bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methodology for the historical and synoptic analysis of snows: its application to the region of Castilla y León (Spain)
Authors: Ortega Mª Teresa , Morales Carlos G. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
A methodology is proposed for the study of snowfall, applied to the region and autonomous community of Castilla y León (Spain). It is based on two major pillars: the elaboration of a Snowfall Catalogue from the consultation of documentary sources (press) between 1979 and 2021, which allows cataloging all the episodes that occurred from October to May, and the synoptic study of the atmospheric dynamics in those 43 years, identifying the different types of weather as a means of validating the cataloged episodes. The database created provides information on its intensity, duration, and frequency, as well as its genesis, distribution, typology, and climatic hazard. All this has been analyzed and has allowed to recognize different stages in its way of occurring and to estimate trends and behaviors in both the number of episodes and the number of snow days and their assessment in the current situation of climate change.
Spezifische Infektionen als Auslöser von Krebs und chronischen neuronalen Erkrankungen
Authors: de Villiers Ethel-Michele , zur Hausen Harald 
Published: January 2023

ZusammenfassungManche Viren, Bakterien und parasitäre Infektionen können zu Krebserkrankungen führen. Neben der direkten infektiösen Karzinogenese bei Verbleib von Erregergenen in den Zellen gibt es zumindest zwei Mechanismen der indirekten infektionsbedingten Krebsentstehung: Immunsuppression und chronische Entzündungen mit Radikalbildung und mutagener Aktivität in proliferierenden Zellen. Studien legen nahe, dass bei bestimmten Krebsarten des Menschen nach spezifischen Erregern gesucht werden sollte, die vermutlich nicht als direkte infektiöse Krebserreger eine Rolle spielen, sondern eher über einen indirekten Mechanismus auf Krebsvorläuferzellen und später auch auf Krebszellen einwirken. Die Epidemiologie der betreffenden Krebsarten und chronischen Infektionen legt nahe, dass der Verzehr von Milch- und Fleischprodukten unserer Milchrinder hier eine besondere Rolle spielt und dass wir es mit unerwartet weit verbreiteten Zoonosen des Menschen zu tun haben, deren Identifizierung eine Reihe von Konsequenzen für künftige Präventions- und Therapiemaßnahmen mit sich bringen dürfte. Auch bei der multiplen Sklerose (MS) wird ein ätiologischer Zusammenhang mit Infektionen (vor allem Epstein-Barr-Virus [EBV], seltener humanes Herpesvirus Typ 6) sowie ein Bezug zum Kuhmilch- und Rindfleischkonsum angenommen. In autopsierten MS-Läsionen wurden zirkuläre DNA-Moleküle („multiple sclerosis brain isolate“ 1 und 2 [MSBI‑1 und MSBI-2]) isoliert, die strukturell DNA-Molekülen aus Milch und Rinderblut („bovine meat and milk factors“ [BMMF]) ähneln. Gemäß einem aktuellen ätiologischen Modell ist eine Doppelinfektion spezifischer Hirnzellen durch EBV und BMMF Ausgangspunkt der MS-Entstehung. Zunächst erfolgt eine Reaktivierung von EBV, etwa durch einen Vitamin-D3-Mangel und die resultierende Synthese von „transforming growth factor β“ (TGF-β). Die reaktivierten Herpesviren amplifizieren dann die BMMF-DNA, die schließlich freigesetzt wird und in benachbarte Zellen gelangt. Eine fokale Immunantwort führt zur Zerstörung von BMMF-Protein-produzierenden Zellen und damit zum Erkrankungsbeginn.
Some pitfalls in the uncertainty evaluation of isotope delta reference materials
Authors: Gröning Manfred 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) provides a framework for evaluating analytical data and characterizing their dispersion in a consistent manner. This is of eminent importance in the case of reference materials and their recommended values that are used for calibration of further measurements. The proper propagation of uncertainties for those data is essential. Guidance is provided in the GUM on how to calculate the combined standard uncertainty for a mean value or central value based on multiple individual measurements including their calibration uncertainty. However, according to published data, the guidance provided by GUM is not always properly applied in practice. Several published studies show calculated uncertainties much lower than those of input quantities. This may be caused by improper handling of the propagation of uncertainty components, thereby breaking the traceability chain for reported values. A simple check method using conventional statistical means is proposed to detect and to avoid such mistakes related to calibration uncertainties. It is intended to help to ensure a proper uncertainty propagation, to maintain a system of reliable and traceable reference materials. A spreadsheet is provided for the implementation of such a check. Example calculations for published data are presented.
The Movement of Pathogen Carrying Flies at the Human–Wildlife Interface
Authors: Jahan Mueena , Calvignac-Spencer Sébastien , Chapman Colin A. , Kalbitzer Urs , Leendertz Fabian H. , Omeja Patrick A. , Sarkar Dipto , Ulrich Markus , Gogarten Jan F. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractFlies form high-density associations with human settlements and groups of nonhuman primates and are implicated in transmitting pathogens. We investigate the movement of nonhuman primate-associated flies across landscapes surrounding Kibale National Park, Uganda, using a mark–recapture experiment. Flies were marked in nine nonhuman primate groups at the forest edge ($$\overline{x}$$

