bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages reveal extensive degradation of the world's rivers
Authors: Feio Maria João , Hughes Robert M. , Serra Sónia R. Q. , Nichols Susan J. , Kefford Ben J. , Lintermans Mark , Robinson Wayne , Odume Oghenekaro N. , Callisto Marcos , Macedo Diego R. , Harding Jon S. , Yates Adam G. , Monk Wendy , Nakamura Keigo , Mori Terutaka , Sueyoshi Masanao , Mercado‐Silva Norman , Chen Kai , Baek Min Jeong , Bae Yeon Jae , Tachamo‐Shah Ram Devi , Shah Deep Narayan , Campbell Ian , Moya Nabor , Arimoro Francis O. , Keke Unique N. , Martins Renato T. , Alves Carlos B. M. , Pompeu Paulo S. , Sharma Subodh 
Published: September 2022

AbstractRivers suffer from multiple stressors acting simultaneously on their biota, but the consequences are poorly quantified at the global scale. We evaluated the biological condition of rivers globally, including the largest proportion of countries from the Global South published to date. We gathered macroinvertebrate‐ and fish‐based assessments from 72,275 and 37,676 sites, respectively, from 64 study regions across six continents and 45 nations. Because assessments were based on differing methods, different systems were consolidated into a 3‐class system: Good, Impaired, or Severely Impaired, following common guidelines. The proportion of sites in each class by study area was calculated and each region was assigned a Köppen‐Geiger climate type, Human Footprint score (addressing landscape alterations), Human Development Index (HDI) score (addressing social welfare), % rivers with good ambient water quality, % protected freshwater key biodiversity areas; and % of forest area net change rate. We found that 50% of macroinvertebrate sites and 42% of fish sites were in Good condition, whereas 21% and 29% were Severely Impaired, respectively. The poorest biological conditions occurred in Arid and Equatorial climates and the best conditions occurred in Snow climates. Severely Impaired conditions were associated (Pearson correlation coefficient) with higher HDI scores, poorer physico‐chemical water quality, and lower proportions of protected freshwater areas. Good biological conditions were associated with good water quality and increased forested areas. It is essential to implement statutory bioassessment programs in Asian, African, and South American countries, and continue them in Oceania, Europe, and North America. There is a need to invest in assessments based on fish, as there is less information globally and fish were strong indicators of degradation. Our study highlights a need to increase the extent and number of protected river catchments, preserve and restore natural forested areas in the catchments, treat wastewater discharges, and improve river connectivity.
How political connections exploit loopholes in procurement institutions for government contracts: Evidence from China
Authors: Lu Shenghua , Wang Hui 
Published: September 2022

AbstractConventional studies show that political connections have significant distributional effects. Yet, the means by which political connections affect the distribution of economic resources has not been fully investigated. This paper examines the role of political connections in the allocation of government procurements in China by combining quantitative and qualitative evidence. For quantitative analysis, we focus on a specific type of political connections, namely revolving‐door recruitment. A unique dataset between 2016 and 2020 based on the contract‐level transaction records of government procurements and the resumes of listed firms' board members and executives is established. The results suggest that firms establishing political connections by recruiting former government officials acquire more government procurements in the connected jurisdictions. Complementing with qualitative analysis from two publicly reported judicial cases, we show that political connections exploiting the loopholes in procurement institutions, including manipulating procurement methods, setting up restrictive requirements, and intervening in the process of expert evaluation, drives the allocation of government procurements. The results demonstrate that political connections exploit the loopholes in the context of weak institutions to benefit companies.
