bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EdTechfor Ugandan girls: Affordances of different technologies for girls' secondary education during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Damani Kalifa , Daltry Rebecca , Jordan Katy , Hills Libby , Evans Laura 
Published: January 2022

SummaryMotivationThis article discusses the use of educational technology (EdTech) in girls' education at PEAS (Promoting Education in African Schools) schools in rural Uganda during the Covid‐19‐related school closures.PurposeThis article addresses a research gap surrounding the potential use of EdTech to support girls' education, focusing on the barriers to girls' EdTech use and how technology might be used to enhance girls' education in disadvantaged rural areas—specifically their academic learning and their social and emotional learning.Methods and approachA sequential, explanatory mixed‐methods case‐study approach was used. Quantitative exploration of a dataset of 483 Ugandan students, from 28 PEAS schools, was first conducted, followed by interviews with PEAS staff to elucidate the reasons and context behind the findings.FindingsFindings show that female students are less likely than male students to have access to their caregivers' phones for learning. The form of EdTech that appeared to be most beneficial for girls' academic learning was radio; girls also had significantly more interest in tuning into radio broadcasts than boys did. Also, poorer boys were more likely to be influenced by SMS messages than wealthier boys. Apart from gender‐based differences, students with more highly educated parents found SMS messages more helpful, and phone calls from teachers appeared to help boost younger students' self‐confidence.Policy implicationsThe findings suggest that policy‐makers need to: carefully consider provision of education through multiple modes of EdTech in order to ensure that it reaches all students; ensure that caregivers are involved in the strategies developed for girls' education; make EdTech interventions interactive; and consider language in EdTech interventions. Given the gender differences which emerged, the findings are of relevance both to supporting the continuation of educational provision during periods of school closure, and also in terms of finding additional ways to support girls' education alongside formal schooling.
Assessment of clinically significant portal hypertension by two‐dimensional shear wave elastography
Authors: Grgurevic Ivica , Madir Anita , Trkulja Vladimir , Bozin Tonci , Aralica Gorana , Podrug Kristian , Mikolaševic Ivana , Tsochatzis Emmanuel , O‘Beirne James , Pinzani Massimo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground and aimsTo evaluate two‐dimensional shear wave elastography (2DSWE) in parallel with transient elastography (TE) for diagnosing clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) and high‐risk varices (HRV) in patients with chronic liver disease.Patients and methodsConsecutive patients with suspicion of compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) [liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥ 10 kPa by TE, or morphological signs suggestive of cACLD on imaging], with no history of liver decompensation, underwent hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement, transjugular liver biopsy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which served as the reference methods for diagnosing CSPH, cACLD and HRV. All patients underwent LSM and spleen stiffness measurements (SSM) by 2DSWE and TE.ResultsSeventy‐six (76) patients were included (78% men, mean age 62 years, body mass index 28.3 kg/m2, 36.8% alcoholic, 30.3% non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, 14.5% viral hepatitis). Of them, 80.3%, 69.7%, 52.6% and 22.4% had cACLD, cirrhosis, CSPH and HRV respectively. LSM performed better than SSM in diagnosing CSPH and HRV. For CSPH, AUROCs (0.926 vs. 0.866), optimal cut‐offs (20.1 vs. 20.2 kPa) and sensitivity/specificity (80.5%/94.3% vs. 77.5% /86.1%) were comparable for 2DSWE and TE. Ruling‐out of CSPH by 2DSWE (LSM at cut‐off with ≥90% sensitivity (13.5 kPa) and platelets ≥ 150 x 109/L) performed comparably to TE, with 1/24 cases falsely classified as negative. For HRV, AUROCs were similar (0.875 2DSWE, 0.851 TE) with similar optimal LSM cut‐offs enabling 100% sensitivity and ruling‐out HRV.ConclusionLiver stiffness measurement by 2DSWE appears to perform equally well as TE for diagnosing CSPH and ruling‐out HRV in compensated chronic liver disease.
