bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bank‐intermediated trade finance and the intensive margin of African trade
Authors: Bempong Nyantakyi Eugene 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis paper presents evidence on the importance of bank‐intermediated trade finance for the intensive margin of African trade, using unique data from 43 African countries. It shows that African trade is underserved by banks. Banks intermediate about 40% of the region's trade – a far lower share than the global average of 80%. It finds that bank‐intermediated finance has a positive and significant effect on the intensive margin of African trade, even after accounting for the impact of domestic credit to the private sector. Estimates from standardised coefficients show that the impact of access to trade finance on trade volume for Africa is large and exceeds that of exchange rate volatility and trade logistics. These results suggest that policies aimed at promoting the region's trade should make access to bank‐intermediated finance a priority.
Configuration of pathologic fractures in dogs with osteosarcoma following stereotactic body radiation therapy: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Altwal Johnny , Martin Tiffany Wormhoudt , Thamm Douglas H. , Séguin Bernard 
Published: January 2023

AbstractFor some cases of canine appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA), limb‐sparing treatment options are often desired, one of which is stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). A major complication of SBRT is fracture of the irradiated bone at the site of treatment. The present study evaluated 127 appendicular OSA sites in 122 dogs treated with SBRT to identify the most common pathologic fracture locations and configurations. A total of 50 tumours experienced a pathologic fracture, and 38 had imaging sufficient to identify fracture configuration. The distal tibia was more likely to develop a fracture than other sites. Multiple types of fracture configuration (transverse, oblique, spiral and comminuted) were observed. The distal radius was significantly more likely to develop a transverse fracture than other sites. Documentation of fracture location and configuration leads to the identification of the forces contributing to fracture occurrence, since each configuration is a result of different forces acting on each affected bone. Such knowledge is imperative for the development of new approaches to diminish the occurrence of pathologic fractures.
Increasing Shoe Longitudinal Bending Stiffness Is Not Beneficial to Reduce Energy Cost During Graded Running
Authors: Perrin Titouan P. , Rossi Jeremy , Kerhervé Hugo A. , Millet Guillaume Y. 
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Carbon plates have been used to increase running shoes’ longitudinal bending stiffness (LBS), leading to reductions in the energy cost of level running (Cr). However, whether or not this is true during uphill (UH) running remains unknown. The aim of our study was to identify the effect of LBS on Cr during UH running. Methods: Twenty well-trained male runners participated in this study. Cr was determined using gas exchange during nine 4-minute bouts performed using 3 different LBS shoe conditions at 2.22 and 4.44 m/s on level and 2.22 m/s UH (gradient: + 15%) running. All variables were compared using 2-way analyses of variance (LBS × speed/grade effects). Results: There was no significant effect of LBS (F = 2.04; P = .14, ) and no significant LBS × grade interaction (F = 0.31; P = .87, ). Results were characterized by a very large interindividual variability in response to LBS changes. Conclusions: The current study contributes to a growing body of literature reporting no effect of LBS on Cr during level and UH running. Yet, the very large interindividual differences in response to changes in LBS suggest that increasing shoe LBS may be beneficial for some runners.
Long delay from symptom onset to first consultation contributes to permanent vision loss in patients with giant cell arteritis: a cohort study
Authors: Hemmig Andrea Katharina , Aschwanden Markus , Seiler Sabine , Berger Christoph T , Köhn Philipp , Kyburz Diego , Mensch Noemi , Staub Daniel , Stegert Mihaela , Imfeld Stephan , Daikeler Thomas 
Published: January 2023

