bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Orographic enhancement of rainfall over the Congo Basin
Authors: Raghavendra Ajay , Xia Geng , Zhou Liming , Jiang Yan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe Congo rainforest located in central equatorial Africa is an important, yet understudied part of the globe surrounded by complex orographic features. A primitive understanding of precipitation processes such as mesoscale convective dynamics magnifies uncertainties in the future climate projections of the hydrological cycle over the Congo. Furthermore, the effects of orography, which is an important forcing for convection and precipitation, are poorly resolved by climate models, and ill‐conceptualized over the Congo. To address this knowledge gap, perturbed orographic forcing experiments are conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) mesoscale numerical model in a high‐resolution convection‐permitting model setup. The model simulated selected dates in November 2014. The thunderstorms and rainfall simulated in the control run for the case study analyzed in this article compared reasonably well to satellite‐derived brightness temperature and rainfall data. The results from this case study show that the dynamical impact of increasing the height of the East African Highlands is the blocking of the lower‐tropospheric tropical easterlies. This weakening of the lower‐tropospheric zonal winds increases the windshear over the Congo Basin resulting in slower propagating, more intense mesoscale convective systems with enhanced rainfall.
An experimental protocol for molecular biology lab at an Amazonian University
Authors: Valdivieso‐Rivera Fernando , Almeida José Rafael , Proaño‐Bolaños Carolina 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLaboratory‐based practical classes are an essential component in teaching molecular biology for undergraduate students. Universidad Regional Amazonica Ikiam is a higher education institution located in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, a high biodiversity place, including amphibians. Based on this, we have established a practical molecular biology program with eight sessions that contextualize the biodiverse surroundings of the University. This program stimulates synchronization of information between theory and practice and improves research skills. During these sessions, students are motivated to identify and characterize antimicrobial peptides from Ecuadorian frog skin secretions, using molecular biology techniques and biochemistry and microbiology knowledge. This practical course was held twice with a total of 56 students from the fifth semester of the biotechnology engineering. The evaluation of the practical program was carried out through a questionnaire applied to students using the Likert scale. Overall, this form of teaching had high receptivity and presented benefits for student learning. Interestingly, 80% of respondents strongly agreed that this course provided tools and knowledge for the development of their undergraduate dissertation. Therefore, practical courses tailored to the student's context can stimulate student learning and interest. Additionally, this experimental methodology is interdisciplinary and can be applied to other research fields and subjects.
Sustainable banking initiatives, environmental disclosure and financial performance: The moderating impact of corporate governance mechanisms
Authors: Adu Douglas A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis paper contributes to the sustainable development in business literature by examining the impact of a broad corporate governance disclosure index on sustainable banking initiatives and, subsequently, determines the extent to which the sustainability‐for‐performance sensitivity metric is moderated by corporate governance mechanisms. Based on data collected from 220 banks in 16 Sub‐Saharan Africa countries over the 2007–2018 period (i.e., making over 2027 bank‐year observations), the findings of the study are as follows: Firstly, the study finds that corporate governance mechanisms have positive impact on sustainable decisions, as captured by environmental disclosures and sustainable banking initiatives. Secondly, the study finds that sustainable banking initiatives improve the financial performance of banks in the Sub‐Saharan African countries. Finally, the study detects that the relationship between sustainable banking initiatives and financial performance is significantly moderated by corporate governance mechanisms, revealing that the sustainability‐for‐performance sensitivity metric is mainly positive, and improves in banks with quality corporate governance mechanisms. This indicates that the sustainability‐for‐performance sensitivity is contingent on the quality of the bank's corporate governance structures. The findings have key implications for banking practitioners, environmental activists, regulators and policymakers.
