bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A note on asymptotics of the risk function under confidence region estimation in case of large samples of random size
Authors: Zaigraev Alexander 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe problem of optimal estimation of location and scale parameters of absolutely continuous distributions, by means of two-dimensional confidence regions based on L-statistics, is considered. The case, when the sample size is random and tends to infinity, is studied. The paper can be considered as a supplement to Zaigraev and Alama-Bućko (Metrika 81:283–305, 2018) in case of samples of random size.
Pessary management practices for pelvic organ prolapse among Australian health care practitioners: a cross-sectional study
Authors: McEvoy Katrina , Griffin Rebecca , Harris Melissa , Moger Hannah , Wright Olivia , Nurkic Irena , Thompson Judith , Das Rebekah , Neumann Patricia 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis
Vaginal pessaries are a low-cost, effective treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and an alternative to surgery. Whilst traditionally pessary management (PM) has been provided by medical professionals, particularly gynaecologists, recent international studies found other professionals, including physiotherapists and nurses, may be involved. It is unknown which health care practitioners (HCPs) provide PM for POP in Australia or the distribution of services.

Methods
In a cross-sectional study design, a self-reported electronic survey investigated Australian HCPs providing PM for POP. Purposive and snowball sampling targeted HCPs, professional organisations and health care facilities. Descriptive statistics described PM in relation to HCP professional profile, PM provision and geographical location.

Results
There were 536 respondents (324 physiotherapists, 148 specialists, 33 general practitioners (GPs) and 31 nurses providing PM. Most worked within metropolitan regions (n = 332, 64%), 140 (27%) in rural, 108 (21%) in regional and 10 (2%) in remote areas. Most worked privately (n = 418, 85%), 153 (46%) worked publicly and 85 (17%) in both. Ring pessaries were most commonly used, followed by cube and Gellhorn. HCPs reported variable training in PM, and 336 (69%) had no mandatory workplace competency standard; however, 324 (67%) wanted further training. Women travelled long distances to access services.

Conclusions
Doctors, nurses and physiotherapists provided PM in Australia. HCPs had variable training and experience in PM, with rural and remote HCPs particularly wanting further training. This study highlights the need for accessible PM services, standardised and competency-based training for HCPs, and governance structures ensuring safe care.
Optimal coordination of directional overcurrent relays and distance relays using different optimization algorithms
Authors: Korashy Ahmed , Kamel Salah , Jurado Francisco 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe focus of this study is on solving the coordination problem between distance relays (DISRs) and directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs), which is a complex nonlinear problem with various constraints. Ensuring proper coordination between DOCRs and distance relays is critical for maintaining the security of electrical networks. The primary objective of employing optimization algorithms is to determine the optimal operating time for zone-2 of distance relays, as well as the DOCRs setting, time dial setting (TDS), and pickup current (Ipickup). The optimization techniques must also guarantee that the primary and backup relays operate in sequence without any violation. To this end, both recent and well-established optimization algorithms are evaluated using an 8-bus network, with the aim of determining the DOCRs setting and the optimal operating time for zone-2 of distance relays. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of different optimization algorithms, including both traditional and recent techniques, is conducted.
Proteomics and Genetic Approaches Elucidate the Circulation of Low Variability Staphylococcus aureus Strains on Colombian Dairy Farms
Authors: Rodríguez Martha Fabiola , Gomez Arlen Patricia , Parra-Giraldo Claudia Marcela , Ceballos-Garzon Andres 
Published: May 2023

