bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The geopolitical risk spillovers across BRICS countries: A quantile frequency connectedness approach
Authors: Hong Vo Duc , Dang Tam Hoang‐Nhat 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis paper investigates the geopolitical risk spillovers among BRICS countries during the 1985–2022 period. We adopt the novel quantile frequency connectedness approach, which allows us to examine the risk transmission by frequency and quantile. The geopolitical risks spread more intensely among BRICS countries during extreme circumstances. The long‐term geopolitical risk spillovers are the main contributors to the overall spillovers. Additionally, we note that significant increases in spillovers are associated with remarkable political events. Russia is the most dominant country and the largest short‐term and long‐term geopolitical risk transmitter to other BRICS members during the research period.
High‐impact jumping mitigates the short‐term effects of low energy availability on bone resorption but not formation in regularly menstruating females: A randomized control trial
Authors: Hutson Mark J. , O'Donnell Emma , Brooke‐Wavell Katherine , James Lewis J. , Raleigh Conor J. , Carson Brian P. , Sale Craig , Blagrove Richard C. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractLow energy availability (LEA) is prevalent in active individuals and negatively impacts bone turnover in young females. High‐impact exercise can promote bone health in an energy efficient manner and may benefit bone during periods of LEA. Nineteen regularly menstruating females (aged 18–31 years) participated in two three‐day conditions providing 15 (LEA) and 45 kcals kg fat‐free mass−1 day−1 (BAL) of energy availability, each beginning 3 ± 1 days following the self‐reported onset of menses. Participants either did (LEA+J, n = 10) or did not (LEA, n = 9) perform 20 high‐impact jumps twice per day during LEA, with P1NP, β‐CTx (circulating biomarkers of bone formation and resorption, respectively) and other markers of LEA measured pre and post in a resting and fasted state. Data are presented as estimated marginal mean ± 95% CI. P1NP was significantly reduced in LEA (71.8 ± 6.1–60.4 ± 6.2 ng mL−1, p < 0.001, d = 2.36) and LEA+J (93.9 ± 13.4–85.2 ± 12.3 ng mL−1, p < 0.001, d = 1.66), and these effects were not significantly different (time by condition interaction: p = 0.269). β‐CTx was significantly increased in LEA (0.39 ± 0.09–0.46 ± 0.10 ng mL−1, p = 0.002, d = 1.11) but not in LEA+J (0.65 ± 0.08–0.65 ± 0.08 ng mL−1, p > 0.999, d = 0.19), and these effects were significantly different (time by condition interaction: p = 0.007). Morning basal bone formation rate is reduced following 3 days LEA, induced via dietary restriction, with or without high‐impact jumping in regularly menstruating young females. However, high‐impact jumping can prevent an increase in morning basal bone resorption rate and may benefit long‐term bone health in individuals repeatedly exposed to such bouts.
NIGT1.4 maintains primary root elongation in response to salt stress through induction of ERF1 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hu Yunfei , Zeng Li , Lv Xiaodong , Guo Junhua , Li Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaohua , Wang Dan , Wang Jingya , Bi Jinlong , Julkowska Magdalena M. , Li Bo 
Published: June 2023

SUMMARYPlants employ various molecular mechanisms to maintain primary root elongation upon salt stress. Identification of key functional genes, therein, is important for improving crop salt tolerance. Through analyzing natural variation of the primary root length of Arabidopsis natural population under salt stress, we identified NIGT1.4, encoding an MYB transcription factor, as a novel contributor to maintained root growth under salt stress. Using both T‐DNA knockout and functional complementation, NIGT1.4 was confirmed to have a role in promoting primary root growth in response to salt stress. The expression of NIGT1.4 in the root was shown induced by NaCl treatments in an ABA‐dependent manner. SnRK2.2 and 2.3 were shown to interact with and phosphorylate NIGT1.4 individually. The growth of the primary root of snrk2.2/2.3/2.6 triple mutant was shown sensitive to salt stress, which was similar to nigt1.4 plants. Using DNA affinity purification sequencing, ERF1, a known positive regulator for primary root elongation and salt tolerance, was identified as a target gene for NIGT1.4. The transcriptional induction of ERF1 by salt stress was shown absent in nigt1.4 background. NIGT1.4 was also confirmed to bind to the promoter region of ERF1 by yeast one‐hybrid experiment and to induce the expression of ERF1 by dual‐luciferase analysis. All data support the notion that salt‐ and ABA‐elicited NIGT1.4 induces the expression of ERF1 to regulate downstream functional genes that contribute to maintained primary root elongation. NIGT1.4‐ERF1, therefore, acts as a signaling node linking regulators for stress resilience and root growth, providing new insights for breeding salt‐tolerant crops.
