bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influencing factors of crude oil maritime shipping freight fluctuations: a case of Suezmax tankers in Europe–Africa routes
Authors: Chen Jihong , Zhao Renjie , Xiong Wenjing , Wan Zheng , Xu Lang , Zhang Weipan 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe paper aims to identify the contributors to freight rate fluctuations in the Suezmax tanker market; this study selected the refinery output, crude oil price, one-year charter rate and fleet development as the main influencing factors for the market analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe paper used the vector error correction model to evaluate the degree of impact of each influencing factor on Suezmax tanker freight rates, as well as the interplay between these factors.FindingsThe conclusion and results were tested using the 20-year data from 1999 to 2019, and the methodology and theory of this paper were proved to be effective. Results of this study provide effective reference for scholars to find the law of fluctuations in Suezmax tanker freight rates.Originality/valueThis paper provides a decision-making support tool for tanker operators to cope with fluctuation risks in the tanker shipping market.
The emerging work system and strategy for skills transition in South Africa
Authors: Samuel Olorunjuwon Michael , Moagi Tshegofatso 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
The rapidly emerging digital work system, accentuated by technological innovation, has dramatically changed the nature of skill-sets required for employees to perform their tasks effectively at the workplaces. This paper aims to examine the skills development strategies that organizations in South Africa are adopting in the transitioning of their respective workforces to fit the skills dynamics of the emerging work system.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses the interpretive qualitative research strategy to draw evidence from semi-structured interviews conducted on 38 respondents, using the thematic analytical process to derive themes embedded in the data set.

Findings
Based on the strength of data analysis, this paper identified two broad themes and six sub-themes that are critical for the transformation and transition of existing pool of skills for the emerging work system in South Africa.

Research limitations/implications
The research lacks ability to be generalized, which is a methodological limitation that is inherently associated with cross-sectional design and qualitative strategy in terms of causality and generalizability of findings.

Originality/value
The main value-add of this paper is the development of evidence-based research outcomes that provide both theoretical and practical framework for skills development and transition initiatives that are imperative for policy formulation. The paper responded to, and advanced the respective works of Hirschi (2017), Sharma et al. (2021) and Barley et al. (2017), by establishing the following strategic themes that are critical for skills development and transition mechanisms in the emerging work system: stakeholder relationship, media and public perception, learning organization, higher education system, continuous skills development and technology and job losses.
Country-level sustainability and cross-border banking flows
Authors: Avci Sureyya Burcu , Sungu-Esen Gözde 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the association between country-level sustainability scores and cross-border bank-to-non-bank flows within countries.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyze cross-border banking flows into the real sector firms of 26 developed countries from 2006 to 2017. The authors use a dynamic panel ordinary least square along with an instrumental variable and a generalized method of moments regressions to test the relationship between country-level sustainability scores and cross-border banking flows. Additionally, the authors apply Fama-MacBeth cross-sectional regression and non-parametric portfolio tests to obtain robust results.FindingsThe impact of country-level sustainability scores on cross-border banking flows is positive and significant. This finding is consistent with the signaling theory, which states that a country’s sustainability score is a signal to attract more international fund flows. Notably, the authors deduce that environmental sustainability is more important than the social and governance pillars.Practical implicationsThe findings indicate that the real sector firms located in countries having higher sustainability scores can receive more international bank flows. Consequently, policymakers should focus more on country-level sustainability investments to improve the financing of resident firms.Social implicationsPolicymakers should focus more on country-level sustainability investments to improve the financing of resident firms.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, no existing study has investigated the signaling function of country-level sustainability scores in the cross-border banking flow conjecture. By investigating this relationship for real sector firms, this study portrays how the non-banking sector can benefit from such a policy that promotes sustainable practices at the country level.
