bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of government actions on safety and security perceptions of international students during COVID-19 pandemic in China
Authors: Munthali George N. Chidimbah , Xuelian Wu , Yu Shi , Kudzala John Feston 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Introduction: International students’ safety and security matters as they are migrants and foreigners belonging to a special minority group of people that need to be protected each and every time in breach of which may have diplomatic and international endeavors. This study was aimed at finding the effects of government actions in regards to safety and security perceptions of international students in China during COVID-19 Pandemic. Materials and methods: A cross- sectional design survey was conducted in March 2020 from 13 different universities in Hubei province of China. Data was collected through an online Microsoft questionnaire which was send to selected universities groups that were purposively and conveniently sampled. IBM SPSS version 24 software was used to analyses the data; Pearson correlational was performed at statistical significance put at*p<0.05; **p<0.01. Results: 300 questionnaires were received out of 392, representing a response rate of 76.5%, majority of the respondents were in age group of 20-30 86%, single 93%, undergraduate 79%, stayed 2 years above 61%, belonging to Christianity 51.7% and Islam 37%. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between social distance measures and safety and security perceptions, but there was no correlation between information dissemination and safety and security perception, lastly, the results showed that students were materially supported with their respective authorities and that the political will was good. Conclusion: The actions of the government especially through the social distance measures have proved to positively increase international students’ safety and security perceptions. Further, authorities tried to facilitate material and social support to the students. We recommend authorities to continue putting the safety and security of international students at their heart as it is demonstrated in China.
Parental Communication On Sexual And Reproductive Health Issues To Their Adolescents And Affecting Factors At Asella Town, Ethiopia; A Community-Based, Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bekele Daniel , Deksisa Abdi , Abera Wondu , Megersa Getu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Parents’ communication on sexual and reproductive health issues with their adolescent plays a great role in preventing morbidity and mortality associated with sexual behavior. However lack of parent to adolescent communication was a serious problem in Ethiopia resulted in teenage pregnancy, unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted infections, school problems, and other sexual risk behaviors. Parents have high responsibility on cultivating their son and daughter regarding to sexual and reproductive health issues. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of parent’s communication with their adolescents and affecting factors in Ethiopia. Methods: A community- based cross-sectional study was conducted on 347 respondents. A systematic sampling method was used to select the study participants. Data were collected by trained interviewers using a structured questionnaire, entered into Epi- Info version 7.1.2 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. Variables at P-value <0.05 were considered as significant association. Results: Slightly more than one-fifth of the parents (21.3%) had communicated with their adolescents on sexual and reproductive health issues. Associated factors like: having good knowledge [AOR =3.08, 95% CI: 1.89-5.39] and being having positive attitudes [AOR 3.03, 95% CI: 1.37-6.70] towards sexual and reproductive health issues were significantly associated with communication.Conclusion: Overall a low proportion of parental communication with their children was identified on sexual and reproductive health issues. This was affected by multidimensional factors to determine their discussion. Thus, promotion of parent to adolescent communication, parents training and addressing the importance of parent to young people communication along with health care providers was important.
Consumption of meals prepared away from home is associated with inadequacy of dietary fiber, vitamin C and mineral intake among Japanese adults: analysis from the 2015 National Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Matsumoto Mai , Saito Aki , Okada Chika , Okada Emiko , Tajima Ryoko , Takimoto Hidemi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Consumption of home-prepared meals may lead to better nutritional intake. Few studies have examined the association between the frequency of consuming meals prepared away from home and the inadequacy of nutritional intake based on nutritional standards and food group intake. We therefore aimed to investigate this issue among Japanese adults.Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of the 2015 National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan, involving 921 men and 1300 women aged 18–64 years, conducted as a cross-sectional survey. The frequency of consuming meals prepared away from home was defined using two questions inquiring about the frequency of eating out and take-away meals. Data on dietary intake were collected using a one-day semi-weighed household dietary record. Participants were stratified into three groups based on the frequency of consuming meals prepared away from home (High, Moderate, Low). The inadequacy of each nutrient intake was assessed by comparing estimated average requirement (EAR) level for 14 nutrients and the range of the dietary goal (DG) for seven nutrients according to the 2015 version of the Dietary Reference Intake for Japanese. Group differences in nutrients adequacy were assessed using the covariate and logistic regression analysis, respectively. Food intake was also compared across the groups by classifying each food item into 17 groups based on food group table.Results: The proportion of participants who consumed home-prepared meals almost every day were 34.9% among men and 46.8% among women, and the proportion of those consuming a higher frequency of meals prepared away from home were 14.7% and 6.3%, respectively. A higher frequency of consuming meals prepared away from home was associated with inadequacy of dietary fiber, vitamin C and minerals (iron, magnesium and potassium) intake, and with lower intake of vegetables and higher intake of fat and oils.Conclusions: High frequency of consuming meals prepared away from home was associated with insufficient intake of dietary fiber, vitamin C and multiple minerals among Japanese adults. Dietary fiber and mineral intake may be the potential target of interventions aimed at improving nutrient intake in individuals who predominantly eat food prepared away from home.
