bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The State of Marriage in Egypt
Authors: Hendy Rana 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis chapter overviews the institutional, legal and religious framework for the institution of marriage in Egypt. It also aims to identify the challenges faced by Egyptian youth to form a family and recommends a list of policies and changes in the laws and regulations to meet the societal evolution and needs. Marriage remains the solely socially accepted form of union between a man and a woman in Egypt. And, Egypt is among the countries that has the highest costs of marriage in the world (namely because of housing). Therefore, Egyptian youth have no alternative but to delay marriage in order to save for its expenses. And, women tend to engage more in the labor market before marriage to help pitch in with the costs, while men may turn to temporary migration, namely to the Gulf, to speed up the saving process when faced by rising unemployment rates in Egypt. This chapter calls for the revision of the Egyptian family law with regards to gender segregation, control of marital relations and divorce, and custody matters. The legal text also needs to be adjusted for more gender equality and ban teenage marriage, namely for women. And, efforts are needed to make the private sector as attractive to working married women as it is to their males’ counterparts. This can be done by allowing a higher level of flexibility in the working conditions.
A systematic review of botulinum toxin as a treatment for Raynaud’s disease secondary to scleroderma
Authors: Pang Calver , Iakovou Despina , Fraser Danny , Leurent Baptiste , Awad Laura , Langridge Benjamin , Butler Peter 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is a vasospastic disorder that affects the small blood vessels in the extremities such as the hands, feet, fingers or toes. It is a debilitating condition that can severely impact the patient’s quality of life. Botulinum toxin (BTX) has been examined as a treatment option for RP, but its effect has been inconclusive. A systematic review has been conducted to determine the current evidence of BTX as a treatment for RP secondary to scleroderma. Major clinical databases Medline, Embase (via Ovid), the Cochrane Central Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register and the ISRCTN registry were systematically searched from its inception to 27 November 2023 for studies describing BTX and RP. Standard mean differences of Quick-DASH scores, visual analogue scale pain (VAS-P) score and Raynaud’s condition score (RCS) are reported with BTX treatment with a random-effect model. A total of 890 entries were retrieved. Of these, 19 met the inclusion criteria, and all studies were included for analysis. There was a significant effect (p = 0.03) with Quick-DASH score and VAS-P score (p < 0.00001) but a non-significant effect (p = 0.37) with RCS. BTX is a therapeutic option in the treatment of RP secondary to scleroderma; however, the evidence published so far is not sufficient to credit it as a revolutionary first line treatment. More research is needed to establish dosing, techniques and core outcome measures for BTX in RP.
Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO, Mn3O4, and ZnMn2O4 Spinel by New Chelation-Precipitation Method: Magnetic and Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Hessien M. A. , Khattab R. M. , Sadek H. E. H. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUsing a chelation-precipitation method, five samples were synthesized in the presence of chelating agents by altering the proportion of ZnO to Mn3O4. Specifically, Z contains only ZnO, Z3M1 has a 3:1 ratio of ZnO to Mn3O4, ZM has equal parts of both oxides, Z1M3 consists of one part of ZnO to three parts of Mn3O4, and M is pure Mn3O4. The synthesized powders were calcined at 600 °C and 1000 °C. The prepared and calcined powders were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The magnetic and antimicrobial properties of the calcined powders were also investigated. The XRD results showed that powder Z was in the wurtzite phase, and M was Mn3O4 with a pure tetragonal phase after calcination at 1000 °C. ZM was a pure ZnMn2O4 spinel. Z3M1 is formed from spinel and ZnO, and Z1M3 is formed from spinel and Mn3O4. The magnetic nature of the powders varies from diamagnetic to ferromagnetic to paramagnetic. Powders with a higher ZnO ratio exhibited enhanced antibacterial effectiveness against E. coli. The addition of Mn improved the antibacterial efficacy of most powder against C. albicans. Pure ZnO has high antibacterial efficiency against M. lutus. These results demonstrate how the components of these powders affect their crystalline structure, magnetic properties, and antimicrobial efficacy against various microorganisms. These findings may have significant implications for the development of advanced antimicrobial agents with tailored properties for use in medical devices, water treatment systems, or food packaging materials.
An Exploratory Study of the Associations Between Epstein–Barr Virus Antibodies and Forgiveness Among Recipients of Relational Transgressions in the USA
Authors: Crowley John P. , Denes Amanda , Richards Adam , Whitt Joseph , Makos Shana 
Published: November 2024

