bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of plant growth-promoting bacteria, compost and biodynamic compost preparations for alleviating the harmful effects of salinity on essential oil characteristics of lavender
Authors: Khatami Seyed Ahmad , Kasraie Porang , Oveysi Meysam , Tohidi Moghadam Hamid Reza , Ghooshchi Farshad 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Biodynamic agriculture and the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs) have been demonstrated to offer various benefits for achieving agricultural sustainability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PGPBs Azotobacter and Azospirillum, compost, and compost with biodynamic preparations (BD) on the essential oil (EO) characteristics of lavender under salinity stress.

Research methods
The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse for 2 years and involved three factors: four PGPBs, three types of compost, and three levels of salinity stress.

Results
The results indicated that the essential oil (EO) characteristics increased with 50 mM NaCl but decreased with 100 mM NaCl. Salt stress reduced the cell membrane stability (CMS) and auxin content, while increasing proline contents. However, the application of PGPBs, compost, and compost with biodynamic preparations had an opposite effect on CMS, auxin, and proline parameters compared to salt stress. Based on the results, the treatment that combined compost + BD with Azotobacter was found to be the most effective in enhancing the EO characteristics under both mild and severe salinity stress conditions.

Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that compost, biodynamic compost preparations, and PGPBs could be useful in enhancing the EO in medicinal plants and alleviating the adverse effects of salt stress on plants.

Graphical Abstract
Variations in the crustal structure and strength of plate coupling along the Ryukyu subduction zone
Authors: Doo Wen-Bin , Lo Chung-Liang , Huang Yin-Sheng , Wu Wen-Nan , Wang Shiou-Ya 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe Ryukyu trench-arc-back arc system is part of the subduction margins of the Philippine Sea plate. Previous studies have indicated that several geophysical and geological characteristics reveal significant variations (including convergent rate, topography, subducting slab angle etc.) along this subduction system. In addition, the strength of plate coupling and the potential of large earthquake occurrence in the Ryukyu subduction zone have been major subjects of debate for decades. To gain new insights into the spatial variations in the crustal structure and strength of plate coupling along the Ryukyu subduction zone, in the present study, based on three P-wave seismic velocity profiles, we construct density models for 2-D gravity modeling. Then, we estimate the mantle lithosphere buoyancy (Hm) using these three density models to determine the strength of plate coupling between the subducting Philippine Sea plate and the overriding Eurasian plate, which could provide information for evaluating large earthquakes potential. 2-D gravity modeling results reveal that oceanic plateaus and/or submarine ridges with obviously less dense and thick oceanic crust are subducting in the northern and central parts of the Ryukyu Trench, which could increase the slab buoyancy in these regions. The Hm results indicate that the strength of plate coupling is almost weak in the north and is relatively strong in the central Ryukyu subduction zone.
Moderating impact of non-performing loans on the relationship between sustainable development goals and the financial performance of banks
Authors: Iqbal Saba , Nosheen Safia 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Sustainability is a vital perspective for banks to keep their survival in the long run. While nonperforming loans (NPLs) also impact sustainability, this study aims to examine the moderating impact of NPLs on the adoption of sustainable development goals and the financial performance of the banks. The central hypothesis assumes that even after adopting sustainable development goals, banks cannot get high profits if their NPLs are high. Economic, social, and environmental indicators represent SDG measurement using an ESE index. We are performing panel data analysis through regression and the GMM technique. This study also conducts independent research on economic, social, and environmental indicators. We found that NPL significantly moderates the relationship between the SDGs and the financial performance. This paper has the following vital contribution. Bank that adopts sustainable development goals may have low profits if it has a high nonperforming loan ratio so banks must focus on the customer to whom they offer loans. The novelty of this study is adopting the ESE index for measuring the adoption of SDGs.
Solutions of a slowly rotating Kerr flat-horizon black hole in dynamical Chern-Simons modified gravity
Authors: Nashed G. G. L. , Bamba Kazuharu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Solutions of a slowly rotating Kerr flat-horizon black hole are explored in dynamical Chern-Simons modified gravity with cylindrical metrics, which approach asymptotically the anti-de Sitter spacetime. It is shown that the cross-term of a metric component is unaffected by the perturbations of the Chern-Simons scalar independently of whether the dynamical Chern-Simons field equation is uncharged or charged with an electric field. From this result, it is ensured that the Chern-Simons scalar field can affect the spaces of the metric that approach asymptotically the flat spacetime only.
A Prospective Comparison Between Soft Tissue Dissection Techniques in Pterional Craniotomy: Functional, Radiological, and Aesthetic Outcomes
Authors: Ajlan Abdulrazag , Basindwah Sarah , Hawsawi Aysha , Alsabbagh Badriah , Alwadee Rawan , Abdulqader Sarah Bin , Alzhrani Gmaan , Orz Yasser , Bafaqeeh Mohammed , Alobaid Abdullah , Alyamany Mahmoud , Farrash Faisal , Alaskar Abdulaziz , Alkhathlan Malak , Alqurashi Ashwag , Elwatidy Sherif 
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Given the complex anatomy of the operative region and individual surgeon preferences, some techniques for soft tissue dissection before pterional craniotomy have gained more popularity than others. This prospective study used subjective and objective measurements to compare the functional, radiological, and aesthetic outcomes of 3 such dissection techniques.

