bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethnic differences in serum testosterone concentration among Malay, Chinese and Indian men: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Rajandram Retnagowri , Koong Jun K. , Quek Kia F. , Lee Eng G. , Razack Azad H. A. , Kuppusamy Shanggar 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate non‐urological patients with multiple comorbidities for factors contributing towards differences in testosterone concentration in multiethnic Malaysian men.DesignAn observational study.PatientsSexually active men, ≥40 years, with no known urological problems, were recruited at the phlebotomy clinic at our centre.MeasurementsA brief history along with latest fasting lipid profile and plasma glucose levels were obtained. An Aging Male Symptoms questionnaire was administered; waist circumference (WC) and serum testosterone concentration were measured.Statstical AnalysisAnalysis of testosterone concentration between Malay, Indian and Chinese men was performed. Statistical tests such as analysis of variance, χ2 test, univariate and multivariable regression were performed. Any p < .05 was noted as statistically significant.ResultsAmong the 604 participants analysed, mean testosterone concentration was significantly lower in Malays (15.1 ± 5.9 nmol/L) compared to the Chinese (17.0 ± 5.9 nmol/L) and Indian (16.1 ± 6.5 nmol/L) participants. The mean WC was also found to be higher among the Malays (96.1 ± 10.9 cm) compared to Chinese (92.6 ± 9.6 cm) and Indians (95.6 ± 9.9 cm). Testosterone concentration tended to be lower with higher age, but this was not statistically significant (p > .05). In the multivariable analysis only Malay ethnicity, WC ≥ 90 cm and low high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) were associated with lower testosterone concentration.ConclusionIn this study, Malaysian men of Malay origin had lower testosterone concentration compared with Indian and Chinese men. WC and low HDL were also associated with lower testosterone concentrations.
Similar species, different fates: Abundance dynamics in spatially structured populations of common and threatened frogs
Authors: Dalpasso Andrea , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Giachello Simone , Lo Parrino Elia , Manenti Raoul , Muraro Martina , Falaschi Mattia 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimUnderstanding which factors determine the variation in population size across space and time is crucial to plan sound conservation interventions. Amphibians are often characterized by large demographic changes, therefore a better understanding of factors driving these changes could help mitigate their global crisis. We investigated drivers of abundance dynamics of two similar frog species to understand why they met different fates in the same study area.LocationNorthern Italy.MethodsIn seven different years between 2004 and 2020, we performed repeated counts of egg masses of two similar frog species, the agile frog (Rana dalmatina) and the Italian agile frog (Rana latastei), in 31 wetlands, and used Bayesian models to estimate the relationships between frog abundance and candidate drivers acting at the scale of (i) site: wetland surface, shading percentage and the presence of the invasive red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii); (ii) landscape: forest cover around wetlands; (iii) climate: yearly precipitation and (iv) spatially structured population (SSP): clutch incidence of the focal species and crayfish incidence in the surrounding landscape.ResultsThe two species showed sharp differences in population size and trends: R. dalmatina was abundant and showed a stable trend throughout the entire study period; R. latastei showed low abundance in the first years and then almost disappeared. The abundance of R. dalmatina was positively related to forest cover, shading, wetland area and precipitation, while negatively related to the occurrence of invasive crayfish at both local and SSP level. R. latastei abundance increased with wetland area and precipitation, while models were not able to detect relationships with other factors.Main conclusionsThe high sensitivity to drought and demographic stochasticity could have contributed to the quasi‐extinction of R. latastei in the study area, highlighting that similar species can meet different fates even under the same environmental conditions.