Learning together: developing collaborative monitoring of intertidal invertebrates in the Karajarri IPA, north‐western Australia
Authors: Murley Matilda , Grand Ann , Prince Jane , Karajarri Rangers  
Published: January 2022

SummaryThe Karajarri Indigenous Protected Area, in the south‐west Kimberley, is home to vast intertidal rock platforms that form a culturally and ecologically important environment for Karajarri Traditional Owners and wider Bidyadanga community. Karajarri Rangers initiated a collaborative partnership with researchers to devise an intertidal invertebrate monitoring protocol to meet the requirements of their Healthy Country Plan and sustainably manage their cultural harvesting. The project aimed to design and trial a monitoring protocol that blended Indigenous ecological knowledge and values with western scientific rigour. To investigate and document the community’s ecological knowledge of marine resources, a series of Ranger interviews, focus groups and collaborative fieldwork was conducted. Data collected from these qualitative methods provided valuable insights into knowledge of the intertidal environment and fauna and the community’s management aspirations and priorities. Informed by these data, a monitoring protocol was cross‐culturally designed to combine Indigenous knowledge and values within a western scientific framework. Two methodologies were piloted, focusing on a small subset of culturally significant target species. Although both were successful, the trial indicated that Rangers preferred abundance‐focused methods for ecological monitoring. Further refinement of the monitoring protocol is required to build western science knowledge of the ecosystem and meet Ranger management goals. However, this study provided the basis of future monitoring strategies for Karajarri Rangers, formed a lasting collaborative partnership and is a useful exploration of Indigenous preferred approaches to western scientific monitoring of intertidal rock platforms.
Laboratory rearing of Hydrochus japonicus (Coleoptera: Hydrochidae) suggests larvae live at the water bottom
Authors: Hayashi Masakazu , Morimoto Ryosuke 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe aquatic larvae of the family Hydrochidae (Coleoptera) have been considered ‘mystery larvae’, because ecological knowledge about them is lacking. We discovered that Hydrochidae larvae (Hydrochus japonicus Sharp) are benthic via laboratory rearing. The larvae have a terminal spiracular atrium, but we did not observe them breathing at the water surface. The larvae fed on Naididae worms that were collected from the same habitat.
Research on factors affecting fretting fatigue life of high‐temperature dovetail tenon
Authors: Yang Bowen , Huo Junzhou , Gao Qiang , Ren Rong 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis paper takes the dovetail structure of an aero‐engine compressor as the research object, designs a high‐temperature dovetail fretting fatigue test, and discusses the effect of high temperature on fretting fatigue damage. Based on the fretting fatigue continuous damage accumulation model, a high‐temperature fretting fatigue life prediction model of dovetail tenon considering the temperature effect is proposed and verified by experiments. The results show that the experimental data prove that the model has good prediction accuracy and its prediction error is less than 19.24%. Finally, the relative sliding distance, contact stress, Ruiz parameters, and friction work of the dovetail structure are selected, and the dovetail structure under different actual use conditions is calculated through simulation. The influence of friction coefficient, load, temperature, arc size, and other factors on the evaluation index is analyzed. The internal law of high‐temperature fretting fatigue life of dovetail structure under multi‐factor coupling conditions is studied.
2‐Step PLT16‐AST44 method: Simplified liver fibrosis detection system in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Fujimori Naoyuki , Kimura Takefumi , Tanaka Naoki , Yamazaki Tomoo , Okumura Taiki , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Wakabayashi Shun‐ichi , Yamashita Yuki , Sugiura Ayumi , Pham Jonathan , Pydi Sai P. , Sano Kenji , Joshita Satoru , Umemura Takeji 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAimAccurate detection of the hepatic fibrosis stage is essential to estimate the outcome of patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Many formulas, biomarkers, and imaging tests are being developed to predict advanced liver fibrosis without performing a liver biopsy. However, these tests do not have high efficiency in detecting early‐stage hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, we aimed to detect the presence of hepatic fibrosis (≥F1) merely by using only standard clinical markers.MethodsA total of 436 patients with NAFLD who underwent liver biopsy were retrospectively enrolled as the discovery cohort (316 patients) and the validation cohort (120 patients). Liver biopsy and laboratory data were matched to extract simple parameters for identifying ≥F1.ResultsWe developed a novel simplified ≥F1 detecting system, designated as 2‐Step PLT16‐AST44 method, where (1) PLT of 16 × 104/μl or less, or (2) PLT greater than 16 × 104/μl and AST greater than 44 U/L is determined as having ≥F1 fibrosis. The 2‐Step PLT16‐AST44 method had a sensitivity of 68%, a specificity of 90%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 97%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 40%, and an accuracy of 72% to detect ≥F1 fibrosis in the discovery cohort. Validation studies further supported these results. Despite its simplicity, the 2‐Step PLT16‐AST44 method's power to detect ≥F1 fibrosis in total NAFLD patients was comparable to hyaluronic acid, type 4 collagen 7S, FIB‐4, and APRI.ConclusionsWe propose the 2‐Step PLT16‐AST44 method as a simple and beneficial early‐stage hepatic fibrosis detection system.
