bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact assessment of mandatory safety device installation for gas stoves
Authors: Saito Shunsuke , Kawamura Hironobu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNumerous fire accidents have occurred in Japan owing to food overheating when cooking on gas stoves because users left the cooking area unattended. In response, authorities enacted a legal revision mandating temperature sensor installation on gas stove burners. Nevertheless, the actual effectiveness of this measure remains uncertain. Furthermore, prior studies have raised concerns about the efficacy of specific safety standards for consumer products owing to insufficient evidence of reduction in accidents. Consequently, this study seeks to assess the impact of the standards revision implemented in 2008, requiring the placement of safety devices on all gas stove burners. Through a comprehensive analysis, it was aimed to ascertain how these measures have precisely influenced safety outcomes in cooking‐related incidents. The data in this study were subdivided to mitigate potential bias from user attributes during data collection. The analysis employed the difference‐in‐differences method, specifically utilizing one‐burner gas stoves unaffected by the standards revision. The data used in this study include accidents associated with gas stoves, spanning the period 2007–2019. To estimate the likelihood of overheating accidents, a binomial distribution model that utilized the Markov chain Monte Carlo methods was applied. For gas stoves with two or more burners, which were affected by the standards revision, the estimated probability of overheating accidents decreased by approximately 80%. In contrast, no decreasing trend was observed for one‐burner gas stoves. The analysis suggests that the mandatory installation of safety devices on gas stoves has indeed resulted in a significant reduction in overheating accidents.
Free zones and manufactured export competitiveness from Africa
Authors: Talla Fokam Dieu Ne Dort , Nda'chi Deffo Rodrigue , Youmto Ernest , Fomba Kamga Benjamin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study analyzes the effect of free zones on the competitiveness of manufactured exports from Africa. Particular interest is devoted to the channels through which free zones affect export competitiveness. The empirical analysis covers a sample of 29 countries for the period 1996–2018. Using panel data techniques, the results show that the free zone has a positive and significant effect on export competitiveness. The main transmission channels identified are foreign direct investment inflow, human capital, and institutional quality. As the main policy implication, policymakers in Africa need to invest more in human capital development and improve the attractiveness of the investment environment as a priority for having productive free zones.
Brexit and foreign students in gravity
Authors: Davies Ronald B. , Specht Lena S. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of Brexit on international student migration. In a structural gravity model, we estimate student migration between 69 countries for counterfactual scenarios in which the United Kingdom leaves the European Union one year before the referendum. This exercise reveals a decrease in exchange students studying in the UK of around 3.8% to 4.9%. While the number of non‐EU students to the UK rises, a drop in EU student numbers drives this result. Similarly, 30% to 38% fewer UK students choose to study abroad. The estimated changes in international student stocks show that most other member countries lose international students and non‐EU countries host more than without Brexit. Our findings provide evidence that there may be hidden costs to Brexit affecting global student exchanges that we have yet to see.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of ‘ULTRACOL 200′ in enhancing nasolabial fold wrinkles through cutaneous repair
Authors: Giang Nguyen Ngan , Kim Hyunjee , Chien Pham Ngoc , Kwon Han Jin , Ham Jung Ryul , Lee Won Ku , Gu Yeon Ju , Zhou Shou Yi , Zhang Xin Rui , Nam Sun Young , Heo Chan Yeong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundInjectable filler, a nonsurgical beauty method, has gained popularity in rejuvenating sagging skin. In this study, polydioxanone (PDO) was utilized as the main component of the ULTRACOL200 filler that helps stimulate collagenesis and provide skin radiant effects. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of ULTRACOL200 with other commercialized products in visually improving dermatological problems.MethodsHerein, 31 participants aged between 20 and 59 years were enrolled in the study. 1 mL of the testing product, as well as the quantity for the compared groups was injected into each participants face side individually. Subsequently, skin texture and sunken volume of skin were measured using ANTERA 3D CS imaging technology at three periods: before the application, 4 weeks after the initial application, and 4 weeks after the 2nd application of ULTRACOL200.ResultsThe final results of skin texture and wrinkle volume evaluation consistently demonstrated significant enhancement. Consequently, subjective questionnaires were provided to the participants to evaluate the efficacy of the testing product, illustrating satisfactory responses after the twice applications.ConclusionThe investigation has contributed substantially to the comprehension of a PDO‐based filler (ULTRACOL200) for skin enhancement and provided profound insight for future clinical trials.
A Cable-Based Haptic Interface With a Reconfigurable Structure
Authors: Poitrimol Bastien , Igarashi Hiroshi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Cable robots have been used as haptic interfaces for several decades now, with the most notable examples being the SPIDAR and its numerous iterations throughout the years, as well as the more recent IPAnema 3 Mini manufactured by Fraunhofer IPA. However, these robots still have drawbacks, particularly their high number of cables required to maintain a high workspace-to-installation-space ratio. Using a hybrid structure cable robot (HSCR) could prevent some collisions that occur between the cables and the user’s body. More specifically, some applications requiring multimodal feedback could benefit from the flexibility that a reduced number of cables offers. Therefore, this paper presents a novel SPIDAR-like HSCR and its sensor-less force control method based on motor current. The purpose of this work is to clarify the advantages that a variable-structure can provide for haptic interaction. In this regard, experimental results regarding the device’s workspace and its force feedback capabilities are presented. Additionally, since real-time high-frequency updates are required for haptic display, we provide additional data regarding the control algorithm’s runtime. Lastly, another experiment was conducted to study changes in user performance when using both the variable and the usual cable configuration. The results showed that feedback accuracy is maintained, and there are no drawbacks to using hybrid configurations.
Accelerometer-Based Estimates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time Among Samoan Adults
Authors: Hawley Nicola L. , Zarei Parmida , Crouter Scott E. , Desai Mayur M. , Pomer Alysa , Rivara Anna C. , Naseri Take , Reupena Muagututia Sefuiva , Viali Satupaitea , Duckham Rachel L. , McGarvey Stephen T. 
Published: April 2024

