bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Legal Framework for Foreign Investment in the Iranian Banking Sector
Authors: Ansaripour M.A. , Mohammadi Ahmad 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The banking services are heavily regulated in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The regulatory framework is based on the Monetary and Banking Act 1351 (1972) which was supplemented with the Interest-Free Banking Operations Act 1362 (1983) in post-revolutionary period. The Council of Money and Credit of the Central Bank of Iran performs the regulatory functions. Iran has tried to attract foreign investment in its banking sector under the Promotion and Protection of Foreign Investment Act 1381 (2002). The current regulatory regime provides four channels to foreign investors for investment in the banking sector. First is partnership with the existing Iranian banks; second is establishing a development bank, third is to establish foreign banks, and fourth is to establish branches of foreign banks. Iran is likely to attract foreign investment in its banking sector especially after its accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on September 22, 2021. This however will require reforms in the current regulatory regime that is stringent and ambiguous in many aspects related to the establishment, functions, operations, winding up of banks.
Tkhelidze v. Georgia: Domestic Abuse and the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: McQuigg Ronagh J.A. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
On 8 July 2021, in Tkhelidze v. Georgia, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) added to its growing body of jurisprudence on domestic abuse. This case is noteworthy as being the first decision of the ECtHR on this issue since the Grand Chamber issued its judgment in Kurt v. Austria, the only domestic abuse case to date which has been heard by the Grand Chamber. In its judgment, the Grand Chamber set out a number of general principles to be applied in such cases, and these principles were subsequently applied in Tkhelidze. The decision in Tkhelidze also highlighted that a procedural breach of article 2 can be established by a lack of an effective investigation into the failings of state authorities to respond sufficiently to domestic abuse.
Avifauna diversity and conservation challenges in Lake Arekit, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tilahun Belete , Hailu Abera , Abie Kassahun , Kidane Teklebrehan , Alemkere Azmeraw 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This study was conducted to explore bird species diversity and conservation challenges in Lake Arekit located in the Guraghe Zone of Ethiopia. Point counts along the shoreline of the lake were employed to identify and record birds. Potential threats to the lake were identified through field observation and via key informant interviews. A total number of 56 bird species belonging to 23 families, and 11 orders were observed. One species, the Blue winged Goose (Cyanochen cyanoptera) was endemic, three species were near-endemic, and five species were vulnerable in their conservation status. A significantly higher number of species (i.e., 47) was recorded in the dry season than in the wet season (i.e., 24). The relative abundance of birds was also significantly higher during the dry season (t = 2.23, P > 0.05). The study also showed that Lake Arekit is under severe threats including urbanization with unwise waste disposals, siltation, and intensive agricultural expansion. Therefore, urgent stakeholder actions are required to save this lake and thereby the vast array of its biodiversity particularly the birds.
Opposite Directions
Authors: Rosendahl Thomsen Mads 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic is a powerful reminder that there is only one humanity and that all individuals are subject to infections and illness. However, news media and the internet are overflowing with data that reminds us of the fact that we are living in an unequal world in which even neighbors close their borders and observe how other countries are faring in the battle against the virus. Literature is no stranger to these opposing orientations, between local and global, national and universal. This essay will address some of the historical uses of global issues in literature and how they play a particular role in world literature, as well as comparing them to the current situation. Traumatic literature is of particular concern in terms of representation and decorum, and the formal inventiveness that this demands and inspires.
Microcuentos
Authors: Medina Cordova Luis A. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This article brings attention to a form of narrative fiction that has engaged with the Covid-19 outbreak by embracing social media. Microcuentos, a form of very brief short stories usually referred to as flash fiction in English, have widely circulated across Latin America through digital platforms in pandemic times. But more than simply thriving in a context of globally spread fear, death, and isolation, I argue that – in the 2020s – microcuentos are uniquely suited for pandemic times. By combining narrative intensity condensed in a structurally limited wordcount with social media’s capacity to circulate swiftly and widely, writers of microcuentos across the region have been exceptionally capable of responding to the crisis as it is happening. The case of the Latin American microcuento in the time of Covid-19 invites us to question the hegemony of the novel while rethinking the meanings of World Literature in a pandemic and post-pandemic world.
