bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local agricultural by-products for rearing superworm larvae (Zophobas morio): a Greek example
Authors: Gourgouta M. , Rumbos C.I. , Oonincx D.G.A.B. , Adamaki-Sotiraki C. , Karapanagiotidis I.T. , Athanassiou C.G. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
As the industrial insect production sector is rapidly growing, the high production cost of insects forms a constraint for the further growth of the insect industry. One of the main factors that greatly contributes to the total insect production cost and affects the profitability of insect farms is feed costs. Various agricultural by-products have been successfully evaluated and proposed as low-cost, alternative, insect feedstocks. In this context, this study evaluates a variety of Greek agricultural by-products as feeding substrates for Zophobas morio (F.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae. More specifically, eleven agricultural by-products derived from the seed cleaning process of barley, oats, peas and vetch and the production of cotton, sugar beet and sunflower, were utilized singly and as components of compound isonitrogenous diets at two nitrogen levels (2.7% and 3.2% on dry matter basis). The results showed that larvae reared on sunflower meal, oat and barley (class II) by-products performed well in terms of larval growth and survival. In contrast, for most other diets tested high mortality rates were recorded, indicating the necessity for the formulation of diets that meet the nutritional requirements of the larvae. Our study highlights the potential of locally available by-products for the rearing of Z. morio larvae and contributes to determining their nutrient requirements.
Comparison of Tornado Damage Characteristics to Low-Altitude WSR-88D Radar Observations and Implications for Tornado Intensity Estimation
Authors: Lyza Anthony W. , Flournoy Matthew D. , Alford A. Addison 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Given the obvious difficulties in directly sampling tornadic wind fields, ongoing work continues to improve estimates of near-ground wind speeds in tornadoes. This study builds upon a recently proposed empirical relationship between radar-observed velocities in the lowest 150 m above ground level (AGL) and the theoretical peak 15-m AGL wind speed. We create and analyze a dataset of 194 velocity observations within tornadoes in the lowest 150 m AGL. These observations are drawn from 105 individual tornadoes that occurred across a diverse range of EF-scale ratings (EF0–4), convective modes (discrete supercell and quasi-linear convective system), geographical regions, and housing unit densities (HUDs). Comparing the radar-estimated and damage-estimated tornado wind speeds, and corresponding EF- and F-scale ratings, is the primary focus of the ensuing analysis. Consistent with recent work, damage-estimated tornado wind speeds tend to be lower than radar-estimated near-surface wind speeds, especially for stronger tornadoes. Damage- and radar-estimated wind speed differences are not strongly related to the availability of damage indicators (as measured by HUD). While some relationship exists—particularly underestimates of peak wind speeds for strong–violent tornadoes in low HUD areas—the tendency of radar-based strong/violent tornado intensity estimates to be meaningfully higher than EF-scale-based damage estimates exists across the HUD spectrum. The legacy F-scale wind speed ranges may ultimately provide a better estimate of peak tornado wind speeds at 10–15 m AGL for strong–violent tornadoes and a better damage-based intensity rating for all tornadoes. These results are contextualized with regard to ongoing community efforts to improve tornado intensity estimation.

Significance Statement
Due to the numerous difficulties in collecting direct observations of tornado wind speeds, we compare methods that are used to estimate near-ground wind speeds using both radar measurements of wind speeds aloft and damage. Our results show that 1) the damage-estimated intensities of stronger tornadoes are more likely to be underestimates of true wind speeds than weaker tornadoes based on radar observations, 2) this bias is present for tornadoes that occur in more built-up areas as well as more sparsely populated ones, and 3) the legacy Fujita scale may provide better wind speed estimates in stronger tornadoes. These findings contribute to community-wide efforts to improve damage-based estimates of peak tornado wind speeds.
Respiratory Health and Air Pollution in Opencast Coal Mining Region: A Study in Mahanadi Coalfield, Odisha, India
Authors: Chowdhury Indrani Roy , Paul Anusree 
Published: March 2024