Dormancy and viability ofFerocactus peninsulae(Cactaceae) seeds
Authors: Rojas‐Aréchiga Mariana , García‐Morales Erick 
Published: January 2022

AbstractKnowledge on seed dormancy is crucial for the understanding of plant population dynamics, as it controls seed germination and seed bank formation. Dormant seeds have high potential to establish in soil seed banks, but such information within Cactaceae is scarce, although it is essential for conservation programs. The aim of this study was to determine if seeds ofFerocactus peninsulaeshowed any kind of dormancy and to test their germination capacity after storage. This was assessed with 15 seed sowing experiments done over 4 years with seeds stored under room conditions (20 ± 2°C). We demonstrated the existence of physiological dormancy inF. peninsulaeseeds that is broken with an after‐ripening period. Germination was low during the first 3 months of storage (d = 0.206) but increased after 10 months of storage (d = 0.654), and seeds maintained their viability at 48 months (d = 0.707). Also, their speed of germination increased with storage time.Ferocactus peninsulaeseeds are positively photoblastic, and the requirement for light for germination persisted over all experiments. The results provide crucial information for propagation and conservation research and may allow us to infer thatF. peninsulaeseeds are able to form a persistent soil seed bank, as they maintained their viability after dormancy is released.
Correlation between fetal heart rate evolution patterns and magnetic resonance imaging findings in severe cerebral palsy: A longitudinal study
Authors: Nakao Masahiro , Nanba Yukiko , Okumura Asumi , Hasegawa Junichi , Toyokawa Satoshi , Ichizuka Kiyotake , Kanayama Naohiro , Satoh Shoji , Tamiya Nanako , Nakai Akihito , Fujimori Keiya , Maeda Tsugio , Suzuki Hideaki , Iwashita Mitsutoshi , Oka Akira , Ikeda Tomoaki 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association between hypoxic‐ischaemic insult timing and brain injury type in infants with severe cerebral palsy (CP).DesignLongitudinal study.SettingDatabase of the Recurrence Prevention Committee, Japan Obstetric Compensation System for Cerebral Palsy.SampleInfants with severe CP born at ≥34 weeks of gestation.MethodsThe intrapartum fetal heart rate (FHR) strips were categorised as continuous bradycardia; persistently non‐reassuring (NR‐NR); reassuring‐prolonged deceleration (R‐PD); Hon's pattern (R‐Hon); persistently reassuring (R‐R); and unclassified. The brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were categorised based on the predominant site involved: basal ganglia‐thalamus (BGT); white matter (WM); watershed (WS); stroke; normal; and unclassified.Main outcome measuresManifestations of the brain MRI types and the association between FHR evolution pattern and MRI type were analysed.ResultsAmong 672 eligible infants, 76% had BGT‐dominant injury, 5.4% WM, 1.2% WS, 1.6% stroke, 1.9% normal, and 14% unclassified. Placental abruption and small‐for‐gestational age were associated with an increased (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 8.02) and decreased (aOR 0.38) risk of BGT injury, respectively. The majority of infants had BGT injury in most FHR groups (bradycardia, 97%; NR‐NR, 75%; R‐PD, 90%; R‐Hon, 76%; and R‐R, 45%). The risk profiles in case of BGT in the NR‐NR group were similar to those in the R‐PD and R‐Hon groups.ConclusionBGT‐dominant brain damage accounted for three‐fourths of the cases of CP in term or near‐term infants, even in prenatal onset cases. Hypoxic‐ischaemic insult has a major impact on CP development during the antenatal period.Tweetable abstractBasal ganglia‐thalamus injury constitutes 76% of severe cerebral palsy cases, predominant even in antenatal‐onset cases.