Natural Mediation in Youth Street Groups as a Form of Resistance in the Peripheries: An Ethnographic Comparison between Barcelona and Madrid (Spain)
Authors: Oliver María , Ballesté Eduard 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This paper analyses the recent evolution of transnational youth street groups in the cities of Barcelona and Madrid (Spain) in the last two decades, with special focus in the Latin Kings and Queens group and based on the definitions and uses of the terms borders, peripheries and mediation. Our data presents part of the preliminary ethnographic results of the research carried on from 2019 until mid-2021 and focuses on the comparison of the current situation of the groups in both cities, attending to factors as internal structure, link to the territory and their position in the social space. In order to do this, we pay attention to the differences in the groups and the mediation processes in which they are implied, either internal or external, considering the possibilities of both natural and formal mediation.
Gold Sellers in the Streets of Bachdjerrah: El Houma: Community Identity and Globalised Economic Territory
Authors: Boucherf Kamel , Medjoub Razika 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In Algeria, the informal dynamic experienced by the gold sector since the 1980s was accompanied by the creation of informal trading spaces, the most important of which are in Algiers and Oran. These markets play the role of intermediary between the various actors in the informal gold sector, in particular transnational networks for the supply and marketing of the precious metal. The latter is part of this non-hegemonic economic globalization which relies on adventurers of the new market capitalism. Its network spans from Italy, Dubai to Turkey, in particular the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. These transnational networks do not only concern the import of jewelry for consumption, but also the smuggling of gold from Algeria and this is also the case for used gold. In the paper we try to come back to the experiences of informal gold sellers in these transnational precious metal networks.
From Untouchable to Dalit: Narratives and Strategies of Assertion among the Scheduled Castes of Pakistan
Authors: Mahmood Sadia 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Tharparkar, a borderland area with India, provides insights into Scheduled Caste (SC) perceptions of their status and marginality in contemporary Pakistan. The article focuses on how SC activists, despite the absence of a national or provincial-level discourse in Pakistan, negotiate “untouchability” in Pakistan. It discusses the regional dynamics of SC movements in Tharparkar and how Pakistani lower castes, considered part of a homogenous and fixed religious minority (i.e., “Hindus”) by the Government of Pakistan (GOP), are engaged in producing a distinct social and political identity in the region.
Interactions between Irregular Wave Fields and Sea Ice: A Physical Model for Wave Attenuation and Ice Breakup in an Ice Tank
Authors: Passerotti Giulio , Bennetts Luke G. , von Bock und Polach Franz , Alberello Alberto , Puolakka Otto , Dolatshah Azam , Monbaliu Jaak , Toffoli Alessandro 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Irregular, unidirectional surface water waves incident on model ice in an ice tank are used as a physical model of ocean surface wave interactions with sea ice. Results are given for an experiment consisting of three tests, starting with a continuous ice cover and in which the incident wave steepness increases between tests. The incident waves range from causing no breakup of the ice cover to breakup of the full length of ice cover. Temporal evolution of the ice edge, breaking front, and mean floe sizes are reported. Floe size distributions in the different tests are analyzed. The evolution of the wave spectrum with distance into the ice-covered water is analyzed in terms of changes of energy content, mean wave period, and spectral bandwidth relative to their incident counterparts, and pronounced differences are found between the tests. Further, an empirical attenuation coefficient is derived from the measurements and shown to have a power-law dependence on frequency comparable to that found in field measurements. Links between wave properties and ice breakup are discussed.
A randomized controlled trial into the effects of probiotics on electroencephalography in preschoolers with autism
Authors: Billeci Lucia , Callara Alejandro Luis , Guiducci Letizia , Prosperi Margherita , Morales Maria Aurora , Calderoni Sara , Muratori Filippo , Santocchi Elisa 
Published: April 2022