AbstractForgiveness is an important component of many of the world’s religions that also has benefits for individuals’ health and relationships. Research on the health benefits of forgiveness is couched predominately in the stress and coping framework, which views forgiveness as buffering the stress associated with unforgiving feelings. This exploratory study (N = 47) elaborated on the stress and coping framework by investigating it in conversation with an evolutionary approach. Specifically, this study examined one’s own forgiveness index (i.e., the interaction of exploitation risk and relationship value) as moderating an association between forgiveness and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) antibodies. The results indicated that forgiveness shared no significant association with EBV antibodies at low (16th percentile) levels of relationship value (b = − 11, p = .643), but shared an increasingly significant negative association at moderate (50th percentile: b = − 49, p = .038) and high (84th percentile: b = − 84, p = .009) levels, suggesting that forgiveness was more strongly linked to enhanced immune function when occurring in higher valued relationships. Implications for religion, theory, and methodological comparison are discussed.
Effects of seasonal hunting and food quantity variations on the Lotka-Volterra model
Authors: Genda Attila , Fidlin Alexander , Lenci Stefano , Gendelman Oleg 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe Lotka-Volterra model is instrumental for understanding the dynamic interactions between predator and prey populations, especially as human activities like habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change rapidly alter living environments, making it more important than ever to understand the underlying mechanisms that drive population changes and to predict and mitigate the impacts of human interventions on wildlife populations. In this study, we investigate how periodic hunting and variations in food quantity impact the classical Hamiltonian Lotka-Volterra model. We do this by modeling variations in the prey reproduction rate with a periodically varying coefficient. We aim to understand how the system responds to these periodic disturbances and to identify the conditions under which the population sizes undergo significant oscillations. Our findings suggest that specific frequencies of hunting or food quantity variations can drive populations out of equilibrium to dangerously low levels, increasing the risk of extinction. The analysis is based on perturbation methods, primarily addressing the 1:1 resonance and using action-angle variables to simplify the system into new canonical coordinates. The results have significant implications for understanding and managing biological systems, offering insights that can aid in preserving species by identifying critical hunting thresholds and frequencies. We also give estimates for the time period of the Lotka-Volterra model in the vicinity of the nontrivial equilibrium and very far from the equilibrium.
Harnessing the Power of Next-Generation Sequencing in Wastewater-Based Epidemiology and Global Disease Surveillance
Authors: Farkas Kata , Williams Rachel C. , Hillary Luke S. , Garcia-Delgado Alvaro , Jameson Eleanor , Kevill Jessica L. , Wade Matthew J. , Grimsley Jasmine M. S. , Jones Davey L. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a valuable surveillance tool for SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens globally, providing insights into community-level infections, including asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic cases. While most WBE programmes focus on quantitative pathogen assessment, next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches have enabled more detailed analyses, including variant and recombinant genotype identification for viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and poliovirus. Despite recent NGS advancements allowing for the detection of known and novel viruses in wastewater, many of these tools remain underutilised in routine WBE. This short review critically evaluates the applicability of common NGS tools in routine WBE programmes, assessing their capability for identifying emerging threats with epidemic or pandemic potential. Here, we provide evidence-based recommendations for integrating NGS techniques into WBE and the use of results for informed decision-making within a One Health framework, aiming to enhance global infectious disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness.
Xuesanqi ameliorates DSS-induced colitis in mice by mediating gut microbiota dysbiosis and modulating MAPK/ERK/JNK pathway
Authors: Su Qiyuan , Hu Qian , Wu Songtao , Yang Suqin , Su Hanwen , Zhang Zhengjun , Ling Chengxiu 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic properties of the traditional Chinese medicine Xuesanqi (XSQ, from the rhizome of Polygonum amplexicaule D. Don) in treating ulcerative colitis. We hypothesized that its many active components can alleviate symptoms of colitis by regulating the gut microbiota, its metabolites, and various signaling pathways. To test our hypotheses, we designed a DSS- induced colitis model in C57BL/6 male mice. Apparent metrics were evaluated in each group of mice and performed histological analysis of relevant tissues. The gut microbial composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing of bacteria. Simultaneously, the SCFAs content was detected by gas chromatography, inflammatory factor secretion was evaluated by ELISA or western-blot, the expression of tight junction protein and key proteins of the MAPK signaling pathway were analyzed by western-blot. Our result showed that the treatment with XSQ alleviated significant various symptoms such as weight loss, blood in stool, and shortening of colon. In addition, XSQ treatment restored the dysregulated gut microbiota in colitis mice, increased short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and normalized the MAPK/ERK/JNK signaling pathways, promoted expression of tight junction protein Occludin, Claudin-1, and E-cadherin proteins. Furthermore, we also observed a dose-dependent pattern in these treatment responses. These findings demonstrated the active components of XSQ is a promising new treatment platform for ulcerative colitis.