Background: The prevalence of obesity-related cardiometabolic disease in Samoa is among the highest globally. While physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for obesity-related disease, little is known about physical activity levels among adult Samoans. Using wrist-worn accelerometer-based devices, this study aimed to characterize physical activity among Samoan adults. Methods: Samoan adults (n = 385; 55% female, mean [SD] age 52 [10] y) wore Actigraph GT3X+ devices for 7 to 10 days. General linear models were used to examine mean daily minutes of sedentary time, light physical activity, and moderate to vigorous physical activity by various participant characteristics. Results: Time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity did not differ statistically between men (88 [5] min; 95% confidence interval [CI], 80–97) and women (78 [4] min; 95% CI, 70–86; P = .08). Women, however, spent more time than men in light physical activity: 380 (7) minutes (95% CI, 367–393) versus 344 (7) minutes (95% CI, 329–358; P < .001). While there were no differences in physical activity by census region, education, or occupation among women, men in urban areas spent significantly less time in moderate to vigorous physical activity than those in peri-urban and rural areas (P = .015). Women with class II/III obesity spent more time in sedentary activities than those with healthy weight or overweight/class I obesity (P = .048). Conclusions: This study characterizes physical activity among Samoan adults and highlights variation by sex, urbanicity, and weight status. In providing initial device-measured estimates of physical activity in Samoa, this analysis establishes a baseline from which the success of future attempts to intervene on physical activity may be assessed.
Ppx1 putative exopolyphosphatase is essential for polyphosphate accumulation in
Lacticaseibacillus paracasei
Authors: Corrales Daniela , Alcántara Cristina , Zúñiga Manuel , Monedero Vicente 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

The linear polymer polyphosphate (poly-P) is present across all three domains of life and serves diverse physiological functions. The enzyme polyphosphate kinase (Ppk) is responsible for poly-P synthesis, whereas poly-P degradation is carried out by the enzyme exopolyphosphatase (Ppx). In many
Lactobacillaceae
, the Ppk-encoding gene (
ppk
) is found clustered together with two genes encoding putative exopolyphosphatases (
ppx1
and
ppx2
) each having different domain compositions, with the gene order
ppx1-ppk-ppx2
. However, the specific function of these
ppx
genes remains unexplored. An in-frame deletion of
ppx1
in
Lacticaseibacillus paracasei
BL23 resulted in bacteria unable to accumulate poly-P, whereas the disruption of
ppx2
did not affect poly-P synthesis. The expression of
ppk
was not altered in the Δ
ppx1
strain, and poly-P synthesis in this strain was only restored by expressing
ppx1
in
trans
. Moreover, no poly-P synthesis was observed when
ppk
was expressed from a plasmid in the Δ
ppx1
strain. Purified Ppx2 exhibited
in vitro
exopolyphosphatase activity, whereas no
in vitro
enzymatic activity could be demonstrated for Ppx1. This observation corresponds with the absence in Ppx1 of conserved motifs essential for catalysis found in characterized exopolyphosphatases. Furthermore, assays with purified Ppk and Ppx1 evidenced that Ppx1 enhanced Ppk activity. These results demonstrate that Ppx1 is essential for poly-P synthesis in
Lc. paracasei
and have unveiled, for the first time, an unexpected role of Ppx1 exopolyphosphatase in poly-P synthesis.

