bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The economic costs of cadmium non‐tariff measures for smallholder cocoa farmers in Ecuador
Authors: Vázquez‐deCastro José Luis , Chávez Eduardo , Espinel Ramón , Hendrix Stan , Smolders Erik , Maertens Miet 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWhile there is a growing number of studies on the export‐ and firm‐level implications of non‐tariff measures for developing countries, there is little evidence on the trickle‐down effects on the farm level. In this paper, we analyse the recent regulations of the European Union regarding the maximum allowed cadmium (Cd) contents for cocoa‐derived products. We assess the potential economic costs associated with these Cd regulations for smallholder cocoa farmers in Ecuador. We rely on data from a nationwide survey among 1392 cocoa producers and a contingent valuation method to estimate producers' willingness to convert cocoa orchards to other land uses in case cocoa bean Cd levels exceed the limit. We estimate that farmers' economic cost of abandoning cocoa production is, on average, about 4400 US$ per hectare. Combining this value with a Cd distribution map and cocoa production statistics, we estimate that abandoning cocoa cultivation in areas with bean Cd concentrations above the 0.6 mg/kg target comes at a total economic cost of about 750 million US$. We conclude that the potential total economic cost of the EU Cd standard at the producer level in Ecuador could be very large if compliance strategies are not implemented to minimise welfare loss.
Performance of Position, Force, and Impedance Controllers for a Pneumatic Cylinder Ankle Exoskeleton
Authors: Schmitthenner Dave , Martin Anne E. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The best exoskeleton control strategy depends on the task, motivating the development and analysis of an exoskeleton capable of position, force, and impedance control. In this paper, we implement and compare the three controller types via sliding mode control on a custom-built pneumatic cylinder ankle exoskeleton. To evaluate each controller's performance, the exoskeleton was tested on the benchtop and with human subject experiments. With the position controller, the exoskeleton achieved an root-mean-square error (RMSE) of under 5 deg for both the benchtop and human tests. It had a bandwidth of approximately 12 rad/s. The force controller tracked sinusoidal trajectories acceptably well at low frequencies (15% of force range at 6 rad/s), with a bandwidth of approximately 24 rad/s. The error was significantly higher (RMSE of 24% of force range) for the more biologically relevant trajectory. The impedance controller demonstrated the desired spring-like behavior, with position RMSE generally under 5 deg compared to expected position. All three controllers worked equally well for benchtop and human tests. Thus, a pneumatically powered ankle exoskeleton with sliding mode control is capable of accurate position and impedance control and is capable of marginally acceptable force control.
Numerical Simulation of Two-Dimensional Giesekus Flow Past a Rotating Cylinder
Authors: Wen Xiaoyu , Zhu Jing , Li Botong , Cao Limei , Si Xinhui 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The two-dimensional viscoelastic Giesekus flow past a circular cylinder is investigated by the openfoam platform based on the finite volume method. The physical parameters, including Weissenberg number (0.1≤Wi≤10), dimensionless rotation rate (0≤Ro≤2), and mobility factor (0≤α≤0.5), are investigated when Reynolds number is defined as 100. Two cases, i.e., β=0.1 and β=0.9, are considered. The combination effects are discussed using lift coefficients, instantaneous vorticity, time-averaged streamlines, and pressure distribution along the cylinder wall. The results are compared with other numerical computations. Dimensionless rotation rate destroys the symmetry of vertex shedding and suppresses the instability of the viscoelastic fluids. Elastic property facilitates the formation of the closed streamlins around the cylinder surface. These effects are amplified by the introduction of dimensionless rotation rate. However, shear-shinning property has opposite effects on this region. The distribution of polymer stress τxxp and τyyp are given to analyze the effects of viscoelasticity. As the fluids flow presents the shear-shinning property, the values of polymer stresses have an obvious decrease.
