bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wild mammals involved in the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi and food sources of Triatoma sherlocki in an endemic region of northeastern Brazil
Authors: Santos Flavia , Magalhaes‐Junior Jairo Torres , de Oliveira Carneiro Ianei , Lambert Sabrina Mota , da Silva Souza Bárbara Maria Paraná , de Pauda Alini Dias , de Freitas Marcondes Pessoa , Franke Carlos Roberto 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe present study, carried out in the municipality of Gentio do Ouro, Bahia, Brazil aimed to evaluate which wild mammals may be involved in the transmission of T. cruzi and which are the blood sources for triatomines collected in the study area. PCR analysis of 31 wild mammals captured revealed T. cruzi infection in 6.4% (2/31): one specimen of the opossum Didelphis albiventris (1/3) and one of the rodent Kerodon rupestris (1/5); despite being more frequent in the area, no specimen of the rodent Thrichomys sp. (0/23) was infected. A total of 169 triatomines were captured. The conclusive detection of food sources was possible only for Triatoma sherlocki Papa et al., 2002 (n = 56), with evidence for: K. rupestris (35.7%), Gallus (17.9%), D. albiventris (14.3%), Homo sapiens (14.3%), Tropidurus hispidus (7.1%), Leopardus geoffroyi (5.3%), Conepatus semistriatus (1.8%), Thrichomys inermis (1.8%) and Rattus norvegicus (1.8%). Triatomines of the species T. sherlocki showed food eclecticism, including feeding on humans, with some of them being captured at dwellings. These facts make this triatomine a potential link for the transmission of T. cruzi between wild and anthropic environments, highlighting a latent risk of the reemergence of Chagas disease outbreaks.
Impact of Rome IV criteria on the prevalence of post‐infection irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Breen‐Lyles Margaret , Decuir Marijke , Byale Anjali , Smith Kirk , Grover Madhusudan 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe Rome IV irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) criteria include changes to the description and frequency of abdominal pain. Existing studies have demonstrated a lower prevalence and greater severity in IBS patients identified using Rome IV than Rome III criteria. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of post‐infection IBS (PI‐IBS) using Rome IV criteria in a population‐based cohort of laboratory‐confirmed C. jejuni infection cases.MethodsThe Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requires notification of Campylobacter cases and interviews patients to gather information on clinical symptoms. For this study, the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire was utilized 6–9 months after infection to determine the development of PI‐IBS. The survey responses were analyzed for the prevalence of IBS and symptom severity.Key ResultsSurveys were completed by 391 participants (31% response rate). Twenty‐three patients had pre‐existing IBS, and 18 did not complete enough questions to categorize their case status. Of the 350 remaining participants, 58 (17%) met Rome IV criteria. An additional 47 patients would have met the Rome III IBS criteria for pain frequency, driving the cumulative prevalence to 30%. The mean IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS‐SSS) in Rome IV patients was significantly higher than in Rome III (p < 0.05). With Rome IV, IBS‐diarrhea was the most common subtype.Conclusions & InferencesRome IV criteria resulted in a 19% lower prevalence of PI‐IBS than earlier reported Rome III‐based prevalence in a similar population. Rome IV defined PI‐IBS patients have greater symptom severity but similar distribution of IBS subtypes.
