bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The design and hydraulic performance studies of a Tesla valve‐type drip irrigation emitter
Authors: Xu Tianyu , Lin Changjiang , Yu Qiuyue , Zheng Ennan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe Tesla valve‐type drip irrigation emitter is a novel type of drip irrigation emitter that allows one‐way fluid flow and sharp water flow diversion. Orthogonal test schemes were employed to analyse the impact of structural parameters and energy dissipation mechanisms on hydraulic performance. The effect of vortex partitioning in forward and reverse flow channels on hydraulic performance was analysed. A prediction model for the emitter discharge exponent (flow index) of the structural parameters was established. The results indicated that the emitter discharge exponents of forward‐Tesla valve‐type drip irrigation emitters (FTEs) ranged from 0.47 to 0.506, and those of reverse‐Tesla valve‐type drip irrigation emitters (RTEs) ranged from 0.51 to 0.533. There was a significant disparity in the distribution of vortex zones between the FTE and RTE. The local loss coefficients of the FTE were 2.12–10.84, and those of the RTE were 1.00–3.71. The channel width D had a substantial impact on the emitter discharge exponents of the FTE and RTE, whereas the inlet length of diverter K, the length of the bevelled edge of raindrop‐type diverter B and the opening angle of raindrop‐type diverter θ had relatively smaller effects on the emitter discharge exponent. The determination coefficients of the regression model for the FTE and RTE were 0.89 and 0.84, respectively. The relative errors between the simulated and estimated values were −4.57% to 1.21%, and the experimental and estimated values were −3.72% to −1.45% in the FTE. The relative errors between the simulated and estimated values were −0.98% to 2.86%, and the experimental and estimated values were −3.72% to 1.45% in the RTE. These relative errors were all under 5%, indicating that the estimation of the emitter discharge exponent can be more accurate.
Breaking the culture of silence: An analysis of traditional media versus alternative media coverage of a social tragedy in Guatemala
Authors: Ortiz Jose 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe media are core to the successful functioning of democracy. They are responsible for scrutinizing state institutions. The media, thus, must remain independent of political control and power elites seeking to shape public consciousness. Nonetheless, historical precedents of political censorship and the high concentration of media ownership in Latin America have prevented the media from exercising its accountability duties. Information and communication technology (ICT) has recently enabled alternative media outlets to increase their reach in recent years. In contrast to traditional media, alternative media seek to challenge the status quo and engage in causes of social or political change. By analyzing traditional and alternative media coverage of a social tragedy in Guatemala, this study contributes to the ICT for development literature by showing how alternative media can leverage ICT to create accountability through frame diversification. The concept of frame diversification advanced in this study recognizes the possibilities enabled by ICT for disseminating views that break from the “culture of silence” that has historically permeated the media in Latin American countries like Guatemala.
Comparison of Anti‐Hepatitis A Antibody Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Australian Subjects Receiving Standard or Weight‐Based Dosing of Polyvalent Immunoglobulin
Authors: Young Megan K , Ng Shu‐Kay , Faddy Helen M , Nimmo Graeme R 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis randomized controlled trial compared two dosing regimens of the polyvalent immunoglobulin available for hepatitis A post‐exposure prophylaxis in Australia. Participants were randomized to receive either 270 IU (standard dose) or 3.375 IU/kg (dose by weight). Quantitative serial serum hepatitis A antibody concentrations were measured at baseline and then on days 1, 3, 7, 28, and 50. Fifteen participants completed the trial. Serum hepatitis A antibody concentrations were not different between the study groups at any time point. Pharmacokinetic parameters estimated from participant data were not different between the study groups. The hepatitis A antibody level of all participants exceeded 10 mIU/mL at day 50. While no difference between dosing regimens was found in this study, further research should examine dosing at the lower limit of current Australian recommendations before making policy decisions.