Homicidal paraquat poisoning: Poisoned while drinking
Authors: Liu Zihao , Huang Fang , Zhao Shuquan , Ma Longda , Shi Qing , Zhou Yiwu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe incidence of paraquat poisoning has significantly decreased with the addition of odorizer and emetics to the liquid concentrate. Paraquat poisonings are usually attributed to suicidal and accidental or occupational exposure. Here, we report an unusual fatal case of homicidal paraquat poisoning. An intoxicated, a 37‐year‐old man consumed a mixture of white wine and paraquat prepared by his wife. This resulted in intermittent vomiting, which he attributed to being intoxicated. The man was admitted to the hospital for treatment 3 days later. Due to the lack of knowledge of paraquat exposure, the man did not receive effective treatment and died of respiratory failure 22 days later. High‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) was applied to detect paraquat in 16 postmortem specimens: kidney (1.31 ug/g), urine (0.91 ug/ml), liver (0.62 ug/g), lung (0.39 ug/g), muscle (0.35 ug/g), bile (0.32 ug/ml), heart (0.28 ug/g), brain (0.22 ug/g), pancreas (0.22 ug/g), spleen (0.18 ug/g), cardiac blood (0.15 ug/ml), cerebrospinal fluid (0.14 ug/ml), pericardial effusion (0.12 ug/ml), pleural effusion (0.09 ug/ml), peripheral blood (0.08 ug/ml), and vitreous humor (0.06 ug/ml). The highest concentration of paraquat was detected in the kidney followed by the urine in all tissues and body fluids. At present, although the cases of paraquat poisoning have decreased, the high mortality rate resulting from its irreversible lung damage and respiratory failure makes paraquat poisoning, especially occult paraquat poisoning, still needs to be carefully identified in forensic practice and clinical diagnosis.
Top interpretable neural network for handwriting identification
Authors: Marcinowski Maciej 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMachine learning (ML) has become one of the most promising tools in forensics, despite its dominant method of artificial neural networks (ANNs) suffering from the black‐box problem. While forensic methodology demands explainability and evaluativity, neural networks are unexplainable, hence almost unfalsifiable. Our study was conducted to mitigate this problem in a case‐like context, by creating a novel top interpretable neural network (TINN) for identification of the authors of handwritten documents. The idea of top interpretability assumes that it is irrelevant how the handwriting features are extracted from documents, as long as they are semantically sensible and the sole determinants of identification. The model was tasked with supervised extraction of handwriting characteristics and subsequent identification of the writers on that basis. The interpretable model not only outperformed all comparative models in terms of author identification, but also underperformed in terms of features extraction (achieving satisfactory results nonetheless). Visualizations of features—extracted by the model to perform its tasks—suggest that it considers rational and semantically sensible features of handwriting, but we are unable to determine whether it learned the exact features of handwriting we desired. The approach of top interpretability proved to be effective in terms of accuracy and interpretability. Furthermore, if we were to judge features extracted by such a network as unconvincing, then our approach is a highly efficient method of falsification. Lastly, the success of this study—performed on a small‐scale identificational problem—suggests that a similar approach could yield better results on a large‐scale identificational or verificational problem.
Rapid production of l‐DOPA by Vibrio natriegens, an emerging next‐generation whole‐cell catalysis chassis
Authors: Liu Xing , Han Xiao , Peng Yuan , Tan Chunlin , Wang Jing , Xue Hongsong , Xu Ping , Tao Fei 
Published: January 2022

Summary3, 4‐Dihydroxyphenyl‐l‐alanine (l‐DOPA) is a compound of high medical value and is considered effective as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Currently, bioproduction of l‐DOPA is mainly carried out by whole‐cell catalysis mediated by recombinant Escherichia coli carrying heterogeneous tyrosine phenol lyase. Vibrio natriegens is increasingly attracting attention owing to its superiority, including extremely rapid growth and high soluble protein expression capacity. In this study, we attempt to develop an efficient whole‐cell catalyst for l‐DOPA production using V. natriegens as the chassis. The maximum soluble protein expression by V. natriegens was accomplished in 4 h at 37°C, which was equivalent to that achieved by E. coli in 16 h at 16°C. Furthermore, the maximum productivity reached over 10.0 g l−1 h−1 in the early stage of biocatalysis, nearly two‐fold higher than previously reported. Approximately 54.0 g l−1 l‐DOPA was obtained with a catechol conversion rate greater than 95%. In conclusion, V. natriegens displays advantages, including rapid protein expression and catalytic rate in the catalysis process for l‐DOPA production. These findings strongly suggest that V. natriegens has remarkable potential as a whole‐cell catalysis chassis for the production of valuable chemicals.
