bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Splenic sequestration crisis in children with sickle cell disease in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Zayed Abdalla Mohamed , Almohaimeed Sulaiman , Alotaibi Turki , Aldosari Hossam , Alotaibi Tahani , Ahmed Basheer , Abdullah Khalid , Awadallah Yasser , Ancheta Shangrila-Joy , Arulantham Zechariah Jebakumar , Khattab Taha , Alrwili Anfal , Alhazmi Asalah , Ghamdi Eman Al , Alamran Shaden
Published: October 2024

Background:
Splenic sequestration crisis (SSC) is a life-threatening complication of Sickle cell disease (SCD). Studies have shown that patients who carry the African sickle gene haplotypes have more severe SCD than those with the Arab-Indian (AI) haplotype. Our aim was to study the prevalence and the clinical features of SSC among SCD children with both haplotypes living in the same environment in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia (SA).
Patients and Methods:
A retrospective cohort study of 340 children with SCD, who visited our hospital from 2010 – 2020 was carried out. The collected clinical data of patients with SSC were compared between two groups of children: Eastern and Southwestern (SW) children.
Results:
A total of 50 patients with SSC were enrolled in this study, with a sex ratio of 2.1. There were 38 children from the SW region (African-haplotype group), and 12 from the Eastern region (AI-haplotype group). The overall prevalence of SSC was 14.7%, with no significant difference between the two groups, p.60.
The African-haplotype group were diagnosed with SCD at a younger age than their peers in the AI-haplotype group [median (IQR)]: 8.5 (6-11) v. 30.5 (24-36) months; p<.001.
The median (IQR) steady state HB in the African-haplotype group was significantly lower than that in the AI-haplotype group [8 (7.5-9) v. 9 (8-10) gm/dL]; p<.01.
During the 1st SSC there was a significant difference between the African-haplotype group and the AI-haplotype group in the following parameters [median (IQR)]: age: 25(12- 48) v. 72(39-134) months, HB 5.1 (4.4-5.9) v. 6.1 (5.9-6.4) gm/dL, Splenic size on admission 5.5 (3-8) v. 8 (6-9.5) cm and upon discharge 3 (2-5) v. 5 (3.5-5.5) cm below the costal margin. The African haplotype group had a significantly greater number of recurrences than did the AI haplotype group [3.5 (2-6) v. 2 (1.5-2.5)]; p<.05.
Conclusion:
The overall prevalence of SSC among SCD children in the Eastern region of SA was 14.7% without a significant difference between Eastern SA (AI-haplotype group) and Southwestern SA (African-haplotype group) who lived in the same environment. SW Children experienced more severe SSC, suggesting that genetic rather than environmental factors are responsible for the severity of these episodes.
Breastfeeding interventions for low-birth weight and very low birth weight infants in South Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sarkar Plabon , Rifat M. A. , Ali Masum , Chakrabarty Mahashweta , Alam Syeda Saima , Nasrin Syeda Sumaiya , Singh Aditya , Saha Sanjib
Published: October 2024

Background
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate interventions promoting breastfeeding practices among Low Birth Weight (LBW) and Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants in South Asia.
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted in five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINHAL, and the Cochrane library). Evidence was synthesized to estimate the duration to establish breastfeeding practices among LBW and VLBW infants. Meta-analysis was performed to estimate the effect size on breastfeeding practices using random effect model. Heterogeneity was explored by sub-group and meta-regression analyses. Risk of bias and strength of evidence was assessed by the RoB2, ROBINS-I and NIH Quality Assessment tools considering the study design of the selected articles.
Results
From a pool of 2,524 records screened, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. The systematic review revealed that various interventions aimed at improving breastfeeding practices among LBW infants largely resulted in positive breastfeeding outcomes such as initiation of breasting and exclusive breastfeeding. The Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) care was intervened in most cases together with other interventions, including Non-nutritive suckling, Premature Infant Oromotor Intervention, Nutrition Education and Mother Baby Friendly Initiatives Plus. Meta-analysis showed mothers who received KMC demonstrated an earlier initiation of breastfeeding (pooled mean difference: -1.08 days, 95% CI: -2.15, -0.01, p<0.001) as compared to mothers who received conventional care.
Conclusions:
Breastfeeding interventions, particularly KMC, were found to be effective for LBW infants and can be integrated into hospital or community policies, depending on context and available resources.
The impacts of anthropogenic linear features on the space-use patterns of two sympatric ungulates
Authors: Hart Ronan , Picardi Simona , Avgar Tal
Published: October 2024

