bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil unsealing in Mediterranean schoolyards: what factors drive ant communities?
Authors: Eydoux Louise , Robert Pierre Jay , Kaufmann Bernard , Hedde Mickael , Vergnes Alan
Published: March 2024

Soil unsealing, the process of removing the impermeable top layer of soil, is increasingly advocated by urban planning policies. The role of unsealed areas in biodiversity conservation, particularly soil biodiversity, remains strongly understudied and especially in understanding the recolonization dynamics of soil biodiversity in these new habitats. Besides, the various types of soil cover resulting from soil unsealing could potentially influence the recolonization kinetics. This study focused on 79 unsealed plots located in 14 schoolyards along the French Mediterranean coast, investigating ant communities through the placement of 485 baits on unsealed plots. Two variables were considered: the duration since soil unsealing (1 or 2 years) and the type of soil cover (wood chips, plantations mulched with wood chips or lawns). Remarkably, these unsealed areas act as habitats for ants from their very first years of creation: a rich diversity of ants (21 species; a fifth of the regional pool and 10% of the metropolitan French species) has been observed. Additionally, notable changes in ant communities were evident within a single year: plots unsealed for 2 years exhibited significantly higher ant abundance and diversity compared to those unsealed for 1 year. However, the construction of these spaces influences the present communities, with wood chip-covered areas significantly less rich and abundant in ants compared to other ground cover types. These preliminary findings represent a promising starting point and offer enthusiastic insights into the potential of such projects for soil biodiversity conservation.
Clinical Differences Between Periprosthetic and Native Distal Femur Fractures
Authors: Kong Shana , Bautista Barry , Haffner Max , Kelley Judas , Hideshima Kelsey , Tse Shannon , Saade Aziz , Simister Samuel K. , Terle Megan , Soles Gillian , Campbell Sean T. , Fitzpatrick Ellen , Lee Mark A. , Saiz Augustine M.
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Periprosthetic distal femur fractures (PDFF) are becoming more prevalent as total knee replacements become more common. This study compares the demographics, fracture characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of periprosthetic versus native distal femur fractures (NDFF).
Materials and Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study of patients ≥ 18 who underwent surgical fixation of NDFF or PDFF from 2012-2020 at a level-1 trauma center. Primary outcomes included demographics, AO/OTA fracture classification, fixation construct, and unexpected return to the operating room (UROR). Secondary outcomes were concomitant fractures, polytrauma rates, low bone density, and reduction quality. T-test, Fisher’s exact test, and multivariable analysis were used for statistical analysis.
Results
209 patients were identified, including 70 PDFF and 139 NDFF. PDFF patients were elderly females (81%) with isolated (80%) and comminuted (85%) 33A.3 (71%) fractures. NDFF patients included 53% females, were commonly middle-aged, and displayed comminuted (92%) 33C.2 fractures. 48% of NDFF patients had concomitant fractures. Intramedullary nailing was the primary fixation for both groups, followed by nail-plate combination (37%) for PDFF and lateral locking plates (21%) for NDFF. NDFF patients experienced lengthier hospital stays and higher UROR rates (p<0.05). PDFF patients had a significantly higher prevalence of low bone density (p<0.05).
Conclusion
PDFF occur as isolated injuries with significant metaphyseal comminution in elderly females with low bone quality. NDFF commonly occurs in younger patients with less metaphyseal comminution and concomitant fractures. Intramedullary nailing was the most common treatment for both groups, though preference for nail-plate combination fixation is increasing. NDFF type 33C fractures are at higher risk of UROR.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia Preventive Measures among Pregnant Women in Selected Primary Health Care Facilities in Kano State: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Igbokwe Uchenna , Tsikasom Tukki , Korfii Uebari , Rajab Ashiru , Ahmad Nafisa Murtala , Abdulssalam Al-Fara'u , Umar Ibrahim Aliyu , Said Shaawa , Muhammad Daiyabu , Musa Isa , Adaramati Tobiloba , Adeloye Dunni , Amasiatu Valentine , Aigbogun Eric
Published: March 2024

