bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast recovery of North Atlantic sea level in response to atmospheric CO2 removal
Authors: Oh Ji-Hoon , Wang Sunhee , Shin Yechul , Kug Jong-Seong
Published: April 2024

Sea level rise (SLR) due to anthropogenic warming poses substantial threats to coastal environments and human societies. Despite successful climate mitigation efforts, regional reversibility of SLR in response to stabilization or reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) remains unclear. Here, we investigate sea level fluctuations in Subpolar North Atlantic (SPNA) using idealized CO2 ramp-up and -down experiments. We found that during ramp-up period, the SPNA experiences a faster SLR than the global mean, followed by a more rapid decline with decreasing CO2. These dramatic sea level fluctuations are mainly driven by the response of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) to CO2 forcing. The enhanced meridional salinity transport triggered by the rapid AMOC recovery plays a crucial role in the recovery of the SPNA sea level. Our study highlights the potential for abrupt sea level changes in the SPNA and surrounding coastal areas under climate mitigation scenarios.
Influence of social media on intent to undergo cosmetic facial injections among Lebanese university students
Authors: Salameh Rami , Murr Elio El , Ghadban Elie , Hanna Charlie
Published: April 2024

Background With the emergence of social media platforms and accounts advertising for noninvasive cosmetic procedures, obsession with beauty and conforming to certain appearance standards is increasing among adolescents and young adults. The current study aimed to determine whether social media content exposure and other related factors, influence the decision of Lebanese university students to undergo facial cosmetic injections such as dermal fillers and Botox.Methods A cross sectional study was conducted between the first and 20th of august 2023, using an online questionnaire platform on Lebanese university students between the age of 18 and 30. The survey included questions regarding demographic features, facial cosmetic injections, social media use, facial appearance and related psychological distress. A bivariate followed by a multivariate analysis were done. A p-value < 0.05 was considered to be significant.Results A total of 600 responses were collected. Most of who responded were women (N: 398, 66.3%) with a mean age of 22.22+/- 3. Of the participants, 185 (30.8%) considered undergoing facial fillers or Botox injections whereas 31 (5.2%) have already undergone such procedures. Instagram was the platform used the most (N: 466, 77.7%). When considering the multivariate analysis model: being a female, following medical doctors on social media, following cosmetic pages, a personal, family or friend history of undergoing cosmetic facial injections and a bigger engagement on social media platforms as well as low satisfaction with facial appearance were significantly correlated with the intent of undergoing facial dermal fillers and Botox injections. (p = 0.001 < 0.05, OR = 0.393; p = 0.000 < 0.05, OR = 2.847; p = 0.008 < 0.05, OR = 2.034; p = 0.000 < 0.05, OR = 21.066; p = 0.001 < 0.05, OR = 2.371; p = 0.012, OR = 1.419; p = 0.029, OR :0.628 respectively).Conclusion Our study gave a dynamic comprehension about the persuasive effect of social media platforms on Lebanese university students to consider cosmetic facial injections. The significant predictors in our model were related to specific social media behaviors. The study also highlighted the psychological dimension involved in the process, that practitioners should be aware of in their practice.
Artemisinin ameliorates the thyroid function and the complications in adult male hypothyroid rats via upregulating L1 cell adhesion molecule
Authors: Li Lingling , Xu Haifan , Hu Zecheng , Li Li
Published: April 2024

Hypothyroidism, a common worldwide syndrome caused by in sufficient thyroid hormone secretion, affects a good deal of people at different ages. Artemisinin (ART), a well-known effective agent in the treatment of malaria, also owns anti-oxidative stress functions in various diseases. L1 cell adhesion molecule also exerts multiple protective roles in diseased systems. Hence, the aim of this study is to evaluate the role of ART in the in adult male hypothyroid rats and the underlying mechanisms. In the current study, we revealed that, ART can amelioratethe thyroid function, mitigate the depression and anxiety symptoms, attenuate the cognition impairments, improve the liver, kidney and heart functions, and inhibit the oxidative stress, whereas, theses conducive effects exerted by ART cannot be observed when L1 was silenced by L1 siRNA.These combined results indicated that ART can upregulate L1 cell adhesion molecule to ameliorate the thyroid function and the complications in adult male hypothyroid rats, laying the foundation for ART to be a novel strategy for the treatment of hypothyroidism.
Global Research Cooperation Patterns in the Secondary Battery Industry
Authors: AN HOJIN , Cho Keuntae
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to analyze how global research cooperation patterns in the secondary battery industry have changed over recent years and identify the evolution of the research focus in the field. To this end, network analysis was performed using the nationality information of the authors of multinational joint studies related to lithium-ion batteries in the 10-year period 2013–2022. Furthermore, keyword analysis and topic modeling were performed using the studies’ abstract data. According to the results, some countries that are not well-known in the field, such as Australia, Spain, and France, showed high centrality relative to their cooperation levels. Additionally, six research topics were identified. A comparison spanning the first half of the examined decade revealed no differences in the appearance of keywords indicating high energy density and conductivity with lithium, a key mineral. Keyword distribution in the first 5-year period was high for topics such as battery charging and discharging, whereas, in the second half, next-generation battery materials such as solid electrolytes, lithium metal anodes, and lithium-sulfur batteries were frequently occurring. These results provide insights for countries regarding the establishment of research and development cooperation strategies, as well as for companies in the battery industry engaging in pre-planning.
Data-driven identification of a left anterior hippocampus’ morphological network associated with self-regulation
Authors: Balajoo Somayeh Maleki , Plachti Anna , Nicolaisen-Sobesky Eliana , Dong Debo , Hoffstaedter Felix , Meuth Sven , Melzer Nico , Eickhoff Simon , Genon Sarah
Published: April 2024