Implementation of a Picosecond Laser for Micromachining the Cathode of Pulse Electrochemical Machining and a Case Study
Authors: Fang Shiqi , Frank Alexander , Schäfer Mareike , Bähre Dirk 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Defined topographic features may be produced on the workpiece surface of difficult-to-machine materials through the pulse electrochemical machining (PECM). Due to the contactless feature of PECM, mechanical influences, and their side effects become ignorable. In this study, a picosecond laser, which induces little thermal impact, was applied to micromachine the cathode of PECM with groove patterns, and replication of the patterns on the anode of PECM was carried out using an industrial PECM installation. The results of the case study show that the picosecond laser achieved high machining precision (&lt;6.5% to the target size) with excellent surface integrity on the cathode of PECM, and the groove patterns were successfully replicated on the anode of PECM, although deviations of certain geometric parameters were detected between the two PECM electrodes. These deviations may result from the rounding and widening effects during the PECM processing.
Discontinuous L-binding motifs in the transactivation domain of the vesicular stomatitis virus P protein are required for terminal
de novo
transcription initiation by the L protein
Authors: Gupta Nirmala , Ogino Minako , Watkins Dean E. , Yu Tiffany , Green Todd J. , Ogino Tomoaki 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

The phospho- (P) protein, the co-factor of the RNA polymerase large (L) protein, of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV, a prototype of nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses) plays pivotal roles in transcription and replication. However, the precise mechanism underlying the transcriptional transactivation by the P protein has remained elusive. Here, using an
in vitro
transcription system and a series of deletion mutants of the P protein, we mapped a region encompassing residues 51–104 as a transactivation domain (TAD) that is critical for terminal
de novo
initiation, the initial step of synthesis of the leader RNA and anti-genome/genome, with the L protein. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that conserved amino acid residues in three discontinuous L-binding sites within the TAD are essential for the transactivation activity of the P protein or important for maintaining its full activity. Importantly, relative inhibitory effects of TAD point mutations on synthesis of the full-length leader RNA and mRNAs from the 3′-terminal
leader
region and internal genes, respectively, of the genome were similar to those on terminal
de novo
initiation. Furthermore, any of the examined TAD mutations did not alter the gradient pattern of mRNAs synthesized from internal genes, nor did they induce the production of readthrough transcripts. These results suggest that these TAD mutations impact mainly terminal
de novo
initiation but rarely other steps (e.g., elongation, termination, internal initiation) of single-entry stop-start transcription. Consistently, the mutations of the essential or important amino acid residues within the P TAD were lethal or deleterious to VSV replication in host cells.

IMPORTANCE

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase L proteins of nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses belonging to the
Mononegavirales
order require their cognate co-factor P proteins or their counterparts for genome transcription and replication. However, exact roles of these co-factor proteins in modulating functions of L proteins during transcription and replication remain unknown. In this study, we revealed that three discrete L-binding motifs within a transactivation domain of the P protein of vesicular stomatitis virus, a prototypic nonsegmented negative-strand RNA virus, are required for terminal
de novo
initiation mediated by the L protein, which is the first step of synthesis of the leader RNA as well as genome/anti-genome.
Complete genome sequence of
mcr-9
containing
Leclercia adecarboxylata
Authors: Hutton William , Allman Ellie , McKeown Claudia , Singer Andrew C. , Roberts Adam P. 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Here, we provide the genome sequence of a
Leclercia adecarboxylata
isolated from a screen of an environmental bacterial isolate library for resistance to the plant flavonoid berberine. We detected the colistin resistance gene
mcr-9
, located on an IncFII(pECLA) plasmid.
A Study of the Energy Component of X-Ray Radiation from an X-Pinch Hot Spot at the BIN Facility
Authors: Tilikin I. N. , Shelkovenko T. A. , Pikuz S. A. , Grigoryeva I. G. , Makarov A. A. , Salakhutdinov G. Kh. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract—
A technique for studying the spatial structure of hybrid X-pinch plasma objects in the X-ray range is described, and main experimental results are presented. The spectral characteristics of X-ray sources of plasma objects have been measured. The investigations have been carried out using thermoluminescent detectors based on lithium fluorides LiF(Mg, Ti).
