bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal changes in Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection across three areas of varying malaria transmission intensities in Uganda
Authors: Mwesigwa Alex , Kiwuwa Steven M. , Musinguzi Benson , Kawalya Hakiim , Katumba James Davis , Baguma Andrew , Mutuku Irene M. , Adebayo Ismail Abiola , Nsobya Samuel L. , Byakika-Kibwika Pauline , Kalyango Joan N. , Karamagi Charles , Nankabirwa Joaniter I. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Malaria is a significant public health challenge in Uganda, with Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) responsible for most of malaria infections. The high genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection (MOI) associated with P. falciparum complicate treatment and prevention efforts. This study investigated temporal changes in P. falciparum genetic diversity and MOI across three sites with varying malaria transmission intensities. Understanding these changes is essential for informing effective malaria control strategies for the different malaria transmission settings.

Methods
A total of 220 P. falciparum-positive dried blood spot (DBS) filter paper samples from participants in a study conducted during 2011–2012 and 2015–2016 were analyzed. Genotyping utilized seven polymorphic markers: Poly-α, TA1, TA109, PfPK2, 2490, C2M34–313, and C3M69–383. Genetic diversity metrics, including the number of alleles and expected heterozygosity, were calculated using GENALEX and ARLEQUIN software. MOI was assessed by counting distinct genotypes. Multi-locus linkage disequilibrium (LD) and genetic differentiation were evaluated using the standardized index of association (IAS) and Wright's fixation index (FST), respectively. Statistical comparisons were made using the Kruskal–Wallis test, and temporal trends were analyzed using the Jonckheere–Terpstra test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results
Of the 220 samples, 180 were successfully amplified. The majority of participants were males (50.6%) and children aged 5–11 years (46.7%). Genetic diversity remained high, with mean expected heterozygosity (He) showing a slight decrease over time (range: 0.73–0.82). Polyclonal infections exceeded 50% at all sites, and mean MOI ranged from 1.7 to 2.2, with a significant reduction in Tororo (from 2.2 to 2.0, p = 0.03). Linkage disequilibrium showed a slight increase, with Kanungu exhibiting the lowest IAS in 2011–2012 (0.0085) and Jinja the highest (0.0239) in 2015–2016. Overall genetic differentiation remained low, with slight increases in pairwise FST values over time, notably between Jinja and Tororo (from 0.0145 to 0.0353).

Conclusions
This study highlights the genetic diversity and MOI of P. falciparum in Uganda's malaria transmission settings, noting a slight decrease in both genetic diversity and MOI overtime. Continued surveillance and targeted control strategies are essential for monitoring the impact of malaria control efforts in Uganda.
First African case report of hypoparathyroidism, deafness and renal dysplasia (HDR) syndrome due to inverted duplication and deletion of chromosome 10p
Authors: Satekge Tumelo M. , Rikhotso Glenrose , Rossouw Bianca , Dillon Bronwyn , Baine-Savanhu Fiona 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness and renal disease (HDR) syndrome, also known as Barakat syndrome, is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder manifesting as a result of haploinsufficiency of the GATA3 gene. GATA3 is a member of zinc-finger transcription factors that are responsible for the embryonic development of key organs and structures including the parathyroid glands, auditory system and kidneys. Here, we report the first African case of HDR syndrome to be confirmed by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA).

Case presentation
A 3-month-old female presented with focal seizures due to severe hypocalcaemia associated with low parathyroid hormone. The patient also had sensorineural hearing loss, global developmental delay and prominent dysmorphic features that included a tall, prominent forehead, long, curly eyelashes, a depressed nasal bridge as well as subtle skeletal abnormalities. The dysmorphic features, global developmental delay and hypoparathyroidism associated with persistent and severe hypocalcaemia led to the investigation by CMA which detected a 9.5 Mb heterozygous terminal loss of chromosome 10p15.3p14; GATA3 is included in this region. In addition, CMA detected a 4.4 Mb heterozygous interstitial gain of chromosome 10p14p13 indicating the presence of an inverted duplication and deletion of chromosome 10p. The patient was actively treated with IVI calcium gluconate, oral calcium carbonate and alfa cholecalciferol.