The present study is based on the remote opencast coal mining region of a mineral-rich Indian state, Odisha. Our estimation confirms our primary hypothesis that proximity to opencast mining, triggers the likelihood of respiratory illness (RI). Moreover, our investigation affirms the presence of selection bias possibly due to underreporting in the self-reported RI episodes. We try to address the above causality through the pathways of both exogeneity and endogeneity of RI. After controlling for the endogeneity of RI episodes, it is evident that the effect of RI reporting on related health expenditure is grossly overestimated under the assumption of exogeneity. In the regressions, the variable of prime importance, that is, the distance from mine, treatment dummy and per capita income are statistically significant, indicating the high likelihood of RI episodes in closer proximity to the mining region, in the treatment villages over control villages. The positive significance of per capita income also supports the presence of selection bias possibly associated with self-reported RI episodes. Both estimation methods indicate that the proximity to the pollution source increases the health expenditure on RI. For treatment villages, a higher distance to healthcare facilities reduces health expenditure. The pollution load and healthcare inaccessibility are implicated through a latent burden of disease which warrants a serious policy intervention towards partial correction of the externalities for achieving sustainable and equitable development. JEL Codes: C36, I15, Q53
Relocation of public institutions and local public finance: Evidence from South Korea
Authors: Jung Hoyong 
Published: March 2024

An extensive, large-scale relocation of public institutions occurred in South Korea in the 2010s. The local policy governing this relocation was implemented to mitigate metropolitan concentration and advance equitable regional development. The policy's ultimate goal was to bolster the fiscal foundations of local governments to facilitate regional economic self-sufficiency. This study employs a synthetic differences-in-differences methodology to analyze the repercussions of public institution relocation on local government revenue. Ultimately, our findings fail to provide unequivocal evidence of a significant impact on various local revenue streams; in fact, they indicate a decrease in total revenue per capita. This study intimates that, from a local fiscal perspective, the efficacy of local reinvigoration policies via the relocation of public institutions may be limited, underscoring the importance of implementing a range of supplementary measures to facilitate the transformation of these urban centers into self-sustaining entities. Points for practitioners This study highlights the limitations of relying solely on large-scale relocation of public institutions to stimulate local economies in South Korea. Despite policy intentions, our findings indicate a decrease in total revenue per capita, suggesting a need for supplementary measures to foster sustainable urban development. Practitioners should consider diverse strategies beyond relocation, emphasizing holistic approaches to bolster regional economic self-sufficiency and mitigate metropolitan concentration for equitable growth.
Preparation and performance study of a novel radiant panel for thermal and cooling storage with phase change materials
Authors: Li Zhen , Xia Xueying , Wan Xiaoxi , Liu Yuhan , Xie Ying 
Published: March 2024

