bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Merleau‐Ponty, Taylor, and the expressiveness of language
Authors: Inkpin Andrew 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article explores how the thought that language is expressive, in the sense of bearing emotional or affective meaning, can be made sense of, with particular attention to two authors for whom this thought plays an important role. It begins by introducing the idea of language being “expressive” and using Charles Taylor's work to consider its potential interest, before showing how the expressiveness of language might be accounted for by a position that seems particularly suited to this task, namely Merleau‐Ponty's view of embodied expression in Phenomenology of Perception. I then set out a significant challenge to that position based on Wittgenstein's “private language argument,” which implies there is no necessary connection between language use and a subject's internal (affective) states, thus contesting Merleau‐Ponty's explanatory emphasis on the body. I therefore propose a revised “complex” view of language's expressiveness that meets this Wittgensteinian challenge by reconceiving the body's role. Finally, I draw out some implications of this revised view, arguing that while language itself cannot be considered expressive, it remains significant that we can experience language as expressive. I also suggest that, although apparently threatened, Taylor's position can not only accommodate, but be better understood with, this revised view.
Fiscal federalism and foreign direct investment – An empirical analysis
Authors: Feld Lars P. , Köhler Ekkehard A. , Palhuca Leonardo , Schaltegger Christoph A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPrevious empirical studies suggest that fiscal decentralisation, measured by the number of government layers, is associated with less foreign direct investment (FDI). With an improved dataset on the tax autonomy of sub‐federal government tiers, we present evidence that fiscal decentralisation (de facto) does not reduce FDI. If local governments can set their tax rates and bases autonomously, they attract more FDI. Analysing 128,425 corporate cross‐border acquisitions (CBA), between 194 source and 215 host jurisdictions from 1997 to 2021, we find that full taxation autonomy by subnational governments can double the number of CBAs in a given year. These results apply to high‐income hosts and do not depend on specific periods.
Hepatitis B virus genotype surveillance in Canadian blood donors and a referred patient population, 2016–2021
Authors: Osiowy Carla , Giles Elizabeth , Lowe Christopher F. , Matic Nancy , Murphy Donald G. , Uzicanin Samra , Drews Steven J. , O'Brien Sheila F. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesHepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes (A–H) have a distinct geographic distribution and are highly associated with the country of birth. Canada has experienced increased immigration over the past decade, primarily from regions where HBV is endemic. This study investigated the proportions and trends of HBV genotypes within blood donor and clinical populations of Canada over the period 2016–2021.Materials and MethodsStudy samples involved two cohorts: (1) Canadian blood donors (n = 246) deferred from donation due to HBV test positivity and (2) chronic HBV patients from across Canada (clinically referred population, n = 3539). Plasma or serum was extracted, and the surface antigen and/or polymerase‐coding region was amplified and sequenced to determine genotype by phylogenetic analysis.ResultsSix (A–E, G) and eight (A–H) HBV genotypes were detected among deferred blood donors and the clinically referred population, respectively. Differences in HBV genotype proportions between the two cohorts were observed across Canada. Males comprised most of the referred population among genotypes A–E (p < 0.0001), except for genotypes B and C. The median age was younger among blood donors (36 years [range 17–72]) compared with the referred population (41 years [range 0–99]). Distinct trends of increasing (E, referred; B, blood donor) and decreasing genotype prevalence were observed over the study period.ConclusionHBV genotypes in Canada are highly diverse, suggesting a large immigrant population. Observed trends in genotype prevalence and proportional differences among cohorts imply shifts among the HBV‐infected population of Canada, which warrants continued surveillance.
Extensions of polynomial plank covering theorems
Authors: Glazyrin Alexey , Karasev Roman , Polyanskii Alexander 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe prove a complex polynomial plank covering theorem for not necessarily homogeneous polynomials. As the consequence of this result, we extend the complex plank theorem of Ball to the case of planks that are not necessarily centrally symmetric and not necessarily round. We also prove a weaker version of the spherical polynomial plank covering conjecture for planks of different widths.
