bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applying livestock thresholds to examine poverty in Karamoja
Authors: Catley Andy , Ayele Mesfin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn pastoralist and agro-pastoralist areas, wealth and poverty are closely aligned to levels of livestock ownership and social inclusion. Whereas cash income per capita is a useful measure of poverty in non-pastoralist areas, measures of livestock ownership per capita are needed to understand poverty in pastoralist systems. This study estimated a livestock threshold for agro-pastoralist households in Karamoja, being the minimum per capita ownership of livestock needed to sustain a predominantly agro-pastoral livelihood. The study then applied the livestock threshold to pre-existing livestock population data to estimate the proportions of households above and below the threshold. Using an estimated livestock threshold of 3.3 Tropical Livestock Units (TLU)/capita for agro-pastoralism, 56.5% of households in Karamoja’s main livestock-keeping districts were below the threshold and could be categorized as livestock-poor. The ownership of livestock was skewed in two main ways. First, there was a high-end skew with the wealthiest 30% of households owning 69.3% of all livestock in terms of TLU. Second, there was a low-end skew. Among poorer households, below the 3.3 TLU/capita livestock threshold, livestock ownership was skewed away from the threshold. Forty-seven per cent of these households owned only 1.2 TLU/capita or less; 13% of households owned no livestock at all. These findings are discussed, with programming and policy recommendations.
The role of culture in influencing sexual and reproductive health of pastoral adolescent girls in Karamoja sub-region in Uganda
Authors: Achen Stella , Atekyereza Peter , Rwabukwali Charles B. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSexual and reproductive health (SRH) is vital for general health. However, problems of SRH such as unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and complications during pregnancy and childbirth among adolescents frequently arise due to risky sexual behaviour. Often, this challenge is linked to socio-cultural issues associated with sexuality which result in disparities in the SRH of adolescent girls. Culture provides rules of sexual conduct between sexes which shape knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding the sexuality of adolescent girls and influence SRH. However, empirical evidence remains scarce on the role of culture in shaping sexuality which affects the SRH of adolescent girls of pastoral communities. This paper explores the role of culture in shaping the SRH of adolescent girls in the pastoral communities of Karamoja sub-region in Uganda. Using the ethnographic method, qualitative data from interviews, key informants, and focus groups was obtained from adolescent girls, key informants, and old women in Moroto District to understand the perceptions of sexuality. The authors made audio recordings and took field notes. Atlas.ti 8.4.15 was used to organize the data which was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings showed that the perception of wealth defines sexuality and influences SRH, social support for sexual assault victims promotes SRH, and beliefs and practices of sexuality shape the SRH of adolescent girls. Promoting a continuous awareness of the harmful cultural practices is vital in attaining SRH among pastoral adolescent girls. Understanding the role of culture in the influence of SRH is important for the effective provision of SRH services.
U2-VC: one-shot voice conversion using two-level nested U-structure
Authors: Liu Fangkun , Wang Hui , Peng Renhua , Zheng Chengshi , Li Xiaodong 
Published: November 2021

AbstractVoice conversion is to transform a source speaker to the target one, while keeping the linguistic content unchanged. Recently, one-shot voice conversion gradually becomes a hot topic for its potentially wide range of applications, where it has the capability to convert the voice from any source speaker to any other target speaker even when both the source speaker and the target speaker are unseen during training. Although a great progress has been made in one-shot voice conversion, the naturalness of the converted speech remains a challenging problem. To further improve the naturalness of the converted speech, this paper proposes a two-level nested U-structure (U2-Net) voice conversion algorithm called U2-VC. The U2-Net can extract both local feature and multi-scale feature of log-mel spectrogram, which can help to learn the time-frequency structures of the source speech and the target speech. Moreover, we adopt sandwich adaptive instance normalization (SaAdaIN) in decoder for speaker identity transformation to retain more content information of the source speech while maintaining the speaker similarity between the converted speech and the target speech. Experiments on VCTK dataset show that U2-VC outperforms many SOTA approaches including AGAIN-VC and AdaIN-VC in terms of both objective and subjective measurements.
Communication strategies in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes in vulnerable groups: a scoping review
Authors: Breuing Jessica , Joisten Christine , Neuhaus Annika Lena , Heß Simone , Kusche Lena , Haas Fabiola , Spiller Mark , Pieper Dawid 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
The global prevalence of diabetes is nearly 9%, with an upward trend in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and gestational diabetes (GDM). Although evidence shows that vulnerable groups are affected disproportionally, these groups are difficult to reach in terms of preventive measures. Currently, there is no gold standard regarding communication strategies and/or public awareness campaigns.

Methods
We conducted a scoping review in September 2019. Two reviewers independently screened the results of the electronic literature search in several databases, including Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Extracted data were charted, categorized, and summarized.

