bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endocardial repolarization dispersion in BrS: A novel automatic algorithm for mapping activation recovery interval
Authors: Latrofa Sara , Hartwig Valentina , Bachi Lorenzo , Notarstefano Pasquale , Garibaldi Silvia , Panchetti Luca , Nesti Martina , Seghetti Paolo , Startari Umberto , Mirizzi Gianluca , Morelli Maria Sole , Modena Martina , Mazzanti Andrea , Emdin Michele , Giannoni Alberto , Rossi Andrea 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionRepolarization dispersion in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) contributes to the type‐1 electrocardiographic (ECG) phenotype of Brugada syndrome (BrS), while data on the significance and feasibility of mapping repolarization dispersion in BrS patients are scarce. Moreover, the role of endocardial repolarization dispersion in BrS is poorly investigated. We aimed to assess endocardial repolarization patterns through an automated calculation of activation recovery interval (ARI) estimated on unipolar electrograms (UEGs) in spontaneous type‐1 BrS patients and controls; we also investigated the relation between ARI and right ventricle activation time (RVAT), and T‐wave peak‐to‐end interval (Tpe) in BrS patients.MethodsPatients underwent endocardial high‐density electroanatomical mapping (HDEAM); BrS showing an overt type‐1 ECG were defined as OType1, while those without (latent type‐1 ECG and LType1) received ajmaline infusion. BrS patients only underwent programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS). Data were elaborated to obtain ARI corrected with the Bazett formula (ARIc), while RVAT was derived from activation maps.Results39 BrS subjects (24 OType1 and 15 LTtype1) and 4 controls were enrolled. OType1 and post‐ajmaline LType1 showed longer mean ARIc than controls (306 ± 27.3 ms and 333.3 ± 16.3 ms vs. 281.7 ± 10.3 ms, p = .05 and p < .001, respectively). Ajmaline induced a significant prolongation of ARIc compared to pre‐ajmaline LTtype1 (333.3 ± 16.3 vs. 303.4 ± 20.7 ms, p < .001) and OType1 (306 ± 27.3 ms, p < .001). In patients with type‐1 ECG (OTtype1 and post‐ajmaline LType1) ARIc correlated with RVAT (r = .34, p = .04) and Tpec (r = .60, p < .001), especially in OType1 subjects (r = .55, p = .008 and r = .65 p < .001, respectively).ConclusionARIc mapping demonstrates increased endocardial repolarization dispersion in RVOT in BrS. Endocardial ARIc positively correlates with RVAT and Tpec, especially in OType1.
Implementation and performance evaluation of a pilot‐scaled oscillating heat pipe on rice paddy drying
Authors: Klinbun Jirapol , Charoensin‐O‐larn Roytor 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThailand is the foremost global producer of rice, benefiting from its hot and humid climate which results in harvested rice with a high moisture content. This promotes the rapid growth of microorganisms that harm the paddy. Consequently, the utilization of drying techniques is necessary to uphold the quality of the product. For the sake of efficiency and dependability, forced draft convection drying is commonly utilized, despite its high energy consumption. In general, the paddy is subjected to the flow of hot air, which exits the drier at a reduced temperature, leading to energy dissipation. Heat pipes have been widely employed to reclaim wasted energy through the preheating of fresh air, owing to their straightforward design and lack of reliance on external power sources. Nevertheless, there has been a scarcity of research conducted on the utilization of the oscillating heat pipe in these particular applications. Thus, a pilot‐scale oscillating heat pipe is utilized in this study. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of waste heat recovery using the recently developed oscillating heat pipe, as well as the resulting energy conservation. Various thicknesses of rice paddy layers are examined to compare the duration it takes for them to dry. It is seen that the drying time increases as the bulk of the paddy increases. When the layer thickness is increased, a multimodal drying rate behavior is observed which is due to the fact that when the heated air ascends, it repeatedly heats each layer of the grain. The study focuses on analyzing the temperature profiles at the heat pipe and within the evacuated air. The rate of heat recovery is also computed. An investigation is conducted to determine the energy savings achieved through the use of heat pipes. The results indicate a decrease in energy consumption ranging from 39.4% to 63.7%. This study showcases the utilization of a research‐scaled oscillating heat pipe in the rice drying procedure, serving as a foundation for the future enhancement of the heat recovery system in industrial rice drying.Practical applicationsThailand is the world's top rice producers and because it is hot and humid, the harvested rice has a high moisture content, which encourages the growth of bacteria. In most cases, forced draft convection drying is used, which uses a large amount of energy. In general, this is due to energy loss in the exhaust. Heat pipes have been widely employed to recover wasted energy. However, research on the utilization of oscillating heat pipes in such applications has been limited. Hence, a pilot‐scale oscillating heat pipe is used in this work to evaluate the efficacy of waste heat recovery as well as the energy savings. The drying time is shown to increase with the thickness of the paddy layer. The temperature profiles at the heat pipe and in the evacuated air, as well as the heat recovery rate, are investigated. The results show an energy reduction of 41.7%–53.9%.