The human hippocampus is a key region in cognitive and emotional processing, but also a vulnerable and plastic region. Accordingly, there is a great interest in understanding how variability in hippocampus’ structure relates to variability in behavior in healthy and clinical populations. In this study, we aimed to link interindividual variability in subregional hippocampal networks (i.e. the brain grey matter networks of hippocampal subregions) to variability in behavioral phenotype. To do so, we used a multi-block multivariate approach mapping association between grey matter volume in hippocampal subregions, grey matter volume in the whole brain regions and behavioral variables in healthy adults. Implementing this approach in a machine learning framework enabled us to identify stable patterns (latent dimensions) and its application to two large adult datasets further enabled us to focus on a replicable latent dimension that thus captures a general aspect of hippocampal-brain-behavior phenotype in the population. Our results highlighted a left anterior hippocampal morphological network including the left amygdala and the posterior midline structures whose expression relates to higher self-regulation, life satisfaction and better performance at standard neuropsychological tests. Future studies should investigate the structural development of this morphological network across childhood, the genetic and exposome factors influencing it and its relationship to neurocognitive phenotypes in different brain diseases.
Surface Area Outcomes in EUS-Guided Liver Biopsy: A Comparative Study of Franseen and Fork-tip Needles
Authors: Matsumoto Kotaro , Doi Shinpei , Adachi Takako , Watanabe Ayako , Katsukura Nobuhiro , Tsujikawa Takayuki , Aso Tatsuya , Takahashi Mikiko , Kikuchi Kentaro
Published: April 2024

Background/Aims:
The practice of endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB) is becoming more common due to its proven safety and effectiveness. For accurate diagnosis, it is vital to secure ample tissue specimens. However, gauging the volume of tissue specimens accurately poses a challenge with existing methods. Additionally, determining the most suitable fine-needle biopsy (FNB) needle requires further study. Our aim was to contrast the tissue surface areas obtained using Franseen and Fork-tip needles and to identify factors affecting tissue volume.
Methods
This retrospective study analyzed liver tissue samples collected through EUS-LB using 19-gauge Franseen and Fork-tip needles from patients suffering from diffuse liver diseases, conducted in our hospital from April 2019 to April 2022. We primarily focused on measuring hepatic tissue surface area and portal tract count, alongside examining patient-related factors that could influence tissue surface area.
Results
The study involved 20 cases for each type of needle. The comparison revealed no significant disparities in the total liver tissue surface area (22.0 mm2 vs. 22.6 mm2, P = 0.45) or in the portal tract counts (30 vs. 20, P = 0.16). No adverse incidents were noted in either group. Both univariate and multivariate analyses highlighted that fibrosis and NAFLD presence were significant determinants of the total hepatic tissue area (P = 0.04, P < 0.05; and P = 0.02, P = 0.03, respectively).
Conclusions
The capabilities of both needles in acquiring liver tissue were comparably effective. The volume of tissue was affected by the severity of fibrosis and the occurrence of NAFLD.
Evaluating Groundwater Quality as Drinking Water in Hambantota District: A Water Quality Index Analysis
Authors: Wickramasooriya Ashvin , Sugandini Ayesha
Published: April 2024

With the escalation of diverse developmental and agricultural activities, both human-induced and natural, the groundwater quality within Hambantota district has undergone changes. An analysis of the suitability of groundwater for drinking purposes is imperative, given that it serves as the second most important source of drinking water in Hambantota. Employing the Water Quality Index (WQI), this study aims to discern and assess the suitability of groundwater quality for drinking within the district. The WQI employs a weighted arithmetic index to facilitate this evaluation. The primary objective of this research is to ascertain the present groundwater quality status in Hambantota district through the utilization of secondary data. The overarching goal is to gauge the overall appropriateness of groundwater quality for drinking purposes within the district. To accomplish this, 335 groundwater samples were analyzed by the National Water Supply & Drainage Board, subsequently undergoing analysis to determine the viability of groundwater as a drinking water source in Hambantota. The analysis process involves establishing a Pearson correlation to construct a relationship matrix among eight variables: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Magnesium (Mg+ 2), Chloride (Cl-), Sulfate (SO4-2), Total Iron (Fe+ 2), Nitrate (NO3-), Total Hardness (TH), and Fluoride (F-). Additionally, the Water Quality Index (WQI) is computed using descriptive statistics. Based on the secondary data, spatial distribution maps for each parameter, as well as the WQI, were generated. The outcomes of the study divulged that for drinking water quality, the WQI classification allocates 13% and 28% to the excellent and good groundwater quality classes, respectively. Conversely, the remaining WQI classifications, amounting to 6% for poor, 5% for very poor, and 47% for unsuitable, emphasize the unsatisfactory suitability of groundwater for drinking within Hambantota district. Consequently, these spatial distribution maps prove invaluable in the identification of groundwater quality patterns across Hambantota district.
Current status and standardization prospects of blockchain integration and innovation in the Web3.0
Authors: Jia Xiangjuan , Fang Xinwei , Zhang Yijie , Yuan Heng , Chen Xiaofeng , Ge Wenfei , Liu Weinan
Published: April 2024