Altered methionine metabolism impacts phenylpropanoid production and plant development in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Shin Doosan , Perez Veronica C. , Dickinson Gabriella K. , Zhao Haohao , Dai Ru , Tomiczek Breanna , Cho Keun Ho , Zhu Ning , Koh Jin , Grenning Alexander , Kim Jeongim 
Published: June 2023

SUMMARYPhenylpropanoids are specialized metabolites derived from phenylalanine. Glucosinolates are defense compounds derived mainly from methionine and tryptophan in Arabidopsis. It was previously shown that the phenylpropanoid pathway and glucosinolate production are metabolically linked. The accumulation of indole‐3‐acetaldoxime (IAOx), the precursor of tryptophan‐derived glucosinolates, represses phenylpropanoid biosynthesis through accelerated degradation of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL). As PAL functions at the entry point of the phenylpropanoid pathway, which produces indispensable specialized metabolites such as lignin, aldoxime‐mediated phenylpropanoid repression is detrimental to plant survival. Although methionine‐derived glucosinolates in Arabidopsis are abundant, any impact of aliphatic aldoximes (AAOx) derived from aliphatic amino acids such as methionine on phenylpropanoid production remains unclear. Here, we investigate the impact of AAOx accumulation on phenylpropanoid production using Arabidopsis aldoxime mutants, ref2 and ref5. REF2 and REF5 metabolize aldoximes to respective nitrile oxides redundantly, but with different substrate specificities. ref2 and ref5 mutants have decreased phenylpropanoid contents due to the accumulation of aldoximes. As REF2 and REF5 have high substrate specificity toward AAOx and IAOx, respectively, it was assumed that ref2 accumulates AAOx, not IAOx. Our study indicates that ref2 accumulates both AAOx and IAOx. Removing IAOx partially restored phenylpropanoid content in ref2, but not to the wild‐type level. However, when AAOx biosynthesis was silenced, phenylpropanoid production and PAL activity in ref2 were completely restored, suggesting an inhibitory effect of AAOx on phenylpropanoid production. Further feeding studies revealed that the abnormal growth phenotype commonly observed in Arabidopsis mutants lacking AAOx production is a consequence of methionine accumulation.
Generative tensions: Undergraduates' experience of Geography in US universities
Authors: Dutta Madhumita , McSweeney Kendra 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe reflect on Geography in the US university by focusing on the paths taken by undergraduates into and beyond our classrooms. Those paths reveal aspects of Geography that appear unique to this national context, and include the structural barriers to US students' entry into Geography, from their highly uneven exposure to Geography in school to their unfamiliarity with it as a university degree. Yet many students still manage to find the field, with the troubling exception of Black and Indigenous students. We also highlight the paradox whereby graduates of this ‘invisible’ field are in high demand within government and industry, even as their training encourages them to simultaneously critique the tight coupling of Geography with those structures of power. We suggest that these are the distinctive and constitutive attributes of Geography in US universities that shape undergraduates and the geographies that they take out into the world.
