bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tobacco industry accountability for marine pollution: country and global estimates
Authors: Sy Deborah K 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundCommercial cigarette filters are single-use plastics and the main component of cigarette butts, the most common trash item collected worldwide. Governments bear the economic burden of managing the waste and the environmental pollution due to discarded filters and packages. Using available data sources, we estimate the economic burden of plastic tobacco waste on country economic groups.MethodsWe reviewed available public data sources that could inform estimates of the economic environmental burden of butt waste for countries. We estimated total weight of plastic cigarette filters and packaging based on cigarette consumption and applied World Bank waste management cost estimates per ton to this total. We then applied estimates of ecosystem losses per ton of plastic waste provided by the World Wildlife Fund to establish losses attributable to tobacco’s plastics.ResultsWe estimate that US$25.7 billion is lost annually (waste management and marine ecosystem service losses) due to cigarette plastic sources. We estimate US$186 billion in such losses over a 10-year period, adjusted for inflation. Countries are making progress in developing plastics policies, particularly banning single-use ones, but the costs of tobacco’s plastic pollution are overlooked.ConclusionEfforts to reduce plastic pollution should address cigarette filters as toxic, widespread and preventable sources of marine pollution. Countries may develop specific estimates of waste management and ecosystem costs in order to assign tobacco industry accountability for this pollution. These results indicate minimum estimates for a majority of countries.
Effect of Sonication and Edible Coating on Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Capacity, and Physical Characteristics of Infrared-Dried Sweet Cherries
Authors: Salehi Fakhreddin , Inanloodoghouz Moein , Amiri Mostafa 
Published: November 2023

This research studied the influence of combined ultrasonic (40 kHz, 150 W, for 3 min) and 0.2% xanthan gum (XG), guar gum (GG), and wild sage seed gum (WG) coating pretreatments on total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, drying time, effective water diffusivity coefficient (

D

eff

), rehydration ratio (RR), total color difference (

Δ
E

), and surface shrinkage (SS) of infrared-dried sweet cherries. The ultrasonic pretreatment increased the water transfer rate and water diffusivity during infrared drying and decreased the drying time of fresh sweet cherries. The edible coating enhanced the total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, dehydration time, and RR and decreased the

D

eff

,

Δ
E

, and SS values of infrared-dried sweet cherries. The highest value of total phenolic content (3469.7 μg galic acid/g dry) was recorded for pretreated sweet cherry samples by GG. The mean antioxidant activities for uncoated, XG-coated, GG-coated, and WG-coated sweet cherries were 35.64, 59.88, 54.38, and 61.19%, respectively. In this study, the sweet cherry

D

eff

varied from

2.23
×

10

−
9

m2/s (for untreated cherries) to

5.00
×

10

−
9

m2/s (for sonicated and uncoated cherries). The experimental data for the drying curves were fitted to various single-layer equations, and the Page equation using the experimental constants best described the drying rate of sweet cherries. The mean

Δ
E

values for uncoated, XG-coated, GG-coated, and WG-coated sweet cherries were 15.11, 9.91, 8.74, and 10.69, respectively.
Risk Factors for the Development of New-Onset Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Subanalysis of the VITAL Study
Authors: Middeldorp Melissa E. , Sandhu Roopinder K. , Mao Jessica , Gencer Baris , Danik Jacqueline S. , Moorthy Vinayaga , Cook Nancy R. , Albert Christine M. 
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:
Sustained forms of atrial fibrillation (AF) are associated with lower treatment success rates and poorer prognosis compared with paroxysmal AF. Yet, little is known about risk factors that predispose to persistent AF on initial presentation. Our objective was to define risk factors associated with new-onset persistent AF.

METHODS:
We prospectively examined the differential associations between lifestyle, clinical, and socioeconomic risk factors and AF pattern (persistent versus paroxysmal) at the time of diagnosis among 25 119 participants without a history of cardiovascular disease, AF, or cancer in the VITAL rhythm study (Vitamin D and Omega-3).

