bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of germination and antioxidant activity of iron-fortified soybean (Glycine max) germs
Authors: Wleklik Karolina , Deckert Joanna , Chmielowska-Bąk Jagna 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIron deficiency in human diet is a serious problem leading, among others, to the development of iron-dependent anaemia, which affects 1.8 billion people worldwide. Biofortification of crop plants, including edible sprouts, is a promising strategy for combating dietary deficiencies. The aim of the present study is the evaluation of the effect of seeds imbibition in FeCl2 solution with Fe at the concentrations of 100 and 500 mgL−1 on the seeds germination, growth of the seedlings, their antioxidant activity and the level of total phenolics and flavonoids. The results show that pre-treatment of seeds with Fe leads to increased accumulation of this metal in the germinated seedlings. In addition, it affects germs antioxidant activity and the level of flavonoids. On the other hand, seeds imbibition in FeCl2 had no effect on the germination rate, growth of seedlings or total phenolic content (TPC). The results indicate that seeds imbibition in Fe solution is a promising strategy for obtaining Fe-enriched soybean sprouts.
Evaluation of a Packaging System in Pallets Under Modified Atmosphere to Extend the Shelf-life of ‘Padrón’ Peppers Stored at Refrigeration Temperature
Authors: Olveira-Bouzas Vanesa , Pita-Calvo Consuelo , Romero-Rodríguez Mª Ángeles , Vázquez-Odériz Mª Lourdes 
Published: December 2022

AbstractA modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) system in pallets was developed for ‘Padrón’ peppers as a way to extend their shelf-life while maintaining good fruit quality. Peppers were stored at 6 °C in cardboard boxes arranged on pallets wrapped in micro-perforated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags. Physico-chemical (moisture, firmness, color, chlorophylls, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic content) and sensory analysis were carried out after 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of storage. An initial mixture of 11.8% O2–8.5% CO2 prevented anaerobic conditions and kept suitable CO2 levels throughout the entire storage period. Silica gel was tested as a moisture absorbent and considerably reduced water vapor condensation inside packaging bags. The MAP system developed maintained the shelf-life of peppers until the end of the 21-day storage period. The fruit always showed a good appearance and color. No rotting or other types of undesirable alterations were observed. MAP markedly reduced the fraction of peppers with water loss as evidenced by a minimum percentage of fruit with wrinkles (12.5%) as compared to unpackaged samples (75%). Good pigment stability was also observed.
Trends in incidence and mortality risk for acromegaly in Norway: a cohort study
Authors: Falch Camilla M. , Olarescu Nicoleta C. , Bollerslev Jens , Dekkers Olaf M. , Heck Ansgar 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Recent data have shown a decreasing overall mortality in acromegaly over the last decades. However, cancer incidence and cancer-related mortality still appear to be increased. Our aim was to obtain updated epidemiological data from Norway in a clinically well-defined cohort with complete register-based follow-up.

Methods
Patients diagnosed with acromegaly from South-Eastern Norway between 1999–2019 (n = 262) and age and sex matched population controls (1:100) were included (n = 26,200). Mortality and cancer data were obtained from the Norwegian Cause of Death and Cancer Registry. Mortality and cancer incidence were compared by Kaplan–Meier analyses and Cox regression; we report hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results
Median age at diagnosis was 48.0 years (interquartile range (IQR): 37.6–58.0). Mean annual acromegaly incidence rate was 4.7 (95% CI 4.2–5.3) cases/106 person-years, and the point prevalence (2019) was 83 (95% CI 72.6–93.5) cases/106 persons. Overall mortality was not increased in acromegaly, HR 0.8 (95% CI 0.5–1.4), cancer-specific and cardiovascular-specific mortality was also not increased (HR: 0.7 (95% CI 0.3–1.8) and 0.8 (95% CI: 0.3–2.5) respectively). The HR for all cancers was 1.45 (1.0–2.1; p = 0.052).

