bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health Literacy on Chronic Kidney Disease among Adults of Morang, Eastern Nepal
Authors: Khadgi Deepika , Chaudhary Angira Kumari , Basnet Saraswati 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a rapidly increasing health problem worldwide. Early diagnosis is possible with adequate health literacy. Unfortunately, majority of the CKD patients are diagnosed in the last stage which is the major challenge in the developing countries like Nepal. Thus, the researchers designed this study to find out the chronic kidney disease related health literacy among adults of Eastern Nepal.
Methods
A quantitative analytical cross-sectional study design with multi-stage sampling was used. One ward from each of one metropolitan, one urban and one rural municipality were selected randomly. And in the fourth stage, population proportionate samples, one sample from a household, were selected to meet the total sample size of 414. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire with high internal consistency reliability of 0.84. Face-to-face interview was done after the ethical approval from Nepal Health Research Council, Nepal (Ref. No. 2162). Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.00. Descriptive and inferential i.e. regression analysis were used.
Results
The mean age and standard deviation of adults was 41.8014 ± 13.49 years respectively. About two-third (63.1%) were female, 86.5% married, 94.6% Hindu and 46.3% illiterate. One-fifth had habit of alcohol consumption and tobacco use. The median score for health literacy on CKD was 18 and there was no statistical difference in scores of adults residing in Sundarharaincha, Katahari and Biratnagar. More than half (54.1%) of the adults surveyed had low level of health literacy on CKD. Age, secondary and above education, alcohol consumption and tobacco use were found to be associated with health literacy during bivariate analysis. Similarly, the multivariate regression analysis showed that age (AOR 1.016, CI 0.970–0.998), education (AOR 3.17, CI 0.241–0.494) and tobacco use (AOR 2.079, CI 0.253–0.914) had statistically significant association as predictors of CKD health literacy.
Conclusion
Adults of Morang, Eastern Nepal had low level of health literacy on CKD. Implementing health awareness, disease screening and tobacco control programs by local governments local governments could contribute in early diagnosis and complication prevention of CKD in Morang.
Assessing Fiber Quality Variability Among Modern Cotton Cultivars and Integrating it into the GOSSYM-based Fiber Quality Simulation Model
Authors: Beegum Sahila , Hassan Muhammad Adeel , Reddy Krishna N. , Reddy Vangimalla , Reddy Kambham Raja 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
A fiber quality module developed in 2023 and integrated into the process-based mechanistic cotton crop growth and development model, GOSSYM is the first of its kind. In this fiber quality module, the functional relationships between fiber quality and the major factors influencing it (temperature, water, and nutrient status) are established based on experiments spanned four years conducted in the sunlit Soil Plant Atmospheric Research chambers. All these experiments were conducted only on the Texas Marker-1 cotton variety. Therefore, there is a possibility that the functional equations will be more aligned with this specific cultivar. Consequently, it's essential to assess how the model performs for other cotton cultivars and address any variability that arises. In this study, data from experiments conducted on 40 major cultivars currently grown in the USA, including the Texas Marker-1 variety, under the same environmental and management conditions is used to analyze the variability in fiber quality among the varieties. The measured fiber quality is then compared with the GOSSYM model-simulated fiber quality. Based on the relative variation between measured and simulated fiber quality, cultivar-dependent parameters were developed for the fiber quality model.
Results
Based on the relative variation between measured and simulated fiber quality, cultivar-dependent parameters were developed for the fiber quality model. The GOSSYM model, after incorporating the developed cultivar-dependent parameters, simulated the fiber quality (fiber length, strength, micronaire, and uniformity) with an average Pearson correlation coefficient value of 0.84 and index of agreement of 0.88.
Conclusions
This study aims to analyze the fiber quality variability among modern cotton cultivars and establish the cultivar-dependent parameters for cotton fiber quality simulation in the GOSSYM model. The parameter estimation methodology adopted and the estimated cultivar-specific parameters improved the simulation capabilities of the model. The model with cultivar-specific parameters for fiber quality will be helpful for model users, requiring less calibration effort and providing more accurate quality simulations.
Microstructure and Toughness Characterization of AA6061 Hybrid Composite Reinforced with Eucalyptus Ash, Periwinkle Shell, and Plantain Fiber.