Enhanced catalytic levofloxacin degradation via persulfate activation over amorphous potassium ferricyanide@ZIF‐67 nanocages
Authors: Wang Min , Liu Zhanmeng 
Published: June 2023

AbstractA facile method was used to synthesize amorphous potassium ferricyanide (PF)@ZIF‐67 nanocages, a novel metal–organic framework derivative. The structure, composition and morphology of PF@ZIF‐67 were analysed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that PF@ZIF‐67 nanoparticles were successfully prepared and its nanostructure has high crystallinity. The prepared materials were employed as heterogeneous persulfate catalysts for the degradation of levofloxacin (LEV). The effects of some key parameters including sodium persulfate (PS) dosage, PF@ZIF‐67, initial solution pH and reaction time on LEV degradation were investigated. PF@ZIF‐67 showed higher catalytic capacity for LEV degradation compared to ZIF‐67, implying the iron‐cobalt synergy in the material. Under the optimized conditions of 8.4‐mM PS, 0.5 g/L PF@ZIF‐67 at an initial solution pH of 7.2, 85.8% of LEV could be removed within 240 min. The quenching experiments suggest that sulfate radicals were the predominant reactive species.
Cutaneous changes in diabetic patients: Primed for aberrant healing?
Authors: Chen Vivien Y. , Siegfried Lindsey G. , Tomic‐Canic Marjana , Stone Rivka C. , Pastar Irena 
Published: June 2023

AbstractCutaneous manifestations affect most patients with diabetes mellitus, clinically presenting with numerous dermatologic diseases from xerosis to diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Skin conditions not only impose a significantly impaired quality of life on individuals with diabetes but also predispose patients to further complications. Knowledge of cutaneous biology and the wound healing process under diabetic conditions is largely limited to animal models, and studies focusing on biology of the human condition of DFUs remain limited. In this review, we discuss the critical molecular, cellular, and structural changes to the skin in the hyperglycaemic and insulin‐resistant environment of diabetes with a focus specifically on human‐derived data. Elucidating the breadth of the cutaneous manifestations coupled with effective diabetes management is important for improving patient quality of life and averting future complications including wound healing disorders.
Solar Air Conditioning Case Studies for Qatar Climate Conditions
Authors: Al-Azba Mohammed , Cen Zhaohui , Abotaleb Ahmed 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Air conditioning (AC) is crucial for comfortable living in countries with challenging desert climates like Qatar. In the face of such harsh conditions, cooling applications account for up to 70% of energy consumption in residential buildings. Given the high-energy demand for cooling and the region's abundant solar resources, rooftop photovoltaics (PVs) can offer an ideal sustainable solution, as peak solar supply closely aligns with the electricity demand. This study aims to enhance the feasibility, effectiveness, and system design for solar ACs in Qatar's climate conditions. A simulation model is developed to evaluate different setups of solar AC systems, utilizing local historical weather data. Optimization strategies are explored and validated for the purpose of minimizing the need for costly battery storage. Results demonstrate the efficacy of these techniques, with potential reductions in battery capacity needs of up to 15% through heat inertia management and matching of energy supply and demand. The complete elimination of battery storage is found to be possible but would be at the expense of slight compromises in end-of-day indoor comfort, which can be addressed by cooling storage solutions.
Numerical and Experimental Study on Caudal Fin Oscillation Mode in Hemispherical Space
Authors: Wang Shuyan , Han Yu , Wu Zhiming , Huang Zhiliang 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Attaining multidimensional movements, such as cruising, diving, and turning, is a crucial challenge in the development of bionic robotic fish. When only focusing on caudal fin movements, the caudal fin of a tuna generates significant lateral and propulsive forces and weak lift, while in contrast, the caudal fin of a dolphin generates significant lift and propulsive forces and weak lateral forces. The paper introduces a novel caudal fin oscillation mode for the hemispherical space, which extends the caudal fin oscillation features observed in tuna and dolphin to a broader range of organisms. First, we presented the concept of hemispherical space caudal fin oscillation mode, and demonstrated the principle of lift distribution through theoretical calculations. Moreover, we detailed the force distribution obtained by the robotic fish under different caudal fin oscillation modes through numerical simulations. Finally, we experimentally validated the feasibility of the hemispherical space caudal fin oscillation mode. The results indicate that by modifying the oscillation mode of the caudal fin in bionic robotic fish, it is possible to distribute the lift generated by the fin movement to various forces that aid in achieving multidimensional movement, including propulsive, lateral, and lift forces.