Efficacy of careHPV™ human papillomavirus screening versus conventional cytology tests for the detection of precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions among women living with HIV‐1 in Lao People's Democratic Republic
Authors: Paboriboune Phimpha , Phongsavan Keokedthong , Arounlangsy Phetsamone , Flaissier Bruno , Aphayarath Oukham , Phimmasone Prasit , Banchongphanith Ketmala , Xayaovong Mixi , Jourdain Gonzague , Schott Anne‐Marie , Saadatian‐Elahi Mitra , Magaud Laurent , Klich Amna , Ngo‐Giang‐Huong Nicole , Heard Isabelle , Rabilloud Muriel , Picot Valentina Sanchez , Longuet Christophe 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), cervical cancer is the third leading cause of women cancer.AimsThe objective of this cross‐sectional study was to compare the efficacy of careHPV™ test versus conventional Pap smear or Siriraj liquid‐based cytology in the detection of cervical cancer in women living with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1).Materials & MethodsOverall, 631 women consented to participate. Four cervical specimens were taken for the purpose of conventional Pap smear, Siriraj liquid‐based cytology, careHPV™ test, and HPV‐16 genotyping. The exact McNemar test was used to compare the efficacy and diagnostic performance of the tests.ResultsOf the 631 women with follow‐up, 331 were human papillomavirus (HPV) negative. High‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were found in 37 women, biopsy‐proven high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in 50 women, and invasive carcinoma in seven women. The proportion of women with high‐grade cervical lesion or carcinoma detected after abnormal careHPV™ test was higher (6.02%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4–8.1) than that detected by conventional Pap smear (4.59%; 95% CI: 3.2–6.5). careHPV™ and HPV‐16 genotyping had, respectively, the highest sensitivity (80.8%; 95% CI: 67.4–89.5) and specificity (92.2%; 95% CI: 89.8–94.2). HPV‐16 was the most frequently detected genotype.ConclusionscareHPV™ test represents a screening option in Lao PDR, particularly in women living with HIV‐1 because of higher prevalence of chronic HPV in this population.
Aging and loneliness: Why financial advisors should help clients and how
Authors: Gibson Philip , Cheng Yuanshan , Sam Janine K. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe primary goal of this study is to examine loneliness in retirement and explore steps that a financial planner can take to mitigate client loneliness. Using data from the Participant Lifestyle Questionnaire, and Leave‐Behind Module from the Health and Retirement Study database, we show that even after controlling for relationship status and having a purpose in life, leisure activities can help reduce loneliness. When compared to increasing household wealth, the authors find that engaging in social activities has a greater impact on decreasing loneliness, signaling a possible duty of care owed to clients as it relates to well‐being. We conclude with implications and practical strategies financial advisors can implement to help clients as they plan for and navigate retirement.
Dissipative Dynamic Covalent Chemistry (DDCvC) Based on the Transimination Reaction
Authors: Del Giudice Daniele , Valentini Matteo , Melchiorre Gabriele , Spatola Emanuele , Di Stefano Stefano 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis work reports that the composition of a dynamic library (DL) of interconverting imines can be controlled over time in a dissipative fashion by the addition of an activated carboxylic acid used as a chemical fuel. When the fuel is added to the DL, which is initially under thermodynamic equilibrium, the composition of the mixture dramatically changes and a new, dissipative (out of equilibrium) state is reached that persists until fuel exhaustion. Thus, a transient dissipative dynamic library (DDL) is generated that, eventually, reverts back to the initial DL when the fuel is consumed, closing a DL→DDL→DL cycle. The larger the amount of added fuel, the longer the time spent by the system in the DDL state. The transimination reaction is shown to be an optimal candidate for the realization of a dissipative dynamic covalent chemistry (DDCvC).
Does the business environment improve the competitiveness of start‐ups? The moderating effect of cross‐border ability and the mediating effect of entrepreneurship
Authors: Peng Benhong , Zhao Yinyin , Elahi Ehsan , Wan Anxia 
Published: March 2022

AbstractStudying the relationship between the business environment and the competitiveness of start‐ups can help enterprises develop entrepreneurial opportunities to support and promote their survival and development. Based on the perspective of entrepreneurial ecosystem and resource integration theory, this study uses linear regression analysis and a structural equation model to explore the impact mechanism of the business environment and the competitiveness of start‐ups. The results depict that both the legal environment and market environment have a significant and positive impact on entrepreneurship and the competitiveness of start‐ups. Although cross‐border ability significantly and positively moderates the relationship between the legal environment and entrepreneurship, it did not moderate the market environment and entrepreneurship. Similarly, entrepreneurship has partial mediating effects between the business environment and the competitiveness of start‐ups. This study demonstrates the important role of the business environment from the perspective of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and provides new ideas to improve the competitiveness of start‐ups.