Phase change radiant panels (PCRPs) with thermal storage can enhance the heat capacity of buildings, and reduce building energy consumption. In this paper, a composite phase change material (CPCM) was prepared by paraffin wax-lauric acid/expanded graphite (PW-LA/EG) and applied to radiant panels. This CPCM exhibits a broad temperature range for phase change (10°C - 40°C), with EG at the optimal mass fraction of 14% and PW-LA at the optimal ratio of 1:1. It has a moderate latent heat capacity, a thermal conductivity of 1.692 W/mK, and excellent thermal stability. Furthermore, the simulations were performed in this paper, and the year-round comfort, thermal storage/release characteristics, and the influencing factors of PCRPs were evaluated by TRNSYS software. The results show that the PCRP can enhance indoor comfort throughout the year and exhibit excellent thermal storage and release properties. The analysis of influencing factors indicates that the thickness of the PCM has a small impact on the PCRP. It is recommended that a radiant panel coverage rate of at least 70% and a water supply time of 10 h in summer and 8 h in winter. These optimized parameter values can offer valuable guidance for the design and practical application of PCRPs. Practical application Phase change materials have been widely studied as materials used for thermal energy storage. The radiant panel with phase change materials can enhance the heat capacity of buildings, and reduce building energy consumption. This paper proposes a phase change radiant panel that can be used to solve the problem of year-round energy storage of radiant panels in hot summer and cold winter areas. Furthermore, this paper uses TRNSYS software to study the performance of the phase change radiant panels and offers valuable guidance for the design and practical application of PCM radiant panels.
Parents’ and carers’ attitudes to the use of digital technology and its role in the care of children with complex needs
Authors: Apps Joanna , Webb Stephen , Hutton Eve 
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Parent/carers of disabled children want timely and personalized support. Research suggests that technology may address some limitations associated with traditional methods of communication with therapists (e.g. letter, telephone). This exploratory study examined United Kingdom (UK) parents and carers views on the use of digital technology (i.e. computers/phones) in supporting their child and the potential for its greater use in the care of children with complex needs. Methods: An online survey was distributed via special schools and support forums/networks. Questions explored use of and attitudes to digital technology in the care of children with complex needs. Descriptive statistical analyses and content analyses were undertaken on the data. Results: Respondents were 43 parents/carers whose children used rehabilitation services prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority used digital technology frequently to support their child and saw the potential for greater use in rehabilitation services – provided this was not at the expense of in-person therapist contact. Conclusion: Parents and carers held positive views of digital technology as a tool to support their child and enhance rehabilitation services. Recommendations include regular service consultation on parental/child attitudes to digital service delivery and longitudinal studies to assess related health outcomes.
Effects of chemical treatment and gamma-ray irradiation on the structure-properties of sunn hemp and okra hessian cloth reinforced high-density polyethylene composites: A comparative study
Authors: Shohrawardy Mohammed Hossan Shahid , Mina Md Forhad , Alam AKM Moshiul , Khan Ruhul Amin , Hossain Md Mokter 
Published: March 2024

Okra hessian cloth and Sunn hemp hessian cloth were prepared and treated with 5, 10, and 15 wt% alkali solutions for 1 h. The optimized concentration of alkali is 10 wt%. The untreated and treated hessian cloths reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites were then prepared using the compression molding method. Alkali-treated, and 55 wt% fiber contents reinforced composites showed improved mechanical properties among 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65 wt% fiber contents composites. 55 wt% fiber contents reinforced composites were then irradiated under gamma-ray at doses 2.5–7.5 kGy at the rate of 6 kGy/h. According to the X-ray diffraction analysis results, only alkali-treated Okra reinforced, and Sunn hemp-reinforced HDPE composites had higher crystallinity values than untreated and irradiated composites. Surface micrographs showed that the Okra-HDPE and Sunn hemp-HDPE had better matrix and fiber attachment. Cross-linking between the two varieties of fibers and matrix was seen using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Both irradiated composites exhibited greater hydrophobicity in their water intake characteristics compared to untreated and alkali-treated composites. The tensile strength ( TS) value of Sunn hemp composite for 5 kGy gamma-ray irradiation dose is 68 MPa, which is 14% and 42% higher than that of treated and untreated composites, respectively. For comparison, the TS value for 5 kGy dose irradiated Okra composite is 66 MPa, which is 17% and 44% higher than that of treated and untreated composites, respectively. Young’s modulus ( Y) values of irradiated Okra composite and irradiated Sunn hemp composite showed higher values than that of other composites. Both irradiated composites have better thermal and structural characteristics than untreated and alkali-treated composites.
International variations in serum PTH and calcium levels and their mortality associations in peritoneal dialysis patients: Results from PDOPPS
Authors: Nitta Kosaku , Bieber Brian , Karaboyas Angelo , Johnson David W , Kanjanabuch Talerngsak , Kim Yong-Lim , Lambie Mark , Hartman John , Shen Jenny I , Naljayan Mihran , Pecoits-Filho Roberto , Robinson Bruce M , Pisoni Ronald L , Perl Jeffrey , Kawanishi Hideki 
Published: March 2024