Evaluation of Minimum NOx Emission From Ammonia Combustion
Authors: Gubbi Srujan , Cole Renee , Emerson Ben , Noble David , Steele Robert , Sun Wenting , Lieuwen Tim 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) is being explored as a hydrogen carrier with no carbon emissions. However, if burned directly as NH3, rather than being completely decomposed back to N2/H2, the fuel-bound nitrogen comes with a potentially significant NOx emissions penalty. Indeed, several existing studies are showing ammonia combustion NOx emissions that exceed current natural gas fueled, DLN technologies by one to two orders of magnitude. Therefore, it is important to establish the theoretical minimum NOx emissions for an ammonia combustor, to determine how much NOx levels can be reduced via further technology development. In other words, the purpose of this work is not to analyze the performance of a specific combustor but, rather, the fundamental limits of what is achievable. This study quantifies this minimum NOx level for a two-stage combustor system for a given combustor exit temperature and residence time, with a constraint on unburned fuel levels. As expected, the optimum configuration is a rich front end combustor to burn and crack ammonia with significant H2 production, followed by an NO relaxation reactor, followed by a lean stage that consumes the remaining H2. The optimum residence time and stoichiometry of each zone are determined in the fast mixing limit, which essentially balances between NOx production in the primary and secondary zones. These results show minimum NOx levels are in 200–400 ppm range at 1 bar, but drop to levels of ∼25 ppm at 20 bar. These NOx emissions are dominated by NOx production in the primary stage which relaxes to equilibrium levels quite slowly. As processes controlling NOx relaxation to equilibrium in the primary stage dominate overall NO emission levels, combustor NOx sensitivities are essentially opposite that of natural gas fired, DLN systems. Specifically, NOx values drop with increased combustor residence time, increased pressure, and increased combustor exit temperature. These results also suggest that the most important strategy for NOx minimization is to provide sufficient relaxation time after the primary zone for NOx to approach equilibrium—this can be done via kinetic means to accelerate this relaxation rate, such as enhancing pressure or temperature, or increasing residence times. Indeed, this work shows that low pressure combustors specifically optimized for ammonia will have residence times that are one to two orders of magnitude larger than current natural gas systems. By doing so, NOx levels below 10 ppm may be achievable. Finally, we discuss the sensitivity of these values to uncertainties in ammonia kinetics.
Tuning of Generalized K-Omega Turbulence Model by Using Adjoint Optimization and Machine Learning for Gas Turbine Combustor Applications
Authors: Klavaris George , Xu Min , Hill Chris , Menter Florian , Patwardhan Saurabh , Verma Ishan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Turbulence modeling plays a crucial role in swirl-stabilized gas turbine combustors, typically relying on scale-resolved simulations (SRS) such as large eddy simulations (LES). However, LES is computationally expensive due to the need for fine mesh resolution and small time-steps required to capture the combustor's large-scale turbulence motion accurately. On the other hand, Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) models while computationally efficient, lack fidelity in predicting complex flow characteristics such as swirl accurately. In this study, the GEKO model is used for simulating RANS predictions of turbulence in a swirling flow scenario, whereas high-fidelity LES predictions serve as target data enabling field inversion via gradient-based optimization using the Adjoint solver in ansysfluent. Machine learning via neural network (NN) Training is employed to establish correlations between turbulent flow features and optimal GEKO parameters, enabling the trained model's generalization. This approach allows computationally faster simulations of swirling flow using an optimized GEKO model matching the predictions of LES. This methodology is tested on the DLR PRECCINSTA burner considering a nonreacting, isothermal flow scenario. The velocity field variance between LES and GEKO-RANS solutions is defined as the objective function, with the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) source coefficient serving as the tuning parameter. Results using the optimized GEKO model demonstrate qualitative and quantitative agreement with LES and experiments. The trained neural network (NN) model's generalization is tested on various flow conditions, including six additional Reynolds numbers and a reacting flow scenario, showcasing significant improvements over the baseline model solution. This optimized workflow holds promise for future studies involving different geometries with similar flow fields.