Nash equilibria in models of fiscal competition with unemployment
Authors: Kikuchi Yuya , Tamai Toshiki 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study examines two different fiscal competition games under labor market imperfections. Given that capital moves across regions and affects regional employment, governments must choose the expenditure level and tax rate on such mobile capital by accounting for the effects of fiscal variables on both capital and labor. Therefore, governments may play these games with either the tax rates on mobile capital or with public expenditures. The presence/absence of absentee ownership of capital and employment externalities are significant factors that characterize two distinct Nash equilibria, one that occurs with tax competition and the other with expenditure competition. Contrary to the existing literature, tax rates under tax competition are likely to be lower than those under expenditure competition owing to employment externalities. In some cases, governments prefer to choose government expenditure as their strategic variable rather than the tax rate. The presence of employment externalities motivates governments to use such expenditure as the variable through which it may strengthen strategic effects.
The Missing Millions: Uncovering the Burden of Covid‐19 Cases and Deaths in the African Region
Authors: McKay Tara , Robinson Rachel Sullivan , Musungu Serena , Padi‐Adjirackor Nana Addo , Angotti Nicole 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEarly in 2020, experts warned of the devastating toll that COVID‐19 would have on African countries. By the close of 2021, however, Africa remained one of the least affected regions in the world, leading commentators to speculate about a so‐called “Africa paradox”. This review evaluates current research and data to establish the burden of COVID‐19 infections and mortality in the African region. Despite claims that African countries were spared from COVID‐19 infection, there is now considerable serological evidence confirming that people in African countries ultimately experienced levels of SARS‐CoV2 infection comparable to or more than people in other global regions. Additionally, multiple measures demonstrate substantial impacts of COVID‐19 on mortality in specific African countries where mortality and/or seroprevalence data are available. The gaps between recorded cases and seroprevalence are large and increased over the course of the pandemic. Researchers also observe significant gaps between recorded COVID‐19 deaths and other measures of mortality, attributable to weak civil and vital registration systems, limited health care resources, and higher mortality at younger ages. Our findings reinforce the need for more equitable global distribution of health care resources and expanded disease and mortality surveillance across the continent.