RESULTS:

During a median follow-up of 5.3 years, 900 participants developed AF and 346 (38.4%) were classified as persistent at the time of diagnosis. In multivariable competing risk models, increasing age, male sex, White race, height, weight, body mass index ≥30 kg/m
2
, hypertension, current or past smoking, alcohol intake ≥2 drinks/day, postcollege education, and randomized treatment with vitamin D were significantly associated with incident persistent AF. Compared with paroxysmal AF, increasing age, male sex, weight, body mass index ≥30 kg/m
2
, and postcollege education were more strongly associated with persistent AF in multivariable models regardless of whether interim cardiovascular disease and heart failure events were censored.

CONCLUSIONS:
In a prospective cohort without baseline AF or cardiovascular disease, over one-third of AF at the time of diagnosis is persistent. Older age, male sex, postcollege education, and obesity were preferentially associated with persistent AF and represent a high-risk AF subset for population-based intervention.
Performance analysis of show jumping rounds at a national pony competition
Authors: Gluck C. , Williams J. , Pratt-Phillips S. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Performance analysis is utilised by coaches and athletes to identify areas to work on in training and to identify strengths in athlete performance in various sports. However, performance analysis is not commonly used within equestrian sports. The purpose of this study was to evaluate minors and their ponies competing in show jumping at a national pony competition to see if course variables affected performance. All jumping rounds were watched online. Type of faults (e.g. rails, refusals, time faults, fall of horse and or rider), type of fence (e.g. vertical, oxer), approach angle, section of the course where fault(s) occurred and round time were recorded. Spearman’s Correlation assessed if round time was correlated to total faults and a series of Kruskal-Wallis analyses determined if significant differences in faults occurred between sections of the course, where these existed, post hoc tests established where differences occurred between rounds. There was no significant difference in total faults across the 4 rounds of competition and no meaningful correlation between round time and total faults (r = 0.34; ). There were no differences between fence type and faults although more faults occurred at verticals (51.7%, n = 46 faults at verticals versus 48.3%, n = 43 at oxers; ). Faults were more likely to occur during the final quarter of the course (32.6%, n = 29) when compared to the first quarter (23.6%, n = 21; ). These results showed that faults were more likely to occur in the final quarter of a round. The information gained from this performance analysis could be beneficial to inform training or riding strategies, especially when preparing for a competition.
Relationship between body condition and vertical movement symmetry in 109 riding school horses
Authors: Persson-Sjödin E. , Wärnsberg E. , Ringmark S. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
For riding schools, the health and function of their horses is paramount. Unfortunately, lameness and overweight are common problems in this population, and a causal relationship whereby increased body weight causes lameness is also possible. This observational field study investigated the relationship between body condition score (BCS) and motion movement asymmetries in riding school horses and also explored the relationships between BCS, movement asymmetry and subjectively scored willingness to work. Eight riding schools within 2.5 h by car from Uppsala, Sweden, were convenience-sampled and 3-24 horses from each were included in the study. Body condition was scored (scale 1-9) and vertical movement asymmetry data were collected in straight-line trot, using an inertial measurement unit system. Asymmetry parameters were calculated as the mean difference between local vertical displacement minima/maxima for the head/pelvis (HD/PD) between the two halves of the stride. A questionnaire was used to assess perceived willingness to work and energy level of the horses. The data were analysed with linear mixed models, t-tests and Mann-Whitney U-tests. A correlation was found between BCS and PDmin (), an asymmetry parameter related to hindlimb weight-bearing lameness, where PDmin increased by 0.96 mm for each unit increase in BCS. Horses with vertical movement classified as symmetric had lower BCS than horses with movement classified as asymmetric (5.4 ± 0.4 vs 5.7 ± 0.6, ). Horses classed as overweight (BCS ≥ 6) scored lower on willingness to work () and energy level (). These results indicate that the body condition of riding school horses may influence their function and the health of their locomotor apparatus. Further studies are required to identify the underlying mechanisms.
In vitro effect of horseshoe length on hoof wall deformation, expansion, and strain
