bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biology of the non-parasitic phase of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in an area of Amazon influence
Authors: Sales Daniela P. , Silva-Junior Marcelo H. S. , Tavares Caio P. , Sousa Isabella C. , Sousa Dauana M. , Brito Danilo R. B. , Camargo André M. , Leite Romário Cerqueira , Faccini J. L. H. , Lopes Welber D. Z. , Labruna Marcelo B. , Luz Hermes R. , Costa-Junior Livio M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is the most important tick species affecting cattle in the world. Under field conditions, the non-parasitic phase of R. (B.) microplus is unknown in the Amazon biome, including Brazil. The present study aimed to evaluate the non-parasitic phase of R. (B.) microplus in field (grass plots) and laboratory conditions.

Methods
The study was conducted from September 2020 to April 2022 in an Amazonian region (Maranhão State, Brazil). We evaluated the biological parameters of R. (B.) microplus under laboratory and field conditions. Engorged females were exposed to experimental conditions every 14 days, totaling 20 months of study. The following biological parameters were observed: pre-oviposition period, egg mass incubation period, and maximum larval survival period.

Results
Abiotic data (e.g., temperature and humidity) varied little throughout the year. Precipitation was the factor that varied the most throughout the year (dry ~ 30 mm3 and rain 400 mm3), and the parameters of pre-oviposition and pre-hatching are longer during the rainy season. A possible negative effect of the dry season on the percentage of hatched eggs was observed. Larval longevity in the plots of both control and free females was short (mean ~ 50–60 days), below that recorded for larvae under controlled conditions (mean ~ 95 days).

Conclusions
Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus was able to complete its non-parasitic phase by producing host-seeking larvae in the pasture during all months of the study. The results indicate that R. (B.) microplus can complete up to six generations per year in biome Amazon. To our knowledge, this is the highest number of annual generations for R. (B.) microplus in Latin America.

Graphical Abstract
Sex matters in the association between cardiovascular health and incident dementia: evidence from real world data
Authors: Ponjoan Anna , Blanch Jordi , Fages-Masmiquel Ester , Martí-Lluch Ruth , Alves-Cabratosa Lia , Garcia-Gil María del Mar , Domínguez-Armengol Gina , Ribas-Aulinas Francesc , Zacarías-Pons Lluís , Ramos Rafel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Cardiovascular health has been associated with dementia onset, but little is known about the variation of such association by sex and age considering dementia subtypes. We assessed the role of sex and age in the association between cardiovascular risk and the onset of all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and vascular dementia in people aged 50–74 years.

Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study covering 922.973 Catalans who attended the primary care services of the Catalan Health Institute (Spain). Data were obtained from the System for the Development of Research in Primary Care (SIDIAP database). Exposure was the cardiovascular risk (CVR) at baseline categorized into four levels of Framingham-REGICOR score (FRS): low (FRS < 5%), low-intermediate (5% ≤ FRS < 7.5%), high-intermediate (7.5% ≤ FRS < 10%), high (FRS ≥ 10%), and one group with previous vascular disease. Cases of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease were identified using validated algorithms, and cases of vascular dementia were identified by diagnostic codes. We fitted stratified Cox models using age parametrized as b-Spline.

Results
A total of 51,454 incident cases of all-cause dementia were recorded over a mean follow-up of 12.7 years. The hazard ratios in the low-intermediate and high FRS groups were 1.12 (95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.15) and 1.55 (1.50–1.60) for all-cause dementia; 1.07 (1.03–1.11) and 1.17 (1.11–1.24) for Alzheimer’s disease; and 1.34 (1.21–1.50) and 1.90 (1.67–2.16) for vascular dementia. These associations were stronger in women and in midlife compared to later life in all dementia types. Women with a high Framingham-REGICOR score presented a similar risk of developing dementia — of any type — to women who had previous vascular disease, and at age 50–55, they showed three times higher risk of developing dementia risk compared to the lowest Framingham-REGICOR group.