Brain structure alterations following neonatal exposure to low‐frequency electromagnetic fields: A histological analysis
Authors: Sissons Stephanie M. , Dotta Blake T. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) and electromagnetic fields (EMF) have been extensively studied for their roles in neurobiology, particularly in regulating cerebral functions and synaptic plasticity. This study investigates the impact of EMFs on NO modulation and its subsequent effects on neurodevelopment, building upon prior research examining EMF exposure's consequences on Wistar albino rats. Rats were exposed perinatally to either tap water, 1 g/L of L‐arginine (LA) or 0.5 g/L of N‐methylarginine (NMA). Half of the rats in each group were also exposed to a 7‐Hz square‐wave EMF at three separate intensities (5, 50 and 500 nT) for 2–14 days following birth. Animals were allowed to develop, and their brains were harvested later in adulthood (mean age = 568.17 days, SD = 162.73). Histological analyses were used to elucidate structural changes in key brain regions. All brains were stained with Toluidine Blue O (TBO), enabling the visualization of neurons. Neuronal counts were then conducted in specific regions of interest (e.g. hippocampus, cortices, amygdala and hypothalamus). Histological analyses revealed significant alterations in neuronal density in specific brain regions, particularly in response to EMF exposure and pharmacological interventions. Notable findings include a main EMF exposure effect where increased neuronal counts were observed in the secondary somatosensory cortex under low EMF intensities (p < 0.001) and sex‐specific responses in the hippocampus, where a significant increase in neuronal counts was observed in the left CA3 region in female rats exposed to EMF compared to unexposed females (t(18) = 2.371, p = 0.029). Additionally, a significant increase in neuronal counts in the right entorhinal cortex was seen in male rats exposed to EMF compared to unexposed males (t(18) = 2.216, p = 0.040). These findings emphasize the complex interaction among sex, EMF exposure and pharmacological agents on neuronal dynamics across brain regions, highlighting the need for further research to identify underlying mechanisms and potential implications for cognitive function and neurological health in clinical and environmental contexts.
Comparison of postoperative clinical outcomes and knee stability of cruciate‐retaining total knee arthroplasty using the tibia‐first gap navigation technique with a computer‐aided system and measured‐resection technique: A retrospective analysis of a propensity‐matched cohort
Authors: Iguchi Masaki , Takahashi Tsuneari , Ae Ryusuke , Takeshita Katsushi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to clarify whether the range of motion (ROM), anterior and posterior (AP) stability and other clinical measures changed in patients who underwent tibia‐first total knee arthroplasty (TF‐TKA) using navigation with a computer‐aided system after surgery.MethodsThis is a retrospective study and we conducted a matched cohort analysis of 60 measured resection (MR)‐TKAs and 52 TF‐TKAs performed by a single surgeon. All the surgeries used the same implant and approach. Baseline differences between the groups were adjusted using propensity score matching. We compared each patient's measured ROM and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and performed knee AP laxity measurements by using a device during routine follow‐ups.ResultsA total of 40 MR‐TKAs with a mean age of 73.5 ± 5.6 years and sex (male 10, female 30) were compared to 40 TF‐TKAs with a mean age of 74.0 ± 5.7 years and sex (male 13, female 27) at 2‐year follow‐ups. Two years postoperatively, there was a significant difference in the AP laxity at 30° of knee flexion between both groups (7.0 ± 3.4 mm vs. 5.2 ± 2.3 mm, p < 0.01). In contrast, no differences were found between both groups for knee flexion (120.8 ± 9° vs. 116.7 ± 9.8°, p = 0.07) and OKS score (41.8 ± 6.9 vs. 41.0 ± 5.9, p = 0.61).ConclusionThe AP stability in the midflexion obtained using the tibia‐first technique remained consistent even after 2 years. However, OKS and ROM were not significantly different from those of the MR‐TKA group.Level of EvidenceRetrospective comparative LEVEL III study.