Association of cause of uremia with degree of iliac artery calcification
Authors: Sørensen Jan R , Diederichsen Axel C , Lindholt Jes S 
Published: January 2022

ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate whether the cause of uremia is associated with degree of calcification, and to report the proportion excluded from kidney transplantation due to iliac artery calcification.MethodWe enrolled 306 patients with a pre‐transplant computed tomography scan who went through the comprehensive assessment program in 2013–2015. Calcification score was measured for each iliac artery segment and patient records viewed for a variety of variables. Interobserver variation was assessed for 135 paired observations.ResultsThe patients’ mean age was 55.5 years. Of the 306 patients, 133 did not undergo transplantation, and for 21 of these, heavy calcification was the primary explanation for this. External iliac artery calcification was positively associated with male sex, age, systolic blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and differed significantly among the causes of uremia subgroups; the least calcification was seen in patients with autoimmune causes, and the highest in those with diabetic causes. Similarly, the proportion of patients who underwent renal transplantation differed significantly with regard to causes of uremia (ranging from 72.3% for autoimmune disease to 40.6% for diabetic nephropathy).ConclusionThe degree of iliac artery calcification differs according to the cause of uremia and influences the likelihood of receiving a kidney transplantation.
Regulatory strategies limiting endosomal Toll‐like receptor activation in B cells*
Authors: Acharya Mridu , Jackson Shaun W. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe recognition of pathogen‐associated nucleic acid (NA) promotes effective immunity against invading pathogens. However, endosomal Toll‐like receptor (TLR) activation by self‐NA also underlies the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). For this reason, the activation thresholds of NA‐sensing TLRs must be tightly regulated to balance protective and pathogenic immune responses. In this study, we will provide an overview of the evolutionary mechanisms designed to limit the aberrant activation of endosomal TLRs by self‐ligands, focusing on four broad strategies. These include the following: 1) the production of nucleases able to degrade self‐DNA and RNA; 2) the cell‐specific regulation of endosomal TLR expression; 3) the spatial and temporal control of TLR positioning at a sub‐cellular level; and 4) the modulation of downstream TLR signaling cascades. Given the critical role of B cells in lupus pathogenesis, where possible, we will describe evidence for B cell‐specific induction of these regulatory mechanisms. We will also highlight our own work showing how modulation of B cell endolysosomal flux tunes NA‐sensing TLR activation signals. In the face of inevitable generation of self‐NA during normal cellular turnover, these parallel mechanisms are vital to protect against pathogenic inflammation.
The behaviour of real interest rates: New evidence from a 'suprasecular' perspective
Authors: Canarella Giorgio , Gil‐Alana Luis A. , Gupta Rangan , Miller Stephen M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe examine the temporal dynamics of the historical series of real interest rates for France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain pre‐1730 and post‐1800, the United Kingdom, and the United States stretching back to the 14th century. We use the Robinson approach to determine the fractional order of integration and examine both linear deterministic trends and multiple smooth breaks. In the latter case we make use of the Chebyshev polynomials in time. With the exception of two countries (Italy and France), where the linear model appears more appropriate, our results reveal evidence that real interest rates are driven by the interaction between nonlinearities in the deterministic trends and fractional integration processes. They suggest that real interest rates are mean‐reverting but not as persistent as suggested in the literature. In particular, the nonlinear model with autocorrelated errors provides no evidence of long memory, which questions most of the literature on real interest rates. The implications of these results are relevant to evaluate the effectiveness of policy interventions and the theoretical implications of different macroeconomic models as shocks affecting real interest rates will dissipate by themselves.