In the Web3.0 era, which does not rely on any centralized organization and emphasizes user control, security, trustworthiness and the importance of data privacy, blockchain plays a key role. Its decentralization, security and trustworthiness and other characteristics have become Building the infrastructure of trusted interconnection and value interconnection in the Web3.0 era has laid the foundation for the development of Web3.0. With the development of Web3.0, blockchain technology itself is also continuing to develop. There are more and more researches on the integration and innovative development of blockchain technology with big data, artificial intelligence, metaverse, Internet of Things and privacy computing. In this context, the basic principles and characteristics of Web3.0 and blockchain technology are first explained, focusing on the decentralization, traceability and non-tampering characteristics of blockchain, and then an overview of the relationship between blockchain and The advantages of the integrated innovation and development of big data, artificial intelligence, metaverse, Internet of Things and privacy computing are analyzed.The standardization construction situation and future work prospects of the integrated innovation and development of blockchain technology under Web3.0 are analyzed.
Achieving Record External Quantum Efficiency of 10.14% in Non-Doped Single-Emissive-Layer White Light-Emitting Diodes Utilizing Hot Exciton Mechanism
Authors: lu Ping , Liu Futong , Liu Hui , Chen Yichao , He Xin , Cheng Zhuang , Ma Xiaobo , Qiao Xianfeng , Ma Dongge
Published: April 2024

White organic light-emitting diodes (WOLEDs) based on non-doped single emitter can promise convenient fabrication technology, absent phase separation, minimal color-aging, and good reproducibility for next-generation displays and lightings. However, the pure organic materials that could radiate intense white light are extremely rare, and the external quamtum efficiencies (EQE) of previously reported non-doped white OLEDs do not exceed 5%. Hence, the straightforward preparation of single white light-emitting molecules for high-performance non-doped WOLEDs remains a high challenging task. Herein, we design and synthesize four hot exciton materials, PhAnPy, DPhAnPy, PIAnPy and PyIAnPy, which consist of anthracene, pyrene and imidazole functional groups. Based on the rational manipulation of intermolecular interaction and excited state property, PIAnPy and PyIAnPy display dual emission in the neat films originating from the monomer and excimer emission. Exploiting PIAnPy as a single emitter, a non-doped WOLED is fabricated with a record EQE of 10.14%, a maximum luminance exceeding 50000 cd m-2 and the Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage coordinates of (0.35, 0.26). Its EQE maintains as high as 9.80% at the luminescence of 1000 cd m-2 showing a very low efficiency roll-off. To the best of our knowledge, this is the best results of non-doped WOLEDs based on the single-component emitters reported to date.
Pollution assessment and source apportionment of trace elements in Brazilian urban topsoils
Authors: Penteado Priscila Bassi , Nogarotto Danilo Covaes , Costa Bruno Elias Santos , Alves Vanessa Nunes , Oliveira Bruna Fernanda Faria , Pozza Simone Andrea , Canteras Felippe Benavente
Published: April 2024

Studying urban soils is an important tool for assessing and identifying sources of pollution in urban centers and better understating their impacts on human health, especially given the intensification of urbanization processes in Brazilian cities. Topsoil samples (0-5cm) were collected from urban parks (Bosque Park and Limeira Park) and unforested places (Prada School and School of Technology – FT) from Limeira City (Brazil) during 2019–2020 to quantify the inorganic composition of urban soils, apply pollution indices, compare the results with reference guidelines values, and identify the main contamination sources using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Positive Matrix Factorization Model (PMF). Results showed that all samples presented concentrations of trace elements related to anthropic sources. Cu, Cd, Zn, and Pb concentrations have enriched compared with the upper continental crust values. The FT, Limeira Park, and Prada School had the highest concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn, respectively. Bosque Park, in turn, showed the largest Cr, Cu, and Ni concentrations. Distance from issuing sources, the presence of dense vegetation, and the physical and chemical properties of soil (pH, cation exchange capacity – CEC, clay and organic matter percentages) were the main explaining factors for the concentrations found. Overall, the main sources of contamination are related to industries, fertilizers, vehicular exhaust and geogenic sources. Our results suggest that wooded urban parks have greater potential to store toxic elements than unforested places. Moreover, wooded urban parks provide an important ecosystem service in urban areas and should be considered in public policies aimed at promoting sustainable cities.
Enhancing Multi-Objective Test Case Selection through the Mutation Operator
Authors: Ugarte Miriam , Valle Pablo , Illarramendi Miren , Arrieta Aitor
Published: April 2024