Integrated therapy of intraductal irrigations and sialoendoscopies of salivary glands to improve mouth dryness
Authors: Aframian Doron J. , Bar Ori , Wilensky Asaf , Nadler Chen , Almoznino Galit 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the combination of salivary gland intraductal irrigations (IG) followed by sialoendoscopy irrigations (SI) of the parotid gland on the improvement of salivary gland secretory dysfunction (SGSD).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the records of SGSD patients who underwent major salivary gland IG followed by SI during 2014–2020. Records included demographics, systemic background, signs, and symptoms. Improvement was assessed by comparing the mean unstimulated and stimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSF, SWSF) from the baseline point (before IG procedure) to the last point (after SI) using repeated measures. The between‐subjects effects of various factors and covariants were analyzed using repeated measures ANCOVA.ResultsOne hundred patients were included with an age range of 15–83 years (mean age of 60.1 ± 13.1 years). Improvement was detected on UWSF measurements (p = 0.031, F = 3.83), but not on SWSF measurements (p = 0.165, F = 1.85). The between‐subjects effects on UWSF measurements were statistically significant for sex (p = 0.003, F = 9.526) and salivary gland manipulators use (p < 0.001, F = 15.107) and for the interaction between sex and salivary gland manipulators use (p‐ = 0.002, F = 9.709). Results of long‐term follow‐up for 10.87 ± 11.79 months after the SI procedure demonstrated sustained improvement in UWSF measurements (p = 0.011, F = 4.91).ConclusionsThe combination of IG followed by SI increases UWSF salivary secretion in SGSD patients for a relatively extended duration.
Efficiency and safety of high‐power ablation guided by Lesion size index: An ex vivo porcine heart study
Authors: Huo Shengqi , Wang Qian , Jiang Yue , Shi Wei , Luo Pengcheng , Guo Junyi , Peng Dewei , Zhu Mengying , Men Lintong , Jiang Tao , Wang Moran , Peng Lulu , Huang Bingyu , Shi Meijing , Zhu Bo , Bai Rong , Day John D. , Lv Jiagao , Lin Li 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlthough Lesion size index (LSI) has been reported to highly predict radiofrequency lesion size in vitro, its accuracy in lesion size and steam pop estimation has not been well investigated for every possible scenario.MethodsInitially, radiofrequency ablations were performed on porcine myocardial slabs at various power, CF, and time settings with blinded LSI. Subsequently, radiofrequency power at 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 W was applied at CF values of 5, 10, 20, and 30 g to reach target LSIs of 4, 5, 6, and 7. Lesion size and steam pops were recorded for each ablation.ResultsLesion size was positively correlated with LSI regardless of power settings (p < 0.001). The linear correlation coefficients of lesion size and LSI decreased at higher power settings. At high power combined with high CF settings (50 W/20 g), lesion depth and LSI showed an irrelevant correlation (p = 0.7855). High‐power ablation shortened ablation time and increased the effect of resistive heating. LSI could predict the risk of steam pops at high‐power settings with the optimal threshold of 5.65 (sensitivity, 94.1%; specificity, 46.1%). The ablation depth of the heavy heart was shallower than that of the light heart under similar ablation settings.ConclusionsLSI could predict radiofrequency lesion size and steam pops at high power settings in vitro, while synchronous high power and high CF should be avoided. Lighter hearts require relatively lower ablation settings to create appropriate ablation depth.
The C2H2‐type zinc finger transcription factor OSIC1 positively regulates stomatal closure under osmotic stress in poplar
Authors: Bai Qiuxian , Niu Zhimin , Chen Qingyuan , Gao Chengyu , Zhu Mingjia , Bai Jiexian , Liu Meijun , He Ling , Liu Jianquan , Jiang Yuanzhong , Wan Dongshi 
Published: January 2023

SummarySalt and drought impair plant osmotic homeostasis and greatly limit plant growth and development. Plants decrease stomatal aperture to reduce water loss and maintain osmotic homeostasis, leading to improved stress tolerance. Herein, we identified the C2H2 transcription factor gene OSMOTIC STRESS INDUCED C2H2 1 (OSIC1) from Populus alba var. pyramidalis to be induced by salt, drought, polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000) and abscisic acid (ABA). Overexpression of OSIC1 conferred transgenic poplar more tolerance to high salinity, drought and PEG6000 treatment by reducing stomatal aperture, while its mutant generated by the CRISPR/Cas9 system showed the opposite phenotype. Furthermore, OSIC1 directly up‐regulates PalCuAOζ in vitro and in vivo, encoding a copper‐containing polyamine oxidase, to enhance H2O2 accumulation in guard cells and thus modulates stomatal closure when stresses occur. Additionally, ABA‐, drought‐ and salt‐induced PalMPK3 phosphorylates OSIC1 to increase its transcriptional activity to PalCuAOζ. This regulation of OSIC1 at the transcriptional and protein levels guarantees rapid stomatal closure when poplar responds to osmotic stress. Our results revealed a novel transcriptional regulatory mechanism of H2O2 production in guard cells mediated by the OSIC1‐PalCuAOζ module. These findings deepen our understanding of how perennial woody plants, like poplar, respond to osmotic stress caused by salt and drought and provide potential targets for breeding.