METHODS:
This multicenter prospective cohort study included all patients who underwent elective pterional craniotomy between 2018 and 2020 at 3 centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All patients underwent 1 of 3 soft tissue dissection techniques: myocutaneous flap, interfascial, and subfascial dissection techniques. Clinical and radiological assessments were performed upon discharge and at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups.

Results:
We included 78 patients, with a mean age of 44.9 ± 16.3 years. Myocutaneous flap, interfascial, and subfascial dissections were performed in 34 (43%), 24 (30%), and 20 patients (25%), respectively. The myocutaneous flap method had the shortest opening (P = .001) and closure (P = .005) times; tenderness was more evident in this group than in the others (P = .05). The frontalis muscle was most affected in the interfascial dissection group (P = .05). The frontalis nerve function was similar in all groups after 6 months (P = .54). The incidence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction was highest in the myocutaneous flap group (29%). Decreased temporalis muscle thickness at the 6-month postoperative follow-up was most severe in the subfascial dissection group (12.6%), followed by the myocutaneous flap (11.9%) and interfascial dissection (9.9%) groups, with no significant difference (P = .85). Temporal hollowing was more prominent in the myocutaneous flap group (P = .03). Cosmetic satisfaction was highest in the interfascial dissection group, with no significant difference (P = .4).

CONCLUSION:
This study provides important information for neurosurgeons in weighing the benefits and risks of each technique for their patients.
Transorbital Surgical Corridor: An Anatomic Analysis of Ocular Globe Retraction and the Associated Exposure for the Transpalpebral Orbital Rim Preserving Endoscopic Orbitotomy (TORPEDO) Approach
Authors: Piper Keaton , Saez-Alegre Miguel , George Zeegan , Srivastava Aneil , Felbaum Daniel R. , Jean Walter C. 
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
The transorbital approach varies by the extent of bony removal and the target. Orbital rim-sparing transorbital approach with removal of only the orbit's posterior wall provides optimal cosmetic results, without the need for reconstruction. The size of this corridor, limited by the medial globe retraction, has not yet been defined and is difficult to determine in cadavers because of postmortem tissue desiccation. By using patient-specific models in virtual reality, precise areas and degrees of surgical freedom (AOF and DOF, respectively) provided by globe retraction were calculated. These measurements define a potential maximum safe AOF and DOF, as well as the globe retraction, needed to achieve a sufficient surgical corridor.

METHODS:
Using a virtual reality system, transorbital rim-preserving craniectomies were performed. The axial and sagittal DOF as well as AOF were calculated lateral to the globe, limited by the orbital rim and globe, with an anterior clinoid target. The DOFs and AOFs were calculated for each degree of medial globe retraction and analyzed using paired t tests.

