bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling and diagnostic tests for Poisson and negative-binomial count time series
Authors: Aleksandrov Boris , Weiß Christian H. , Nik Simon , Faymonville Maxime , Jentsch Carsten 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWhen modelling unbounded counts, their marginals are often assumed to follow either Poisson (Poi) or negative binomial (NB) distributions. To test such null hypotheses, we propose goodness-of-fit (GoF) tests based on statistics relying on certain moment properties. By contrast to most approaches proposed in the count-data literature so far, we do not restrict ourselves to specific low-order moments, but consider a flexible class of functions of generalized moments to construct model-diagnostic tests. These cover GoF-tests based on higher-order factorial moments, which are particularly suitable for the Poi- or NB-distribution where simple closed-form expressions for factorial moments of any order exist, but also GoF-tests relying on the respective Stein’s identity for the Poi- or NB-distribution. In the time-dependent case, under mild mixing conditions, we derive the asymptotic theory for GoF tests based on higher-order factorial moments for a wide family of stationary processes having Poi- or NB-marginals, respectively. This family also includes a type of NB-autoregressive model, where we provide clarification of some confusion caused in the literature. Additionally, for the case of independent and identically distributed counts, we prove asymptotic normality results for GoF-tests relying on a Stein identity, and we briefly discuss how its statistic might be used to define an omnibus GoF-test. The performance of the tests is investigated with simulations for both asymptotic and bootstrap implementations, also considering various alternative scenarios for power analyses. A data example of daily counts of downloads of a TeX editor is used to illustrate the application of the proposed GoF-tests.
Fistula development after anal abscess drainage—a multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Skovgaards Daniel Mark , Perregaard Helene , Dibbern Christian Bakholdt , Nordholm-Carstensen Andreas 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Anal abscesses are common and, despite correct treatment with surgical drainage, carry the risk of developing fistulas. Studies identifying risk factors for the development of anal fistulas are sparse. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for anal fistulas after anal abscess surgery.

Methods
This was a multicentre, retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing acute surgery for anal abscesses in the Capital Region of Denmark between 2018 and 2019. The patients were identified using ICD-10 codes for anal abscesses. Predefined clinicopathological factors and postoperative courses were extracted from patient records.

Results
A total of 475 patients were included. At a median follow-up time of 1108 days (IQR 946–1320 days) following surgery, 164 (33.7%) patients were diagnosed with an anal fistula. Risk factors for developing fistulas were low intersphincteric (OR 2.77, 95CI 1.50–5.06) and ischioanal (OR 2.48, 95CI 1.36–4.47) abscesses, Crohn’s disease (OR 5.96, 95CI 2.33–17.2), a history of recurrent anal abscesses (OR 4.14, 95CI 2.47–7.01) or repeat surgery (OR 5.96, 95CI 2.33–17.2), E. coli-positive pus cultures (OR 4.06, 1.56–11.4) or preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) of more than 100 mg/L (OR 3.21, 95CI 1.57–6.71).

Conclusion
Several significant clinical risk factors were associated with fistula development following anal abscess surgery. These findings are clinically relevant and could influence the selection of patients for specialised follow-up, facilitate expedited diagnosis, and potentially prevent unnecessarily long treatment courses.
Importance of a detailed anomaly scan after a cfDNA test indicating fetal trisomy 21, 18 or 13
Authors: Spingler Tobias , Sonek Jiri , Hoopmann Markus , Prodan Natalia , Jonaityte Gertruda , Elger Tania , Kagan Karl Oliver 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective
To investigate the effect of the presence or absence of fetal anomalies and soft markers diagnosed by ultrasound on positive predictive value (PPV) 21, 18 and 13 in pregnancies with a high-risk cfDNA result.

Methods
Retrospective study including singleton pregnancies with high-risk NIPT results for common trisomies followed by invasive testing. The cases were grouped by gestational age at the time of invasive testing and by the presence or absence of fetal abnormalities or soft markers. The ultrasound was considered abnormal if at least one major defect or a soft marker was detected.

Results
A total of 173 women were included. Median maternal and gestational age was 37.7 years and 14.0 weeks, respectively. CfDNA test result showed high-risk for trisomy 21 and trisomy 18 or 13 in 119 and 54 cases, respectively. The “pre-ultrasound” PPV for trisomy 21 and for trisomy 18 or 13 were 98.3% and 68.4%, respectively. In case of a high-risk result for trisomy 21 and no fetal anomalies, the PPV was 86.7% while it was 100% if there were anomalies or markers present. In the case of a high-risk result for trisomy 18 or 13, the PPV was 9.5% if the ultrasound examination was normal and 100% if the ultrasound examination was abnormal.