The push for financial inclusion in Africa: Should central banks be wary of political institutional quality and literacy rates?
Authors: Agoba Abel Mawuko , Sare Yakubu Awudu , Anarfo Ebenezer Bugri , Tsekpoe Christian 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMotivated by the literature on reform complementarities and their importance for the effectiveness of central bank independence (CBI) reforms—particularly for African countries—where CBI has empirically not been found to have a significant impact on financial development, we explore the extent to which differences in literacy levels and political institutions could determine the extent and impact of CBI on financial inclusion. Using panel data from 2004 to 2014, we find that, while CBI does not promote financial inclusion in Africa, financial literacy and political institutions do; even to the extent of enabling CBI's impact on financial inclusion. The results are robust to different measures of political institutions from Freedom House and Polity IV Database and present implications for the role governments could play in shepherding central banks in Africa in the midst of Africa's developmental challenges and the global crises.Related ArticlesAideyan, Osaore. 2016. “Political and Institutional Prerequisites for Monetary Union: Assessing Progress in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).” Politics & Policy 44(6): 1192–212. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12183.Asongu, Simplice A., Joseph Nnanna, and Vanessa S. Tchamyou. 2021. “Finance, Institutions, and Private Investment in Africa.” Politics & Policy 49(2): 309–51. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12395.Scarlato, Margherita, and Giorgio d'Agostino. 2019. “The Political Dimension of Cash Transfers in Latin America and Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Comparative Perspective.” Politics & Policy 47(6): 1125–55. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12332.
Functional characterization of MdERF113 in apple
Authors: Rui Lin , Zhu Zi‐Qi , Yang Yu‐Ying , Wang Da‐Ru , Liu Hao‐Feng , Zheng Peng‐Fei , Li Hong‐Liang , Liu Guo‐Dong , Liu Ran‐Xin , Wang Xiaofei , Zhang Shuai , You Chun‐Xiang 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe AP2/ERF family is an important class of transcription factors involved in plant growth and various biological processes. One of the AP2/ERF transcription factors, RAP2.6L, participates in various stresses responses. However, the function of RAP2.6L is largely unknown in apples (Malus domestica). In this study, an apple gene homologous to Arabidopsis AtRAP2.6L, MdERF113, was analyzed by bioinformatic characterization, gene expression analysis and subcellular localization assessment. MdERF113 was highly expressed in the sarcocarp and was responsive to hormonal signals and abiotic stresses. MdERF113‐overexpression apple calli were less sensitive to low temperature, drought, salinity, and abscisic acid than wild‐type. Subcellular localization revealed that MdERF113 was a nuclear‐localized transcription factor, and yeast experiments confirmed that MdERF113 has no autonomous activation activity. Overall, this study indicated that MdERF113 plays a role in regulating plant growth under abiotic conditions.
Cyber risk assessment in small and medium‐sized enterprises: A multilevel decision‐making approach for small e‐tailors
Authors: Sukumar Arun , Mahdiraji Hannan Amoozad , Jafari‐Sadeghi Vahid 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe role played by information and communication technologies in today's businesses cannot be underestimated. While such technological advancements provide numerous advantages and opportunities, they are known to thread organizations with new challenges such as cyberattacks. This is particularly important for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) that are deemed to be the least mature and highly vulnerable to cybersecurity risks. Thus, this research is set to assess the cyber risks in online retailing SMEs (e‐tailing SMEs). Therefore, this article employs a sample of 124 small e‐tailers in the United Kingdom and takes advantage of a multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method. Indeed, we identified a total number of 28 identified cyber‐oriented risks in five exhaustive themes of “security,” “dependency,” “employee,” “strategic,” and “legal” risks. Subsequently, an integrated approach using step‐wise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) and best–worst method (BWM) has been employed to develop a pathway of risk assessment. As such, the current study outlines a novel approach toward cybersecurity risk management for e‐tailing SMEs and discusses its effectiveness and contributions to the cyber risk management literature.
