bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visceral leishmaniasis in a recent transmission region: 27.4% infectivity rate among seronegative dogs
Authors: Gondim Carolina Novato , Ferreira Sidney de Almeida , Vasconcelos Beatriz Ketelin Sousa , Wouters Flademir , Fujiwara Ricardo Toshio , de Castro Joseane Camilla , Barçante Joziana Muniz de Paiva 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
American visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic disease whose main domestic reservoir in the urban environment is dog and is considered one of the most important zoonoses in the context of public health. Serological tests are typically used for the diagnostic screening of the disease. This study aimed to analyse the performance of different methodologies used in the diagnosis of VL in dogs sampled from a recent transmission area. The sample consisted of 52 dogs separated into groups based on the absence and presence of clinical signs of VL. The following serological techniques were carried out: the DPP® rapid test (RT), the ALERE® RT and an RT and immunoenzymatic assay with a recently developed protein (rKDDR-plus). In addition, molecular techniques were carried out with conjunctival swabs, and bone marrow aspirate samples and parasitological samples were obtained directly from bone marrow aspirates. It was concluded that 27.4% of seronegative dogs were infected, but the serological tests, used as screening tests, showed unsatisfactory sensitivity results (average: 51.2%) for dogs without clinical signs. It was suggested that polymerase chain reaction with conjunctival swabbing be used as a screening test for dogs without clinical signs, as this is a non-invasive collection technique with high-sensitivity values.
An improved inverse kinematics solution for 6-DOF robot manipulators with offset wrists
Authors: Zhou Xing , Xian Yaoqi , Chen Yuanhao , Chen Tongshu , Yang Lin , Chen Simin , Huang Jian 
Published: January 2022

AbstractEfficiently solving inverse kinematics (IK) of robot manipulators with offset wrists remains a challenge in robotics due to noncompliance with Pieper criteria. In this paper, an improved method to solve the IK for 6-DOF robot manipulators with offset wrists is proposed. This method is based on the Newton iteration technique, but it does not require a selection of initial estimation of joint variables. The solution is divided into two parts: the first part is to reconstruct a simplified structure with analytical IK solution, and the second part is to obtain a numerical solution by iteration. Further, a robot manipulator HSR-BR606 with an offset wrist is used as an example to specifically elaborate the mathematical procedure of the method and to investigate the algorithm in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and application of motion planning. A comparative experiment is conducted with a typical IK algorithm, which demonstrates a higher accuracy and shorter calculation time of the proposed method. The mean calculation time for a single IK solution required for this algorithm is only 4% of the comparison algorithm.
Wild Galois representations: a family of hyperelliptic curves with large inertia image
Authors: COPPOLA NIRVANA 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn this work we generalise the main result of [1] to the family of hyperelliptic curves with potentially good reduction over ap-adic field which have genus$g=({p-1})/{2}$and the largest possible image of inertia under the$\ell$-adic Galois representation associated to its Jacobian. We will prove that this Galois representation factors as the tensor product of an unramified character and an irreducible representation of a finite group, which can be either equal to the inertia image (in which case the representation is easily determined) or a$C_2$-extension of it. In this second case, there are two suitable representations and we will describe the Galois action explicitly in order to determine the correct one.
‘The household snake’: Detection and eradication of pests in the home by means of snakes, as reflected in Talmudic sources
Authors: SHEMESH ABRAHAM OFIR 
Published: January 2022

AbstractLiterary sources of the classical era (first-fifth centuries), both Greco-Roman and Jewish, indicate that snakes were used for different purposes, such as for medicine, as raw materials for manufacturing objects, and as pets. This article discusses the use of snakes to deal with pests in the ancient homes as reflected in the Talmudic sources as well as in classical literature. The Jerusalem Talmud (Yerushalmi) brings a story of how a house snake helped a family locate a wild snake that entered the house and left its venom in the food. The impression is that the origin of the story is from a non-Jewish environment, and not necessarily from Eretz Israel. It is not impossible that the story is one version of stories about Aesculapian snakes that helped exterminate and drive away pests, as related by Pliny. This narrative variation was absorbed by the sages from their own non-Jewish environment, who adapted the story to the religious-educational messages that they sought to convey. It seems that the practice of using snakes to exterminate domestic pests was relatively limited and less common than that of small predators, such as cats, mongooses or weasels.