Background: This study investigated the knowledge, attitude, and practice of preeclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E) preventive measures among pregnant women in Kano.
Methods: This study applied sequential mixed-method research to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of preventive measures for PE/E; as part of the discovery phase of a broader project that applies modified human-centred design model to understand the roles of both patients and healthcare providers in the prevention and management of PE/E. Data were collected using structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. This study was limited to 16 health facilities from two (2) Local Government Areas in Kano State: Kumbotso and Ungogo, representing a diverse group of pregnant women comprising 828 participants. The quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 (IBM® Armonk, USA) Chi-square and logistic regression model. Confidence level was set at 95% and p-value <0.05 was considered significant. MAXQDA software (version 2022.8) was used for qualitative analysis.
Results: Of the 828 pregnant women who participated in the study, 281 (33.9%) had adequate knowledge of PE/E, 693 (83.6%) showed a positive attitude and 416 (50.2%) expressed good practice towards PE/E prevention. There were significant association between the women's sociodemographic characteristics and KAP (p <0.05). Location (rural/urban divide), educational level, source of income, trimester, and number of children were significant predictors of KAP of PE/E prevention (p <0.05). The common terminology used to understand PE/E was the occurrence of severe headaches, and their channel of knowledge was in hospitals through health education. The most important theme for attitude was health facility visits; the participants understood the importance of preventing the condition (preeclampsia and eclampsia). However, practice was not directly associated with PE/E prevention, but with better pregnancy outcome.
Conclusion: The findings reveal a connection between educational levels and the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pregnant women towards PE/E preventive measures. Notably, those with lower educational levels tend to exhibit poorer knowledge and attitudes concerning preventive measures. The geographical location and associated ethno-religious connotations have inherently disadvantaged striving women, leading to reduced access to quality healthcare services.
Optimization of the iron content of Eremomastrax speciosa drink and evaluation of its antianemic potential
Authors: DIBANDA Romelle FEUMBA , NTUBE Noela ETAME EKANEY , BEACK Sandrine Suzanne , TONGWA Quentin METSATEDEM , TCHUENCHIEU Alex Dimitri , MBOFUNG Carl Moses
Published: March 2024

Iron deficiency anemia is a problem of serious public health significance. The formulation of herbal drinks becomes common as people tend to combat anemia by drinks made from available plants. In Cameroon, drinks from E. speciosa leaves are consumed during the treatment of anemia. This study aims to optimize the iron extraction from E. speciosa leaves and to assess its potency againts iron deficiency anemia. The leaves of E. speciosa were dried at 50°C, grinded and sieved. E. speciosa drink was obtained after extraction of the powdered leaves using a Central Composite Design of 4 factors (temperature, time, pH and ratio solid/liquid (w/v)). Different volumes (1, 2 or 4mL/kg) of E. speciosa drink produced at the optimized condition was administrated for 2 weeks to anemic-induced rats. The Composite desirability showed that the optimum extraction conditions were at temperature 20°C, time 50 min, pH 11 and solid/liquid ratio 15g/L. A volume of 1mL/kg of E. speciosa drink was able to restore the red blood cells counts and the hemoglobin levels to normal after 2 weeks of consumption while when consuming 2 or 4 mL/kg of E. speciosa drink, anemia was alleviated in 1 week. The drink of E. speciosa produced under this optimal extraction condition is an iron-rich drink and demonstrates a potent antianemic potential.
Association between cholelithiasis and frailty index in US adults: a population-based epidemiological study
Authors: Zhu Meng , Jia Lingjuan , Tian Xiangfeng , Zhang Yongsheng
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND
To date, the association between cholelithiasis and frailty remains unexplored.
AIM
This investigation utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2017 to 2020 to explore this potential relationship. Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were performed to evaluate the correlation between cholelithiasis and frailty index. Additionally, we created a novel nomogram to predict the probability of cholelithiasis in individuals.
RESULTS
A total of 13,130 participants were analyzed, with 1,380 (10.25%) affected by cholelithiasis. After adjusting for confounding variables, a significant relationship was identified between cholelithiasis and frailty index (odds ratio [OR] = 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–2.66, P = 0.01). The RCS plot demonstrated a linear positive correlation (P non-linear = 0.9), indicating that the risk escalated abruptly when the frailty index surpassed 0.17. Furthermore, a comprehensive risk assessment model incorporating sex, age, race, body mass index (BMI), and frailty index was developed for diagnostic and decision-making purposes using a column-line chart model.
CONCLUSIONS
In summary, the frailty index was found to be linked with an elevated risk of cholelithiasis, with this impact varying among individuals based on their age, gender, race, and BMI.
Non-linear elasticity, earthquake triggerring and seasonal hydrological forcing along the Irpinia fault, Southern Italy
Authors: Tarantino Stefania , Poli Piero , D'Agostino Nicola , Vassallo Maurizio , Festa Gaetano , Ventafridda Gerardo , Zollo Aldo
Published: March 2024

Pump-probe experiments investigate the strain sensitivity of crustal elastic properties, showing nonlinear variations during the strain cycle. In the laboratory, pre-seismic reductions in seismic velocity indicate that asperity contacts within the fault zone begin to fail before macroscopic frictional sliding. The recognition of such effects in natural seismic-cycles has been challenging. By exploiting seasonal hydrological strains, we used a quasi-static natural pump-probe experiment to investigate the nonlinear response of crustal rocks and its role in seismic failure along the tectonically-active Irpinia Fault System (Southern Italy). By comparing 14-years-long series of spring discharge, strain, seismic velocity variations and earthquakes rate, we find that seismicity peaks during maximum hydrological forcing and minimum seismic velocity. Seasonal strains of ~10-6 are required for both earthquakes triggering and significant nonlinearity effects arising from modulus reduction. We suggest that, for faults in a critical state, cyclical softening may lead to failure and seasonal seismicity.
Evaluating the Implementation of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Gateway for the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) Across Six Northern States in Nigeria
Authors: Igbokwe Uchenna , Ibrahim Raihanah , Aina Muyi , Umar Musa , Salihu Muhammed , Omoregie Efosa , Sadiq Firdausi Umar , Obonyo Benson , Muhammad Rilwanu , Isah Salisu Idris , Joseph Natsah , Wakil Babagana , Tijjani Faruk , Ibrahim Abubakar , Yahaya Mohammed Nura , Aigbogun Eric
Published: March 2024