Sustainable green tea production through agroecological management and land conversion practices for restoring soil health, crop productivity and economic efficiency: Evidence from Northern Vietnam
Authors: Le Viet San , Herrmann Laetitia , Bräu Lambert , Lesueur Didier 
Published: January 2023

AbstractTea is a very important cash crop in Vietnam as it provides crucial income and employment for farmers in poor rural areas. Unfortunately, the dominance of long‐term, conventional tea cultivation has caused severe soil health degradation and environmental pollution. At the same time, as tea production may provide a better net income compared with other annual crops such as rice and vegetables, farmers have been converting parts of their allocated land to cultivate tea plants. Little is known about the benefit of agroecological management as an alternative to conventional tea management practices, and thus, there is a need to understand how it can improve tea yields, quality and the livelihoods of the farmers. Conducted in Northern Vietnam from 2019 to 2022, this study examined the impacts of agroecological tea management practices on soil health indicators, tea yield and quality, and net income of tea farmers. We showed that agroecological management practices significantly enhanced soil organic matter by 0.8% and soil pH by 0.5 units on average. Conversely, conventional management based on chemical fertilizer applications, significantly increased soil total nitrogen by 0.15%–0.2%. No significant differences were observed between soil texture and other soil chemical characteristics. Soil biological parameters were also significantly higher in agroecological tea soil and root samples than in conventional tea plots. Average AMF frequency and intensity of the agroecological tea roots were 98% and 37%, respectively, compared with 73% and 15% of the conventional tea roots. Likewise, soil macrofauna and mesofauna abundance in the agroecological tea plantations was 76 individuals/m2and 101 individuals/100 g fresh soil on average, respectively, while that of conventional tea farms were 34 and 63 individuals/100 g fresh soil, respectively. Interestingly, a comparison between the converted and nonconverted lands did not show any significant effect of the conversion on soil physicochemical and biological characteristics, apart from tea root AMF colonization. Conventional tea management consistently resulted in higher tea yield and yield components, even though the differences were not always statistically significant. Despite lower tea yields, agroecological tea adopters earned around USD 8400 ha/year more than the farmers still practicing conventional management. This study shows that it is economically and environmentally more sustainable to produce organic tea than conventional tea, and our results should encourage more farmers to adopt such agroecological practices in Northern Vietnam.
How special are special economic zones: Evidence from South Asia
Authors: Aggarwal Aradhna 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study applies quasi‐experimental designs to assess how successful the special economic zones (SEZs) have been in offering a better investment climate than what is available to firms outside of them in three South Asian countries: India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The World Bank Enterprise Surveys' data for 2013–2014 on multiple investment climate factors have been organised into 48 onsite and offsite investment climate variables for the assessment. The study is the first to provide causal evidence based on the matching and weighting methods. The key argument is that what sets SEZs apart from other economic zones is their ability to overcome growth impeding institutions. The results however show that the SEZs could not be insulated from the wider institutional contexts in which they are embedded. There are gaps between promises and implementation on the one hand and perceived and actual improvement on the other. The paper has important implications for policymakers who seem to be in a rush to set up SEZs as a development panacea.