Background: Mineral bone disorder (MBD) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with high symptom burden, fractures, vascular calcification, cardiovascular disease and increased morbidity and mortality. CKD-MBD studies have been limited in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Here, we describe calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) control, related treatments and mortality associations in PD patients. Methods: We used data from eight countries (Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ), Canada, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States (US)) participating in the prospective cohort Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (2014–2022) among patients receiving PD for >3 months. We analysed the association of baseline PTH and albumin-adjusted calcium (calciumAlb) with all-cause mortality using Cox regression, adjusted for potential confounders, including serum phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase. Results: Mean age ranged from 54.6 years in South Korea to 63.5 years in Japan. PTH and serum calciumAlb were measured at baseline in 12,642 and 14,244 patients, respectively. Median PTH ranged from 161 (Japan) to 363 pg/mL (US); mean calciumAlb ranged from 9.1 (South Korea, US) to 9.8 mg/dL (A/NZ). The PTH/mortality relationship was U-shaped, with the lowest risk at PTH 300–599 pg/mL. Mortality was nearly 20% higher at serum calciumAlb 9.6+ mg/dL versus 8.4–<9.6 mg/dL. MBD therapy prescriptions varied substantially across countries. Conclusions: A large proportion of PD patients in this multi-national study have calcium and/or PTH levels in ranges associated with substantially higher mortality. These observations point to the need to substantially improve MBD management in PD to optimise patient outcomes. Lay Summary Chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (MBD) is a systemic condition, common in dialysis patients, that results in abnormalities in parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D metabolism. A large proportion of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in this current multi-national study had calcium and/or PTH levels in ranges associated with substantially higher risks of death. Our observational study design limits our ability to determine whether these abnormal calcium and PTH levels cause more death due to possible confounding that was not accounted for in our analysis. However, our findings, along with other recent work showing 48–75% higher risk of death for the one-third of PD patients having high phosphorus levels (>5.5 mg/dL), should raise strong concerns for a greater focus on improving MBD management in PD patients.
Gender Inequality in Out-of-pocket Expenditure on Healthcare Among Persons with Disabilities in India
Authors: Yadav Jeetendra , John Denny , Menon Geetha R. , Singh Ravinder 
Published: March 2024

Background People with disabilities (PWDs) often face higher risk of financial burden towards healthcare. Higher out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) is a barrier towards accessing medical services, resulting in healthcare inequities between men and women. There is a lack of studies on gender disparities in healthcare burden among PWD in India. The present study examines gender inequality towards healthcare expenditure among PWDs in India. Methods Unit level data from the Persons with Disabilities in India Survey under the National Sample Survey, 76th round that covered 118,152 households involving 576,569 individuals of whom 106,894 had at least one disability was used. We performed secondary analysis using descriptive statistics, bivariate estimates, Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition and multilevel log-linear regression to meet the objective of the study. Results OOPE as a percent of monthly per capita expenditure was higher among males across all states of India except in Puducherry, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Lakshadweep and Mizoram. This varied from 0.6% in Jammu and Kashmir to 20% in Nagaland. Multilevel analysis confirms that OOPE was significantly lesser among females ( β = –0.070, 95% confidence interval = – 0.129 to 0.01) compared to males after controlling demographic and disability-related predictors. PWDs reported higher healthcare burden as a percent of total household expenditure in India, and relatively less amount was spent on female healthcare compared to male healthcare. Conclusion A substantial gender inequality for healthcare expenditure is found among PWDs in India. This makes for an urgent call to health researchers and policymakers towards gender-sensitive research, policy formulation and program implementation for PWDs in India.
Perfusion Index as a Predictor of Hemodynamically Significant Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Newborns
Authors: S Lalitha Rajalakshmi , Venugopalan Lakshmi , Subramaniyam Gnanasambandam , Krishnamoorthy Nedunchelian 
Published: March 2024

