bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of the type‐B authentic response regulator gene family in fragrant rice under alkaline salt stress
Authors: Rehman Obaid Ur , Uzair Muhammad , Chao Haoyu , Fiaz Sajid , Khan Muhammad Ramzan , Chen Ming 
Published: May 2022

AbstractGlobally, rice is being consumed as a main staple food and faces different kinds of biotic and abiotic stresses such drought, salinity, and pest attacks. Through the cytokinin signaling, Type‐B authentic response regulators (ARR‐Bs) respond positively towards the environmental stimuli. ARR‐Bs are involved in abiotic stress tolerance and plant development but their molecular mechanisms in fragrant rice are still not fully explored. The current study showed the genome‐wide characterization of OsARR‐B genes under alkaline salt stress. Results showed that in total, 24 OsARR‐B genes were found and divided into four subgroups on the basis of a phylogenetic analysis. These genes were located on all rice chromosomes except 8 and 10. Analysis of gene duplications, gene structure, cis‐elements, protein–protein interactions, and miRNA were performed. Gene ontology analysis showed that OsARR‐B genes are involved in plant development through the regulation of molecular functions, biological processes, and cellular components. Furthermore, 117 and 192 RNA editing sites were detected in chloroplast and mitochondrial genes, respectively, encoding proteins of OsARR‐B. In chloroplast and mitochondrial genes, six and nine types of amino acid changes, respectively, were caused by RNA editing, showing that RNA editing has a role in the alkaline salt stress tolerance in fragrant rice. We also used a comparative transcriptome approach to study the gene expression changes in alkaline tolerant and susceptible genotypes. Under alkaline salt stress, OsARR‐B5, OsARR‐B7, OsARR‐B9, OsARR‐B10, OsARR‐B16, OsARR‐B22, and OsARR‐B23 showed higher transcript levels in alkaline salt tolerant genotypes as compared to susceptible ones. Quantitative RT‐PCR showed upregulation of gene expression in the alkaline tolerant genotypes under alkaline stress. Our study explored the gene expression profiling and RESs of two rice contrasting genotypes, which will help to understand the molecular mechanisms of alkaline salt tolerance in fragrant rice.
The related factors to the re‐thrombosis of hemodialysis arteriovenous graft after endovascular salvage
Authors: Janjindamai Phurich , Hongsakul Keerati , Sungsiri Jitpreedee , Bannangkoon Kittipitch , Liabsuetrakul Tippawan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundOnly a few issues of the related factors to hemodialysis access dysfunction have been evaluated, and the effects of antiplatelets to improve the patency of hemodialysis access remained controversial. Hence, this study aimed to determine the related factors to the re‐thrombosis of arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) after endovascular treatment.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at a university‐affiliated teaching hospital in Southern Thailand. All patients who underwent hemodialysis with thrombosed AVG, who had pharmacomechanical thrombolysis from January 2016 to December 2018, were enrolled. Post‐intervention primary patency was analyzed by the Kaplan‐Meier method, and the related factors to the re‐thrombosis of AVG were evaluated using logistic regression.ResultsA total of 157 patients with thrombosed hemodialysis AVG were enrolled. The most common graft location and configuration was a forearm loop graft (65%). Post‐intervention primary patency rate at 1, 3, and 6 months were 79.0%, 67.1%, and 54.0%, respectively. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was a significant related factor for re‐thrombosis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–2.98; p = 0.006). A single antiplatelet after the procedure was a protective factor for re‐thrombosis (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.38–0.89; p = 0.013). The median post‐intervention primary patency was 15.7 months in the group of single antiplatelet usage, which was better than that of the non‐antiplatelet group (p = 0.012).ConclusionDM and antiplatelet usage were significant related factors to the re‐thrombosis of hemodialysis AVG after endovascular salvage.