Training Characteristics and Competitive Demands in Women Road Cyclists: A Systematic Review
Authors: Herrero-Molleda Alba , Álvarez-Álvarez María José , Floría Pablo , García-López Juan 
Published: June 2023

Purpose: To identify the main training characteristics and competitive demands in women’s road cycling. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on 5 databases according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. The articles had to be primary studies, written after 1990 with a sample of competitive women between the ages of 15 and 50. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies and the Oxford Levels of Evidence scales were used. Results: The search yielded 1713 articles, of which 20 were included. Studies on training and competitive demands (n = 5) found that both external and internal loads are higher in women than in men. Studies on strength and endurance training (n = 5) showed that both velocity-based and heavy-load strength training programs performed at least 2 days per week and including 3 to 4 lower-body exercises improved performance. Altitude-training studies (n = 3) found that “Live High–Train Low” was effective to increase performance during the first 9 days after the training camp. The 7 remaining studies focused on a range of topics. The methodological quality was strong for 12 studies and moderate for 8. In contrast, the level of evidence was high in 7 and low in the other 13. Conclusions: Endurance training and competitive demands in women’s road cycling are higher than those of men. Strength training is effective in women when the frequency, intensity, and number of exercises are appropriate, while altitude training should be completed a few days before competing. Further studies are warranted to better define the participants’ competitive level, using a methodological design with a higher level of evidence.
Physical violence during pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa: why it matters and who are most susceptible?
Authors: Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Boadu Frimpong James , Hagan John Elvis , Budu Eugene , Yaya Sanni 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveThe study assessed the prevalence of physical violence against pregnant women and its associated factors in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).DesignWe analysed cross-sectional data of 108971 women in sexual unions from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys of 26 countries in SSA. The predictors of physical violence were examined using a multilevel binary logistic regression. All the results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).SettingTwenty-six countries in SSA.Participants108 971 women who had ever been pregnant.Outcome measurePhysical violence during pregnancy.ResultsPhysical violence was identified in 6.0% of pregnant women in SSA. The highest prevalence (14.0%) was reported in South Africa, while Burkina Faso recorded the lowest (2.1%). Women who had primary (aOR=1.26, 95% CI=1.15, 1.38) and secondary education (aOR=1.15, 95% CI=1.01,1.32); those who were cohabiting (aOR=1.21, 95% CI=1.11, 1.32); those who were working (aOR=1.17, 95% CI=1.08, 1.28); and those whose partners had primary (aOR=1.15, 95% CI=1.04, 1.28) and secondary education (aOR=1.14, 95% CI=1.01, 1.28) were more likely to experience physical violence during pregnancy compared with those who had no formal education; those who were married; those who were not working, and those whose partners had no formal education, respectively. Moreover, women whose partners consumed alcohol (aOR=2.37, 95% CI=2.20, 2.56); those who had parity of four or more (aOR=2.06, 95% CI=1.57, 2.72); and those who perceived intimate partner violence (IPV) as a culturally accepted norm (aOR=1.55, 95% CI=1.44, 1.67) had higher odds of experiencing physical violence during pregnancy compared to those whose partners did not consume alcohol, those with parity zero, and those who did not perceive IPV as culturally accepted, respectively. On the contrary, women who were aged 35-39, those who were of the richest wealth index, and those in rural areas had reduced odds of experiencing physical violence during pregnancy.ConclusionBased on the findings, community leaders are encouraged to liaise with law enforcement agencies to strictly enforce laws on gender-based violence by prosecuting perpetrators of IPV against pregnant women as a deterrent. Also, intensifying education on what constitutes IPV and the potential consequences on the health of pregnant women, their children, and their families will be laudable. Improving the socioeconomic status of women may also help to eliminate IPV perpetration against women at their pregnancy stage.