Tax evasion and optimal corporate income tax rates in a growing economy
Authors: Hori Takeo , Maebayashi Noritaka , Morimoto Keiichi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe explore how tax evasion by firms affects the growth- and welfare-maximizing rates of corporate income tax (CIT) in an endogenous growth model with productive public service. We show that the negative effect of CIT on growth is mitigated in the presence of tax evasion. This increases the benefit of raising the CIT rate for public service provision. Thus, in contrast to Barro [(1990)Journal of Political Economy98, 103–125], the optimal tax rate is higher than the output elasticity of public service. Through numerical exercises, we demonstrate that the role of tax evasion by firms is quantitatively significant.
The burden in palliative care assistance: A comparison of psychosocial risks and burnout between inpatient hospice and home care services workers
Authors: Fattori Alice , Pedruzzi Matilde , Cantarella Carlo , Bonzini Matteo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectiveLiterature suggests that home care professionals could be at higher risk of burnout than their colleagues in hospital settings, but research on home-based palliative care is still limited. Our study investigates psychosocial risk factors and burnout among workers involved in palliative care, comparing inpatient hospice, and home care settings.MethodA cross-sectional study was carried out in a single palliative care organization providing inpatient hospice-based and home care-based assistance in a large urban area of Northern Italy. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire collecting socio-demographic and occupational data, psychosocial risk factors, and burnout scales (Psychosocial Safety Climate 4; Conflict and Offensive Behavior — COPSOQ II; Work Life Boundaries; Work-home Interaction; Peer Support — HSE; Copenhagen Burnout Inventory).ResultsThe study sample included 106 subjects (95% of the overall eligible working population) who were predominantly female (68%) and nurses (57%), with a mean age of 41 years. Compared to inpatient hospice staff, home care workers reported more frequent communications with colleagues (p = 0.03) and patients/caregivers (p = 0.01), while there were no differences in the perception of work intrusiveness. Inpatient hospice workers showed lower peer support (p = 0.08) and lower psychosocial safety climate (p = 0.001) than home care colleagues. The experience of aggressive behaviors was rare, and it was relatively more frequent among inpatient hospice workers, female workers, and health assistants. Average scores of burnout scales were similar for both groups except for caregiver-related burnout, which was higher among inpatient hospice workers compared to home care colleagues (p = 0.008). The number of subjects at risk for work-related burnout was similar for both groups.Significance of resultsOur study confirms the presence of psychological and physical fatigue in both home-based and inpatient hospice palliative care. Results suggest that home care assistance may not be characterized by higher psychological burden compared to inpatient hospice setting. Given the general tendency to increase home-based care in our aging population, it is essential to broaden the knowledge of psychosocial risks in this specific context to properly protect workers’ health.