Population genomics provides insights into lineage divergence and local adaptation within the cotton bollworm
Authors: Zhang Jianpeng , Zhang Feng , Tay Wee Tek , Robin Charles , Shi Yu , Guan Fang , Yang Yihua , Wu Yidong 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera is a cosmopolitan pest and its diverse habitats plausibly contribute to the formation of diverse lineages. Despite the significant threat it poses to economic crops worldwide, its evolutionary history and genetic basis of local adaptation are poorly understood. In this study, we de novo assembled a high‐quality chromosome‐level reference genome of H. a. armigera (contig N50 = 7.34 Mb), with 99.13% of the HaSCD2 assembly assigned to 31 chromosomes (Z‐chromosome + 30 autosomes). We constructed an ultradense variation map across 14 cotton bollworm populations and identified a novel lineage in northwestern China. Historical inference showed that effective population size changes coincided with global temperature fluctuation. We identified nine differentiated genes in the three H. armigera lineages (H. a. armigera, H. a. conferta and the new northwestern Chinese lineage), of which per and clk genes are involved in circadian rhythm. Selective sweep analyses identified a series of Gene Ontology categories related to climate adaptation, feeding behaviour and insecticide tolerance. Our findings reveal fundamental knowledge of the local adaptation of different cotton bollworm lineages and will guide the formulation of cotton bollworm management measures at different scales.
Altered T lymphocyte subtypes and cytokine profiles in follicular fluid associated with diminished ovary reserve
Authors: Zhao Nannan , Zhang Ce , Ding Jie , Wu Huihua , Cheng Wei , Li Mingqing , Zhu Rui , Li Hong 
Published: January 2022

AbstractProblemDiminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a daunting obstacle in in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), leading to poor reproductive outcomes. We aim to characterize the T cell and cytokine profiles in follicular fluid (FF) and elucidate its contribution to the development of DOR.Method of studyA total of 92 infertile women were enrolled in the study. We assessed the ultrastructure, proliferation, and apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs). The levels of CCL5 and cytokines in FF was measured. Additionally, we classified the T cells and analyzed cytokines production in T cell. We further verified whether CCL5 can recruit specific T cell subcytes to the follicles.ResultsCytoplasmic vacuolization, nucleolar dissociation, partial shortening, swelling, and fusion of mitochondrial cristae were obvious in GCs with DOR. The proliferation of GCs decreased and the proportion of apoptosis increased in DOR. The down‐regulation of Bcl‐2 and up‐regulation of caspase3 were seen in GCs with DOR. The number of CD8+ T cells and proportion of CD8+ /CD4+ T cells in DOR exceeded the control. Higher positive percentage of CD69, CCR5, and IFN‐γ in CD8+ T cells, lower positive percentage of IL‐10 in CD4+ T cells and PD‐1 in CD8+ T cells were detected in DOR. CCL5 accumulated promoting the recruitment of CD8+ T cells to the follicles on interaction with CCR5.ConclusionThe abnormal proportion of CD8+ T cells and elevated CCL5 and IFN‐γ may change the immune balance in FF and impair the growth of GCs, which in turn fuel the progression of DOR.
Peri‐operative neurological monitoring with electroencephalography and cerebral oximetry: a narrative review
Authors: Chung C. K. E. , Poon C. C. M. , Irwin M. G. 
Published: January 2022

SummarySurgery and anaesthesia subject the brain to considerable stress in the peri‐operative period. This may be caused by potentially neurotoxic anaesthetic drugs, impaired cerebral perfusion and reperfusion injury related to surgery or thromboembolic events. Patient monitoring using electroencephalogram and cerebral oximetry can assist in optimising depth of anaesthesia and assessment of cerebral metabolic activity. However, research findings have been contradictory as to whether these monitors can help ameliorate peri‐operative neurocognitive complications. In this narrative review, we will discuss recent evidence in the use of electroencephalography and cerebral oximetry and the underlying scientific principles. It is important to appreciate the raw electroencephalographic changes under anaesthesia and those associated with ageing, in order to interpret depth of anaesthesia indices correctly. Cerebral oximetry is useful not only for the detection of cerebral desaturation but also to identify those patients who are particularly vulnerable to injury, for better risk stratification. An algorithm‐based approach may be most effective in managing the episodes of cerebral desaturation.