A GIS representation framework for location‐based social media activities
Authors: Wei Xuebin , Yao Xiaobai 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe past couple of decades have witnessed tremendous growth of location‐based social media activities (LBSMA) data in virtual spaces, including virtual geographic environments. Such data become innovative resources for the analysis of human activities. Meanwhile, a shift of human interactions from geographical spaces to virtual spaces has been observed. Although this is an exciting research opportunity, it also imposes significant challenges on GIScience, as current GIS representation models are no longer sufficient to handle the increased sophistication of human activities data. This research formalizes an ontology for LBSMA data and a conceptual framework for representing such data in GIS. The framework contributes to GIScience as it enables interconnections of human activities in both the physical and virtual worlds to be represented, organized, retrieved, analyzed, and visualized. The proposed GIS representation model integrates a social dimension into the existing spatial–temporal representation models and allows data analysis in the spatial–temporal–social (STS) dimensions. The research tested this conceptual framework with a prototype and a case study using Facebook data. The prototype and the case study prove that the proposed framework can significantly enhance GIS capabilities for data organization, retrieval, and analysis of LBSMA data in STS dimensions.
Learn German, Buy German? Language‐learning opportunities abroad and exports
Authors: Fieles‐Ahmad Omar Martin , Huber Matthias 
Published: May 2022

AbstractUsing data on the presence of the Goethe Institutes (GI) in 134 importer countries between 1978 and 2014, we study the effect that language learning opportunities abroad have on German exports. We employ a gravity model of trade with a single exporter and use the Poisson Pseudo‐Maximum Likelihood (PPML) estimator to measure the relationship of interest. To gauge the importance of potential reverse causality, we also estimate the effect that institutes have on Swiss exports. Our findings for both Germany and German‐speaking Swiss cantons show that institutes do stimulate exports to GI‐hosting countries but that this effect is confined to institutes offering language training services. This finding suggests that language requirements and acquisition underlie the positive link found between institutes and exports. This reading of our findings receives further support in additional explorations, where we study exports differentiated by Rauch (1999, Journal of International Economics, 48(1), 7) product categories to account for differing communication requirements in trading.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki 
Published: May 2022

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 9, Number 2 Abdulaziz Abdulahman, Marmara University, USAAlbert Henry Ntarmah, Jiangsu University, GhanaALI DARUB KASSAR, Univ. of Baghdad, IraqBabacar Seck, University of Bahrain, BahrainGetamesay Bekele Meshesha, Ethiopian Civil Service University, EthiopiaIulia Lupu, Victor Slavescu” Centre for Financial and Monetary Research, Romanian Academy, RomaniaLiao Zhu, Cornell University, USAMarco Muscettola, Independent Researcher-Credit Risk Manager, ItalyMurad Harasheh, University of Milan-Bicocca, ItalyOmer Allagabo Omer Mustafa, Sudan Academy for Banking and Financial Sciences, SudanRomeo Victor Ionescu, Dunarea de Jos University, RomaniaShahram Fattahi, Razi University, IranVictoria Cociug, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, MoldovaY. Saidi, M’sila University, Algeria Nikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
Energy Savings of an Optimized Daylight-Pipe System With Single and Dual Reflectors in Tropical Climates of India
Authors: Azad Abdus Salam , Kiran Kumar Donthu E. V. S. , Wan Man Pun , Kaushik S. C. , Rakshit Dibakar 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Buildings in India consume over one-third of the country’s total electricity consumption and out of which about 28% and 25% are accounted for lighting energy in the residential and commercial buildings, respectively. Passive daylighting system using tubular daylight-pipe is a promising technique to save lighting energy by illuminating deep building interiors that have no daylight access through exterior windows. In this study, an innovative daylight-pipe has been designed and developed for enhanced daylighting performance by optimizing configurations of single and dual reflectors at its receiver. A detailed daylight assessment has been carried out using controlled experimentation while varying the reflectors position and orientation inside the hemispherical receiver of the daylight-pipe. It has been found that the single reflector oriented toward south has the best performance with a light transmission efficiency of 35.6%. Furthermore, monthly electrical energy savings due to the advanced daylight-pipe along with various supplementary electrical lighting options such as incandescent bulb, compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), and light emitting diode (LED) were estimated and compared for various climatic locations of India. From these evaluations, a lighting energy saving up to 23% has been observed in the summer month of May for temperate climate of Pune and hot-dry climate of Jodhpur.
