bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imperial debris, intimate partnerships and family law reform in Cameroon
Authors: Kombo Brenda K. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis article explores the enduring impact of efforts by the French mandate administration and Spiritan missionaries to regulate intimate partnerships in French Cameroon between 1916 and 1956. Drawing primarily on French archival material, I show how administrators and missionaries sought to domesticate ‘modernity’ through activities targeting women’s status and roles within intimate partnerships. Spiritans promoted monogamous Christian marriage by advocating for Christian legal status and through ‘schools for fiancées’ called sixas, which often provoked violent confrontations. Despite decrying these activities as culturally disruptive, the administration passed significant marriage legislation. While these efforts are characterized as exercises of epistemic violence because of their attempted erasure of women’s and broader local perspectives, I nevertheless highlight their ambiguity. Moreover, garnering insights from history, anthropology, critical legal studies, postcolonial and feminist theory, I argue that remnants of these attempts to reshape intimacy endure as ‘imperial debris’, contributing to the impasse in reforming the Cameroonian Family Code. Further research unearthing local historical perspectives and experiences of intimate partnerships can facilitate more egalitarian family law in Cameroon.
Role of dietary intake and physical activity in reducing weight social inequalities among adolescents: an application of G-formula to PRALIMAP-INÈS trial
Authors: Dakin Mohamed , Manneville Florian , Langlois Johanne , Briançon Serge , Lecomte Edith , Spitz Elisabeth , Legrand Karine , Böhme Philip , Guillemin Francis , Omorou Abdou 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInterventions aiming to reduce social inequalities of weight status in adolescents usually focus on lifestyle behaviours, but their effectiveness is limited. This study analysed the effect of achieving levels of dietary intake (DI) and/or physical activity (PA) guidelines on reducing social inequalities in weight status among adolescents. We included adolescents from the PRomotion de l’ALIMentation et de l’Activité Physique – INÉgalité de Santé (PRALIMAP-INÈS) trial with weight status data available at baseline and 1-year follow-up (n 1130). PA and DI were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and a validated FFQ, respectively. We estimated the likelihood of a 1-year reduction in BMI z-score (BMIz) and population risk difference (PRD) under hypothetical DI and PA levels and socio-economic status using the parametric G-formula. When advantaged and less advantaged adolescents maintained their baseline DI and PA, we found social inequalities in weight status, with a PRD of a 1-year reduction in BMIz of −1·6 % (–3·0 %, −0·5 %). These inequalities were not observed when less advantaged adolescents increased their proportion of achieving DI guidelines by 30 % (PRD = 2·2 % (–0·5 %, 5·0 %)) unlike the same increase in PA (PRD = −3·9 % (–6·8 %, −1·3 %)). Finally, social inequalities of weight status were not observed when levels of achievement of both PA and DI guidelines increased by 30 % (PRD = 2·2 % (–0·5 %, 4·0 %)). Enhancing DI rather than PA could be effective in reducing social inequalities in weight status among adolescents. Future interventions aiming to reduce these inequalities should mostly target DI to be effective.
Ganoderma lucidum dry extract supplementation modulates T lymphocyte function in older women
Authors: Iser-Bem Patricia Nancy , Lobato Tiago Bertola , Alecrim-Zeza Amanda Lins , dos Santos de Oliveira Laiane Cristina , Passos Maria Elizabeth Pereira , Manuel Richelieau , Diniz Vinícius Leonardo Sousa , Correa Ilana Souza , de Oliveira Sarah Poma , Silva Eliane Borges da , Almeida Mariana Mendes de , Dias Beatriz Belmiro , Gritte Raquel Bragante , Levada-Pires Adriana Cristina , Masi Laureane Nunes , Hatanaka Elaine , Pithon-Curi Tania Cristina , Hirabara Sandro Massao , Fabi João Paulo , Curi Rui , Gorjao Renata 
Published: May 2024