Graphical Abstract
Health issues and management practices of pesticide exposure in Ethiopia, East Africa
Authors: Aschale Minbale , Dessie Bitew K. , Assegide Endaweke , Tadesse Bamlaku , Alamirew Tena , Amezaga Jaime , Walsh Claire L. , Zeleke Gete 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPesticides are commonly used in agriculture for pest control, but their improper usage and handling can lead to high farmer exposures, negative health effects, and pollution of water bodies. The purpose of this study was to investigate farmer’s perceptions of the effects of pesticide runoff on water bodies, and to describe their self-reported knowledge of appropriate pesticide use, methods of application, sources of information, and related health issues and management strategies in Ethiopia. Data were collected via structured questionnaire, which was administered as an in-person interview to 582 farmers who cultivated vegetables. To assess unsafe pesticide handling practices, researchers observed the storage of pesticides and the condition of personal protective equipment and asked farmers about their pesticide disposal methods. The study found that nearly 87.97% of farmers reported mixing pesticides using a stick or their bare hands. Most respondents (88.83%) mixed pesticides to spray just on their farmland, and some (10.14%) were near water sources. It revealed that farmers have a low level of awareness about the risks and effects associated with pesticides and do not follow safe practices. Out of the farmers who had utilized pesticides, 55.67% reported encountering health issues associated with pesticide exposure. To reduce exposure and health risks, the study suggests implementing comprehensive interventions, such as integrated pest management, safety training, and alternative control methods.
AI for women’s financial inclusion—analysis of product design and policy approaches in Nigeria
Authors: Omotubora Adekemi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Nigeria has a significant gender financial inclusion gap with women disproportionately represented among the financially excluded. Artificial intelligence (AI) powered financial technologies (fintech) present distinctive advantages for enhancing women’s inclusion. This includes efficiency gains, reduced transaction costs, and personalized services tailored to women’s needs. Nonetheless, AI harbours a paradox. While it promises to address financial inclusion, it can also inadvertently perpetuate and amplify gender bias. The critical question is thus, how can AI effectively address the challenges of women’s financial exclusion in Nigeria? Using publicly available data, this research undertakes a qualitative analysis of AI-powered Fintech services in Nigeria. Its objective is to understand how innovations in financial services correspond to the needs of potential users like unbanked or underserved women. The research finds that introducing innovative financial services and technology is insufficient to ensure inclusion. Financial inclusion requires the availability, accessibility, affordability, appropriateness, sustainability, and alignment of services with the needs of potential users, and policy-driven strategies that aid inclusion.
Are certain African ethical values at risk from artificial intelligence?
Authors: Segun Samuel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This paper questions how the drive toward introducing artificial intelligence (AI) in all facets of life might endanger certain African ethical values. It argues in the affirmative that indeed two primary values that are prized in nearly all versions of sub-Saharan African ethics (available in the literature) might sit in direct opposition to the fundamental motivation of corporate adoption of AI; these values are Afro-communitarianism grounded on relationality, and human dignity grounded on a normative conception of personhood. This paper offers a unique perspective on AI ethics from the African place, as there is little to no material in the literature that discusses the implications of AI on African ethical values. The paper is divided into two broad sections that are focused on (i) describing the values at risk from AI and (ii) showing how the current use of AI undermines these said values. In conclusion, I suggest how to prioritize these values in working toward the establishment of an African AI ethics framework.
The SAMI galaxy survey: fossil group centrals are no more likely to be slow rotators
Authors: Scuccimarra Frank , Croom Scott M. , van de Sande Jesse , Barsanti Stefania , Brough Sarah , Bryant Julia J. , Kimmig Lucas C. , Lagos Claudia , Remus Rhea-Silvia , Ristea Andrei , Sweet Sarah M. , Vaughan Sam 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Simulations suggest that slow rotating galaxies are the result of galaxy-galaxy mergers that have a tendency to randomise stellar orbits. The exact pathway for slow rotator formation, however, is still unclear. Our aim is to see whether there is a relationship between fossil groups - whose central galaxies are thought to have undergone more major merging than other central galaxies – and the stellar kinematic properties of those central galaxies. We classify all galaxy groups in the GAMA redshift survey whose central galaxies were observed with SAMI as: (i) fossil groups, (ii) mass gap groups (fossil-like groups), and (iii) groups that are not dynamically evolved (NDEGs, i.e. controls). We compare the following properties of centrals across the three different group types: spin (