Background: This evaluation research utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the implementation of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) across six states in Northern Nigeria: Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, and Yobe.
Methods: This was a mixed-method research that utilized longitudinal surveys and Key informant interviews to gather information about the implementation status of the BHCPF-NPHCDA gateway. Checklists were developed based on the BHCPF’s national guidelines to gather quantitative data, while simple open-ended questionnaires were used to collect qualitative data from the state BHCPF Program Implementation Unit (PIU) focal persons as key informants.
Results: The result revealed that the NPHCDA had accredited these six states to use one Primary Health Care (PHC) facility in each political ward to implement the BHCPF. Factors that contributed to the success achieved in some states included the early completion of contingent start-up activities, well-established coordination structures, strong support from partners, and availability of established financial management systems. However, the delays in the submission of quarterly business plans by the BHCPF facilities affected timely approval and fund disbursement. Other challenges included staff capacity gaps, inadequate human resources, and poor management and supervision from the state health agency teams.
Conclusion: There was suboptimal implementation of the BHCPF in at least one thematic area across all states. Therefore, actions such as government commitment for improved coordination, continuous capacity building, effective monitoring and evaluation, and targeted supportive supervision using innovative approaches should be undertaken to improve the program’s implementation. In a broader setting, the insights from BHCPF implementation are valuable for LMICs, offering guidance on overcoming implementation challenges associated with PHC financing. This research provides a resource for enhancing healthcare financing strategies in similar contexts.
A Novel Control Method for Buck Converters
Authors: Chou Hsiao-Hsing , Chen Hsin-Liang
Published: March 2024

This paper presents an innovative control technique for buck converters. This control strategy is applied to the switch-inductor converter. It has the following features: (a) the dual loop control mechanism results in the high transient responses , (b) the near-constant switching frequency reduces the design effort of front-end EMI filters, (c) the adaptive on time control minimizes the over-shoot/undershoot, (d) from the viewpoint of circuit integration because the proposed circuit requires no special processes to fabricate. Therefore, it is low cost and suitable for mass production. This paper first describes the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of buck converters. Then, the operation of the proposed scheme is analyzed and explained further. The control scheme is verified by the SIMPLIS simulator and can be fabricated by UMC 0.18μm 1P6M CMOS processes in future.
Optimizing Warehouse Location and Fortification: A Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Modeling Approach
Authors: Oshan Tareq
Published: March 2024

This study presents a mathematical model for optimizing warehouse-location decisions in supply-chain network design. Previous studies have modeled the facility-location problem and provided fortification plans and solutions. However, these studies did not consider multi-capacity warehouses.
The proposed model identifies optimal warehouse locations, sizes,
and branch-warehouse assignments, and it determines fortification measures
to mitigate the risk of warehouse failure.
The model is formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear problem and is subsequently
linearized using standard linearization techniques combined with a proposed method based on the
average-probability approximation. A case study of a Canadian company is used to
illustrate the model's efficacy. Sensitivity analysis results demonstrate that when the
numbers of fortified and built warehouses are equal, failure probability
has no effect on the objective function of the model. Thus, this study presents a comprehensive model that can be used to assist businesses in
decision-making regarding their warehouse operations to lower their
risk of failure and optimize their use of warehouse infrastructure.
Epimedin A inhibits the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signalling axis and osteoclast differentiation by negatively regulating TRAF6 expression
Authors: li jun , Wei Jia J , Wu Cen H , Zou Tao , Zhao Hong , Huo Tianqun , Wei Chengjian , Yang Ting
Published: March 2024