Conclusion
In this large cohort study, covering the period 1999–2019, patients were treated with individualized multimodal management. Mortality was not increased compared to the general population and comparable with recent registry studies from the Nordic countries and Europe. Overall cancer risk was slightly, but not significantly increased in the patients.
Narcissism in the context of stress: the influence of learned information on attitudes and stress outcomes
Authors: Gomes Arrulo-Clarke Teresa , Doumas Michail , Papageorgiou Kostas A. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPrevious research indicates narcissism can aid stress management. Nonetheless, its common perception and dissemination as socially aversive may hamper its acknowledgment and use as an asset in the context of stress. This experimental study investigated the effects of receiving positive or negative information (i.e., prompts) about narcissism in the context of stress on attitudes towards this trait’s association with stress. It also assessed individuals’ experiences of narcissism’s stress-coping properties when one believes themselves to be a high narcissism scorer, via an online survey. Hundred and five adults ($${M}_{age}$$

M

age

= 32.0; 22–64 years) completed measures of state-stress, music preferences, and narcissism. They were then randomly assigned to either the positive or negative prompt groups, being shown information highlighting the positive or negative impact of narcissism on stress management, respectively. Participants were then informed they scored above average on narcissism, despite their actual questionnaire scores, and undertook a stress-inducing procedure. Self-reported stress, implicit and explicit attitudes were measured pre- and post-prompt presentation. Results showed that, while prompts did not influence attitudes nor stress outcomes, individuals displayed neutral implicit attitudes towards narcissism’s association with stress across measurement timepoints. These findings suggest that people’s attitudes towards narcissism in the context of stress have not been deteriorated by this trait’s predominant negative depiction outside this context. Therefore, the dissemination and establishment of narcissism as an asset for stress-coping may be received by the general population with less resistance than anticipated.
Algebraic structures in the set of sequences of independent random variables
Authors: Bartoszewicz Artur , Filipczak Małgorzata , Gła̧b Szymon 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe space whose subsets we analyse with respect to lineability is$$L_0(\Omega ,P)^{\mathbb {N}}$$L0(Ω,P)Nconsisting of random variables sequences on probability space$$(\Omega ,P)$$(Ω,P)with atomless probability measureP. We study lineability and algebrability of$$L_0(\Omega ,P)^{\mathbb {N}}$$L0(Ω,P)N-subsets of independent random variables with additional properties connected with various types of convergence, laws of large numbers, and Markov and Kolgomorov conditions.
Peptide vaccine against glioblastoma: from bench to bedside
Authors: Yang Tianrui , Shi Yixin , Liang Tingyu , Xing Hao , Ma Wenbin , Li Yan Michael , Wang Yu 
Published: December 2022