Evaluating the pinnacle of football match key statistics as in‐play information for determining the match outcome of Europe's foremost leagues
Authors: Xiaoyu Fan , Shasha Wang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the pinnacle of football match key statistics as in‐play information for determining the match outcome of Europe's foremost leagues, namely those in England, Scotland, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Portugal, Belgium, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Greece. The study analyzed a sample of 98,849 matches across all sports leagues from the 2002/2003 to 2023/2024 seasons.MethodsThe techniques employed include the zero‐inflated Poisson regression model and generalized ordered logit/partial proportional odds (gologit/ppo) models.ResultsThe findings revealed that, for both home and away teams, the number of shots, shots on target, corners, and the changes from one season to another, as well as the occurrence of Covid‐19, are factors that encourage goal scoring. On the other hand, fouls committed, yellow cards, and red cards act as limiting factors for goal scoring. The effects are higher in the full‐time play than in the halftime. However, the impact of the number of goals scored in the last match and the effect of Covid‐19 are negligible for the home and away teams, respectively. Moreover, when comparing the impacts specifically within home teams and within away teams, it was found that yellow and red cards are highly detrimental, while the positive impact of shots on target surpasses these and other factors in home teams. In contrast, for away teams, the negative impact of yellow and red cards is more significant than any other factor.ConclusionFootball match key statistics including the number of shots, shots on target, corners, change from one season to another, fouls committed, yellow cards, red cards, last match outcome, and occurrence of Covid‐19 are essential determinants of the match outcome whether a team is at home or way but the impact is higher during the second half of the play.
Conflicting geographical imaginaries in globalised labour markets: The local valorisation of international education among employers and returned international students
Authors: Ren Ran , Qi Yunting 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhile scholars have extensively investigated the post‐study career experiences of international students, there has been a dearth in the literature on the mediation of intersubjectivities in the local valorisation of international education, particularly neglecting the perspective of recruiters. Through the lens of geographical imaginaries and drawing on qualitative data from recruiters in professional sectors and returned students in China, this paper reveals the significant role of imaginaries in shaping the perceptions and practices of both parties during the university‐to‐work transitions. The findings underscore that overseas credentials, codified knowledge, and embodied competencies were central to recruiters' and returnees' imaginaries regarding international education. However, conflicts in these imaginaries between recruiters and graduates resulted in the distinct valorisation of the socioeconomic value of overseas education between the two groups and created challenges for returnees' transitions from overseas education to local professional employment. This study emphasises the importance of emplaced intersubjectivities in comprehending international student mobilities as an ongoing transnational process across global educational spaces and local labour markets. It also underscores the role of local contexts and networks in valorising and mediating the value of international education, creating place‐specific patterns of university‐to‐work transitions among returnees.
Closed-Form Solutions to Continuous-Time Algebraic Riccati Equation for Second-Order Systems
Authors: Rustagi Vishvendra , Sultan Cornel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Two closed-form methods to solve the continuous-time algebraic Riccati equation (CARE) for second-order systems in terms of the mass, damping, and stiffness matrices are presented. One method utilizes the modal transformation of mass and stiffness matrices, and the other does not require this transformation. Hundreds of high-dimensional second-order systems are used to show that these methods achieve similar or better accuracy compared to the state-of-the-art, while significantly reducing the computation time. Furthermore, advantages of these methods are illustrated in vibration control problems.
Exothermic reactions and 39Ar–40Ar thermochronology: Hydration leads to younger apparent ages
Authors: Schorn Simon , Moulas Evangelos , Stüwe Kurt 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Retrogression and hydration commonly affect large swaths of Earth’s crust, causing variable degrees of chloritization, sericitization, and/or serpentinization. Hydration is a strongly exothermic process that partially opens isotopic systems, thereby distorting the recorded apparent ages and cooling histories of reworked terranes. Using a simple one-dimensional numerical model involving heat released at variable temperatures to simulate exothermic hydration, we track the cooling histories for rocks that exhume from depth. The calculated cooling paths are used to quantify apparent 39Ar–40Ar ages in muscovite, biotite, and feldspar considering 40Ar production and diffusive Ar loss. For fluid incorporation relative to chloritization of ~10%, ~50 kJ of latent heat are released per kilogram of rock. For this scenario and exhumation rates between 1 mm·yr–1 and 4 mm·yr–1, muscovite grains ≤100 µm in diameter yield apparent ages that are younger by up to 10%, but always exceeding the typical uncertainty of Ar dating. Biotite and feldspar display a similar distortion, even for large grains of ~1 mm in size. The relative younging effect increases to &gt;30% with enthalpy released, exhumation rate, and decreasing grain size, with younging reaching a maximum for hydration at approximately the nominal closure temperature of the respective thermochronometers. Using published data sets (from Sifnos, Greece, and Tian Shan, China), we suggest that rejuvenation of apparent mica ages is consistent with diffusive Ar loss due to exothermic hydration during exhumation. Our method applies to any thermally activated process, like element exchange in mineral thermometers or fission-track annealing, provided heat is released close to the characteristic closure temperature. This extends to processes beyond hydration, such as shear heating or localized magma emplacement, making our results pertinent for diverse thermochronometers and temperature-sensitive methods across a broad range of conditions.