IMPORTANCE

Poly-P is a pivotal molecular player in bacteria, participating in a diverse array of processes ranging from stress resilience to pathogenesis while also serving as a functional component in probiotic bacteria. The synthesis of poly-P is tightly regulated, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Our study sheds light on the distinctive role played by the two exopolyphosphatases (Ppx) found in the
Lactobacillaceae
bacterial group, of relevance in food and health. This particular group is noteworthy for possessing two Ppx enzymes, supposedly involved in poly-P degradation. Remarkably, our investigation uncovers an unprecedented function of Ppx1 in
Lacticaseibacillus paracasei
, where its absence leads to the total cessation of poly-P synthesis, paralleling the impact observed upon eliminating the poly-P forming enzyme, poly-P kinase. Unlike the anticipated role as a conventional exopolyphosphatase, Ppx1 demonstrates an unexpected function. Our results added a layer of complexity to our understanding of poly-P dynamics in bacteria.
Using the pan-genomic framework for the discovery of genomic islands in the haloarchaeon
Halorubrum ezzemoulense
Authors: Feng Yutian , Arsenault Danielle , Louyakis Artemis S. , Altman-Price Neta , Gophna Uri , Papke R. Thane , Gogarten Johann Peter 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

In this study, we use pan-genomics to characterize the genomic variability of the widely dispersed halophilic archaeal species
Halorubrum ezzemoulense (Hez
). We include a multi-regional sampling of newly sequenced, high-quality draft genomes. The pan-genome graph of the species reveals 50 genomic islands that represent rare accessory genetic capabilities available to members. Most notably, we observe rearrangements that have led to the insertion/recombination/replacement of mutually exclusive genomic islands in equivalent genome positions (“homeocassettes”). These conflicting islands encode for similar functions, but homologs from islands located between the same core genes exhibit high divergence on the amino acid level, while the neighboring core genes are nearly identical. Both islands of a homeocassette often coexist in the same geographic location, suggesting that either island may be beyond the reach of selective sweeps and that these loci of divergence between
Hez
members are maintained and persist long term. This implies that subsections of the population have different niche preferences and rare metabolic capabilities. After an evaluation of the gene content in the homeocassettes, we speculate that these islands may play a role in the speciation, niche adaptability, and group selection dynamics in
Hez
. Though homeocassettes are first described in this study, similar replacements and divergence of genes on genomic islands have been previously reported in other Haloarchaea and distantly related Archaea, suggesting that homeocassettes may be a feature in a wide range of organisms outside of
Hez
.

IMPORTANCE

This study catalogs the rare genes discovered in strains of the species
Halorubrum ezzemoulense (Hez),
an obligate halophilic archaeon, through the perspective of its pan-genome. These rare genes are often found to be arranged on islands that confer metabolic and transport functions and contain genes that have eluded previous studies. The discovery of divergent, but homologous islands occupying equivalent genome positions (“homeocassettes”) in different genomes, reveals significant new information on genome evolution in
Hez
. Homeocassette pairs encode for similar functions, but their dissimilarity and distribution imply high rates of recombination, different specializations, and niche preferences in
Hez
. The coexistence of both islands of a homeocassette pair in multiple environments demonstrates that both islands are beyond the reach of selective sweeps and that these genome content differences between strains persist long term. The switch between islands through recombination under different environmental conditions may lead to a greater range of niche adaptability in
Hez
.
Draft genome sequencing of
Pediococcus pentosaceus
strains isolated from cow milk
Authors: Rahman Md. Morshedur , Siddique Naim , Akter Salma , Das Ziban Chandra , Hoque M. Nazmul 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