A Numerical Investigation Into the Flow Development and Heat Transfer Characteristics for Different Tube Geometry Configurations in a Water in Glass Evacuated Tube Solar Water Heater
Authors: Roshith K. , Varghese James 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This study aims to numerically assess the heat transfer performance of water-in-glass evacuated tube solar water heater (WGET-SWH) for various parameters. It is observed that the natural circulation flowrate, velocity, and temperature distribution are strongly dependent on WGET-SWH geometry and operating conditions. The natural circulation flowrate is found to be increasing with tube length, diameter, inclination angle, and circumferential heat input. However, the heat transfer rate decreases with an increase in aspect ratio. The average Nusselt number increases with an increase in inclination angle till 45 deg and then decreases. Also, the study shows that thermal stratification in reservoir fluid is greatly influenced by circulation flowrate, flow momentum, collector outlet temperature, thermal acceleration, and buoyancy effect.
A Numerical Scheme for Fractional Mixed Convection Flow Over Flat and Oscillatory Plates
Authors: Nawaz Yasir , Arif Muhammad Shoaib , Abodayeh Kamaleldin 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
A fractional scheme is proposed to solve time-fractional partial differential equations. According to the considered fractional Taylor series, the scheme is compact in space and provides fourth-order accuracy in space and second-order accuracy in fractional time. The scheme is conditionally stable when applied to the scalar fractional parabolic equation. The convergence of the scheme is demonstrated for the system of fractional parabolic equations. Moreover, a fractional model for heat and mass transfer of mixed convection flow over the flat and oscillatory plate is given. The radiation effects and chemical reactions are also considered. The scheme is tested on this model and the nonlinear fractional Burgers equation. It is found that it is more accurate than considering existing schemes in most of the regions of the solution domain. The compact scheme with exact findings of spatial derivatives is better than considering linearized equations. The error obtained by the proposed scheme with the determination of exact spatial derivatives is better than that obtained by two explicit existing schemes. The main advantage of the proposed scheme is that it is capable of providing the solution for convection-diffusion equations with compact fourth-order accuracy. Still, the corresponding implicit compact scheme is unable to find the solution to convection-diffusion problems.
Meatome: A Novel Clamp for Single Step Urethral Meatal Stenosis Surgery
Authors: Hartmann Thomas , Song Sang-Eun , Swana Hubert S 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Meatotomy is a surgical procedure performed primarily on infants and adolescents to widen the urethral opening (meatus). The current standard surgical meatotomy requires several steps and multiple instruments. The procedure is oftentimes performed with local anesthesia in the office setting.
We present a novel, all-inclusive device that utilizes a centrally-located blade on the upper jaw flanked on all sides by parallel grooves acting as a crimping platform. The simultaneous action of these two important steps aims to improve patient cooperation by minimizing the tools and steps required for this procedure. Qualitative data is used to compare the novel device to current surgical tools. In addition, modeling material and chicken skin are used to illustrate the workflow of the metal 3D-printed prototype. Ultimately, we plan to fabricate a device with the potential to become the preferred instrument for meatotomy procedures.