Objective: Epimedin A (EA) has been indicated to suppress the extensive osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, of which the effects remain incompletely understood. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of EA on osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, so as to explore its corresponding signal pathway.
Methods: Rats were randomly received sham-operation and ovariectomy, with alendronate as the positive group. The therapeutic effect of EA on osteoporosis was systematically analyzed by measuring bone mineral density and bone biomechanical properties. In vitro, RAW264.7 cells were treated with receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) to induce osteoclast differentiation. Cell viability assay, tartrate-resistent acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, and immunofluorescence were used to elucidate the influences of EA on osteoclastogenesis. In addition, the expression of bone differentiation related proteins or genes were evaluated using western blot analysis or quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively.
Results: After 3 months of oral EA intervention, OVX rats showed increased bone density, relative bone volume, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number, along with reduced trabecular separation. EA dose-dependently improved bone density and trabecular microarchitecture in de-ovulated rats. Additionally, EA inhibited expressions of TRAP and NFATc1 in OVX rats. In addition, the in vitro results indicated that EA may inhibit osteoclast differentiation by suppressing the TRAF6/PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway. Further studies revealed that osteoclast differentiation, which was originally inhibited by EA, was reversed when the TRAF6 gene was overexpressed.
Conclusion: The findings indicated that EA may hold promise as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Stripping Voltammetry and Chemometric Modelling Scheme for Robust, Sensitive, and Selective Electrochemical Sensing of As3+ ions in Water
Authors: Bansod Babankumar S , Antil Monika
Published: March 2024

The ionic form of Arsenic As3+ is the most toxic, causing severe health problems like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and developmental disorders. Therefore, researchers have contributed significantly to its removal and detection work. However, there is still a need for accurate, trustworthy, and sensitive methods that may be employed at field sites for detecting Arsenic ions at nano levels. In the present study, we report a novel and robust electrochemical sensing platform for the selective and sensitive detection of As3+ ions in aqueous samples. The method combines the high sensitivity of stripping voltammetry with the data analytics and power of Chemometric modelling to achieve superior performance. Optimising key instrumental parameters such as deposition potential, deposition time, and scan rate improves the analytical response. To address potential interferences from co-existing ions, a Chemometric modelling approach based on principal component analysis (PCA) is employed to ensure the selection of predictor variables. This multivariate technique effectively discriminates As(III) signals from background noise and interfering species, enhancing selectivity and accurate quantification. The proposed method demonstrates a threshold limit and sensitivity of 0.4nM and 176.34µA/µM, for Arsenic, which is less than the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit in drinking water. Furthermore, the method shows good repeatability and stability, making it suitable for real-world water analysis applications. This novel sensing platform offers a promising alternative for sensitive, selective, and robust As(III) detection in water samples, contributing to improved water quality monitoring and public health protection.
Clinical profile Of patients with Urinary Diversion (Mainz II) For Women With Irreparable Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) In Eritrea, 2022: A Retrospective Study
Authors: daniel nahom
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Mainz II urinary diversion procedures are increasingly being performed in the developing world for irreparable obstetric fistulas. Our goal was to review the long-term complications of continent urinary diversion and to evaluate the feasibility of the recommended follow-up protocols in a country with limited resources.
Methods: The medical records of patients who underwent urinary diversion or who are under follow up for irreparable vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) at National Fistula center (NFC) in Mendefera, Eritrea, between February 2004 and December 2021, were reviewed. Descriptive statistics was used to depict complications and surgical outcomes by using frequencies and percentages.
Results: Urinary diversions were performed on 47 patients. The average duration of stay after surgery was 18 days. Metabolic panel and Arterial Blood Gases (ABG) were found only in 26 of the records which showed hyperchloremic acidosis in 22 (84.7%) and decreased kidney function in 8 (30.7%) of the women. Night time incontinence was found in 24 (51.1%) of the cases with 9 (19.1%) experiencing symptomatic renal infections which required admission. Three of the patients developed pouch stones and two patients developed hydronephrosis. Five patients got pregnant after diversion. Eleven (23.4 %) women were lost to follow up and 10 (21.3 %) died with majority (70%) of them with unknown cause of death.
Conclusion: On top of the long-term complications following diversion, there was substantial loss to follow-up and death after urinary diversion. Therefore, innovative approaches and continuous financial support to ensure patient return or local follow-up in home regions must be developed to overcome barriers to guarantee continuity of care and to decrease the morbidity and mortality of these women.
Exploring the association between adoptive parents’ attachment orientations and adoptees’ emotional and behavioral difficulties: The role of parents’ self-compassion and mindful parenting
Authors: Rato Matilde Paulo , Canavarro Maria Cristina , Pires Raquel
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to explore the association between adoptive parents’ attachment orientations and adoptees’ emotional and behavioral difficulties while examining the mediating role of adoptive parents’ self-compassion and mindful parenting in this relationship, and to explore the extent to which the above-mentioned associations differ from those observed in non-adoptive families. Using convenience sampling and a cross-sectional study design, a sample of adoptive parents (n = 400) and non-adoptive parents (n = 333) of children aged between 2 and 17 years old was collected through an online self-report survey. Serial mediation models showed that adoptive parents’ attachment-related avoidance and attachment-related anxiety were associated with adoptees’ emotional and behavioral difficulties; these relationships were found to be serially mediated by self-compassion and mindful parenting. Mediation analyses also showed that adoptive parents’ attachment-related anxiety was associated with adoptees’ emotional and behavioral difficulties through mindful parenting alone. Moderated mediation analyses suggested that the association between parents’ attachment anxiety and children’s emotional and behavioral difficulties through self-compassion and mindful parenting was significantly moderated by the type of family. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the role adoptive parents might have on adoptees’ postplacement emotional and behavioral difficulties, highlighting the importance of their levels of self-compassion and mindful parenting; they add new information for planning post-adoption therapeutic services aimed to foster a positive adoptive parent-child relationship and, thus, the wellbeing of families challenged by adoption circumstances.
Associations of blood and urinary heavy metals with stress urinary incontinence risk among adults in NHANES, 2003–2018
Authors: Fu Maoling , Zhu Zifan , Xiang Yechen , Yuan Quan , Yang Qiaoyue , Yu Yaqi , Song Wenshuai , Li Xinyu , Yu Genzhen
Published: March 2024