1. As human activity increases worldwide, many ecologists have focused on how anthropogenic linear features (ALFs) such as roads and fences impact and disrupt animal space-use behavior and how this disruption could potentially affect population viability. The properties of an animal’s occurrence distribution (OD), namely its size, shape, and habitat associations, reflect the animal’s balance of costs and benefits and thus can act as indirect indicators of behavioral optimality. Measuring deviations from theoretical space-use optimality can provide insight into the non-lethal effects of ALFs on wildlife in different environmental contexts. 2. Here, we focused on the seasonal space-use patterns of two wide-ranging, highly mobile species of great cultural and economic value: mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus; n = 3105) and pronghorn (Antilocapra americana; n = 320). We calculated the average use of six environmental and three ALF attributes, weighted by their intensity of use within the OD, and contrasted those with their respective average availability within a 100-km2 reference area centered on each animal’s OD. 3. We show that mule deer space-use is more impacted by roads, while pronghorn space-use is affected more by fences, specifically in the winter when snow depth may hinder their ability to cross fences. 4. Our results highlight the dynamic nature of the availability domain and the importance of properly accounting for this dynamism in habitat selection analyses. This research expands on the theoretical literature of animal space use and their response to ALFs in a rapidly changing world and further provides practical trajectories for wildlife managers to take when mitigating ALF impacts on their target species.
Concerto in ASD: Classical Music on Increasing the Attention Span of Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Park Sunghan
Published: October 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder, also known as ASD, is a mental health disorder which affects one in thirty-six children in the United States. Characterized by the inability to focus, difficulties with social interactions, and short attention span, ASD thus has a negative impact on school performance for many teenagers diagnosed with this disorder. The purpose of this study was to see whether classical music, a form of stimulus which, according to prior research, was found to enhance the cognitive function of individuals, could potentially act as a catalyst for increased attention span in teenagers with ASD. This study hypothesized that classical music would increase the attention span and recurrence of on-task behavior of teenagers with ASD in the classroom setting. A mixed-method approach utilizing a questionnaire which employed quantitative four-point Likert scale data and qualitative observations by independent observers was used. This study was conducted on four teenagers diagnosed with ASD to see if classical music did increase their attention span, and both the qualitative and quantitative results seemed to indicate that classical music was indeed effective. Furthermore, the findings also hinted at long-term benefits of playing classical music in the background as teenagers with ASD learned in the classroom setting. Ultimately, the findings did confirm that classical music has a positive effect on increasing the attention span of teenagers with ASD, though it is recommended for more research to be conducted to confirm this positive correlation and see the effects of classical music on teenagers with ASD in the long-term.
Breaking the field phenotyping bottleneck in maize with autonomous robots
Authors: DeBruin Jason , Aref Thomas , Tolosa Sara Tirado , Hensley Rebecca , Underwood Haley , McGuire Michael , Soman Chinmay , Nystrom Grace , Parkinson Emma , Li Catherine , Moose Stephen , Chowdhary Girish
Published: October 2024

Understanding phenotypic plasticity in maize (Zea maysL.) is a current grand challenge for continued crop improvement. Measuring the interactive effects of genetics, environmental factors, and management practices such as nitrogen rate (GxExM) on crop performance is time-consuming, expensive, and a major bottleneck to continued yield advancement. We demonstrate that a novel autonomous robotic platform, capable of collecting biologically relevant and commonly measured phenotypes, within a maize canopy at high-throughput, low-cost, and high-volume is now a reality. Field teams used multiple TerraSentia autonomous ground robots developed by EarthSense, Inc. (Champaign, IL) to capture data using a suite of low-cost sensors from nearly 200,000 experimental units, located at 142 unique research fields in the USA and Canada, across five years. Novel computer vision and machine learning algorithms, developed by EarthSense, Inc., analyzed these in-canopy multi-sensor data to deliver ground-truth validated plant height, ear height, stem diameter, and leaf area index at multiple time points during each season. We show the robot measured these phenotypes with high accuracy and reliability, at scales sufficient to functionally dissect interactions between genotypes and nitrogen rates in several environments. The results show that within-row autonomous field robots hold great promise to increase understanding of GxExM interactions in maize research and decrease the amount of human labor required for plant phenotyping.
Quality of antenatal care provision in rural villages of Satna district, Madhya Pradesh, India: a quantitative formative study to help the development of an evidence-based contextualised complex health intervention of the CHAMPION2 cluster randomized trial
Authors: Shivalli Siddharudha , Fazzio Ila , Elbourne Diana , Karnati Sridevi , Reddy Harshavardhan , Reddy Padmanabh , Nair Rakhi , Gopal Madan , Boone Peter , Frost Chris
Published: October 2024