Correlation between CD4/CD8 ratio and neurocognitive performance during early HIV infection
Authors: Le Leah T. , Price Richard W. , Gisslén Magnus , Zetterberg Henrik , Emu Brinda , Fabre Roxane , Christian Pradier , Andersen Signe , Spudich Serena , Vassallo Matteo 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionCD4/CD8 ratio is a marker of immune activation in HIV infection and has been associated with neurocognitive performance during chronic infection, but little is known about the early phases.The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between blood CD4/CD8 ratio and central nervous system endpoints in primary HIV infection (PHI) before and after antiretroviral treatment (ART).MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of the Primary Infection Stage CNS Events Study (PISCES) cohort.We longitudinally assessed blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of inflammation, immune activation and neuronal injury, and neuropsychological testing performance (NPZ4, an average of three motor and one processing speed tests, and a summarized total score, NPZ11, including also executive function, learning and memory) in ART‐naïve participants enrolled during PHI. Spearman correlation and linear mixed models assessed the relationships between the trajectory of CD4/CD8 ratio over time and neurocognitive performance, blood and CSF markers of immune activation and neuronal injury.ResultsIn all, 109 PHI participants were enrolled. The mean CD4/CD8 ratio decreased with longer time from infection to starting treatment (p < 0.001). Every unit increase in NPZ4 score was independently associated with a 0.15 increase in CD4/CD8 ratio (95% CI: 0.002–0.29; p = 0.047), whereas no correlation was found between CD4/CD8 ratio and NPZ11.Among the cognitive domains, only a change in processing speed was correlated with CD4/CD8 ratio over time (p = 0.03). The trajectory of the CD4/CD8 ratio was negatively correlated with change in CSF neurofilament light chain (p = 0.04).ConclusionsThe trajectory of CD4/CD8 ratio was independently associated with motor/psychomotor speed performance, suggesting that immune activation is involved in brain injury during the early stages of the infection.
Dielectric properties and electromagnetic wave absorbing performance of single‐source‐precursor‐derived carbon‐rich NbC‐SiC‐C nanocomposites
Authors: Li Fen , Du Hanzi , Chen Ting , Zhu Qikun , Yu Zhaoju 
Published: September 2022

AbstractFor the first time, the present work reports the dielectric properties and electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing performance of polymer‐derived carbon‐rich NbC‐SiC‐C nanocomposites. In our previous work, NbC‐SiC‐C nanocomposites with the ultra‐high temperature ceramic phase NbC as the main phase were synthesized with the allylhydridopolycarbosilane (AHPCS) and niobium pentachloride (NbCl5) as starting materials. On this basis, divinyl benzene was chosen as carbon‐rich source and introduced into the AHPCS and NbCl5 to form a single‐source‐precursor. Finally, carbon‐rich NbC‐SiC‐C nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by polymer‐derived ceramic approach. Compared with ceramic samples without Nb and with lower carbon content, the carbon‐rich NbC‐SiC‐C nanocomposites show extremely enhanced EMW absorbing performance with minimum reflection coefficient of −51.1 dB at 6.88 GHz for the thickness of 2.27 mm. As a consequence, the resultant carbon‐rich NbC‐SiC‐C nanocomposite has to be considered as structure&function integrated material with excellent EMW absorption performance, which can be applied in hostile environment.
Ségrégation professionnelle selon le statut migratoire et le sexe en Europe: comment expliquer les écarts entre pays?
Authors: PALENCIA‐ESTEBAN Amaia 
Published: September 2022

RésuméL'autrice mesure la ségrégation professionnelle selon le statut migratoire en Europe, en analysant la situation séparément pour les femmes et pour les hommes. Les données proviennent des vagues 2005–2019 de l'enquête EFT de l'Union européenne. La répartition est plus ségrégative pour les femmes, par rapport aux hommes, pour les immigrés de la première génération, par rapport à la deuxième, et dans les pays d'Europe méridionale et orientale, par rapport à l'Europe septentrionale et occidentale. Une analyse contrefactuelle montre que les caractéristiques des migrants influent peu sur les écarts géographiques. Les institutions, les politiques d'intégration et les systèmes de valeur pourraient jouer un rôle important.
Effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on quality of life among relatives of individuals with intellectual disabilities: A longitudinal study
Authors: Zonneveld Ellen , van Schelven Femke , Boeije Hennie 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic poses risks to the quality of life (QoL) of relatives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This paper investigates relatives' QoL and associated risk and buffering factors before and during the pandemic.MethodSurveys were administered to three samples of relatives in the Netherlands in 2019 (N = 105) and during the first waves of COVID‐19 in June (N = 207) and October 2020 (N = 332). Associations between QoL and care burden, care competence, social support, and resilience, and changes over time were analysed using (logistic) regressions.ResultsNo significant changes in overall QoL nor its domains were found. Care burden was negatively associated with QoL and increased during the pandemic. Care competence was lower than in 2019. Competence, social support, and resilience were positively associated with QoL.ConclusionsAlthough relatives' QoL remained stable, the pandemic poses non‐negligible risks to their wellbeing. It is, therefore, crucial to provide relatives with adequate support.
Impedance‐decline‐guide power control long application time bipolar radiofrequency catheter ablation
Authors: Saitoh Osamu , Kasai Takumi , Fuse Kyogo , Oikawa Ayaka , Furushima Hiroshi , Chinushi Masaomi 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionBipolar (BIP) radiofrequency (RF) ablation creates deep myocardial lesions but ideal energy application modes to treat ventricular arrhythmias originating from deep inside the thick myocardium have not been well established. An experimental study was performed to clarify whether high power and long application time BIP ablation were performable by impedance‐decline‐guide power control (PC) and whether it could create transmural lesions in the thick ventricle with a minimum risk of steam‐pop.Methods and ResultsPerfused porcine ventricle (18.4 ± 2.3 mm) was placed in an experimental bath and BIP ablation (50 W) for 120 s was attempted with catheter contact of 30‐g using two protocols; fixed power (FP) and impedance‐decline‐guide PC. In the latter protocol, BIP ablation was started from 50 W, while the energy was decreased to 40–20 W according to the impedance decline during RF ablation. FP ablation was attempted in 30 applications and the transmural lesion was created in all 30, although steam‐pop occurred in 16/30 applications (53%). Low minimum impedance, large total impedance decline (TID), and %‐TID were associated with the steam‐pop occurrence. PC ablation was attempted in another 21 applications, and the transmural lesion was created in all 21 without steam‐pop. PC ablation was superior to FP ablation (21/21 vs. 14/30, p < .001) in the creation of a transmural lesion without resulting in steam‐pop.ConclusionsHigh power and long application time BIP ablation seems to be feasible according to the impedance‐decline‐guide approach, which could create transmural lesions in thick porcine ventricles with minimal risk of steam‐pop.
Removal of an active fixation coronary sinus pacing lead 5 years postimplant: A case report
Authors: Carretta Domenico M. , Troccoli Rossella , Carretta Francesca , D'Agostino Carlo 
Published: September 2022

AbstractActive fixation for a lead in the coronary sinus may be essential to select the optimal left ventricular pacing site, maximize the effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and avoid dislodgement. The Medtronic Attain Stability lead allows fixation through a side helix concentric with the lead body. Although electrical performance of such a lead is well known, evidence of extractability remains poor especially in the long term. We describe the removal of an Attain Stability lead 63 months after implantation which, to the best of our knowledge, is the longest implant duration that has ever been reported, in an 81‐year‐old male patient. It was successfully achieved using simple traction and rotation maneuvers, demonstrating the long‐term removal feasibility of such device.
Effects of reliance on stored sperm on reproduction in the sailfin molly Poecilia latipinna
Authors: Hankison Shala , Gangloff Eric J. , Fry Breanna , Arnold Alena , Lashway A. J. , Betts Jenell M. , Otap Sandra D. , Walter Katherine , Juergens Makenna Y. , Crawford Alax 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe impacts of relying on stored sperm were evaluated in the sailfin molly, Poecilia latipinna. Females reliant on stored sperm had fewer offspring compared to remated females, but offspring size and short‐term growth rate did not differ. Thus, females may use stored sperm in cases such as previous mating with a preferred male, lack of access to mating opportunities during a reproductive cycle, or to maximize egg fertilization. Females do not compensate for producing fewer offspring however, by allocating more resources to offspring relative to their size or initial growth.
