bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parental relationship quality and children's behavioural problems: Childcare quality as a protective factor?
Authors: Fischer Isabelle , Schober Pia S. , Nagengast Benjamin 
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study investigates how changes in parental relationship quality relate to children's socio-emotional development during early childhood and whether high-quality early childcare arrangements may act as a protective factor in children’s environments.
Background: We draw on family systems theory and the bioecological model of human development to conceptualise how different social environments may interact in their influences on children's socio-emotional development during early childhood and across the transition to primary school.
Method: Based on a pooled sample of 636 US-American children who took part in the longitudinal NICHD Study of Early Childcare and Youth Development (SECCYD), we applied fixed-effects panel models to three time points between age 3 and first grade.
Results: Whereas changes in parental relationships quality were not significant in predicting children's socio-emotional development from age 3 to 4.5 years, our results showed that a reduction in parental relationship quality was moderately associated with an increase in behaviour problems of children across the transition to first grade. We did not find any evidence of mitigating effects of the child-specific process quality of the ECEC arrangement, neither for informal nor formal care settings.
Conclusion: The results suggest that initiatives designed to improve a couple’'s relationship quality might also be an effective way to further their children’s socio-emotional development.
Fusobacterial Pelvic Osteomyelitis with Brodie's Abscess in a 10-Year-Old Boy Requiring Surgical Evacuation
Authors: Kokkonen Miina , Syvänen Johanna , Raitio Arimatias , Ivaska Lauri , Peltola Ville , Helenius Ilkka 
Published: July 2021

Case:
A 10-year-old boy presented with pain in the lateral hip and buttock area and fever. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed osteomyelitis of the pelvis with extensive Brodie's abscess (2.6 × 4.5 × 10.0 cm) continuing into the pelvic cavity. Surgical evacuation through the ilioinguinal approach was performed. In prolonged culture and in polymerase chain reaction of pus, the Fusobacterium nucleatum was found.

Conclusion:
Pelvic osteomyelitis caused by Fusobacterium is very rare. In this case, surgical treatment was required after conservative treatment with antibiotics was ineffective.
Early-Onset Spinal Deformity in Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Marrache Majd , Suresh Krishna V. , Miller Daniel J. , Hwang Steven , Schorry Elizabeth K. , Rios Jonathan J. , Sponseller Paul D. 
Published: July 2021

» Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) or kyphosis is common in patients with neurofibromatosis (NF) and is characterized by rapid progression of deformity.» Traditional growing rods provide good functional and deformity outcomes in patients with NF and EOS; magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) also provide good deformity correction, although high rates of revision have been reported after their use.» Among patients with NF type 1 (NF1), morphologic characteristics of the spinal deformity are different in those with paraspinal neurofibromas than in those without paraspinal tumors.» Patients with NF1 are at low risk for developing malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors during childhood (<1%) and their lifetime (8% to 12%), and routine imaging surveillance for malignancy in the absence of symptoms should be clinically directed.» Further investigation is needed to standardize screening for EOS in children with NF1 and to develop guidelines for ideal imaging modalities, including their frequency and a timeline.
Design of All-Optical Directional Coupler Using Plasmonic MIM Waveguide For Switching Applications
Authors: Nanda Rupalin , Rath Ramakrushna , Swarnakar Sandip , Kumar Santosh 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we have proposed, analyzed, and verified theperformance of an optimized plasmonic 10-dB directional coupler and a 3-dB directional coupler in 2-D plasmonic waveguides using finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) method. A plasmonic 10-dB directional coupler and a 3-dB directional coupler are based on the metal-insulator-metal (MIM) slab waveguide and analyzed at the telecommunication wavelength (λ) of 1550 nm. Here, coupling and transmission characteristics are analyzed with the optimized separation distance between the two parallel waveguides. The developed approach ensures the minimization of the crosstalk and overall directional coupler length via simultaneous adjustment of the separation distance between the parallel waveguide and length of the linear waveguide. Then an optimized structure is acquired by trading off between coupling length and separation distance. The proposed 10-dB directional coupler and 3-dB directional coupler features good energy confinement, ultra-compact and low propagation loss, which has potential applications in photonic integrated devices, optical signal processors, and other all-optical switching devices.