Relative efficacy of psychological interventions following interpersonal trauma on anxiety, depression, substance use, and PTSD symptoms in young people: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Peters Wilma , Rice Simon , Alvarez‐Jimenez Mario , Hetrick Sarah E. , Halpin Emma , Kamitsis Ilias , Santesteban‐Echarri Olga , Bendall Sarah 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimInterpersonal trauma exposures are associated with anxiety, depression, and substance use in youth populations (aged 12–25 years). This meta‐analysis reports on the efficacy of psychological interventions on these symptom domains in addition to post‐traumatic stress.MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, a search of electronic databases was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing interventions for young people following interpersonal trauma exposure. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Data were analysed using random‐effects meta‐analyses.ResultsOf the 4832 records screened, 78 studies were reviewed, and 10 RCTs, involving 679 participants (mean age 15.6 years), were analysed. There was a large pooled effect size for post‐traumatic stress (7 studies, g = 1.43, 95% CI [0.37, 2.15], p = .002) and substance use (2 studies, g = 0.70, 95% CI [−0.11, 1.22], p < .001) and small effect sizes for anxiety (4 studies, g = 0.30, 95% CI [0.10, 0.49], p = .003), and trend‐level effect for depression (10 studies, g = 0.27, 95% CI [0.00, 0.54], p = .052). Heterogeneity was significant for post‐traumatic stress and moderate for depression.ConclusionsHigh‐quality RCTs of psychological interventions for anxiety, depression, substance use, and post‐traumatic stress symptoms in young people exposed to interpersonal trauma are scarce. While available studies show either statistically significant or trend‐level efficacy for psychological interventions in reducing these symptoms, wide confidence intervals, heterogeneity and small sample size mean that results need to be interpreted with caution.
Media coverage of the blue economy in British newspapers: Sea blindness and sustainable development
Authors: Germond‐Duret Celine , Germond Basil 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe wide acceptance and endorsement of the blue economy by public and private actors can be considered as a positive step towards the sustainable transition of coastal and marine environments. While particular attention needs to be paid to the potential risks posed by the perspective of economic gains resulting from marine exploitation, a large public support is also required to build a sustainable society. The mass media plays a critical role in communicating scientific advances and risks, shaping opinions, and fostering behavioural change. The article discusses the media coverage of the blue economy in British newspapers through a frame analysis. The analysis reveals that the blue economy is largely framed in terms of economic opportunities and weak sustainability, and treated in a very factual, non‐critical way. Sea blindness enables us to understand the lack of in‐depth discussion about the blue economy and its framing as an overtly positive economic opportunity. The findings also suggest that the way the blue economy is represented proceeds from the dominant development discourse that has spread onto the marine space.
The godfather provides: Enduring corruption and organizational hierarchy in the Kenyan police service
Authors: Mutahi Njoroge , Micheni Makena , Lake Milli 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDespite government commitments to mitigate corruption and strengthen mechanisms of accountability in state security sectors, reform efforts frequently fail to curb illegal practices by state agents. Scholars offer explanations that range from deeply embedded societal norms of appropriate behavior to rational accounts emphasizing the individualized benefits corruption can offer. Using a case study of the Service Standing Orders in Kenya's National Police Service however, we build on the work of Persson et al.'s analysis to show how corrupt practices on the part of street‐level agents are reinforced within organizational hierarchies, through institutionalized—rather than personalized—incentives and obligations. As a result, policy innovations that do not explicitly identify the countervailing incentives created through internal command structures are likely to miss potentially fruitful avenues for institutional reform.
What role should public firms play in the upstream market?
Authors: Liang Yongfu , Wang Leonard F. S. , Yang Yapo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe investigate the upstream public firm's desirable option of production timing in the vertically related upstream market. We find that multiple equilibria may exist, including the Cournot‐type and Stackelberg‐type, with different degrees of privatization in the presence of upstream firms' efficiency gap. These equilibrium outcomes are also influenced by the intensity of downstream market competition. We further show the corresponding optimal degree of privatization in different phases of gradual privatization.