Parenting under pressure: Parental transmission and buffering of child fear during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Uy Jessica P. , Schwartz Chloe , Chu Kristen A. , Towner Emily , Lemus Alejandra , Brito Natalie H. , Callaghan Bridget L. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe current study investigated the impacts of parental behaviors (threat communication and comforting) on children's COVID‐19 fears and whether effects differed by age. Caregivers of 283 children (5.5–17 years, M = 10.17, SD = 3.25) from 186 families completed online measures assessing children's and parents’ COVID‐19‐related fears, children's sources of COVID‐19 threat information, and parents’ engagement in behaviors to reduce child distress (i.e., comfort behaviors). Higher COVID‐19 fear in parents was associated with greater communication of COVID‐19 threat information, which was associated with higher COVID‐19 fear in younger, but not older, children. Over and above parental fear and threat communication, greater exposure to COVID‐19 threat information from community sources (e.g., media, school, friends) was associated with greater COVID‐19 fear in children, regardless of age. Greater engagement of parental comfort behaviors buffered the association between community sources of COVID‐19 threat information and COVID‐19 fears in older, but not younger, children. These findings suggest that younger children might be more vulnerable to developing heightened COVID‐19 fears as a result of increasing sources of COVID‐19 threat information in their lives. This study highlights the importance of supporting the socioemotional well‐being of children and families through the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond.
Effects of operational taxonomic unit inference methods on soil microeukaryote community analysis using long‐read metabarcoding
Authors: Eshghi Sahraei Shadi , Furneaux Brendan , Kluting Kerri , Zakieh Mustafa , Rydin Håkan , Hytteborn Håkan , Rosling Anna 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLong amplicon metabarcoding has opened the door for phylogenetic analysis of the largely unknown communities of microeukaryotes in soil. Here, we amplified and sequenced the ITS and LSU regions of the rDNA operon (around 1500 bp) from grassland soils using PacBio SMRT sequencing. We tested how three different methods for generation of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) effected estimated richness and identified taxa, and how well large‐scale ecological patterns associated with shifting environmental conditions were recovered in data from the three methods. The field site at Kungsängen Nature Reserve has drawn frequent visitors since Linnaeus's time, and its species rich vegetation includes the largest population of Fritillaria meleagris in Sweden. To test the effect of different OTU generation methods, we sampled soils across an abrupt moisture transition that divides the meadow community into a Carex acuta dominated plant community with low species richness in the wetter part, which is visually distinct from the mesic‐dry part that has a species rich grass‐dominated plant community including a high frequency of F. meleagris. We used the moisture and plant community transition as a framework to investigate how detected belowground microeukaryotic community composition was influenced by OTU generation methods. Soil communities in both moisture regimes were dominated by protists, a large fraction of which were taxonomically assigned to Ciliophora (Alveolata) while 30%–40% of all reads were assigned to kingdom Fungi. Ecological patterns were consistently recovered irrespective of OTU generation method used. However, different methods strongly affect richness estimates and the taxonomic and phylogenetic resolution of the characterized community with implications for how well members of the microeukaryotic communities can be recognized in the data.