ObjectivesTo characterise factors associated with permanent vision loss (PVL) and potential reasons for the therapeutic delay contributing to PVL in giant cell arteritis (GCA).MethodsRetrospective analysis of GCA patients diagnosed at the University Hospital Basel between December 2006 and May 2021.ResultsOf 282 patients with GCA (64% females), 49 (17.4%) experienced PVL. In 43/49 (87.8%) PVL occurred before treatment. Of these, 24 (55.8%) patients had first non-ocular symptoms and eventually sought consultation when PVL occurred in a median of 21 (IQR 14.75–31.0) days after the first symptoms. Only five of the 24 patients had consulted a physician before PVL, but GCA diagnosis was missed. Treatment was initiated rapidly after diagnosis (median 1 day (IQR 0.0–7.0)). PVL on therapy occurred in six patients in a median of 40 (IQR 20.5–67.3) days after treatment started. In two of those, glucocorticoids were tapered too quickly.In multivariable analysis, patients with PVL were older (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.29, p=0.001) and reported more frequently jaw claudication (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.02 to 13.16, p=0.051). PVL was present in 18 (42.9%) of the 42 patients with vasculitic ultrasound findings in all six temporal artery segments. The incidence of PVL over 15 years did not decline (Spearman rank=0.3, p=0.68).ConclusionThe prevalence of GCA-associated PVL remains high. Associated factors were advanced age, jaw claudication and ultrasound findings consistent with vasculitis in all six temporal artery segments. Despite preceding non-ocular GCA symptoms weeks before the onset of PVL, most patients were not seen by a rheumatologist before PVL occurred.
Elevation gradient drives distribution of soil carbon in a semiarid grassland of British Columbia
Authors: Kramer A. , Wallace B.M. , Krzic M. , Newman R. , Bradfield G.E. 
Published: January 2023

A sequence of Brown, Dark Brown and Black Chernozems spanning a 600 m elevation gradient in a semiarid bunchgrass ecosystem (Lac du Bois Grassland) near Kamloops, British Columbia was first described in 1961. More soil organic carbon (SOC) at higher elevations along the sequence was attributed to increasing effective precipitation with increasing elevation. Since the 1961 study, plant community composition has shifted toward the desired climax community due to improved livestock management instituted in the 1970s; however, changes in soil carbon stocks remain unknown. The objective of this study was to quantify SOC and soil inorganic carbon (SIC) stocks using the same site selection criteria as used in 1961. SOC stocks (kg m−2 ± SD; 0–60 cm) were similar for Brown (5.73 ± 1.7) and Dark Brown Chernozems (5.87 ± 0.76) but increased sharply (10.11 ± 2.5) for the higher elevation Black Chernozems. SIC increased with depth in all three soil zones, representing 33%–50% of total C from the 30–60 cm soil depth. To evaluate changes in SOC (0–20 cm) from the 1961 measurements, three different approaches for calculating SOC stocks were used based on the inclusion or exclusion of coarse fragments. Results varied across the three soil zones from no change to a 20% increase in the Brown, an increase of 7% to a reduction of 26% in the Dark Brown, and a decrease of 12% to 35% in the Black soil zone. Information about soil coarse fragments and the distribution of SOC and SIC stocks within the soil profile is crucial for accurate comparisons across studies or resampling events.
Review of the genus Formosatettix&nbsp;Tinkham (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) with description of new taxa, new synonymy and an updated key to species
Authors: DENG WEI-AN , LUO JIE-LING , HUANG CHAO-MEI , LIN LI-LIANG 
Published: January 2023