Pragmatic sedation strategies to prevent secondary brain injury in low‐resource settings
Authors: Kayambankadzanja R. K. , Samwel R. , Baker T. 
Published: January 2022

SummaryTraumatic brain injury is the alteration in brain function due to an external force. It is common and affects millions of people worldwide annually. The World Health Organization estimates that 90% of global deaths caused by injuries occur in low‐ and middle‐income countries, with traumatic brain injury contributing up to half of these trauma‐related deaths. Patients with traumatic brain injury in low‐ and middle‐income countries have twice the odds of dying compared with their counterparts in high‐income countries. Sedation is a key element of care in the management of traumatic brain injury, used for its neuroprotective effects and to prevent secondary brain injury. While sedatives have the potential to improve outcomes, they can be challenging to administer and have potentially dangerous complications. Sedation in low‐resource settings should aim to be effective, safe, affordable and feasible. In this paper, we summarise the indications for sedation in traumatic brain injury, the choice of sedative drugs and the pragmatic management and monitoring of sedated traumatic brain injury patients in low‐resource settings.
Bioengineering of fibroblast‐conditioned polycaprolactone/gelatin electrospun scaffold for skin tissue engineering
Authors: Yazdanpanah Ayna , Madjd Zahra , Pezeshki‐Modaress Mohamad , Khosrowpour Zahra , Farshi Paniz , Eini Leila , Kiani Jafar , Seifi Morteza , Kundu Subhas C. , Ghods Roya , Gholipourmalekabadi Mazaher 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundSynthetic tissue engineering scaffolds has poor biocompatiblity with very low angiogenic properties. Conditioning the scaffolds with functional groups, coating with biological components, especially extracellular matrix (ECM), is an excellent strategy for improving their biomechanical and biological properties.MethodsIn the current study, a composite of polycaprolactone and gelatin (PCL/Gel) was electrospun in the ratio of 70/30 and surface modified with 1% gelatin‐coating (G‐PCL/Gel) or plasma treatment (P‐PCL/Gel). The surface modification was determined by SEM and ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy, respectively. The scaffolds were cultured with fibroblast 3T3, then decellularized during freeze‐thawing process to fabricate a fibroblast ECM‐conditioned PCL/Gel scaffold (FC‐PCL/Gel). The swelling and degaradtion as well as in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility and angiogenic properties of the scaffolds were evaluated.ResultsThe structure of the surface‐modified G‐PCL/Gel and P‐PCL/Gel were unique and not changed compared with the PCL/Gel scaffolds. ATR‐FTIR analysis admitted the formation of oxygen‐containing groups, hydroxyl and carboxyl, on the surface of the P‐PCL/Gel scaffold. The SEM micrographs and DAPI staining confirmed the cell attachment and the ECM deposition on the platform and successful removal of the cells after decellularization. P‐PCL/Gel showed better cell attachment, ECM secretion and deposition after decellularization compared with G‐PCL/Gel. The FC‐PCL/Gel was considered as an optimized scaffold for further assays in this study. The FC‐PCL/Gel showed increased hydrophilic behavior and cytobiocompatibility compared with P‐PCL/Gel. The ECM on the FC‐PCL/Gel scaffold showed a gradual degradation during 30 days of degradation time, as a small amount of ECM remained over the FC‐PCL/Gel scaffold at day 30. The FC‐PCL/Gel showed significant biocompatibility and improved angiogenic property compared with P‐PCL/Gel when subcutaneously implanted in a mouse animal model for 7 and 28 days.ConclusionsOur findings suggest FC‐PCL/Gel as an excellent biomimetic construct with high angiogenic properties. This bioengineered construct can serve as a possible application in our future pre‐clinical and clinical studies for skin regeneration.