Going remote: Recommendations for normalizing virtual internships
Authors: Hruska Amy M. , Cawood Alison , Pagenkopp Lohan Katrina M. , Ogburn Matthew B. , Komatsu Kimberly J. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractResearch internships provide students with invaluable experience conducting independent research, contributing to larger research programs, and embedding in a professional scientific setting. These experiences increase student persistence in ecology and other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and promote the inclusion of students who lack opportunities at their home institutions and/or are from groups that are underrepresented in STEM. While many ecology internship programs were canceled during the 2020 COVID‐19 pandemic, others successfully adapted to offer virtual internships for the first time. Though different from what many researchers and students envision when they think of internships, virtual ecology internship programs can create more accessible opportunities and be just as valuable as in‐person opportunities when research programs and advisors develop virtual internships with intention and planning. Here, we highlight six ways to structure a virtual intern project, spanning a spectrum from purely computer‐based opportunities (e.g., digital data gathering, data analysis, or synthesis) to fully hands‐on research (e.g., sample processing or home‐based experiments). We illustrate examples of these virtual projects through a case study of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center's 2020 Virtual Internship Program. Next, we provide 10 recommendations for effectively developing a virtual internship program. Finally, we end with ways that virtual internships can avoid the limitations of in‐person internships, as well as possible solutions to perceived pitfalls of virtual internships. While virtual internships became a necessity in 2020 due to COVID‐19, the development and continuation of virtual internships in future can be a valuable tool to add to the suite of existing internship opportunities, possibly further promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in ecology and STEM.
Turnover in butterfly communities and traits along an elevational gradient in the eastern Himalaya, India
Authors: Dewan Sailendra , Sanders Nathan J. , Acharya Bhoj Kumar 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBeta (β)‐diversity varies along environmental gradients, and understanding what drives such variation might provide insights into the factors that shape community structure from place to place. Here, we delineate the spatial pattern of β‐diversity, analyze its underlying mechanisms, and examine variation in functional traits of butterflies along an extensive elevational gradient (300–3000 m) in the eastern Himalaya, the largest mountain system in the world. We sampled butterflies at 16 sites along this gradient using a fixed‐width point count method and estimated habitat variables at each site. We obtained trait data from our field collections and secondary sources as necessary. We partitioned β‐diversity into its turnover, nestedness, balanced variation, and abundance gradient components. We used generalized dissimilarity modeling to determine the underlying mechanisms affecting the pattern of β‐diversity along the gradient. The pattern of β‐diversity in butterflies at adjacent sites exhibited a mid elevation peak. Dissimilarity between sites increased with the increase in distance between the sites. Turnover or the balanced variation made major contributions to the overall β‐diversity. Among the set of factors, actual evapotranspiration was positively correlated with β‐diversity. The trait‐based analysis revealed biogeographic affinity as the best predictor of community composition along the elevational gradient. The high β‐diversity arises from turnover rather than nestedness component. We conclude that the pattern of β‐diversity of butterflies in the Himalaya is largely due to environmental filtering rather than geographic extent.
Changes in clinical and imaging variables during withdrawal of heart failure therapy in recovered dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Halliday Brian P. , Owen Ruth , Gregson John , Vazir Ali , Wassall Rebecca , Khalique Zohya , Lota Amrit S. , Tayal Upasana , Hammersley Daniel J. , Jones Richard E. , Pennell Dudley J. , Cowie Martin R. , Cleland John G.F. , Prasad Sanjay K. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to profile the changes in non‐invasive clinical, biochemical, and imaging markers during withdrawal of therapy in patients with recovered dilated cardiomyopathy, providing insights into the pathophysiology of relapse.Methods and resultsClinical, biochemical, and imaging data from patients during phased withdrawal of therapy in the randomized or single‐arm cross‐over phases of TRED‐HF were profiled. Clinical variables were measured at each study visit and imaging variables were measured at baseline, 16 weeks, and 6 months. Amongst the 49 patients [35% women, mean age 53.6 years (standard deviation 11.6)] who withdrew therapy, 20 relapsed. Increases in mean heart rate [7.6 beats per minute (95% confidence interval, CI, 4.5, 10.7)], systolic blood pressure [6.6 mmHg (95% CI 2.7, 10.5)], and diastolic blood pressure [5.8 mmHg (95% CI 3.1, 8.5)] were observed within 4–8 weeks of starting to withdraw therapy. A rise in mean left ventricular (LV) mass [5.1 g/m2 (95% CI 2.8, 7.3)] and LV end‐diastolic volume [3.9 mL/m2 (95% CI 1.1, 6.7)] and a reduction in mean LV ejection fraction [−4.2 (95% CI −6.6, −1.8)] were seen by 16 weeks, the earliest imaging follow‐up. Plasma N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) fell immediately after withdrawing beta‐blockers and only tended to increase 6 months after beginning therapy withdrawal [mean change in log NT‐proBNP at 6 months: 0.2 (95% CI −0.1, 0.4)].ConclusionsChanges in plasma NT‐proBNP are a late feature of relapse, often months after a reduction in LV function. A rise in heart rate and blood pressure is observed soon after withdrawing therapy in recovered dilated cardiomyopathy, typically accompanied or closely followed by early changes in LV structure and function.