Virtual reality for improving pain and pain-related symptoms in patients with advanced stage colorectal cancer: A pilot trial to test feasibility and acceptability
Authors: Kelleher Sarah A. , Fisher Hannah M. , Winger Joseph G. , Miller Shannon N. , Amaden Grace H. , Somers Tamara J. , Colloca Luana , Uronis Hope E. , Keefe Francis J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectiveVirtual reality (VR) has the potential to improve pain and pain-related symptoms. We examined the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and impact of a 30-min virtual underwater/sea environment (VR Blue) for reducing pain and pain-related symptoms in advanced colorectal cancer patients. A qualitative exit interview was conducted to understand preferences, thoughts, and feelings about the VR session.MethodParticipants (N = 20) had stage IV colorectal cancer and moderate-to-severe pain. Participants completed a 30-min VR Blue session that visually and aurally immersed them in virtual ocean scenarios. Feasibility was assessed by accrual (N = 20), protocol adherence (≥80% completing VR Blue), and completed data (≥80% assessment completion). Acceptability was determined by patients reporting ≥80% intervention satisfaction. Safety was determined by ≥80% of patients completing the session without self-reported side effects. Measures of pain, tension, relaxation, stress, anxiety, and mood were collected before, during, and after the VR Blue session. A semi-structured qualitative interview was conducted after VR Blue to assess participants’ VR experiences.ResultsAll participants (100%) completed the VR Blue session. There was 100% data collection at the pre- and post-assessments. Satisfaction with VR Blue was high M = 3.3 (SD = 0.4) (83%). No significant side effects were reported. Pain decreased by 59% (Pre-M = 3 [1]; Post-M = 1 [1]). Tension decreased by 74% (Pre-M = 30 [24]; Post-M = 8 [13]). Relaxation improved by 38% (Pre-M = 62 [21]); Post-M = 86 [17]). Stress decreased by 68% (Pre-M = 24 [24]; Post-M = 8 [14]). Anxiety decreased by 65% (Pre-M = 20 [23]; Post-M = 7 [13]). Mood improved by 70% (Pre-M = 13 [16]; Post-M = 4 [11]). Qualitative data suggested a positive response to the VR Blue protocol.Significance of resultsThis work supports the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of VR Blue for advanced colorectal cancer patients. Participants showed significant pre-post improvement in pain and pain-related symptoms hinting to the potential feasibility of VR interventions in this population. Larger, randomized trials with a control condition are needed to examine the efficacy of VR-based interventions for patients with advanced colorectal cancer and pain.
A qualitative exploration of the feasibility and acceptability of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers
Authors: Applebaum A. J. , Roberts K. E. , Lynch K. , Gebert R. , Loschiavo M. , Behrens M. , Walsh L. E. , Polacek L. C. , Diamond E. L. , Breitbart W. S. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Objective
Caregivers of patients with cancer are at significant risk for existential distress. Such distress negatively impacts caregivers’ quality of life and capacity to serve in their role as healthcare proxies, and ultimately, contributes to poor bereavement outcomes. Our team developed Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C), the first targeted psychosocial intervention that directly addresses existential distress in caregivers.

Method
Nine caregivers of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) enrolled in a pilot randomized controlled trial evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of MCP-C, and completed in-depth interviews about their experience in the therapy. One focus group with three MCP-C interventionists was also completed.

Results
Four key themes emerged from interviews: (1) MCP-C validated caregivers’ experience of caregiving; (2) MCP-C helped participants reframe their “caregiving identity” as a facet of their larger self-identity, by placing caregiving in the context of their life's journey; (3) MCP-C enabled caregivers to find ways to assert their agency through caregiving; and (4) the structure and sequence of sessions made MCP-C accessible and feasible. Feedback from interventionists highlighted several potential manual changes and overall ways in which MCP-C can help facilitate caregivers’ openness to discussing death and engaging in advanced care planning discussions with the patient.

Significance of results
The overarching goal of MCP-C is to allow caregivers to concurrently experience meaning and suffering; the intervention does not seek to deny the reality of challenges endured by caregivers, but instead to foster a connection to meaning and purpose alongside their suffering. Through in-depth interviews with caregivers and a focus group with MCP interventionists, we have refined and improved our MCP-C manual so that it can most effectively assist caregivers in experiencing meaning and purpose, despite inevitable suffering.
Biometric data flows and unintended consequences of counterterrorism
Authors: Jacobsen Katja Lindskov 
Published: January 2022

AbstractExamining unintended consequences of the makings and processing of biometric data in counterterrorism and humanitarian contexts, this article introduces a two-fold framework through which it analyzes biometric data-makings and flows in Afghanistan and Somalia. It combines Tilley's notion of “living laboratory” and Larkin's notion of infrastructure into a framework that attends to the conditions under which biometric data is made and to subsequent flows of such data through data-sharing agreements or unplanned access. Exploring such unintended consequences, attention needs to be paid to the variety of actors using biometrics for different purposes yet with data flows across such differences. Accordingly, the article introduces the notion of digital intervention infrastructures, with biometric databases as one dimension.