The genus Formosatettix Tinkham is reviewed. Seven new species from China, Formosatettix cliva Deng, sp. nov., Formosatettix guangyuanensis Deng, sp. nov., Formosatettix shuimogouensis Deng, sp. nov., Formosatettix strictivertex Deng, sp. nov., Formosatettix tangjiaheensis Deng, sp. nov., Formosatettix yueqingensis Deng, sp. nov., Formosatettix zheminzhengi Deng, sp. nov. are described and illustrated. One new name is proposed: Formosatettix latifemurus Deng, nom. nov. One new combination is established: Formosatettix nyalamensis (Zheng & Lin, 2015), comb. nov. The following new synonyms are established: Bolivaritettix circocephalus Zheng, 1992 = Formosatettix torulosinota Zheng & Mao, 2002, syn. nov., Criotettix bispinosus (Dalman, 1818) = Formosatettix hainanensis Zheng, 2012, syn. nov., Epitettix guangxiensis (Zheng & Jiang, 1994) = Formosatettix guangxiensis Zheng & Jiang, 1998, syn. nov., Formosatettix longwangshanensis Zheng, 1998 = Formosatettix tianmushanensis Zheng & Li, 2001, syn. nov., Formosatettix serrifemora Deng, 2019 = Formosatettix wulongensis Zha & Ding, 2020, syn. nov., Formosatettix huapingensis Zheng & Jiang, 1997 = Formosatettix nanlingensis Zheng & Cao, 2011, syn. nov. = Formosatettix undulatifemura, Zheng, 2012, syn. nov. = Formosatettix guposhanensis Deng, 2019, syn. nov. In addition, Formosatettix leigongshanensis Zha & Ding, 2020 is briefly commented.
The Key Role of Cloud–Climate Coupling in Extratropical Sea Surface Temperature Variability
Authors: Boehm Chloe L. , Thompson David W. J. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Cloud radiative effects have long been known to play a key role in governing the mean climate. In recent years, it has become clear that they also contribute to climate variability in the tropics. Here we build on recent work and probe the role of cloud radiative effects in extratropical sea surface temperature (SST) variability. The impact of cloud radiative effects on climate variability is explored in “cloud-locking” simulations run on an Earth System Model. The method involves comparing the output from two climate simulations: one in which clouds are coupled to atmospheric dynamic and thermodynamic processes, and another in which clouds are prescribed and thus decoupled from them. The results reveal that cloud–climate coupling leads to widespread increases in the amplitudes of extratropical SST variability from monthly to decadal time scales. Notably, it leads to ∼40%–100% increases in the amplitude of monthly to decadal variability over both the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. These increases are consistent with the “reddening” of cloud shortwave radiative effects that arises when clouds respond to the dynamic and thermodynamic state of the atmosphere. The results suggest that a notable fraction of observed Northern Hemisphere SST variability—including that associated with North Pacific and North Atlantic decadal variability—is due to cloud–climate coupling.
The inflammatory cytokine profiles and ocular biometric characteristics of primary angle-closure glaucoma
Authors: Zeng Hong-Bo , Jiang Jun-Di , Li Rong , Li Jian , Zeng Wen-Juan , Li Xiong-Kai , Hu Bin , Zhou Fei , Yu Hai-Ying , Xie Jian-Guo , Ning Zhi-Neng , Wang Xian 
Published: January 2023

Objective To investigate the pathogenesis of primary angle-closure disease (PACG) by measuring the anatomical structures of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye and inflammatory markers in the peripheral blood. Methods This case–control study enrolled patients diagnosed with acute PACG (APACG) and chronic PACG (CPACG). It also enrolled control subjects without PACG. The anterior and posterior anatomical features were measured in all study participants. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor-α and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the peripheral blood were measured. Results This study analysed a total of 99 eyes: 34 eyes from 34 patients with APACG, 28 eyes from 28 patients with CPACG and 37 eyes from 37 control patients with senile cataract. The axis length, corneal diameter, anterior chamber depth and anterior chamber volume were significantly smaller in the APACG and CPACG groups compared with the controls. The level of IL-6 in the peripheral blood of patients with PACG was significantly lower than that of the controls. The NLR in the peripheral blood of patients with PACG was significantly greater than that of the controls. Conclusions Changes in the ocular anatomy and some inflammatory markers might be involved in the pathogenesis of PACG.
Characterization of lignocellulosic glycyrrhiza glabra fibers as a potential reinforcement for polymer composites
Authors: Ovalı Sabih 
Published: January 2023

This study is devoted to characterization of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice root) fibers (GGFs) that have different uses in industrial areas, globally. For this purpose, several properties of GGFs were investigated to determine their suitability for natural fiber-reinforced composite production. Such properties include; physical, chemical, thermal, morphological, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, as well. As a result of these analyses, it was found that the GGFs are composed of cellulose (40.46%), hemicellulose (15.94%), lignin (12%), waxes (1.3%), moisture (9.93%), and others. The density of GGFs was measured as 1.43 g/cm3. Additionally, the existence of cellulose with a 35.86% crystal index, was also verified by the XRD characterization results of these fibers. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed that GGFs are thermally stable within the polymerization process temperature of 354.09°C. As a result, it was determined that GGFs have characteristics with significant potential as cellulose-based reinforcement fiber for industrial applications.
Helmholtz resonator-based acoustic metamaterials enabling broadband asymmetric sound absorption and ventilation
Authors: Meng Deshi , Li Lijun , Wu Zhenhua 
Published: January 2023