Background
Since 2005, maternal and newborn deaths have declined in India. Nonetheless, if the current mortality trends continue, India may not achieve the Sustainable Development Goal targets without enhancing the quality of care across the continuum from pregnancy to delivery, particularly in poorly performing states. This study aimed to help the development of an evidence-based contextualised CHAMPION2 trial package of maternal and child health (being implemented in rural villages of Satna district, India) by assessing the quality of, and the factors associated with antenatal care (ANC) provision across four aspects of care and exploring reasons if uptake of care was inadequate.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study in 50 of 196 villages in the CHAMPION2 cluster randomized trial in Satna district, Madhya Pradesh, India before randomization. We interviewed 792 women, who were eligible for the trial and had given birth in the previous two years from the interview date. We assessed the quality of ANC provision across four aspects of care (i.e., skilled care, timeliness (ANC in first trimester), number of ANC visits (at least four), and content of care) and explored reasons given by women if the uptake of care was inadequate. The quality of ANC provision was considered ‘adequate’ if all the four aspects of care were judged sufficient. We conducted logistic regression analyses to determine the socio-demographic factors associated with the adequate quality of ANC provision.
Results
Only 21.2% of women received ANC provision of 'adequate' quality (skilled care:98.9%, timeliness: 75.3%, minimum four ANCs: 73.5%, and appropriate content of care: 28.3%). The inadequate quality was primarily due to inappropriate content of care particularly, poor compliance with iron-folate intake for at least 100 days and no counselling by healthcare providers on key ANC issues. The odds of receiving adequate quality ANC were increased when either the woman or husband was educated to at least high school level.
Conclusions
The quality of ANC provision in the study setting was inadequate. The quality of care was emphasised in refresher training for nurses in the CHAMPION2 trial and health promotion, demand generation, and community mobilisation activities were locally contextualised.
Adaptive AI Algorithms for Dynamic Network Resource Allocation and QoS Optimization in 5G Telecommunications
Authors: Khurana Rahul
Published: October 2024

This research explores the application of adaptive AI algorithms to dynamically allocate network resources and optimize Quality of Service (QoS) in 5G telecommunications networks. With 5G's rapid deployment, efficient resource allocation for ultra-low latency, enhanced data speeds, and high device density has become essential. This paper introduces a reinforcement learning-based adaptive AI framework for real-time dynamic resource management in 5G environments, showing significant improvements in QoS metrics compared to traditional allocation methods.
“It Would be Easier on Everyone if I Were Dead”: Understanding the Drivers of Suicide
Authors: Baptist Joyce , Kuzmina Natalia
Published: October 2024

A recent development in suicide research is the identification of suicidal drivers that make suicide a desirable choice. Understanding these suicidal drivers has the potential to unfold the processes involved when suicidal thoughts transition to attempts. This qualitative study analyzed data on suicidal drivers from 35 adult participants with suicidal ideation. The thematic analysis uncovered five distinct personal themes that reflect the suicidal drivers experienced by participants: perceived defectiveness, emotional anguish, alienation, being a liability, and low self-worth. Some of these suicidal drivers were self-imposed, other-imposed, or a combination of both. Four ideation-to-action theories of suicide were used to illuminate the themes that emerged from the data. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.
Idiopathic Hyperhidrosis after Trauma: A Case Report
Authors: Pae Yejune , Park Hoonsung , Lee Hanyoung , Baik Seung Min , Lee Jae-myeong
Published: October 2024

Background
Hyperhidrosis is the secretion of excess sweat beyond what the body needs for homeostatic regulation. Secondary hyperhidrosis is usually related to an underlying cause, mostly a medical condition, or extrinsic factors such as drugs or trauma to the central nervous system. Treatment can be based on resolution of the underlying cause or symptomatic management.
Case presentation
A 53-year-old male collided with a motor-vehicle at 40 km/h. Lacerations on his forehead and multiple abrasions on his lower extremities were treated shortly; however, the patient soon started complaining of excessive sweating. Despite several imaging and laboratory tests for central and peripheral causes, we failed to identify the reason for excessive sweating. Symptomatic treatments such as anticholinergics and ganglion block also failed, and only after hemodialysis did the patient stay dry for a short time. Fortunately, his symptoms disappeared shortly after discharge.
Conclusion
The patient presented with great discomfort after trauma, with an undisclosed cause. Medical treatment and intervention failed to improve the symptoms; however, hemodialysis alone relieved the patient. Whether it was medically or traumatically induced, uncontrolled sweating was controlled by hemodialysis.
The global burden of cancers attributable to occupational factors, 1990–2021
Authors: Zou Binbin , Wu Ping , Chen Jianjun , Luo Juan , Lei Yanjun , Luo Qingqing , Zhu Biqiong , Zhou Ming
Published: October 2024

This study assessed the global cancer burden due to occupational carcinogens (OCs) using data from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021. Mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were employed to assess the evolving trend of cancer attributable to occupational risk. The analysis was conducted by age, year, geographical location, and socio-demographic index (SDI). Subsequently, the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) values were calculated. Globally, asbestos exposure showed the most severe impact on age-standardized death rate (ASDR) and age-standardized DALY rate but decreased significantly. Conversely, diesel engine exhaust exposure increased, with EAPCs of 0.80 for deaths. Trichloroethylene exposure, although low in absolute terms, exhibited the fastest growth with an EAPC of 1.21 in age-standardized DALY rate. Notably, diesel engine exhaust exposure in South Asia and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania increased significantly in age-standardized DALY rate. Regions with low to middle SDI, such as South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, showed the highest increases in OC-related cancer burdens in age-standardized DALY rate. Lesotho, Kenya, and Egypt exhibited the fastest growth, with EAPCs in age-standardized DALY rate of 3.45, 2.13, and 2.95, respectively. High-income regions like the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Italy had the most severe OC-related cancer of ASDR burdens in 2021. OC exposure remains a major contributor to the global cancer burden, especially from asbestos and silica. Exposure to diesel engine exhaust was associated with increased risk of cancers, particularly in low -to -middle SDI regions such as South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Quantifying coral reef carbonate budgets: a comparison between ReefBudget and CoralNet
Authors: Pilly Sivajyodee Sannassy , Townsend Joseph E , Alisa Cut Aja Gita , Razak Tries B , Roche Ronan C , Turner John R , Chan Stephen , Kriegman David J , Andersson Andreas J , Perry Chris T , Lange Ines D , Courtney Travis A
Published: October 2024