Women's preferences for HIV prevention service delivery in pharmacies during pregnancy in Western Kenya: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Mugambi Melissa Latigo , Odhiambo Ben O. , Dollah Annabell , Marwa Mary M. , Nyakina Judith , Kinuthia John , Baeten Jared M. , Weiner Bryan J. , John‐Stewart Grace , Barnabas Ruanne Vanessa , Hauber Brett 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionPharmacy‐delivered HIV prevention services might create more options for pregnant women to use HIV prevention tools earlier and more consistently during pregnancy. We quantified preferences for attributes of potential HIV prevention services among women of childbearing age in Western Kenya.MethodsFrom June to November 2023, we administered a face‐to‐face discrete choice experiment survey to women aged 15–44 in Kenya's Homa Bay, Kisumu and Siaya counties. The survey evaluated preferences for HIV prevention services, described by seven attributes: service location, travel time, type of HIV test, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, partner HIV testing, pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and service fee. Participants answered a series of 12‐choice questions. Each question asked them to select one of two service options or no services—an opt‐out option. We used hierarchical Bayesian modelling levels to estimate each attribute level's coefficient and understand how attributes influenced service choice.ResultsOverall, 599 participants completed the survey, among whom the median age was 23 years (IQR: 18–27); 33% were married, 20% had a job and worked regularly, and 52% had been pregnant before. Participants, on average, strongly preferred having any HIV prevention service option over none (opt‐out preference weight: −5.84 [95% CI: −5.97, −5.72]). The most important attributes were the availability of PrEP (relative importance 27.04% [95% CI: 25.98%, 28.11%]), followed by STI testing (relative importance 20.26% [95% CI: 19.52%, 21.01%]) and partner HIV testing (relative importance: 16.35% [95% CI: 15.79%, 16.90%]). While, on average, participants preferred obtaining services at the clinic more than pharmacies, women prioritized the availability of PrEP, STI testing and partner HIV testing more than the location or cost.ConclusionsThese findings suggest the importance of providing comprehensive HIV prevention services and ensuring PrEP, STI testing and partner HIV testing are available. If pharmacies can offer these services, women are likely to access those services at pharmacies even if they prefer clinics.
A significant outbreak of respiratory human adenovirus infections among children aged 3−6 years in Hokkaido, Japan, in 2023
Authors: Fukuda Yuya , Togashi Atsuo , Hirakawa Satoshi , Yamamoto Masaki , Fukumura Shinobu , Nawa Tomohiro , Kushima Nana , Nakamura Satoshi , Kunizaki Jun , Nishino Kouhei , Kimura Ryoma , Kizawa Toshitaka , Yamamoto Dai , Takeuchi Ryoh , Sasaoka Yuta , Kikuchi Masayoshi , Ito Takuro , Nagai Kazushige , Asakura Hirofumi , Nishimura Sayaka , Yoshida Masaki , Tsuchida Kousuke , Tsugawa Takeshi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHuman adenovirus (HAdV) infections present diverse clinical manifestations upon infecting individuals, with respiratory infections predominating in children. We surveyed pediatric hospitalizations due to respiratory HAdV infections across 18 hospitals in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, from July 2019 to March 2024, recording 473 admissions. While hospitalizations remained below five cases per week from July 2019 to September 2023, a notable surge occurred in late October 2023, with weekly admissions peaking at 15−20 cases from November to December. There were dramatic shifts in the age distribution of hospitalized patients: during 2019−2021, 1‐year‐old infants and children aged 3−6 years represented 51.4%−54.8% and 4.1%−13.3%, respectively; however, in 2023−2024, while 1‐year‐old infants represented 19.0%−20.1%, the proportion of children aged 3−6 years increased to 46.2%−50.0%. Understanding the emergence of significant outbreaks of respiratory HAdV infections and the substantial changes in the age distribution of hospitalized cases necessitates further investigation into the circulating types of HAdV in Hokkaido Prefecture and changes in children's neutralizing antibody titers against HAdV.