Background: People come into contact with heavy metals in various ways in their daily lives. Accumulating evidence shows that toxic metal exposure is hazardous to human health. However, limited information is available regarding the impact of metal mixtures on stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
Methods: In this specific survey, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for eight cycles from 2003 to 2018. Logistic regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, quantile-based g-computation (qgcomp), Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) analyses, and Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were used to explore the independent and comprehensive associations of heavy metal exposure with SUI risk.
Results: A total of 10622 U.S. adults were included, and 2455 (23.11%) were diagnosed with SUI. In the single-exposure model, blood cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), urinary Cd, Pb, and cesium (Cs) were found to be positively connected with SUI risk. Moreover, WQS, qgcomp, and BKMR models consistently demonstrated blood and urinary metals-mixed exposure were positively associated with the risk of SUI, and emphasized that blood Pb and Cd and urinary Cd and Cs were the main positive drivers, respectively. This association was more pronounced in the young and middle-aged group (20-59 years old) and the female group.
Conclusions: Using large-scale national data, we found that even after adjusting for twelve confounding factors, heavy metal exposure significantly increases the risk of SUI in the general population.
The Relationship Between Adolescents' Physical Activity and Circadian Rhythms on Sleep
Authors: Liu Daoli , Li Hengfen
Published: March 2024

Objective: To explore the correlation between physical activity, circadian rhythms, and sleep in adolescents, and analyze the influencing factors of sleep quality in this population.
Methods: A total of 381 high school students were selected through cluster sampling in a specific high school. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was employed to categorize the participants into a good sleep quality group (n=199) and a poor sleep quality group (n=182). Comprehensive assessments were conducted using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), PSQI, Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire-5 (MEQ-5), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF).
Results: The prevalence of poor sleep quality is 47.8%. The BMI in the poor sleep quality group is higher than that in the good sleep quality group, and the male ratio is lower than that in the good sleep quality group. The poor sleep quality group exhibits significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, evening chronotype, and low physical activity compared to the good sleep quality group.Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between the PSQI total score and HAMA and HAMD scores, and a negative correlation with physical activity and MEQ-5 scores. Binary logistic stepwise regression analysis identified lack of physical activity, eveningness chronotype, anxiety, and depression as risk factors for poor sleep quality.
Conclusion: Adolescent sleep quality is correlated with gender, BMI, anxiety, depression, chronotype, and physical activity levels. The findings highlight the importance of considering these factors in interventions aimed at improving sleep health in adolescents.
Retention of Implant Retained Obturator Using Two Implant Placement Configurations for Maxillectomy Cases: In-Vitro Study
Authors: Aboseada Nourhan. I. , Mohamed Faten. S. , El-shabrawy Sonia. M.
Published: March 2024

Background
Implant-retained obturators for maxillectomy cases have several advantages over traditional obturators for them. Appropriate prosthetic design for specific condition after maxillary resection is essential for improvement of retention, stability of implant retained obturator. Implant placement configuration for maxillary obturators had several challenges.
Objectives
Retention evaluation of obturators retained by three implants placed with two different placement configurations.
Material and methods
Three implants arranged in linear configuration and other arranged in nonlinear configuration were inserted into two identical epoxy resin maxillary models of completely edentulous unilateral maxillary defect (Brown’s class IIb). Two equal sets of twenty-six obturators were constructed; each with different implant placement configuration. Group I include thirteen obturators retained by three implants with linear configuration while Group II include thirteen obturators retained by three implants with nonlinear configuration. Both groups included the same attachment design (non-splinted Ball attachment). Using a cyclic loading machine that served as a dental mastication simulator, each obturator was subjected to 500 tension-compression cycles. Using the universal testing machine, each obturator was removed at a speed of 50 mm/min for the crosshead. To evaluate the initial retention and loss of retention between the two groups, peak load to dislodgement was measured both before and after the cyclic test.
Results
Nonlinear implant placement configuration for class IIb maxillectomy showed more initial and final retentive force than linear implant placement configuration Also, after cyclic tension-compression test of 500 cycles, all implant-retained obturators lost significant portions of its initial retention but group I (linear configuration) lost a higher percentage of its retention compared to group II (nonlinear configuration).
Conclusions
non-linear implant placement is more retentive than linear and lost less retention after usage.
Enhanced Tiny Face Detection and Perspective Transformation for Attendance Tracking in Enclosed Venues
Authors: Abdulaziz F. , Mangoud M. A. , Mattar E. A.
Published: March 2024