AbstractGlioblastoma accounts for almost half of all intracranial primary malignancies and has the worst prognosis. Because of its high malignancy and frequent recurrence after standard therapy, it is of great significance to explore new therapy options. Recently immune therapy has taken remarkable progress in a variety of tumors, among which peptide vaccines utilize peptide sequences based on tumor-specific antigens or tumor-associated antigen targets to activate self-immune response against tumor cells. However, due to the particularity of intracranial central nervous system tumors, the application of peptide vaccines in glioblastoma still faces challenges. This article mainly reviews the immune basis and important clinical trial results of peptide vaccine therapy for GBM, analyzes the reasons for its poor efficacy, and proposes the development direction of peptide vaccines for the unique challenges of immunotherapy in GBM. An in-depth understanding and elaboration of the application and related issues of peptide vaccine in the treatment of GBM will help to formulate relevant treatment strategies in future clinical and basic research.
A Positive Doctrine of Tyranny? The Rule of Law Vs. The Rule of a Tyrant in Archaic and Classical Greece
Authors: Joyce Christopher J. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe origins and definition of tyranny in ancient Greece have been debated in scholarship for well over three quarters of a century. Recently, it has been argued that tyranny as a political idea was not anathematised until late and that in the fifth century BCE and before, tyranny comported no negative judgment. While correct to point out that the distinction between ‘king’ and ‘tyrant’ in literature predating Aristotle was not clearly delineated, scholars have often failed to ask the more fundamental question of why that distinction was essential for Aristotle. This essay argues that Aristotle drew upon a much older intellectual tradition which saw tyranny as hateful and contrary to the rule of law. Though tyrants in many cases ruled lawfully, a distinction must be drawn between ‘lawful’ rule, which some but not all tyrants practised, and the rule of law, which anathematised tyranny.
The COVID-19 Response in North America
Authors: Yum Seungil 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn our Information Technology (IT) based societies, social media plays an important role in communications and social networks for COVID-19. This study explores social responses for COVID-19 in North America, which is the most severe continent affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study employs social network analysis for Twitter among the US, Canada, and Mexico. This study finds that the 3 countries show different characteristics of social networks for COVID-19. For example, the Prime Minister plays the second most important role in the Canadian networks, whereas the Presidents play the most significant role in them, in the US, and Mexico. WHO shows a pivotal effect on social networks of COVID-19 in Canada and the US, whereas it does not affect them in Mexico. Canadians are interested in COVID-19 apps, the American people criticize the president and administration as incompetent in terms of COVID-19, and the Mexican people search for COVID-19 cases and the pandemic in Mexico. This study shows that governments and disease experts should understand social networks and communications of social network services, to develop effective COVID-19 policies according to the characteristics of their country.
Science, Religion and Sino-Western Exchanges: Literati-Jesuit Translation of Euclidean Geometry and Its Reception from Late Ming to Mid-Qing
Authors: Wang Wensheng 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis essay explores the interlocking roles of science and religion in Sino-Western exchanges by examining China's encounter with Jesuit mathematics in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It first focuses on late Ming by studying the joint translation of Euclidean geometry by high-ranking scholar-official Xu Guangqi (1562–1633) and Italian Jesuit Matteo Ricci (1552–1610). Then it studies how this encounter affected later literati-scholars, with a special attention to Mei Wending (1633–1721), the leading mathematical astronomer of early Qing. I argue that Xu's appropriation of Western mathematics not only helped strengthen the basis of Confucian statecraft in the milieu of late Ming crisis but also contributed to later reconstruction and renaissance of Chinese classical tradition through Qing-dynasty evidential studies. Far from predetermined, this cross-cultural encounter represents a trial-and-error process of contested accommodation dictated by different personal agendas, changing socio-political circumstances, evolving intellectual trends as well as shifting global balance of power.
Disentangling creep and isothermal metamorphism during snow settlement with X-ray tomography
Authors: Bernard Antoine , Hagenmuller Pascal , Montagnat Maurine , Chambon Guillaume 
Published: December 2022

AbstractOnce fallen, snow settles due to the combined effects of metamorphism and deformation of the ice matrix under gravity. To understand how these coupled processes affect snow evolution, we performed oedometric compression tests and continuously monitored the snow microstructure with X-ray tomography. Centimetric samples with an initial density between 200 and 300 kg m−3 were followed during an initial sintering phase and under two different loads of 2.1 and 4.7 kPa at $-8^\circ$C for ~1 week. The microstructure captured at a voxel size of 8.5 μm was characterized by density, specific surface area (SSA) and two metrics related to bond network, namely the Euler characteristic and the minimum cut surface. Load-induced creep of the ice matrix was observed only for sufficiently low values of initial density (<290 kg m−3 in our tests), and was shown to be associated to a significant increase of the number of bonds. Application of the load, however, did not affect the individual bond size nor the SSA, which appeared to be mainly controlled by isothermal metamorphism. The uniaxial compression did not induce any creation of anisotropy on the microstructural characteristics. Overall, our results show that, for the considered conditions, the deformation of the ice matrix mainly leads to a reduction of the pore space and an increase of the coordination number, while metamorphism mainly affects the grain and bond sizes.
Deliberative processes in decision making informed by health technology assessment in Latin America
Authors: Alcaraz Andrea , Pichon-Riviere Andrés , García-Martí Sebastián , Alfie Verónica , Augustovski Federico , Castro Héctor 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Objective
The objective of Health Technology Assessment International’s 6th Latin America Policy Form, held in 2021, was to explore the implementation of deliberative processes in the framework of health technology assessment (HTA) and how agencies in the region could involve stakeholders in this process.