Exploring trends and variability of climate change indices in the agro‐ecological zones of Pakistan and their driving mechanisms
Authors: Hina Saadia , Saleem Farhan , Hina Alina , Ullah Irfan , Bibi Tehmina , Mahmood Tariq 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAnthropogenic climate change induced weather and climate extremes have led to frequent heat waves, droughts and floods threatening water resources and food security for an agricultural country like Pakistan. Despite their significance, the trends and variability of extreme temperature and precipitation indices and associated large‐scale drivers in the agro‐ecological zones (AEZs) of Pakistan remain unknown and need urgent attention because of abrupt climate change. The present study documents the spatiotemporal variations of climate change indices together with the elevation‐dependent variability trends over various AEZs in Pakistan for the period of 42 years (1979–2020). Nonparametric Mann–Kendall (MK) and Sen's slope (SS) estimator tests have been employed for trend estimation. Results indicated linearly increasing (warming) and statistically significant trends in Tmean, TNx, WSDI and TR20 whereas significant decreasing (cooling) trends in cool nights (−1.73 days·decade−1) and cold spells (−1.28 days·decade−1). The spatial distribution of temperature indices trends depicts robust warming over southwestern and central zones while cooling trends over northern zones. Regarding precipitation extremes, all indices have shown increasing (wetter) trends with a significant increase in PRCPTOT and RX5day. The stations in northern and subhumid AEZs received more precipitation compared to other zones. Elevation‐dependent trends in temperature indices exhibited a statistically significant positive (negative) relationship with cold (warm) tails. Most of the extreme precipitation indices have a weak, but positive association with elevation except SDII. The weakening of South Asian subtropical upper‐level jet by a high‐pressure system over northeast Pakistan resulted in amplified land surface temperatures. However, the spatial patterns of zonal winds indicate a trough over Pakistan's southern and central parts, with warmer sea‐surface temperature, low sea‐level pressure and easterly anomalies, favour moisture transport and precipitation in Pakistan. The outcomes of present study will be useful in addressing various climate‐induced disasters occurring in various AEZs of Pakistan.
Early signs of osteoarthritis in differing rat osteochondral defects
Authors: Chihab Samir , Eng Tracy , Kaiser Jarred M. , Khan Nazir M. , Doan Thanh N. , Drissi Hicham 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPreclinical models of osteochondral defects (OCDs) are fundamental test beds to evaluate treatment modalities before clinical translation. To increase the rigor and reproducibility of translational science for a robust “go or no‐go,” we evaluated disease progression and pain phenotypes within the whole joint for two OCD rat models with same defect size (1.5 x 0.8 mm) placed either in the trochlea or medial condyle of femur. Remarkably, we only found subtle transitory changes to gaits of rats with trochlear defect without any discernible effect to allodynia. At 8‐weeks post‐surgery, anatomical evaluations of joint showed early signs of osteoarthritis with EPIC‐microCT. For the trochlear defect, cartilage attenuation was increased in trochlear, medial, and lateral compartments of the femur. For condylar defect, increased cartilage attenuation was isolated to the medial condyle of the femur. Further, the medial ossicle showed signs of deterioration as indicated with decreased bone mineral density and increased bone surface area to volume ratio. Thus, OCD in a weight‐bearing region of the femur gave rise to more advanced osteoarthritis phenotype within a unilateral joint compartment. Subchondral bone remodeling was evident in both models without any indication of closure of the articular cartilage surface. We conclude that rat OCD, placed in the trochlear or condylar region of the femur, leads to differing severity of osteoarthritis progression. As found herein, repair of the defect with fibrous tissue and subchondral bone is insufficient to alleviate onset of osteoarthritis. Future therapies using rat OCD model should address joint osteoarthritis in addition to repair itself.
Wide‐viewing‐angle dual‐view integral imaging display
Authors: Zhao Bai‐Chuan , Jia Wei , Fan Wei , Yang Fan , Fu Yang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA wide‐viewing‐angle dual‐view integral imaging display is proposed. A micro‐lens array, a polarizer parallax barrier, and a display panel are aligned in sequence. The display panel is covered with the polarizer parallax barrier. Two types of orthogonal polarizer slits in the polarizer parallax barrier are alternately aligned. Two types of orthogonal polarizer slits polarize the lights from two types of elemental images. The micro‐lens array propagates two types of polarized lights into two primary viewing zones, which coincide at the optimal viewing distance. Different 3D images are, respectively, observed through two types of polarizer glasses. The viewing angle is enhanced and unrelated to the number of elemental images.