Previous studies suggest that autism spectrum disorders are characterized by alterations in the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Probiotics may modify the composition and the functionality of the gut microbiota of autism spectrum disorder individuals, with possible cascading effects on brain function. In this study, we analyzed possible brain modifications induced by the administration of probiotics in 46 children with autism spectrum disorder using electroencephalography. A randomized 6-month controlled trial was performed. In subjects treated with probiotics, we observed a decrease of power in frontopolar regions in beta and gamma bands, and increased coherence in the same bands together with a shift in frontal asymmetry, which suggests a modification toward a typical brain activity. Electroencephalography measures were significantly correlated with clinical and biochemical measures. These findings support the importance of further investigations on probiotics’ benefits in autism spectrum disorder to better elucidate mechanistic links between probiotics supplementation and changes in brain activity. Lay abstract This study investigates the effects of a probiotic on preschoolers’ brain electrical activity with autism spectrum disorder. Autism is a disorder with an increasing prevalence characterized by an enormous individual, family, and social cost. Although the etiology of autism spectrum disorder is unknown, an interaction between genetic and environmental factors is implicated, converging in altered brain synaptogenesis and, therefore, connectivity. Besides deepening the knowledge on the resting brain electrical activity that characterizes this disorder, this study allows analyzing the positive central effects of a 6-month therapy with a probiotic through a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study and the correlations between electroencephalography activity and biochemical and clinical parameters. In subjects treated with probiotics, we observed a decrease of power in frontopolar regions in beta and gamma bands, and increased coherence in the same bands together with a shift in frontal asymmetry, which suggests a modification toward a typical brain activity. Electroencephalography measures were significantly correlated with clinical and biochemical measures. These findings support the importance of further investigations on probiotics’ benefits in autism spectrum disorder to better elucidate mechanistic links between probiotics supplementation and changes in brain activity.
Carbohydrate regulation response to cold during rhizome bud dormancy release in Polygonatum kingianum
Authors: Wang Yue , Liu Tao , Ma Changjian , Li Guoqing , Wang Xinhong , Wang Jianghui , Chang Jin , Guan Cong , Yao Huimin , Dong Xuehui 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
The rhizome of Polygonatum kingianum Coll. et Hemsl (P. kingianum) is a crucial traditional Chinese medicine, but severe bud dormancy occurs during early rhizome development. Low temperature is a positive factor affecting dormancy release, whereas the variation in carbohydrates during dormancy release has not been investigated systematically. Therefore, the sugar content, related metabolic pathways and gene co-expression were analysed to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of carbohydrates during dormancy release in the P. kingianum rhizome bud.