Calcium carbonate production constitutes one of the core processes that drive coral reef ecosystem functioning and can be assessed using in-water or image-based survey methods, which have not previously been compared. This study compares carbonate production estimates from in-water ReefBudget surveys and image-based CoralNet analyses in Puerto Rico, Indonesia, and Chagos Archipelago. Methods were compared for different regions (Western Atlantic and Indo-Pacific), reef settings (low and high coral cover), CoralNet calcification versions (v1 and v2), and input metrics (regional vs local coral growth rates). We show similar gross carbonate production estimates between methods, indicating that area-normalised scaling of calcification rates and assumptions about colony size and rugosity employed in CoralNet produce comparable estimates to ReefBudget surveys. Divergences in carbonate production estimates are potentially driven by differences in survey methods (reef contour measurements vs planar imagery) and survey effort, which affect calcifier cover estimates, particularly at low coral cover sites. Local vs regional growth rate comparisons suggest site-specific factors can influence accuracy more than method choice. Our findings suggest that image-based methods can allow rapid reef-scale calcification estimates from photo or video imagery. These methods, combined with machine-learning substrate classification algorithms, can estimate both benthic cover and carbonate production over larger reef areas and can be applied to historically collected benthic cover data to track carbonate production trends. We encourage researchers to recognize situation-specific differences in methodologies and select the one most suitable for their specific study site, required level of accuracy, and time constraints for fieldwork and image analysis.
Mathematical Approaches to Understanding Prostate Cancer Progression: A Compartmental Modeling Study in Ghana
Authors: Bosson-Amedenu Senyefia , Ayitey Emmanuel , Anafo Abdulzeid Yen
Published: October 2024

Background
This study explores the dynamics of prostate cancer progression, aiming to understand how different stages of the disease interact over time. By constructing two-state, three-state, and four-state compartmental models, the research seeks to provide insights into the impact of disease transition rates and mortality on the spread of prostate cancer. Each model represents a stepwise progression of cancer, highlighting how early detection and treatment could influence disease management and patient outcomes.
Methods
The study employs compartmental modeling to simulate transitions between healthy individuals and those in various stages of prostate cancer in Ghana. The models range from a two-state system, which captures the basic transition from healthy to cancerous states, to a four-state model that includes early-stage, advanced-stage, and treatment compartments. Parameter estimation techniques and sensitivity analyses were used to assess the impact of transition and mortality rates. Statistical methods, including sensitivity and parameter estimation analyses, were applied to understand how variations in these rates affect overall cancer dynamics.
Results
The two-state model showed a clear inverse relationship between healthy individuals and the incidence of prostate cancer, suggesting a rapid decline in healthy individuals as cancer cases increase. The three-state model provided a more nuanced understanding by differentiating between early and advanced stages, demonstrating the importance of early detection. The four-state model incorporated the effects of treatment, revealing that effective intervention could significantly alter the progression dynamics. Sensitivity analyses highlighted the influence of early-stage detection and the treatment stage on controlling the spread of prostate cancer.
Conclusions
This research contributes to the importance of early detection and timely treatment in managing prostate cancer. The findings suggest that intervention strategies should be tailored based on disease stage. By refining our understanding of prostate cancer progression through compartmental modeling, this study offers a mathematical model for further research and provides potential pathways for optimizing treatment approaches to enhance patient outcomes.
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia, 2024: an institution based cross-sectional study
Authors: Urmale Addisu , Orkaido Okaso , Mesfin Abel , Elias Amanuel , Jebero Zenebe
Published: October 2024

Background
Hepatitis B virus is a hepatotropic deoxyribonucleic acid virus that occurs because of the immune-mediated killing of infected liver cells. Around 1.45 million persons died yearly from hepatitis B virus infection. Previous studies done in hepatitis B virus infection used the focused antenatal care while currently World Health Organization recommends eight contacts for antenatal care. In addition previous studies did not address variable like number of antenatal care contact.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia 2024
Methods
An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from August 1 to 30, 2024. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 141 study participants. Data was cleaned and entered to Epidata version 3.1 and were exported to SPSS version 26.0 software for analysis. Variables with p < 0.25 from the simple binary logistic regression were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. P-value < 0.05 with 95% CI was considered to declare a result as a statistically significant association. Descriptive statistic was used to describe the data in form of text, tables, and charts.
Results
In this study the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant mothers was 5.9% in Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital. being unmarried [AOR (0.18), 95% CI (0.07, 0.48); p-value (0.001)], having history of abortion [AOR (4.8), 95% CI: 1.39, 16.23); p-value (0.013)], tattooing [AOR (11.9), 95% CI (3.42, 41.39); p-value (0.000)], and residence [AOR (7.6), 95% CI (1.36, 42.3); p-value (0.021)] had statistically significant association with positivity of HBV infection.
Conclusions
Sero-prevalence in study area among pregnant women shows intermediate endemicity. In this study tattooing and having abortion are modifiable factors associated with HBV. Interventions should be targeted on those modifiable and non- modifiable variables by all concerned bodies.
ZBLAN in Space: A Comparison of Phase Transitions in Microgravity versus Earth's Gravity
Authors: Nosek Adrian , Wan Jacky , Pitts Jackson , Boghrat Pedram , Kanyuck Alec , Harper Lynn , Huning Steven , Tucker Dennis , Sanghera Jasbinder Singh , Gabor Nathaniel , De Amrit
Published: October 2024