Aim To assess the value of perfusion index (PI) and arrive at the ideal cut-off value of delta PI (DPI) (pre and postductal difference in PI) in identifying hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HsPDA). Methods Prospective observational study was conducted on 156 preterm newborns of <37 weeks in the NICU of tertiary care center, from August 2019 to March 2020 after ethical clearance. 156 preterm babies were classified into noPDA, HsPDA and Non-HsPDA based on echocardiogram findings and compared with DPI value on Day 1 to 3 of life. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to establish cut-offs for DPI in diagnosing HsPDA. A P value <.05 is considered for statistical significance. Results There was a significantly lower PI in both preductal and post ductal limbs with HsPDA compared to other groups. A DPI Cut-off of 0.75 on day 2 of life has a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 100% and positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% and a negative predictive value of 89%. Conclusion PI is a simple non-invasive bedside index predict the presence of a HsPDA in preterm newborns and DPI of >0.75 indicates for presence of HsPDA.
Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes Associated With Phenobarbital With Taper Compared to No Taper for the Management of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Authors: Thaller Matthew , Wong Adrian , Yankama Tuyen , Eche Ifeoma Mary , Elsamadisi Pansy 
Published: March 2024

Background: Phenobarbital (PHB) has been shown to be an effective treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), with multiple dosing strategies used (e.g., single-dose and symptom-triggered). Studies have often used tapered doses, typically following a front-loaded dose, despite PHB’s long half-life which should lead to an ability to auto-taper. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes associated with two PHB dosing strategies (taper [T], no taper [NT]) for AWS. Methods: This retrospective cohort study compared adult patients admitted to the ICU from October 2017 to May 2019 who received an initial loading dose of PHB for AWS. The use of PHB was at the discretion of the clinician per our institutional guidelines. Prior to November 2018, patients were prescribed a PHB taper, while after this period, the taper was no longer recommended. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients requiring rescue PHB or adjunctive medications for AWS. Secondary outcomes included number of adjunctive agents used, prevalence of severe manifestations of AWS, ICU and hospital lengths of stay, and incidence of potentially significant drug interactions. Results: A total of 172 patients were included (T: n = 81, NT: n = 91). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, including history of severe AWS and cumulative benzodiazepine dose pre-PHB. There was no difference in the primary outcome between groups (T: 70.4% vs NT: 59.3%, P = 0.152). The median number of adjunctive agents per patient, severe manifestations, and ICU and hospital length of stay did not differ between groups. Twenty-five patients (14.5%) had potentially significant drug interactions. Conclusion and Relevance: The use of a PHB loading dose without a taper may be comparable to a taper strategy on clinical outcomes. Prospective studies are needed to further delineate the optimal dose of PHB for AWS.
Cytomegalovirus Treatment in Solid Organ Transplantation: An Update on Current Approaches
Authors: Hardinger Karen L. , Brennan Daniel C. 
Published: March 2024

Objective: The article reviews the safety and efficacy of treatments for cytomegalovirus (CMV) in solid organ transplantation. Data Sources: A literature review was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Clinicaltrials.gov from database inception through January 2024, using terms CMV, therapy, and solid organ transplantation. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Clinical trials, meta-analyses, cohort studies, case reports, and guidelines were included. Letters to the editor, reviews, and commentaries were excluded. Data Synthesis: After abstract screening and full-text review of 728 citations for eligibility, 53 were included. Valganciclovir and intravenous ganciclovir are drugs of choice for CMV management and, until recently, the availability of alternative options has been restricted due to toxicity. For instance, foscarnet and cidofovir serve as second-line agents due to potential bone marrow and renal toxicity. In patients with refractory or resistant CMV, maribavir, a novel oral agent, has proven efficacy and a lower adverse effect profile. However, in refractory or resistant CMV, foscarnet and cidofovir are preferred in invasive disease (CMV gastritis, CMV retinitis, and CMV encephalitis), high viral loads, and inability to tolerate oral preparations. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Consensus guidelines have not been revised since approval of novel antivirals in solid organ transplantation. Valganciclovir and ganciclovir remain drugs of choice for initial CMV therapy. Foscarnet, cidofovir, and maribavir are treatments for refractory or resistant-CMV. Conclusions: Selection of CMV antiviral treatment should be determined by patient-specific factors, including severity of illness, resistant or refractory disease, dose-limiting adverse effects, and the preferred route of administration.