bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural, optical, and shielding properties of lead borate glasses doped with copper oxide
Authors: Bawazeer Omemh 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Lead borate glasses of the system 25PbO-(75-x) B2O3-xCuO (x = 0, 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1) in mol.% were synthesized via the traditional melt quenching method abbreviated as (BPbCu0, BPbCu1, BPbCu2, and BPbCu3) respectively. XRD diffraction confirmed the amorphous nature of the samples. According to FTIR spectroscopy, the function groups (BO3 and BO4) and the fraction of boron tetrahedral units (N4) were determined. The density, molar volume, packing density, and some other physical parameters were calculated and discussed. The density was increased by incorporating CuO as a substitution for B2O3, while the molar volume was decreased. The ion concentrations of Cu, inter-nuclear distance, field strength, and polaron radius were also computed. The optical absorption study suggested that the copper ions exist in the Cu2+ and act as a modifier by increasing the disorder in the glass network. Hence, the present glass behaves as a bandpass filter in the UV–vis. region. The radiation shielding properties of the as-prepared samples were theoretically calculated using the Phy-X program at energies ranging from 0.015 to 1.5 MeV. The linear and mass attenuation coefficients, as well as the half-value layer (HVL) and exposure buildup factor (EBF), have been evaluated. The results revealed that shielding parameters are affected by CuO concentrations and photon energy. Based on the results presented in the manuscript, the glass sample with 0.1 mol% CuO doping (BPbCu3) showed the best properties overall for optical and radiation shielding applications. Specifically, BPbCu3 had the highest density, refractive index, optical dielectric constant, and radiation shielding parameters such as linear attenuation coefficient and half value layer among the glass samples. The addition of 0.1 mol% CuO introduced Cu2+ ions which acted as network modifiers, increasing the disorder in the glass structure. This in turn enhanced the optical bandgap as well as the shielding capabilities against gamma radiation.
Multiple approaches to reduce reconstitution time of lyophilized drug products with high protein concentration
Authors: Zhang Xiaozhang , Zhou Ningning , Yang Chunsheng , Jin Zhaowei , Guo Jeremy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Lyophilized drug products with high protein concentration often perform long reconstitution time, which is inconvenient for clinical use. The objective of this work is to achieve short reconstitution time with multiple and combined strategies.

Methods
Here, we describe the following approaches that lead to reduction of reconstitution time, including adding annealing step, decreasing headspace pressure, decreasing protein concentration with reducing diluent volume, increasing high surface-area-to-height ratio of the cakes, increasing frequency of swirling and diluent temperature.

Results
Among these strategies, reducing diluent volume to achieve high protein concentration and reducing headspace pressure show markedly reduction of reconstitution time. Moreover, we propose combined strategies to mitigate the reconstitution time, at the same time, to achieve same target dose in clinics.

Conclusions
Therefore, this paper provides insights on the application of multiple strategies to accelerate the reconstitution of lyophilized drug products with high concentration, and facilitates their widespread clinical application.
Assessment of exposure to sulfuric acid in workers using cleaning equipment operated with lead-acid batteries
Authors: Kim Myung-Hee , Kim Doo-Young , Jung Jin-Woo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Sulfuric acid, a constituent of lead-acid batteries, is an extremely hazardous substance, necessitating utmost caution. Unfortunately, many workers that utilize battery-operated equipment remain unaware of the potential exposure. This study aims to evaluate the potential exposure to sulfuric acid among workers employed by small companies associated with the operation of floor cleaning equipment powered by lead-acid batteries. Only cleaning equipment (hand-push and ride-on types) that required supplementation of lead-acid batteries with distilled water were targeted. Exposure measurement and analysis were performed according to the guidelines of NIOSH and including personal sampling and stationary sampling on the equipment. Exposure measurements indicated that workers were exposed to sulfuric acid. Additionally, the concentration level was slightly elevated in the stationary samples compared to personal samples. This study affirms that workers can experience exposure to sulfuric acid, even in the absence of direct handling of the substance. Consequently, there is a need to recognize and mitigate the potential risks.
Genomic data reveal strong differentiation and reduced genetic diversity in island golden eagle populations
Authors: Sato Yu , Humble Emily , Ogden Rob 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Understanding population structure and the extent and distribution of genetic diversity are recognized as central issues in endangered species research, with broad implications for effective conservation management. Advances in whole genome sequencing techniques provide greater resolution of genome-wide genetic diversity and inbreeding. Subspecies of golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in Scotland (A. c. chrysaetos) and Japan (A. c. japonica) are endangered; it is therefore important to understand genetic diversity and inbreeding of these small island populations to increase the chances of conservation success. We investigated this using whole genome sequencing data from golden eagles in Scotland, continental Europe, Japan, and the USA. Following determination of population genetic structure, analysis of heterozygosity and nucleotide diversity revealed reduced levels of genetic diversity together with runs of homozygosity, suggesting evidence of inbreeding attributable to recent shared parental ancestry in the island populations. These results highlight the need to consider genetic reinforcement of small isolated golden eagle populations from neighbouring outbred populations, alongside existing efforts to boost population size through within-island conservation translocations and captive breeding programmes.
