bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disaggregated behavioral responses to willingness‐to‐pay for the electronic levy in Ghana
Authors: Kwablah Edmund , Amoah Anthony , Amoah Benjamin , Asiama Rexford , Akoto Eleanor 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the disaggregated behavioral responses of mobile money users' willingness to pay for electronic levy payments in Ghana. We use cross‐sectional survey primary data and a probit regression estimation technique with its associated average marginal effects and check robustness with a linear probability model. The evidence from the study indicates that the disaggregated behavioral factors that drive willingness to pay for the e‐levy include individuals maintaining their current levels of electronic fund transfers, the intention to increase their electronic fund transactions, and intention to stop using electronic fund transfers that attract the e‐levy. Beyond the disaggregated behavioral responses, psychological (e.g., trust in government) and socioeconomic factors (individual income and gender) are identified as important drivers of willingness to pay for the e‐levy. We suggest that policies around e‐levies must not only focus on individual behavioral responses alone, as the drivers include behavioral, psychological, and socioeconomic factors.Related ArticlesAdegboye, Alex, Kofo Adegboye, Uwalomwa Uwuigbe, Stephen Ojeka, and Eyitemi Fasanu. 2023. “Taxation, Democracy, and Inequality in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Relevant Linkages for Sustainable Development Goals.” Politics & Policy 51(4): 696–722. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12547.Lachapelle, Erick, Thomas Bergeron, Richard Nadeau, Jean‐François Daoust, Ruth Dassonneville, and Éric Bélanger. 2021. “Citizens' Willingness to Support New Taxes for COVID‐19 Measures and the Role of Trust.” Politics & Policy 49(3): 534–65. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12404.Shock, David R. 2013. “The Significance of Opposition Entrepreneurs on Local Sales Tax Referendum Outcomes.” Politics & Policy 41(4): 588–614. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12028.
Evaluation of hormones as candidate early biomarkers of Holstein bull performance around the first semen collection at artificial insemination centres
Authors: Leiter Ina , Mittmann Victoria , Schaper Marie‐Kristin , Schulze Martin , Schmicke Marion 
Published: June 2024

AbstractArtificial insemination (AI) centres select bulls as calves according to their genetic breeding values and raise them until the first semen collection; yet, a high dropout rate of reared bulls is a problem for AI centres. Potential hormonal indicators of bull sexual maturation (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone, oestradiol, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1)) were observed and evaluated in relation to the performance parameters to perhaps identify candidate biomarkers allowing an early selection of bulls as suitable sires. Blood samples from 102 German Holstein calves at 4 ± 1, 8 ± 1 and 12 ± 2 months of age from six AI centres were analysed using validated immunoassays for cortisol, DHEA, testosterone, oestradiol and IGF‐1. Semen analyses included native and thawed diluted semen. Bulls were classified at the first semen collection into groups with good versus poor performance (GP vs. LP). After 2 years, the subsequent differentiation was done in high (HPP), medium (MPP) and low performance persistency (LPP). Age at first semen collection was an important factor for sperm quality. Cortisol concentrations decreased with age, but the cortisol/DHEA ratio decreased with age only in GP bulls (p < .05). Oestradiol and testosterone concentrations both correlated with libido behaviour (p < .05). Testosterone and IGF‐1 concentrations were higher at the time of first semen collection in GP bulls and increased with age (p < .05). In conclusion, testosterone and IGF‐1 concentrations at first semen collection are associated with performance at first semen collection and future performance persistency, and might be useful early biomarkers for consistent sperm producing bulls on AI centres.
