bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The nutrition transition in Malaysia; key drivers and recommendations for improved health outcomes
Authors: Goh Ee Von , Azam-Ali Susan , McCullough Fiona , Roy Mitra Soma 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
The main purpose of this paper is to understand the multidimensional phenomenon of the nutrition transition in Malaysia, from 1980 to 2014, to inform future policies for a healthier nation.

Methods
Food and health data were obtained through Food Balance Sheets, Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS) and National Health and Morbidity Surveys (NHMS) for year-to-year review. Interaction between changes in food supplies and dietary trends and the progression of diet-related diseases and risk factors in tandem with demographic and socioeconomic transitions were observed using quasi-historical approach.

Results
The period-under-review has seen Malaysia becoming more affluent, urbanised and modernised. Energy supply for Malaysian population remained consistently in excess of average calorie needs by a minimum of 30%. There were significant signs of shifting food trends, particularly in the supply of wheat (+ 56.5%), rice (− 23.7%), sugar and sweeteners (+ 23.9%), meat (+ 49.3%), fish and seafood (+ 38.7%), and eggs (+ 55.7%). The plant/animal protein ratio has decreased over time. Prevalence of NCD and associated risk factors has increased rapidly, some as high as 170%, despite various policy efforts to reduce them.

Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of policymakers taking a relook into its policies and strategies, and formulate sustainable, comprehensive and multifaceted actions together with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a conducive, healthy and nutritious food systems and environment for its population.
Macro to nano specimen measurements using photons and electrons with digital holographic interferometry: a review
Authors: Hernández-Montes María del Socorro , Mendoza-Santoyo Fernando , Flores Moreno Mauricio , de la Torre-Ibarra Manuel , Silva Acosta Luis , Palacios-Ortega Natalith 
Published: June 2020

AbstractToday digital holographic interferometry (DHI) is considered a modern full-field non-destructive technique that allows generating 3D quantitative data of a wide variety of specimens. There are diverse optical setups for DHI that enable the study of specimens in static and dynamic conditions: it is a viable alternative to characterize a wide diversity of parameters in the micro and macro world by conducting repeatable, reliable and accurate measurements that render specimen data, e.g., displacements, shape, spatial dimensions, physiological conditions, refractive indices, and vibration responses. This paper presents a review and progress on the most significant topics, contributions and applications involving DHI for the study of different specimens such as: cells, bio tissues, grains, insects, and nano-structures. For most of the research work involving macro and micro specimens the wave-like source used in the measurements were photons from a laser, while the studies carried out in the nano regime used the wave-like nature of the electron.
Stature estimation of the Malaysian population based on sacrum CT scans
Authors: Soon Lai Poh , Noor Mohamad Helmee Mohamad , Abdullah Nurliza , Hadi Helmi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
The evolution of virtual technology in estimating stature through multi-slice computed tomography scanning can be essential for mass disasters and forensic cases. Regression formulae were generated directly from other skeleton parts such as cranium, sternum, vertebrae, clavicle, scapula, sacrum, pelvis, hand and foot bones to estimate stature. Previous studies have shown that pelvic shape score is significantly associated and correlated with stature for both sexes. The sacrum as part of the pelvis is located between the two os coxae via a sacroiliac joint. As such, this study aims to correlate the morphological measurement of sacrum with stature based on sex and ancestry among the Malaysian population from a total of 373 sacral computed tomography (CT) images collected at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital. The three-dimensional sacrum bones were segmented from CT images using the Mimics Research 17.0 software. Inter-landmark distances were measured using Microsoft 3D Builder, and their respective indices were computed.

Results
The auricular lengths are the most comparatively useful stature estimator at R > 0.5 among all the sacral morphometrics that were investigated on in this study. Results from this study should only be applied within the Malaysian population (Malay, Chinese and Indian).