Improvement for Ti3SiC2/Cu joint brazed using composite fillers with abnormal expansion ceramic particulates
Authors: Chen Haiyan , Nai Xin , Zhao Shuai , Lu Decai , Shen Zhikang , Li Wenya , Lu Chenyang , Cao Jian 
Published: February 2022

AbstractReducing the residual stresses and improving the mechanical strength of large‐scale ceramic/metal brazing joints is an important problem that must be solved for its practical engineering application. Using composite filler with solid‐state phase transformation ceramic particulates, it is theoretically feasible to relieve the residual stress and improve the mechanical properties of ceramic/metal brazed joints. In this study, Cu mesh, Ag–28Cu–2Ti (wt.%), and yttria‐stabilized zirconia (0.6 mol.% YSZ solid‐state phase transformation ceramic particulates) composite power fillers were used in the brazing of Ti3SiC2 ceramic and pure copper. The microstructure of joints and YSZ particulates in the interface was investigated and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, the effect of YSZ particulates content on the mechanical properties of joints was investigated and evaluated by the shear strength. The results show that the interfacial phases were mainly Ti5Si3, TiC, TixCu, Ag (s, s), Cu (s, s), and YSZ particulates. Moreover, most of YSZ particulates undergo the solid‐state phase transformation from tetragonal zirconia (t‐ZrO2) to monoclinic zirconia (m‐ZrO2) during the cooling process of brazing. The abnormal volume expansion of the solid‐state phase transformation reduced the thermal mismatch between Ti3SiC2 ceramic and filler, thereby reducing the residual stress in the interface of joint. When using composite filler with 6 wt.% YSZ particulates, the shear strength of Ti3SiC2/Cu joint reached the maximum. The maximum average shear strength of the joints was 80.2 MPa, which was about 103.6% more than the joint without YSZ particulates.
Quality of dialysis water and dialysate in haemodialysis centres: Highlight for occurrence of non-fermenting gram-negative bacilli
Authors: Anversa Laís , Romani Caroline D. , Caria Eliane S. , Saeki Erika K. , Nascentes Gabriel A. N. , Garbelotti Maricene , Stancari Regina C. A. , Dantas Stéfani T. A. , Rall Vera L. M. , Ruiz Luciana S. , Camargo Carlos H. , Richini-Pereira Virgínia B. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological quality of dialysis water and dialysate samples from haemodialysis centres.Methods and ResultsSamples were fortnightly collected from three haemodialysis centres in Bauru City, Brazil, between July 2017 and June 2018, at the stages of post-reverse osmosis, reuse and dialysate. Analyses included determination of conductivity, fluoride, nitrate and sulphate; test for total coliform bacteria; count of heterotrophic bacteria; count and identification of non-fermenting gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB); drug susceptibility test; biofilm formation capacity; and genetic similarity among some isolated NFGNB. Of the analysed samples, only 4/72 (5.6%) had conductivity values ≥10 mS/cm, 4/216 (1.9%) presented total coliforms and 1/216 (0.5%) had heterotrophic bacteria count &gt;100 CFU/ml. NFGNB were isolated from 99/216 (45.8%) samples, and the major identified micro-organisms included Herbaspirillum aquaticum/huttiense, Brevundimonas aurantiaca, Cupriavidus metallidurans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Ralstonia insidiosa. Isolates of P. aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia complex were sensitive to most antimicrobials and, together with isolates of Ralstonia insidiosa and Ralstonia pickettii, showed strong biofilm formation capacity. Some isolates expressed the same electrophoretic profile on pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, indicating the persistence of bacterial clones in the systems over time.ConclusionsNFGNB were observed in several dialysis water and dialysate samples from all investigated centres, which may represent a risk to the health of patients.Significance and Impact of the StudyRegular inclusion of actions for NFGNB control and monitoring in haemodialysis fluids are suggested for greater safety of the dialytic process.