Sport Participation for Academic Success: Evidence From the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children
Authors: Owen Katherine B. , Foley Bridget C. , Smith Ben J. , Manera Karine E. , Corbett Lucy , Lim Michelle , Phongsavan Philayrath , Qualter Pamela , Ding Ding , Clare Philip J. 
Published: December 2023

Background: We aimed to identify long-term patterns of sport participation (overall, team, and individual sport) from childhood into adolescence, and to examine the association between these patterns and academic outcomes. Methods: This cohort study used data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children in wave 3 (4–5 y) to wave 9 (20–21 y). The participants were a nationally representative sample of 4241 children. We conducted latent class analyses to identify sport participation trajectories and assessed the association between these trajectories and academic outcomes. Results: Continued sport participation was associated with lower odds of being absent from school (OR = 0.44; 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 0.26 to 0.74), better performance on attention (B = −0.010; 95% CIs, −0.019 to −0.002) and working memory (B = −0.013; 95% CIs, −0.023 to −0.003), higher numeracy (B = 20.21; 95% CIs, 14.56 to 25.86) and literacy scores (B = 9.42; 95% CIs, 2.82 to 16.02), higher end of school academic performance (B = 3.28; 95% CIs, 1.47 to 5.09), and higher odds of studying at university (OR = 1.78; 95% CIs, 1.32 to 2.40). Team sport participation was associated with reduced absenteeism, better performance on attention and working memory, and being awarded the Higher School Certificate. Whereas individual sport participation was associated with higher literacy scores and end of school academic performance. Conclusions: Team and individual sport participation both benefit academic outcomes, but differently. Given the decline in sport participation during adolescence, these findings highlight the need to develop educational policies to establish an environment that promotes sport participation, which in turn could improve academic outcomes.
Influence of Gravitational Unloading on the Dynamics of Blood Redistribution during Orthostasis: The Study by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhedyaev R. Yu. , Tarasova O. S. , Puchkova A. A. , Shpakov A. V. , Vinogradova O. L. , Borovik A. S. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We studied the effects of long-term anti-orthostatic hypokinesia (head-down bed rest—BR, a model of gravitational unloading) on the dynamics of orthostasis-induced changes in the content of total (THb), deoxygenated (HHb), and oxygenated (OHb) hemoglobin in the calf at the level of the gastrocnemius muscle medial head using near-infrared spectroscopy. In seven young men, 2–4 days before and on the 19th day of BR, a passive head-up tilt test was performed (15 min in the supine position, then 15 min at 65°). After BR, there was an increase in heart rate and a decrease in stroke volume in the supine position, as well as more pronounced changes in these parameters during orthostasis. Blood pressure in the supine position and orthostasis did not change after BR. THb content increased gradually during orthostasis and reached a plateau by the end of the test; after BR, an increase in the half-rise time and a twofold increase in the plateau level were observed. Tissue HHb content by the end of the tilt test also increased after BR. The dynamics of OHb before BR was more complicated: this indicator grew, reached a maximum during a minute, and then gradually decreased to half of the maximum by the end of the test. After BR, the dynamics of OHb changed drastically: the signal increased gradually and reached a level that was twice the peak value of OHb content before BR. The results allow us to conclude that exposure to BR weakens the compensatory constriction of calf vessels during tilt test; consequently, it is followed by higher blood accumulation in calf vascular bed, which, in turn, leads to smaller SV during orthostasis.
Amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use and association with concurrent use of benzodiazepines, barbiturates and THC in the West Bank among male Palestinians: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Damiri Basma , Mousa Adnan , Helou Maroun Amin 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionAmphetamine-type stimulants (ATSs) are becoming a growing concern in the West Bank. Despite the focus on marijuana, statistics show that ATS seizures and clandestine laboratories indicate increased use of this highly addictive chemical among Palestinians. Shifting from marijuana to ATS can have severe clinical and social consequences, yet insufficient studies have been conducted. Our study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of ATS use and its correlation with other drug use in male Palestinians living in the northern West Bank.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among Palestinian men aged ≥18 years from the north of the West Bank in 2022–2023. A self-administered questionnaire and urine analysis test were used to determine drug use. ATS users in this study tested positive for at least one of the following: amphetamines, ecstasy or methamphetamines.ResultsOut of 787 participants, 129 (16.4%) were drug users. The prevalence of drug use among drug users was as follows: benzodiazepines (55.8%), amphetamines (41.1%), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (38.8%), methamphetamines (38.0%), barbiturates (9.3%), phencyclidine (1.6%) and ATS (48.8%); 84.1% were amphetamine and 77.7% were methamphetamine users. Most ATS users (68.3%) were polydrug users; 57.1% were benzodiazepine, 30.2% were THC and 12.7% were barbiturate users. The adjusted binary logistic regression revealed that ATS users were more likely to be benzodiazepine (OR=11.059, p<0.001), THC (OR=5.520, p<0.001) and barbiturate users (OR=17.109, p=0.01).ConclusionThe study found that ATS use is widespread among Palestinian men and is associated with other drug use, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates and THC. The study recommends implementing better strategies and policies for controlling and confiscating illicit substances to address the severe medical and sociological problems that can arise from drug dependence. Additionally, the study highlights the risks associated with transitioning from marijuana to ATS, which can have severe clinical and social consequences.
Children in street situations’ access to healthcare: qualitative findings from the Street Child World Cup 2022
Authors: Macleod Shona Lindsay , MacRae Pia , Pimenta Júlia 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundChildren in street situations (those who live or work on the street) are known to face barriers in accessing healthcare.MethodsThe study combined a remote survey with 33 adult non-governmental organisation (NGO) staff members, in-depth interviews with staff members of 11 NGOs and 4 formerly street-connected adult young leaders and a questionnaire with 30 street-connected children from 15 countries participating in the Street Child World Cup event in Qatar in 2022. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe participating children have strong connections with supportive organisations and do tend to seek adult assistance when they are ill or injured, refuting the assertion of adult participants and the literature that children in street situations only seek healthcare in emergencies. Some barriers that children in street situations face when seeking healthcare are likely shared by other disadvantaged groups, including the cost of care, long waiting times, the quality of public healthcare and discrimination based on socioeconomic status. Children in street situations may face further discrimination based on assumptions about their lives, their appearance or hygiene levels. Identity documents are highlighted in the literature as a major barrier but seemed less important to the participants. Both adult and child participants emphasised the need for an accompanying adult to find appropriate services and be treated.ConclusionsThis study highlights the important work of organisations supporting street-connected children to access healthcare both during and after their time working or living on the street. It concludes that while some of the barriers to accessing healthcare that children in street situations face are not specific to this group, the absence of an adult caregiver differentiates many street-connected children from other disadvantaged groups. This also signals differences among children in street situations, with those with connections to family or organisations having more support.