Conclusion
This study suggests that a detailed ultrasound examination performed after a cfDNA result that is high-risk for one of the common autosomal trisomies adds significantly to establishing an individualized risk assessment. This is particularly true in cases with a high-risk result for trisomies 18 or 13.
Prevalence and assemblage of Giardia duodenalis in a case-control study of children under 5 years from Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Yonas , Abdissa Alemseged , Mekonnen Zeleke , Sharew Bizuwarek , Johansen Øystein H. , Bjørang Ola , Langeland Nina , Hanevik Kurt , Moyo Sabrina J. ,   the CRYPTO-POC study group
Published: December 2023

AbstractGiardia duodenalis is a common pathogenic intestinal protozoan parasite with high prevalence in developing countries, especially among children. The distribution of giardia assemblages among humans and their clinical relevance remains controversial. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and assemblage of Giardia among children under 5 years of age in Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia. Employing a case-control design, 606 children presenting with diarrhea at Jimma university medical center and Serbo Health Center were enrolled from December 2016 to July 2018 along with 617 matched controls without diarrhea. Giardia was detected and typed using real-time PCR. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed. The total prevalence of Giardia was 41% (501/1223) and did not differ significantly between cases and controls (40% vs 42%). Prevalence increased by age, with the highest prevalence seen in children aged ≥ 25 months. Children without diarrhea with a history of diarrhea during the last month were more likely to be Giardia positive compared to children with no history diarrhea (OR 1.8 and 95%CI; 1.1–2.9). Regardless of current diarrhea symptoms, assemblage B predominated with 89%, followed by assemblage A (8%) and mixed infection assemblage A and B (3%). We report a high prevalence of Giardia by PCR detection in Jimma, Ethiopia, with assemblage B being predominant. There was a similar distribution of Giardia assemblages between children with and without diarrhea. Increasing age was a risk factor for Giardia infection. Community-based prevention and control strategies need to be employed to decrease the risk of giardia infection.
Urinary extracellular vesicles in childhood kidney diseases
Authors: Harita Yutaka 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMost biological fluids contain extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are surrounded by a lipid bilayer and contain biological macromolecules such as proteins, lipids, RNA, and DNA. They lack a functioning nucleus and are incapable of replicating. The physiological characteristics and molecular composition of EVs in body fluids provide valuable information about the status of originating cells. Consequently, they could be effectively utilized for diagnostic and prognostic applications. Urine contains a heterogeneous population of EVs. To date, these urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) have been ignored in the standard urinalysis. In recent years, knowledge has accumulated on how uEVs should be separated and analyzed. It has become clear how uEVs reflect the expression of each molecule in cells in nephron segments and how they are altered in disease states such as glomerular/tubular disorders, rare congenital diseases, acute kidney injury (AKI), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Significant promise exists for the molecular expression signature of uEVs detected by simple techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), making them more applicable in clinical settings. This review presents the current understanding regarding uEVs, emphasizing the potential for non-invasive diagnostics, especially for childhood kidney diseases.
Climate change and future challenges to the sustainable management of the Iraqi marshlands
Authors: Nama Ala Hassan , Alwan Imzahim A. , Pham Quoc Bao 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe application of restoration plans for the Iraqi marshlands is encountering significant challenges due to water scarcity and the impacts of climate change. This paper assesses the impact of water scarcity on the possibility of continuing the application of restoration and sustainable management plans for the main marshlands in Iraq. This assessment was conducted based on the available data and expected situation of available water resources under climate change conditions until the year 2035. Additionally, a satellite image–based index model was prepared and applied for the period 2009–2020 to obtain the spatiotemporal distribution of the restored marshlands. The results show that the shortage in water resources and insufficient inundation rates prevented the adequate application of the restoration plans. Also, applying the scenarios of distributing the deficit equally over all water demand sectors (S1) and according to the percentage of demand for each sector (S2) shows that the expected deficit in available water for the three marshes by the years 2025 and 2035 will be approximately 25% and 32% for S1 and 9% for S2. Consequently, the considered marshes are expected to lose approximately 20 to 33% of their eligible restoration areas. Accordingly, looking for suitable alternatives to support the water resources of these marshes became a very urgent matter and/or recourse to reduce the areas targeted by inundation and being satisfied with the areas that can be sustainable and maintain the current status of the rest of the regions as an emerging ecosystem characterized by lands that are inundated every few years. Accordingly, steps must be urged to develop plans and programs to maintain the sustainability of these emerging ecosystems within the frameworks of climate change and the conditions of scarcity of water resources and water and air pollution to ensure that they are not lost in the future.
Promising biomass waste–derived insulation materials for application in construction and buildings