Methods
This paper is based on a preparatory survey, a background document, and the deliberative work of participants at the virtual Forum conducted in 2021. There were ninety-one participants in the open session and fifty-two in the closed sessions, representing twelve countries and diverse areas of the health sector.

Results
While there are mechanisms in most countries in Latin America to consider stakeholder involvement to some degree, it remains reduced or limited to a consultative role, making true participative involvement rare. There are significant barriers and structural and contextual limitations that have impeded or slowed progress toward deliberative processes. Relatively low levels of institutionalization and knowledge about HTA, as well as the lack of trust among stakeholders are important challenges. This situation has impacted health systems by diminishing the legitimacy of decisions and the very structures and processes of HTA.

Conclusion
The Forum’s broad group of participants identified barriers, facilitators, and recommendations to improve the use of deliberative processes in Latin America to foster improved fairness and reasonableness in HTA and decision making.
Estimation of the incubation period and generation time of SARS-CoV-2 Alpha and Delta variants from contact tracing data
Authors: Manica Mattia , Litvinova Maria , De Bellis Alfredo , Guzzetta Giorgio , Mancuso Pamela , Vicentini Massimo , Venturelli Francesco , Bisaccia Eufemia , Bento Ana I. , Poletti Piero , Marziano Valentina , Zardini Agnese , d'Andrea Valeria , Trentini Filippo , Bella Antonino , Riccardo Flavia , Pezzotti Patrizio , Ajelli Marco , Giorgi Rossi Paolo , Merler Stefano ,   the Reggio Emilia COVID-19 Working Group
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Quantitative information on epidemiological quantities such as the incubation period and generation time of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants is scarce. We analysed a dataset collected during contact tracing activities in the province of Reggio Emilia, Italy, throughout 2021. We determined the distributions of the incubation period for the Alpha and Delta variants using information on negative polymerase chain reaction tests and the date of last exposure from 282 symptomatic cases. We estimated the distributions of the intrinsic generation time using a Bayesian inference approach applied to 9724 SARS-CoV-2 cases clustered in 3545 households where at least one secondary case was recorded. We estimated a mean incubation period of 4.9 days (95% credible intervals, CrI, 4.4–5.4) for Alpha and 4.5 days (95% CrI 4.0–5.0) for Delta. The intrinsic generation time was estimated to have a mean of 7.12 days (95% CrI 6.27–8.44) for Alpha and of 6.52 days (95% CrI 5.54–8.43) for Delta. The household serial interval was 2.43 days (95% CrI 2.29–2.58) for Alpha and 2.74 days (95% CrI 2.62–2.88) for Delta, and the estimated proportion of pre-symptomatic transmission was 48–51% for both variants. These results indicate limited differences in the incubation period and intrinsic generation time of SARS-CoV-2 variants Alpha and Delta compared to ancestral lineages.
Seed ecology of post-fire flowering species from the Cerrado
Authors: Fontenele Hudson G.V. , Miranda Heloisa S. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPost-fire flowering (PFF) species resprout, flower and disperse seeds within weeks after fire. This may be an important strategy to recruit new individuals and colonize the gaps opened by fire. The seeds released in the post-fire environment may interact with byproducts derived from plant burning, and the resulting ash may have compounds that can promote the germination of various seeds, particularly those with permeable coats. In the Cerrado ecoregion, PFF is a strategy commonly observed in the species of the ground layer, but their seeds are rarely investigated. So, we examined the quality and the germination of the seeds of 13 species that disperse seeds within 3 months after fire. We estimated the amount of empty, filled and predated seeds for each species, and tested the germination with or without ash. There was a clear separation in seed quality as dicots produced 35–75% filled seeds but grasses <15%. Pre-dispersal predation was only observed for dicots (<10%). Ash stimulated the germination of two out of the three dormant species but inhibited the germination of three non-dormant species. Overall, the seeds produced in response to fire are an important source of genetic variability in an ecosystem that has resprouting as the main persistence strategy. As most species have non-dormant seeds, ash may only be important to stimulate the germination of few PFF species. Even so, ash can be completely washed away by rains before seeds are dispersed and may not have an effect under field conditions.