Authors: Dahl V.E. , Singer E.R. , Garcia T.C. , Adkins K. , Hawkins D. , Stover S.M. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Shoeing techniques have the potential to affect hoof growth, causing abnormal hoof conformations, which in turn put affected horses at risk for lameness and injury. Racehorses are often shod with shorter shoe branches which may predispose them to underrun heel hoof conformation. Horseshoe branch length was tested to determine the effect on hoof wall deformations, expansion, strain and fetlock extension during midstance limb loading. Our hypotheses were that shortening of the shoe branch length would increase fetlock extension, increase compressive strains at the heel, and change principal strain directions in a proximodorsal direction. Nine cadaveric forelimbs were loaded in vitro to simulate mid-stance from walk to canter loads. Analysis of variance was used to assess the effect of horseshoe (no shoe, short shoe, full shoe, and long shoe) on outcome variables. Hoof wall expansion and lateral hoof wall distortion did not differ among treatments. Principal compressive hoof wall strain magnitudes were greater than principal tensile strain magnitudes. As shoe length increased principal compressive strains decreased, except for the middle quarter location; shear strains increased for distal locations and decreased at the proximal heel location; and principal strain directions viewed on the lateral side of the right hoof rotated in a counterclockwise direction at middle and distal quarter locations. Results do not provide evidence that a shorter shoe increases fetlock extension. Additionally, as the shorter shoe had similar strain results to that of an unshod hoof, it is unclear if a shorter shoe could lead to the development of abnormal hoof conformations. Other factors that may play a role in changes of hoof conformation including surface type, amount of exercise and frequency of trimming as well as other planes within the xyz coordinate system for the fetlock and hoof should be investigated.
Efficacy of upper limb training on grip strength and muscle activity in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a feasibility study
Authors: Boora M. , Kaur J. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The upper limb (UL) is one of the important target for musculoskeletal complications in patients with diabetes. The objective of this trial was to measure the feasibility and clinical effectiveness of upper limb training on grip strength and muscle activity in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A parallel three-arm randomised controlled trial (RCT) was employed. Fifty-seven patients with T2DM aged between 35 to 60 years were recruited based on eligibility criteria and asked to visit the outpatient department (OPD) of physiotherapy. They were randomly allocated into 3 groups; resistance training (RT) group; sensorimotor training (SMT) group; and control group with the help of a computer-generated random number table. Primary outcome measures were recruitment rate, outcome measure, retention rate, adherence, and acceptability of the intervention to assess trial feasibility. The efficacy of training on grip strength and on activation of deltoid, bicep and triceps brachii after 6 weeks was measured using a JAMAR hand dynamometer and S4-channel Neurostim EMG/NCV/EP system, respectively. The feasibility of recruitment rate of participants was 72.15%, outcome measures feasibility was 81%, retention rate of participants was 81% and intervention adherence was 91.34% for RT group & 87.41% for SMT group. Most of the participants were satisfied with the given intervention as the acceptance rate was high. Between and within-group analysis of muscular activity and strength shows a significant difference as the P-value was < 0.05. RT group shows maximum improvement in both outcome measures. This study was feasible and well accepted by participants. Therefore, it is possible to perform a fully powered RCT and to use upper limb training in the future for good clinical management in type 2 diabetic population.
This trial was registered under the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) with registration no. CTRI/2021/06/034188.
Identification of the challenges to and attitudes of apprentice jockeys towards implementation of specialised exercise training in New Zealand