AbstractGanoderma lucidum (a mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine) compounds may attenuate ageing-related physiological changes and restore normal immunity. However, studies on the physiological effects of Ganoderma lucidum dry extract food supplements are few. Therefore, here, we aimed to investigate the effects of Ganoderma lucidum dry extract food supplement on the lymphocyte function of older women. This was a double-blind clinical trial (n 60) with a final 39 older volunteers, divided into two groups Ganoderma lucidum (n 23) and placebo (n 16). The Ganoderma lucidum group received 2000 mg/d of Ganoderma lucidum dry extract for 8 weeks. We used flow cytometry to determine the lymphocyte profile. CD4+ lymphocyte gene expression was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. We observed that in the Ganoderma lucidum group, concanavalin A stimulation increased lymphocyte proliferation. Further, we observed an increase in expression of Forkhead box P3, transforming growth factor-beta, IL-10, IL-6, retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma, GATA-binding protein 3 and interferon gamma genes in the Ganoderma lucidum group. Furthermore, in the Ganoderma lucidum group, ionomycin and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate stimulation led to decrease in Th17+ cells and increase in Th2+ cells. Thus, in older women, Ganoderma lucidum regulates T lymphocyte function leading to a predominant anti-inflammatory action but does not induce T lymphocyte proliferation through CD28 signalling pathway.
MATRILINEAL SUCCESSION IN GREEK MYTH
Authors: Hawes Greta , Selth Rosemary 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis article presents a systematic examination of matrilineal succession in Greek myth. It uses MANTO, a digital database of Greek myth, to identify kings who succeed their fathers-in-law, maternal grandfathers, step-fathers, or wives’ previous husbands. Analysis of the fifty-four instances identified shows that the prominence of the ‘succession via widow’ motif in archaic epic is not typical of the broader tradition. Rather, civic mythmaking more commonly relies on succession by sons-in-law and maternal grandsons to craft connections between cities and lineages, and to claim panhellenic prestige. We show that matrilineal successors are not treated as necessarily illegitimate or inferior within the overwhelmingly patrilineal conventions of Greek myth. In fact, matrilineal calculations afford certain advantages, like the ability to integrate heroes from elsewhere, or to champion local kings with divine fathers. Matrilineal succession reveals the gendered dynamics inherent to Greek myth; we argue that, although in these instances regnal power is transferred through female relatives, the heroines involved are typically treated simply as nodes for this power and their roles in these stories do not necessarily correlate to a greater visibility or autonomy.
Effect of double-premilking teat disinfection protocols on bacterial counts on teat skin of cows and milker gloves in a free-stall-housed dairy herd
Authors: Niero Thiago Resin , Kappes Roberto , Scheid Angelica Leticia , Ramos Andreina Ferreira , Ribeiro Eduardo Becker , Cardozo Leonardo Leite , Ferraz Sandra Maria , Thaler Neto André 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis research communication addresses the hypothesis that double premilking teat disinfection (DD) is more effective in reducing soiling and bacterial count on the cows' teat skin and milkers' gloves than conventional disinfection (CONV). The design was a 3 × 3 Latin square (three groups of cows and three treatments) with conventional teat disinfection (CONV, lactic acid application after forestripping), double teat disinfection using the same disinfectant (DD1D, lactic acid application before and after forestripping), and double teat disinfection using two different disinfectants (DD2D, application of lactic acid before and chlorine-based disinfectant after forestripping). All groups were assigned for six days for each treatment, and the evaluations and samples were collected on the last day, before and after treatment. We evaluated the teat cleanliness score (TCS), count of Gram-negative bacteria (coliforms and noncoliforms), Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and total bacterial count (TBC) on the cows' teats and TBC on the milkers' gloves. TCS after premilking was lower in DD than CONV treatment. The reduction of Staphylococcus spp. count was greater in the DD treatment and tended to be higher in the DD2D. The TBC reduction on the cows' teats was greater in the DD treatments. The TBC on the milkers' gloves was lower for DD before and after premilking. In conclusion, DD can be an alternative for reducing some bacterial populations on cow teats and preventing the transmission of microorganisms between cows via the milkers' hands.
Biocontrol potential of six Heterorhabditis bacteriophora strains isolated in the Azores Archipelago