Understanding how certain materials behave in space is vital for establishing a sustainable manufacturing base in low-earth-orbit, which is currently spearheaded by the International-Space-Station (ISS) National Lab and NASA's In-Space Production Applications Portfolio.
This paper presents phase transition measurements of ZBLAN glass on the International Space Station (ISS) , which provides key insights into spontaneous symmetry breaking in microgravity and earth's gravity. Despite the presence of vibrations, we find the glass to be more resistant to bulk-crystallization phase-changes in space. However, the surface continues to be vulnerable under ambient conditions. We conducted a set of 10 differential-calorimetry tests in the Microgravity Science Glovebox, including 2 sets of controls. A set of similar nearly identical samples were studied on the ground. Glass transitions manifest as endothermic events in our differential calorimeters, and crystallization is marked by exothermic inflections for each sample. On an average our space sample shows significantly less bulk-crystallization in the viscosity and temperature regime most significant for drawing optical fibers. All samples were subjected to temperatures exceeding $425^o C$ and they all crystallized to varying degrees. The crystals that grew in space tend to be about one hundred times larger and well faceted. We find $\alpha-BaZr_2F_{10}$ to be the most commonly occurring crystalline-species and forms at lower temperatures close to around $320^\circ C$. $\beta-BaZr_2F_{10}$ is also common and forms around the same temperature. There is also some indication that less of the $\beta-BaZr_2F_{10}$ polytype forms in space. Overall a deep understanding of the phase-diagrams and crystallization-reaction pathways is key for developing targeted mitigation strategies for future space-stations and orbital free-flyers that will serve as manufacturing platforms.
Efficient analysis of the toxicity and mechanisms of Hexaconazole and two other triazole fungicides: insights from integrated network toxicology, molecular docking and bioinformatics data
Authors: Lv Qing , Zhu Xingke
Published: October 2024

Background: The safety of food grains is crucial for human health. Hexaconazole, Propiconazole, and Prothioconazole are widely used triazole fungicides primarily employed in agriculture for the control of plant diseases, aiming to enhance crop yield and quality.
Objective: This research aims to elucidate the potential toxic targets and underlying molecular mechanisms of brain and liver damage induced by exposure to the three fungicides through network toxicology combined with molecular docking and bioinformatics data analysis.
Method and results: Toxicity analysis through the ADMETlab database showed that the toxicity of the three fungicides was mainly associated with neurotoxicity and liver injury. Systematically utilizing GeneCards, OMIM and other databases and through Cytoscape tools, we identified potential and core targets (including EGFR, CASP3, ESR1, PPARG, TP53, HSP90AA1, and PTGS2) associated with fungicides and brain injury or liver injury. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicate that these targets are associated with pathways related to cancer, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, organic cyclic compounds, and organic nitrogen compounds. Molecular docking simulations conducted using AutoDock confirmed the high-affinity binding interactions between the fungicides and key target proteins.
Conclusions: This study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity induced by Hexaconazole, Propiconazole, and Prothioconazole, while establishing a foundational framework for the development of prevention and treatment strategies related to triazole pesticide-associated brain and liver injuries. Our findings underscore the potential risks these three pesticides pose to brain and liver health, highlighting the need for further epidemiological and clinical research in the future.
Dividend Announcements and capital market efficiency : Evidence from the algerian stock market
Authors: BOUFAMA OMAR , ROGOVA ELENA
Published: October 2024

The aim of the study is to examine the efficiency of the Algerian financial market by analyzing the reaction to dividend announcements between 2013 and 2022. Algeria represents a good example of small capital markets, with thin trading and rare events. To examine the market reaction, we modified the common approach to event study analysis by estimating abnormal returns based on monthly data. Our findings suggest that market information is distributed slowly and prices do not fully incorporate new information. These findings indicate that the financial market in Algeria does not satisfy the semi-strong form of market efficiency. The paper presents one of the first studies to investigate the efficiency of the Algerian financial market based on the response to dividend announcements.
PLGLM: Emotion Recognition in Conversation based on Prompt Learning and Global-Local speaker Modeling
Authors: Yu Bengong , Shao Menglu , Xi Zhonghao
Published: October 2024