Conclusion
This case emphasizes that complex patients with developmental delay and multiple congenital anomalies are likely to benefit from evaluation by CMA. Indeed, this approach still has an important role to play, particularly in inadequately resourced settings such as in Africa, for the investigation of patients with complex genetic disorders associated with significant chromosome aberrations.
The role of audit committee characteristics in improving the risk disclosure of companies examining the moderating role of audit quality
Authors: El-Deeb Mohamed Samy , Alarabi Yomna , Mohamed Amal 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the association between audit committee characteristics (ACC) and risk disclosure (RD) of firms, focusing on the moderating effect of audit quality (AQ). The importance of RD to investors and stakeholders is that such a practice offers a better evaluation of the overall risk profile of companies. Based on agency theory complemented by the resource dependence theory, this paper therefore suggests that effective audit committees have an effect of reducing information asymmetry while increasing audit quality monitoring capacities and consequently enhance risk disclosure practices. In this respect, the literature sources were reviewed, and a hypothetical framework was developed to test the hypotheses. The sample selection comprises 54 companies with non-financial companies listed in the Egyptian Exchange Market, EGX100, for the period 2018 to 2021, which amounts to 216 observations. According to the results, ACC, such as size and financial expertise, are significant for RD, while ACC relating to meetings and independence are less important for RD. The study further established that AQ moderates the relationship between ACC and RD, implying that the significant influence of ACC is stronger when AQ is high. These inferences are of essence to policy makers and companies in understanding the implication of ACC on RD and the relation to high-quality audits in improving the effectiveness of audit committees. It underlines the importance of audit committees in giving assurance about transparency and accountability in financial reporting.
Loading Speed and Intensity in Eccentric Calf Training Impact Acute Changes in Achilles Tendon Thickness and Stiffness: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Pringels Lauren , Pieters Dries , Van Den Berghe Sarah , Witvrouw Erik , Burssens Arne , Vanden Bossche Luc , Wezenbeek Evi 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Eccentric calf training for Achilles tendinopathy shows variable success in athletes. Recent insights suggest a role for tendon fluid flow (exudation or redistribution) during exercise, which explains post-exercise reductions in thickness and increases in stiffness of the tendon. This fluid flow is thought to be beneficial as it may promote tendon remodeling, reduce intratendinous pressure, and alleviate pain. In this perspective, slow, high-load exercises are promoted as they theoretically facilitate tendon fluid flow. However, evidence supporting this assumption is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether loading speed and intensity during eccentric calf training impact acute changes in midportion Achilles tendon thickness and stiffness, reflecting alterations in local tendon fluid content.

Methods
A randomized, assessor-blinded, crossover trial was conducted with 34 healthy athletes (17 men, 17 women, age: 23.7 ± 6 years). Participants underwent 3 single-leg eccentric heel-drop interventions with 20% additional bodyweight, varying in loading speed (fast: 1 s, slow: 3 s) and loading intensity (low: to plantigrade, high: to maximal dorsiflexion). Achilles tendon anteroposterior diameter (APD), cross-sectional area (CSA), and shear-wave velocity (SWV) were assessed in the midportion region using ultrasonography and shear-wave elastography pre-and immediately post-intervention.

Results
The slow, high-load intervention produced greater immediate reductions in tendon APD and CSA (8.7% and 10.1%), compared to the slow, low-load (4.0% and 4.7%) and fast, high-load (2.9% and 3.4%) interventions (p < 0.001). Moreover, only the slow, high-load intervention increased tendon SWV (52.4%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
These findings provide the first evidence that both loading speed and intensity during eccentric calf training impact acute changes in Achilles tendon thickness and stiffness, likely mediated by changes in fluid flow, which could be relevant for tendinopathy rehabilitation.
Sinergi Koperasi Pondok Pesantren dalam Membangun Keberlanjutan Ekonomi melalui Kolaborasi Bisnis dan Manajemen Operasional
Authors: Prasetyawan Yudha , Suef Mokhammad , Nugroho Taufik Fajar , Sutikno Sutikno , Pratikno Herman , Yuwana Lila , Warnana Dwa Desa , Kusumaningrum Ajeng Wardhani , Rahmaningtyas Ivana , Naifah Sonia Ratnaduhita Nurani , Handaningtyas Inggrid , Wiscahyo Gelar , Putra Riyan Afnanda , Yani Beta Fitri , Nabila Debby Dea , Rashida Ailsa Dahayu 
Published: December 2024