The male effect associated with prostaglandins and reproductive outcomes in photo‐stimulated Saanen goats during the non‐breeding season
Authors: Cosentino Isabel Oliveira , Balaro Mario Felipe Alvarez , Leal Felipe Seabra Cardoso , de Figueiredo Cardoso Barbosa Lucas , Gonçalves Fernanda Martins , Brandão Felipe Zandonadi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe efficiency of combining oestrous induction via a light program (16 h of light and 8 h of darkness for 60 days, ending on Day 0 – D0) with cloprostenol administration, followed by the male effect or not, was tested in acyclic Saanen goats during the non‐breeding season (June/2019 to January/2020). Initially, all animals (males and females) were submitted to the described light program; 60 days after its ending (D60), the females were divided into two groups, with (G1; n = 67) or without (G2; n = 61) a male effect from D60 to D75 after the light program. At D75, both groups received two cloprostenol doses (120 μg; intramuscular) 7.5 days apart (D75 and D82.5). Artificial insemination was performed at a specific time according to the oestrous onset (approximately 68.4 ± 1.2 h between the second cloprostenol dose and IA). Ultrasound scans were performed at different intervals to evaluate follicular dynamics and confirm pregnancy. At the first cloprostenol dose (D75), the proportion of does with at least a corpus luteum (CL), which indicates resumed cyclicity, was greater in G1 than in G2 (85.2% vs. 48.8%; p < .05), although no difference was found at the second dose (p > .05). The adjusted pregnancy rates (number of pregnant goats/oestrous goats) differed between G1 and G2 (21.7% vs. 42.0%; p < .05). G1 also showed a higher frequency of functional CL (based on blood flow and morphology) compared to G2 (96.9% vs. 66.7%; p < .05) at D116. A male effect using photo‐stimulated bucks after the first cloprostenol dose increased the number of does presenting CL after buck removal, and no impairment in the pregnancy rates of multiparous does was found.
Metabolic adaptations leading to an enhanced lignification in wheat roots under salinity stress
Authors: Dissanayake Bhagya M. , Staudinger Christiana , Ranathunge Kosala , Munns Rana , Rupasinghe Thusitha W. , Taylor Nicolas L. , Millar A. Harvey 
Published: June 2024

SUMMARYAnalysis of salinity tolerance processes in wheat has focused on salt exclusion from shoots while root phenotypes have received limited attention. Here, we consider the varying phenotypic response of four bread wheat varieties that differ in their type and degree of salt tolerance and assess their molecular responses to salinity and changes in root cell wall lignification. These varieties were Westonia introgressed with Nax1 and Nax2 root sodium transporters (HKT1;4‐A and HKT1;5‐A) that reduce Na+ accumulation in leaves, as well as the ‘tissue tolerant’ Portuguese landrace Mocho de Espiga Branca that has a mutation in the homologous gene HKT1;5‐D and has high Na+ concentration in leaves. These three varieties were compared with the relatively more salt‐sensitive cultivar Gladius. Through the use of root histochemical analysis, ion concentrations, as well as differential proteomics and targeted metabolomics, we provide an integrated view of the wheat root response to salinity. We show different metabolic re‐arrangements in energy conversion, primary metabolic machinery and phenylpropanoid pathway leading to monolignol production in a genotype and genotype by treatment‐dependent manner that alters the extent and localisation of root lignification which correlated with an improved capacity of wheat roots to cope better under salinity stress.
Traumatic pericardial rupture with secondary cardiac herniation in a dog
Authors: Lourenço Marisa I. C. , Anson Agustina , DeStefano Ian M. , Logwood Katherine S. , Stockman Tiffany , Berg John 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the unique finding and treatment of a dog with cardiac herniation due to traumatic pericardial rupture.Case SummaryA 6.5‐year‐old entire male Yorkshire Terrier was presented for further management after being hit by a car. Despite suspected significant intrathoracic trauma at that time, the patient regained hemodynamic stability and had orthopedic surgery to correct a right iliac fracture. The patient was readmitted to the hospital 12 days following the initial visit due to considerable respiratory difficulty after accidentally being dropped several feet. Thoracic radiographs revealed an unusual severe mediastinal shift to the left with an atypical position of the cardiac silhouette against the left lateral thoracic wall. Due to the severe respiratory compromise of the patient and newly developed pneumothorax, an exploratory thoracotomy was recommended, where a complete rupture of the pericardium was identified, with secondary left‐sided prolapse of the heart. Other more common intrathoracic injuries (ie, lung perforation, rib fractures) were also identified and partially repaired. The patient recovered successfully and was discharged 4 days postoperatively.New or Unique Information ProvidedThis is the first case report in the veterinary literature of traumatic pericardial rupture and cardiac herniation. According to human case descriptions, this is a rare and often fatal occurrence, which can be significantly challenging to diagnose preoperatively or antemortem. Emergency veterinary clinicians should be aware of this rare but important complication of blunt thoracic trauma. Surgical intervention may be necessary in cases with suspected or confirmed entrapment of great vessels or cardiac chambers, although these abnormalities were not present in this case.