x
¯

= 929 flies per group), and we then attempted to recapture them in more anthropized areas (50 m, 200 m and 500 m from where marked; 2–21 days after marking). Flies marked in nonhuman primate groups were recaptured in human areas (19/28,615 recaptured). Metabarcoding of the flies in nonhuman primate groups revealed the DNA of multiple eukaryotic primate parasites. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potential of flies to serve as vectors between nonhuman primates, livestock and humans at this biodiverse interface.
Bursting phenomenon created by bridge piers group in open channel flow
Authors: Ikani Nima , Pu Jaan H. , Taha Tarek , Hanmaiahgarib Prashanth Reddy , Penna Nadia 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBridge pier is a common feature in hydraulic structure. Its impact to the river usually occurs in group form rather than single pier, so this challenging piers-group influence towards river hydraulics and turbulence needs to be explored. In this paper, the measurements were conducted using an Acoustic doppler velocimeter (ADV) to study velocities in three dimensions (longitudinal, transversal, and vertical). Based on the experimental data, we have observed reversed depth-averaged velocity vector after each pier in the group of three-pier. The analysis has been conducted on the contribution of each bursting event to Reynolds shear stress (RSS) generation, in order to identify the critical events and turbulence structures around the piers. In the upstream near-wake flow in the bed-wall layer, strong sweep and ejection events have been observed; while at downstream, sweeps were more dominant. The pattern of burst changed in the outer layer of flow, where ejections were more dominant. Furthermore, the contribution fractional ratio to RSS variation at hole size H = 0 indicates that sweeps and ejections were significantly generated at the near wake-flow in upstream.
Experimental evidence for stronger impacts of larval but not adult rearing temperature on female fertility and lifespan in a seed beetle
Authors: Vasudeva R. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractTemperature impacts behaviour, physiology and life-history of many life forms. In many ectotherms, phenotypic plasticity within reproductive traits could act as a buffer allowing adaptation to continued global warming within biological limits. But there could be costs involved, potentially affecting adult reproductive performance and population growth. Empirical data on the expression of reproductive plasticity when different life stages are exposed is still lacking. Plasticity in key components of fitness (e.g., reproduction) can impose life-history trade-offs. Ectotherms are sensitive to temperature variation and the resulting thermal stress is known to impact reproduction. So far, research on reproductive plasticity to temperature variation in this species has focused on males. Here, I explore how rearing temperature impacted female reproduction and lifespan in the bruchid beetle Callosobruchus maculatus by exposing them to four constant temperatures (17 °C, 25 °C, 27 °C and 33 °C) during larval or adult stages. In these experiments, larval rearing cohorts (exposed to 17 °C, 25 °C, 27 °C and 33 °C, from egg to adulthood) were tested in a common garden setting at 27 °C and adult rearing cohorts, after having developed entirely at 27 °C, were exposed to four constant rearing temperatures (17 °C, 25 °C, 27 °C and 33 °C). I found stage-specific plasticity in all the traits measured here: fecundity, egg morphological dimensions (length and width), lifespan and egg hatching success (female fertility). Under different larval rearing conditions, fecundity and fertility was drastically reduced (by 51% and 42%) at 17 °C compared to controls (27 °C). Female lifespan was longest at 17 °C across both larval and adult rearing: by 36% and 55% compared to controls. Collectively, these results indicate that larval rearing temperature had greater reproductive impacts. Integrating both larval and adult rearing effects, I present evidence that female fertility is more sensitive during larval development compared to adult rearing temperature in this system.
Characteristics of electrospun chitosan/carbon nanotube coatings deposited on AZ31 magnesium alloy
Authors: Vahedi Shaghayegh , Aghdam Rouhollah Mehdinavaz , Sohi Mahmoud Heydarzadeh , Rezayan Ali Hossein 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMg-based biomaterials are commonly used as biodegradable orthopedic implants (e.g., bone regeneration applications). However, achieving high biocompatibility and corrosion resistance has remained a challenge to be tackled. In this work, to investigate various fabricated coatings (with and without pre- anodizing), five categories of samples are considered: (a) bare Mg alloy (Mg), (b) Anodized Mg alloy (Mg-A), (c) CS-coated Mg alloy (Mg-C), (d) CS-coated anodized Mg alloy (Mg-AC), and (e) CS-CNT-coated anodized Mg alloy (Mg-ACC). These samples were characterized by using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopes (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Raman Spectroscopy. The adhesion within the coated samples was compared. Then, the effects of the coatings were evaluated by comparing wettability, corrosion behavior, and biocompatibility for bare and coated samples. The adhesion test showed that the coatings exhibited higher adhesion for Mg-AC and Mg-ACC compared to Mg-C. Desired wettability was achieved as the contact angles of coated samples were in the range of 55°– 65°. Electrochemical impedance and polarization as well as immersion tests showed higher corrosion resistance for coated samples. The composite coated sample showed improved cell adhesion since the osteoblast cells covered almost the entire surface of the sample. Moreover, osteoblast cell viability for the sample was around 40% higher than that of the bare sample.
Graphical abstract
Effect of unconventional supplementary cementitious materials on the hardened cement pastes exposed to high temperature
Authors: Fehérvári Sándor 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAn investigation was conducted to determine how Ordinary Portland Cement and several unconventional cementitious additives, such as magnetite, chamotte, perlite, boron carbide, and more common powdered quartz, affected the behaviour of hardened cement paste when subjected to high temperatures. The test was conducted using a constant water–fines ratio of 0.3. The water–cement ratios were nevertheless 0.25 and 0.222 as a result of the two fine replacement ratios (20% and 35%, respectively). Seven heat steps were used to heat the specimens of hardened cement paste to 900 °C. On the cooled specimens, comparisons between relative residual compressive strength and residual compressive strength were made. Additionally, a new approach known as "temperature endurance" is used to express the total area under each strength curve. Furthermore, the specimens were analysed using a scanning electron microscope. Our research has shown that perlite, when employed as additional cementitious material, performs remarkably well and has favourable effects, even at high temperatures. Up to 600 °C, it has the longest-lasting, practically constant residual strength values. In this area, the relative strength reductions are less than 15%. Furthermore, it is shown that boron carbide increases compressive strength at 900 °C in comparison to values at 600 °C. Due to the material's low melting point and the formation of secondary bindings at the highest heat step, this effect results. The other materials under investigation, such as powdered quartz, magnetite, and powdered chamotte, perform only slightly better than the reference homogeneous Ordinary Portland Cement, particularly in the mid and high heat ranges. In low heat ranges and by lower addition of fines, particularly in the well-known local strength maximum of 200–300 °C, homogeneous matrixes perform better.
Experimental comparative study on using different cooling techniques with photovoltaic modules
Authors: Alktranee Mohammed , Bencs Péter 
Published: January 2023