AbstractStaphylococcus aureusis one of the most prevalent pathogens causing bovine mastitis in the world, in part because of its ease of adaptation to various hosts and the environment. This study aimed to determine the prevalence ofS. aureusin Colombian dairy farms and its relationship with the causal network of subclinical mastitis. From thirteen dairy farms enrolled, 1288 quarter milk samples (QMS) and 330 teat samples were taken from cows with positive (70.1%) and negative California Mastitis Test (CMT). In addition, 126 samples from the milking parlor environment and 40 from workers (nasal) were collected. On each dairy farm, a survey was conducted, and the milking process was monitored on the day of sampling.S. aureuswas identified in 176 samples, i.e., 138 QMS, 20 from teats, 8 from the milking parlor environment, and 10 from workers’ nasal swabs. Isolates identified asS. aureusunderwent proteomics (clustering of mass spectrum) and molecular (tuf,coa,spa Ig,clfA, andenogenes) analysis. Regarding proteomics results, isolates were distributed into three clusters, each with members from all sources and all farms. Concerning molecular analysis, the virulence-related genesclfAandenowere identified in 41.3% and 37.8% ofS. aureusisolates, respectively. We provide evidence on the circulation ofS. aureusstrains with limited variability among animals, humans, and the environment. The parameters with the lowest compliance in the farms which may be implicated in the transmission ofS. aureusare the lack of handwashing and abnormal milk handling.
Acute kidney injury in infants hospitalized for viral bronchiolitis
Authors: Marzuillo Pierluigi , Di Sessa Anna , Golino Raffaella , Tirelli Paola , De Lucia Maeva , Rivetti Giulio , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele , Guarino Stefano , Nunziata Felice 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe investigated prevalence of and factors associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) in a group of patients hospitalized with viral bronchiolitis. We retrospectively enrolled 139 children (mean age = 3.2 ± 2.1 months; males = 58.9%) hospitalized for viral bronchiolitis in a non-pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) setting. The Kidney Disease/Improving Global Outcomes creatinine criterion was used to diagnose AKI. We estimated basal serum creatinine by back-calculating it by Hoste (age) equation assuming that basal eGFR were the median age-based eGFR normative values. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore associations with AKI. Out of 139 patients, AKI was found in 15 (10.8%). AKI was found in 13 out of 74 (17.6%) patients with and in 2 out of 65 (3.1%) without respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection (p = 0.006). No patient required renal replacement therapies, while 1 out of 15 (6.7%) developed AKI stage 3, 1 (6.7%) developed AKI stage 2, and 13 (86.6%) developed AKI stage 1. Among the 15 patients with AKI, 13 (86.6%) reached the maximum AKI stage at admission, 1 (6.7%) at 48 h, and 1 (6.7%) at 96 h. At multivariate analysis, birth weight < 10th percentile (odds ratio, OR = 34.1; 95% confidence interval, CI = 3.6–329.4; p = 0.002), preterm birth (OR = 20.3; 95% CI = 3.1–129.5; p = 0.002), RSV infection (OR = 27.0; 95% CI = 2.6–279.9; p = 0.006), and hematocrit levels > 2 standard deviation score (SDS) (OR = 22.4; 95% CI = 2.8–183.6; p = 0.001) were significantly associated with AKI.Conclusion: About 11% of patients hospitalized with viral bronchiolitis in a non-PICU setting develop an AKI (frequently mild in degree). Preterm birth, birth weight < 10th percentile, hematocrit levels > 2SDS, and RSV infection are significantly associated with AKI in the setting of viral bronchiolitis.

What is Known:• Viral bronchiolitis affects children in the first months of life and in 7.5% of cases it can be complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI).• No studies investigated associations with AKI in infants hospitalized for viral bronchiolitis.

What is New:• About 11% of patients hospitalized with viral bronchiolitis can develop an AKI (frequently mild in degree).• Preterm birth, birth weight <10th percentile, hematocrit levels > 2 standard deviation score, and respiratory syncytial virus infection are associated with AKI development in infants with viral bronchiolitis.
A loss-of-function variant in canine GLRA1 associates with a neurological disorder resembling human hyperekplexia
Authors: Heinonen Tiina , Flegel Thomas , Müller Hanna , Kehl Alexandra , Hundi Sruthi , Matiasek Kaspar , Fischer Andrea , Donner Jonas , Forman Oliver P. , Lohi Hannes , Hytönen Marjo K. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHereditary hyperekplexia is a rare neuronal disorder characterized by an exaggerated startle response to sudden tactile or acoustic stimuli. In this study, we present a Miniature Australian Shepherd family showing clinical signs, which have genetic and phenotypic similarities with human hereditary hyperekplexia: episodes of muscle stiffness that could occasionally be triggered by acoustic stimuli. Whole genome sequence data analysis of two affected dogs revealed a 36-bp deletion spanning the exon–intron boundary in the glycine receptor alpha 1 (GLRA1) gene. Further validation in pedigree samples and an additional cohort of 127 Miniature Australian Shepherds, 45 Miniature American Shepherds and 74 Australian Shepherds demonstrated complete segregation of the variant with the disease, according to an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The protein encoded by GLRA1 is a subunit of the glycine receptor, which mediates postsynaptic inhibition in the brain stem and spinal cord. The canine GLRA1 deletion is located in the signal peptide and is predicted to cause exon skipping and subsequent premature stop codon resulting in a significant defect in glycine signaling. Variants in GLRA1 are known to cause hereditary hyperekplexia in humans; however, this is the first study to associate a variant in canine GLRA1 with the disorder, establishing a spontaneous large animal disease model for the human condition.
Landslide detection in real-time social media image streams
Authors: Ofli Ferda , Imran Muhammad , Qazi Umair , Roch Julien , Pennington Catherine , Banks Vanessa , Bossu Remy 
Published: May 2023