Athletic prognosis following arthroscopic removal of osteochondral fragments of the proximal dorsal sagittal ridge of the fetlock in Thoroughbreds intended for flat racing
Authors: Luick Mackenzie L. , Khouzam Natalie A. , Pérez‐Nogués Marcos 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo establish racing prognosis in Thoroughbred yearlings with proximal sagittal ridge osteochondral lesions and compare them to dorsoproximal and palmar/plantar first phalanx osteochondral lesions.AnimalsA total of 47 horses had proximal sagittal ridge lesions, 34 had palmar/plantar first phalanx lesions, and 115 had dorsoproximal first phalanx lesions.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsMedical records of Thoroughbred yearling racing prospects treated arthroscopically for fetlock osteochondral lesions were reviewed. Data were collected from a public database, including the ability to train and race, earnings, starts, wins, and placed races. Racing prognosis was analyzed and compared between three lesion locations.ResultsOf the proximal sagittal ridge group, 76.6% raced, 65.71% of the palmar/plantar first phalanx group, and 74.58% of the dorsoproximal first phalanx group. Career length was similar for all lesions. A lower number of “starts” in the group “five years old and older” was found for the dorsoproximal first phalanx group compared to the cohort with proximal sagittal ridge lesions. Mares had more “earnings” at two years old but fewer “starts” at “five years old” compared to colts and geldings. Forelimb lesions were predictive for fewer total career starts.ConclusionProximal sagittal ridge lesions had similar prognoses to dorsoproximal and palmar/plantar first phalanx lesions. In older horses, there was an increase in the number of starts for the proximal sagittal ridge group compared to the dorsoproximal first phalanx group. Mares and forelimb lesions were associated with decreased racing starts.Clinical significanceThese findings aid in prognostication for Thoroughbreds with osteochondral lesions removed arthroscopically in the fetlock joint.
Investigating the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Biowaste Derived Bioactive Borosilicate Glass Incorporating Strontium Oxide
Authors: Monirujjaman Md. , Jain Satish , Patel Sushil , Hasan Simon , Daloji L. , Gujjala Raghavendra , Abdul Azeem P. , Syam Prasad P. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The primary goal of the current research paper is to investigate the mechanical and tribological behavior of biologically active glass materials consisting of 31B2O3–(20 − x) SiO2–24.5Na2O–24.5CaO and xSrO (in mol. %). The specimens were fabricated partly using biowaste material, in which silica and calcium oxide were derived from rice husks and egg shells, respectively. The produced specimens underwent immersion in simulated bodily fluid for a week to observe their bioactive response. The findings from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses validated the existence of a hydroxyapatite (HA) layer on the specimen surfaces. Further, XRD data showed an increase in peak intensity after SrO was incorporated, suggesting that it played a supporting role in boosting bioactivity. The mechanical investigations indicated that the addition of SrO adversely affects both hardness and compression strength. The highest levels of hardness and compression strength were observed in borosilicate glass (BSG)-0, namely, 6.49 GPa and 73.81 MPa, respectively. Following the inclusion of SrO, these values decreased to 4.72 GPa and 35.03 MPa for BSG-5, respectively. The abrasion wear test demonstrated that BSG-5 had the highest wear rate, while BSG-0 exhibited the lowest wear rate among all specimens at a 30 mm track radius, consistent with the outcomes of mechanical tests. The heightened concentration of strontium correlated with amplified abrasion and erosion, leading to more significant damage in surrounding regions. Despite the tradeoff between enhanced bioactivity and diminished mechanical strength and wear resistance, incorporating strontium oxide makes the glass suitable for applications prioritizing bioactivity, such as bone filling and dental contexts.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Estimation of Fetal Head Circumference With Biparietal and Occipitofrontal Diameters Using Two-Dimensional Ultrasound Images
Authors: Chougule Amit , Roy Priyanka , Wagh Mayuresh Girish , Goyal Diksha 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