Program "One Pesantren One Product" (OPOP) bertujuan meningkatkan kesejahteraan pondok pesantren melalui pengembangan usaha berbasis ekonomi syariah. Masalah dihadapi dalam pelaksanaan program terkait keberlanjutan dan efisiensi yang belum teratasi, terutama dalam hal pemetaan bisnis yang komprehensif serta kurangnya kolaborasi antar pesantren. Pengabdian masyarakat ini hadir sebagai solusi melalui serangkaian pelatihan dan konsultasi yang berfokus pada manajemen bisnis, kolaborasi, serta pemetaan potensi usaha pada koperasi pondok pesantren (kopontren). Kegiatan dimulai dengan identifikasi masalah melalui Focus Group Discussion (FGD) untuk merumuskan kompetensi pengelola koperasi pondok pesantren dan survei potensi bisnis. Pelatihan intensif dilakukan untuk meningkatkan kompetensi manajemen dan operasional kopontren, diakhiri dengan sesi pitching ide bisnis. Hasil akhir dari pelatihan menunjukkan bahwa 86,17% peserta puas dengan materi yang disampaikan dan 85,8% peserta paham akan materi yang telah disampaikan dapat mencerminkan keberhasilan program ini dalam meningkatkan kapasitas pesantren. Dengan demikian, program ini diharapkan mampu menjadi model pemberdayaan ekonomi pesantren yang berkelanjutan dan berdaya saing, serta diharapkan dapat meningkatkan kemandirian ekonomi pesantren dan berpotensi diadaptasi di wilayah lain.
Evaluating retinal thickness classification in children: A comparison between pediatric and adult optical coherence tomography databases
Authors: Pua Tian Siew , Hairol Mohd Izzuddin 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study investigates the agreement of children’s retinal thickness classification by color category between Topcon 3D OCT-1’s built-in adult reference data and our new pediatric database and assesses the correlation of retinal thickness with age and spherical equivalent (SE).

Methods
160 eyes of 160 healthy children (74 boys, 86 girls) aged 6–18 years (mean: 11.60 ± 3.28 years) were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. The peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) and macular thickness were determined for the 1st, 5th, 95th, and 99th percentile points. Cohen’s κ value and specific agreement between pediatric data and adult reference database were estimated. The correlation between retinal thickness with age and SE was also determined.

Results
The mean thickness for the total RNFL, average macular, and central macula were 112.05±8.65 μm, 280.24±12.46 μm, and 220.55±17.53 μm, respectively. The overall agreement between the classification of the adult database and pediatric data for pRNFL was ≥90%, with discrepancies in 46 out of 150 eyes (30.67%); for macula, it was above 72%, with discrepancies in 93 out of 153 eyes (60.78%); and for ganglion cell complex and ganglion cell + inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) the agreement was above 84% and 85%, respectively. A significant level of agreement between pediatric data and adult reference data was achieved for temporal RNFL (κ = 0.65), macular perifoveal superior (κ = 0.67), and inferior (κ = 0.63) and inferior GCIPL (κ = 0.67). The correlations between age and retinal thickness were not significant (all p>0.05). Most retinal thickness parameters were positively associated with SE (Pearson’s coefficient, r = 0.26 to 0.49, all p<0.05).

Conclusions
The overall agreement for pRNFL and macular thickness measurements in children with the adult reference database was between 72% and 90%. Children’s retinal thickness was not significantly correlated with age but was positively associated with spherical equivalent.
Usability and psychometric properties of a battery of tools to assess intelligence, executive functioning, and sustained attention in Tanzanian children
Authors: Loss Georg , Cummins Hannah , Gutapaka Nicolaus , Nyandele Jane , Jebiwott Sylvia , Sumari Deborah , Athuman Thabit , Juma Omary , Martin-Herz Susanne P. , Olotu Ally , Hsiang Michelle S. , Fink Günther 
Published: December 2024

Background
Measuring neurocognitive functioning in children requires validated, age-appropriate instruments that are adapted to the local cultural and linguistic context. We sought to evaluate the usability and psychometric properties of five tools that assess general intelligence, executive functioning, and sustained attention among Tanzanian children.