Red Deer and Simulation Annealing Optimization Algorithm-based Energy Efficient Clustering Protocol for Improved lifetime expectancy in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs)
Authors: Govardanagiri Rajeswarappa , S Vasundra 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Energy stability is considered as the core challenge of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) as it is the main factor that contributes towards improved network lifetime expectancy. Clustering with maximized energy efficiency is determined to be the well documented NP hard optimization solution that has the possibility of resulting in prolonged network lifetime. Diversified number of computational approaches that includes nature inspired metaheuristic algorithms, reinforcement schemes and evolutionary algorithms were used for attaining efficient clustering process in WSNs. In this paper, Red Deer and Simulation Annealing Optimization Algorithm-based Energy Efficient Clustering Protocol (RDSAOA-EECP) is proposed for improving lifetime expectancy and energy stability in WSNs. This clustering protocol is proposed with the global optimization capability of the red deer optimization algorithm and local optimization potential of simulation annealing. In specific, RDA is used for diversification and Simulated Annealing (SA) for intensification in order to establish balance between them during the clustering process in order to sustain energy stability. This RDSAOA-EECP protocol is proposed with SA as the search tool that prevents the phases of fighting and roaring phases of RDA involved in the intensification process. Moreover, this clustering protocol inherits the potentialities of the proposed metaheuristic properties in order to achieve optimal cluster heads together with the optimal base station location for the objective of enhancing energy efficiency. The simulation results of the proposed RDSAOA-EECP protocol guaranteed its potentiality over the baseline clustering approaches in improving network lifetime, throughput, packet deliver rate with minimized network latency and energy consumptions independent to the homogeneous and heterogeneous sensor network setup considered for implementation.
Spatial Dynamic Analysis of A Mangrove Patch Based On Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: A Case Study In Pear Bay In Guangxi, China
Authors: Lin Xin , Li Chungan , Zhou Mei , Liang Wenhai , Li Biao 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This study investigated the short-term spatial variability of an mangrove patch, located in the Pearl Bay in Guangxi, China. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery covering the period from March 2015 to October 2017 were used and the following models were developed: two annual ultra-high resolution spatial resolution digital orthophoto maps (DOMs), two digital elevation models (DEMs), two digital surface models (DSMs), two canopy height models (CHMs), and a canopy height difference model (d-CHM). Using these models, the spatial dynamics of the extent and canopy height of the patch were analyzed. The resolution of the DOMs was 0.1 m, with an average geometrical error of 0.17 m and a maximum error of 0.44 m. The resolutions of DEMs, DSMs, CHMs, d-CHM were all 1 m. The average elevation errors of CHM in 2015 and 2017 were 0.002 m and -0.001 m, respectively, with maximum absolute errors of 0.034 m and 0.030 m, respectively. The average elevation error of d-CHM was -0.003 m and the maximum absolute error was 0.036 m, and the data quality were rated as good. From 2015 to 2017, the area of the mangrove patch increased from 8.16 ha to 8.79 ha, with an average annual increase of 3.7%. Specifically, the areas of expansion, shrinkage, and maximum seaward expansion were 6356 m2, 19 m2, and 24 m, respectively. The driving factor for the variability was natural processes. Stand canopy height exhibited a particular trend of decrease from northwest to southeast (horizontal; parallel to the seawall) and from the land to the sea (vertically; perpendicular to the seawall). From 2015 to 2017, 88.2% of the patch area showed increased canopy height, with an average increase of 0.78 m and a maximum increase of 3.2 m. In contrast, 11.8% of the patch area showed decreased canopy height with a maximum decrease of 3.1 m. The main reason for the decrease in canopy height was the death of trees caused by serious insect plagues. On the other hand, the reason for the increase in height could be attributed to the natural growth of mangrove trees, but further studies are required to verify the cause. UAV remote sensing has an incomparable advantage over traditional methods in that it provides extremely detailed and highly accurate information for in-depth study of the spatial evolution of mangrove patches, which would significantly contribute towards the protection and management of mangroves.