Case of non-typhoidalSalmonellaspp mycotic popliteal artery aneurysm with concurrent deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Sangiorgio Michael , Choo Shi Zhou , Gavaghan Daniel , McDougall Katherine 
Published: August 2023

Mycotic aneurysms are a well-recognised complication of non-typhoidalSalmonellabacteraemia; the risk is increased in patients with atherosclerotic disease. The infrarenal abdominal aorta is the most common site of infection; lower extremity aneurysms are uncommon.1Here we present the case of a patient with cardiovascular disease and recurrent non-typhoidalSalmonellabacteraemia, who developed a left-sided popliteal artery mycotic aneurysm with secondary popliteal vein thrombosis. The aneurysm was diagnosed upon rupture, and managed with surgical excision and bypass graft. He went on to have a complete recovery.This case illustrates the importance of clinician awareness of popliteal artery endovascular infection as a rare but significant complication of non-typhoidalSalmonellabacteraemia, which should be considered in cases with cardiovascular risk factors, recurrent or persistent bacteraemia, and lower limb deep vein thrombosis.
Strengthening health care in Canada post-COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rabeneck Linda , McCabe Chris , Dobrow Mark , Ruco Arlinda , Andrew Melissa , Wong Sabrina , Straus Sharon , Paszat Lawrence , Richardson Lisa , Simpson Chris , Boozary Andrew 
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this policy briefing is to examine our health care systems through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic and identify how we can strengthen health care in Canada post-pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided compelling evidence that substantive changes to our health care systems are needed. Specifically, the pandemic has emphasized structural inequities on a broad scale within Canadian society. These include systemic racial and socioeconomic inequities that must be addressed broadly, including in the delivery of health care. We make recommendations about what we can do to emerge stronger from the pandemic. While these recommendations are not novel, how they are framed and contextualized differs because of the problems in our health care system that have been highlighted and exacerbated by the pandemic.The evidence is clear that socioeconomic circumstances, intergenerational trauma, adverse early life experiences, and educational opportunities are critical factors when it comes to health over the life course. Given the problems in the delivery of health care that the pandemic has revealed, we need a different approach. How health care was organized prior to the COVID-19 pandemic did not produce what people wanted and needed in terms of health care and outcomes. How do we emerge from COVID-19 with an effective, equitable, and resilient health care system for all Canadians? To address health inequities and emerge from the pandemic with strengthened health care in Canada, we must consider how Amartya Sen's capabilities framework on social well-being can be operationalized to achieve better health care and health outcomes. Specifically, we address the need to: strengthen primary care and improve access to primary care; utilize a community-embedded approach to care; and implement better integration across the care continuum, including integration between primary care and public health. Coherent governance and leadership that are charged with realizing benefits through collaboration will maximize outcomes and promote sustainability. Only when we provide access to high-quality culturally competent care that is centered around the individual and their needs will we be able to make true headway in addressing these long-standing health inequities.