High-risk fertility behaviour and undernutrition among children under-five in sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Hagan Jnr John Elvis , Budu Eugene , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Okyere Joshua , Sakyi Barbara , Adu Collins , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveThe study examined high-risk fertility behaviour and its association with under-five undernutrition in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).DesignWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from 32 sub-Saharan African countries’ Demographic and Health Surveys. A weighted sample of 110 522 mother-child pairs was included in final analysis. Multilevel binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between high-risk fertility behaviour and undernutrition. The results were presented using adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs).SettingThirty-two countries in SSA.Outcome measureStunting, wasting, and underweight.ResultsThe pooled prevalence of stunting was 31.3%, ranging from 15.0% in Gabon to 51.7% in Burundi. Wasting was highest among children from Burkina Faso (19.1%) and lowest among those from South Africa (1.6%). The overall prevalence of wasting was 8.1%. The prevalence of underweight was 17.0%, with the highest among children in Niger (37.1%) and lowest in South Africa (4.8%). Mothers who gave birth at the age less than 18 years and those with short birth interval were more likely to have their children being stunted, wasted, and underweight. The odds of stunting and wasting were high among children born to women with high parity. However, maternal age at birth more than 34 was associated with lower odds of childhood underweight as against those with age at birth less than 34.ConclusionCountries in SSA are encouraged to address the issue of maternal age at birth less than 18, high parity, and shorter birth intervals in order to meet the Global Nutrition targets, which aim to achieve a 40% reduction in the number of stunted children under the age of 5 and to reduce and maintain childhood wasting to less than 5% by 2025.
Evaluating TESLA-G, a gamified, telegram-delivered, quizzing platform for surgical education in medical students: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ng Matthew Song Peng , Jabir Ahmad Ishqi , Ng Tony De Rong , Ang Yi-Ian , Chia Jeng Long , Tan Darren Ngiap Hao , Lee James , Mahendran Dinesh Carl Junis , Tudor Car Lorainne , Chia Clement Luck Khng 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionOnline multiple-choice question (MCQ) quizzes are popular in medical education due to their ease of access and ability for test-enhanced learning. However, a general lack of motivation among students often results in decreasing usage over time. We aim to address this limitation by developing Telegram Education for Surgical Learning and Application Gamified (TESLA-G), an online platform for surgical education that incorporates game elements into conventional MCQ quizzes.Methods and analysisThis online, pilot randomised control trial will be conducted over 2 weeks. Fifty full-time undergraduate medical students from a medical school in Singapore will be recruited and randomised into an intervention group (TESLA-G) and an active control group (non-gamified quizzing platform) with a 1:1 allocation ratio, stratified by year of study.We will evaluate TESLA-G in the area of endocrine surgery education. Our platform is designed based on Bloom’s taxonomy of learning domains: questions are created in blocks of five questions per endocrine surgery topic, with each question corresponding to one level on Bloom’s taxonomy. This structure promotes mastery while boosting student engagement and motivation. All questions are created by two board-certified general surgeons and one endocrinologist, and validated by the research team. The feasibility of this pilot study will be determined quantitatively by participant enrolment, participant retention and degree of completion of the quizzes. The acceptability of the intervention will be assessed quantitatively by a postintervention learner satisfaction survey consisting of a system satisfaction questionnaire and a content satisfaction questionnaire. The improvement of surgical knowledge will be assessed by comparing the scores of preintervention and postintervention knowledge tests, which consist of separately created questions on endocrine surgery. Retention of surgical knowledge will be measured using a follow-up knowledge test administered 2 weeks postintervention. Finally, qualitative feedback from participants regarding their experience will be obtained and thematically analysed.Ethics and disseminationThis research is approved by Singapore Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Institutional Review Boards (Reference Number: IRB-2021-732). All participants will be expected to read and sign a letter of informed consent before they are considered as recruited into the study. This study poses minimal risk to participants. Study results will be published in peer-reviewed open-access journals and presented in conference presentations.Trial registration numberNCT05520671.