Human-nature connectedness as a pathway to sustainability: a global meta-analysis
Authors: Barragan-Jason Gladys , de Mazancourt Claire , Parmesan Camille , Singer Michael , Loreau Michel 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Internationally-agreed sustainability goals are being missed. Here, we show how the extent to which humans see themselves as part of nature –known as human-nature connectedness (HNC) –can be used as a leverage point for reaching sustainability. We conduct the first global meta-analysis of the HNC literature. Meta-analysis of 147 correlational studies documents that individuals with high HNC had more pro-nature behaviours and were significantly healthier than those with low HNC. Meta-analysis of 59 experimental studies documents no effect of environmental education on HNC while HNC significantly increased after manipulations involving contact with nature and mindfulness practices. Thus, HNC is positively linked to mindsets that value sustainability and behaviours that enhance it. Further, we show that HNC can be enhanced by interventions and we identify techniques most likely to succeed. These results suggest that enhancing HNC, via promotion of targeted practices, can improve sustainability and should be integrated into conservation policy.
The Role of Prior Assumptions for Leak Localisation in Water Networks with Uncertainties
Authors: Blocher Caroline , Pecci Filippo , Stoianov Ivan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Hydraulic model-based leak (burst) localisation in water networks is a challenging problem due to uncertainties, the limited number of hydraulic measurements, and the wide range of leak properties. In this study, we investigate the use of prior assumptions to improve the leak localisation in the presence of model uncertainties. For example, 𝓁2-regularisation relies on the assumption that the Euclidean norm of the leak coefficient vector should be minimised. This approach is compared with a method based on the sensitivity matrix, which assumes the existence of only a single leak. We show that while applying the sensitivity matrix often yields a better estimate of the leak location in single leak scenarios, the 𝓁2-regularisation successfully identifies a leak search area for pinpointing the accurate leak location. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the additional error introduced by a quadratic approximation of the Hazen-Williams formula for the solution of the localisation problem is negligible given the uncertainties in Hazen-Williams resistance coefficients in operational water network models.
Estimation and Inference for the Mediation Effect in a Time-Varying Mediation Model
Authors: Cai Xizhen , Coffman Donna , Piper Megan , Li Runze 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Traditional mediation analysis typically examines the relations among an intervention, a time-invariant mediator, and a time-invariant outcome variable. Although there may be a total effect of the intervention on the outcome, there is a need to understand the process by which the intervention affects the outcome (i.e. the indirect effect through the mediator). This indirect effect is frequently assumed to be time-invariant. With improvements in data collection technology, it is possible to obtain repeated assessments over time resulting in intensive longitudinal data. This calls for an extension of traditional mediation analysis to incorporate time-varying variables as well as time-varying effects. Methods: We focus on estimation and inference for the time-varying mediation model, which allows mediation effects to vary as a function of time. We propose a two-step approach to estimate the time-varying mediation effect. Moreover, we use a simulation-based approach to derive the corresponding point-wise conffidence band for making inference of the time-varying mediation effect. Results: Simulation studies show that the proposed procedures perform well when comparing the conffidence band and the true underlying model. We further apply the proposed model and the statistical inference procedure to real-world data collected from a smoking cessation study. Conclusions: We present a practical model for estimating the time-varying mediation effects to allow time-varying outcome as well as time-varying mediator. Simulation-based inference tool is also proposed and implemented an R package on CRAN.