Genetic Study and Temporal Dynamics of the Reaction to Ascochyta rabiei Epidemic in Improved Lines and Cultivars of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Bayahi Kaouthar , Chaar Hatem 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTAscochyta blight is the most devastating worldwide disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). It is caused by Ascochyta rabiei (teleomorph: Didymella rabiei) an airborne pathogenic fungus which is common in rainy climates and warm temperatures. Despite the efforts deployed by genetic improvement to develop highly resistant varieties, a total resistance to Ascochyta blight is lacking in chickpea. From 2015 to 2019 season, a study was carried out to develop highly resistant lines at the experimental station of the National Agronomical Institute of Tunis (INAT).In this genetic program, four crosses were realized: Nour x ILC154986, Nour x ILC154445, Béja1x ILC155064, and Béja1x ILC154449. Nour and Béja1 varieties were respectively tolerant and susceptible to Ascochyta blight and were used as female parents. The genetic study showed a total of six genes controlling the resistance to Ascochyta blight. The disease progress was analyzed under inoculation in the field on seven dates, and the plant infection rate r was recorded on the parental cultivars and the lines developed from crosses. The temporal progress of the disease was studied by using statistical and mathematical tools. A logistic model was tested and then applied to describe the Ascochyta rabiei progress over time in the field. The fitting adequacy of the logistic model was estimated by the determination coefficient R2 which value exceeded 0.98 and justified this selection. The logistic curves analysis showed a slow blighting and an infection progress decrease of lines issued from Béja1 x desi1 and Nour x Kabuli1 crosses. These lines obtained by transgressive segregation in the Nour x Kabuli1 and Beja1 x Desi2 populations can develop a stable resistance and prevent its overcoming.
Unabsorbed Fecal Fat Content Correlates with a Reduction of Immunoglobulin a Coating of Gut Bacteria in High‐Lard Diet‐Fed Mice
Authors: Katsumata Emiko , Tsuruta Takeshi , Sonoyama Kei , Yoshida Takashi , Sasaki Mio , Teraoka Mao , Wang Tianyang , Nishino Naoki 
Published: July 2024

ScopeImmunoglobulin A (IgA) selectively coats gut bacteria and contributes to regulatory functions in gastrointestinal inflammation and glucose metabolism. Excess intake of lard leads to decrease in the IgA coating of gut bacteria, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study validates how unabsorbed fat derived from a high‐lard diet in the gut affects the IgA coating of bacteria, as assessed in mouse models using three types of dietary fat (lard, medium‐, and long‐chain triglycerides [MLCTs], and medium‐chain triglycerides [MCTs]) exhibiting different digestibilities.Methods and resultsC57BL/6J mice are maintained on diets containing lard, MLCTs, or MCTs at 7% or 30% w/w for 10 weeks (n = 6 per group). The fecal fatty acid concentration is measured to quantify unabsorbed fat content. The ratio of IgA‐coated bacteria to total bacteria (IgA coating ratio) in the feces is measured by flow cytometry. Compared to lard‐fed mice, MLCT‐ and MCT‐fed mice exhibit lower fecal concentrations of palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid and higher IgA coating ratios at both 7% and 30% dietary fat, and these parameters exhibit significant negative correlations.ConclusionUnabsorbed fat content in the gut may result in attenuated IgA coating of bacteria in high‐lard diet‐fed mice.
Nonlinear behavioral analysis of diode model using Volterra series
Authors: Bie Zhi , Liu Jun , Chen Linxin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis article proposes a new nonlinear behavioral analysis of the Spice diode model by using Volterra series theory, in which the expression of the third‐order intermodulation was expressed. Moreover, the impact on the behavior of diode CV characteristic parameters Zero‐bias Junction capacitance Cjo, gradient coefficient M, and built‐in potential Vj are discussed. Two‐tones harmonic balance simulations are performed with the hpeesofsim circuit simulator. Results are consistent with the Volterra series analysis, showing the rationality and validity of this behavioral modeling method.