One of the most essential biometrics for measuring fetal growth during prenatal ultrasound exams is the head circumference (HC). However, manual measurement of this biometric by doctors often needs substantial experience. Manual measurement of fetal head circumference during prenatal ultrasound exams requires significant expertise, posing limitations in accuracy and consistency, which can impact clinical decision-making and fetal health assessments. We developed a state-of-the-art image processing algorithm that utilizes biometry and segmented images and employed a fast ellipse fitting method to measure the HC, head orientation (angle) along with biparietal (BPD), and occipitofrontal (OFD) diameter automatically. Our approach offers automation and precision in measuring fetal biometrics, surpassing the limitations of manual measurement by ensuring consistent and accurate assessments, thus enhancing clinical efficiency and facilitating timely interventions for optimal fetal health management. Additionally, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that adopts a segmented image from any model or technique and provides significant fetal parameters during ultrasonography in a single shot. The suggested technique is lightweight, real-time, and easily integrate with any segmentation model or technique. We have used three well-known segmentation models for demonstration and compared their performance using dice scores as an evaluation parameter. Among the three, HRNet shows the best results with an average dice score of 0.96; due to the high dice score, we have chosen HRNet over the other two models and proceeded further and implemented our novel algorithm on that to predict the required fetal key measurements. The findings of this study benefit prenatal care by enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of fetal biometric measurements, thereby facilitating improved clinical decision-making and optimizing fetal health assessments.
Investigations on Tool Wear Behavior of TiAlVN and TiAlN/TiAlVN Coated Tools in the Milling Inconel 718
Authors: Sebbe N. P. V. , Albuquerque J. , Sousa Vitor F. C. , Fernandes F. , Silva F. J. G. , Sales-Contini R. C. M. , Pedroso A. F. V. , Martinho R. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The constant growth of the aerospace industry has been made possible due to the development and implementation of materials capable of withstanding the service demands of different components. Inconel 718 alloy presents high mechanical resistance, high hardness, tendency to undergo work hardening, and low thermal conductivity, which makes it difficult to machine material. Developing techniques that improve these alloys' machinability are fundamental and, therefore, have been a point of interest and study. Within these techniques is the use of coated tools, which allow the evaluation of optimization and improvement of the milling process's performance and produce parts with superior surface quality. This is the case of TiAlVN and TiAlN/TiAlVN coatings. Based on this, the main goal of this work was to evaluate the properties and wear behavior of TiAlVN and TiAlN/TiAlVN coated tools coated, deposited by the physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, during the milling of Inconel 718. Indeed, TiAlN coatings doped with vanadium have been little studied and explored, opening a gap in the literature. The coatings produced were analyzed in terms of their composition, morphology, mechanical properties, oxidation resistance, and wear resistance. The parameters that were compared were cutting length and feed per tooth. Both coatings had a stoichiometric chemical composition and a similar morphology. It was observed that the TiAlN/TiAlVN coating had better performance in oxidation tests, and TiAlVN coating had better performance in wear resistance. The wear mechanisms identified were similar in all tools, with the main wear mechanism being abrasive wear with some adhesive wear.
Optimal Control of Material Microstructures
Authors: Sharma Aayushman , Mao Zirui , Yang Haiying , Chakravorty Suman , Demkowicz Michael J. , Kalathil Dileep 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we consider the optimal control of material microstructures. Such material microstructures are modeled by the so-called phase-field model. We study the underlying physical structure of the model and propose a data-based approach for its optimal control, along with a comparison to the control using a state-of-the-art reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm. Simulation results show the feasibility of optimally controlling such microstructures to attain desired material properties and complex target microstructures.