We sequenced the genomes of
Pediococcus pentosaceus
strains MBBL4 and MBBL6, isolated from raw milk samples of healthy cows. The draft genomes of the MBBL4 and MBBL6 were 1,896,831 bp and 1,849,397 bp, respectively, and were fragmented into 58 and 42 contigs, with coverages of 118.2× and 128.7×, respectively.
Loss of LpqM proteins in
Mycobacterium abscessus
is associated with impaired intramacrophage survival
Authors: Boudehen Yves-Marie , Daher Wassim , Roquet-Baneres Françoise , Kremer Laurent 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium abscessus,
an emerging pathogen responsible for severe pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis patients, displays either a smooth (S) or a rough (R) morphotype. Infections with
M. abscessus
R are associated with increased pathogenicity in animal models and humans. While the S-to-R transition correlating with reduced glycopeptidolipid (GPL) production is well-documented, the recent screening of a transposon library revealed additional gene candidates located outside of the
GPL
locus involved in this transition. These genes include
MAB_1470c
, encoding the putative lipoprotein peptidase LpqM. However, experimental confirmation of the implication of this gene in the morphotype switch is lacking. Herein, we re-examined the role of
MAB_1470c
, and its homolog
MAB_1466c
, in colonial morphotype changes by generating unmarked deletion mutants in
M. abscessus
S. Our results indicate that the morphotype of these mutants stayed smooth in different media. Unexpectedly, the intracellular growth of Δ
MAB_1470c
and Δ
MAB_1466c
in THP-1 macrophages was significantly reduced as compared to the parental S strain, and these defects were rescued upon complementation with their corresponding genes. Strikingly, the intracellular survival defect was further exacerbated in a mutant lacking both
MAB_1470c
and
MAB_1466c
genes. This implies that, despite their primary sequence relatedness, the two proteins are not functionally redundant. Collectively, this suggests that these two LpqM-related lipoproteins are unlikely to be involved in the S-to-R transition but are key players for intramacrophage survival of
M. abscessus
.