With the continuous development of conversational artificial intelligence, Emotion Recognition in Conversation (ERC) has garnered increasing attention. Psychological studies have shown that the speaker's self-emotional dependence and the influence between speakers are two core factors in sentiment analysis within conversations. Existing works typically generate responses to target utterances through training models, aiming to identify emotions by leveraging contextual information. However, incorporating additional context into target sentences complicates the task for language models to accurately identify the crucial information within the target sentences. To address this issue, we propose a novel model that separately models the speaker's self-emotion and the influence between speakers. Specifically, for the recognition of target utterances, we design prompt tailored to the task of Emotion Recognition in Conversation and integrate them with extracted keywords to form prompt sentences. Furthermore, to accurately capture the speaker's self-emotional state, we conduct analyses from both local and global perspectives, thereby capturing the speaker's emotional inertia. Extensive experiments conducted on four ERC datasets demonstrate the superiority of our proposed method.
Virtual Influencer Marketing and Purchase Intention: The Mediating Roles of Product
Involvement and Brand Familiarity
Authors: Biason Ricardo , Elnagar Ahmed K. , Tolete Clarissa , Elsaadany Hala A. S. , Hasan Shahedul , Santos Larissa
Published: October 2024

Virtual influencers have emerged as effective marketing tools, especially in social media contexts where they can influence consumer behaviour. This study investigates the effect of virtual influencer marketing on purchase intentions for sports goods in the Philippines, using product involvement and brand familiarity as mediators. Data from 319 participants were collected and analyzed using a variance-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach. The findings indicate that virtual influencer marketing significantly impacts product involvement, brand familiarity, and purchase intention. Furthermore, product involvement and brand familiarity significantly mediate the relationship between virtual influencer marketing and purchase intention. Virtual influencers are important in establishing brand trust and engaging customers through emotional connections. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on influencer marketing by demonstrating the efficacy of virtual influencers in the sports goods industry. Virtual influencers effectively drive purchase intentions by increasing product involvement and brand familiarity. Marketers can use virtual influencers to increase consumer engagement, brand awareness, and purchase intent in competitive markets.
Proximate and Mineral content Analysis of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum)
Authors: Ogbu J.C. , Etuk-Udo Godwin , Ugoh S.C. , S.M.C. Udeh , Odunsanya O.O.
Published: October 2024

The proximate analysis of African Star Apple indicated that the moisture content of the plant material was 11.47 ± 0.10%, the ash content was 1.74 ± 0.02%, the crude fibre and crude fat were 2.42 ± 0.02% and 3.28 ± 0.04% respectively while the Nitrogen free extract was 0.51 ± 0.00%, crude protein was 1.86 ± 0.01% while carbohydrate was 81.64 ± 0.06% and a gross energy of 1.52 kcal. The result of mineral content analysis indicated that cupper had concertation of 2.44 ± 0.00 mg/kg, iron (2.24 ± 0.03 mg/kg), potassium (1.32 ± 0.00 mg/kg), Magnesium (1.26 ± 0.00 mg/kg), calcium (0.94 ± 0.00 mg/kg), nickel (0.51 ± 0.02 mg/kg), chromium (0.16 ± 0.01 mg/kg), cadmium (0.03 ± 0.00 mg/kg).
In Vitro and In-Vivo Analysis of the Combined Extract of Tabernaemontana divaricata and Mangifera indica Leaves for Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Walanj Ganesh Mangesh , Kumar Anand , KumarTiwari Dilip , Sharma Abhishek , Thakare Pranjali , Kumar Devesh , Sarwary Nasir Ahmad
Published: October 2024

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Tabernaemontana divaricata
(T. divaricata) and Mangifera indica (M. indica) are plants traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. T. divaricata is known for its analgesic and wound-healing effects, while M. indica is celebrated for its role in managing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Aim of the Study:
The study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effects of combined hydroalcoholic extracts from T. divaricata and M. indica leaves, focusing on their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Materials and Methods
The leaves were collected, authenticated, and subjected to hydroalcoholic extraction. The extracts were then combined in various ratios and analyzed for phytochemical content. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay, while anti-inflammatory effects were assessed through the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model.
Results
The combined extracts exhibited significantly enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities compared to the individual extracts. The most potent combination, a 2:1 ratio of M. indica to T. divaricata, showed the highest DPPH inhibition (94.37%) and maximum edema reduction in the animal model.
Conclusion
The combination of T. divaricata and M. indica extracts offers a synergistic therapeutic potential, enhancing both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which supports their traditional use and suggests potential for developing new natural therapeutics.
The determination of seismic performance of single-story masonry building
Authors: Uzdil Oguz
Published: October 2024

Unreinforced masonry buildings are important for preserving traditional construction techniques for future generations. However, such buildings are generally inadequate against earthquake loads. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted, taking into account the building's current condition, material properties, and geometric structure. The existing condition of the single-story building and the necessary structural data were collected. In light of these data, various earthquake analyses were performed on the structure. Modern engineering methods, such as response spectrum analysis, nonlinear static pushover analysis, and kinematic analysis, were used. The results showed that high stresses and deformations occurred in certain areas of the structure. In particular, the analyses aimed at identifying weak areas and potential collapse mechanisms revealed critical points in the structure. Based on these findings, recommendations were developed for strengthening the building. Retrofitting strategies include approaches such as improving the structural system, increasing material strength, and integrating new technologies. This study serves as an important guide for assessing the seismic performance of residential buildings and provides a foundation for future research.
Hypoxia Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Enhances IL-10 via STAT3 Pathway in a Rat PCOS Model
Authors: Lusiana  , Darlan Dewi Masythah , Trisnasi Setyo , Putra Agung , Amalina Nur Dina , Husain Sofian Azalia
Published: October 2024

Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) is a condition of chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism which commonly causes infertility. PCOS is closely associated with chronic inflammation triggered by glucose and saturated fat, causing hyperandrogenism. PCOS has been proven to affect patient’s quality of life and cause infertility, so a better therapeutic approach is needed. The secretome of MSCs is able to suppress the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. Administration of secretome MSCs can inhibit the inflammatory response by increasing IL-10 expression and inhibiting androgen secretion in PCOS model mice. Objective: To prove the effect of administration of Hypoxic Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome on IL-10 and STAT3 gene expression in PCOS model mice.
Method
In vivo experimental research with a post-test only control group design. The total sample was 24 wistar female rats, divided into four groups: healthy, negative control (PCOS rats were injected with 0.9% NaCL), T1 (PCOS rats were given Secretome at a dose of 200 µl) and T2 (PCOS rats were given Secretome at 400 µl) and were given treatment for 33 days. IL-10 and STAT3 gene expression was tested using the One Way Anova test followed by the Post Hoc LSD test.
Results
This study showed that the expression of the IL-10 and STAT3 genes was significant different in the T2 group compared to the negative control and there was a significant difference in IL-10 gene expression in groups T2 and T1 compared to negative control. And also there were differences in the expression of the STAT3 gene in the T2 And T1 groups.
Conclusion
Administration of Hypoxic Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretomes had an effect on increasing IL-10 and STAT3 gene expression in PCOS rat models.
Life Expectancy of Hairy Cell Leukemia Patients Approaches General Population: Insights from a SEER Study of 5669 Cases
Authors: Mustafa Alamin
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder affecting mature B-cells, predominantly observed in males. It is recognized by cytopenia, splenomegaly, myelofibrosis, and the presence of atypical lymphoid cells exhibiting distinctive cytoplasmic hairy projections.
Methods: This is a population-based study that utilized updated HCL clinical data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, this study identified HCL patients diagnosed between 1978 and 2020. A total of 5669 patients were included after data screening by inclusion and exclusion criteria. Univariate and multivariate COX regression models were used to study the factors that affect the overall survival (OS).
Result: Estimated median survival for HCL patients who aged less than 40 years was 39.3 (95% CI: 38.9-39.7 years) compared to 8.8 years (95% CI: 8.0-9.4 years) for HCL patients older than 65 years, which closely approaching life expectancy of general population. Also, patients diagnosed by multiple advanced methods like immunophenotyping and genetic studies exhibited a reduced Hazard ratio (HR) = 0.52 (95% CI: 0.38-0.72) compared to using histology alone.
Conclusion: This study found that the life expectancy of HCL patients is very close to that of the general population. Improved OS is associated with recent diagnoses (post-2006), chemotherapy treatment, and usage of multiple advanced diagnostic methods, such as immunophenotyping and genetic studies.
Dokumentation der DESAM-ForNet-Bürger:innen-Konferenz am 10.-11.04.2024 in Frankfurt am Main
Authors: Engler Jennifer , Kersting Christine , Salm Sandra , Lambrecht Alina , Kersten Susanne , Eck Stefanie , Teusen Clara , Kuschick Doreen
Published: October 2024

Wie kann aktive Patient:innen-Beteiligung an der allgemeinmedizinischen Forschung gelingen? Welche Vorteile bringt sie für Patient:innen und Forschende? Und welche Voraussetzungen müssen erfüllt sein, damit Bürger:innen und Patient:innen sich gewinnbringend an Forschung beteiligen können? Zu diesen und weiteren Fragen haben sich Patient:innen und Bürger:innen aus ganz Deutschland auf der Bürger:innen-Konferenz der Initiative Deutscher Forschungspraxennetze DESAM-ForNet am 10. und 11. April 2024 an der Goethe-Universität in Frankfurt am Main ausgetauscht. In der anschließenden öffentlichen Gesprächsrunde haben Vertreter:innen von Patientenorganisationen, Forschung und Gesundheitspolitik die Entwicklungen der letzten Jahren zusammengefasst und die Bedingungen, Herausforderungen und Chancen von aktiver Patienten:innen-Beteiligung an der Forschung diskutiert. In dieser Dokumentation finden Sie ein Graphic Recording zur Sicht der Patient:innen und Bürger:innen auf gelungene Forschungsbeteiligung, eine Verschriftlichung der Ergebnisse, eine Fotodokumentation und den Link zu einem Filmbeitrag zum Kongress.
Kunst als Lebensspeicher
Authors: Hahn Rebecca
Published: October 2024