Tiny face detection in enclosed spaces like auditoriums or parliament chambers presents a unique challenge in computer vision. Traditional face detection methods often struggle to accurately identify and track individuals, especially when faces are small or partially obscured. Addressing this issue is crucial for applications such as tracking the attendance of parliamentary members within indoor chambers. This paper presents an innovative approach for tracking the attendance of members of parliament using computer vision techniques. The applied approach leverages an improved version of YOLOv7 face detection method, enhanced with the Contextual Block Attention Module (CBAM) and head extension to optimize feature learning for tiny face detection. CBAM selectively focuses on critical features, while the additional head captures small face details. The model outperforms other object detection methods, showing substantial improvements in recall (26.76%) and small but notable gains in precision, F1-score, and mAP@0.5 (1.81%, 8.45%, and 3.03%, respectively). This approach holds promise for object detection tasks, though its performance may vary across different datasets and scenarios. Also, the paper presents a perspective transformation of members locations into bird's eye views for the venue, employing real-time face detection with a single camera to monitor and analyze attendance.
Factors associated with mental health literacy and demand for mental health services among older adults in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Haihui , Ma Zijuan , Huang Ruidian , Liu Yujing , Li Lianghua , Zhou Zhengyuan , Wang Dongfang , Wang Wei , Lin Junxu , Lin Weishi , Yin Luning , Zhang Rui , Mo Xuan , Fan Yunge , Fan Fang
Published: March 2024

Background
There is limited research on the level of mental health literacy (MHL) among older adults and their demand and willingness for mental health services. This study investigated the factors associated with them among Chinese older adults. Additionally, we further compared these relationships between older adults living alone and those not living alone.
Methods
This study is a cross-sectional study conducted among 494 older adults in Guangzhou, China. Sociodemographic characteristics, frequency of participating in community-based elderly activities, mental health status, MHL, and demand and willingness for mental health services were assessed through self-reported questions. A series of logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with the MHL and demand and willingness for mental health services.
Results
The awareness rates for the three MHL-related questions were 73.7%, 65.3%, and 73.5% respectively, with 62.0% and 69.6% of the participants indicating the demand and willingness, respectively, for mental health services. Frequently participating in elderly activities increased the likelihood of awareness of the MHL-related questions (ORs = 2.92–4.18, CIs = [1.50,9.28]), as well as the demand and willingness for mental health services (ORs = 2.16–2.24, CIs = [1.19,4.20]). Similar significant associations were found among the older adults who were not living alone but not among those living alone.
Conclusions
To enhance older adults' MHL and increase their willingness for mental health services, given the results of this study, policymakers are advised to develop targeted community-based activities and to focus in particular on living-alone groups.
Ephestia kuehniella eggs as a surrogate host to test feeding preference and intraguild interactions between and Macrolophus pygmaeus and Trichogramma achaeae
Authors: Soares António Onofre , Durão Ana C. , Oliveira Maria Luísa , Arruda Patrícia , Borges Isabel
Published: March 2024

Mass rearing of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) eggs is a laborious task requiring investment of time, equipment and man hour work. The use of a surrogate prey/host, as Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), easily obtained and maintain, could be an option to undertake experiments. The aim of this study was to test to what extent the eggs of E. kuehniella is a suitable surrogate host of T. absoluta eggs to test for feeding preference and intraguild interactions between Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur) (Hemiptera: Miridae) and Trichogramma achaeae Nagaraja and Nagarkatti (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Our results shows that E. kuehniella eggs is a suitable surrogate host to test for feeding preference and intraguild interactions between natural enemies, taking in consideration that i) under single diet, feeding on T. absoluta eggs is expected to be twice that on E. kuehniella, ii) whether offering T. absoluta or E. kuehniella under different ratios of parasitized vs unparasitized eggs, feeding preference was always toward non-parasitized eggs iii) conspecific experiments with increasing density of M. pygmaeus females, the results revel an overall decrease on feeding consumption of 38,7% of E. kuehniella compared with T. absoluta eggs but experiments with T. achaeae show an overall increase in parasitism rate of 78,2% of eggs toward E. kuehniella eggs iv) Heterospecific experiments with increasing density of both natural enemies, when using E. kuehniellaeggs we found an overall decrease on feeding consumption of 30% and an increase of parasitism rate of 65%.
Unmet needs and harm reduction preferences of syringe services program participants: Differences by co-use of street opioids and methamphetamine
Authors: Sun Rachel , Sauda Tonazzina , Hoopsick Rachel A.
Published: March 2024