Transcriptomics and Transmission Ultrastructural Examination Reveals the Nephrotoxicity of Cadmium in Laying Hens
Authors: Zhao Man , He Wenbo , Tao Can , Zhang Beiyu , Wang Shuai , Sun Zhangjian , Xiong Zhifeng , Zhang Niya 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study was to reveal the effects of cadmium (Cd) on ultrastructural changes, oxidative stress, and transcriptome expression in the kidneys of laying hens. Seventy-two healthy Hy-Line brown laying hens at 41 weeks old were randomly allocated to four treatment groups with six replicates. The control group received a basal diet without additional Cd incorporation, and the other three treatment groups received diets supplemented with 15, 30, or 60 mg Cd /kg of feed. After 6 weeks of exposure the results show that administration of 60 mg/kg Cd significantly reduced (P < 0.05) eggshell thickness. With an increase in the Cd concentration in feed, the concentrations of renal Zn, Fe also had changed. Renal histopathology and ultrastructure also showed aggravated damage to glomeruli and renal tubules, and the deformation of nuclei and mitochondria in all Cd treatment groups. With an increase in Cd in feed, the activity of GPX and CAT was significantly reduced (P＜0.05), while the activity of T-AOC was decreased (P＜0.05) only in the 60 mg/kg Cd group. RNA-seq analysis revealed that 410 genes displayed differential expression (≥ 1.5-fold) in the 60 mg/kg supplementation group, compared to the control group. GO and KEGG pathway analysis results showed that Cd affected many genes involved in mitochondria and ion transport. In conclusion, this study elaborates the mechanisms underlying renal toxicity caused by Cd, which might provide target candidate genes for alleviating Cd poisoning in laying hens.
The Mechanism And Effects of National Smart City Pilots In China On Environmental Pollution: Empirical Evidence Based On A DID Model
Authors: Xu Guoxiang , Yang Zhijiu 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The policy of the national smart city (NSC) pilots, a new type of urbanization for future development, has been implemented in China in batches. This paper investigates the mechanism and effects of the NSC pilots on the environment. Using the prefecture-level panel data during 2004-2018 period, our dynamic difference-in-differences (DID) estimation shows that the NSC pilots causally mitigate air (water) pollution by 21.5% (23.3%). The mediating effect model indicates that the allocation efficiency and technological innovation play a partial mediating role in the impacting mechanism. After introducing the two mediating channels into the dynamic DID model, the reduction effect for air (water) pollution drops to 15.5% (17.3%). Comparatively, improving allocation efficiency instead of technological innovation takes the major mediating role in reducing air pollution, while water pollution the opposite. The result of city heterogeneity shows that cities with high human capital and fiscal support contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution. This study also provides some related policy suggestions by analyzing the initial mechanism and city heterogeneity of the NSC pilots.
Assessment of the Effects of Four Plant Species Used in Mexican Traditional Medicine Against Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Jiménez René Solano , Hoyos Sofia Esperanza Garrido , Villasana Ana María Sandoval , Villareal Maria Luisa , Ibarra José Roberto Villagómez 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Microcystis aeruginosa is one of the main harmful bloom-forming cyanobacteria species worldwide. Plant extracts are considered an appropriate practice to obtain effective, economical and sustainable algaecides. For the first time, the effects of Argemone mexicana, Bougainvillea spectabilis, Larrea tridentata and Tradescantia zebrina on the growth of M. aeruginosa in solid and liquid media were investigated by measuring cell density, Chl-a concentration, malondialdehyde (MDA), proteins and nucleotides. Total polyphenol content was quantified to reveal the nature of inhibition. The results in solid medium showed that the methanolic extract of L. tridentata had the greatest effect, showing an inhibition zone of 28.67±0.58 mm. In liquid medium, the methanolic extract of L. tridentata again showed the greatest effects on the cell density of M. aeruginosa (93.80%, p<0.0001), followed by B. spectabilis (87.66%, p<0.0001) and A. mexicana with (87.11%, p<0.001), with EC50 = 13.63, 20.27 and 24.47 mg/L, respectively. L. tridentata also showed a decrease of Chl-a of 91.51% (P<0.0001), MDA increased 6.42 times, and proteins and nucleotides 2.09 and 2.12 times in relation to the control, respectively. L. tridentata showed the highest total polyphenol content, 363.51 mgGAEq/gDE. These results indicate that the decrease in photosynthetic capacity and lipid peroxidation are the most probable mechanisms of action of this species against M. aeruginosa.