Authors: Legg K.A. , Cochrane D.J. , Gee E.K. , Breheny M. , Richards J. , Chin Y.-Y. , Rogers C.W. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Jockeys exercise at maximal physiological capacity during a race, multiple times each race day, whilst maintaining a low body weight. Therefore, understanding the physical demands of jockeys during training and competition, along with development of specific exercise programmes is important in preparing and supporting the performance, physical well-being and career progression of these athletes. This study aimed to develop and implement a targeted, jockey specific training (JET – Jockey Exercise Training) programme to assess the engagement and attitudes of a cohort of 50 apprentice jockeys to an off-horse training programme. The JET programme consisted of 8 weeks of tri-weekly training exercises, delivered via video recording through a social media platform (Facebook) and fortnightly in-person sessions. Uptake of JET was poor, with only 10% of jockeys completing over half of the recommended number of JET trainings. The reasons for this were explored via brief structured interviews using cue cards, with 16 apprentice jockeys. Most of the apprentices valued the importance of the increased physical fitness provided by JET. However, they lacked self-motivation and believed they already did enough physical fitness during their workday commitments. The introduction of group sessions, providing both social accountability and support increased JET programme uptake. Industry modification to promote the social context of valuing the physical well-being of jockeys as elite athletes in all industry participants, in combination with early introduction of jockey specific training in a structured framework, may be a key component to the successful introduction of future jockey exercise programmes.
Self-reported acute injury and chronic pain in American equestrian athletes
Authors: Keener M.M. , Tumlin K.I. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The use of trauma databases for epidemiological study of equestrian injuries is well established. However, such databases fail to capture minor injuries or injuries when medical attention is not sought. Additionally, concerns about chronic pain in equestrians have only been explored in small samples. The current study is the first nationwide survey of American equestrians 12 years and older participating in all equestrian disciplines. This study aimed to evaluate the patterns of self-reported acute injuries, behaviours of seeking medical attention for acute injuries, and chronic pain. A convenience sample of 2,573 American equestrians completed an anonymous online survey with questions on acute injury anatomical region, type, and if they sought medical attention. Additional questions identified frequency and location of chronic pain. In total, 2,049 survey responses were complete, with 96% female and representation from all regions of the United States. Participation status (PS) was categorised as professionals (19%), amateurs (43%), and recreational (38%). PS was associated with acute injury and chronic pain frequency. Only 3.9% had never experienced an acute injury from equestrian activity. Of all injuries, foot injuries were most reported (13% of all injuries; 52% of participants) with only 39% seeking medical attention. Professionals had higher odds of experiencing acute injuries in most anatomical regions. 42% indicated they had encountered a concussion; of those, 71% sought medical assistance due to a suspected concussion. Chronic back pain frequency was reported at 27.5%. This study is the first to evaluate self-reported injury in a large convenience sample of American equestrians. The current study found a higher rate of lower extremity injuries in equestrians than previously captured in trauma databases. Prior concussion and acute injury increased the odds of individuals experiencing regional chronic pain, suggesting that future studies and interventions should focus on improving preventative and rehabilitative care.
Effectiveness of complementary sorting methods in reducing aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts
Authors: Mshanga J.P. , Makule E.E. , Ngure F.M. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination of staple foods remains a public health concern in many tropical and sub-tropical countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, groundnuts are a significant source of aflatoxin (AF) in vulnerable populations such as infants and young children. However, there are limited scalable and affordable technological interventions to reduce the risk of aflatoxin ingestion in low and middle-income contexts. This study compared the effectiveness of complementary sorting methods in reducing AF contamination, time taken, and percentage loss of groundnuts. The study also evaluated bulk density and kernel weight as proxies for AF. Groundnuts were sampled from 19 bags at a medium-scale enterprise in Tanzania (Halisi) that processes cereal-based blended flours for complementary feeding. The samples were subjected to six sorting methods: (1) size (S) sorting, which yielded large and small fractions (n = 38); (2) density (D) sorting, which yielded heavy and light fractions (n = 38), (3) visual (V) sorting, (4) the combination of size and visual (SV), (5) the combination of density and visual (DV), and (6) the combination of size, density, and visual (SDV) which yielded grades 1, 2, 3, and 4 (n = 76). Samples of unsorted groundnuts and grades from all six sorting regimes (n = 418) were analysed for total aflatoxin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level was used to compare AF reduction efficiency. Aflatoxin levels were reduced by 99% for the highest grade (G1) by the SDV sorting method. The SDV sorting method was the most effective in reducing AF contamination by removing 14% outsort (Grade 4) from 1 kg groundnut within 22 min. Bulk density and 100 kernels weight were inversely associated with AF, indicating their value as AF proxies. Scaling up such low-cost sorting methods can significantly reduce AF along the value chain and improve food safety.