Test case selection has been a widely investigated technique to increase the cost-effectiveness of software testing. Because the search space in this problem is huge, search-based approaches have been found effective, where an optimization algorithm (e.g., a genetic algorithm) applies mutation and crossover operators guided by corresponding objective functions with the goal of reducing the test execution cost while maintaining the overall test quality. The de-facto mutation operator is the bit-flip mutation, where a test case is mutated with a probability of $1/N$, $N$ being the total number of test cases in the original test suite. This has a core disadvantage: an effective test case and an ineffective one have the same probability of being selected or removed. In this paper, we advocate for a novel mutation operator that promotes selecting cost-effective test cases while removing the ineffective and expensive ones. To this end, instead of applying a probability of $1/N$ to every single test case in the original test suite, we calculate new selection and removal probabilities. This is carried out based on the adequacy criterion as well as the cost of each test case, determined before executing the algorithm (e.g., based on historical data). We evaluate our approach in 13 case study system, including 3 industrial case studies, in three different application domains (i.e., Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs), continuous integration systems and industrial control systems). Our results suggests that the proposed approach can increase the cost-effectiveness of search-based test case selection methods, especially when the time budget for executing test cases is low.
Hall Effect Thruster Impedance Characterization in Ground-based Vacuum Test Facilities
Authors: Jovel David R. , Cabrera Janice D. , Walker Mitchell L. R.
Published: April 2024

Hall effect thrusters (HETs) are typically regarded as DC electric propulsion devices as they are operated with isolated DC power supplies. However, it is well known that the HET’s discharge current possesses oscillations of varying magnitudes and frequencies and is thus a function of time with AC characteristics. The observed oscillations are caused by plasma processes associated with ion, electron, and neutral particle dynamics that occur inside the HET’s discharge channel and in the plume as the HET electrically interacts with its local operating environment. The extent to which plasma oscillations impact HET discharge dynamics is difficult to quantify due to the complexity of analyzing AC signals, given that the HET is a nonlinear, time-variant electrical load. In this work, we overcome the challenge of nonlinearity and time-variance of HETs by conducting a small-signal impedance analysis to characterize the effective resistance and reactance of the HET discharge with a novel and versatile impedance measurement diagnostic. The impedance magnitude and phase of a 7-kW class HET were measured from 100 Hz to 300 kHz with an excitation signal of ±2 Vpk for two discharge operating conditions on krypton: 4.5 kW, 15 A and 6 kW, 20 A. The results were used to quantify resistive, capacitive, and inducive characteristics present within the HET discharge signature. For the 4.5 kW, 15 A thruster operating condition, the breathing mode capacitance was estimated to be 12.6 µF with an inductance of 15.3 µH. Furthermore, the impedance characteristics of the breathing mode are within ± 2.4 kHz of the power spectral density plots independently generated by time-resolved oscilloscope traces indicating good agreement in the frequency domain. Thus, the impedance measurement tool is a new diagnostic for characterizing the impedance and associated AC characteristics of HETs.
A Privacy-Preserving Surveillance Video Sharing Scheme: Storage, Authentication, and Joint Retrieval
Authors: Jabbari Abdollah , Fung Carol
Published: April 2024

Today, video surveillance systems are widely used to oversee and enhance home and premises security. For convenience and security, users often upload surveillance footage to the cloud, which can be accessed by trusted users during emergencies. However, given the sensitive nature of this data, users might be wary of trusting cloud services with user authentication and video access. Thus, managing video access control and user authentication with limited trust in cloud services presents a significant challenge.
In this paper, we propose a privacy-preserving and secure scheme for storing and sharing video footage on the cloud. Homeowners can incorporate their trusted individuals into the system, thereby granting them access to view cloud-stored videos. Even in an emergency, these trusted users can collaborate to retrieve videos securely from the cloud. Our scheme allows homeowners to authenticate users and track video access without relying on cloud services. Our analysis by conducting formal proof using the Real-Or-Random (ROR) model indicates that the proposed scheme is secure. Additionally, we confirm its security and authenticity through Proverif, a formal verification tool. Informal security assessments further demonstrate its resilience against various attacks. Additionally, our communication and computational cost assessments show that our scheme is an effective and acceptable solution.
Risk of fatty liver and hepatic fibrosis associated with long-term use of tamoxifen or anastrozole may be overestimated in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Nardelli Mateus Jorge , Monteiro Mísia Joyner Sousa Dias , Cançado Guilherme Grossi Lopes , Cal Tereza Cristina Minto Fontes , Lima Ananda Queiroz Rocha , Pontine Victor Peçanha , Batista Maria Clara Mendes , Gelape Fernanda Alves , Vasconcelos Julia Cunha , Mota Laura Melo , Theodoro Rafael , Rezende Adriana Maria Lamego , Diniz Paulo Henrique Costa , Gomes Juliana Assis Silva , Faria Luciana Costa , Couto Claudia Alves
Published: April 2024