Authors: Lisowski Paweł , Glinicki Michał A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCurrent insulation materials applied in construction engineering and the building industry are generally petrochemical-based polymers and recycled thermal insulation materials. The environmental effects of these materials’ production processes are substantial, despite their high thermal insulation performance. Consequently, the researchers conclude that it is essential to develop and produce insulating materials with superior thermal properties, minimal environmental impact, and a reasonable cost. The study concentrated on the application of insulation materials derived from biomass in the development of thermal insulation. The purpose of this review is to investigate and develop the possibilities of using biomass wastes as renewable and eco-friendly thermal insulation materials for construction engineering and the building industry. The thermal conductivity of those materials was measured using the hot plate and hot box methods, two of the most widely used hot processing methods. With a relatively low thermal conductivity (< 0.100 W·m−1·K−1), this review provides critical scientific insight into potential building insulation materials derived from biodegradable and abundant resources. It was observed that these materials are appealing for use in building and construction because they have a number of potential advantages from technical, economic, environmental, and green credentials perspectives. The collection of information enables some conclusions regarding the different biomass waste–derived insulation materials that have already been investigated and identifies gaps in the literature. Finally, the scope of commercialization pathways and future research directions to validate the proposed material alternatives’ claim for commercial-scale applications has been identified in this review.
Graphical Abstract
States of Emergency, Simultaneous Overreach and Underreach and the COVID-19 Pan(dem)ic
Authors: Steuer Max 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPrevious research has neglected how repeated declarations of states of emergency (SsoE) in response to the same emergency may combine with executive overreach and underreach within a single jurisdiction, undermining the authority of the SsoE as a legal institution and increasing the vulnerability of the constitutional system as a result. This article examines how decision-makers’ commitment to a culture of justification is central to avoiding emergency mismanagement via underreach, overreach or their combination. The simultaneous instances of executive overreach and underreach as emergency management failures are studied via the Slovak case, which was celebrated for its initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic but castigated for its failure to contain the subsequent waves. The analysis of the legal framework of the SsoE and the justifications for SsoE declarations uncovers the lack of justifications for the patterns of simultaneous executive underreach and overreach, underscoring the elusiveness of these categories. The limited justifications for the decisions demonstrated by the “government in panic” point to the undermining of the SsoE as a legal institution. The article concludes with highlighting how leaders’ role conceptions as democratic emergency managers might be necessary to sustain the authority of the SsoE.
Persistent colonization of Candida auris among inpatients rescreened as part of a weekly surveillance program
Authors: Arenas Sebastian P. , Persad Patrice J. , Patel Samira , Parekh Dipen J. , Ferreira Tanira B.D. , Farinas Mirian , Sexton D. Joseph , Lyman Meghan , Gershengorn Hayley B. , Shukla Bhavarth S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe established a surveillance program to evaluate persistence of C. auris colonization among hospitalized patients. Overall, 17 patients (34%) had ≥1 negative result followed by a positive test, and 7 (41%) of these patients had ≥2 consecutive negative tests.
Life at the Margins: Religious Minorities, Status, and the State
Authors: Oraby Mona 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis essay examines the claims-making practices of conservative evangelical Protestants in England and Satmar Hasidim in the United States, communities marginal to two contingents of leftist academic discourse today: scholars who see liberation as an anti-statist project and others who imagine religious diversity as a common good facilitated by the state. The author suggests that one way forward in the critical study of law and religion is to examine communities with political commitments that differ from our own—who shape their worlds alongside and through the state yet are unconcerned about a common democratic future. By showing that no liberal (statist) or liberatory (anti-statist) framework holds either the Satmar or evangelical Christian legal claims, the author identifies generative problems for thought that challenge current approaches to understanding religion-state entanglement in the contemporary world.
Reproductive Justice Beyond Borders: Global Feminist Solidarity in the Post-Roe Era
Authors: Arguedas-Ramírez Gabriela , Wenner Danielle M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe global impact of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and the backlash towards reproductive justice that it represents warrant a global feminist response informed by broad theoretical and geopolitical lenses. We consider how a solidaristic, transnational feminist movement might learn from Latin American feminist movements that have been successful in uniting broad coalitions in the fight for reproductive justice as situated within far-reaching political goals. The success of such a global movement must be decolonial and must contend with the fact that overlapping realities of global inequality, severe poverty, extractivism, and western-backed violence are fundamentally implicated in reproductive justice.