Results
During dormancy transition, starch and sucrose (Suc) exhibited opposing trends in the P. kingianum rhizome bud, representing a critical indicator of dormancy release. Galactose (Gal) and raffinose (Raf) were increased in content and synthesis. Glucose (Glc), cellulose (Cel), mannose (Man), arabinose (Ara), rhamnose (Rha) and stachyose (Sta) showed various changes, indicating their different roles in breaking rhizome bud dormancy in P. kingianum. At the beginning of dormancy release, Glc metabolism may be dominated by anaerobic oxidation (glycolysis followed by ethanol fermentation). After entering the S3 stage, the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) were may be more active possibly. In the gene co-expression network comprising carbohydrates and hormones, HYD1 was identified as a hub gene, and numerous interactions centred on STS/SUS were also observed, suggesting the essential role of brassinosteroids (BRs), Raf and Suc in the regulatory network.

Conclusion
We revealed cold-responsive genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, suggesting regulatory mechanisms of sugar during dormancy release in the P. kingianum rhizome bud. Additionally, gene co-expression analysis revealed possible interactions between sugar and hormone signalling, providing new insight into the dormancy release mechanism in P. kingianum rhizome buds.
Temporal trends in treatment strategies and clinical outcomes among patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and ST-elevation myocardial infarctions: results from the Bremen STEMI registry
Authors: Schmucker Johannes , Fach Andreas , Osteresch Rico , Mata Marin Luis Alberto , Retzlaff Tina , Rühle Stephan , Garstka Daniela , Kuhlmann Uwe , Eitel Ingo , Hambrecht Rainer , Wienbergen Harm 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Although the detrimental effects of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) on prognosis in coronary artery disease is known, there are few data on the efficacy and safety of modern interventional therapies and medications in patients with advanced CKD, because this special patient cohort is often excluded or underrepresented in randomized trials.

Methods
In the present study all patients admitted with ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI) from the region of Bremen/Germany treated between 2006 and 2019 were analyzed. Advanced CKD was defined as glomerular filtration rate < 45 ml/min.

Results
Of 9605 STEMI-patients, 1018 (10.6%) had advanced CKD with a serum creatinine of 2.22 ± 4.2 mg/dl at admission and with lower rates of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) (84.1 vs. 94.1%, p < 0.01) and higher all-cause-mortality (44.4 vs. 3.6%, p < 0.01). Over time, advanced CKD-patients were more likely to be treated with pPCI (2015–2019: 90.3% vs. 2006–2010:75.8%, p < 0.01) and with ticagrelor/prasugrel (59.6% vs. 1.7%, p < 0.01) and drug eluting stents (90.7% vs. 1.3%, p < 0.01). During the study period a decline in adverse ischemic events (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.7) and an increase in bleedings (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3–3.8) within 1 year after the index event could be observed in patients with advanced CKD while 1-year-mortality (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.7–1.4) and rates of acute kidney injury (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8–1.7) did not change in a multivariate model. Both, ticagrelor/prasugrel (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.2–0.98) and DES (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.2–0.8) were associated with a decrease in ischemic events at 1 year.

Conclusions
During the observed time period STEMI-patients with advanced CKD were more likely to be treated with primary PCI, ticagrelor or prasugrel and DE-stents. These changes probably have contributed to the decline in ischemic events and the increase in bleedings within 1 year after STEMI while overall mortality at 1-year remained unchanged for this high-risk patient group.
Study protocol: MyoFit46—the cardiac sub-study of the MRC National Survey of Health and Development
Authors: Webber Matthew , Falconer Debbie , AlFarih Mashael , Joy George , Chan Fiona , Davie Clare , Hamill Howes Lee , Wong Andrew , Rapala Alicja , Bhuva Anish , Davies Rhodri H. , Morton Christopher , Aguado-Sierra Jazmin , Vazquez Mariano , Tao Xuyuan , Krausz Gunther , Tanackovic Slobodan , Guger Christoph , Xue Hui , Kellman Peter , Pierce Iain , Schott Jonathan , Hardy Rebecca , Chaturvedi Nishi , Rudy Yoram , Moon James C. , Lambiase Pier D. , Orini Michele , Hughes Alun D. , Captur Gabriella 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
The life course accumulation of overt and subclinical myocardial dysfunction contributes to older age mortality, frailty, disability and loss of independence. The Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD) is the world’s longest running continued surveillance birth cohort providing a unique opportunity to understand life course determinants of myocardial dysfunction as part of MyoFit46–the cardiac sub-study of the NSHD.

Methods
We aim to recruit 550 NSHD participants of approximately 75 years+ to undertake high-density surface electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) and stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Through comprehensive myocardial tissue characterization and 4-dimensional flow we hope to better understand the burden of clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease. Supercomputers will be used to combine the multi-scale ECGI and CMR datasets per participant. Rarely available, prospectively collected whole-of-life data on exposures, traditional risk factors and multimorbidity will be studied to identify risk trajectories, critical change periods, mediators and cumulative impacts on the myocardium.