AbstractOvercoming the issue of photovoltaic (PV) module productivity at high temperatures is one of the most critical obstacles facing its use. PV cells are made of silicon, which loses its properties at high temperatures, degrading the PV module work. The present research compares cotton wicks integrated with rectangular aluminium fins (CWIRAFs) submerged in water as passive cooling with an absorbing plate and copper pipes attached at the PV module backside as active cooling. Compared with the PV module without cooling, CWIRAFs have better performance with the PV module than active cooling owing to evaporative cooling and increased heat dissipation area represented by wet cotton bristles integrated. The PV module is exposed to significant performance degradation without cooling in hot climate conditions. As a result, using CWIRAFs with the PV module had reduced the temperature by 31.4%, increased the power by up to 66.6%, and increased the electrical efficiency from 3.12 to 8.6%. Active cooling methods have reduced the PV temperature by 20.8%, increased the power by 56.7%, and enhanced electrical efficiency by 7.9%. Removing excess heat from the backside of the PV module via circulating water has improved the thermal efficiency and overall efficiency of the PVT system by about 26.3 and 34.2%, respectively.
Exploring reading profiles of rural school students
Authors: Daniel Johny , Barth Amy 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study investigates the reading profiles of rural Grade 5 and 6 students (N = 262), a sample with a high proportion of English language learners. We administered a battery of reading and cognitive assessments to classify students’ reading profiles and evaluate if performance on cognitive measures predicted membership in particular profiles. Data were analyzed using latent profile analysis. Latent profile analysis showed four distinct reading profiles in our sample: students with severe reading disabilities (< 2%), students at high risk of reading disability (14%), students at some-risk of reading disability (46%), and students who are typical readers (38%). Lower performance on cognitive measures was associated with group membership in the severe reading profile group compared to the group of students at some-risk of reading failure. In contrast, higher performance on cognitive measures was associated with group membership in the typical reader group compared to students at some-risk of reading failure. In keeping with the findings from past studies documenting reader profiles, we found heterogeneity in the reading profiles of rural upper-elementary grade students. We discuss the need for multicomponent interventions that target all areas of reading with some flexibility in the dosage of each reading component dependent on the reader profiles established prior to intervention.
Web in the Neck – An Interesting Case Report
Authors: Khadilkar Meera N. , Bajpai Sanchit , Dosemane Deviprasad , Suresh Pooja K. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractLateral neck masses are common in children, ranging from simple benign diseases to pathologies with malignant potential. Plexiform neurofibromas are extremely rare peripheral nerve sheath tumours involving multiple nerve sheath fascicles. They are typically seen in the paediatric population, with the majority affecting the craniofacial area and neck. Due to the close clinical and histological resemblance with other benign neck lesions such as lymphadenitis and branchial cysts, these cases can often go misdiagnosed. We describe a lesion in a young girl who presented with a progressive lateral neck swelling and how it was managed.
Risk of Covid-19 Severe Outcomes and Mortality in Migrants and Ethnic Minorities Compared to the General Population in the European WHO Region: a Systematic Review
Authors: Mazzalai Elena , Giannini Dara , Tosti Maria Elena , D’Angelo Franca , Declich Silvia , Jaljaa Anissa , Caminada Susanna , Turatto Federica , De Marchi Chiara , Gatta Angela , Angelozzi Aurora , Marchetti Giulia , Pizzarelli Scilla , Marceca Maurizio 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on migrants and ethnic minorities (MEMs). Socio-economic factors and legal, administrative and language barriers are among the reasons for this increased susceptibility. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of Covid-19 on MEMs compared to the general population in terms of serious outcomes. We conducted a systematic review collecting studies on the impact of Covid-19 on MEMs compared to the general population in the WHO European Region regarding hospitalisation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality, published between 01/01/2020 and 19/03/2021. Nine researchers were involved in selection, study quality assessment and data extraction. Of the 82 studies included, 15 of the 16 regarding hospitalisation for Covid-19 reported an increased risk for MEMs compared to the white and/or native population and 22 out of the 28 studies focusing on the ICU admission rates found an increased risk for MEMs. Among the 65 studies on mortality, 43 report a higher risk for MEMs. An increased risk of adverse outcomes was reported for MEMs. Social determinants of health are among the main factors involved in the genesis of health inequalities: a disadvantaged socio-economic status, a framework of structural racism and asymmetric access to healthcare are linked to increased susceptibility to the consequences of Covid-19. These findings underline the need for policymakers to consider the socio-economic barriers when designing prevention plans.
Social Influence Under Uncertainty in Interaction with Peers, Robots and Computers
Authors: Zonca Joshua , Folsø Anna , Sciutti Alessandra 
Published: January 2023