Conclusions
We found a dose‒response association between the Framingham-REGICOR score and the onset of all dementia types. Poor cardiovascular health in midlife increased the onset of all dementia types later in life, especially in women.
Trade openness and structural change dynamics in West African countries
Authors: Chabi Patrick , Saygılı Refik Fatih 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this study, we investigate the contribution of trade openness to the structural change process in ECOWAS countries. Our findings suggest that the production structural change process is significantly and positively affected by the extent of trade openness. Higher openness levels are associated with more production reshuffling between sectors. However, this impact is found to be nonlinear. After a threshold of 147.64% of trade openness, the effect reverses. Considering the labor structural change, results suggest that more openness tends to trigger the reshuffle of labor toward less productive sectors. This effect reverses after the openness reached a level of 152.42%. Moreover, exports contract, whereas imports trigger the reshuffling of domestic production factors. So, focusing on industrial-friendly import policies should be a priority for ECOWAS Countries. For labor, exports as well as imports trigger the reshuffling of labor towards less productive sectors. These findings emphasize the importance of external effects in the structural change process in ECOWAS countries. Our analysis suggests that given the basic structure of export products, as long as their increases would fail to develop manufacturing sectors, their ability to shift labor towards more productive sectors would be limited. Also, as imports promote the retail sector, which is less productive, this limits their effect to trigger a desirable labor structural change.
Determinants of household food expenditure in Tanzania: implications on food security
Authors: Rashid Furaha Ndakije , Sesabo Jennifer K. , Lihawa Robert Michael , Mkuna Eliaza 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Food expenditure in developing countries particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa constitutes about 65–70% of total household expenditure. Existing literature on the determinants of household food expenditure in developing countries have mixed results. Thus, this study aimed at examining the determinants of household food expenditure in Tanzania and their implications on food security using country representative data from the 2017/18 household budget survey. The Two-Stage least squares (2SLS) regression analysis was used as method of analysis.

Results
Results show that, on average, monthly household food expenditure in Tanzania is about TZS 159,072.80(≈ US $ 69.2). Food expenditure exhibited a non-linear relationship with age of household head with income elasticity of 0.72%. Expenditure also increases with household size, household head sex, education, asset ownership, group membership and marital status while being located in rural areas is negatively associated with food expenditure.

Conclusions
To increase household’s food expenditure with dietary diversity for improved health, strategies aiming at improving household income, family planning, gender equity, education and social cohesion are important which will further increase household’s food security.
Statistical methods for assessing the effects of de novo variants on birth defects
Authors: Xie Yuhan , Wu Ruoxuan , Li Hongyu , Dong Weilai , Zhou Geyu , Zhao Hongyu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWith the development of next-generation sequencing technology, de novo variants (DNVs) with deleterious effects can be identified and investigated for their effects on birth defects such as congenital heart disease (CHD). However, statistical power is still limited for such studies because of the small sample size due to the high cost of recruiting and sequencing samples and the low occurrence of DNVs. DNV analysis is further complicated by genetic heterogeneity across diseased individuals. Therefore, it is critical to jointly analyze DNVs with other types of genomic/biological information to improve statistical power to identify genes associated with birth defects. In this review, we discuss the general workflow, recent developments in statistical methods, and future directions for DNV analysis.
Climate-influenced vector-borne diseases in Africa: a call to empower the next generation of African researchers for sustainable solutions
Authors: Obame-Nkoghe Judicaël , Agossou Adjoavi Esse , Mboowa Gerald , Kamgang Basile , Caminade Cyril , Duke Dawn C. , Githeko Andrew Karanja , Ogega Obed M. , Engone Elloué Nestor , Sarr Fatou Bintou , Nkoghe Dieudonné , Kengne Pierre , Ndam Nicaise T. , Paupy Christophe , Bockarie Moses , Voua Otomo Patricks 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe look at the link between climate change and vector-borne diseases in low- and middle-income countries in Africa. The large endemicity and escalating threat of diseases such as malaria and arboviral diseases, intensified by climate change, disproportionately affects vulnerable communities globally. We highlight the urgency of prioritizing research and development, advocating for robust scientific inquiry to promote adaptation strategies, and the vital role that the next generation of African research leaders will play in addressing these challenges. Despite significant challenges such as funding shortages within countries, various pan-African-oriented funding bodies such as the African Academy of Sciences, the Africa Research Excellence Fund, the Wellcome Trust, the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as well as initiatives such as the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence and the Pan-African Mosquito Control Association, have empowered (or are empowering) these researchers by supporting capacity building activities, including continental and global networking, skill development, mentoring, and African-led research. This article underscores the urgency of increased national investment in research, proposing the establishment of research government agencies to drive evidence-based interventions. Collaboration between governments and scientific communities, sustained by pan-African funding bodies, is crucial. Through these efforts, African nations are likely to enhance the resilience and adaptive capacity of their systems and communities by navigating these challenges effectively, fostering scientific excellence and implementing transformative solutions against climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases.
Haptic interface with multimodal tactile sensing and feedback for human–robot interaction
Authors: Kang Mingyu , Gang Cheol-Gu , Ryu Sang-Kyu , Kim Hyeon-Ju , Jeon Da-Yeon , Pyo Soonjae 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNovel sensing and actuation technologies have notably advanced haptic interfaces, paving the way for more immersive user experiences. We introduce a haptic system that transcends traditional pressure-based interfaces by delivering more comprehensive tactile sensations. This system provides an interactive combination of a robotic hand and haptic glove to operate devices within the wireless communication range. Each component is equipped with independent sensors and actuators, enabling real-time mirroring of user’s hand movements and the effective transmission of tactile information. Remarkably, the proposed system has a multimodal feedback mechanism based on both vibration motors and Peltier elements. This mechanism ensures a varied tactile experience encompassing pressure and temperature sensations. The accuracy of tactile feedback is meticulously calibrated according to experimental data, thereby enhancing the reliability of the system and user experience. The Peltier element for temperature feedback allows users to safely experience temperatures similar to those detected by the robotic hand. Potential applications of this system are wide ranging and include operations in hazardous environments and medical interventions. By providing realistic tactile sensations, our haptic system aims to improve both the performance and safety of workers in such critical sectors, thereby highlighting the great potential of advanced haptic technologies.
No substantive effects of school socioeconomic composition on student achievement in Australia: a response to Sciffer, Perry and McConney
Authors: Marks Gary N. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this journal, Sciffer et al. (Large-scale Assessments in Education 10:1–22, 2022), hereafter SP&M, conclude that school socioeconomic compositional (SEC) or school socioeconomic status (school-SES) effects in Australia are substantial and substantively important for research and policy. This paper demonstrates that these claims are unwarranted. Their SEC estimates are much larger than estimates from comparable studies and a metastudy. Despite plausible theoretical reasons and empirical evidence, SP&M do not consider that school academic composition is a significant predictor of student achievement independent of SEC. SEC effects are confounded by academic composition and are typically trivial when considering academic composition. The second part of this paper compares SP&M’s estimates with analysis of the same data, from the Australian National Assessments in Performance—Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). In a model corresponding to SP&M analyses comprising demographics, SES, school-SES, and student-level prior achievement, the effects of school-SES are small, with standardized effects mostly less than 0.10. With the addition of academic composition measured by school-level prior achievement, school-SES effects are effectively zero. In contrast, academic composition has significant, albeit small, impacts on student achievement. Therefore, contrary to SP&M’s (2022) conclusion, school-SES effects on student achievement in NAPLAN are negligible, whereas school-level prior achievement has small effects. That is not to say that school-SES is always irrelevant, but any assessment of its importance must consider both student- and school-level prior achievement.
Innovative approach for semi‐continuous production of puerarin palmitate via transesterification with novel immobilized lipase
Authors: Lee Hyeseon , Yang Eunjeong , Kwon Hyeok Ki , Kim Bo Kyeong , Lee Taek , Yoo Hah Young , Park Chulhwan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Puerarin, a flavonoid abundantly found in the roots of Pueraria lobata, exhibits antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. Despite its numerous benefits, the low bioavailability of puerarin hinders its widespread industrial application. To improve this, flavonoid acylation is required. Lipase is a biocatalyst primarily used for flavonoid acylation; immobilized lipase is preferred given the limited stability of free lipase. Although research on flavonoid acylation for structural modification is actively being conducted, there is a need to explore continuous production for enhancing the industrial application of flavonoid esters. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to produce puerarin palmitate innovatively by selecting an effective lipase, developing an immobilized lipase, characterizing the enzymatic reaction, and designing a semi-continuous reactor system.