Bi-objective optimal active and reactive power flow management in grid-connected AC/DC hybrid microgrids using metaheuristic–PSO
Authors: Charadi Ssadik , Chakir Houssam Eddine , Redouane Abdelbari , El Hasnaoui Abdennebi , Et-taoussi Mehdi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn the context of evolving energy needs and environmental concerns, efficient management of distributed energy resources within microgrids has gained prominence. This paper addresses the optimization of power flow management in a hybrid AC/DC microgrid through an energy management system driven by particle swarm optimization. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on active power distribution, our energy management system optimizes both active and reactive power allocation among sources. By leveraging 24-hour-ahead forecasting data encompassing load predictions, tariff rates and weather conditions, our strategy ensures an economically and environmentally optimized microgrid operation. Our proposed energy management system has dual objectives: minimizing costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Through optimized operation of polluting sources and efficient utilization of the energy storage system, our approach achieved significant cost savings of ~15% compared with the genetic algorithm counterpart. This was largely attributed to the streamlined operation of the gas turbine system, which reduced fuel consumption and associated expenses. Moreover, particle swarm optimization maintained the efficiency of the gas turbine by operating at ~80% of its nominal power, effectively lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The effectiveness of our proposed strategy is validated through simulations conducted using the MATLAB® software environment.
The Effect of China’s Overseas Engineering Projects on National Image: Empirical Analysis Based on Global Survey Data
Authors: Qi Zhen , Zhou Yixiao , Yang Gongyan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Overseas engineering projects (OEPs) significantly facilitate China’s participation in global politics and economy. Based on Pew Global Surveys from 2005 to 2019, this study investigates the relationship between China’s OEP and the country’s national image. We find that OEPs have a positive impact in this regard, but most significantly in countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. Specifically, China’s image gains the most positive impact from transportation and energy projects and, to the greatest extent, from those powered by financial assistance rather than by imported Chinese workers. Such a positive effect is, in addition, most pronounced in low- and middle-income countries with a low level of national governance, while it is negligible in states that are US allies. This study affords a deeper understanding of the spillover effects of overseas economic activities at both the political and social levels.
A review of elasmobranch catch-and-release science: synthesis of current knowledge, implications for best practice and future research directions
Authors: Cameron Luke W J , Roche William K , Beckett Katy , Payne Nicholas L 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Until relatively recently commercial fisheries have been considered the main driving factor for elasmobranch population declines. However, this belief has begun to shift with the realization that recreational elasmobranch catches may equal or exceed commercial catches in some regions. Many recreational angling fisheries for elasmobranchs involve high participation in catch-and-release angling practices. However, high release rates may not necessarily equate to high survival rates. Therefore, to assist accurate assessment of the potential impact of recreational angling on elasmobranchs, we attempted to summarize and integrate currently available information on specific risk factors associated with recreational angling, alongside associated mortality rates, as well as information on angler behaviour as it relates to identified risk factors. We categorized the major angling-related effects into two groups: injury-induced effects; and biochemical disruption-induced effects; providing a summary of each group and outlining the main lethal and sub-lethal outcomes stemming from these. These outcomes include immediate and delayed post-release mortality, behavioural recovery periods (which may in-turn confer increased predation risks), chronic health impacts and capture-induced parturition and abortion. Additionally, we detailed a range of angling practices and equipment, including hook-type, hook removal and emersion (i.e. air exposure), as well as inter- and intra-specific factors, including aerobic scope, respiratory mode, body size and species-specific behaviours, which are likely to influence injury and/or mortality rates and should therefore be considered when assessing angling-related impacts. We then utilized these data to provide a range of actionable recommendations for both anglers and policymakers which would serve to reduce the population-level impact of recreational angling on these enigmatic animals.
Discordance Between Inflammatory Bowel Disease Specialists and Insurance Authorization Denials—A Survey of Specific Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment Scenarios
Authors: Naritsin Anastasia , Mehta Neev , Pellish Randall 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Prior authorizations are generally required by insurers for gastroenterologists to prescribe biologics and small-molecule drugs to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Authorization denials occur in a wide variety of clinical scenarios, including denials of standard and nonstandard medication dosing.

Methods
We performed a national cross-sectional survey on a broad variety of specific clinical scenarios to assess experience and opinions on whether or not insurance authorization denials are in accordance with clinical expertise.