A Low-Cost and Easy-to-Use Laser Corneal Reshaping Device for Educational, Research and Training Purposes
Authors: Abdelhalim Ibrahim , Hamdy Omnia 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Recently, many vision disorders such as myopia and hyperopia can be corrected via LASIK refractive surgery. Based on the photo-ablation effect of UV-laser pulses (at 193 nm for most commercial devices), the shape of the treated cornea is modified in order to regain the normal vision capability. In laser corneal reshaping process, the laser parameters must be adjusted to maintain the desired photo-ablation effect. Moreover, the design of the employed device plays an important role in performing successful surgeries with optimum results. However, the commercial devices are designed for specific operations with a limited access to their optical system and software. Besides, these devices are not available for research or training. Consequently, we provide a low-cost and easy-to-use ablation device that can be utilized as an educational, research, and training tool for the specialists in corneal reshaping and related procedures at universities, research institutes, or medical centers. The device has a special opening to enable entry of external laser source for any desired experimental investigations. Moreover, the binocular in commercial devices is replaced by live view screen to decrease the device’s cost. There are no access limitations to the software or the optical system of the proposed device.
Development of a Self-Decoupled Wire-Driven Robotic Universal Joint Toward Medical Application
Authors: Bulbul Chowdhury A M Masum , Cheng Jinsai , Yu Dylan , Shen Tao 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Robots for surgery and rehabilitation have emerged and are gaining popularity among patients and medical doctors with their obvious benefits, such as overcoming obstacles from human users’ physical restraints, reducing physicians’ workload, and enhancing the efficacy of medical treatment. The development of medical robots meets two challenges related to their special application environments, including sterilization hazards and size/weight limitation. Medical robots (e.g., surgical robots) usually need to have close contact with human skin or organs, which need to be sterilized. However, chemical or heat sterilization on the robots poses an inevitable risk of damage on the motors, sensors, and other electronic components. The size of the surgical robot needs to be compact to gain access to surgical sites. The rehabilitation robots that patients wear have to limit their size and weight. Wire-driven actuation is a potential solution to solve these issues by avoiding the use of bulky mechanical gears and links and locating the electronic components far away from the sterilization environment. This paper presents the development of a novel wire-driven universal joint for medical robot design. With its special structure, this robotic joint has self-decoupled kinematics which can simplify its control system and increase motion accuracy. Benchtop experiments are conducted to verify the functionality of this joint and the effectiveness of its self-decoupled kinematics.
Finite Element Modeling Using Patient-Specific Geometry to Predict Aortic Valve Insufficiency During Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation
Authors: Donahue Carly L. , Aggarwal Varun , Barocas Victor H. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) is a non-surgical treatment in which a stented valve is delivered via catheter to replace a stenosed or leaky pulmonary valve. Stent oversizing is used to anchor the valve within the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), but overexpansion may interfere with adjoining structures specifically the aortic root and coronary arteries. Potential devastating consequences include distortion of the aortic sinus, causing aortic valve insufficiency, and/or compression of the coronary arteries. Because the outcome of PPVI is determined by the patient’s anatomy, we propose a method that uses patient-specific finite-element (FE) models constructed from pre-procedural cross-sectional CT scan images to evaluate these potential risks prior to clinical intervention. In five cases from an ongoing retrospective study, our preliminary results demonstrate our model’s ability to accurately identify the risk of aortic valve insufficiency as a consequence of the PPVI procedure.
Power Assisted Walker: Rising Above Seated Mobility
Authors: Ratner Edward R , Goldish Gary , Hansen Andrew , Bliss Jared , Bornstein A Soleil , Gustavson Allison M , Morin Steve , Wacek Amber 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Nearly half of older people cannot easily walk 400 meters. Powered mobility aids such as seated scooters discourage healthful walking and have limitations due to size and cost. Using human-centered design, we have developed a novel power assisted walker (PAW), which can be used as a manual walker or as a standing electric scooter. A user can push the device manually supported by a four-wheeled walker or step onto a footplate and ride it as a three wheeled standing scooter, with safety enhanced by two anti-tip casters. A working prototype has demonstrated the feasibility of this design. It also meets user-defined requirements for safety, usability, and transportability. Designs for additional prototypes overcome several engineering challenges and will enable a wide variety of users to meet their mobility needs in the community.