Discussion
By combining well curated, prospectively acquired longitudinal data of the NSHD with novel CMR–ECGI data and sharing these results and associated pipelines with the CMR community, MyoFit46 seeks to transform our understanding of how early, mid and later-life risk factor trajectories interact to determine the state of cardiovascular health in older age.
Trial registration: Prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with trial ID: 19/LO/1774 Multimorbidity Life-Course Approach to Myocardial Health- A Cardiac Sub-Study of the MCRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD).
Real-world clinical burden and economic assessment associated with hyperkalaemia in a large integrated healthcare system: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Muhlestein Joseph B. , Kammerer Jennifer , Bair Tami L. , Knowlton Kirk U. , Le Viet T. , Anderson Jeffrey L. , Lappé Donald L. , May Heidi T. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Hyperkalaemia (HK) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Both acute and chronic conditions may alter potassium homeostasis. Our aim is to describe HK incidence, clinical outcomes, and associated resource use within a large, integrated healthcare system.

Methods
Adult patients seen at Intermountain Healthcare facilities with a serum potassium (sK) result between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2018 were retrospectively studied. Descriptive assessment of a population with detected HK, defined by any sK > 5.0 mmol/L and HK frequency and severity to associated resource use and characteristics of HK predictors were made. Multivariable Cox hazard regression was used to evaluate HK to outcomes.

Results
Of 1,208,815 patients included, 13% had HK. Compared to no-HK, HK patients were older (60 ± 18 vs 43 ± 18 years, P < 0.001), male (51% vs 41%, P < 0.001), and had greater disease burden (Charlson Comorbidity Index 3.5 ± 2.8 vs 1.7 ± 1.4, P < 0.001). At 3 years, more HK patients experienced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (19 vs 3%, P < 0.001), persisting post-adjustment (multivariable hazard ratio = 1.60, P < 0.001). They incurred higher costs for emergency department services ($552 ± 7,574 vs $207 ± 1,930, P < 0.001) and inpatient stays ($10,956 ± 93,026 vs $1,477 ± 21,423, P < 0.001). HyperK Risk Scores for the derivation and validation cohorts were: 44% low-risk, 45% moderate-risk, 11% high-risk. Strongest HK predictors were renal failure, dialysis, aldosterone blockers, diabetes, and smoking.

Conclusion
Within this large system, HK was associated with a large clinical burden, affecting over 1 in 10 patients; HK was also associated with increased 3-year MACE risk and higher medical costs. Although risk worsened with more severe or persistently recurring HK, even mild or intermittent HK episodes were associated with significantly greater adverse clinical outcomes and medical costs. The HyperK Score predicted patients who may benefit from closer management to reduce HK risk and associated costs. It should be remembered that our assumptions are valid only for detected HK and not HK per se.
Recurrent umbilical varix rupture with hemoperitoneum: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Yu W. S. , Chang M. H. , Lee H. L. , Lee Y. T. , Tsai M. C. , Wang C. C. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Non-traumatic hemoperitoneum was a rare event with the risk of sudden death. Spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma is the most intuitive diagnosis when hemoperitoneum occurs in cirrhotic patients who are not regularly followed up. However, other etiologies of hemoperitoneum, such as intra-abdominal varix rupture, should be kept in mind.

Case presentation
A 44-year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, Child–Pugh B was sent to our emergency department (ED) because of recurrent abdominal pain and hypovolemic shock. He had similar symptoms one month ago and was diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rupture with hemoperitoneum, therefore he underwent trans-arterial embolization (TAE). However, the follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed less possibility of hepatocellular carcinoma. Contrast enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed possible umbilical vein contrast agent extravasation. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis of rupture umbilical varix with hemoperitoneum.

Conclusion
Although umbilical varix rupture is a rare cause of hemoperitoneum, it should be kept in mind in cirrhotic patients with unexplained hemoperitoneum.