Authors: Barah Obinna O. , Onyelowe Kennedy C. , Nnamchi Stephen N. , Selvam Milon D. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
This study examines the microstructural and mechanical improvements in AA6061 hybrid composites reinforced with agricultural and marine waste materials: plantain fibre ash (PFA), Eucalyptus Wood Ash (EWA), and Periwinkle Shell Powder (PSP). The goal is to enhance mechanical properties while promoting sustainable manufacturing.
Methods
Hybrid composites were fabricated by varying PFA, EWA, and PSP weight percentages. Microstructural analysis was conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to assess material integration, and hardness tests were performed to evaluate mechanical improvements.
Results
SEM revealed uniform particle dispersion, and EDS indicated compositional changes that contributed to the improved mechanical properties. The composite with 5% PSP, 3% EWA, and 2.5% PFA exhibited a 224% increase in hardness compared with the base AA6061. FTIR confirmed the successful integration of organic and inorganic components, enhancing the thermal stability and corrosion resistance.
Conclusion
Reinforcing AA6061 with PFA, EWA, and PSP significantly improved its hardness, wear resistance, and thermal stability, demonstrating the potential of these eco-friendly composites for advanced engineering applications
Entoloma hygropileum sp. nov. (Entolomataceae, Basidiomycota) from a ‘brejo de altitude’ forest in Brazil and its Western Gondwana counterpart
Authors: Silva Leonardo Firmino da , Koroiva Ricardo , Wartchow Felipe 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

A new species of Entoloma subg. Entoloma is described from a forest fragment in Northeast Brazil. The species description is based on macro and micro-anatomical characterization of the basidiomata, and molecular phylogenetic analyses of ITS and 28S LSU region of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Entoloma hygropileum sp. nov. is distinguished by the tricholomatoid to somewhat clitocyboid habit with very moist to almost slimy and glabrous brownish pileus, broadly adnate lamellae with subdecurrent tooth, proportionally short stipe, isodiametric to subisodiametric basidiospores 6.8–8.6 × 6.1–7.6 µm, absence of hymenial cystidia and a callidermic pileipellis. The most similar species is E. djaense that primarily differs in the proportionally much longer stipe and the lamellae attachment. They present a pileipellis construction unique among the genus, suggesting a Western Gondwana distribution.
Terms of Trade Shocks on Commodity-Dependent Countries with Inflation Targeting: A SVAR Analysis Allowing Correlated Structural Shocks
Authors: Sobrino Cesar 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

There is uncertainty about how central banks of small open commodity-dependent countries with inflation targeting deal with terms of trade shocks because those may stimulate either aggregate demand or aggregate supply. The study aims to examine the effects of the terms of trade and the domestic supply shocks on the monetary policy shock and, by including those effects, the out-of-sample dynamics using a three-SVAR where correlated structural shocks are allowed. Examining Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, and South Africa, the findings indicate a positive effect of the terms of trade shock (domestic supply shock) on the monetary policy shock for Australia and Norway (all countries). However, for Australia and Norway, it is not corroborated that terms of trade innovations act as productivity shocks. Likewise, the responses of the output growth and inflation rate growth to terms of trade disturbances are consistent with the inflation targeting stylized facts. Finally, an implication for Chile, Colombia, and Norway is the importance of a commodity stabilization fund to decrease the role of the external shock on their economy because the identification procedure fails to alter the contribution of terms of trade shock on the output growth and inflation rate growth fluctuations.
JEL Classification: F41, C32, E52
Hysteretic Curve Characteristics in Rectangular Shear Walls Predicted by Machine Learning
Authors: Dong Jungui , Chen Ce 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Rectangular reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls are crucial for seismic resistance in high-rise buildings. Characteristic points on the skeleton curve from pseudo-static tests are key for evaluating seismic performance. Traditional models struggle with the high-dimensional, nonlinear relationships between these points and component dimensions. An interpretable machine learning model (IEG-ML) was proposed for predicting these feature points. IEG-ML aligns with empirical trends from extensive experiments and is explainable via explicit formulas. Trained on a self-built dataset of 184 samples, IEG-ML accuracy and efficiency are enhanced using a population optimization algorithm. The model identifies the importance of feature points and component factors, providing a dominant explicable formula. Results show IEG-ML high accuracy and efficiency, particularly with a backpropagation network optimized by the dung beetle algorithm (DBO), making it a robust tool for seismic evaluation.