Evaluation of The Antiproliferative Effect of Iso-Mukaadial Acetate on Breast and Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Raphela-Choma Portia , Simelane Mthokozisi , Choene Mpho 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background Natural compounds derived from various medicinal plants may activate several physiological pathways which can be valuable to diseases such as cancer. Isomukaadial acetate has previously been shown to possess antimalarial and anti-diabetic properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of isomukaadial acetate on breast and ovarian cancer cell lines. Method Cell viability assays were conducted using AlamarBlue assay and xCELLigence system. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were determined and analyzed by flow cytometer. Effector caspase (3/7) activation was evaluated by caspase Glo®-3/7 reagent and gene expression was analyzed by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results The Alamar blue assay and xCELLigence showed that Iso-mukaadial acetate exhibited anti-proliferative effects on MDA-MB 231, RMG-1, and HEK 293 cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner. Iso-mukaadial acetate induced apoptosis in both cancer cell lines caused cell cycle arrest at the S phase (RMG-1) and early G2 phase (MDA-MB 231) and expressed caspase 3/7 activity in MDA-MB 231 and RMG-1 cells. BAX and p21 were upregulated in MDA-MB 231 and RMG-1 cells after treatment. Conclusion IMA significantly inhibited cancer growth and induced cell apoptosis with cell cycle modulation. IMA may be considered a promising candidate for the development of anticancer drugs either for its cytotoxic or cytostatic effect Furthermore, IMA requires to be further studied more to clearly understand its mechanism of action on cancer cells.
The Use of the Principal Component Analysis for the Prediction of Superlattices Hard Perovskites and Inverse Perovskites
Authors: Abdeldjalil Boubchir Mohamed , Boubchir Rachid , Aourag Hafid 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
We present in this work an approach to predict which compounds among perovskites and inverse perovskites with the potential for achieving high hardness and fracture toughness for applications as a thermal barrier coating (TBC). We employ a throughout multivariate technique based on the principal component analysis (PCA). Among the 129 tested perovskites and inverse perovskites, only ~ 10 compounds may exhibit an interesting potential as thermal barrier coating. These results may serve as a map for the design of perovskite-related new multilayer ultra-hard coating materials.
Genetic diversity in L1 gene of human papillomavirus variants in individuals with cervical cancer with and without human immunodeficiency virus in Botswana and Kenya
Authors: Tawe Leabaneng , Choga Wonderful T. , Paganotti Giacomo M. , Bareng Ontlametse T. , Ntereke Tlhalefo D. , Ramatlho Pleasure , Ditshwanelo Doreen , Gaseitsiwe Simani , Kasvosve Ishmael , Ramogola-Masire Doreen , Orang’o Omenge E. , Robertson Erle , Zetola Nicola , Moyo Sikhulile , Grover Surbhi , Ermel Aaron C. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

The variation of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes shapes the risks of cervical cancer and these variations are not well defined in Africa. Nucleotide changes within the L1 gene, nucleotide variability, and phylogeny were explored in relation to HIV in samples from Botswana and Kenya.
Methods

A total of 98 HPV-positive cervical samples were sequenced to identify different HPV variants. Phylogenetic inferences were used to determine HPV genotypes and investigate the clustering of sequences between women living with HIV (WLWHIV) and -women not living with HIV (WNLWHIV).
Results

Out of 98 generated sequences, 83.7% (82/98) participants had high-risk(HR) HPV genotypes while 16.3% (16/98) had low-risk (LR) HPV genotypes. Among participants with HR-HPV genotypes, 47.6% (39/82) were coinfected with HIV. The prevalence of HR-HPV genotypes was statistically higher in the Botswana population compared to Kenya (p-value < 0.001). Multiple amino acid mutations were identified in both countries. Genetic diversity differed considerably among WLWHIV and WNLWHIV. The mean pairwise distances between HPV-16 between HIV and HIV/HPV as well as for HPV-18 were statistically significant. Six (6) new deleterious mutations were identified in the HPV genotypes based on the sequencing of the L1 region, HPV-16 (L441P, S343P), HPV-18 (S424P), HPV-45 (Q366H, Y365F), and HPV-84 (F458L). The majority of the patients with these mutations were co-infected with HIV.
Conclusions

Genomic diversity and different genomic variants of HPV sequences were demonstrated. Candidate novel mutations within the L1 gene were identified in both countries which can be further investigated using functional assays.