Postattenuation neurologic signs after surgical correction of congenital portosystemic shunts in cats: A narrative review
Authors: Mullins Ronan A. , Serrano Creheut Tomas 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDevelopment of postattenuation neurological signs (PANS) is a potentially severe complication after surgical attenuation of congenital portosystemic shunts in cats. This review summarizes findings of 15 publications that report occurrence of PANS in cats. PANS includes seizures but also milder neurologic signs such as blindness, ataxia, abnormal behavior, tremors, and twitching. Incidence of PANS and specifically postattenuation seizures in studies including a minimum of five cats ranges from 14.3% to 62.0% and 0% to 32.0%, respectively. Etiology of PANS in cats is unknown, however, several hypotheses have been proposed including central nervous system disease/derangement, perioperative hypoglycemia and electrolyte disturbances, and postoperative portal hypertension. A number of possible risk factors have been identified including lower grades of intraoperative postocclusion mesenteric portovenography and osmolality at 24 h postoperatively. Evidence for use of prophylactic antiepileptics such as levetiracetam to prevent or reduce incidence of PANS in cats is limited and does not support their use. Because the cause is unknown, treatment is aimed at controlling neurologic signs, preventing progression to more severe signs, and providing general supportive care. Prospective studies comparing the efficacy of different antiepileptics for treatment of PANS in cats are required. Prognosis for recovery is variable and dependent on severity of neurologic signs. For cats surviving to discharge, long‐term survival is possible but persistence or recurrence of neurologic signs in the long‐term is not uncommon.
Pressure Signal-Based Analysis of Anomalies in Switching Behavior of a Two-Way Directional Control Valve
Authors: Prakash Jatin , Singh Shruti , Miglani Ankur , Kankar P. K. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Solenoid operated direction control valves, responsible for regulating the flow of fluid in hydraulic circuit highly relies on the control current for their actuation. The control currents supplied to the solenoid generate the electromagnetic force required for switching of valves by mechanical movement of spools inside. The deterioration in control current leads to the degradation in electromagnetic force and thus the spool takes longer to initiate as well as terminate the switching phenomenon. This delay or lag potentially causes the pressure, flow and power fluctuation, and unintended impacts on the system. This article presents a comparative analysis of detecting these anomalies by acquiring pressure signals across the valve using extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and one-dimensional convolution neural network (CNN). Four handcrafted statistical features and four fractal dimensions train XGBoost whereas 1D CNN with six hidden layers utilizes the raw signal of net pressure change across the valve. XGBoost predicts the switching behavior at an accuracy of 99.68%, and 1D CNN performs at its maximum possible accuracy (100%). The very narrow gap signifies the nearly equal significance of both of these different category classifiers. As XGBoost cannot handle the raw signals, the pre-processing increases the time consumption while 1D CNN does not require deep architecture and efficiently maps the complexity of the hydraulic system using pressure signals.
Effect of Powder Characteristics on Relative Density and Porosity Formation During Electron Beam Selective Melting of Al2024 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Kenevisi Mohammad Saleh , Lin Feng 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Defects, such as pores and cracks, can be found in parts fabricated by powder-bed additive manufacturing techniques. The origin of certain defects, such as some voids, can be linked to initial powder quality, which makes it an important factor in the process. Powders used in additive manufacturing processes are produced by different methods such as gas atomization (GA), plasma atomization (PA), and plasma rotating electrode process (PREP); each gives different powder quality. In this study, two different Al2024 powders, produced by electrode induction GA and PREP techniques, were used to investigate the effect of powder characteristics on defect formation during electron beam melting process (EBM). Powders were first characterized by using Hall flowmeter funnel and scanning electron microscope (SEM); then, the EBM process was carried out, and finally, samples were examined by density measurement using Archimedes method, SEM analysis, and tensile test. PREP powder showed higher levels of sphericity and surface smoothness without attached satellites. Consequently, a higher apparent density and decreased flowing time were achieved in PREP powder. Moreover, gas-induced internal pores were observed in GA particles. The results also revealed the average relative density of 96.7% and 99.4% for the parts built by GA and PREP powders, respectively. SEM micrographs confirmed the results of density measurement of the fabricated parts and showed higher degrees of both spherical and irregular-shaped pores in samples built by GA powder. Additionally, they showed deprived mechanical properties due to the higher porosity contents which can form stress-concentrated areas.