AbstractLack of global data inventories obstructs scientific modeling of and response to landslide hazards which are oftentimes deadly and costly. To remedy this limitation, new approaches suggest solutions based on citizen science that requires active participation. In contrast, as a non-traditional data source, social media has been increasingly used in many disaster response and management studies in recent years. Inspired by this trend, we propose to capitalize on social media data to mine landslide-related information automatically with the help of artificial intelligence techniques. Specifically, we develop a state-of-the-art computer vision model to detect landslides in social media image streams in real-time. To that end, we first create a large landslide image dataset labeled by experts with a data-centric perspective, and then, conduct extensive model training experiments. The experimental results indicate that the proposed model can be deployed in an online fashion to support global landslide susceptibility maps and emergency response.
Faster goal-oriented shortest path search for bulk and incremental detailed routing
Authors: Ahrens Markus , Henke Dorothee , Rabenstein Stefan , Vygen Jens 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe develop new algorithmic techniques for VLSI detailed routing. First, we improve the goal-oriented version of Dijkstra’s algorithm to find shortest paths in huge incomplete grid graphs with edge costs depending on the direction and the layer, and possibly on rectangular regions. We devise estimates of the distance to the targets that offer better trade-offs between running time and quality than previously known methods, leading to an overall speed-up. Second, we combine the advantages of the two classical detailed routing approaches—global shortest path search and track assignment with local corrections—by treating input wires (such as the output of track assignment) as reservations that can be used at a discount by the respective net. We show how to implement this new approach efficiently.
Rechtliche Rahmenbedingungen der Verklappung von Ladungsrückständen fester Massengüter durch Seeschiffe
Authors: Schatz Valentin , Wanner Laura 
Published: May 2023