Research On Arbitrary Level Output Topology And Control Strategy
Authors: SHEN Xianqing , LI JiaJun , LIU Ruohan , Shuangfeng LU , Yifan WANG 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Multilevel inverters will generate current backflow and harmonics due to their different inverter topologies in the inverter process. According to a large number of literatures, currently the topology that is able to control current backfilling while reducing both low and high harmonics and total harmonics is yet available. Therefore, in order to address these issues, there should be as many switching devices in the multilevel inverter as possible and the inverter waveform should be closer to the sine waveform. In this context, this paper presents a topology of an inverter circuit with arbitrary level output that adopts binary coded power input and is capable to output a total of up to 45 levels. The proposed inverter can achieve a large voltage span thanks to its combined advantages of both hybrid multilevel and modular multilevel, thus requiring a smaller number of switching devices. It is also able to achieve 0 ~ 45 level control by employing the nearest level control strategy and the output loop of any level through varying level states. The simulation results show that the presented topology can effectively suppress current inversion while reducing total harmonic distortion rate, with the total harmonic content of less than 2% after output filtering.
Extended-spectrum β-lactamase -producing Enterobacterales infections among infants following vertical colonization in a neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Abe Mimori , Otubo Yuto , Tame Tomoyuki , Okazaki Kaoru , Horikoshi Yuho 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective Extended-spectrum β-lactamase -producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) has become prevalent among neonates. The present study aimed to describe the incidence of ESBL-E colonization among neonates admitted to a NICU and the incidence of subsequent ESBL-E infection among those with ESBL-E colonization.Study design Patients admitted to the NICU at Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Medical Center between April 2011 and March 2023 were enrolled. On admission, the subjects were routinely screened for ESBL-E using pharyngeal and rectal swabs, and those colonized with ESBL-E were assessed for the development of an invasive ESBL-E infection during their NICU stay.Results ESBL-E was isolated in 105 of the 8,247 neonates (1.3%) admitted to the NICU. Among these patients, twelve (11.4%) experienced the development of an invasive ESBL-E infection.Conclusion Although ESBL-E colonization occurred in only 1.3% of the neonates admitted to the NICU, 11.4% of them experienced the development of an ESBL-E infection.
Terminally investing males fake body odors to females but not microbiome odors
Authors: Krams Indrikis , Adams Colton B , Trakimas Giedrius , Garduño Jorge Contreras , De Souza André Rodrigues , Daukste Janina , Mizers Valdis , Sledevskis Eriks , Kolbjonoks Vadims , Popovs Sergejs , Rantala Markus J. , Krams Ronalds , Krama Tatjana 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Male Tenebrio molitor enhance sex odor attractiveness when immunocompromised by an artificial implant that activates their immune system. We examined how females evaluate the health status of implanted (treatment) and control males based not only on their sex pheromones, but also on their fecal odors. Odor discs of three groups were collected from treatment and control males: body, fecal, and ‘body and fecal’ scents. We measured male survival and time spent by females investigating discs they were presented with and compared between treatments for the three odor groups. Treatment males perished at a greater rate than controls. Females spent more time on treatment body discs, less time on fecal discs, and had no preference for ‘body and fecal’ discs when compared to control males. We conclude that terminally investing males fake their sex odors to females, yet they cannot fake their microbiome odors, supporting the fermentation hypothesis of chemical communication.
Study on Learning Adaptability of STEM Students in the New College Entrance Examination Context
Authors: Shi Xiangyi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Over ten years of the New College Entrance Examination Reform, the flexible subject selection model has posed challenges to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) majors education in Chinese universities. The relaxation of subject requirements has led to diverse knowledge backgrounds among students, resulting in some lacking a solid foundation in these fields, which contributes to high failure rates and frequent major changes. This study reconstructs the dimensions of learning adaptability for STEM students, analyzing different adaptability types using data from 39 "985 Project" universities in China. Findings indicate two main types: low adaptability, characterized by low motivation and difficulty using intelligent tools, and high adaptability, which correlates with better adjustment but moderate interest in the major. Finally, this study offers targeted recommendations for improving the learning adaptability of STEM students.