Methods
We adapted five age-appropriate neurocognitive assessment batteries from previously published assessment materials to the Tanzanian context. We enrolled children 6 months to 12 years of age residing in the rural ward of Yombo, Pwani Region. Feasibility and acceptability of all instruments was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively, including measurement of refusal rates, ceiling or floor effects, and time requirements. We assessed internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha and convergent validity using standard correlation analysis. Score gradients across age were explored using polynomial regression analysis.

Findings
All five instruments required minimal adaptations to the Tanzanian context. Two-hundred sixty one children aged 6 months to 12 years completed the assessment. Refusal rates were consistently low (5.9% at the highest) and no ceiling or floor effects of measurements were observed. Feedback from assessors and caregivers indicated adequate test durations and generally high acceptability of instruments. All instruments showed good internal consistency with Cronbach alphas at least 0.84 for all tests. We found satisfactory convergent validity; all test scores strongly correlated with age.

Conclusion
The five instruments identified to assess general intelligence, executive functioning, and sustained attention constructs in Tanzanian children seem to work well in this setting.
Serial Procalcitonin Measurements for Determining Bacterial Infection and Mortality in Cirrhotic Patients With Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Authors: Charatcharoenwitthaya Phunchai , Apisophonsiri Pisit , Sukonrut Kamonthip , Kuljiratitikal Kraisingh , Kongsakon Ronnakorn , Chainuvati Siwaporn 
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION:
The utility of serial procalcitonin (PCT) measurements in cirrhotic patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is not well understood. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of serial PCT measurements for diagnosing bacterial infections and predicting 30-day mortality in this population.

METHODS:
We prospectively studied 120 cirrhotic patients with SIRS, 64.2% of whom had bacterial infections. Serial PCT levels were measured within the first 72 hours of admission.

RESULTS:
Patients with bacterial infections had significantly higher PCT levels at admission, 24 hours, and 72 hours compared with those without infections. PCT values >0.5 ng/mL within 72 hours demonstrated high sensitivity (81.8–87.5%) but moderate specificity (27.9–44.2%) for diagnosing bacterial infections. Serial PCT monitoring, including the 72-hr/baseline ratio and changes in PCT over 72 hours, provided insights into the evolution of bacterial infections and short-term mortality. Patients with a PCT 72-hour/baseline ratio >0.8 had higher 30-day mortality than those with a ratio <0.5 (50.0% vs 25.6%; odds ratio 3.91, 95% CI 1.40–10.97). Patients whose PCT levels decreased by >50% had lower 30-day mortality than those with increasing levels (23.3% vs 46.7%; odds ratio 0.25, 95% CI 0.08–0.74). Patients with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores >15 and bacterial infections who experienced a PCT decrease of <50% had higher 30-day mortality than those with greater reductions (57.7% vs 25.0%, P = 0.021).