Glyphosate resistance in junglerice (Echinochloa colona) and alternative herbicide options for its effective control
Authors: Ndirangu Wangari Teresa , Mahajan Gulshan , Chauhan Bhagirath Singh 
Published: January 2022

AbstractControl of glyphosate-resistant (GR) junglerice is a challenging task in eastern Australia. There is limited information on the efficacy and reliability of alternate herbicides for GR populations of junglerice, especially when targeting large plants and when temperatures are high. A series of experiments were conducted to confirm the level of glyphosate resistance in three populations of junglerice and to evaluate the efficacy of alternate herbicides for the control of GR junglerice populations. The LD50 of glyphosate of B17/7, B17/34, and B17/35 populations was found to be 298, 2,260, and 1,715 g ae ha–1, respectively, suggesting that populations B17/34 and B17/35 were highly resistant to glyphosate. Glyphosate efficacy was reduced at high-temperature (35 C day/25 C night) compared with low-temperature conditions (25 C day/15 C night), suggesting that control of susceptible populations may also be reduced if glyphosate is sprayed under hot conditions. Preemergence herbicides dimethenamid-P (1,000 g ai ha–1) and pendimethalin (1,500 g ai ha–1) provided 100% control of GR populations (B17/34 and 17/35). Postemergence herbicides, such as clethodim (60 or 90 g ai ha–1), glufosinate (750 g ai ha–1), haloxyfop (52 or 78 g ai ha–1), and paraquat (400 or 600 g ai ha–1), applied at the four-leaf stage provided 100% control of GR populations. For larger junglerice plants (eight-leaf stage), postemergence applications of paraquat (400 or 600 g ai ha–1) provided greater weed control than clethodim, glufosinate, and haloxyfop. A mixture of either glufosinate or haloxyfop with glyphosate provided poor control of GR junglerice populations compared with application of glufosinate or haloxyfop applied alone. Efficacy of glufosinate and haloxyfop for the control of GR populations decreased when applied in the sequential spray after glyphosate application. This study identified alternative herbicide options for GR junglerice populations that can be used in herbicide rotation programs for sustainable weed management.
Assessing the Modern Multi‐Decadal Scale Aridification Over the Northern China From a Historical Perspective
Authors: Qin Yanmin , Ning Liang , Li Longhui , Liu Zhengyu , Liu Jian , Yan Mi , Chen Kefan , Xue Jiao , Wang Liulin , Li Chuxin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractNorthern China (35°–50°N; 105°–125°E) has experienced a multidecadal aridification since 1950s, which was mainly manifested by multi‐decadal scale decreases of regional precipitation and soil moisture, and brought severe influences on societal and economic developments. However, the position of this aridification among the historical aridification events over northern China during the last millennium has not been fully assessed. Furthermore, the contributions from anthropogenic forcings, natural forcings, and internal variability on this aridification have not been quantitatively differentiated. In this study, observations, proxy reconstructions, and model simulations from community Earth system model last millennium ensemble archive were used to assess this aridification from a historical perspective, and differentiate the contributions from different forcings and internal variability. It was found that duration and magnitude of this aridification are more prominent than most of aridifications during the last millennium. The comparisons between control experiment and sensitivity experiments show that the external forcings, especially anthropogenic forcings, result in a significant larger aridification rate than other historical aridifications. Only combined impacts from internal variability (i.e., Pacific Decadal oscillation, PDO and Atlantic Multidecadal oscillation (AMO)) and anthropogenic forcings (e.g., greenhouses gas emission, anthropogenic aerosol emission, and land use cover changes) can result in such a severer aridification than historical aridifications. The results also confirm that the phase shifts of PDO and AMO trigger this aridification over the northern China, and, whether external forcings contribute to these phase shifts were also discussed.