Exploiting fall foliage by-products to optimize Tenebrio molitor nutraceutical value
Authors: Brai A. , Provenzani M.P. , Pasqualini C. , Poggialini F. , Vagaggini C. , Tarchi F. , Frosinini R. , Francardi V. , Simoni S. , Dreassi E. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Tenebrio molitor larvae (TML) are a novel smart food recently declared safe by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These edible insects are a complete source of digestible proteins, and their farming requires limited space and resources. With the purpose to increase the sustainability of their farming, different nursery wastes produced during fall foliage were used as feed supplements. Punica granatum (PL), Castanea sativa (CSL) and Robinia pseudoacacia fallen leaves (AL), and the leaves of two plants used in traditional medicine, Laurus nobilis (LL) and Mentha arvensis leaves (MAL), which are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins were added to the TML standard diet as sources of antioxidant compounds. The fortified diets were administered to TML for their entire life cycle, and mean weight and survival rate analysed every 15 days, without observing a negative impact. After 45 days, when pupation exceeded 50%, the experiment was interrupted. TML accumulated antioxidant compounds from leaves, important to prevent inflammation and oxidative stress. Accordingly, we observed an increment of the antioxidant and radical scavenging activities respect to the TML fed with the standard diet (STDSL). Differently from STDSL, total fat content remained constant during development, while the quality of fat ameliorated, with a beneficial reduction of SFAs and an improvement of nutritional indexes associated with cardiovascular disease prevention. In addition, we observed an important reduction in n6/n3 ratio and the accumulation of linolenic acid. Taken together, our results strongly support the use of nursery wastes to fortify TML and improve their nutraceutical value.
Determination and verification of reference intervals of serum immunoglobulin G at birth
Authors: Ikuta Toshihiko , Iwatani Sota , Yoshimoto Seiji 
Published: December 2023

Background To accurately assess hypogammaglobulinemia at birth, it is essential to determine the reference intervals of serum immunoglobulin (IgG) levels in newborns. In the present study, we determined the gestational age (GA)-/birth weight (BW)-dependent percentile-based reference intervals of serum IgG levels and converted them into simple formulas for practical use. Methods Serum IgG levels were measured in cord blood from 2902 newborns delivered at 22 to 41 weeks of GA or 264 to 4642 g of BW after exclusion of those with congenital disorders. Linear regression analysis was used to correlate GA and UC-IgG levels and BW and UC-IgG levels. After calculation of the percentile values of UC-IgG levels for each GA or BW, the distributions were approximated by the least-squares method. Fitness was evaluated by the coefficient of determination ( R 2). Results Significant positive correlations were found both between GA and UC-IgG levels ( r s = 0.790, P < 0.001) and BW and UC-IgG levels ( r s = 0.626, P < 0.001). The distribution of the 5%ile of UC-IgG levels (Y) by GA or BW (X) was approximated as a straight line (Y = 37.5 *X – 775.8; Y = 0.161 *X + 95.34, respectively). The fitness was stronger in the GA-derived formula than the BW-derived formula ( R 2 = 0.973 vs 0.913). Conclusions We established GA-/BW-dependent reference percentile-based intervals for serum IgG levels using cord blood from 2902 newborns without congenital disorders. Using GA-dependent reference intervals may be useful for assessing hypogammaglobulinemia at birth.
Comparison of ketamine with buprenorphine as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of comorbid major depressive disorder and opium use disorders: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ahmadi Jamshid , Mansoori Arash , Mosavat Seyed Hamdollah , Bazrafshan Amir 
Published: December 2023

Background Comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) and opium use disorder (OUD) are known to increase the risk of suicide. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of adjunctive therapy with either ketamine or buprenorphine in patients with comorbid MDD and OUD. Methods This was a randomized double-blind controlled trial in adults admitted to a hospital in Iran. Sixty-six participants were enrolled and received either ketamine or buprenorphine, along with current antidepressant therapy. The primary outcome was change in depressive symptoms assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) after 2 hours, 24 hours, and 7 days following initiation of treatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in suicidal ideation, evaluated by the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI). Results Both groups experienced a significant decrease in the severity of depression following the interventions ( p < .05). However, there was no significant difference in the between-group comparison ( p > .05). Both groups also exhibited a significant reduction in suicidal ideation compared to before the study, with the decrease in severity being over 85% in both groups ( p < .05). Conclusion Both ketamine and buprenorphine appear to be equally effective in reducing symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation among individuals with MDD and OUD.