Results
Lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TL) was found to be the most suitable for the synthesis of puerarin palmitate; it was successfully immobilized on glutaraldehyde-activated silica gel (GASG). TL GASG showed greater solvent, thermal, and operational stability than those of commercial immobilized lipases. Furthermore, TL GASG use resulted in a puerarin palmitate conversion rate of 97.17% within 3 h. Additionally, the reusability of TL GASG for this reaction was higher than that of commercially available immobilized lipases. Upon using a semi-continuous reactor, the cumulative conversion rate of puerarin palmitate remained above 85% after more than ten substrate injections.

Conclusions
The results support the feasibility of the continuous production of flavonoid esters, underscoring their diverse industrial applications. A biorefinery strategy is anticipated to be proposed to utilize P. lobata extract biomass for flavonoid ester production. Moreover, optimizing continuous reactors through statistical experimental design is expected to enhance flavonoid ester production efficiency; these aspects will be explored in future research.

Graphical Abstract
Photon-counting CT of degenerative changes and rupture of silicone breast implants: a pilot study
Authors: Neubauer Claudia , Gebler Oliver , Wilpert Caroline , Scherwitz Maxim , Efinger Niklas , Bamberg Fabian , Windfuhr-Blum Marisa , Neubauer Jakob 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Accurate assessment of breast implants is important for appropriate clinical management. We evaluated silicone properties and diagnostic accuracy for characterizing silicone implants and detecting degenerative changes including rupture in photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT).