Acoustic metamaterials with both ventilation and broadband asymmetric absorption have demonstrated great scientific significance and promising applicability. In this work, we design an asymmetric absorbing cell (AAC) consisting of a pair of detuned Helmholtz resonators (HRs) connected by sound channels that allows airflow with a ventilation ratio (ventilation area divided by sound incidence area) of 40%, which can achieve near-perfect sound absorption in the operating frequency range when sound waves are incident from the left port. However, when incident on the right port, the acoustic absorption coefficient does not exceed 40% at most, so asymmetric absorption is achieved. In addition, we form parallel three-cell asymmetric absorber (PTAA) by paralleling three AACs, which have broadband asymmetric absorption compared to AAC. Furthermore, we design multi-asymmetric absorber (MAA), which can achieve broadband asymmetric absorption range from 1000 Hz to 1750 Hz, and also allow air circulation. Moreover, experimental validation is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of fabricated MAA by 3D printing technology. Our designs open potential possibilities for developing ventilated functional devices capable of absorbing sound asymmetrically.
Radiation shielding design and development of Bi/Ta/PU lead-free flexible textile composites
Authors: Li Weibin , Chen Shuai , Peng Min , Zhou Xian , Zhao Xiaoming 
Published: January 2023

Aiming at the difficulty of designing flexible shielding materials for lightweight and complex structures, the radiation shielding simulation model of coated fabric was established by SuperMC nuclear simulation software system and the γ-ray shielding performance of the material was predicted. Pb and Ta doped Bi/PU coated fabric composites were prepared by coating process. SEM, EDS, γ-ray shielding performance, mechanical properties, and wear resistance were tested. The results show that the simulated values of shielding performance are in good agreement with the measured values, the maximum deviation of the predicted value is 2.94% and the minimum is 0.25%. Doping Pb and Ta can increase the probability of the photoelectric effect and improve the γ-ray shielding performance of the material. When the doping amount of Ta is 5wt%, the shielding rate (simulation value) of Bi/Ta/PU coated fabric composites to 59.5 keV, 122 keV, and 184 keV γ-rays reaches 29.80%, 20.35%, and 8.09%, respectively, which is 3.13%, 2.32%, and 0.95% higher than that without doping. However, Ta is more environmentally safe and can replace Pb as a shielding additive. Doping auxiliary functional particles will improve the shielding performance but will reduce the material’s wear resistance and mechanical properties. After doping 5%Ta, the wear resistance index decreased by 6.81, and the tensile strength decreased by 4.5 MPa. The influence mechanism of process parameters on shielding performance is further revealed by visual analysis, which provides a new reference for the design of lead-free flexible shielding materials.
Interruptions in contraception and unintended pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Geleto Ayele , Taylor Jo , Beyene Tesfalidet 
Published: January 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted access to and use of maternal, newborn, and child health services. Due to lockdowns and travel restrictions implemented during the first wave of the pandemic, the provision of essential maternal health services such as family planning was critically affected. Unlike most healthcare, contraception-related services are impractical for virtual care provision as women need to attend the clinic in person. Therefore, most women across the world might have been left with an unmet need for contraception during the lockdown period. Interruptions in contraception services have led to an increased number of unintended pregnancies. With the emergence of several pocket studies, it is essential to pool the available evidence reporting the effects of COVID-19 on contraception to inform maternal health policy and practice. Objective: The aims of this review are (1) to determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to contraceptives among sexually active women and (2) to identify the magnitude of unintended pregnancy linked to interruptions of contraceptives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The protocol for this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021267077). Electronic databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar will be searched for articles using appropriate key terms. The identified articles will be assessed against the eligibility criteria. Two reviewers (A.B. and T.B.) will independently screen titles and abstracts of all retrieved articles followed by a full-text review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. The quality of the papers will be assessed by using the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-Randomized Studies. Quantitative findings will be pooled using a random-effects model meta-analysis, while qualitative findings will be presented using a narrative synthesis. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval is not required. The findings will be disseminated through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications. Discussion: This systematic review will present current data needed to design evidence-based programmes for improving access to contraception and preventing unintended pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic and future emergencies. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021267077.
Aspects and problems associated with the water services to be considered in intensive care units
Authors: Walker Jimmy , Inkster Teresa , Weinbren Michael 
Published: January 2023