Conclusion
The results could enhance the existing database of stature estimation, especially when dealing with skeletal material from Malaysia and when long bones are unavailable for the identification of incomplete unknown human remains.
Electromagnetic activity: a possible player in epilepsy
Authors: Guo Yi , Liu Yaowen , Wang Xuefeng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEpilepsy is a common disease with frequent occurrences. Many precipitating factors contribute to epileptic seizures, such as hyperventilation and alcohol consumption. An increasing number of studies have also found that electromagnetic activity in the environment can also affect epileptic seizures. However, many neuromodulatory devices that produce electromagnetic fields have been applied in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. In this paper, we performed literature search in the PubMed, Medline and EMBASE databases and reviewed retrospective, prospective, or cross-sectional studies and case reports on the effects of electromagnetic activity on epilepsy. The application of electromagnetic activity in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy is also reviewed.
Molecular characterization of siderophore biosynthesis in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Authors: Silva Marielle Garcia , de Curcio Juliana Santana , Silva-Bailão Mirelle Garcia , Lima Raisa Melo , Tomazett Mariana Vieira , de Souza Aparecido Ferreira , Cruz-Leite Vanessa Rafaela Milhomem , Sbaraini Nicolau , Bailão Alexandre Melo , Rodrigues Fernando , Pereira Maristela , Gonçales Relber Aguiar , de Almeida Soares Célia Maria 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIron is an essential nutrient for all organisms. For pathogenic fungi, iron is essential for the success of infection. Thus, these organisms have developed high affinity iron uptake mechanisms to deal with metal deprivation imposed by the host. Siderophore production is one of the mechanisms that fungal pathogens employ for iron acquisition. Paracoccidioides spp. present orthologous genes encoding the enzymes necessary for the biosynthesis of hydroxamates, and plasma membrane proteins related to the transport of these molecules. All these genes are induced in iron deprivation. In addition, it has been observed that Paracoccidioides spp. are able to use siderophores to scavenge iron. Here we observed that addition of the xenosiderophore ferrioxamine B FOB) to P. brasiliensis culture medium results in repression (at RNA and protein levels) of the SidA, the first enzyme of the siderophore biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, SidA activity was reduced in the presence of FOB, suggesting that P. brasiliensis blocks siderophores biosynthesis and can explore siderophores in the environment to scavenge iron. In order to support the importance of siderophores on Paracoccidioides sp. life and infection cycle, silenced mutants for the sidA gene were obtained by antisense RNA technology. The obtained AsSidA strains displayed decreased siderophore biosynthesis in iron deprivation conditions and reduced virulence to an invertebrate model.
Relation of serum vitamin D level in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients to ICSI outcome
Authors: Omran Eman Fawzy , Ramzy Abdelmaguid , Shohayeb Amal , Farouk Nermeen , Soliman Mahmoud , Baz Heba , Sharaf Marwa Foad 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Recently, vitamin D was discovered to have an important role in female reproduction and IVF. However, there were no studies specifically addressed its role in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients undergoing ICSI cycles. Therefore, this cross-sectional study in a university hospital was conducted to evaluate the effect of serum level of vitamin D (VD) on the number of retrieved and fertilized oocytes, and chemical and clinical pregnancy rate in PCOS females undergoing ICSI cycles. The study included 80 PCOS cases undergoing ICSI cycles in the age from 20 to 39 years using antagonist protocol. Cases with severe male or tubal factors were excluded. Serum 25 (OH) D vitamin level was assessed by the ELIZA method on the day of oocyte retrieval. Correlation and regression analyses were used in the analysis.

Results
VD was positively correlated to both numbers of retrieved and fertilized oocytes (r = 0.35, 95% CI 0.15, 0.53, P = 0.001; r = 0.33; 95% CI 0.03, 0.57, P = 0.03, respectively). It was still significantly correlated to the number of oocytes (coefficient 0.47; 95% CI 0.1, 0.9; P = 0.018) and to the number of fertilized eggs (coefficient 0.3; 95% CI 0.02, 0.58; P = 0.03) after adjusting for age, BMI, and type of ovulation-triggering agent. This means with each 2 ng/mL increase in serum VD level, around one more egg will be retrieved. In addition, there will be one more fertilized oocyte with each 3 ng/mL increase in the vitamin level. However, no significant correlation was found between the vitamin level and the occurrence of chemical or clinical pregnancy.