Background
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent among women with breast cancer. The impact of endocrine therapy on the severity and progression of NAFLD in the long term remains unclear.
Aims
To assess the prevalence and severity of NAFLD related to hormone therapy for breast cancer, and to investigate risk factors associated with its occurrence and progression.
Methods
Cross-sectional study recruited women with breast cancer. Abdominal ultrasound was used to detect liver steatosis, and transient elastography to evaluate fibrosis.
Results
171 patients were enrolled – mean age 58 ± 10 years and follow-up period 1-315 months (median 53, interquartile range 25–102). Comorbidities: diabetes (26.9%), hypertension (53.2%), dyslipidemia (31.0%) and obesity (70.2%). Four groups were formed: 55 (32.2%) patients unexposed to hormone therapy, 72 (42.1%) exposed only to tamoxifen, 16 (9.4%) only to anastrozole, and 28 (16.4%) to both drugs. Liver steatosis was detected in 57.9%, with no significant differences between groups (p = 0.092). Liver stiffness was similar between groups: median 5.4 kPa (p = 0.200), 12.3% with liver stiffness ≥ 8 Kpa (p = 0.568) and 5.8% ≥12 Kpa (p = 0.177). Diabetes was independently associated with steatosis, and metabolic syndrome with advanced fibrosis, even after adjustment for hormone therapy duration.
Conclusion
More than half of patients had NAFLD, and approximately 10% had advanced fibrosis. Metabolic risk factors were independently associated with occurrence and progression of NAFLD, regardless of hormone therapy exposure. The risk of NAFLD induced by tamoxifen and anastrozole seems to have been previously overestimated.
Mixtures of Plackett-Luce Models with Three-way Structured Partial Rankings
Authors: Liao Aling
Published: April 2024

With the dramatic growth of available alternatives these days,
it becomes necessary and important to collect rank data to predict the preferences of users with rank aggregation.
One of the traditional rank aggregation is to utilize full rankings,
and its solid statistics background makes it easy to balance between effectiveness and efficiency,
such as Plackett-Luce models.
However, from time to time it is usually impossible to have full rankings, which leads to partial rankings.
As for the rank aggregation for partial rankings,

mixtures of Plackett-Luce models can be introduced and analysed in this paper.
Specifically, by introducing three-way decisions into structured partial rankings to have three-way structured partial rankings,
including top-$l$, last-$k$, $l$-way, choice-$l$ and last-choice-$k$,
it is necessary and important to study mixtures of Plackett-Luce models with three-way structured partial rankings
statistically effectively and experimentally efficiently,
which can handle the uncertainty well.
In addition, the (non-)identifiability of the mixtures of different three-way structured partial rankings has been proved,
which makes it possible to process the subsequent parameter estimation.
Then technically, the Generalized Method-of-Moments algorithm GMM-TW for mixtures of Plackett-Luce model
is proposed to learn three-way structured partial rankings effectively.
Moreover, due to uncertainty in real world,
the GMM-P and the collaborative filtering based GMM algorithm GMM-CF
are proposed to increase the robustness and reduce errors caused by the perturbations of rank data with three-way structure.
Furthermore,
the experiments both on synthetic datasets and the sushi dataset
can demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed algorithms on different structured partial rankings.
Fonsecazyma quercina sp. nov., a novel yeast species isolated from Persian oak (Quercus brantii Lind.) branch in Iran
Authors: Ghobadi Armin , Jamali Samad , Hosseini Saman
Published: April 2024

Forests are yeast biodiversity hotspots. In a taxonomic study of yeast isolates collected from the Persian oak (Quercus brantii Lind.) branch in the Zagros oak forests, Kermanshah province, Iran, one yeast isolate was found to represent a novel species. Morphological and physiological characteristics as well as sequence analysis of the D1/D2 region of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer region showed that the novel species belonged to the genus Fonsecazyma (Tremellales, Bulleraceae). The name Fonsecazyma quercina sp. nov. is proposed for this new species. Phylogenetic analysis based on D1/D2 and ITS sequences showed that strain IRAN 18507F belongs to the genus Fonsecazyma and has the highest sequence similarity with Fonsecazyma sp. KT301 (97.58%). This isolate consisted of spherical single cells and could grow up to 1 M NaCl. It grew at pH 4, 8, and 10, but not at the acidic pH of 2. The isolate is psychrotolerant, growing well between 6°C and 25°C, but not at temperatures outside this range. The isolate efficiently utilized and assimilated glucose and trehalose as carbon sources; it could also utilize sucrose, mannose, maltose, and fructose, but weakly utilized cellobiose, sorbitol, and rhamnose. This isolate could not utilize galactose, sorbose, lactose, melibiose, arabinose, ribose, or glycine as sole carbon sources. The holotype of Fonsecazyma quercina sp. nov. is IRAN 18507F (MycoBank number MB852634).
Modern Contraceptive Use Behavior among Young Married Women in Urban Settings of Ethiopia: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Tebeje Tsion Habtu , Temesgen Habtamu Tamene , Tarekegn Yihunie Lakew , Wakene Tigist Urgessa , Ayalew Biruk Melaku , Zerihun Tsega Berhanu , Tiruneh Betemariam Alemu , Kuka Simon Heliso , Alemu Chalachew Tiruneh , Gobeze Wasihun Andualem , Engida Dereje Haddis , Hailu Israel Lemma , Adem Yimer Seid
Published: April 2024