Background
The current fourth wave of the United States opioid overdose epidemic is characterized by the co-use of opioids and stimulants, including street opioids and methamphetamine. The co-use of these two drugs, known as “goofballing,” is associated with higher risk for several adverse outcomes, including more frequent injections, greater health risks, and higher morbidity. Considering these differences, this unique subpopulation of people who inject drugs (PWID) may also have unique unmet needs and/or harm reduction preferences.
Methods
We collected self-reported data from participants (N = 50) of a syringe services program (SSP), including basic needs and harm reduction preferences. Using bivariate analyses, we examined for differences between SSP participants who do and do not co-use street opioids and methamphetamine.
Results
In the overall sample, the mean level of need was highest for bus passes or other transportation, a person who can help you get the services you need, medication for opioid use disorder, and a job or job training. Additionally, all participants reported being either interested or very interested in fentanyl test strips, safe consumption sites, delivery of syringe service supplies, and delivery of naloxone. Those who endorsed co-use had a greater need for food, healthcare, substance use disorder treatment, a support person to help them access needed services, and bus passes/transportation.
Conclusions
Unmet needs were prevalent, and the desire for more harm reduction services was high among these PWID. Results also suggest people who co-use street opioids and methamphetamine may have the greatest unmet needs and desire for additional harm reduction services.
Effect of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) deprivation on Fibroblast cells viability and morphology
Authors: Greco I. , Machrafi H. , Iorio C. S.
Published: March 2024

In applications related to remote areas and microgravity experiments, access to proper CO2 incubation for in vitro experiments is difficult and, in some cases, impossible. It is important to assess the time period in which one can handle and transport cells whilst maintaining a reasonable viability. The effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) deficiency, in an in vitro environment, on the viability and morphology of fibroblast cells are looked at in this work. A CO2-free environment was provided to fibroblast cells, and their behavior was tracked over an established amount of time. The measured viability of the cells was higher than 80% up until 7h, where it appeared that the cell shape did not change much as was visualized by the microscope and quantified by measuring the average width and length of the cells. The cell shape started to change considerably at 10 h accompanied by a stronger viability decrease, i.e. 9%/h vs 3%/h. After 16 hours, the experiment came to an end with almost total cell viability loss.
Investigating seroprevalence and vulnerability in a flood-affected internally displaced population: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Khan Muhammad Arsalan , Khan Noor Ullah , Asif Nida , Geetha Gopika Mohanakumaran Nair , Kanwal Arooj , Safi Sidequllah
Published: March 2024

Background
Malaria is a communicable disease that affects millions of people throughout the world every year. Internally displaced people are a vulnerable group that can be disproportionately affected by mosquito-transmitted disease. Harsh climatic conditions such as floods are among the key factors that directly contribute to the displacement of people while simultaneously creating favourable breeding grounds for mosquitoes that transmit Plasmodium species. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological aspects of malaria transmission in flood-affected displaced people.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among the internally displaced persons, displaced by the 2022 floods in Pakistan, living in the ‘Tent City’ of Hyderabad, Sindh. A total of 2,640 participants were recruited from the camp via random sampling. Rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy techniques were utilized to assess blood samples, and a standardized questionnaire was used to gather demographic data. The seroprevalence of malarial infection and its subtypes was determined. Vulnerability to infection based on sex and age group was also assessed using stratified analysis.
Results
Of the 2640 participants, 354 (13.4%) were malaria positive. Rapid diagnostic tests showed a marginally greater (14.8%) seroprevalence than did microscopy (10.7%). Plasmodium vivax was found to be the predominant Plasmodium species among the displaced people, accounting for 87.5% of the total cases, followed by Plasmodium falciparum at 12.5%. Age-stratified analysis revealed that children under 12 years of age and pregnant women had a significantly greater risk of infection. The odds of becoming infected at < 12 years of age were 5.28 times greater than those at > 12 years of age. Similarly, the odds of malaria infection in pregnant women are approximately 2.17 times greater than in individuals above 12 years of age.
Conclusion
Malaria remains a significant hazard for internally displaced persons, with a high prevalence of malaria infection, indicating the need for prompt healthcare interventions, additional services, and preventative measures. The changing climate conditions pose a risk of increased frequency and intensity of floods leading to mass displacements. This necessitates a stronger effort to mitigate and manage such health disasters in the future.
Integrating Innovation and Tradition: Leveraging Geometric Algebra to Explore Power Flow in Electric Systems
Authors: Sundriyal Nitin , Ramirez Juan M.
Published: March 2024