Conclusions
Serum vitamin D level is positively correlated with the number of retrieved and fertilized oocytes in PCOS patients undergoing ICSI cycles.
Investigation of Pindan soil modified with polymer stablisers for road pavement
Authors: Park Hyun Kyu , Lee Hyuk , Vimonsatit Vanissorn 
Published: June 2020

AbstractRoad failures are often caused by structural weaknesses, and particularly unsealed roads are vulnerable to water as water easily flows into road structures. Moisture susceptibility of materials is an important aspect when pavements are designed as moisture can weaken bonds between aggregates. Pindan soil is a red soil, known as a soft and moisture sensitive soil. Polymer stabilisers have been proved that they can improve soil mechanical properties by providing an internal waterproofing. Studies of the polymer-Pindan soil stabilisation have been focused on engineering performances, but literature shows little information on the fundamental information of Pindan soil. This project focuses on fundamental information of Pindan soil and its improved performances using polymer stabilisers. Plastic index, specific gravity and particle size distribution were tested to obtain the basic properties. Compaction, Unconfined Compressive Strength and California Bearing Ratio tests were performed to determine the mechanical properties. The chemical property was examined using X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, the waterproof effect of the polymers on the stabilised Pindan soil was investigated from capillary rise tests. In addition, the mechanical properties of individual soil grains were investigated using nanoindentation tests. The materials used for this investigation primarily consisted of Pindan soil collected in Broome, Western Australia, and three polymer products manufactured in Australia. Based on the results, it is evident that the failure behaviour, strain and strength as well as the basic properties of the soils are affected and changed by the Polymer stabilisers. The type of polymer influenced the optimum moisture contents and strengths rather than the amount of polymer. Similarly, Nanoindentation technology provided various information such as elastic modulus, hardness, packing density, stiffness, cohesion and fracture toughness of soils at nano-scales. Polymers can reduce water ingress and minimise moisture in the pavement structures. Thus, the structures can maintain its strength and prevent deformation, which will increase the lifetime of unsealed pavements.
Bibliometric assessment and implications for practice of sporotrichosis research (1945-2018)
Authors: Albuquerque Priscila Costa , Fonseca e Fonseca Bruna de Paula , Zicker Fabio , Zancopé-Oliveira Rosely Maria , Almeida-Paes Rodrigo 
Published: June 2020

Background: Sporotrichosis has recently emerged as an important mycosis worldwide, with diverse transmission and epidemiologic profiles. For instance, in Brazil most cases are related to zoonotic transmission from naturally infected cats, and the majority of cases in China are due to external injury with environmental materials. Publications on sporotrichosis and on its etiologic agent may guide the direction of the research in this field. It can also define priorities for future studies. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the trends of global research in Sporothrix and sporotrichosis, based on publications records retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science databases for the period of 1945 to 2018. The overall productivity in the field, its geographical and temporal distribution, research themes, co-authorship networks, funding sources, and the implications of research findings for health practice were assessed using bibliometric approaches. Results: A total of 4,007 unique publications involving 99 countries were retrieved, most of them published after 2000. Authors based on institutions from the United States of America and Brazil accounted for 57.4% of the publications. Brazil was the leading country in terms of research collaboration and networking, with co-authorship with 45 countries. The thematic mapping revealed a temporal shift from clinical to applied research. Despite the large number of countries publishing in this field, most of funded studies came from Brazil, Mexico, China, South Africa, or the United States of America. The analysis of content identified few specific public health recommendations for prevention, case-management, or research. Moreover, most papers do not have a clearly defined intended audience. Conclusion: As the research in this field is emerging in several countries, with the generation of a large amount of data, it is necessary that scientists strengthen efforts to translate the research results into practice to curb this neglected infection.
Introducing a drift and diffusion framework for childhood growth research
Authors: Lewis Fraser I , Guga Godfrey , Mdoe Paschal , Mduma Esto , Mahopo Cloupas , Bessong Pascal , Richard Stephanie A , McCormick Benjamin J J 
Published: June 2020