Results
Eighty-four gastroenterologists completed the survey. Denial experience was common for infliximab dose modifications, vedolizumab dose modifications, ustekinumab first-time therapy, and maintenance dosing. The bulk of disagreement with authorization denials involved scenarios of dose escalation and re-induction guided by both loss of clinical response and/or therapeutic drug monitoring, denial of re-authorizations of stable dosing, and use of non-anti-TNFs in specific patient populations including the elderly and patients with multiple comorbidities. Respondents unanimously agreed that insurance companies do not play an adequate role in helping patients obtain PA. Furthermore, most of the respondents agree that to decrease the burden of the PA process, peer–peer processes should be between other IBD-trained providers who understand these complex treatment strategies.

Conclusions
Our cross-sectional survey highlights the degree of discordance in clinical decision-making between insurers and gastroenterologists. Further engagement between gastroenterologists and insurers is needed to foster common understanding on these discordant authorization denials in these real-world clinical IBD scenarios.
Homicide among Indigenous females in North Carolina: a comparison of publicly generated data and violent death reporting system
Authors: Hudhud Muhammad , Proescholdbell Scott , Norwood Tammy , Cavalier-Keck Crystal , Bell Ronny A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Like other minoritized populations, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) females experience disparate morbidity and mortality outcomes to that of the general US population. This study identified discrepancies in reporting of AI/AN female decedents between the North Carolina Violent Death Reporting System (NC-VDRS) and an online, user-generated database. Female AI/AN decedent data of all ages were collected from the NC-VDRS and compared against that of the publicly available North Carolina Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW NC) database for the study period, 2004–2019. Twenty-four of the 72 cases matched between data systems (33.3%). Substantive differences between the NC-VDRS and the MMIW NC database were found. Future efforts should be directed towards supporting Indigenous communities with the comprehensive data the NC-VDRS can provide. This paper highlights statewide public health systems like the NC-VDRS supporting community efforts to understand, advocate for, and disseminate information on MMIW.
IAA-miR164a-NAC100L1 module mediates symbiotic incompatibility of cucumber/pumpkin grafted seedlings through regulating callose deposition
Authors: Yuan Mingzhu , Jin Tong , Wu Jianqiang , Li Lan , Chen Guangling , Chen Jiaqi , Wang Yu , Sun Jin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Grafting is one of the key technologies to overcome the obstacles of continuous cropping, and improve crop yield and quality. However, the symbiotic incompatibility between rootstock and scion affects the normal growth and development of grafted seedlings after survival. The specific molecular regulation mechanism of graft incompatibility is still largely unclear. In this study, we found that the IAA-miR164a-NAC100L1 module induced callose deposition to mediate the symbiotic incompatibility of cucumber/pumpkin grafted seedlings. The incompatible combination (IG) grafting interface accumulated more callose, and the activity of callose synthase (CmCalS1) and IAA content were significantly higher than in the compatible combination (CG). Treatment with IAA polar transport inhibitor in the root of the IG plants decreased CmCalS activity and callose content. Furthermore, IAA negatively regulated the expression of Cm-miR164a, which directly targeted cleavage of CmNAC100L1. Interestingly, CmNAC100L1 interacted with CmCalS1 to regulate its activity. Further analysis showed that the interaction between CmNAC100L1 and CmCalS1 increased the activity of CmCalS1 in the IG plants but decreased it in the CG plants. Point mutation analysis revealed that threonine at the 57th position of CmCalS1 protein played a critical role to maintain its enzyme activity in the incompatible rootstock. Thus, IAA inhibited the expression of Cm-miR164a to elevate the expression of CmNAC100L1, which promoted CmNAC100L1 interaction with CmCalS1 to enhance CmCalS1 activity, resulting in callose deposition and symbiotic incompatibility of cucumber/pumpkin grafted seedlings.
Relative size and chemical information impact mixed-sex contests in the crayfish Faxonius rusticus Girard, 1852 (Decapoda: Astacidea: Cambaridae)
Authors: Wofford-Mares Sarah J , Moore Paul A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Male and female differences in contest strategies present a valuable exploration of varied access to relevant ecological information. Crayfish studies have revealed that males and females likely use different sources of information to dictate contest persistence and the difference becomes most apparent in mixed-sex contests. We examined the role of chemical information in mixed-sex contest dynamics and assessment by randomly pairing mixed-sex pairs that were either size-matched or size asymmetric. The lesion treatments consisted of eliminating olfactory cells on the antennules, the main organ for chemical detection in crayfishes. Dyads were classified as control (both intact), female-lesioned (females lesioned, males intact), or male-lesioned (females intact, males lesioned). Statistical analysis revealed that sex-based size difference, lesion treatment, and winner’s sex dictated contest duration. Regressions did not reveal evidence of one particular assessment strategy for control dyads, but male- and female-lesioned contests demonstrated weak relationships indicative of a possible self-assessment strategy. Behavioral network analyses indicated that chemical information is important for transitions between behavioral states and that the sexes use this information differentially. We suggest chemical information is important for both males and females in contest assessment, but the information contained in the signal or how the participants use the information for assessment likely differs across the sexes.