ZusammenfassungDieser Beitrag untersucht die rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen der Verklappung von Ladungsrückständen fester Massengüter durch Seeschiffe. Er stellt zunächst ausführlich den völkerrechtlichen Rechtsrahmen dar. Im zweiten Schritt geht der Aufsatz auf die Umsetzung der völkerrechtlichen Vorgaben im deutschen Seeschifffahrtsrecht ein.
Partial Oxidation of Bio-methane over Nickel Supported on MgO–ZrO2 Solid Solutions
Authors: Asencios Yvan J. O. , Yigit Nevzat , Wicht Thomas , Stöger-Pollach Michael , Lucrédio Alessandra F. , Marcos Francielle C. F. , Assaf Elisabete M. , Rupprechter Günther 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSyngas can be produced from biomethane via Partial Oxidation of Methane (POM), being an attractive route since it is ecofriendly and sustainable. In this work, catalysts of Ni supported on MgO–ZrO2 solid solutions, prepared by a one-step polymerization method, were characterized by HRTEM/EDX, XRD, XPS, H2-TPR, and in situ XRD. All catalysts, including Ni/ZrO2 and Ni/MgO as reference, were tested for POM (CH4:O2 molar ratio 2, 750 ºC, 1 atm). NiO/MgO/ZrO2 contained two solid-solutions, MgO–ZrO2 and NiO-MgO, as revealed by XRD and XPS. Ni (30 wt%) supported on MgO–ZrO2 solid solution exhibited high methane conversion and hydrogen selectivity. However, depending on the MgO amount (0, 4, 20, 40, 100 molar percent) major differences in NiO reducibility, growth of Ni0 crystallite size during H2 reduction and POM, and in carbon deposition rates were observed. Interestingly, catalysts with lower MgO content achieved the highest CH4 conversion (~ 95%), high selectivity to H2 (1.7) and CO (0.8), and low carbon deposition rates (0.024 g carbon.gcat−1 h−1) with Ni4MgZr (4 mol% MgO) turning out to be the best catalyst. In situ XRD during POM indicated metallic Ni nanoparticles (average crystallite size of 31 nm), supported by MgO–ZrO2 solid solution, with small amounts of NiO–MgO being present as well. The presence of MgO also influenced the morphology of the carbon deposits, leading to filaments instead of amorphous carbon. A combustion-reforming mechanism is suggested and using a MgO–ZrO2 solid solution support strongly improves catalytic performance, which is attributed to effective O2, CO2 and H2O activation at the Ni/MgO–ZrO2 interface.
A farmer-friendly tool for estimation of weights of pigs kept by smallholder farmers in Uganda
Authors: Marshall Karen , Poole Jane , Oyieng Edwin , Ouma Emily , Kugonza Donald R. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPig keeping is important to the livelihoods of many rural Ugandans. Pigs are typically sold based on live weight or a carcass weight derived from this; however this weight is commonly estimated due to the lack of access to scales. Here, we explore the development of a weigh band for more accurate weight determination and potentially increased farmer bargaining power on sale price. Pig weights and varied body measurements (heart girth, height, and length) were collected on 764 pigs of different ages, sex, and breed types, from 157 smallholder pig keeping households in Central and Western Uganda. Mixed-effects linear regression analyses, with household as a random effect and the varied body measurements as a fixed effect, were performed to determine the best single predictor for cube root of weight (transformation of weight for normality), for 749 pigs ranging between 0 and 125 kg. The most predictive single body measurement was heart girth, where weight in kg = (0.4011 + heart girth in cm × 0.0381)3. This model was found to be most suitable for pigs between 5 and 110 kg, notably more accurate than farmers’ estimates, but still with somewhat broad confidence intervals (for example, ±11.5 kg for pigs with a predicted weight of 51.3 kg). We intend to pilot test a weigh band based on this model before deciding on whether it is suitable for wider scaling.
Artemisia Species and Their Active Constituents for Treating Schistosomiasis
Authors: Taljaard Lorencia , Haynes Richard K. , van der Kooy Frank 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSchistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, affects millions of lives and accounts for thousands of deaths each year. The Schistosoma parasites depend on two hosts during their lifecycle: snails as intermediate hosts and human beings as definitive hosts. Therefore, to control and ultimately eliminate schistosomiasis relies on the reduction of snail populations as well as the prevention and treatment of schistosomiasis infections. Praziquantel is the primary drug for prevention and treatment, and although it is considered safe and efficacious, concerns exist regarding emerging drug resistance due to mass drug administration. For this reason, novel antischistosomal drugs are in need and the genus Artemisia might be a promising source. Notably, Artemisia species not only have been evaluated for their antischistosomal effects against Schistosoma parasites, but also for their molluscicidal effects against the snail vectors. Extracts of Artemisia afra seem to be the most active, with IC50 values comparable with the positive control, praziquantel. The antimalarial drug artemisinin, obtained from A. annua, and its semisynthetic derivatives artemether, artesunate, and artemisone have also been evaluated against both schistosomes and snail vectors. Artemether and artesunate have been found to be notably active against the adult and juvenile stages of schistosomes, whereas artemisone was shown to be effective in treating hosts harboring juvenile schistosomes. Artemisinin on the other hand in combination with praziquantel presents as a good lead combination in curing schistosomiasis.

Graphical Abstract
Grain size distribution of modern beach sediments in Sri Lanka
Authors: Perera U. L. H. P. , Ratnayake Amila Sandaruwan , Weerasingha W. A. D. B. , Subasinghe H. C. S. , Wijewardhana T. D. U. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractGrain size distributions are widely used to describe sedimentary geochemistry, depositional environment, and sediment transportation. The objective of this study is to analyze grain size distributions of modern sandy beach sediments in Sri Lanka. Sediment samples (n = 90) were collected from beach berm, representing the entire coastline of Sri Lanka. Grain sizes were determined by the dry-sieving method. Statistical parameters such as mean size, sorting, skewness, and kurtosis were calculated using GRADISTATV9.1 software for all the sieved sediment samples. Grain size variations (108.2 – 609.8 µm) show that Sri Lanka mainly consists of medium sand, whereas the northeast part of the country mixes with fine sand due to the influence of Bengal fan sediments. The variations of skewness (-0.229 – 0.446) and sorting (1.305 – 2.436) indicate symmetrical distributed moderately sorted samples. These variations specify a moderate energy depositional environment/wave action around the coastline of Sri Lanka. In addition, grain size analysis confirmed relatively high and low energy deposition environments on the west and east coasts, respectively. Accordingly, the west coast is more vulnerable to coastal erosion compared to the east coast of Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study provides the baseline grain size distribution data that can be used in decision-making for coastal zone management by mitigating beach erosion.
Reconfiguring Thomistic Christology
Authors: Levering Matthew 
Published: May 2023