Direct Synthesis of Vinylene Carbonates from Aromatic Aldehydes**
Authors: Onida Killian , Ibrahimli Leyli , Duguet Nicolas 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSubstituted vinylene carbonates were directly prepared from aromatic aldehydes following a one‐pot Benzoin condensation/transcarbonation sequence under solvent‐free conditions. The combination of a N‐phenyl substituted triazolium salt NHC precursor and 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) was found essential to reach high yield and selectivity. The reaction scope was investigated with a range of aromatic aldehydes and the corresponding vinylene carbonates were obtained with 32–86 % isolated yields (14 examples).
The Risk‐Reducing Effect of Aspirin in Lynch Syndrome Carriers: Development and Evaluation of an Educational Leaflet
Authors: Kaur Rajneesh , McDonald Cassandra , Meiser Bettina , Macrae Finlay , Smith Sian K , Kang Yoon Jung , Caruana Michael , Mitchell Gillian 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCarriers of germline mutations in genes associated with Lynch syndrome are at increased risk for colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, and other cancers. There is evidence that daily consumption of aspirin may reduce cancer risk in these individuals. There is a need for educational resources to inform carriers of the risk‐reducing effects of aspirin or to support decision‐making. An educational leaflet describing the risks and benefits of using aspirin as risk‐reducing medicine in carriers of Lynch‐syndrome‐related mutations is developed and pilot tested in 2017. Carriers are ascertained through a familial cancer clinic and surveyed using a mailed, self‐administered questionnaire. The leaflet is highly rated for its content, clarity, length, relevance, and visual appeal by more than 70% of the participants. Most participants (91%) report “a lot” or “quite a bit” of improvement in perceived understanding in knowledge about who might benefit from taking aspirin, its benefits, how long to take it, the reduction in bowel cancer risk, and the optimal dosage. A few (14%) participants seek more information on the dosage of aspirin. This leaflet will be useful as an aid to facilitate discussion between patients and their health care professionals about the use of aspirin as a risk‐reducing medication.
Analgesic effects of sterile water injection in the management of low back pain during labor: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Chueh‐Yi , Lo Sheu‐Fang , Chou Shih‐Hsiang , Shih Chia‐Lung 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundSterile water injections (SWIs) as a non‐pharmacologic and cost‐effective method have been adopted to relieve low back labor pain (LBLP).ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of intradermal and subdermal SWIs in the treatment of LBLP.Search strategyThree databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect) were searched to find relevant articles using two terms, “labor” and “sterile water”.Selection criteriaStudies reporting women with LBLP treated by intradermal or subdermal SWIs in the low back area were included.Data collection and analysisMean differences with 95% confidence interval (CI) and relative risk with 95% CI were used to estimate VAS score and cesarean section rate, respectively.Main resultsExcept for 10 min, the patients in the intradermal or subdermal SWI group experienced considerable pain reduction compared with the control group for 30–45, 60, and 90 min. Directly comparing intradermal and subdermal SWI groups, the subdermal injection group had significantly better pain relief than the intradermal injection group only at 10 min after treatment.ConclusionsBoth intradermal and subdermal SWIs could reduce LBLP at 30–90 min. The subdermal SWI had significantly better LBLP relief than the intradermal injection only at 10 min after treatment.