A new species of the congrid eel genus Ariosoma (Anguilliformes: Congridae) from the south‐west coast of India
Authors: Kodeeswaran Paramasivam , Mohapatra Anil , Dhinakaran Arulraj , Ajith Kumar Thipramalai Thangappan Pillai , Lal Kuldeep Kumar 
Published: February 2022

AbstractA new congrid eel species, Ariosoma maurostigma sp. nov., is described on the basis of 24 specimens collected from the deep‐sea trawl by‐catch, Kalamukku Fishing Harbour, off Kerala, Arabian Sea. The new species differs from all other congeners in having the following combination of characters: dark mark or spot on the posterodorsal margin of the eyes; dorsal surface of head with two faint darkish bands across the anterior and posterior margin of the eye; origin of the dorsal fin before the pectoral‐fin base; short vomerine teeth patch, ST pores 3, 1 median pore and 1 lateral pore on each side just behind the median pore; preanal vertebrae 47–51; precaudal vertebrae 54–57; total vertebrae 136–142; total pores 129–134. The phylogenetic analysis reveals that the new species is closely related to Ariosoma melanospilos and Ariosoma anale, with divergences of 13.8% and 14.9%, respectively.
Interbank borrowing and bank liquidity risk
Authors: Li Zongyuan , Lai Rose Neng 
Published: February 2022

AbstractTo avoid illiquidity spillovers and basis risk in swaps, interbank lenders are especially cautious about whether interbank borrowers can meet their claims. We examine whether the incentive of interbank lenders to penalize risky borrowers can reduce borrowers' liquidity risk taking. We find that interbank borrowers, especially small and medium banks, manage their liquidity risks more prudently than their counterparts. This phenomenon is especially significant for borrowers with high information asymmetry, low liquidity buffers, and high funding gaps. Our results suggest that interbank exposure reduces the asset, funding, and off‐balance‐sheet liquidity risks of small and medium borrowing banks, and can therefore supplement regulatory liquidity requirements, which target only the largest banks.
What conservative interventions improve bite function in those with temporomandibular disorders? A systematic review using self‐reported and physical measures
Authors: Dinsdale Alana , Costin Brianna , Dharamdasani Simran , Page Ruth , Purs Nykeela , Treleaven Julia 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundBite is an important function of the human stomatognathic system. Despite this, it is commonly impaired in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) populations. The aim of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of conservative interventions on self‐reported and physical measures of bite function in individuals with TMD.MethodsThis review was performed in compliance with PRISMA guidelines. An electronic search was performed on databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane Central. Inclusion criteria were journal articles evaluating the effect of any non‐pharmacological conservative interventions on bite function in participants diagnosed with TMD. Risk of bias for individual studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias v2 tool, and the NIH NHLBI pre‐post tool. Data was synthesised based on outcome measures of bite function, and the quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.ResultsEleven studies were eligible for this review. Interventions included splinting, photobiomodulation, needling, exercise, manual therapy, and patient education, which were evaluated using mastication‐related pain, self‐reported chewing difficulty, and bite force/endurance outcome measures. Findings suggested manual therapy, needling, oral splinting, exercise, and PBM interventions may improve bite function in TMD, although confidence in cumulative evidence ranged from moderate to very low. There was no evidence that patient education improved bite function.ConclusionConservative interventions may be helpful to address bite‐related impairments associated with TMD, although further research is needed to improve the quality of evidence and direct clinical guidelines.
Patients with ANCA‐associated vasculitis' experiences of informational needs: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Thorborg Tina , Ivarsen Per , Lacroise Dorthe Johanne , Päevatalu Astrid Overgaard , Breer Camilla Bader , Finderup Jeanette 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundAnti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis is a rare chronic autoimmune organ‐ and life‐threatening disease primarily affecting kidneys and lungs. The clinical symptoms of the disease vary considerably, and patients may display varied symptoms. Healthcare professionals believe that the patients are well informed about their disease and symptoms of relapse. However, some patients contact the Department later than expected after the debut of symptoms of relapse.AimTo investigate patients' experiences of informational needs living with anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis.DesignIndividual semi‐structured interviews by telephone due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Data were analysed through systematic text condensation. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was used.ParticipantsTen patients were diagnosed with anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies‐associated vasculitis.ApproachA qualitative study.FindingsWe identified five themes: ʻNeed oral and written information in a combination’, ʻNeed information about living with the disease’, ʻNeed information about symptoms and indications of relapse’, ʻNeed psychological support to receive information about the disease’ and ʻNeed a peer for sharing information’.ConclusionTo increase patients' self‐management skills, healthcare professionals should focus on three areas of information: ‘Provision of information’, ‘Content of the information’ and ‘Learning prerequisites’. This study indicates that patients have an increased need for more and clear information about the disease as well as psychological support to react accurately to symptoms that may lead to relapse. Most of the patients had limited knowledge, which indicates that patients need a better understanding of their disease, symptoms and relapse.