Authors: Beltrí R. , Monteiro H.R. , Toubarro D. , Simões N. , Garriga A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are closely associated with Popillia japonica and potentially used as their biological control agents, although field results proved inconsistent and evoked a continual pursuit of native EPNs more adapted to the environment. Therefore, we surveyed the Azorean Archipelago to isolate new strains of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and to evaluate their virulence against the model organism Galleria mellonella under laboratory conditions. Six strains were obtained from pasture and coastal environments and both nematode and symbiont bacteria were molecularly identified. The bioassays revealed that Az172, Az186, and Az171 presented high virulence across the determination of a lethal dose (LD50) and short exposure time experiments with a comparable performance to Az29. After 72 hours, these virulent strains presented a mean determination of a lethal dose of 11 infective juveniles cm-2, a lethal time (LT50) of 34 hours, and achieved 40% mortality after an initial exposure time of only 60 minutes. Az170 exhibited an intermediate performance, whereas Az179 and Az180 were classified as low virulent strains. However, both strains presented the highest reproductive potential with means of 1700 infective juveniles/mg of larvae. The bioassays of the native EPNs obtained revealed that these strains hold the potential to be used in biological control initiatives targeting P. japonica because of their high virulence and locally adapted to environmental conditions.
Shared familial risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus and psychiatric disorders: a nationwide multigenerational genetics study
Authors: Wimberley Theresa , Brikell Isabell , Astrup Aske , Larsen Janne T. , Petersen Liselotte V. , Albiñana Clara , Vilhjálmsson Bjarni J. , Bulik Cynthia M. , Chang Zheng , Fanelli Giuseppe , Bralten Janita , Mota Nina R. , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Fernandez-Aranda Fernando , Bulló Monica , Franke Barbara , Børglum Anders , Mortensen Preben B. , Horsdal Henriette T. , Dalsgaard Søren 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPsychiatric disorders and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are heritable, polygenic, and often comorbid conditions, yet knowledge about their potential shared familial risk is lacking. We used family designs and T2DM polygenic risk score (T2DM-PRS) to investigate the genetic associations between psychiatric disorders and T2DM.MethodsWe linked 659 906 individuals born in Denmark 1990–2000 to their parents, grandparents, and aunts/uncles using population-based registers. We compared rates of T2DM in relatives of children with and without a diagnosis of any or one of 11 specific psychiatric disorders, including neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, using Cox regression. In a genotyped sample (iPSYCH2015) of individuals born 1981–2008 (n = 134 403), we used logistic regression to estimate associations between a T2DM-PRS and these psychiatric disorders.ResultsAmong 5 235 300 relative pairs, relatives of individuals with a psychiatric disorder had an increased risk for T2DM with stronger associations for closer relatives (parents:hazard ratio = 1.38, 95% confidence interval 1.35–1.42; grandparents: 1.14, 1.13–1.15; and aunts/uncles: 1.19, 1.16–1.22). In the genetic sample, one standard deviation increase in T2DM-PRS was associated with an increased risk for any psychiatric disorder (odds ratio = 1.11, 1.08–1.14). Both familial T2DM and T2DM-PRS were significantly associated with seven of 11 psychiatric disorders, most strongly with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder, and inversely with anorexia nervosa.ConclusionsOur findings of familial co-aggregation and higher T2DM polygenic liability associated with psychiatric disorders point toward shared familial risk. This suggests that part of the comorbidity is explained by shared familial risks. The underlying mechanisms still remain largely unknown and the contributions of genetics and environment need further investigation.
Dynamic simultaneous localization and mapping based on object tracking in occluded environment
Authors: Ding Weili , Pei Ziqi , Yang Tao , Chen Taiyu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn practical applications, many robots equipped with embedded devices have limited computing capabilities. These limitations often hinder the performance of existing dynamic SLAM algorithms, especially when faced with occlusions or processor constraints. Such challenges lead to subpar positioning accuracy and efficiency. This paper introduces a novel lightweight dynamic SLAM algorithm designed primarily to mitigate the interference caused by moving object occlusions. Our proposed approach combines a deep learning object detection algorithm with a Kalman filter. This combination offers prior information about dynamic objects for each SLAM algorithm frame. Leveraging geometric techniques like RANSAC and the epipolar constraint, our method filters out dynamic feature points, focuses on static feature points for pose determination, and enhances the SLAM algorithm’s robustness in dynamic environments. We conducted experimental validations on the TUM public dataset, which demonstrated that our approach elevates positioning accuracy by approximately 54% and boosts the running speed by 75.47% in dynamic scenes.
The Beneficial, Formative Role of Lifetime Exposures across Cognitive Domains in Barbados Using Data from the SABE Study
Authors: Steffener Jason , Nicholls Joanne , Farghal Shireen , Franklin Dylan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that within older Barbadian adults, sex, education, and occupation type lessen age-related cognitive decline. The analyses used a cross-sectional data set from 1325 people collected in the 2006 SABE Study (Health, Well-being, and Aging). Cognition was assessed as scores in each subdomain of the Mini-Mental State Exam. The loss of a single point in each subdomain was predicted by sex, years of education, job type, and their interactions with age. Results demonstrated that age and protective factors affect each cognitive domain differently. High education combined with mentally complex employment helped maintain cognitive performance in later life. Beneficial lifetime exposures are additive, providing combined benefits. Findings provide insight into public policy aiming to minimize the number of adults with cognitive decline and dementia in Barbados and the Caribbean.