Validation of a three-item Fatigue Severity Scale for patients with substance use disorder: a cohort study from Norway for the period 2016-2020
Authors: Vold Jørn Henrik , Gjestad Rolf , Aas Christer F. , Meland Eivind , Johansson Kjell Arne , Fadnes Lars Thore 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Little attention has been paid to customising fatigue questionnaires for patients with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). The present study aims to validate and shorten the nine-item Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS-9) and Visual Analogue Fatigue Scale (VAFS) for use with this population.MethodsWe used data from a nested cohort with annual health assessments with responses on the FSS-9 and VAFS. During the period 2016–2020, 917 health assessments were collected from 655 patients with SUD in Bergen and Stavanger, Norway. A total of 225 patients answered the health assessment at least twice. We defined baseline as the first annual health assessment when the health assessments were sorted chronologically per patient. We checked for internal consistency, and we used longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and linear mixed model (LMM) analysis to validate and shorten the FSS-9 and VAFS. ResultsThe internal consistency of the FSS-9 was excellent with a Cronbach’s α of 0.94 at baseline and 0.93 at the second annual health assessment. When shortening the FSS-9 to a three-item FSS (FSS-3, items 5–7), the Cronbach’s α was 0.87 at baseline and 0.84 at the second health assessment. The internal consistency was not affected when the VAFS was added to the FSS-3 and the FSS-9. The longitudinal CFA model showed a well-fitting model for the FSS-3 (χ2 = 13.33, degree of freedom = 8, P = 0.101). The LMM analysis showed equal linear changes at the individual level for the FSS-3 (slope: 0.00, P > 0.05) and FSS-9 (slope: 0.01, P > 0.05) between the health assessments. ConclusionThe FSS-9 could be shortened to the FSS-3 with high validity and reliability for patients with SUDs and the addition of VAFS did not provide much added variability.
Geometric Correction for Thermographic Images of Asteroid 162173 Ryugu by TIR (Thermal Infrared Imager) onboard Hayabusa2
Authors: Arai Takehiko , Okada Tatsuaki , Tanaka Satoshi , Fukuhara Tetsuya , Demura Hirohide , Kouyama Toru , Sakatani Naoya , Shimaki Yuri , Senshu Hiroki , Sekiguchi Tomohiko , Takita Jun , Hirata Naru , Yamamoto Yukio 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The thermal infrared imager (TIR) onboard the Hayabusa2 spacecraft performed thermographic observations of the asteroid 162173 Ryugu (1999 JU3) from June 2018 to November 2019. Our previous reports showed the surface temperature and thermal inertia maps of Ryugu. At that time, the mapping procedure from observed TIR images to the shape model of Ryugu has been developed as a geometric correction method. The method used the shape model derived from the observed images by the optical. navigation camera (ONC), a numerical geometry toolkit, SPICE kernels (NASA/NAIF) based on the spacecraft attitude data derived from ONC images, and the measured altitudes by the light detection and ranging (LIDAR). The pointing directions of TIR were calculated using an interpolation of data from SPICE kernels during the periods when the ONC or LIDAR observation was performed. Still, the mapping accuracy of the observed TIR images was degraded when the ONC and LIDAR observations were not performed with TIR. In this paper, to solve the problem of the mapping procedure, we improved the correction method by matching the TIR images, which carried out a one-to-one correspondence between the observed points in the TIR images and the surface nodes addressed on the shape model of Ryugu. This geometric correction adjusted the pointing direction of TIR by rotating the TIR frame relative to the base of the Hayabusa2 frame using a least squares fit. The resulting temperature maps spatially spreading more than 10° were improved after the correction, and high-resolved 0.5° by 0.5° maps were constructed. The geometric correction was effective for characteristic regions where the terrain was comparable to the pixel scale of TIR, such as the Ejima Saxum. The estimated thermal inertia of the bottom of Ejima Saxum was approximately 300 Jm-2s-0.5K-1. Thus this estimation was succeeded in case that the surface topographic features were the pixel scale of TIR. However, the thermal inertia estimation of smooth terrains, such as the Urashima crater, was difficult because of surface roughness effects, where roughness was probably less than the pixel scale of TIR.