Background: Growth trajectories are highly variable between children, making epidemiological analyses challenging both to the identification of malnutrition interventions at the population level and also risk assessment at individual level. We introduce stochastic differential equation (SDE) models into child growth research. SDEs describe flexible dynamic processes comprising: drift - gradual smooth changes – such as physiology or gut microbiome, and diffusion - sudden perturbations, such as illness or infection.Methods: We present a case study applying SDE models to child growth trajectory data from the Haydom, Tanzania and Venda, South Africa sites within the MAL-ED cohort. These data comprise n=460 children aged 0-24 months. A comparison with classical curve fitting (linear mixed models) is also presented.Results: The SDE models offered a wide range of new flexible shapes and parameterizations compared to classical additive models, with performance as good or better than standard approaches. The predictions from the SDE models suggest distinct longitudinal clusters that form distinct ‘streams’ hidden by the large between-child variability.Conclusions: Using SDE models to predict future growth trajectories revealed new insights in the observed data, where trajectories appear to cluster together in bands, which may have a future risk assessment application. SDEs offer an attractive approach for child growth modelling and potentially offer new insights.
Sunni-Shia Ecumenism in Austria: A Model for Western Europe?
Authors: Widiyanto Asfa 
Published: June 2020

The dynamics of encounter between Shiism and Sunnism have been investigated by some scholars, nevertheless the detailed study on the ventures of Sunni-Shia convergence which takes place in Austria is still underdeveloped. Such a picture is significance in revealing the features of Sunni-Shia ecumenism and its relationship with ‘European Islam’. This paper investigates the problems and the prospects for Sunni-Shia rapprochement in Austria, as well as the extent to which ecumenism in this country could serve as a model for Western Europe. The conflicts between Sunnites and Shiites are in some ways grounded in the misunderstandings between these two main sects of Islam. The recognition of faith community plays a part in figuring the fate of rapprochement between Sunnites and Shiites in the country. The prospects for Sunni-Shia ecumenism in Austria lie in the hands of authoritative personages and organisations, and in the ability of various elements of the society to enter into a dialogue to eradicate misunderstandings and prejudices. The authentic elaboration of ‘European Islam’ will also mould the future of Sunni-Shia ecumenism in Austria. There are possibilities and limits of applying Austrian model of Sunni-Shia ecumenism to other countries in Western Europe.[Dinamika perjumpaan antara Sunni dengan Syiah telah diteliti oleh banyak ahli, meskipun demikian kajian khusus tentang hubungan Sunni – Shiah dengan studi kasus di Austria masih belum banyak diteliti. Gambarannya terletak pada arti penting pemahaman prinsipil antara Sunni – Syiah dan keterhubungan mereka dengan Islam Eropa. Tulisan ini menjelaskan berbagai persoalan dan prospek dalam membangun kedekatan keduanya di Austria sebagaimana kelanjutan perihal keyakinan di Negara tersebut sebagai model untuk Eropa Barat. Konflik antar pengikut Sunni - Syiah diantaranya mengakar karena ketidaksepahaman antar dua kelompok ini. Pengakuan komunitas agama berperan dalam penentuan pemulihan hubungan antara Sunni dan Syiah di negara ini. Prospek ekumenisme Sunni-Syiah di Austria ada di tangan tokoh dan organisasi kompeten, dan kemampuan beberapa pihak masyarakat untuk berdialog sehingga dapat menghilangkan kesalahpahaman dan prasangka. Elaborasi otentik ‘Islam Eropa’ juga akan membentuk masa depan ekumenisme Sunni-Syiah di Austria. Termasuk adanya kemungkinan dan batasan penerapan model ekumenisme Sunni-Syiah Austria ke negara-negara lain di Eropa Barat.]
The Era of Uncertainty and Ethical Arrangement in Javanese Classical Texts: Disseminating Ranggawarsita’s Works as Source of Islamic Ethics in Islamic Higher Education
Authors: Mukaffa Zumrotul 
Published: June 2020