Background
Based on the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey, there has been low contraceptive utilization among young married women in Ethiopia, as well as unmet needs. This situation has had adverse consequences on the reproductive health outcomes of young women. Thus, this study was conducted to identify main determinants of young women’s contraceptive use in selected urban cities of Ethiopia. The findings of this study informed the design strategies to increase young women’s contraceptive use.
Methods
A dataset consisting of 680 young married women aged between 18 and 29 years was extracted from a secondary source and analyzed using STATA version 18 from a cross-sectional study, which was conducted from December 12, 2021 to January 21, 2022, in 13 selected urban cities. A multilevel logistic regression modeling techniques was used to identify the determinants of contraceptives (individual-level factors) and control for variations caused by differences between cities.
Results
Four hundred one (59% CI: 0.55–0.63) young women used contraceptives at the time of data collection. The most common contraceptive methods were injectables (42%) and implants (35%). High contraceptive use variability was observed across cities. About 16% variability of contraceptive use was observed at the intercept model analysis without factors and a 13% variability in contraceptive use across cities at the final model of multilevel analysis. The lowest contraceptive use was observed in Jigjiga (10%, CI = 0.03–0.24) and the highest was in Hawassa (81%, CI = 0.70–0.89). The analysis result indicated that individual-level variables such as young women who had more than two family members (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI = 2.04–5.27), who had knowledge of contraceptive methods (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.43–4.83) and who had radio exposure (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.13–2.32) were significantly associated with their contraceptive use behavior.
Conclusion
The study shows higher levels of contraceptive use among young women in the selected cities as compared with the national target of 50% for 2024/25. Increasing radio listenership about contraceptive use, supported by other interventions that enhance comprehensive knowledge can be an effective strategy to improve contraceptive use among young married women in cities.
Chemical composition, toxicity and sublethal effects of Melia azedarach extract on some demographic and biochemical characteristics of the cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Forouhar Zahra , Abbasipour Habib , Karimi Jaber
Published: April 2024

One of the most important pests of cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables is the cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne Brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphidae). This aphid produces multiple generations per year, each generation producing large numbers of nymphs that are resistant to a variety of chemical insecticides. In this study, sublethal effects of Melia azedarach extract was investigated on some demographic and biochemical parameters of B. brassicae. The bioassay results showed that the LC10, LC20, and LC50 values ​​were 0.68, 1.16, and 3.42 µg/ml, respectively. Compared to controls, the sublethal doses caused significantly reduced gross reproductive rate (GRR), net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), finite rate of increase (λ), intrinsic rate of birth (b), intrinsic rate of death (d), weekly growth rate (rw), reproductive rate and adult longevity. Meanwhile, the mean generation time (T) and population doubling time (DT) of this aphid increased significantly. Additionally, sublethal doses reduced the energy reserves of this pest compared to controls. Our results help evaluate the overall impact of M. azedarach extract on B. brassicae and have important implications for the judicious use of botanical insecticides cabbage aphid control.
Evaluation of in silico Models to Predict the Toxicity of Binary Heavy Metal Mixtures on Freshwater Phytoplankton
Authors: Cortés-Téllez A. A. , D’ors A. , Sánchez-Fortún A. , García-Martínez M. R. , Sánchez-Fortún S. , Bartolomé M. C.
Published: April 2024

In aquatic ecotoxicology, predicting the effects of different chemical mixtures on ecosystems is a priority. This aspect acquires special significance considering the diversity of pollutants in general, and heavy metals (HMs) in particular, coexisting in the aquatic environment and interacting with each other, generating different types of toxicological response depending on whether the interaction between them induces the development of antagonistic, additive or synergistic effects. Because the evaluation of HMs mixtures is complex due to the expensive and complex nature of the analyses, this work aimed to evaluate the predictive potential exhibited by the in silico "Toxic Units" (TUpred) and Combination Index (CI) models in cell growth inhibition assays of freshwater green algae Scenedesmus armatus exposed to binary HMs combinations, by comparison with the experimental results obtained (TUexp). For this purpose, cells were in vivo exposed to binary mixtures of cadmium (Cd+ 2) and the selected heavy metals silver (Ag+ 1), copper (Cu+ 2), mercury (Hg+ 2), zinc (Zn+ 2), and chromium (Cr+ 6) for 72 hours. Our results showed an inverse Fa-dependent relationship between TUexp and TUpred, and overall, a high variability in the results obtained for all the binary combinations analyzed. The CI predictive model showed a high correlation with in vivo assays (TUexp) when the affected fraction was high (Fa = 0.5), decreasing as Fa was lower until it did not correlate at the lowest Fa assayed (Fa = 0.1). These results demonstrate the suitability of using the CI model over the predictive TU model, and only at high HM concentrations.
Preoperative Echocardiographically Derived Mean dP/dTic Predicts Early Post-operative Dysfunction in Children Undergoing Mitral Valve Surgery
Authors: Gearhart Addison , Thatte Nikhil , Bassi Sunakshi , Sperotto Francesca , Nir Reuth , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Emani Sitaram , Rhodes Jonathan , Ghelani Sunil
Published: April 2024