In this book, Matthew Levering unites eschatologically charged biblical Christology with metaphysical and dogmatic Thomistic Christology, by highlighting the typological Christologies shared by Scripture, the Church Fathers, and Aquinas. Like the Church Fathers, Aquinas often reflected upon Jesus in typological terms (especially in his biblical commentaries), just as the New Testament does. Showing the connections between New Testament, Patristic, and Aquinas' own typological portraits of Jesus, Levering reveals how the eschatological Jesus of biblical scholarship can be integrated with Thomistic Christology. His study produces a fully contemporary Thomistic Christology that unites ressourcement and Thomistic modes of theological inquiry, thereby bridging two schools of contemporary theology that too often are imagined as rivals. Levering's book reflects and augments the current resurgence of Thomistic Christology as an ecumenical project of relevance to all Christians.
‘Trishul vs Cross’: Hindutva, Church, and the politics of secularism in Christian-majority states of North-east India
Authors: Datta Sunila , Saryal Rajnish , Saryal Sutapa 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBetween 2014 and 2022, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a determined bid to establish its electoral and discursive dominance in regions beyond its traditional strongholds in Northern and Western India. In the North-east, in the Christian-majority states of Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, it encountered fierce hostility from the Church which exercised a hegemonic control over the religious, social, and political life in these states. This article focuses on the political tussle between the BJP and the Church in this time period and attempts to explore the deeper ideological contestations and competing narratives underlying this struggle and their implications for the Indian political discourse. These include contestations over the very conceptualization of secular democracy in India and the role of religion in it; different understandings of religious conversions and freedom of conscience; and the conflicting agendas around the categories of ‘tribe’, ‘indigenous people’/‘adivasi’, and ‘janjati’/‘vanvasi’.
The causal role of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 on anxiety and depression symptoms and life satisfaction: Mendelian randomisation analyses in the HUNT study
Authors: Bekkevold Ole-Jørgen , Damås Jan Kristian , Brumpton Ben Michael , Åsvold Bjørn Olav 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundSerum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been associated with anxiety and depression in cross-sectional and Mendelian randomisation studies, but results regarding the effect size and direction have been mixed. A recent Mendelian Randomisation (MR) study suggested that CRP may decrease and IL-6 may increase anxiety and depression symptoms.MethodsAmong 68 769 participants of the population-based Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), we performed cross-sectional observational and one-sample MR analyses of serum CRP and two-sample MR analysis of serum IL-6. The main outcomes were symptoms of anxiety and depression assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and life satisfaction assessed using a seven-level ordinal questionnaire where higher scores indicate lower life satisfaction.ResultsIn cross-sectional observational analyses, a doubling in serum CRP level was associated with 0.27% (95% CI −0.20 to 0.75) difference in HADS depression score (HADS-D), −0.77% (95% CI −1.24 to −0.29) difference in HADS anxiety score (HADS-A) and −0.10% (95% CI −0.41 to 0.21) difference in life satisfaction score. In one-sample MR analyses, a doubling in serum CRP was associated with 2.43% (95% CI −0.11 to 5.03) higher HADS-D, 1.94% (95% CI −0.58 to 4.52) higher HADS-A, and 2.00% (95% CI 0.45 to 3.59) higher life satisfaction score. For IL-6, causal point estimates were in the opposite direction, but imprecise and far from conventional criteria for statistical significance.ConclusionsOur results do not support a major causal role of serum CRP on anxiety and depression symptoms and life satisfaction, but provides weak evidence that serum CRP may modestly increase anxiety and depression symptoms and reduce life satisfaction. Our findings do not support the recent suggestion that serum CRP may lower anxiety and depression symptoms.