Where Does Life Begin? Discerning the Impact of Dobbs on Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Authors: Daar Judith 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article explores the impact of Dobbs on access to assisted reproductive technologies. Clinical aspects of IVF, including embryo discard and cryopreservation, preimplantation genetic testing, and selective reduction of multiple pregnancy are potentially jeopardized by a new legal landscape that protects embryos over the interest of infertility patients.
Anti-Abortion Exceptionalism after Dobbs
Authors: Sepper Elizabeth 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe end of the constitutional right to abortion with Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health stands to generate massive conflict between abortion regulation and the First Amendment. Abortion exceptionalism within constitutional doctrine -- which both treats abortion differently than other areas and favors anti-abortion over pro-choice viewpoints -- will not retreat but advance, unless confronted by the courts.
Fixed point logics and definable topological properties
Authors: Fernández-Duque David , Gougeon Quentin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractModal logic enjoys topological semantics that may be traced back to McKinsey and Tarski, and the classification of topological spaces via modal axioms is a lively area of research. In the past two decades, there has been interest in extending topological modal logic to the language of the mu-calculus, but previously no class of topological spaces was known to be mu-calculus definable that was not already modally definable. In this paper, we show that the full mu-calculus is indeed more expressive than standard modal logic, in the sense that there are classes of topological spaces (and weakly transitive Kripke frames), which are mu-definable but not modally definable. The classes we exhibit satisfy a modally definable property outside of their perfect core, and thus we dub them imperfect spaces. We show that the mu-calculus is sound and complete for these classes. Our examples are minimal in the sense that they use a single instance of a greatest fixed point, and we show that least fixed points alone do not suffice to define any class of spaces that is not already modally definable.
Maxims: Responsibility and Causal Laws
Authors: Mandle Jon 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAlthough maxims are central to Kant’s ethical theory, his account of them remains obscure. We can make progress towards understanding Kantian maxims by examining not only their role as the object of moral judgement but also their connection to freedom of the will and causality. This requires understanding maxims as causal laws that explain the actions that we impute to agents. In this way, they are analogous to causal laws of nature, but they are limited in scope to the agents who are responsible for them. Understanding maxims in this way explains our limited epistemic access to them and helps to clarify Kant’s account of virtue and character as well as how they mediate the relationship between practical and theoretical reason.
Mercury Isotope Composition in Open Water Corals of South China Sea: Implication for Atmospheric Mercury Deposition Pathways Into Tropical Oceans
Authors: Zhang Rui , Sun Ruoyu , Liu Yi , Li Songjing , Cao Fei , Yang Hongqiang , Chen Shun , Li Xiaohua , Zheng Wang , Chen Jiubin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe deposition of different atmospheric mercury (Hg) species into oceans determines the atmospheric Hg lifetime and the production of neurotoxin methylmercury. Yet, the relative contribution of atmospheric Hg(II) and Hg(0) is largely unconstrained. Here, we report the concentrations of total Hg and methylmercury, as well as Hg isotope composition in living corals collected from the tropical South China Sea (SCS). The results show that the Hg in corals is mainly present as inorganic Hg, exhibiting slightly negative δ202Hg and small yet significant Δ199Hg and Δ200Hg. These isotope features closely resemble those of pelagic waters, suggesting that shallow‐water corals that are widely distributed in oligotrophic waters could be used to trace atmospheric Hg deposition pathways. A mixture model based on coral Δ200Hg indicates that approximately 49% of the seawater Hg in the tropical SCS, a region characterized by high rainfall, originates from atmospheric gaseous Hg(0), much larger than previous estimates.
Characterizing the Seafloor Sediment Layer Using Teleseismic Body Waves Recorded by Ocean Bottom Seismometers
Authors: Kim HyeJeong , Kawakatsu Hitoshi , Akuhara Takeshi , Takeuchi Nozomu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study presents an approach to better characterize the P‐wave and S‐wave velocity structure of the seafloor sediment layer using ocean bottom seismometers. The presence of low‐velocity seafloor sediment layers influences the observed seismic record at the seafloor over a broad frequency range, such that detailed knowledge of this sediment structure is essential to predict its effect on teleseismic records. We use the radial component of teleseismic P waves and autocorrelation functions of the radial, vertical, and pressure components of teleseismic P and S waves to obtain sediment layer models using the Markov chain Monte Carlo approach with parallel tempering. Synthetic tests show that the body waves constrain the P‐ and S‐wave impedances and travel times and the P‐ to S‐wave velocity ratio of the sediment layers. The proposed method resolves thin layers at a high resolution, including the uppermost thin (∼50 m to a few hundred meters) low S‐wave velocity layer. Real data applications at sites across the Pacific Ocean that are coincident with previous in situ studies demonstrate the effectiveness of this method in characterizing the seafloor sediment unit. The sediment models characterized by this new approach will allow us to more accurately predict and correct the effects of sediment layers in generating P‐ and S‐wave reverberations.