Background
Mean dP/dtic is a quantitative measurement of ventricular function that can be obtained noninvasively by echocardiography. In adults with mitral regurgitation (MR) it has been shown to be a more sensitive predictor of post-operative left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). The utility of dP/dtic in pediatric congenital heart diseases with MR has been underexplored.
Methods
Patients (0 to ≤ 19 years) with MR who underwent mitral valve (MV) repair or replacement from 2015 to 2021 were included. Echocardiographically derived mean dP/dtic, Tei index, and EF were used to assess and compare ventricular function prior to, shortly after, and late after MV surgery.
Results
Study cohort included 61 patients (age 4.5 [IQR 0.14, 18.7] years, 89% MV repair, 11% MV replacement). Median time intervals between surgery and preoperative, early postoperative, and late postoperative echocardiograms were 6 days, 6 days, and 350 days, respectively. Median EF was 62% (z-score − 0.40) preoperatively, 56% (z-score − 1.40) early postoperatively, and 61% (z-score − 0.60) late postoperatively. Median dP/dtic was 1393 (IQR 1029, 1775) mmHg/s preoperatively, 1178 (IQR 886, 1946) mmHg/s early postoperatively, and 1270 (IQR 791, 1765) mmHg/s late postoperatively. Preoperative median dP/dtic correlated with early and late postoperative EF. Preoperative EF was not significantly correlated with early postoperative EF, but was correlated with late postoperative EF.
Conclusions
Mitral valve intervention in pediatric patients is associated with an initial decline but long-term recovery of systolic function. Non-invasively derived mean dP/dtic may offer advantages over other preoperative echocardiographic indices to predict postoperative systolic function.
Self-Stigma, insight and influencing factors among Iranian neurotic psychiatric outpatients
Authors: Ayoubi Ayda , Amirkafi Ali , Shariat Seyed Vahid , Movahedi Sana , Shalbafan Mohammadreza
Published: April 2024

Introduction:
Self-stigma towards neurotic disorders is one the main barriers in help seeking and treatment behaviors and hugely impacts the patients’ quality of life. Insight is one of the factors affecting the internalized stigma. Therefore, the aim of this study is to find the relationship between self-stigma and insight among neurotic patients.
Methods
Participants were diagnosed with one of the neurotic disorders, consisted of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and didn’t have any recurrent episodes during the past six months, who came to outpatient clinics of Tehran Psychiatry Institute and Brain and Cognition Clinic, Tehran, Iran from July 2021 to June 2022. Self-stigma was measured by Mental Illness Stigma Scale questionnaire which is consisted of 34 questions and higher scores indicating higher stigma. Insight was measured by three agree/disagree questions about considering themselves mentally ill, having the need to be visited by a psychiatrist and having the need to use psychiatric medication.
Results
In total, 140 patients entered the study. Eighty-nine participants (63.6%) considered themselves mentally ill, one hundred twenty-six (90%) needed to be visited by a psychiatrist and one hundred and thirteen (80.7%) needed to use psychiatric medication. The mean score of stigma was 64.5 ± 21.0. Patients who needed to be visited by a psychiatrist and use psychiatric medication had higher stigma scores compared to the ones who didn’t (p = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively). Also, more men compared to women considered themselves mentally healthy (p = 0.031) and more women felt they need to consume psychiatric medication (p = 0.041)
Conclusion
Patients who need to be visited by a psychiatrist and consume medications have higher stigma scores compared to the ones who didn’t feel the need for psychiatrist visit or medication consumption. On the other hand, there are no significant differences between the total stigma score of patients among the patients who are aware of presence of their illness and the ones who are not.
Exploring the Health Literacy and Health Situation of School Principals and Vice Principals in Punjab, Pakistan: Insights from an Online-Based Survey during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zakar Rubeena , Shahzad Ruhma , Tariq Fizza , Zakar Muhammad Zakria , Dadaczynski Kevin , Okan Orkan , Fischer Florian
Published: April 2024

Background
This study aimed to evaluate health literacy and general health status among school principals and vice principals in Pakistan, 1) to identify work-related factors associated with them, and 2) to determine their association with physical and mental health, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
An online-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 350 school principals and vice principals in Punjab province, Pakistan. The study was conducted under the COVID Global Health Literacy Network. Data related to socio-demographic characteristics, health literacy, general health status, chronic illnesses and impairment, well-being, psychosomatic complaints, and emotional exhaustion were collected. We applied bivariate analyses as well as binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses.
Results
Over half of the respondents (66.6%) had sufficient levels of health literacy. A good general health status was reported by 80.3%. One of the strongest predictors of health literacy and general health status was school position (principals vs. vice principals). Additionally, those with sufficient health literacy were less likely to have frequent emotional exhaustion; while those having good general health status were less likely to report low well-being, frequent emotional exhaustion, and psychosomatic complaints. The study also found that females were less likely to have a good general health status (OR = 0.45) and were more likely to have frequent emotional exhaustion (OR = 1.75) as well as psychosomatic complaints (OR = 1.94) than males.
Conclusions
Limited health literacy in school leaders requires interventions for better decision-making on health matters, emphasizing the need for targeted training programs.
Enterococcus faecium HDRsEf1 Represses CYP3A29 Expression in the Intestine through the TLR1/2-induced A20 to attenuate the NF-κB/RXR-α Signaling
Authors: Gong Yinghui , He Yucheng , Li Yue , Wang Ying , Jin Xiue , Shi Deshi , Wang Xiliang
Published: April 2024