Big opportunities for tiny bugs: rush to boost laying hen performance using black soldier fly larvae meal
Authors: Wamai Linus K , Munga Leonard M , Osuga Isaac M , Munguti Jonathan M , Subramanian Sevgan , Kidoido Michael K , Ghemoh Janice C , Mwendia Charles M , Tanga Chrysantus M 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Rising feed cost challenges due to expensive conventional protein sources continue to make headlines in Africa causing drops in profit margins. We assessed the impact of insect (Hermetia illucens Linnaeus larvae meal, HILM) protein as a substitute for soybean meal and sunflower seed cake on layer chicken performance and profitability. Our results showed that apart from the growers, chicks (12.37 g/bird) and layer hens (2.02 g/bird) fed diets with 75% HILM inclusion levels had significantly higher average daily weight gain. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) varied significantly when the chicks and layer hens were provided with the HILM-based diets. For the chicks and layer hens, the lowest ADFI and FCR were observed in birds subjected to diets with 75% and 100% HILM compared to the growers fed diets with 50% HILM. Significantly higher egg production was observed for layer hens fed diets containing 75% of HILM throughout the first (87.41%) and second (83.05%) phase production cycles. Layer hens fed HILM-based diets had a 3–10% increase in egg laying percentage. There was higher profit margins when birds were fed diets containing 75% of HILM (~1.83 and 5.98 US$ per bird), which mirrored the return on investment estimated at 63.95% and 33.36% for the pullets (growers) and laying hen, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that diets with 75% HILM provided optimum growth performance, reduced feeding costs, increased weight gain and egg production as well as improved economic returns for commercial on-farm poultry production systems.
Degree-days and off-host longevity of cattle fever ticks, Boophilus spp. (Acari: Ixodidae) in south Texas pastures
Authors: Arocho Rosario Charluz M , Leal-Galvan Brenda , Thomas Donald B 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Cattle fever ticks, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) and Boophilus annulatus (Say), are native to Eurasia and have invaded the New World as vectors of bovine Babesiosis. Due to severe losses in livestock production, an eradication program by the USDA was established. Premises infested with Boophilus ticks are subject to regulatory oversight that includes acaricide treatment and quarantine. The quarantine duration varies between summer through winter and is based on the available information on the persistence of the off-host stages in pastures far from south Texas. The objective of this study was to assess the specific effect of thermal stress measured in degree-days on the longevity of B. annulatus and B. microplus off-host stages in south Texas pastures. Our results demonstrate that the longest off-host persistence for B. annulatus was 142 days under canopied habitat in the winter and 130 days in the summer. On the other hand, B. microplus off-host persistence was 113 days under canopy and 103 days in exposed habitat, both in winter. The results indicate that temperature was a key variable that prolonged the survival of B. annulatus but not B. microplus. In areas such as south Texas at the northernmost extent of B. microplus range, where mild winters prevail, we found a maximum persistence of less than 4 months (113 days), very close to the previous published record of 116 days. A reduction in the Texas pasture quarantine period from 9 months to 6 months would be justified for this species.
Assessing the impact of areal unit selection and the modifiable areal unit problem on associative statistics between cases of tick-borne disease and entomological indices
Authors: O’Connor Collin , Prusinski Melissa A , Aldstadt Jared , Falco Richard C , Oliver JoAnne , Haight Jamie , Tober Keith , Sporn Lee Ann , White Jennifer , Brisson Dustin , Backenson P Bryon 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) is a cause of statistical and visual bias when aggregating data according to spatial units, particularly when spatial units may be changed arbitrarily. The MAUP is a concern in vector-borne disease research when entomological metrics gathered from point-level sampling data are related to epidemiological data aggregated to administrative units like counties or ZIP Codes. Here, we assess the statistical impact of the MAUP when calculating correlations between randomly aggregated cases of anaplasmosis in New York State during 2017 and a geostatistical layer of an entomological risk index for Anaplasma phagocytophilum in blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis Say, Acari: Ixodidae) collected during the fall of 2017. Correlations were also calculated using various administrative boundaries for comparison. We also demonstrate the impact of the MAUP on data visualization using choropleth maps and offer pycnophylactic interpolation as an alternative. Polygon simulations indicate that increasing the number of polygons decreases correlation coefficients and their variability. Correlation coefficients calculated using ZIP Code tabulation area and Census tract polygons were beyond 4 standard deviations from the mean of the simulated correlation coefficients. These results indicate that using smaller polygons may not best incorporate the geographical context of the tick-borne disease system, despite the tendency of researchers to strive for more granular spatial data and associations.