Exploring Tornadic Debris Signature Hypotheses Using Radar Simulations and Large-Eddy Simulations
Authors: Cross Rachael N. , Bodine David J. , Palmer Robert D. , Griffin Casey , Cheong Boonleng , Torres Sebastian , Fulton Caleb , Lujan Javier , Maruyama Takashi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
When a tornado lofts debris to the height of the radar beam, a signature known as the tornadic debris signature (TDS) can sometimes be observed on radar. The TDS is a useful signature for operational forecasters because it can confirm the presence of a tornado and provide information about the amount of damage occurring. Since real-time estimates of tornadic intensity do not have a high degree of accuracy, past studies have hypothesized that the TDS could also be an indicator of the strength of a tornado. However, few studies have related the tornadic wind field to TDS characteristics because of the difficulty of obtaining accurate, three-dimensional wind data in tornadoes from radar data. With this in mind, the goals of this study are twofold: 1) to investigate the relationships between polarimetric characteristics of TDSs and the three-dimensional tornadic winds, and 2) to define relationships between polarimetric radar variables and debris characteristics. Simulations are performed using a dual-polarization radar simulator called SimRadar; large-eddy simulations (LESs) of tornadoes; and a single-volume, -matrix-based emulator. Results show that for all simulated debris types increases in horizontal and vertical wind speeds are related to decreases in correlation coefficient and increases in TDS area and height and that, conversely, decreases in horizontal and vertical wind speeds are related to increases in correlation coefficient and decreases in TDS area and height. However, the range of correlation coefficient values varies with debris type, indicating that TDSs that are composed of similar debris types can appear remarkably different on radar in comparison with a TDS with diverse scatterers. Such findings confirm past observational hypotheses and can aid operational forecasters in tornado detection and potentially the categorization of damage severity using radar data.
Practical approaches to the detection of macrotroponin
Authors: Lam Leo , Kyle Campbell 
Published: August 2023

Introduction Macrotroponin is increasingly recognised as a cause of confusion in interpreting high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTnI) results. In this study, we sought to evaluate two practical approaches to detecting macrotroponin. These two approaches are PEG precipitation and SVM (support vector machine) analysis to classify discrepancies between hs-cTn assays. Method Residual serum and heparin plasma specimens (n = 483) with initially elevated hs-cTnI from hospital and community laboratories were retested on multiple hs-cTn platforms before and after PEG precipitation and Protein A immunoglobulin depletion. SVM analysis was conducted to identify a linear equation that best discriminated specimens with macrotroponin using a combination of results from two different hs-cTn assays. Findings The diagnostic performance of PEG precipitation was carried out using Protein A immunoglobulin depletion as the reference comparator. When a cutoff residual activity after PEG precipitation of ≤ 20% was used, this threshold carried a high specificity of 92% (confidence interval 83–98%; n = 189) using the Siemens hs-cTnI Vista assay and 95% specificity (86%–98%; n = 242) using the Abbott hs-cTnI Architect assay. SVM analysis generated a linear equation identifying macrotroponin specimens from results obtained on two hs-cTn assays. This approach can be highly specific, comparable to PEG precipitation when certain assay combinations and concentrations are used. Conclusion We describe and identify practical alternatives to detecting macrotroponin. These approaches can be optimised for high specificity, reducing the need for more complex laboratory methods.
Preparation of self-healing EPDM/ionomer thermoplastic vulcanizates with ionic network for automotive application: Effects of maleic anhydride grafted EPDM as compatibilizer
Authors: Jin Woo Seok , Sahu Pranabesh , Paria Sarbaranjan , Jeong Seongrok , Jeon Jun Ha , Yun Ju-ho , Lee Jae Hyeon , Park Sung Min , Kim Nam Il , Oh Jeong Seok 
Published: August 2023

This work evaluates the effects of maleic anhydride grafted ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM-g-MAH) on the processing characteristics, compatibility and mechanical properties of EPDM/Ionomer blends. Dynamic vulcanization process was used to fabricate thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) of different compositions using EPDM polymers and high acid (HA60D) or mid acid (MA60D) containing thermoplastic ionomers. The addition of EPDM-g-MAH in EPDM/Ionomer blends had a predominant role as a compatibilizing agent, which affected the processability and properties of the final material. The tensile properties showed significant improvement with increasing the content of compatibilizer in the vulcanizates. The microscopical analysis of fracture surfaces further supported the heterogeneous nature of the blends and compatibility of the polymer phases. The concept was based on a simple ionic crosslinking reaction between carboxyl groups present in the ionomer and zinc oxide (ZnO), where the formation of reversible Zn2+ covalent crosslinks exhibits the self-healing behavior. The combination of blending and ionic cross-linking improved not only mechanical properties but also improved self-healing performance. The self-healing nature of the TPVs has been identified by scratch resistance test, where the ternary blends (EPDM/Ionomer/EPDM-g-MAH) showed 100% healing efficiency of the scratch surface at 89°C for 24 h.