IMPORTANCE

Mycobacterium abscessus
causes persistent infections in patients with underlying pulmonary diseases, resulting in progressive lung function deterioration. The rough (R) morphotype is well-established as associated with chronic and more aggressive infections in patients. In this study, we individually and simultaneously deleted the
MAB_1470c
and
MAB_1466c
genes in
M. abscessus
S, without observing changes in colony morphotypes. However, these mutants exhibited a severe impairment in their ability to survive within human macrophages, highlighting the critical role of these two lipoproteins in
M. abscessus
virulence.
Cost of childhood severe pneumonia management in selected public inpatient care facilities in Bangladesh: a provider perspective
Authors: Sultana Marufa , Watts Jennifer J , Alam Nur H , Faruque A S G , Fuchs George J , Gyr Niklaus , Ali Nausad , Chisti Md Jobayer , Ahmed Tahmeed , Abimanyi-Ochom Julie , Gold Lisa 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveTo estimate inpatient care costs of childhood severe pneumonia and its urban–rural cost variation, and to predict cost drivers.DesignThe study was nested within a cluster randomised trial of childhood severe pneumonia management. Cost per episode of severe pneumonia was estimated from a healthcare provider perspective for children who received care from public inpatient facilities. A bottom-up micro-costing approach was applied and data collected using structured questionnaire and review of the patient record. Multivariate regression analysis determined cost predictors and sensitivity analysis explored robustness of cost parameters.SettingEight public inpatient care facilities from two districts of Bangladesh covering urban and rural areas.PatientsChildren aged 2–59 months with WHO-classified severe pneumonia.ResultsData on 1252 enrolled children were analysed; 795 (64%) were male, 787 (63%) were infants and 59% from urban areas. Average length of stay (LoS) was 4.8 days (SD ±2.5) and mean cost per patient was US$48 (95% CI: US$46, US$49). Mean cost per patient was significantly greater for urban tertiary-level facilities compared with rural primary–secondary facilities (mean difference US$43; 95% CI: US$40, US$45). No cost variation was found relative to age, sex, malnutrition or hypoxaemia. Type of facility was the most important cost predictor. LoS and personnel costs were the most sensitive cost parameters.ConclusionHealthcare provider cost of childhood severe pneumonia was substantial for urban located public health facilities that provided tertiary-level care. Thus, treatment availability at a lower-level facility at a rural location may help to reduce overall treatment costs.
Imaging associations enhance the understanding of ECG abnormalities in male Brazilian football players: findings from the B-Pro Foot ECG study
Authors: Ferrari Filipe , da Silveira Anderson D , Ziegelmann Patrícia K , Aleixo Haroldo , Dilda Guilherme D , Emed Luiz G M , Magalhães Flávia C O , Cardoso Fernando B , da Silva Henrique C , Guerra Felipe E F , Soares Luciano G , Bassan Fernando , Braga Fabrício , Herdy Artur H , Froelicher Victor , Stein Ricardo 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of abnormal ECG findings and their association with imaging results in male Brazilian football players.MethodsThe ‘B-Pro Foot ECG’ is a multicentre observational study conducted in 82 Brazilian professional clubs. It analysed 6125 players aged 15–35 years (2496 white, 2004 mixed-race and 1625 black individuals) who underwent cardiovascular screening from 2002 to 2023. All ECGs were reviewed by two experienced cardiologists in the athlete’s care. Those with abnormal findings underwent further investigations, including a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was subsequently performed based on TTE findings or clinical suspicion.ResultsIn total, 180 (3%) players had abnormal ECGs and 176 (98%) showed normal TTE results. Athletes aged 26–35 years had a higher prevalence of abnormal ECGs than younger athletes (15–25 years). Black players had a higher prevalence of T-wave inversion (TWI) in the inferior leads than white players (2.6% vs 1.4%; p=0.005), as well as in V5 (2.9%) and V6 (2.1%) compared with white (1.2% and 1.0%; p<0.001) and mixed-race (1.5% and 1.2%; p<0.05) players, respectively. TTE parameters were similar across ethnicities. However, four out of 75 players with inferolateral TWI showed abnormal TTEs and CMR findings consistent with cardiomyopathies. CMR also showed cardiomyopathies or myocarditis in four players with inferolateral TWI and normal TTEs. In total, nine (0.1%) athletes were diagnosed with cardiac diseases and were followed for 40±30 months, with no cardiac events documented.ConclusionThis study found a 3% prevalence of abnormal ECGs in male Brazilian football players. Inferolateral TWI was associated with cardiac pathologies confirmed by CMR, even in athletes with a normal TTE.
Masses and magnetic moments of doubly heavy tetraquarks via diffusion Monte Carlo method
Authors: Mutuk Halil 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe present mass spectrum and magnetic moments of the $$\bar{n}\bar{n}QQ$$

n

¯

n

¯

Q
Q

states, where $$n=u,d,s$$

n
=
u
,
d
,
s

and $$Q=c,b.$$

Q
=
c
,
b
.

We solve four-body Schrödinger equation with a quark potential model by using diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) method. The quark potential is based on the Coulomb, confinement and spin–spin interaction terms. We find mass and magnetic moment of the $$T_{cc}^+$$

T

cc

+

state as $$M_{T_{cc}^+}=3892 ~\text {MeV}$$

M

T

cc

+

=
3892

MeV

and $$\mu =0.28 \mu _N,$$

μ
=
0.28

μ
N

,

respectively. We also find the mass and magnetic moment of $$T_{bb}^-$$

T

bb

-

as $$M_{T_{bb}^-}=10338 ~\text {MeV}$$

M

T

bb

-

=
10338

MeV

and $$\mu =-0.32 \mu _N,$$

μ
=
-
0.32

μ
N

,

respectively. We find some bound state candidates of doubly heavy tetraquark systems with $$I(J^P)=0(1)^+$$

I

(

J
P

)

=
0

(
1
)

+

$$nn {\bar{b}} {\bar{b}},$$

n
n

b

¯

b

¯

,

$$I(J^P)=0(0)^+$$

I

(

J
P

)

=
0

(
0
)

+

$$nn {\bar{c}} {\bar{b}},$$

n
n

c

¯

b

¯

,

$$I(J^P)=0(1)^+$$

I

(

J
P

)

=
0

(
1
)

+

$$nn {\bar{c}} \bar{b},$$

n
n

c

¯

b

¯

,

and $$I(J^P)=1/2(1)^+$$

I

(

J
P

)

=
1
/
2

(
1
)

+

$$ns {\bar{b}} {\bar{b}}.$$

n
s

b

¯

b

¯

.

We compare our results with other approaches in the literature.