On the Ethics of Withholding and Withdrawing Unwarranted Diagnoses
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn Morten , Lea Marianne 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe number of diagnoses and the number of persons having diagnoses have increased substantially, and studies indicate that diagnoses are given or upheld even if they are unwarranted, that is, that they do not satisfy professionally accepted diagnostic criteria. In this article, the authors investigate the ethics of withholding and withdrawing unwarranted diagnoses. First, they investigate ethical aspects that make it difficult to withhold and to withdraw such diagnoses. Second, they scrutinize whether there are psychological factors, both in persons/patients and healthcare professionals, making it difficult to withdraw and withhold unwarranted diagnoses. Lastly, they use recent elements of the withholding-versus-withdrawing treatment debate in medical ethics to investigate whether there are any differences between withholding and withdrawing treatment and withdrawing and withholding unwarranted diagnoses. The authors conclude that it is crucial to acknowledge and address all these issues to reduce and avoid unwarranted diagnoses.
Ultra-processed foods consumption and diet quality among preschool children and women of reproductive age from Argentina
Authors: Zapata María Elisa , Cediel Gustavo , Arrieta Ezequiel , Rovirosa Alicia , Carmuega Esteban , Monteiro Carlos A 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjective:To assess the association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and diet quality among preschool children and women of reproductive age from Argentina.Design:Cross-sectional and nationally representative survey. The food items were classified according to the NOVA system. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and wholegrains was estimated, and the energy and nutrients related to non-communicable disease (NCD) intake. Linear regression was used to assess the associations.Setting:Argentina.Participants:Children aged 2–5 years (n7022), female adolescent aged 10–19 years (n2165) and women aged 20–49 years (n4414).Results:UPF represented more than a quarter of total energy intake, 27 % in children, 31 % in female adolescents and 26 % in women. Across all age groups, the major contributors to UPF consumption were cookies and pastries (about 6·0–7·0 %), soft drinks (about 2·7–3·7 %), candies (about 1·8–4·6 %), and juices (about 1·3–1·7 %). The consumption of fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and legumes was negatively associated with UPF consumption. A significant positive association was found between the dietary share of UPF and the dietary content of NCD-promoting nutrients such as free sugars and total saturated andtrans-fats. In contrast, a significant negative association was found with the content of NCD-protective such as fibre and protein.Conclusions:UPF were associated with lower consumption of healthy foods and higher intake of nutrients related to NCD in children and women of reproductive age in Argentina. It is necessary to design food policies that simultaneously reduce the consumption of UPF while promoting the intake of fresh and whole foods to improve the dietary quality.
The makers get it all? The coalitional welfare politics of Populist Radical Right Parties in Europe. The case studies of Austria and Italy
Authors: Fischer Torben , Giuliani Giovanni Amerigo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe article investigates whether and to what extent the welfare policies of Populist Radical Right Parties (PRRPs) vary in diverse government coalitions. Relying on a multidimensional framework differentiating coalitional politics along the welfare size and deservingness dimension, we conduct a comparative case study analysing welfare reforms of the ‘standard’ centre-right/PRRP government coalition ÖVP-FPÖ in Austria and the ‘new’ populist government coalition M5S-Lega in Italy. We find that both PRRPs do not promote pro-welfare policies in general, but rather opt for selective expansion of benefits for ‘makers’, while aiming at retrenching benefits for ‘takers’. This welfare strategy includes pensioners and male breadwinner families but excludes migrants or long-term unemployed. The analysis furthermore shows that the central line of conflict with the centre-right ÖVP is mostly about the size of welfare policies, especially for ‘deserving’ citizens, while with the socially more left-leaning M5S it is rather centred around the deservingness dimension, e.g., benefits for takers. These results offer a more fine-grained understanding of the PRRPs’ welfare agenda and their coalitional welfare politics in office.