Assessment of thermodynamic stability of sapphire in eutectic molten chloride environment
Authors: Thyagatur Anugraha , Gakhar Ruchi , Chidambaram Dev , Calderoni Pattrick , Buric Michael , Mushongera Leslie T. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe continued development of molten salt reactors and concentrated solar power plants requires highly efficient and stable instruments that can efficiently monitor the chemical conditions of the molten salt during long‐term operation in both the fuel and coolant/heat transfer fluid loops. Sapphire (Al2O3) fibers have shown tremendous potential due to inherent radiation resistance and a broader operational range of temperature. In this work, computational thermodynamic modeling (CALPHAD) using the ThermoCalc software in conjunction with the SGTE (Scientific Group Thermodata Europe) Molten Salts (SALT1) and Pure Substances (Pure5) databases is applied to understand the compatibility of Al2O3 fibers with NaCl‐MgCl2 eutectic molten salt in the temperature range of 1500–2500 K. The thermodynamic calculations show that sapphire fibers are not expected to be stable over the long‐term when exposed to molten chloride salts at these temperatures. To improve the stability of these diagnostic fibers in molten salt environments, various pure metallic elements were evaluated as potential cladding materials for Al2O3 fibers. Based on the thermodynamic analysis, molybdenum (Mo) and nickel (Ni) could be effective cladding materials to enhance the stability of Al2O3 in NaCl‐MgCl2 chloride salt molten bath in the desired temperature range. Thus, the presence of Mo and Ni cladding can provide a protective coating against the corrosive molten salts, thus improving the stability of Al2O3. Additionally, it is also shown that Al2O3 remains stable up to 2400 K in the presence of preexisting Al2MgO4 and Al2NiO4 in the eutectic molten chloride bath environment.
Role of tellurium addition on the linear and non‐linear optical, structural, morphological properties of Ag60‐xSe40Tex thin films for nonlinear applications
Authors: Das Subhashree , Priyadarshini Priyanka , Alagarasan Devarajan , Vardhrajperumal Selvaraj , Ganesan Rajamanickam , Naik Ramakanta 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe tellurium (Te)‐doped Ag60‐xSe40Tex (x = 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%) thin films of thickness ∼800 nm were prepared from the bulk sample by thermal evaporation method on a glass substrate. The X‐ray diffraction study revealed the amorphous nature of the films whereas the change in vibrational modes was noticed from the Raman spectroscopy. The composition of the films was verified by energy dispersive X‐ray analysis and the surface morphology pictures were taken by field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscope. The changes in optical properties (linear and non‐linear) with Te addition were studied from UV‐Visible spectroscopy data and related empirical formulas. The addition of Te reduced the bandgap values significantly and the reduction in transmission resulted in the increase of the linear refractive index. The decrease in optical bandgap is due to an increase in disorder while the width of the tail in the gap increased with Te%. The optical density, dispersion energy, extinction coefficient, carrier concentration, dielectric constant, oscillator wavelength increased while the oscillator energy, oscillator strength, optical electronegativity decreased with Te content. The electrical susceptibility increased with Te content. The non‐linear susceptibilities and the non‐linear refractive index increased which is good for the nonlinear photonic devices.