Results
All of the included articles (n=24) targeted T2DM; none targeted GDM. We identified the following five different vulnerable groups within the identified studies: migrants (n=9), ethnic groups such as African Americans (n=8), people with low socioeconomic status (n=3), older people (n=1), and people in need of care (n=1). Three categories of communication strategies were identified as follows: adapted diabetes prevention programs (n=21), community health workers (n=5), and technical approaches (n=9).

Conclusion
We found different approaches for preventive interventions for T2DM. Some of these approaches were already adapted to known barriers. Communication strategies should be adapted to barriers and facilitating factors to increase participation and motivation.
The existence of solutions for Sturm–Liouville differential equation with random impulses and boundary value problems
Authors: Li Zihan , Shu Xiao-Bao , Miao Tengyuan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this article, we consider the existence of solutions to the Sturm–Liouville differential equation with random impulses and boundary value problems. We first study the Green function of the Sturm–Liouville differential equation with random impulses. Then, we get the equivalent integral equation of the random impulsive differential equation. Based on this integral equation, we use Dhage’s fixed point theorem to prove the existence of solutions to the equation, and the theorem is extended to the general second order nonlinear random impulsive differential equations. Then we use the upper and lower solution method to give a monotonic iterative sequence of the generalized random impulsive Sturm–Liouville differential equations and prove that it is convergent. Finally, we give two concrete examples to verify the correctness of the results.
Global stability for a new predator–prey model with cross-dispersal among patches based on graph theory
Authors: Gao Yang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this paper, cross-dispersal is considered in a predator–prey model with a patchy environment. A new predator–prey model with cross-dispersal among patches is constructed. A new cross-dispersal matrix is established by the coupling relationship between vertices. First, an existence theorem of the positive equilibrium for the new model is obtained. Secondly, based on the idea of constructing Lyapunov functions and a graph-theoretical approach for coupled systems, sufficient conditions that the positive equilibrium of the new model is globally asymptotically stable in $R^{2n}_{+}$

R
+

2
n

are derived on a network with strongly connected graphs. Thirdly, based on the theory of asymptotically autonomous systems, Lyapunov functions method and graph theory, a stability theorem for the positive equilibrium of the new model is established on a complex network without strongly connected graphs. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate main results.
Prevalence of severe adverse events among health professionals after receiving the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavirus vaccine (Covishield) in Togo, March 2021
Authors: Konu Yao Rodion , Gbeasor-Komlanvi Fifonsi Adjidossi , Yerima Mouhoudine , Sadio Arnold Junior , Tchankoni Martin Kouame , Zida-Compaore Wendpouire Ida Carine , Nayo-Apetsianyi Josée , Afanvi Kossivi Agbélénko , Agoro Sibabe , Salou Mounerou , Landoh Dadja Essoya , Nyansa Atany B. , Boko Essohanam , Mijiyawa Moustafa , Ekouevi Didier Koumavi 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines can cause adverse events that can lead to vaccine hesitancy. This study aims at estimating the prevalence of severe adverse events (SAEs) and their associated factors among health professionals vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine in Togo.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 13th to 19th, 2021 in Togo among health professionals who received the first dose of the vaccine. An online self-administered questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and vaccination data. SAEs were defined as one resulting in hospitalization, medical consultation, or inability to work the day following the administration of the vaccine. Data analysis were performed using R© 4.0.1 software, and a 5% significance level was considered.

Results
A total of 1,639 health professionals (70.2% male) with a median age of 32 (interquartile range: 27-40) were enrolled. At least one adverse event was reported among 71.6% of participants (95% CI = [69.3-73.8]). The most commonly reported adverse events were injection site pain (91.0%), asthenia (74.3%), headache (68.7%), soreness (55.0%), and fever (47.5%). An increased libido was also reported in 3.0% of participants. Of the participants who experienced adverse events, 18.2% were unable to go to work the day after vaccination, 10.5% consulted a medical doctor, and 1.0% were hospitalized. The SAEs’ prevalence was 23.8% (95% CI = [21.8-25.9]). Being <30 years (AOR = 5.54; p<0.001), or 30-49 years (AOR = 3.62; p<0.001) and being female (AOR = 1.97; p<0.001) were associated with SAEs.

Conclusions
High prevalence of SAEs have been observed in health professionals in Togo after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination especially in young people and females. However, these data are reassuring as they inform on COVID-19 vaccines’ SAE management. Systematic prescription of antalgics or antipyretics could be proposed to young people who get vaccinated.
Cefazolin-induced hemolytic anemia: a case report and systematic review of literature
Authors: Mause Elizabeth , Selim Mohammad , Velagapudi Manasa 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin commonly used for skin and soft tissue infections, abdominal and orthopedic surgery prophylaxis, and methicillin-sensitive staph aureus. Cephalosporins as a whole are known potential inducers of hemolytic anemia; however, mechanism of action is primarily autoimmune, and compared to other drugs, cefazolin is the least common.