DISCUSSION:
Serial PCT measurements within 72 hours of admission are useful for determining bacterial infections and mortality in cirrhotic patients with SIRS. PCT monitoring may optimize antibiotic use and enhance early risk stratification, potentially improving patient outcomes.
The Surveillance of Emergent Threats to Maternal and Newborn Health in Indonesia: A Scoping Review
Authors: Johnston Caroline , Nashihah Prenati , Purnami Cahya Tri , Martini Martini 
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Indonesian Ministry of Health has emphasized the need to effectively identify and respond to emergent threats (ET) to maternal and newborn health (MNH), including non-communicable and infectious diseases. Improved ET screening, surveillance, and data management will reduce poor MNH outcomes including mortality, stillbirth, prematurity, and low birthweight. This scoping review examines practices of surveillance of ET to MNH, both globally and in Indonesia.Methods: Fifty-nine articles published between 2011 to 2024, sourced from PubMed and Google Scholar were reviewed. Thirteen articles were included in the final scoping review. The key search terms included “emergent threat surveillance”, “maternal and newborn health”, “MNH surveillance”, “PWS-KIA”, and “SatuSehat”.Results: The review identified numerous gaps in MNH surveillance, including a need for comprehensive data sharing between health facility, district, provincial, and national levels. Additionally, midwives reported that the current MNH monitoring system, PWS-KIA (Local Area Monitoring Health of Mother and Child), is time-consuming and confusing, leading to poor data reporting. Finally, due to limited training of health workers, there is a lack of data analyzation at each level, leading to poor response.Conclusion: An integrated, standardized, and user-friendly system is needed to detect and mitigate emergent threat to maternal and neonatal health. Data analysis and response to adequately identify and reduce emergent threat at each level is critical. Routine training is needed to improve health provider knowledge on data interpretation and use.
The Impact of Manufacturing Transfer from China to India on China’s GDP and Employment
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxu , Zhu Kunfu , Wang Shouyang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
With the rising labor costs and increasing resource and environmental constraints in China, coupled with geopolitical conflicts, related industries or production processes are shifting to emerging economies such as Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Mexico. Among these, India’s development potential has garnered significant attention, and the “China-to-India Industrial Transfer Model” in the global industrial chain poses a greater impact and threat to China. This paper constructs a quantitative model to measure the impact of industrial transfer on the home country. It designs three scenarios—ultra-long-term, medium-to-long-term, and short-to-medium-term—and uses counterfactual analysis to assess the impact of India’s absorption of China’s industrial transfer on China’s GDP and employment under different scenarios. The research results indicate that the transfer of industries from China to India will generate significant socio-economic shocks. In the ultra-long-term, this industrial transfer could lead to a 15.6% reduction in China’s GDP, a 16.8% decrease in the overall income of the workforce, and a reduction in the number of employed people by 110 million. The impacts are also substantial in the medium- to-long-term and short-to-medium-term scenarios. By sectors, the relocation of low and medium-low R&D intensity manufacturing sectors has a significant impact on the Chinese economy in both the short-to-medium and medium-to-long term perspectives. The relocation of high R&D intensity manufacturing sectors, represented by the computer industry, also causes considerable negative effects on the Chinese economy in the ultra-long-term perspective. This quantitative analysis helps anticipate the economic impact of future changes in industrial layout on China’s economy and facilitates the development of preemptive strategies. Based on the medium-to-long-term international economic outlook and the characteristics of domestic regional and industrial economic development, we propose three policy implications.
“Calming my heartbeat to enjoy the show”: the social-indexical meanings of in-yer-face theater recontextualized in China
Authors: Liang Xiaoyan , Catedral Lydia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article investigates the performability of in-yer-face theater that is recontextualized from the British to the Chinese context. We propose an interdisciplinary approach that uses sociolinguistic tools to empirically examine relevant issues for theater translation studies. By analyzing audience reactions from both online and offline platforms, we find that different audiences in China link this form of theater to context-specific indexical meanings. Our study reveals that Chinese audiences associate in-yer-face theater with the social persona of the wenyi qingnian – a stereotype of a pretentious youth with niche interests in the arts – and with socially transgressive ‘tastes’ referred to as zhong kouwei “heavy taste” and da chidu “overboard”. Because of the mixed attitudes among various stakeholders, the findings underscore the controversial nature of in-yer-face theater in China, as it is neither fully accepted nor fully rejected. By focusing on audience perception and interpretation, our study enriches the broader understanding of theater translation. We hope this study could provide a foundation for navigating the complex field of indexicality and performability for in-yer-face theater in China.
Potential development of thermally stable polycrystalline photovoltaic modules utilizing biocomposite materials
Authors: Alaaeddin Mohammed Hassouna , Sapuan Salit Mohd , Mohamed Yusoff Mohd Zuhri , Zainudin Edi Syams , AL-Oqla Faris M. , Khan Abir 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Solar energy has become a vital source for generating and harvesting electricity. Enhancing the efficiency of solar modules is an essential factor for successful transition to a sustainable and green energy production. Since natural fiber composites (NFCs) possess various outstanding properties, they can be used as an adequate alternative to synthetic fibers and environmentally harmful materials that are used in photovoltaic (PV) applications and module components. Solar modules are believed to undergo a decline in efficiency when exposed to excessive sun radiation, which eventually caused by a gradual escalation in temperature. Therefore, utilizing appropriate NFCs in the rear components and backsheets of solar modules could significantly contribute to the overall efficiency of these modules and enhance their thermal stability.