Mapping the Boundaries of Racetalk: Examining the Experiences of Black Girls in Independent Schools
Authors: Hill Heather , Warren Markita , Jacobs Charlotte E. 
Published: August 2023

Background/Context: An increasing body of literature reveals how systems of racism, sexism, and classism intersect to marginalize Black girls in contexts of schooling. Few studies have explored this topic from the perspectives of Black girls in all-girls independent schools pursuing antiracist school reform. Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of Study: This study examined the experiences of Black girls in all-girls independent schools to understand how they perceived themselves as mapped into or left out of conversations about race in school and society. Research Design: The study employed a qualitative research design. A total of 42 middle and high school students participated in a semi-structured focus group interview lasting 60–120 minutes. Interviews were conducted in person and online. Audio-recordings were transcribed for analysis. Data analysis involved a multilayered approach. First, transcriptions of the focus group interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques to identify recurring themes and patterns. A Black Girl Cartography framework was employed to distinguish the spatial and relational aspects of the participants’ experiences and identities. Finally, critical discourse analysis was applied to examine the interplay between power, identity, culture, and spatiality within the participants’ narratives. Findings/Results: Data revealed that Black girls were navigating conversations about race across one-on-one, peer group, advisory meeting, classroom-based, and schoolwide interactions, where they perceived themselves to be physically and epistemologically marginalized and/or excluded. We identified dimensions of racetalk that aided in their experience of marginalization and exclusion: (1) placelessness, (2) selflessness, and (3) Blackgirlhoodlessness. Data also revealed that while participants were navigating ideologies, practices, and procedures that threatened their opportunities for development, they were also charting spaces for their individual and collective joy, healing, and racial socialization. Conclusions/Recommendations: Implications from these data explore the ways in which all-girls independent schools overlook Black girls’ unique geopolitical locations in schools and society and, in so doing, miss opportunities to nurture their development. This study contributes to a rich understanding of the complex interplay between power, identity, culture, and spatiality that Black girls navigate in schooling and society. We advocate for an application of principles and best practices aligned with culturally relevant and culturally sustaining pedagogies that center the experiences of Black girls. We recommend that schools (1) employ situated and intersectional approaches to antiracist educational reform, (2) center Black girl mattering in schooling, and (3) nurture Black girl self-love, joy, and racial literacy.
Evaluating the long-term effects of cognitive behavioural therapy as an early intervention for at-risk anxiety disorders among preschool children in Asia
Authors: Takahashi Takahito , Ishikawa Shin-ichi , Aiboshi Takahiro , Miyauchi Mai 
Published: August 2023

There are few evaluations of early intervention for the prevention of anxiety disorders in East Asia, and those that exist generally evaluate outcomes to a maximum of 6–12 months. The current study evaluated the long-term effect (5 years) of an anxiety prevention program presented to preschool children and their parents in Japan. Participants for the study were 10 inhibited children 5–6 years old and their parents. The parent’s and children’s program comprised group sessions of a cognitive-behavioural program. Parents and teachers completed the anxious/depressed, withdrawn and behavioural inhibition at pre-post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. Five years after starting the intervention, participants were invited to a diagnostic interview, Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS) to examine a long-term preventive effect of the intervention. The majority of children showed a reduction in anxious/depressed, behavioral inhibition, and approximately half showed reliable change according to parents' and teachers' reports. Moreover, the results indicated that 9 of the 10 children did not met the diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders. These results suggested that the early intervention had preventive effects because the diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders were not met in the follow-up assessment conducted five years later.