Für den Frankfurter Holzbildhauer Achim Ripperger sind Mensch und Natur untrennbar miteinander verbunden. Auch im Palmengarten sind Arbeiten von ihm zu sehen.
Es summt auf dem Dach
Authors: Brunßen Finn
Published: October 2024

In Zeiten zunehmender baulicher Verdichtung im städtischen Raum könnten Gründächer wertvolle ergänzende Lebensräume für Tiere und Pflanzen bieten. Welche Rolle spielen sie für Wildbienen - und wie kann eine Dachbegrünung für möglichst viele Arten gestaltet werden? Dies soll am Beispiel einer seit dreißig Jahren bestehenden extensiven Dachbegrünung veranschaulicht werden.
Mehr als Biene Maja: Wie sich Kinder für Insekten begeistern lassen
Authors: Drissner Jürgen
Published: October 2024

Keine Tierklasse ist artenreicher als die Insekten. Doch ihre Vielfalt wird häufig verkannt und einige Arten sind noch dazu äußerst unpopulär. Außerschulisches Lernen und Storytelling könnten helfen, dass kommende Generationen Insekten mit mehr Artenkenntnis und Begeisterung begegnen.
Trust in Philanthropy: An Examination of Multidisciplinary Factors
Authors: Mohamad Isa Abd Jalil  , Anwar Allah Pitchay  , Sofri Yahya
Published: October 2024

This article explores and consolidates the factors that influence the donor’s trust from cross-disciplinary literature, and we put factors from these different fields to the test in one topic: the donor’s trust in the fundraiser organisation. Grounded on the literature, we can say that there are nine themes of constructs that influence trust. This research utilised a quantitative survey approach and PLS-SEM as an analysis platform to analyse the data collected. We have discovered that our respondents who represent donors strongly agree that their trust is heavily influenced by perceived security, rule of law, organisational personnel personality, communication effectiveness, reputation, perceived integrity, and perceived competence. Cross-disciplinary studies are profoundly helpful towards deeper knowledge and enhance the learning experience and enable the transfer of ideas across many areas of study easier. The findings should contribute to the theoretical knowledge specifically on trust antecedent in the philanthropy setting and other disciplines. The findings presented in this paper may also be useful as input for fundraisers to build and strengthen the level of their donor’s trust. This article explores and consolidates all factors that influence donor trust, which has been published in the literature and presents the results from the cross-examination of these factors.
Revisiting Chinese Indonesian Violence in Indonesian Post-New Order Fiction
Authors: Joko Widodo  , Eggy Fajar Andalas
Published: October 2024

May 1998 saw one of the worst cases of racial violence in Indonesian history. During 13th to 15th May 1998, there were acts of expropriation, looting, arson and sexual assault targeting the Chinese community in Indonesia. Using two specimens of Indonesian post-New Order fiction, Sekuntum Nozomi 3 (SN3) by Marga Tjoa and Putri Cina (PC) by Sindhunata, this study investigates how cultural memories of the May 1998 Tragedy were shared with the post-event generation. The method employed is a qualitative narrative with a narratological approach. The results showed that literary works function as a medium for the spread of memory. Through SN3 and PC, the memory of violence against ethnic Chinese Indonesians between 12th and 15th May 1998 is transmitted, especially for the post-event generation who did not experience it firsthand. Despite the differing representation strategy, there was substantively one voice to be conveyed, namely that of “discrimination, violence and human rights violations” against Chinese Indonesians. Memories are institutionalised and distributed as part of the national memory in these works. Both works mediate the politics of cultural memory to memorialise the past “sins” of the Indonesian people. These literary works can be viewed as tools for minorities to articulate discrimination.
Clima e tempo na educação básica: Experiência didática de observação e levantamento de dados com uso de termohigrômetro e pluviômetro
Authors: Vieira Luiz Henrique , Faria Michel Barros
Published: October 2024

A atividade de levantamento de dados primários em ambiente escolar é um importante exercício a ser promovido cotidianamente, visto que os estudantes têm contato com metodologia de pesquisa sobre a realidade. Os conteúdos relacionados ao clima na Geografia e Biologia escolar podem estabelecer a relação entre os fenômenos climáticos e meteorológicos e sua influência no aprendizado dos estudantes. Dessa forma, a coleta de dados na prática, relacionada com os elementos físicos e sociais abordados na teoria, se coloca como importante no ensino das disciplinas. Neste sentido, objetivou-se levantar e analisar os índices pluviométricos e de temperaturas no município de Dores do Rio Preto, Espírito Santo, para mediar o processo de ensino e aprendizagem na escola. Durante o período de 24 meses (2019-2021), foram realizadas coletas de água pluvial. Para a coleta dos dados foi utilizada, um pluviômetro analógico e um termohigrômetro. Os resultados demonstraram que há variações relevantes durante os meses analisados. A abordagem do clima na educação básica contribuiu para significar os conteúdos, assim, os estudantes se mostraram mais interessados em estudar tais conteúdo. Neste sentido, o trabalho foi fundamental por relatar valores reais de precipitação e por permitir identificar as anomalias anuais da precipitação e temperatura.