Methods
Over 16 months, we prospectively included patients with silicone implants and available breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) who received thoracic PCCT performed in prone position. Consensus reading of all available imaging studies including MRI served as reference standard. Two readers evaluated all implants in PCCT reconstructions for degenerative changes. In a subgroup of implants, mean density of silicone, adjacent muscle, and fat were measured on PCCT reconstructions. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated for implant-to-muscle and implant-to-fat.

Results
Among 21 subjects, aged 60 ± 13.1 years (mean ± standard deviation) with 29 implants PCCT showed the following: high accuracy for linguine sign, intraimplant fluid (all > 0.99), peri-implant silicone (0.95), keyhole sign (0.90), and folds of the membrane (0.81); high specificity for linguine sign, intraimplant fluid, keyhole sign, folds of the membrane (all > 0.99), and peri-implant silicone (0.98); and high sensitivity for linguine sign and intraimplant fluid (all > 0.99). In a subgroup of 12 implants, the highest CNR for implant-to-muscle was observed on virtual unenhanced reconstructions (20.9) and iodine maps (22.9), for implant-to-fat on iodine maps (27.7) and monoenergetic reconstructions (31.8).

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that silicone breast implants exhibit distinct contrast properties at PCCT, which may provide incremental information for detection of degenerative changes and rupture of implants.

Relevance statement
Thoracic photon-counting computed tomography is a promising modality for the diagnostic assessment of silicone breast implants.

Key points
• Thoracic photon-counting computed tomography demonstrates unique contrast properties of silicone breast implants.
• Iodine map reconstructions reveal strong contrast-to-noise ratios for implant-to-muscle and implant-to-fat.
• Thoracic photon-counting computed tomography shows high diagnostic accuracy in detecting implant degeneration and rupture.

Trial registration
German Clinical Trials Register number DRKS00028997, date of registration 2022–08-08, retrospectively registered.

Graphical Abstract
Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) genetic variants rs187084 and rs352140 confer protection from Behcet’s disease among Iranians
Authors: Tadayon Zahra , Shahzadeh Fazeli Seyed Abolhassan , Gholijani Nasser , Daryabor Gholamreza 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Behcet’s disease (BD) is a multisystem and multifactorial autoimmune disease characterized by relapsing episodes of oral aphthae, genital ulcers, and ocular and skin lesions. Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) has pro-inflammatory roles and its genetic variants might be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases.

Methods
Two hundred five BD patients and 207 age and sex-matched healthy controls were evaluated for TLR9 single nucleotide polymorphisms − 1486 T/C (rs187084) and + 2848:G/A (rs352140) using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP-PCR).

Results
Healthy individuals had a significantly higher frequency of rs187084 AG and AG + GG genotypes than BD patients (p = 0.02 and p = 0.018; respectively). Of interest, healthy males had a significantly higher frequency of rs187084 AG + GG genotype and G allele than male BD patients (p = 0.035 and p = 0.045; respectively). However, rs187084 AG genotype and G allele frequencies were significantly higher in male patients with genital aphthous (p = 0.01 and p = 0.046; respectively). Furthermore, a significantly higher frequency of rs352140 CT and TT + CT genotypes was detected in healthy individuals than in BD patients (p = 0.01, and p = 0.032; respectively). Such results were also seen in healthy females than female patients (p = 0.001, and p = 0.004; respectively). Haplotype analysis revealed a significantly higher frequency of A-C and G-C haplotypes among patients and healthy subjects, respectively (p = 0.002 and p = 0.000; respectively).

Conclusion
Our data suggested that rs187084 AG and AG + GG genotypes and rs352140 CT and TT + CT genotypes protect Iranian individuals from BD but rs187084 AG genotype and G allele predispose male BD individuals to genital aphthous. However, additional studies are required to verify these results.
Assessment of land use land cover change and its effects using artificial neural network-based cellular automation
Authors: Mehra Nishant , Swain Janaki Ballav 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe challenge of urban growth and land use land cover (LULC) change is particularly critical in developing countries. The use of remote sensing and GIS has helped to generate LULC thematic maps, which have proven immensely valuable in resource and land-use management, facilitating sustainable development by balancing developmental interests and conservation measures. The research utilized socio-economic and spatial variables such as slope, elevation, distance from streams, distance from roads, distance from built-up areas, and distance from the center of town to determine their impact on the LULC of 2016 and 2019. The research integrates Artificial Neural Network with Cellular Automta to forecast and establish potential land use changes for the years 2025 and 2040. Comparison between the predicted and actual LULC maps of 2022 indicates high agreement with kappa hat of 0.77 and a percentage of correctness of 86.83%. The study indicates that the built-up area will increase by 8.37 km2 by 2040, resulting in a reduction of 7.08 km2 and 1.16 km2 in protected and agricultural areas, respectively. These findings will assist urban planners and lawmakers to adopt management and conservation strategies that balance urban expansion and conservation of natural resources leading to the sustainable development of the cities.