Methods
A rare case report of cefazolin-induced hemolytic anemia “CIHA” and a systematic review of CIHA articles in English literature. Two authors performed review of publications and articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. A systematic search of the literature yielded 768 entries with five case reports on cefazolin-induced hemolytic anemia.

Case presentation/results
An 80-year-old female with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus “MSSA” endocarditis. The patient was started on intravenous “IV” cefazolin that that resulted in hemolytic anemia and eosinophilia. Switching to vancomycin improved hemoglobin level and resolved eosinophilia. Four cefazolin-induced hemolytic anemia case reports and one population-based article with a case reported were analyzed with respect to direct antiglobulin test “DAT” (also known as the direct Coombs test) results, prior penicillin sensitivity, and acute anemia causes exclusion.

Conclusions
CIHA is a rare cause of clinically significant anemia. The diagnosis of drug-induced anemia is one of exclusion. It is important to consider DAT results and prior penicillin sensitivity when evaluating a patient for cefazolin-induced hemolytic anemia. However, the frequency of cefazolin use and resultant anemia necessitates early recognition of hemolytic anemia and prompt discontinuation of cefazolin, especially with long-term use.
Evaluating farmers’ perception toward the effectiveness of agricultural extension services in Ghana and Zambia
Authors: Somanje Albert Novas , Mohan Geetha , Saito Osamu 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
In this study, we present the current situation and the role of agricultural extension services for farmers and indicates the potential solutions for the optimum effectiveness of these services. Thus, we investigate the vital determinants influencing the farmers’ attitudes toward using agricultural extension services in Ghana and Zambia.

Methods
In this study, we used a mixed-method research analysis of data from a household survey of 240 farmers and 8 key informant interviews in the Upper West Region of Ghana and the Southern Province of Zambia.

Results
The significant factors affecting the association of agricultural extension officers with farmers are regular meetings, demand for services and productivity, and the adoption rate of technology. Notably, approaches based on information communication technology indicators include owning cell phones; further, having radio access significantly affects agricultural practices. However, the role of gender, access to credit, and owning a television would influence food safety and nutrition.

Conclusions
Understanding the critical determinants will provide potential solutions to national agricultural research institutes, private research entities, and policymakers to scale-up the effectiveness of agricultural extension services, particularly in Ghana and Zambia.
The relationship between dental anxiety and other kinds of anxiety: a naturalistic, cross-sectional and comparative study
Authors: Valdes-Stauber Juan , Hummel Kevin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Dental anxiety is of public health importance because it leads to postponed dental treatment, which comes with health complications. The present study investigated whether there is a correlation between the degree of dental anxiety and other kinds of anxiety and whether there are prognostic factors for the different kinds of anxiety.

Method
In the sample (N = 156) from a dental practice in a large German city, 62% of patients received a check-examination and 38% received dental surgery. The target variables were recorded with validated questionnaires: dental anxiety (IDAF-4c+), subclinical anxiety (SubA), anxiety of negative evaluation (SANB-5), current general anxiety (STAI state), loneliness (LS-S) and self-efficacy (GSW-6). The applied statistics were: t-tests for 31 variables, correlation matrix and multivariate and bivariate regression analyses.

Results
The dental surgery patients displayed more dental anxiety and more dental interventions than the check-examination group. The main result was a positive correlation of all kinds of anxiety with each other, a positive correlation of loneliness and neuroticism with all forms of anxiety and a negative correlation between all forms of anxiety and self-efficacy. Especially dental anxiety is positively associated with other kinds of anxiety. In multivariate regression models only neuroticism is associated with dental anxiety, but feelings of loneliness are positively associated with with the other kinds of anxiety assessed in this study. The higher the self-efficacy, the lower the level of general anxiety.