Invoking the Goddess along the Southern Silk Roads: a transregional survey of Prajñāpāramitā protective texts
Authors: Bianchini Francesco 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis article brings together various textual materials relating to the worship of Prajñāpāramitā in mediaeval Monsoon Asia. In particular, it covers sources from South Asia, mainland Southeast Asia (Angkor), maritime Southeast Asia (Java and Bali), and Southern China (Yunnan). The aims of this critical survey are twofold. On the one hand, the article argues for the importance of ritual language within wider discussions on cultural and linguistic cosmopolitanism within and beyond the so-called ‘Sanskrit Cosmopolis’. These discussions have too often focused on royal epigraphic eulogies, neglecting religious literature. On the other hand, it highlights the key role of Prajñāpāramitā as a protective deity, and the transregional heritage of her invocatory texts. These texts strike one for their traditional choice of imagery and associations, thus reminding of the importance of exoteric traditions within the history of Southeast Asian Buddhism.
Exploitation of genetics for improvement of morphological traits in segregating population of underutilized ornamental herb (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don)
Authors: Ravikumar Bolagam , Dhatt Kiranjit Kaur 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPeriwinkle (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don) is a vital summer season perennial semi-shrub and multipurpose drought-resilient flower crop of the tropical region of the Indian subcontinent. This industrially dominant crop is primarily used as border, bedding and pot culture in landscaping. There is a lack of information on the genetics of important traits and its correlation with quantitative characters like flower yield and understanding the co-segregation of these traits might be useful in crop improvement. Therefore, the present study was performed using 30 F2 segregating lines of Catharanthus developed from diallel crossing of six genetically dissimilar parents varied in many traits. Phenotyping of population was executed for 12 morphological traits. Results indicated that a significant positive association between days to flowering and plant height (0.753**), and leaf area and number of branches (0.463**) was recorded. Flowers per plant exhibit significantly positive correlation with all attributes except flower diameter (−005). The path coefficient analysis reported solely two traits, such as number of seeds per follicle (0.357) and corolla tube length (0.308) exerted positively significant direct effects on flower yield per plant. The scrutiny of principal components showed that the first three components demonstrated a cumulative variability of 70.1%. The dissipating of F2 plants in bi-plot is impenitent to our prior reports that six inbred lines were genetically diverse and quite different for the characters under study. The current research might be useful in breeding programmes for selection and hybridization of periwinkle in future.
Association between high-altitude polycythemia and hypertension: a cross-sectional study in adults at Tibetan ultrahigh altitudes
Authors: Yin Rong , Wu Yunhong , Li Man , Liu Chunrong , Pu Xue , Yi Wen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe study aimed to evaluate the association between high-altitude polycythemia and hypertension in adults residing on Anduo County’s plateau, which is located 4700 meters above sea level. A total of 387 individuals participated in the cross-sectional survey conducted between April and May of 2021. Interviews, physical inspections, and laboratory tests were employed to gather information about all of the subjects. The association between high-altitude polycythemia and hypertension was assessed using multivariable logistic regression models. The average age of the 387 participants was 32.6 ± 6.3 years. Of these participants, 260 (67%) were male. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 27.1% (57/380). When stratified by gender, the prevalence was 12.6% (16/127) in females and 34.2% (89/260) in males. The overall prevalence of high-altitude polycythemia was 19.6% (76/387). When stratified by gender, the prevalence was 26.2% (68/260) in males and 6.3% (8/127) in females. During logistic regression analysis, we found that participants with elevated hemoglobin per 10 g/L had a 26% greater risk of hypertension (adjusting for odds ratio [OR], 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11–1.44). Additionally, high-altitude polycythemia greatly increased the risk of hypertension in comparison to non-high-altitude polycythemia (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.66–5.44, P < 0.001). The consistency of the results was further demonstrated by stratified and interaction analyses, showing that Hans individuals had a higher risk of hypertension. High-altitude polycythemia is positively associated with hypertension in adults residing at Tibetan ultrahigh altitudes. The results of the investigation may aid in the planning of future research and guide the development of targeted healthcare practices for high-altitude populations, particularly among Han Chinese residents of the Tibetan Plateau.
Artificial intelligence model system for bone age assessment of preschool children
Authors: Gao Chengcheng , Hu Chunfeng , Qian Qi , Li Yangsheng , Xing Xiaowei , Gong Ping , Lin Min , Ding Zhongxiang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Backgroud
Our study aimed to assess the impact of inter- and intra-observer variations when utilizing an artificial intelligence (AI) system for bone age assessment (BAA) of preschool children.