RESULTS:
With only 5 mm of retraction, the AOF was 886 mm2, while at 10 mm, the AOF was 1546 mm2. This increase between 5 and 10 mm allowed for the largest increase in surgical working corridor (P = .02). At 15 mm of retraction (previously studied point at which intraocular pressure raises), the AOF averaged 2189 mm2 and axial DOF averaged 23.1°. Eighteen DOF (a previously studied point needed to achieve sufficient working space for 2 instruments) was achieved at 11 mm on average, generating 1675 mm2 AOF.

CONCLUSION:
Globe retraction of 11 mm is needed to achieve sufficient DOF for 2 surgical instruments, and 15 mm of retraction is a conservative limit that provides comparable AOFs with similar cranial approaches.
The cost of movement: assessing energy expenditure in a long-distant ectothermic migrant under climate change
Authors: Parlin Adam F. , Kendzel Mitchell J. , Taylor Orley R. , Culley Theresa M. , Matter Stephen F. , Guerra Patrick A. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT
Migration is an energetically taxing phenomenon as animals move across vast, heterogeneous landscapes where the cost of transport is impacted by permissible ambient conditions. In this study, we assessed the energetic demands of long-distance migration in a multigenerational ectothermic migrant, the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). We tested the hypotheses that temperature-dependent physiological processes reduce energy reserves faster during migration than previously estimated, and that increasing climatic temperatures resulting from the climate crisis will intensify baseline daily energy expenditure. First, we reared monarchs under laboratory conditions to assess energy and mass conversion from fifth instar to adult stages, as a baseline for migratory adult mass and ontogenetic shifts in metabolic rate from larvae to adult. Then, using historical tag–recapture data, we estimated the movement propensity and migratory pace of autumn migrants using computer simulations and subsequently calculated energy expenditure. Finally, we estimated the energy use of monarchs based on these tag–recapture data and used this information to estimate daily energy expenditure over a 57 year period. We found support for our two hypotheses, noting that incorporating standard metabolic rate into estimates of migratory energy expenditure shows higher energy demand and that daily energy expenditure has been gradually increasing over time since 1961. Our study shows the deleterious energetic consequences under current climate change trajectories and highlights the importance of incorporating energetic estimates for understanding migration by small, ectothermic migrants.
Machine Learning for Demand Estimation in Long Tail Markets
Authors: Adam Hammaad , He Pu , Zheng Fanyin 
Published: October 2023

Random coefficient multinomial logit models are widely used to estimate customer preferences from sales data. However, these estimation models can only allow for products with positive sales; this selection leads to highly biased estimates in long tail markets, that is, markets where many products have zero or low sales. Such markets are increasingly common in areas such as online retail and other online marketplaces. In this paper, we propose a two-stage estimator that uses machine learning to correct for this bias. Our method first uses deep learning to predict the market shares of all products, where the neural network’s structure mirrors the random coefficient multinomial logit model’s data generating process. In the second stage, we use the predictions of the first stage to reweight the observed shares in a way that corrects for the induced bias and maintains the causal interpretation of the structural model. We show that the estimated parameters are consistent in the number of markets. Our method performs well on simulated and real long tail data, producing accurate estimates of customer behavior. These improved estimates can subsequently be used to provide prescriptive policy recommendations on important managerial decisions such as pricing, assortment, and so on. This paper was accepted by Gabriel Weintraub, revenue management and market analytics. Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4893 .
Non-Traumatic Bone Marrow Edema of the Knee: Diagnostic Accuracy of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography in Comparison to MRI
Authors: Foti Giovanni , Bassi Enrica , Romano Luigi , Iacono Venanzio , Serra Gerardo , Filippini Roberto , Mantovani William 
Published: October 2023