Vestiges of Earth’s earliest depleted mantle reservoir
Authors: Wright Jordan K. , Basu Asish R. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
There is a paucity of evidence preserved in the rock record regarding Earth’s earliest enriched crust and its complementary depleted mantle during the Hadean. In recent years, vestiges of these early reservoirs have been inferred by examination of Hf isotope systematics compiled from zircons. The Singhbhum craton of Eastern India, for example, preserves only the existence of an enriched (εHf &lt;0) crustal reservoir during the Hadean–Eoarchean, with the notable absence of a depleted mantle reservoir signature (εHf &gt;0) until ca. 3.5 Ga. Here we report a new Sm-Nd isochron for the Lower Lava greenstones of the western Iron Ore Group from the Singhbhum craton, confirming a 3.42 ± 0.14 Ga crystallization age with an initial εNd of +5.7 ± 2.5. This is the highest positive εNd value derived from an isochron of this age. We infer that this depleted mantle source is a vestige complementary to the primary crust following planetary differentiation. Furthermore, we present U-Pb zircon ages for a 3.39 ± 0.02 Ga tuff that lies stratigraphically above the Lower Lava and &lt;30 cm below an extensive conformable banded iron formation (BIF). This age implies that the western Iron Ore Group’s BIF is the largest economic-grade iron formation of its Paleoarchean age, suggesting that free atmospheric oxygen existed as more than just whiffs at this time.
Vibration-based mitigation of noxious-evoked responses to skin puncture in neonates and infants: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Relland Lance M. , Kjeldsen Caitlin P. , Jeanvoine Arnaud , Emery Lelia , Adderley Kathleen , Srinivas Rachelle , McLoughlin Maeve , Maitre Nathalie L. 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of a non-noxious vibratory stimulus on noxious-evoked cortical responses to skin puncture and to determine whether the presence of certain behavioural components may be used to predict such cortical responses.DesignRandomised controlled trial.SettingLevel IV neonatal intensive care unit at a stand-alone children’s hospital.Patients134 hospitalised infants between 36 and 52 weeks’ postmenstrual age and ordered to receive a clinically required laboratory draw.InterventionsInfants randomised to receive the intervention, a vibratory stimulus at the site of skin puncture beginning 10 s prior to a heel stick, or the control, no vibration.Main outcome measuresElectroencephalography and video recording time-locked to the deployment of the lancet for the skin puncture. Noxious-evoked cortical responses were measured by the area under the curve in the somatosensory region contralateral to the skin puncture. Behavioural responses were coded through video analysis.ResultsNoxious-evoked cortical responses were significantly reduced in participants receiving the vibratory stimulus compared with the control (frontal, p<0.0001; central, p=0.0088; central-parietal, p=0.0111). There were no significant differences in behavioural responses between groups (all p>0.05).ConclusionsA non-noxious vibratory stimulus presented prior to and continuing simultaneously with skin puncture significantly mitigates nociception in hospitalised infants. The presence or absence of facial expression components is inadequate to reliably predict pain signalling in the brain.Trial registration numberNCT04050384.