$\lambda_{Re}$

), the fraction of slow rotators (

$f_{SR}$

), and age. We also repeat our analysis on data from the EAGLE and Magneticum hydrodynamical cosmological simulations. In SAMI, we find that the spin parameter, slow rotator fraction, and age are broadly consistent across our three group types, i.e. the fossil groups, mass gap groups and NDEGs. We do find a weak indication that

$f_{SR}$

is slightly lower for fossil group centrals as compared to NDEG centrals. In contrast, in EAGLE and Magneticum, fossil and mass gap group centrals typically have a significantly lower

$\lambda_{Re}$

than NDEG centrals. Our results for SAMI suggest that the types of mergers that form fossil groups are not the types of mergers that form slow rotators. Merger count may be less important for slow rotator formation than specific merger conditions, such as the gas content of progenitors. When and where the merging occurs are also suspected to play an important role in slow rotator formation, and these conditions may differ for fossil group formation.
The Logit Model Measurement Problem
Authors: Fillmore-Patrick Stella 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Traditional wisdom dictates that statistical model outputs are estimates, not measurements. Despite this, statistical models are employed as measurement instruments in the social sciences. In this article, I scrutinize the use of a specific model—the logit model—for psychological measurement. Given the adoption of a criterion for measurement that I call comparability, I show that the logit model fails to yield measurements due to properties that follow from its fixed residual variance.
Effects of prepartum positive and negative dietary cation/anion differences on postpartum calcium concentration and risk factors for subclinical hypocalcemia in Holstein cows
Authors: Sami Mehrdad , Badiei Arya , Beiranvand Hamed , Moosakhani Farhad , Shaghayegh Alireza , Ahmadi Farhad 
Published: December 2024

AbstractInsufficient data are available about the association between prepartum risk factors including dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) status and postpartum outcomes of Holstein dairy cows within commercial management systems. The first objective of this experiment was to assess the association between postpartum serum calcium (Ca) dynamics and the risk of metritis development. The second objective was to identify the association of risk factors, including DCAD status of prepartum ration, prepartum serum macrominerals and parity, with the development of subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) in two commercial herds. Herd A (n = 32) fed a negative DCAD close-up ration and herd B (n = 30) fed a positive DCAD close-up diet. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was run to evaluate the association of serum Ca concentration at 1, 2, and 4 DIM with the risk of developing metritis. A second ROC curve was also created to assess the association of prepartum serum Mg, P, and Ca concentration with the postpartum serum Ca concentration dichotomized into normocalcemic (>8.82 mg/dl) and subclinical hypocalcemic (≤8.82 mg/dl). A logistic regression model was created to assess prepartum DCAD status (negative vs. positive) and parity (classified into a 3-level variable as first, second and third or greater lactations) as potential predictors of SCH classification. Serum Ca concentration at DIM 4 was a significant predictor of metritis (area under the curve = 0.87; P < 0.01). Cows fed positive vs. negative prepartum DCAD diet were more likely to be classified as SCH at 4 DIM. Parity did not show a significant association with the classification of SCH at 4 DIM. Our results demonstrate the importance of the DIM of blood Ca concentration assessment in connection with the diagnosis of metritis, which is crucial for the most accurate categorization of SCH and the related risk factors.
Prisoners of Pakistan: Bengali military personnel and civil servants in Pakistan, 1971–1974
Authors: Chattha Ilyas 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article examines, for the first time, a significant aspect of Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971: the fate of ‘stranded Bengalis’ in West Pakistan during and after the war. The war ended with over 90,000 Pakistani prisoners of war (POWs) captured in East Pakistan-turned-Bangladesh, who were then transferred to Indian custody. The government of Pakistan responded by holding hostage roughly the same number of Bengali military personnel, civil servants, and their dependants in West Pakistan as leverage for the return of its captured POWs. Neither group would return home immediately in what arguably became one of the largest cases of mutual mass internment post-1945. Drawing on a wide range of untapped sources, both official and personal, this article traces the trajectory of this crisis of captivity in which the Bengali officials and officers—hitherto serving the Pakistani state—found themselves as rightless citizens with ‘enemy’ status after December 1971. Their wartime experiences, more than half a century after the war, warrant recognition in widening the understanding of 1971, not only in the history of regional and global politics but also at what was arguably the home front—a thousand miles away from the ‘war zone’ in East Pakistan.
Career challenges: an exploration into potential barriers faced by Scottish emerging composers
Authors: Morgan Jill 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article explores the potential barriers for emerging composers to constructing and maintaining a career in the field of composition in Scotland, viewed through the lens of both those early in their careers and the experience of others who have worked professionally for many years. Thirty-nine composers responded to a survey that highlighted the role of educational mentoring, the need for monetary stability and the challenges faced by female and older emerging composers. The professional lives of current Scottish composers have been seldom studied, and the purpose of this investigation is to explore, inform and provide suggestions for future consideration.