Purpose; To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) to identify non-traumatic bone marrow edema (BME) of the knee.
Methods; This prospective study, approved by the institutional review board, comprised a cohort of 40 consecutive patients (comprising 23 males and 17 females, with a mean age of 52.3 years) who underwent examination using Dual-Energy Computed Tomography (DECT) with settings of 80 kV and a tin filter at 150 kV, in addition to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), all conducted within 5 days. Subsequently, DECT data underwent post-processing and were evaluated by two experienced radiologists, resulting in the visualization of Bone Marrow Edema (BME) on color-coded maps. To determine the diagnostic accuracy of DECT in detecting BME, receiver operator curves and the area under the curve (AUC) were computed, with MRI serving as the reference standard. Interobserver agreement was calculated with k-statistics. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.
Results; At MRI, BME was identified in 30/40 patients, with 106/480 (22,1%) involved partitions. Sensitivity and specificity of Reader 1 were 67,9% (95% CI: 58,2 - 76,7) and 95,99% (95% CI: 93,5 - 97,7), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of Reader 2 were 69,8% (95% CI: 60,1 - 78,3) and 95,99% (95% CI: 93,5 - 97,7), respectively. Similar diagnostic accuracy values were achieved by the 2 readers, with an AUC of 0.82 for R1 and 0.829 for R2 (p=.743). The inter-observer agreement was k=0.68.
Conclusions; DECT is an accurate imaging technique for the evidence of non-traumatic BME of the knee when compared to MRI.
LOW RISK OF DELAYED TALAR SHIFT IN STABLE WEBER B FRACTURES MANAGED WITH A FUNCTIONAL BRACING PROTOCOL WITH EARLY WEIGHT BEARING
Authors: Chambers M. , Madeley N.J. 
Published: October 2023

Stable Weber B fractures are typically treated non-operatively without complications but require close monitoring due to concerns over potential medial deltoid ligament injuries and the risk of delayed talar shift. Following recent evidence suggesting this is unlikely, a functional protocol with early weight bearing was introduced at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) following a pilot audit.This study aims to evaluate the risk of delayed talar shift in isolated Weber B fractures managed with functional bracing and early weight-bearing, particularly if signs of medial ligament injury are present.We conducted a retrospective review of 148 patients with isolated Weber B fractures without talar shift at presentation that were reviewed at the virtual fracture clinic at our institution between July 2019 and June 2020. The primary outcome was the incidence of delayed talar shift. Secondary outcomes were other complications and adherence to protocol.48 patients had medial signs present and of these 1 (2%) showed possible talar shift on X-rays at 4 weeks, and was kept under review. This patient had a normal medial clear space at 3 months. No patients with medial signs not documented (n=19) or not present (n=81) had delayed talar shift. 10% of patients (n=15) had at least 1 complication: delayed union (n=2); non-union (n=3); ongoing pain (n=14).Functional bracing with early weight-bearing is a safe, effective protocol for managing isolated Weber B fractures without initial talar shift. This study concludes that the risk of delayed talar shift is low in all patients, with or without medial signs.
Validation of central peak height method for final adult height predictions on long leg radiographs
Authors: Brenneis Marco , Thewes Niklas , Holder Jana , Stief Felix , Braun Sebastian 
Published: October 2023

AimsAccurate skeletal age and final adult height prediction methods in paediatric orthopaedics are crucial for determining optimal timing of growth-guiding interventions and minimizing complications in treatments of various conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of final adult height predictions using the central peak height (CPH) method with long leg X-rays and four different multiplier tables.MethodsThis study included 31 patients who underwent temporary hemiepiphysiodesis for varus or valgus deformity of the leg between 2014 and 2020. The skeletal age at surgical intervention was evaluated using the CPH method with long leg radiographs. The true final adult height (FHTRUE) was determined when the growth plates were closed. The final height prediction accuracy of four different multiplier tables (1. Bayley and Pinneau; 2. Paley et al; 3. Sanders – Greulich and Pyle (SGP); and 4. Sanders – peak height velocity (PHV)) was then compared using either skeletal age or chronological age.ResultsAll final adult height predictions overestimated the FHTRUE, with the SGP multiplier table having the lowest overestimation and lowest absolute deviation when using both chronological age and skeletal age. There were no significant differences in final height prediction accuracy between using skeletal age and chronological age with PHV (p = 0.652) or SGP multiplier tables (p = 0.969). Adult height predictions with chronological age and SGP (r = 0.769; p ≤ 0.001), as well as chronological age and PHV (r = 0.822; p ≤ 0.001), showed higher correlations with FHTRUE than predictions with skeletal age and SGP (r = 0.657; p ≤ 0.001) or skeletal age and PHV (r = 0.707; p ≤ 0.001).ConclusionThere was no significant improvement in adult height prediction accuracy when using the CPH method compared to chronological age alone. The study concludes that there is no advantage in routinely using the CPH method for skeletal age determination over the simple use of chronological age. The findings highlight the need for more accurate methods to predict final adult height in contemporary patient populations.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(10):750–757.
Sexual risk-taking behavior amongst emerging adults in a tertiary institution of learning in Coastal Kenya: A qualitative study of stakeholders’ perspectives using causal loop mapping
Authors: Chea Stevenson K. , Kagonya Vincent A. , Oyugi Eunice A. , Nasambu Carophine , Menza Isaac , Ibrahim Fauz , Abdullahi Osman , Anika Alice , Hassan Amin S. , Abbeddou Souheila , Michielsen Kristien , Abubakar Amina 
Published: October 2023