Investigation of the Impacts of Solder Alloy Composition and Temperature Profile on Fatigue Life of Ball Grid Array Solder Joints Under Accelerated Thermal Cycling
Authors: Apalowo Rilwan Kayode , Abas Mohamad Aizat , Mukhtar Muhamed Abdul Fatah Muhamed , Ramli Mohamad Riduwan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This study investigated the thermal fatigue reliability of ball grid array (BGA) solder joints under accelerated thermal cycling, considering the impacts of solder alloy and temperature profile. Applying the Darveaux solder joint reliability assessment, simulations consider lead-based (63Sn37Pb and 62Sn36Pb2Ag) and lead-free (SAC105, SAC305, and SAC405) solder alloys under temperature profiles: 0°C (Tmin) to 100°C (Tmax), −40°C to 85 °C, −40 °C to 125 °C, and −40 °C to 150 °C. Results indicate that SAC305 exhibited the highest equivalent stress, while 63Sn37Pb demonstrated the highest plastic strain and creep strain energy density. SAC105 displayed the lowest stress and strain parameters. Moreover, increasing the thermal cycling temperature range intensifies stress, strain, and damage parameters, with −40 °C to 150 °C showing the highest magnitudes. SAC405 exhibited superior thermal fatigue life compared to other alloys, with its cycles to failure outperforming 63Sn37Pb, SAC105, 63Sn36Pb2Ag, and SAC305 by 16832, 11992, 6218, and 3601 cycles, respectively. Lower temperature ranges enhance thermal fatigue life, with 0 °C to 100 °C recording 8%, 33%, and 53% higher life than −40 °C to 85 °C, −40 °C to 125 °C, and −40 °C to 150 °C, respectively. Notably, higher silver content and lower temperature ranges were associated with increased thermal fatigue life, providing valuable insights for BGA solder joint reliability enhancement.
Analysis of Variation in Sagittal Curvature of the Femoral Condyles
Authors: Winslow Eden , Pan Xuanbei , Hull Maury L. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In designing femoral components, which restore native (i.e., healthy) knee kinematics, the flexion–extension (F-E) axis of the tibiofemoral joint should match that of the native knee. Because the F–E axis is governed by the curvature of the femoral condyles in the sagittal plane, the primary objective was to determine the variation in radii of curvature. Eleven high accuracy three-dimensional (3D) femur models were generated from ultrahigh resolution CT scans. The sagittal profile of each condyle was created. The radii of curvature at 15 deg increments of arc length were determined based on segment circles best-fit to ±15 deg of arc at each increment. Results were standardized to the radius of the best-fit overall circle to 15 deg–105 deg for the femoral condyle having a radius closest to the mean radius. Medial and lateral femoral condyles exhibited multiradius of curvature sagittal profiles where the radius decreased at 30 deg flexion by 10 mm and at 15 deg flexion by 8 mm, respectively. On either side of the decrease, radii of segment circles were relatively constant. Beyond the transition angles where the radii decreased, the anterior-posterior (A-P) positions of the centers of curvature varied 4.8 mm and 2.3 mm for the medial and lateral condyles, respectively. A two-radius of curvature profile approximates the radii of curvature of both native femoral condyles, but the transition angles differ with the transition angle of the medial femoral condyle occurring about 15 deg later in flexion. Owing to variation in A-P positions of centers of curvature, the F-E axis is not strictly fixed in the femur.
A Trajectory Planning Method for Capture Operation of Space Robotic Arm Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Song Bing Yang , Li Jin Quan , Liu Xiao Yu , Wang Guo Lei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In order to deal with the complex dynamics and control problems involved in space debris removal, a trajectory planning technique for a spatial robotic arm based on twin delayed DDPG (TD3) in deep reinforcement learning is proposed, and it can accomplish an end-to-end control effect comparable to that of human hand gripping objects. The trajectory planning method for capturing space debris by a floating-base space robotic arm is realized using a space robotic arm task simulation platform built on MuJoCo and using trajectory planners, trajectory trackers, and joint and end-effector control strategies formulated with seven different weighted reward functions. This makes it easier to complete spacecraft in-orbit servicing and maintenance missions. The experiment results demonstrate that the capture strategy can maintain a capture success rate of more than 99%, and debris capture can be mostly finished in three stages when taking the stability of the floating base into consideration by continuously modifying the trajectory.