History and Power in Hume’s ‘Of Miracles’: A Pragmaticist-Historicist Account
Authors: Willis Andre C. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This reconsideration of Hume’s classic essay “Of Miracles” via the lens of American pragmatist ways of thinking about history and power shifts our attention from Hume’s epistemic concerns about the legitimacy of witnesses and testimony to his distaste for sacred history, his critical stance regarding the social force of revelation, and his disdain for religious authority. To view Hume’s essay both as an articulation of a critical philosophy of history and as an exercise in moral dynamism (social power or, authority, is a result of epistemic transactions), is to intervene in both Hume studies and Contemporary Pragmatism.
Neither Wisdom Nor Folly
Authors: Howatt Paul 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This paper aims to reframe the debate over the intelligence of democracy by revisiting the classic Dewey/Lippmann debate. I argue that Dewey’s way of addressing this problem is better than both dominant approaches today (as exemplified by Jason Brennan and Hélène Landemore), since it acknowledges the intellectual obstacles democracy faces while keeping faith with democracy as an ethical ideal. I also illustrate how Dewey’s ideas in The Public and its Problems can serve as the foundation for building a response to the challenge thinkers like Lippmann and Brennan pose for democracy. Dewey’s pragmatist orientation toward this challenge, along with his idea of the “Great Community”, offer us a promising path to building an intelligent and empowering democratic society.
Pirates and Parrots. On the Pragmatics of Reading
Authors: van den Akker Chiel Martien 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
At times we are told that our habitual way of thinking has become obsolete given the new challenge we are facing. Some of the conceptual resources at our disposal are no longer capable of addressing the challenge at hand. Therefore, they lose their appeal and are rejected. But only in contrast to these intellectual resources does the challenge appear as a challenge. So it seems that we are confronted with a paradox: we need the intellectual resources for their uselessness. For a proper understanding of this paradox and to unravel it, I will distinguish between de dicto and de re readings of philosophical texts. This distinction is borrowed from the neo-pragmatist Robert Brandom. A de dicto reading of a text is concerned with what its author says. A de re reading of a text is concerned with what its author talks about. Unpacking this distinction allows us to evaluate the method of engaging with our stock of conceptual resources as part of scholarly argument.
Heat-stable spores of carotenoid-producing Bacillus marisflavi and non-pigmented Bacillus subtilis cooperatively promote growth, quality, and gut microbiota of white-leg shrimp
Authors: Nguyen T.T. , Bui A.T.P. , Le N.T.H. , Vo H.T.N. , Nguyen A.H. , Pham T.D. , Hara T. , Yokota K. , Matsutani M. , Takatsuka Y. , Nguyen A.T.V. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We evaluated the benefits of heat-stable carotenoid-producing Bacillus marisflavi SH8 spores individually and in combination with non-pigmented Bacillus subtilis SH23 spores on growth, colour change, nutritional content, innate immunity, and gut microbiota of white-leg shrimp. White-leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei; n = 30 per tank; 2 tanks per group) were provided feed without (control group) or with SH8, SH23, or mixed spores (total, 1 × 106 cfu/g pellet) for 28 d. The SH8 and SH8-23 combination groups had significantly higher specific growth rates (9.6 and 11.0%), improved red-colour score (4 scores), astaxanthin concentration (1.8- and 2.3-fold), lipid contents (30 and 50%), and superoxidase dismutase activity (8.5 and 12.3%) than that of the control group. Analysis of shrimp’s gut microbiome using 16S rRNA metagenome sequencing revealed increased abundance of four useful species and reduced abundance of four harmful species in the combination group than in the control group. Heat-stable Bacillus spore combination improved growth parameters, nutrient content, red-colour score, live counts, and abundance of useful bacteria in the gut of L. vannamei. This is the first study to show the benefits of combining highly heat-stable pigmented and non-pigmented Bacillus spores and their possible mechanisms in a shrimp model.