Development of protein‐enriched gram flour steamed cake and characterization of processing parameters
Authors: Patel Ulpa , Kumar Navneet , Modi Shefali K. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractProtein‐enriched gram flour steamed cake (PEGC) was prepared with gram flour, sodium bicarbonate, in the range of 80–100 g, 2–6 g, and 1–5 g, respectively, and optimization was performed using response surface methodology. The physicochemical and sensory properties of PEGC were evaluated. The optimized product was found to contain expansion 2.32 cm, density 0.234 g/cm3, moisture content 51.86%, color L* 24.85, color a* 0.72, color b* 37.72, pH 7.65, TSS 4.23°Brix, total sugar 11.64%, protein 21.98% and overall acceptability 8.2.The sugar syrup was further optimized with the addition of concentrations of sugar, mustard seed, and curry leaves in the range of 2–10 g, 1–5 g, and 1–5 g, respectively. The product added with optimized tempering sugar syrup was found to contain expansion 0.23 cm, density 0.279 g/cm3, color L* 31.11, color a* 0.67, color b* 35.92, pH 8, TSS 6.43°Brix, total sugar 27.87%, protein 20.88% and overall acceptability 8.3 on the 9‐point hedonic scale.Novelty impact statementSnack foods refer to tempting light and informal meals, which have become an essential part of daily life. Various snacks also have become a source of concern for human health due to higher cholesterol levels and an increase in weight gain. The development of functional ingredients‐based snacks not only meet the demand of consumer but reduce the ill effects of snacking and confer health benefits to the consumers. Protein‐enriched gram flour steamed cake has enough potential for getting the attention of consumers for providing healthy snacking due to its higher nutritional value.
Effect of brewing condition on the quality of Apocynum venetum tea
Authors: Zhao Mingyue , Tang Fengxian , Cai Wenchao , Liu Yidong , Shan Chunhui 
Published: September 2022

AbstractApocynum venetum tea is increasingly being recognized for its health benefits. Given that brewing conditions affect the flavor and quality of the final brew, optimal brewing conditions need to be determined to produce high‐quality A. venetum tea. In this study, different brewing strategies (hot brewing, room temperature brewing, and cold brewing) were used to prepare A. venetum tea. Subsequently, the physicochemical indexes, functional components, antioxidant activity, and aroma compounds of the brews were compared. The brewing conditions affected the soluble solid content of the brews, as well as their pH, color, polyphenol content, flavonoid content, and aroma compounds. Ketones and aldehydes were the most abundant aroma compounds in the teas prepared using the three brewing conditions. Hot brewing tea had the highest content of functional components and antioxidant activity with aromas of grassy alcohols and caramel, sweet, nutty furans and ethers. Room temperature brewing tea was rich in esters with floral and fruity aromas. In contrast, cold brewing tea had a blue‐green color; the most abundant compound in this tea was 2,5‐dimethylbenzaldehyde, and it had a grassy and floral aroma. These results showed that hot brewing is the most suitable method for Apocynum preparation of A. venetum tea.Practical applicationsApocynum venetum tea has become an ingredient in natural health teas in recent years. The brewing conditions will affect the flavor and quality of the final brewing. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the best brewing conditions to produce high‐quality A. venetum tea, so as to provide theoretical support for the determination of brewing conditions for A. venetum tea.
Design, construction, and application of a low‐cost solar dryer: A kinetic study of Araticum pulp drying
Authors: Almeida Rafael Fernandes , Bevilaqua Gabriel Cicalese , Machado Ana Paula Oliveira 
Published: September 2022

AbstractLow‐cost solar dryers are an alternative for democratizing access to this technology. This work aimed to design a low‐cost solar dryer and to evaluate its viability by modeling the drying kinetics of araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.). The construction of the prototype used low‐cost materials. The araticum drying occurred until the samples reached equilibrium moisture. The data were processed to adapt the kinetic models. The araticum pulp, after 420 min of drying, had a constant mass with 2.67% ± 0.28% of moisture. The Midilli, Kucuk & Yapar model was the evaluated model that best fit the drying curve. It was possible to determine three diffusion coefficients associated with the process. It was inferred that the built dryer and the climatic conditions were efficient for drying the product and demanded little expense for its construction. The tested empirical models were able to accurately describe the solar drying of this fruit.Novelty impact statementThe designed dryer showed efficacy in the drying process of araticum pulp. It was possible to mathematically model the solar drying process kinetics for araticum. The equipment requests low investment and can democratize access to the drying process.