Factors that influenced access and utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services among Ugandan youths during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: An online cross-sectional survey
Authors: Mambo Simon Binezero , Sikakulya Franck K. , Ssebuufu Robinson , Mulumba Yusuf , Wasswa Henry , Thompson Kelly , Rusatira Jean Christophe , Bhondoekhan Fiona , Kamyuka Louis K. , Akib Surat Olabisi , Kirimuhuzya Claude , Nakawesi Jane , Kyamanywa Patrick 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted health care access in many countries. The aim of this study was to explore factors that influenced access and utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services among Ugandan youths during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Methods This was across-sectional study carried out from April 2020 to May 2020 in Uganda. A questionnaire was administered online to participants aged 18 to 30 years. Subjects were recruited using a snowballing approach. STATA version 14.2 was used for statistical analysis.Results Of 724 participants, 203 (28%) reported that they did not have access to information and/or education concerning sexual and reproductive health (SRH). More than a quarter of the participants (26.9%, n=195) reported that testing and treatment services of sexually transmitted infections were not available during the lockdown. 27.2% could not obtain contraceptive supplies. Access to HIV services and menstrual supplies were also impaired. Lack of transportation was the commonest factor cited as limiting access to SRH services during the lockdown (68.7%), followed by the long distance from home to SRH facilities (55.2%), high cost of services (42.2%) and the curfew (39.1%). Sexually transmitted infections were the commonest SRH problems related to SRH during the lockdown (40.4%) followed by unwanted pregnancy (32.4%) and sexual abuse (32.4%). Marital, educational, and employment status were significantly correlated with the reported experiences of the participants. Conclusion Access to SRH information and services for Ugandan youths was restricted during the COVID-19 lockdown and may have increased the incidence of poor SRH outcomes. Lack of transportation, distance to health facilities, and high cost of services were important limiting factors. The Government and other stakeholders should incorporate SRH among the priority services to be preserved during future outbreaks.
Community-Based Peer Support Intervention to Mitigate Social Isolation and Stigma of Adolescent Motherhood in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Tinago Chiwoneso B. , Frongillo Edward A. , Warren Andrea , Chitiyo Vivian , Cifarelli Ashley K. , Fyalkowski Shannon , Pauline Victoria 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Adolescent mothers in Zimbabwe often experience stigma, isolation and lack coping skills and resources to successfully navigate motherhood. Social isolation and stigma are linked to poor mental health outcomes. No interventions currently address mental health of adolescent mothers in Zimbabwe. Peer support groups in other contexts have been effective at increasing social connectedness, self-esteem, and self-efficacy, providing coping mechanisms to manage stigma experiences, in addition to empowering and improving mental health or adolescents and adolescent mothers. To develop a community-based peer support intervention, we aimed to understand the unique needs of adolescent mothers and how peer support groups could address those needs. Methods Focus group discussions were conducted with 85 adolescent mothers aged 14-18 years, 24 community health workers, and 25 key community stakeholders in a low-income high-density community in Harare. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo 12 software. Results Participants described adolescent mother experiences with stigma and social isolation, in addition to challenges including gossip, lack of employment and educational opportunities and gaps in services and programming. Peer support groups for adolescent mothers were welcomed to improve mental health, social support, knowledge sharing and skills building. Participants identified varying preferred frequency and duration of group sessions addressing topics including income generation, mental health, and gossip, facilitated by community health workers at health and community centers. Use of WhatsApp Messenger to support intervention efforts was welcomed as an affordable and user-friendly platform to share information. Conclusions Participants supported peer support groups to empower, meet needs, and improve the health of adolescent mothers.