Rain, Wind, and Dust Connections in the Sahel
Authors: Bergametti G. , Rajot J.‐L. , Marticorena B. , Féron A. , Gaimoz C. , Chatenet B. , Coulibaly M. , Koné I. , Maman A. , Zakou A. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe Sahel is a dust source region where dust emission could be drastically modified in the future due to climatic and land use changes. Based on observations of meteorological parameters and dust concentration for about 1,000 rain events, we investigated the processes leading to dust emission during the rainy season when Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) regularly cross the Sahel. We show that the highest wind speed is strongly linked to the MCS cold pool intensity, which is characterized by a drop in surface temperature. This is observed during the premonsoon period (∼May to June) when the midtroposphere is still sufficiently dry to allow intense evaporation of raindrops. Because this coincides with the time of the year that the surface is the least protected by the vegetative residue, the premonsoon wind speed leads to the highest observed dust concentration in our record. Most of the highest wind speed occur before or just at the beginning of a rainy event allowing a large part of the dust raised to be transported ahead the rain limiting dust removal by wet scavenging. Finally, we show that the number of 5‐min dust concentration higher than 5,000 μg m−3 is almost only occurring during the rainy season. These results suggest that until the dust models fail to correctly resolve MCS, it will be difficulty to obtain reliable estimates of dust emission from the Sahel for the present or future scenarios.
Evaluating the Nature and Extent of Changes to Climate Sensitivity Between FGOALS‐g2 and FGOALS‐g3
Authors: Wang He , Li Lijuan , Chen Xiaolong , Wang Bin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractEquilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS) and its related feedbacks are important metrics that can be used to measure the global mean surface temperature change in future climate projections, and the cloud feedback (CF) is considered to be the main contributor to ECS uncertainties. However, the use of different CF methods significantly affects the CF amplitudes, and the sign of the CF may also change. Combining the radiative kernel approach with a simplified CF method, the differences in the ECS and associated feedbacks between two versions of the Flexible Global Ocean–Atmosphere–Land System model (i.e., FGOALS‐g2 and FGOALS‐g3) were analyzed. Results show that the ECS of FGOALS‐g3 is smaller than that of FGOALS‐g2 (2.8 vs. 3.3 K). The main feedback processes that contribute to the ECS change in FGOALS‐g3 are the weaker surface albedo feedback and stronger negative shortwave CF. The reduced surface albedo feedback in FGOALS‐g3 can be attributed mainly to the differences in the simulations of sea ice area, surface temperature, and the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, as well as their interactions, compared with FGOALS‐g2. The enhanced negative shortwave CF in FGOALS‐g3 is directly related to the strengthened feedback of cloud area fraction and liquid water path. Furthermore, these changes can be traced back to the different atmospheric moist processes, parameter tuning, ocean grid, and external forcings used in FGOALS‐g3, as these all affect the mean climate state of the model.
Insensitivity of Ecosystem Productivity to Predicted Changes in Fine‐Scale Rainfall Variability
Authors: Moustakis Yiannis , Fatichi Simone , Onof Christian , Paschalis Athanasios 
Published: January 2022

AbstractChanges in rainfall associated with climate change are expected to affect the tightly coupled water‐carbon ecosystem dynamics. Here, we study the effects of altered rainfall at 33 sites in North America, as projected by the high‐resolution/high‐fidelity (∼4 km, 1 hr) continental‐wide Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) convection‐permitting model under a high‐emission scenario (RCP 8.5). We make use of a stochastic weather generator to extend WRF outputs, accounting for natural variability and simultaneously separate the changes in total rainfall, its seasonality, and its intraseasonal pattern. We used these rainfall scenarios to study ecosystem responses with the state‐of‐the‐art Tethys‐Chloris terrestrial biosphere model. Model simulations suggest that increases in mean annual rainfall dominate ecosystem responses at dry sites, while wet sites are less sensitive to rainfall changes. Sites of intermediate wetness face reductions in productivity, due to reduced growing season rainfall and increased water losses under altered seasonality, which outpace any possible benefits induced by increases in mean annual totals. Changes in the fine‐scale temporal structure of rainfall have an insignificant impact on ecosystem productivity and only alter hydrological dynamics, contradicting expectations based on some field experiments, which, however, are not tailored to directly quantify climate change impacts, but rather to understand the mechanisms leading to ecosystem responses. We further demonstrate how approaches following the “fewer but larger rainfall events” concept might exacerbate ecosystem responses.