VIRTUE AND HIERARCHY IN EARLY CONFUCIAN ETHICS
Authors: Yin Peng 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAaron Stalnaker’s Mastery, Dependency, and the Ethics of Authority proposes a moral vision that reclaims authority and dependency as indispensable conditions for fostering autonomy. Contemporary Western ethics, argues Stalnaker, is mired in faulty thinking about a set of linked concepts that inhibits an appreciation for the ubiquitous fact of human interdependence. The nature of authority is viewed as exclusively coercive, freedom as primarily negative, autonomy as automatically possessed, and equality as incompatible with differentiated appraisal of moral achievement and expertise. Stalnaker retrieves early Confucianism as a corrective because it does not present authority and autonomy in competitive terms. Instead, early Confucianism advocates that properly submitting oneself to the right sort of authority and dependent social relationships is the indispensable path for cultivating autonomy. The article lifts up three attractive claims of the proposal and probes the tension between virtue, hierarchy, and cosmology in early Confucianism.
On the Structure and Significance of Augustine’s Moral Grammar
Authors: Westerholm Martin 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis essay traces Augustine’s understanding of the structuring elements that give shape to human becoming. It presents this understanding as a distinctive form of maximalism in thinking about happiness, justice, and power, and as standing apart from classical and modern alternatives in its approach to desire, power, and mediation. By tracing the way that Augustine develops a moral grammar across three distinctive constellations of concepts, it shows where influential interpretations of his work leave important elements behind, and wider contemporary conceptions may benefit from dialogue with his work.
Functional traits contribute in opposite directions to taxonomic turnover in northeastern US forests over time
Authors: Umaña María Natalia , Zambrano Jenny , Norden Natalia 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAims: Understanding the processes driving forest dynamics requires considering that species within communities do not respond in a coordinated manner to external factors. We argue that temporal turnover in species composition results from contrasting differences in species life history and functional strategies (demography and seed and wood traits) that might simultaneously promote stability and dynamism by operating on distinct subsets of species. Specifically, fast taxonomic turnover should be promoted by species that take advantage of sporadically available resources, while forest stability should be promoted by species with conservative and stress‐tolerant life histories.Location: Northeastern USA.Methods: We combine demographic information (survival, recruitment) over a 14‐year period from temperate tree communities in the northeastern United States with trait information on species seed mass and wood density as a proxy for their reproductive and resource acquisition strategies, to evaluate the differential contribution of species with contrasting ecological strategies (low vs high seed mass/wood density) to rates of compositional turnover in temperate forests.Results: The apparent dynamism of US forests is mostly driven by high mortality and low recruitment of small‐seeded species and by high mortality and recruitment of low wood density species. Simultaneously, species with the opposite traits, i.e., high seed mass and wood density, contribute more to stability. Our findings suggest that forests dynamics in the northeastern United States are the outcome of opposing contributions of life history and plant traits that simultaneously promote forest stability and rapid taxonomic turnover by operating differentially across tree species.Conclusions: Small‐seeded and low wood density species promote faster forest turnover than species with the opposite traits. Not accounting for these functional differences in community‐level analyses is likely to mask the complex dynamics of temperate forests. This study demonstrates the importance of studying forest composition and structure under a dynamic scope that accounts for differences in functional strategies across species.