Conclusions
In dentistry, anxiety from negative experiences with buccal interventions should be distinguished from anxiety caused by personality traits. Self-efficacy tends to protect against anxiety, while loneliness and neuroticism are direct or indirect risk factors for anxiety in this urban dentistry sample. Dental anxiety seems to be independent from biographical strains but not from neuroticism. In practice, more attention must be paid to anxiety control, self-management and efforts to improve the confidence of patients with emotional lability, less self-confidence and propensity to shame.
Preparation of alginate hydrogel microparticles by gelation introducing cross-linkers using droplet-based microfluidics: a review of methods
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Grossier Romain , Candoni Nadine , Veesler Stéphane 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This review examines the preparation of alginate hydrogel microparticles by using droplet-based microfluidics, a technique widely employed for its ease of use and excellent control of physicochemical properties, with narrow size distribution. The gelation of alginate is realized “on-chip” and/or “off-chip”, depending on where cross-linkers are introduced. Various strategies are described and compared. Microparticle properties such as size, shape, concentration, stability and mechanical properties are discussed. Finally, we consider future perspectives for the preparation of hydrogel microparticles and their potential applications.
Different solutions of the diffusion equation and its applications
Authors: Essa Khaled S. M. , Etman Soad M. , El-Otaify Maha S. , Embaby M. , Mosallem Ahmed M. , Shalaby Ahmed S. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this report, we solved the advection–diffusion equation under pollutants deposition on the ground surface, taking wind speed and vertical diffusion depend on the vertical height. Also, we estimated a simple diffusion model from point source in an urban atmosphere and the conservative material with downwind was evaluated. Then, we calculated the extreme ground-level concentration as a function of stack height and plume rise in two cases. Comparison between the proposed models and the emission from the Egyptian Atomic Research Reactor at Inshas had been done. Lastly, we discussed the results in this report.
Hyperuricaemia as a predictor of hospital outcome in patients with sepsis: results of a prospective study
Authors: Nadeem Mir , Mir Bilal Ahmad , Waseem Mir , Shah Tabinda Ayub , Raja Rameez 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Early management of sepsis in the emergency department improves patient outcomes. The identification of at-risk patients for aggressive management by an easily available biomarker could go a long way in the triage of patients in the emergency department. It is postulated that during sepsis, the majority of patients undergo ischaemic reperfusion injury or inflammation, and uric acid with its oxidant and antioxidant properties may be playing some role and, hence, the measurement of uric acid could possibly predict the hospital course in patients with sepsis. We were prompted to undertake this study as serum uric acid estimation is readily available and economical compared to newly evolving biomarkers in sepsis. Estimation of serum uric acid levels on arrival to the emergency department may prove a useful predictor of hospital outcome in patients with sepsis especially in regions with limited resources.

Results
Of 102 patients, 55 (53.9%) were males. The mean age of the study cohort was 63.2 ± 10.48. Patients with higher qSOFA scores had higher uric acid levels on admission. While 12 (11.8%) patients had a septicaemic shock, acute kidney injury was recorded in 48 (47.1%) patients and 11 (10.8%) patients required dialysis. Thirty-four (33.3%) patients had respiratory failure, and of these, 21 (20.6%) patients required mechanical ventilation. The overall median stay in the medical intensive care (MICU) was 3days (range 2–7 days). The patients with higher uric acid levels had higher rates of respiratory failure but did not reach significant levels. In 15 (14.7%) patients, 7 males expired (mortality rate of 14.7%). There was a significant association between SOFA score and mortality. Patients who succumbed to sepsis had higher serum uric acid levels on arrival.

Conclusions
Patients with higher qSOFA scores had higher uric acid levels on admission. Hyperuricaemia predicted acute kidney injury, a requirement of mechanical ventilation and mean hospital stay in patients with sepsis. Further studies may be required to confirm the association.
Predictive role of serum rheumatoid factor in different disease pattern of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Zahran Enas , Youssof Ali , Shehata Wafaa , Bahgat Ahmed , Elshebiny Emad 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Psoriasis is a multisystem inflammatory disorder with variable morphology, clinical pattern and multiple comorbidities. Interplay between genetic and environmental factors leading to an aberrant immune response in the skin may contribute to disease development. The assessment for risk factors, signs, and symptoms of potential comorbid diseases is an important component of patient management. The aim of this study is to determine rheumatoid factors (RF) positivity and its levels in psoriasis patients, and describe its relationship with the demographic and clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and disease patterns of psoriasis.

Results
Rheumatoid factor was positive in psoriatic patients more than control,30% of patients had positive rheumatoid factor while only 10% of control had positive results. Rheumatoid factor level was 63.8 ± 186.7 IU/ml in psoriasis vs. 9.3 ± 12.3 in control. Thirty percent of psoriasis patients have positive rheumatoid factor vs. 10% of control. There was no significant statistical difference between psoriasis patients with or without arthritis as regard rheumatoid factor positivity and titer; rheumatoid factor was positive in 20% in psoriatic patients with arthritis vs. 26% in psoriatic patients without arthritis. In psoriatic patients, the status of rheumatoid factor did not relate to disease severity, onset, course, site of affection, presence of scalp, nail affection, and presence of dactylitis (p value>0.5).

Conclusion
Psoriasis was associated with higher seropositivity of RF compared to age-matched non-psoriatic healthy controls. Occurrence and level of rheumatoid factor were not associated with severity or clinical pattern of psoriasis.