Epidemiology of public transportation use among older adults in the United States
Authors: Gimie Afnan M. , Melgar Castillo Andrea I. , Mullins C. Daniel , Falvey Jason R. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundAttending healthcare appointments and participating in social activities are important for older adults, but these activities are often limited by transportation barriers. Public transportation may bridge these gaps, but little is known about older public transportation users. This study compares the characteristics of older adults who use public transportation to those who do not.DesignCross‐sectional analysis of data from Round 5 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). We identified 5696 urban community dwelling older adults, and calculated national estimates of those who reported public transportation use in the last month and those who used transit to see their regular doctor. We evaluated the age and sex‐adjusted associations between economic and clinical characteristics and recent use of public transportation using survey‐weighted logistic regression.ResultsNearly 1 in 10 (n = 555/5696, weighted n = 3,122,583) urban‐dwelling older adults in the United States reported use of public transportation in the last month, and over 20% of users (weighted n = 658,850) relied on transit to see their regular doctor. Compared to non‐users, those who reported using transit were significantly more likely to be younger and identify as non‐Hispanic Black or Hispanic. Financially strained older adults were more likely to have recently relied on public transportation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–2.44), but frailty (aOR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.41–0.91) and living in an area with cracked or broken sidewalks (aOR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.27–0.46) were both associated with lower odds of public transportation use.ConclusionMore than 3 million older adults in the United States reported recently using public transportation, with over 600,000 relying on these services to visit their doctor. With increasing investment in public infrastructure on the horizon, centering the unique medical, economic, and social needs of older transit users is critical to ensure urban communities remain age‐friendly.
Relatives experiences during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study set in Spanish locked‐down nursing homes
Authors: Salcedo‐Pérez‐Juana María , García‐Bravo Cristina , Jimenez‐Antona Carmen , Martinez‐Piédrola Rosa María , Fernández‐De‐Las‐Peñas Cesar , Palacios‐Ceña Domingo 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAimTo describe the experience of relatives of residents with dementia residing in locked‐down nursing homes during the first outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic, concerning their relationships with nurses and the nursing care applied.MethodsA qualitative descriptive study was carried out and purposive sampling was applied. Participants were first‐ and second‐degree relatives of residents with dementia, who lived permanently in a nursing home and who were admitted prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Sixteen participants, of which 10 were women (mean age 57.1 years), participated in the study. Data were collected through in‐depth interviews and reflective notes, using a digital platform. An inductive thematic analysis was carried out. This study was approved by the University Research Ethics Committee and followed the COREQ guidelines. The Guba and Lincoln criteria (credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability) were applied for quality control.ResultsFamilies' relationships with nurses before the first wave relied on closeness and involvement in care. Families had difficulty maintaining a close relationship with nurses due to turnover and lack of time. The nursing care applied in the first wave resulted in limited family access to the nursing home, limited contact time with residents, and limited close physical contact.ConclusionsThe first outbreak has affected the relationships among relatives and nurses in nursing homes. Changes should be made in the organization of care within nursing homes in order to adapt to restrictions due to the pandemic.
The 1932 Federal Reserve Open‐Market Purchases as a Precedent for Quantitative Easing
Authors: BORDO MICHAEL D. , SINHA ARUNIMA 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe $1 billion open‐market operation conducted by the Federal Reserve, at the height of the Great Depression, was a successful precedent to the recent Quantitative Easing (QE) programs. The 1932 program entailed large purchases of medium‐ and long‐term securities over a 4‐month period. An event study analysis indicates that the program dramatically lowered medium‐ and long‐term Treasury yields. A segmented markets model is used to analyze the effects of the open‐market purchases on the economy. A significant degree of financial market segmentation is estimated, and partly explains the observed upturn in output growth. Had the Federal Reserve continued its operations and used the announcement strategy used in QE1, the Great Contraction could have been attenuated earlier. Our historical analysis suggests that the Federal Reserve in 2008 had a good predecessor to its actions.