Background Water is a product taken for granted and assumed to be a safe commodity in intensive care units (ICU). Biofilm readily becomes established in complex water services presenting a risk to vulnerable patients. Harboured within biofilms are opportunistic pathogens which can be transmitted via hand contact, splashing, aerosol and indirect contact through medical equipment. Evidence linking the role of water services in transmission of infection to patients in ICUs has increased in recent years. Aims This research based commentary set out to identify current problems with water and wastewater systems in ICU settings. Methods Databases and open source information was used to obtain data on current water and wastewater-related issues in ICU settings. This and the authors experiences have been used to describe current challenges. Findings the authors found a number of problems with water systems in ICU to which there has not been a cohesive response in terms of guidance to support users and designers. The resultant void permits new projects to proceed with suboptimal and designs which place patients and staff at risk. Discussion Hand hygiene stations are frequently misused or close enough to patients such that splashing poses a transmission risk. The wastewater system (drain) also presents a risk, from where Gram-negative antibiotic resistant organisms may be dispersed resulting in untreatable patient infections. The water and wastewater system provide a superhighway for the movement of pathogenic microorganisms and these risks need to be addressed if we are to safeguard vulnerable users in ICU.
The Aggressive Open Anterior Ankle Cheilectomy as Joint Salvage for Anterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome and Arthritis
Authors: Mendicino Robert , Bischoff Alex , Hill Zachary 
Published: January 2023

Anterior ankle impingement syndrome can frequently present in athletes and post-traumatic patients who have osteophytes contributing to limited dorsiflexion and pain. Surgical treatment options include arthroscopy, open arthrotomy, arthrodesis, and total implant arthroplasty. For many, joint-sparing arthroscopy or arthrotomy yield satisfactory results if significant debridement is performed. If debridement is not aggressive, patients may not obtain the desired improvement. In cases where a larger amount of bone must be removed, or the patient does not have an anatomic appearing talar neck due to osteophytic changes, we have found that an open approach is necessary to achieve good results. To the best of our knowledge, no such technique has been previously published detailing a standard approach to open ankle arthrotomy. Our technique is coined the “Aggressive Open Anterior Ankle Cheilectomy” and involves a systematic 3-step approach. First, the tibial osteophytes are resected with an osteotome; second, the ankle gutters are addressed, and all hypertrophic bones removed; and third, an anatomic talar neck is fashioned. We herein describe our surgical technique and case examples. Level of Evidence: 5
Everything About Children, Death, and Ethics All at Once
Authors: Zheng Zhaoxi 
Published: January 2023

Whilst children’s competency is evident through their everyday socio-material encounters, dominant discourses continue to depict children as incompetent ‘human becomings’, shielding them from ‘sensitive’ matters (e.g., death). Originating from adult-centric traditions, this humanist understanding prioritises binary oppositions (e.g., life/death, body/mind, and child/adult). Reinforced by neoliberal academic expectations, such a developmentalist assumption is further appropriated and holds true as ‘gold standard’ when examining children and childhood, producing injustices against children. In response to critical post-human calls to disrupt child-adult binaries, I use post-qualitative inquiry to showcase the epistemological-ethical-emotional entanglement within a research project investigating children’s children’s encounters with death. Specifically, by combining poetry and drawing to challenge increasingly homogenous academic writing and traditionally clean-cut research paradigms, this work playfully highlights that children face power injustices in contemporary social life and their rights to participation in complex social realities (e.g., death) matter.