desai Sumaiya A. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Inadequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is a worldwide issue which affects many developing countries. The establishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) intends to address the need for additional provision of WASH. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has one of the lowest levels of access to water and sanitation. Certain inequalities exist between regions as well as between rural and urban populations. This paper reviews the literature on the barriers of WASH in SSA. The barriers are categorized as follows: institutional, economic, political, and geographical. Subsequently, this review examines the coverage of WASH services in SSA during the era of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and under the current SDG period attempting to illustrate its progress in reaching SDG 6 targets. The findings of this paper are as follows: the region needs to make accelerated progress in meeting the targets, and there are also ongoing disparities between urban and rural populations. Recommendations are also provided which include the national development agenda to prioritize WASH, establishing a clear institutional framework for WASH, and increasing WASH finance.
Revisión: efecto del factor estrés, color e intensidad de luz sobre la producción de astaxantina en Haematococcus pluvialis
Authors: Gamboa Herrera Angie Daniela , Guerrero Martínez Ingrid Margarita , Camacho Kurmen Judith Elena 
Published: July 2024

Haematococcus pluvialis es una microalga de agua dulce, productora principalmente de astaxantina. Este carotenoide es usado como pigmento y compuesto bioactivo en diferentes industrias como la alimenticia, nutracéutica, farmacéutica, cosmética, acuicultura y textil. En este estudio se determinaron las variables relacionadas con la luz como las fuentes usadas, uso de fotobiorreactores, el fotoperiodo adecuado, el valor exacto de irradiancia y de color relacionándolos con la expresión de genes para la obtención de astaxantina en mayor cantidad. Este carotenoide presentó su mayor producción entre 81, 19 mg/L a 167,97 mg/L cuando se utilizaron lámparas fluorescentes blancas con irradiancias entre 150 y 400 μmol m-2 s-1. Con el uso de ledes de color rojo y azul con led blanca, usando irradiancias entre 135 y 400 μmol m-2 s-1 se obtuvieron concentraciones de 82,82 ± 3,29 mg/ L y de 151,8mg/L, de astaxantina, respectivamente. El uso de led de color azul y blanco incrementó la expresión de los genes psy y CrtO/bkt, importantes en la acumulación de astaxantina. Esta investigación aporta a la factibilidad tecnológica del uso de ledes por las ventajas que presenta, la diversidad en tamaños desde el pequeño, ligero, duradero y eficiente en términos de mayor vida útil, además de que la cantidad de luz que se desprende es mucho mayor en comparación con su consumo de energía, como aporte a los avances tecnológicos y biotecnológicos en la producción de astaxantina para adaptarlos al uso de los fotobiorreactores y optimizar las condiciones de cultivo y producción de astaxantina en H. pluvialis.
Pekan Wayang Indonesia dan Pengaruh Orde Baru Dalam Kesenian Wayang Kulit (1969-1993)
Authors: Hadi Kuncoro , Murdiyastomo H.Y. Agus , Dien Zukhrufa Ken Satya 
Published: July 2024

Kajian budaya khususnya kesenian wayang di Jawa masa Orde Baru menarik untuk diteliti. Mengingat pada masa Orde Baru kesenian wayang dikembangkan tetapi juga dimanfaatkan untuk kepentingan pemerintah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji pengaruh kepentingan Orde Baru dalam kesenian wayang melalui berbagai kebijakan, termasuk diselenggarakannya Pekan Wayang Indonesia. Bagaimana keterlibatan Orde Baru dalam struktur pelembagaan pewayangan. Bagaimana pengaruh kepentingan politik negara melalui penanaman gagasan pembangunan nasional serta Pancasila dalam pentas wayang selama masa Orde Baru. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kepustakaan dengan menggunakan metode sejarah. Ada empat langkah metode sejarah. Pertama, pencarian sumber-sumber yang berkaitan dengan penelitian (heuristik). Kedua, kritik sumber yang meliputi kritik ekstern dan kritik intern (verifikasi). Ketiga, penafsiran fakta-fakta sejarah (interpretasi). Keempat, penulisan sejarah (historiografi). Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa terjadi perawatan seni tradisi, dan pengembangannya khususnya wayang, yang sekaligus dimanfaatkan untuk melanggengkan kekuasaan. Kata kunci: Pekan Wayang Indonesia, kesenian, wayang kulit, Orde Baru