AbstractTaking advice from others requires confidence in their competence. This is important for interaction with peers, but also for collaboration with social robots and artificial agents. Nonetheless, we do not always have access to information about others’ competence or performance. In these uncertain environments, do our prior beliefs about the nature and the competence of our interacting partners modulate our willingness to rely on their judgments? In a joint perceptual decision making task, participants made perceptual judgments and observed the simulated estimates of either a human participant, a social humanoid robot or a computer. Then they could modify their estimates based on this feedback. Results show participants’ belief about the nature of their partner biased their compliance with its judgments: participants were more influenced by the social robot than human and computer partners. This difference emerged strongly at the very beginning of the task and decreased with repeated exposure to empirical feedback on the partner’s responses, disclosing the role of prior beliefs in social influence under uncertainty. Furthermore, the results of our functional task suggest an important difference between human–human and human–robot interaction in the absence of overt socially relevant signal from the partner: the former is modulated by social normative mechanisms, whereas the latter is guided by purely informational mechanisms linked to the perceived competence of the partner.
Attendance, Weight Loss, and Participation in a Behavioural Diabetes Prevention Programme
Authors: Poupakis Stavros , Kolotourou Maria , MacMillan Harry J. , Chadwick Paul M. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
Weight loss in diabetes prevention programmes has been shown to be associated with participants’ age, socio-economic status, and ethnicity. However, little is known about how these differences relate to attendance and whether such differences can be mediated by other potentially modifiable factors. Differential effectiveness across these factors may exacerbate health inequalities.

Method
Prospective analysis of participant data collected by one provider of the standardised national NHS diabetes prevention programme in England. Mediation analysis was performed via a structural equation model to examine whether the number of attended sessions mediated the associations of age, socio-economic status, and ethnicity with follow-up weight. The group-level factor of number of attended sessions was examined using multiple linear regression as a benchmark; multilevel linear regression using three levels (venue, coach, and group); and fixed effects regression to account for venue-specific and coach-specific characteristics.

Results
The associations of age, socio-economic status, and ethnicity with follow-up weight were all mediated by the number of attended sessions. Group size was associated with attendance in an inverted ‘U’ shape, and the number of days between referral and group start was negatively associated with attendance. Time of day, day of the week, and the number of past groups led by the coach were not associated with attendance.

Conclusion
Most of the differences in weight loss initially attributed to socio-demographic factors are mediated by the attendance of the diabetes prevention programme. Therefore, targeted efforts to improve uptake and adherence to such programmes may help alleviate inequalities.