Challenges faced by women oncologists in Africa: a mixed methods study
Authors: Mutebi Miriam , Aryeetey Naa Adorkor , Alemu Haimanot Kasahun , Carson Laura , Mohamed Zainab , Doleeb Zainab , Lasebikan Nwamaka , Dharsee Nazima Jaffer , Msadabwe Susan , Ramogola-Masire Doreen , Mwanzi Sitna , Warfa Khadija , Nwachukwu Emmanuella , Woldetsadik Edom Seife , Spencer Hirondina Vaz Borges , Chraiet Nesrine , Jalink Matthew , Jagsi Reshma , Lombe Dorothy Chilambe , Vanderpuye Verna , Hammad Nazik 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveRecent studies have identified challenges facing women oncologists in Western contexts. However, similar studies in Africa have yet to be conducted. This study sought to determine the most common and substantial challenges faced by women oncologists in Africa and identify potential solutions.Methods and analysisA panel of 29 women oncologists from 20 African countries was recruited through professional and personal networks. A Delphi consensus process identified challenges faced by women oncologists in Africa, and potential solutions. Following this, focus group discussions were held to discuss the results. Descriptive statistics were used to identify the most common challenges indicated by participants and thematic analysis was conducted on focus group transcripts.ResultsAfrican women oncologists experienced challenges at individual, interpersonal, institutional and societal levels. The top-ranked challenge identified in the Delphi study was ‘pressure to maintain a work–family balance and meet social obligations’. Some of the challenges identified were similar to those in studies on women oncologists outside of Africa while others were unique to this African demographic. Solutions to improve the experience of women oncologists were identified and discussed, including greater work flexibility and mentorship opportunities.ConclusionWomen oncologists in Africa experience many of the challenges that have been previously identified by studies in other regions. These challenges and potential solutions exist at all levels of the social-ecological framework. Women oncologists must be empowered in number and leadership, and gender-sensitive curricula and competencies must be implemented. A systems-level dialogue could bring light to these challenges and foster tangible action and policy-level changes.
Assessing the acceptability of, adherence to and preference for a dual prevention pill (DPP) for HIV and pregnancy prevention compared to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and oral contraception taken separately: protocols for two randomised, controlled, cross-over studies in South Africa and Zimbabwe
Authors: Friedland Barbara A , Mgodi Nyaradzo M , Palanee-Phillips Thesla , Mathur Sanyukta , Plagianos Marlena G , Bruce Irene V , Lansiaux Maud , Murombedzi Caroline , Musara Petina , Dandadzi Adlight , Reddy Krishnaveni , Ndlovu Nkosiphile , Zulu Sihle K , Shale Lerato R , Zieman Brady , Haddad Lisa B 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionOral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective HIV prevention method; however, uptake and persistence have been low among southern African women. A dual prevention pill (DPP) that combines PrEP with oral contraception (OC) may increase PrEP use and better meet women’s sexual and reproductive health needs. We will gauge the DPP’s acceptability in two cross-over clinical trials.Methods and analysisPC952 (Zimbabwe) and PC953 (South Africa) will compare acceptability, adherence and preference for an over-encapsulated DPP versus PrEP and OCs taken separately. HIV-negative, non-pregnant cisgender females in Johannesburg, South Africa (n=96, 16–40 years) and Harare, Zimbabwe (n=30, 16–24 years) will be randomised 1:1 to the order of regimens—DPP or two separate tablets—each used for three 28-day cycles, followed by a 6-month choice period in South Africa. Monthly clinic visits include HIV and pregnancy testing; safety assessments and risk reduction and adherence counselling. We will assess adherence (monthly) based on tenofovir diphosphate drug levels in dried blood spots and by self-report. We will evaluate acceptability (monthly) and preference (end of cross-over) via computer-assisted self-interviewing and in-depth interviews with a subset of participants. Data collection started in September 2022 and ended in January 2024.Ethics and disseminationPC952 was approved by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Medical Research Council, Research Council and Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe; the Chitungwiza City Health Ethics Committee; and the Joint Research Ethics Committee for the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. PC953 was approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and the University of the Witwatersrand’s Human Research Ethics Committee. The Population Council IRB approved both studies. We will disseminate results in open-access journals, clinical trials registries, and at local and international meetings and conferences.Trial registration numbersNCT04778514,NCT04778527.