Background
It is known from previous studies that university students in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) engage in sexual risk-taking behaviour (SRTB). However, there is paucity of data on factors contributing to SRTB among university students (emerging adults) at the Kenyan Coast thus hindering intervention planning. This study seeks to provide an in-depth qualitative understanding of the factors contributing to SRTB and their interconnectedness among university students at the Kenyan Coast combining qualitative research with a systems thinking approach.

Methods
Using the ecological model, and employing in-depth interviews, we explored the perceptions of twenty-six key informants (twenty-one emerging adults and five other stakeholders) on what constitutes and influences SRTB among emerging adults at a tertiary institution of learning in Coastal Kenya. Data were analysed using a thematic framework approach. A causal loop diagram (CLD) was developed to map the interconnectedness of the correlates of SRTB.

Results
Our findings show that unprotected sex, transactional sex, cross-generational sex, multiple sex partnerships, gender-based violence, sex under influence of alcohol/drugs, early sex debut, and sharing sex toys were common SRTBs. Based on the ecological model and CLD, most of the reported risk factors were interconnected and operated at the individual level.

Conclusion
Our study shows that emerging adults are frequently engaging in unprotected sex. Enhancing sexuality education programs for students in Kenyan universities and strengthening support systems including counselling for those using alcohol/drugs may help reduce SRTB among emerging adults in Kenyan universities.
Tracking gut microbiome and bloodstream infection in critically ill adults
Authors: Gu Christopher H. , Khatib Layla A. , Fitzgerald Ayannah S. , Graham-Wooten Jevon , Ittner Caroline A. , Sherrill-Mix Scott , Chuang YuChung , Glaser Laurel J. , Meyer Nuala J. , Bushman Frederic D. , Collman Ronald G. 
Published: October 2023

Background
The gut microbiome is believed to contribute to bloodstream infection (BSI) via translocation of dominant gut bacteria in vulnerable patient populations. However, conclusively linking gut and blood organisms requires stringent approaches to establish strain-level identity.

Methods
We enrolled a convenience cohort of critically ill patients and investigated 86 bloodstream infection episodes that occurred in 57 patients. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was used to define constituents of their gut microbiomes, and whole genome sequencing and assembly was done on 23 unique bloodstream isolates that were available from 21 patients. Whole genome sequences were downloaded from public databases and used to establish sequence-identity distribution and define thresholds for unrelated genomes of BSI species. Gut microbiome reads were then aligned to whole genome sequences of the cognate bloodstream isolate and unrelated database isolates to assess identity.

Results
Gut microbiome constituents matching the bloodstream infection species were present in half of BSI episodes, and represented >30% relative abundance of gut sequences in 10% of episodes. Among the 23 unique bloodstream organisms that were available for whole genome sequencing, 14 were present in gut at the species level. Sequence alignment applying defined thresholds for identity revealed that 6 met criteria for identical strains in blood and gut, but 8 did not. Sequence identity between BSI isolates and gut microbiome reads was more likely when the species was present at higher relative abundance in gut.

Conclusion
In assessing potential gut source for BSI, stringent sequence-based approaches are essential to determine if organisms responsible for BSI are identical to those in gut: of 14 evaluable patients in which the same species was present in both sites, they were identical in 6/14, but were non-identical in 8/14 and thus inconsistent with gut source. This report demonstrates application of sequencing as a key tool to investigate infection tracking within patients.