Mitochondrial quality control in stroke: From the mechanisms to therapeutic potentials
Authors: Tian Heyan , Chen Xiangyu , Liao Jun , Yang Tong , Cheng Shaowu , Mei Zhigang , Ge Jinwen 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMitochondrial damage is a critical contributor to stroke‐induced injury, and mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is the cornerstone of restoring mitochondrial homeostasis and plays an indispensable role in alleviating pathological process of stroke. Mitochondria quality control promotes neuronal survival via various adaptive responses for preserving mitochondria structure, morphology, quantity and function. The processes of mitochondrial fission and fusion allow for damaged mitochondria to be segregated and facilitate the equilibration of mitochondrial components such as DNA, proteins and metabolites. The process of mitophagy is responsible for the degradation and recycling of damaged mitochondria. This review aims to offer a synopsis of the molecular mechanisms involved in MQC for recapitulating our current understanding of the complex role that MQC plays in the progression of stroke. Speculating on the prospect that targeted manipulation of MQC mechanisms may be exploited for the rationale design of novel therapeutic interventions in the ischaemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke. In the review, we highlight the potential of MQC as therapeutic targets for stroke treatment and provide valuable insights for clinical strategies.
Mitophagy‐regulated mitochondrial health strongly protects the heart against cardiac dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Xu Chunling , Cao Yangpo , Liu Ruxia , Liu Lei , Zhang Weilin , Fang Xuan , Jia Shi , Ye Jingjing , Liu Yingying , Weng Lin , Qiao Xue , Li Bo , Zheng Ming 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAutophagy including mitophagy serves as an important regulatory mechanism in the heart to maintain the cellular homeostasis and to protect against heart damages caused by myocardial infarction (MI). The current study aims to dissect roles of general autophagy and specific mitophagy in regulating cardiac function after MI. By using Beclin1+/−, Fundc1 knockout (KO) and Fundc1 transgenic (TG) mouse models, combined with starvation and MI models, we found that Fundc1 KO caused more severe mitochondrial and cardiac dysfunction damages than Beclin1+/− after MI. Interestingly, Beclin1+/− caused notable decrease of total autophagy without detectable change to mitophagy, and Fundc1 KO markedly suppressed mitophagy but did not change the total autophagy activity. In contrast, starvation increased total autophagy without changing mitophagy while Fundc1 TG elevated total autophagy and mitophagy in mouse hearts. As a result, Fundc1 TG provided much stronger protective effects than starvation after MI. Moreover, Beclin1+/−/Fundc1 TG showed increased total autophagy and mitophagy to a level comparable to Fundc1 TG per se, and completely reversed Beclin1+/−‐caused aggravation of mitochondrial and cardiac injury after MI. Our results reveal that mitophagy but not general autophagy contributes predominantly to the cardiac protective effect through regulating mitochondrial function.
How does the financial market influence firms' Green innovation? The role of equity analysts
Authors: Fiorillo Paolo , Meles Antonio , Mustilli Mario , Salerno Dario 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis paper investigates how equity analysts influence firms' green innovation across different financial markets. Using a unique data set consisting of more than 6000 listed firms across 56 different countries, we find that corporate green innovation is positively associated with the number of equity analysts following the firm. We attribute this result to the informational role of analysts, which encourages managers to invest more in eco‐innovation. However, when we divide the full sample into two subsamples based on whether covered firms are incorporated in market‐oriented or bank‐oriented countries, we find that the association between firm's green innovation and analyst coverage becomes negative in the case of market‐oriented financial systems. We argue that potential explanations for this result rely on the differences occurring among market‐oriented and bank‐oriented systems in terms of listed companies' ownership structure and the prevalence of arm's length transaction banking rather than long‐term lender–borrower relationships.
Be good to be wise: Environmental, Social, and Governance awareness as a potential credit risk mitigation factor
Authors: Brogi Marina , Lagasio Valentina , Porretta Pasqualina 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIntegrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into credit risk assessment is the new frontier for credit risk management as regulators and investors increasingly require banks to channel loans to “sustainable” borrowers and ultimately foster sustainable growth. Our findings show that higher ESG awareness is strongly associated with better creditworthiness (proxied by the Altman Z‐score). We apply a two‐step methodology to 3331 companies from various industries and geographies in the 2000–2016 period which reveals that high ESG awareness scores are strongly and very significantly associated with a reduction in firm credit risk. We check the robustness by using the Probability of Default as a dependent variable and an instrumental variable constructed with a factor analysis. Our results support the appropriateness of the introduction of ESG awareness parameters in the creditworthiness assessment of borrowers.