CYP3A29, like human CYP3A4 is crucial for drug metabolism in pigs and some probiotics can regulate the expression of CYP3A in mammals. Here, we show that Enterococcus faecium HDRsEf1 significantly reduces CYP3A29 expression in pig intestinal tissues and epithelial cells, dependent on cell-cell contact. In IPEC-J2 cells, HDRsEf1 decreased the CYP3A29 promoter activity, RXR-α expression and mitigated the RXR-α or PXR-increased CYP3A29 expression. Both RXR-α/PXR over-expression synergistically increased CYP3A29 expression while RXR-α or PXR silencing reduced CYP3A29 expression. Co-immunoprecipitation revealed that RXR-α directly interacted with PXR. HDRsEf1, like a NF-kB inhibitor, significantly decreased the NF-kBp65 activation, RXR-α and CYP3A29 expression, which were abrogated by RXR-α silencing. HDRsEf1 increased A20 expression dependent on TLR1/2 expression. Therefore, HDRsEf1 inhibits the expression of CYP3A29 through the TLR1/2-induced A20 to attenuate the NF-κB/RXR-α signaling in pig intestinal tissues. Our findings suggest potential risks in the clinical application of probiotics.
Insights of 2-D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) for palaeo-channels and multi-aquifer dispositions in a morphodynamic system of the Ganga basin
Authors: Mondal Nepal Chandra
Published: April 2024

Deducing palaeo-channels, mapping its boundaries, and structure of multi-aquifer disposition are essential for groundwater management. Because it helps to augment groundwater resources by acting as recharge channels, knowing the disposition of multi-aquifer system. Thus, a high-resolution electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey was conducted to delineate these palaeo-channels and multi-aquifer in a morphodynamic system (area: ~521 km2) of the Ganga basin, northern India. This deposit comprises various grades of fine, medium, coarse, and gravelly sands which constitute the groundwater reservoir within the thick alluvial (~ 770 m) overlies on the Precambrian basement. The whole 19 ERT profiles were carried out with the spacings of 320–480 m using Wenner-Schlumberger configuration with the help of IRIS Syscal R1+ Instrument, France made. The field data were inverted into true the resistivities of the stratified layers using the RES2DINV vs. 3.71 Geotomo software, applying the smoothness-constrained least-squares optimization approach. The results indicate that the palaeo-channel resistivities vary from 20–60 Ω-m depending upon the water saturation in the sand horizons with a thickness of 4 to 40 m. It is nicely correlated with the borehole litho-logs. The deduced palaeo-channels are mainly oriented in the E-W and NE-SW directions, with a lateral extend of 40-200m at some places. On the palaeo-channels, the sediments are associated with comparatively high resistivities in the shallower part as compared to the top capping clay layer of the first principal aquifer, explored the depth of up to 90 m, bgl indicating the predominance of sand/sandy clay. These could be more productive and also form the recharge zones to the first principal aquifer.
The effect of large channel-based foraminoplasty on lumbar biomechanics in percutaneous endoscopic discectomy: a finite element analysis
Authors: Sun Wei , Li Duohua , Zhang Feng , Tian Jiayu , Fu Hao , Zhao Sicong , Feng Hu , Wu Dongying
Published: April 2024

Background:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of arthroplasty using large-channel endoscopy during TESSYS on the biomechanics of the lumbar spine in patients.
Methods:A complete lumbar spine model,M1, was built using 3D finite elements, and models M2 and M3 were built by simulating the intraoperative removal of the supra-articular synchondrosis of L5 using a Trephine saw withdiametersof 5 mm and 8.5 mm,respectively, and applying normal physiological loads on the different models to simulate six working conditions—lumbaranterior flexion, posterior extension, left-right lateral flexion, and left-right rotation—toobserve the stress distributions of the vertebral body, the discs, and the articular synchondrosis.
Results: Compared with the M1 model, theM2 and M3 models showed a decrease in stress at the L4-5 left synaptic joint and a significant increase in stress at the right synaptic joint in forward flexion. In the M2 and M3 models, the L4-5 articular synaptic joint stresses were significantly greater in left lateral flexion or left rotation than in right lateral flexion or right rotation. The right synaptic joint stress in M3 was greater duringleft rotation than that in M2, and that in M2 was greater than that in M1. The L4-5 disc stress in the M3 model was greater duringposterior extension than that in the M1 and M2 models. The L4-5 disc stress in the M3 model was greater in the right rotation than in the M2 model, and that in the M2 model was greater than that in the M1 model.
Conclusion:Arthroplasty using large-channel endoscopy increases the stress on articular synovial joints and segmental discs under certain working conditions but does not cause degeneration of the discs in adjacent segments.
Exploring Spatial Statistics for Cluster and Outlier Analysis in
Crime Patterns: A Geospatial Study of Coastal Zones in Kollam
and Thiruvananthapuram
Authors: V Vineesh
Published: April 2024

This study investigates crime patterns within the coastal zones of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts in Kerala, India. Utilizing crime data from over 60 police stations for the year 2020, the research employs advanced spatial statistical techniques to conduct a rigorous analysis. A comprehensive geospatial approach is adopted to identify spatial clusters and outliers of criminal activity, offering valuable insights into the spatial dynamics of crime in these regions. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of crime, providing a scientific foundation for informed decision-making in both law enforcement and urban planning initiatives.