This paper investigates the era of uncertainty and ethical arrangement formulated in the Javanese classical text written by Ranggawarsita. Most of his works, especially Serat Kalatidha, Serat Sabdapranawa, and Serat Sabdatama, situated in the era of uncertainty and moved to the era of zaman edan (crazy age), kalabendhu (age of anger), owah or pakewuh (bizar time). Social structure in this era tied to unethical behavior. Elite communities were lacking of self- representation as a good example, meanwhile the communities were ignoring public advisability. To set free from uncertainty condition is possible through implementing four ethical doctrines in the social life, namely: Monotheistic behavior, active submission to God’s predestination, self-contemplation, and eling lan waspada (self-awareness and mindfulness). The dynamic of nationhood today is almost reflecting the age of kalabendhu, and therefore it is necessary to do dissemination and transformation of ethical doctrines in the Islamic Higher Education by using the doctrine as a source of subject of Islamic Ethic. The need of dissemination is because academia in the Islamic Higher Education is an integral part of uncertain social structure.
Engaging in homework development: TARSIS platform as an innovative learning methodology
Authors: Buitrago Francisco 
Published: June 2020

The paramount importance of active pedagogical learning for the development of skills and competences is now unquestionable. However, homework assignments in engineering courses are still passive learning instruments that often appear as requirements rather than learning tools. This issue arises due that the teaching team usually does not have the capabilities to provide real-time feedback, neither to enable students to fix errors on a timely manner to enhance the process of learning. To overcome this challenge, we developed a novel Blended-like methodology for homework assignments called TARSIS. This methodology uses a platform to boosts the contribution of homework assignments in the learning process by using an attempt mechanism for online solution, combined with a real-time feedback scheme in both virtual and face-to-face environments. The platform is very intuitive to use and offers full flexibility for self-paced learning. In this study, we describe the methodology and use a mixed-method research approach to assess the performance of TARSIS. Results indicate that students enrolled with TARSIS achieved higher performance in both homework assignments and exams. Furthermore, students’ perceptions demonstrate higher enthusiasm and motivation towards the value of homework assignments as mechanisms to promote learning processes.
Arousal-Biased Competition Explains Reduced Distraction by Reward Cues under Threat
Authors: Kim Andy J. , Anderson Brian A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAnxiety is an adaptive neural state that promotes rapid responses under heightened vigilance when survival is threatened. Anxiety has consistently been found to potentiate the attentional processing of physically salient stimuli. However, a recent study demonstrated that a threat manipulation reduces attentional capture by reward-associated stimuli, suggesting a more complex relationship between anxiety and the control of attention. The mechanisms by which threat can reduce the distracting quality of stimuli are unknown. In this study, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on human subjects, we examined the neural correlates of attention to previously reward-associated stimuli with and without the threat of unpredictable electric shock. We replicate enhanced distractor-evoked activity throughout the value-driven attention network (VDAN) in addition to enhanced stimulus-evoked activity generally under threat. Importantly, these two factors interacted such that the representation of previously reward-associated distractors was particularly pronounced under threat. Our results from neuroimaging fit well with the principle of arousal-biased competition (ABC), although such effects are typically associated with behavioral measures of increased attention to stimuli that already possess elevated attentional priority. The findings of our study suggest that ABC can be leveraged to support more efficient ignoring of reward cues, revealing new insights into the functional significance of ABC as a mechanism of attentional control, and provide a mechanistic explanation of how threat reduces attention to irrelevant reward information.