Methods
A retrospective study was conducted involving a total sample of 53 female individuals and 41 male individuals aged 3–6 years in China. Radiographs were assessed by four mid-level radiology reviewers using the TW3 and RUS–CHN methods. Bone age (BA) was analyzed in two separate situations, with/without the assistance of AI. Following a 4-week wash-out period, radiographs were reevaluated in the same manner. Accuracy metrics, the correlation coefficient (ICC)and Bland-Altman plots were employed.

Results
The accuracy of BAA by the reviewers was significantly improved with AI. The results of RMSE and MAE decreased in both methods (p < 0.001). When comparing inter-observer agreement in both methods and intra-observer reproducibility in two interpretations, the ICC results were improved with AI. The ICC values increased in both two interpretations for both methods and exceeded 0.99 with AI.

Conclusion
In the assessment of BA for preschool children, AI was found to be capable of reducing inter-observer variability and enhancing intra-observer reproducibility, which can be considered an important tool for clinical work by radiologists.

Impact

The RUS-CHN method is a special bone age method devised to be suitable for Chinese children.

The preschool stage is a critical phase for children, marked by a high degree of variability that renders BA prediction challenging.

The accuracy of BAA by the reviewers can be significantly improved with the aid of an AI model system.

This study is the first to assess the impact of inter- and intra-observer variations when utilizing an AI model system for BAA of preschool children using both the TW3 and RUS-CHN methods.