Fully Untethered and Stretchable Wearable Electronic Bandage for Measuring Knee Motion
Authors: McManigal Matthew , Wilson Renick , McManigal Patrick , Beran Brooke , Wellsandt Elizabeth , Markvicka Eric J. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Wearable electronics capable of measuring three-dimensional knee joint angle would provide new methods to predict both anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and the risk of developing early knee osteoarthritis. However, knee joint angle assessment is currently limited, due to the lack of validated wearable and untethered technologies that can be deployed in natural environments and rural or community settings. To address this challenge, we created a fully untethered, wearable electronic device to continuously measure knee joint angle using two inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors. The wearable device is composed of a stretchable circuit assembled on a spandex-blend fabric substrate that allows the device to conform to the knee without restricting natural human movement. The fabric substrate allows the electronic circuit to be reused, while increasing the robustness of the device. Finally, we demonstrate the ability of the device to continuously measure sagittal plane knee joint angle during natural human movements outside of a laboratory environment.
Design and Development of Novel Anatomical Scapular Fracture Fixation Plates: Population-Based and Fracture-Focused Design
Authors: Yimam Habtamu M. , Dey Roopam , Roche Stephen J.L. , Sivarasu Sudesh 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Surgical fixation is a recommended procedure for displaced and unstable scapular fractures to restore anatomical alignment and articular congruency of the fracture fragments. Anatomically Precontoured scapular plates are designed to guide the fracture reduction, used as a template, and stabilize the fixation. However, anatomical variation of the scapula and the complexity of the fracture patterns limit the usability of these plates. The aim of this study was to design and develop population-based novel anatomical scapular plates. An average three-dimensional (3D) scapular bone model was developed from 22 healthy cadaver scapulae of target population (South Africans) using Statistical Shape Modelling (SSM) method. The fracture region of interests was identified using a fracture map of 70 scapular fracture patterns. Using the average 3D scapular model as a reference template and the common fracture zones as a reference fracture pattern, anatomical plates were designed for the critical scapula fracture patterns. Lateral border, medial border, glenoid fossa & neck, glenoid fossa & body, and acromion plates were designed. Combining 3D CT image based statistical shape modelling and fracture pattern analysis with CAD is relatively quick and efficient method to develop clinically meaningful population-based anatomical plates.
Concept Exploration: Respiratory Rate Monitoring Garment Using Digital Zero-Crossing Detection
Authors: Martini Angela K. , Carlson Sam , Hoang Dung T. , Wawersich Sandra A. , Compton Crystal , Clarke-Sather Abigail R. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Measuring respiratory rate is a vital metric for monitoring human health in any setting. Despite its importance for detecting oncoming medical crises, it is often neglected due to the difficulties in accurate measurement. To combat this neglect, a respiratory rate monitoring smart garment was developed that measures breathing rate in real time in a manner that is unobtrusive to the patient. This paper focuses on a concept exploration of a non-invasive wearable garment to measure real time breathing rate using a digital zero-crossing detection signal processing approach. A respiratory rate monitoring garment was developed with a stitched sensor that wraps around the patient’s chest and operates based on the relationship between resistance and displacement. As a person breathes, the chest expands and contracts, displacing the stitched sensor causing a change in resistance that can be measured and then counted as a breath. Unlike current solutions that utilize the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for signal processing of breathing rate, digital zero-crossing detection is used in this garment for improved accuracy and lower computational power. Four participants took part in a total of 15 trials where their normal breathing rate was measured by the stitched sensor and by at least two independent observers. The average sensor breath count was 2.44 breaths below the manually observed breath count. Major contributions to error were due to manual calibration of the sensor, and these discrepancies will be addressed in further prototype development. Despite the error between the sensor and manual breath count, the performance of the garment indicates respiratory rate monitoring in real time is possible, which increases the feasibility of more accurate and frequent respiratory rate monitoring thus increasing the potential for improved patient health.