Power flow study is critical to electrical power system analysis. This study solves the power flow problem using a mathematical framework based on geometric algebra (GA). Geometric algebra expands on the concepts of linear algebra and geometry to offer a comprehensive and more flexible mathematical framework. In contrast, complex numbers are a continuation of the real number field. Furthermore, GA allows the handling of multivectors using geometric functions like wedges and geometric products. Because it can abstract the formulation, it thus permits a simple interpretation. Consequently, power flow analysis may be carried out accurately and effectively using GA. This paper presents the GA-based formulation and shows the comparative results between the conventional and the proposed technique. The study compares geometric algebra with complex numbers, concentrating on two case studies: a nimble 9-bus system and a comprehensive 68-bus network. The results demonstrate geometric algebra's scalability, stability, and computing benefits, as faster processing times indicate. This study validates the benefits of geometric algebra and encourages more investigation and practical applications to fully assess its potential in revolutionising power system analysis.
Combined analysis of estradiol and β-hCG to predict the early pregnancy outcome of FET: a retrospective study
Authors: Wu Man , Xiao Xiao , Wang Chen , Zhao Min , Xiong Fang , Jin Xin , Zheng Xiaomin
Published: March 2024

Background
How to accurately predicting the pregnancy outcomes of an IVF cycle are particularly important. Although a lot of work was conducted to predict pregnancy outcomes by assaying serum β-hCG levels after embryo transfer, rare study has focused on the prediction of serum E2 level after transfer. This study sought to analyze the predictive effect of serum E2 combined with β-hCG on early reproductive outcomes 12 days after embryo transfer.
Methods
A total of 1521 patients with β-hCG positive values on day 12 after frozen-warmed embryo transfer (FET) in natural endometrial preparation cycles (NCs) were collected in affiliated Women’s Hospital of Jiangnan University. Logistic regression analysis was constructed to establish the clinical pregnancy prediction model, and the cutoff value, optimal sensitivity and specificity were calculated by Receiver operating characteristic (ROC).
Results
Levels of serum E2 and β-hCG on the 12th day after FET with NCs were higher in clinical pregnancy group (CP Group) compared with biochemical pregnancy group (BP Group) (P < 0.001). Besides, the cutoff values for E2 and β-hCG on the 12th day after FET with NCs in cleavage group (CE Group) were 129.25 pg/mL and 156.60 mIU/mL respectively, with area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.801 and 0.941 respectively. For blastocyst group (B Group), the cutoff values for E2 and β-hCG were 174.45 pg/mL and 217.70 mIU/mL, with AUCs of 0.762 and 0.924 respectively. The logistic regression analysis revealed that serum E2 day 12 and β-hCGday 12 were significantly associated with clinical pregnancy.
Conclusions
Serum E2 is significantly different in CP Group compared with BP Group in FET with NCs. Earlier E2 combined with β-HCG can be used as a predictor of early pregnant state.
RegionSizeR – A novel app for regional sample size planning in MRCTs
Authors: Sun Guannan , Sun Xin , Su Huijuan , Liao Yuqin , Wei Di , Ma Hanqing , Li Xinyu , Fan Ran , Ren Xiaowei
Published: March 2024

In multi-regional clinical trials, planning the sample size for participating regions is essential for the evaluation of the treatment effect consistency across regions. Based on the MRCT design and sample size allocation to regions, consistency probability is usually used to predict the consistent trend between regions and the overall population, while preserving a certain proportion of the overall treatment effect. Specific enrollment characteristics in a region of interest should also be considered in the meantime of the sample size planning. To facilitate efficient and harmonized regional sample size planning, we have developed RegionSizeR, a comprehensive and user-friendly interactive web-based R shiny application that can be obtained from https://github.com/rsr-ss/RegionSizeR. This simulation-based app can serve as an initial point for discussions on sample size allocation plans, following preservation of treatment effect method in ICH E17. The app accommodates various types of endpoints and designs, including continuous, binary, and time-to-event endpoints, for superiority, non-inferiority, and MCP-Mod designs. To ensure the validity of this app, independent testing is conducted allowing a discrepancy of no more than 1%.
Graphene nanoscrolls as a symmetric supercapacitor electrode
Authors: Habib Hameem , Javid Mehreen , Nazir Saqib , Husain Samina
Published: March 2024

The current investigation delineates a straightforward solvent exchange approach for the production of one-dimensional (1D) graphene nanoscrolls (GNS), originating from graphite extracted from pencil lead. The proposed rolling mechanism incorporates the utilization of two distinct solvents: N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) boasting a high boiling point and ethanol featuring a low boiling point. The electrochemical assessment of GNS unveiled a remarkable specific capacitance of 438 F/g at a low scan rate of 10 mV/s, coupled with a high-power density of 4447 W Kg-1 and an energy density of 21 Wh Kg-1. A comprehensive analysis of electrochemical performance was conducted through cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/storage, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The results posit GNS as a highly promising candidate for the advancement of sophisticated electrode materials in the upcoming generation of energy storage devices, attributed to its facile synthesis, distinctive morphology, and exceptional specific capacitance.
RETRACTED: Investigation of the Effects of the Using Biodiesel and Biodiesel/diesel Fuel Blends on Combustion, Engine Performance, and Exhaust Emissions in a Diesel Engine
Authors: SOYSAL Cahit , ŞAHİN Zehra , DURGUN Orhan , BİLGİN Atilla
Published: March 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.