Bulk-up synchronization of successive larval cohorts of&nbsp;Anopheles gambiae&nbsp;and&nbsp;Anopheles coluzzii&nbsp;through temperature reduction at early larval stages: effect on emergence rates, body size and mating successss
Authors: Zubair Qaswa , Matthews Holly , Sougoufara Seynabou , Mujeeb Fatima , Ashall Simon , Aboagye-Antwi Fred , Tripet Frederic 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Malaria persists as a huge medical and economic burden. Although the number of cases and death rates have reduced in recent years, novel interventions are a necessity if such gains are to be maintained. Alternative methods to target mosquito vector populations that involve the release of large numbers genetically modified mosquitoes are in development. However, their successful introduction will require innovative strategies to bulk-up mosquito numbers and improve mass rearing protocols for Anopheles mosquitoes.Methods The relationship between mosquito aquatic stage development and temperature was exploited so that multiple cohorts of mosquitoes, from separate egg batches, could be synchronized to ‘bulk-up’ the number of mosquitoes released. First instar larvae were separated into two cohorts: the first, maintained under standard insectary conditions at 27oC, the second subjected to an initial 5-day cooling period at 19oC. Results Cooling of 1st instars slowed the mean emergence times of Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae by 2.4 and 3.5 days, respectively, compared to their 27oC counterparts. Pupation and emergence rates were good (> 85%) in all conditions. Temperature adjustment had no effect on mosquito sex ratio and adult fitness parameters such as body size and mating success were also comparable with the control cohort. Conclusions Bulk-up larval synchronization is a simple method allowing more operational flexibility in mosquito production towards mark-release-recapture studies and mass release interventions.
Abnormal electrophysiological phenotypes and sleep deficits in a mouse model of Angelman Syndrome
Authors: Copping Nycole A , Silverman Jill L 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by impaired communication, motor and balance deficits, intellectual disabilities, recurring seizures and abnormal sleep patterns. The genetic cause of AS is neuronal specific loss of expression of UBE3A (ubiquitin-protein ligase E6-AP), an imprinted gene. Seizure and sleep disorders are highly prevalent (>80%) in the AS population. The present experiments were designed to identify translational, neurophysiological outcome measures in a model of AS.Methods: We used the exon-2 deletion mouse (Ube3a-del) on a C57BL/6J background to assess seizure, sleep and electrophysiological phenotypes. Seizure susceptibility has been reported in Ube3a-del mice with a variety of seizure induction methods. Here, we provoked seizures by a single high-dose injection of 80 mg/kg pentylenetetrazole. Novel experiments included the utilization of wireless telemetry devices to acquire global electroencephalogram (EEG) and neurophysiological data on electrographic seizures, power spectra, light-dark cycles, sleep stages and sleep spindles in Ube3a-del and WT mice.Results: Ube3a-del mice exhibited reduced seizure threshold compared to WT. EEG illustrated that Ube3a-del mice had increased epileptiform spiking activity and delta power, which corroborates findings from other laboratories and recapitulates clinical reports in AS. This is the first report to use a cortical surface-based recording by a wireless telemetry device over tethered/fixed head-mount depth recordings. Less time in both paradoxical and slow-wave sleep, longer latencies to paradoxical sleep stages, and total less sleep time in Ube3a-del mice were observed compared to WT. For the first time, we detected fewer sleep spindles in the AS mouse model. Limitations: This study was limited to the exon 2 deletion mouse model, future work will investigate the rat model of AS, containing a complete Ube3a deletion and pair EEG with behavior.Conclusions: Our data enhance rigor and translatability as our study provides important corroboration of previous reports on epileptiform and elevated delta power. For the first-time we report neurophysiological phenotypes collected via translational methodology. Furthermore, this is the first report of reduced sleep spindles, a critical marker of memory consolidation during sleep, in an AS model. Our results are useful outcomes for therapeutic testing.
Factors Influencing Contraceptive Decision Making And Use Among Young Adolescents In Urban Lilongwe, Malawi: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Dombola Gift Mtawali , Chipeta Effie , Manda Wanangwa Chimwaza 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of teenage pregnancies in Malawi is 29% and about 25% of married and 30% of unmarried adolescents (15-19 years old) use contraceptives. Data on contraceptive use has focused on older adolescents (15-19 years old) leaving out the young adolescents (10-14 years old). This study assessed factors that influence contraceptive decision-making and use among young adolescents aged 10-14 years.Methods: This was a qualitative study which used Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) model to understand the processes that influence contraceptive decision making among young adolescents (10-14 years old) in urban Lilongwe. The study was conducted in 6 youth health friendly service centers and in 12 youth clubs. Two focus group discussions and 26 in-depth interviews were conducted among sexually-active in and out of school young adolescents and key informants. The results are organized into themes identified during analysis.Results: Results showed that contraceptive decision making is influenced by social factors (individual, interpersonal, society) and adolescents` perceptions regarding hormonal contraceptives. There is also disconnect between Education and adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health policies.Conclusion: The findings suggest that interventions to scale up contraceptive use need male and female involvement in decision making. Addressing myths around contraceptives, and harmonization of Education and Sexual and Reproductive Health policies in the country would motivate adolescents to use contraceptives.