Prevalence and Predictors of Cancer-Related Neuropathic Pain Among Cancer Patients in Nigeria
Authors: izuegbuna ogochukwu , kolawole Israel , oguntola Saliu , Woods-Ali Tiwalade , saburi oyewale , adindu chijioke , olatoke samuel , olakunlehin olawale 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE
Neuropathic pain is a major challenge in supportive care management among cancer patients. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of neuropathic pain in Nigerian cancer patients as well as some factors associated with neuropathic pain in these patients.
METHODS
This is a non-interventional cross-sectional study with 126 cancer patients both solid and non-solid tumours recruited from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and are 18 years and above with some form of pain. Socio-demographics and cancer records were collected from their medical files and the patients. The painDETECT questionnaire (PDQ) and the numeric rating scale (NRS) were used to determine their pain.
RESULTS
The prevalence of neuropathic pain in the study population was 23%. The average age of the patients was 53 years. Of the 126 patients evaluated, 69.8% were females. There was no significant difference in neuropathic pain occurrence and age, sex, and cancer type (p > 0.05). There was a significant association between neuropathic pain and performance status (p < 0.001), morphine and pregabalin use (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, performance status (b = 18.00, p = 0.009) and use of morphine (b = 11.52, p < 0.001) and pregabalin (b = 18.09, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with neuropathic pain. Performance status, and morphine use (p < 0.001) were associated with pain severity.
CONCLUSION
This being the first study in Nigeria, the prevalence of neuropathic pain in Nigerian cancer patients is relatively within range compared to other studies. Performance status and the use of some pain modifiers are predictors of neuropathic pain in Nigerian cancer patients.
Complex Influences of Tropical Indian and Atlantic Oceans on ENSO Prediction
Authors: Jiang Ke , Wu Jiye , Luo Jing-Jia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Tropical basin interactions (TBIs) are widely involved in El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) evolution. Previous dynamical prediction studies often focused on single basin, single start month, and few events, which normally overlooked the complexity in the TBIs’ impact on ENSO prediction. To address these limitations, we conducted six sets of sensitivity hindcast experiments initializing from different seasons during 1983–2018, in which observed monthly and climatological sea surface temperatures (SSTs) over the tropical Indian (TIO) and Atlantic Ocean (TAO) are separately and synchronously prescribed. Results indicate synergistic but complicated roles of tropical SST anomalies (SSTAs) outside the Pacific in predicting ENSO. The results suggest more prominent contributions from TAO SSTAs, due to the well-captured teleconnections between ENSO and primary precursors in the North tropical and equatorial Atlantic. Conversely, the model exhibits large biases in replicating the relationship between ENSO and the basin-wide and dipole modes in the Indian Ocean, weakening the TIO SSTAs’ contributions. Moreover, SSTAs over the remote basins exert asymmetrical and phase-dependent influences on ENSO predictions; more remarkable contributions are found during La Niña and ENSO transition-development phases, indicating the TBIs’ importance in improving the spring barrier of ENSO prediction. Additionally, the impact of TBIs on ENSO prediction displays an interdecadal change; SSTAs outside the Pacific improve (degrade) El Niño prediction before (after) 2000, which may be associated with rapid warming in the TIO and TAO. Our results suggest high complexity in the TIO and TAO’s influence on ENSO prediction, stimulating future efforts for better understanding and models’ performance.
Preparation of Composite SAPO-11 Zeolite Molecular Sieve and its Hydroisomerization Performance of Shale Oil
Authors: Liu Qinghua , Wu Xianglian , Tuo Changmin , Abulizi Abulikemu , Ren Tiezhen , Nulahong Aisha 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

‒In this paper, SAPO-11 molecular sieve was synthesized by static hydrothermal synthesis method, and SAPO-11 molecular sieve was combined with γ-Al2O3. Then the catalyst was prepared by the bimetallic Co-Mo modification of the support by equal volume impregnation method. SAPO-11 molecular sieve is mainly a spherical aggregate with a regular rectangular surface; At the same time, the composite support can maintain its crystal phase structure well. When bimetallic Co-Mo modification is carried out, the metal dispersion is higher when the metal load is small. As the load increases, aggregation occurs. Using shale oil with JSO < 380℃ as raw material, the performance of different catalysts in the hydroisomerization reaction of shale oil was studied. The results show that γ-Al2O3 has good aromatic saturation and ring-opening properties, and the composite with SAPO-11 molecular sieve is conducive to the hydrogenation isomerization reaction. The content of isopentane in the product of SA type catalyst is greatly increased. The isopane content of 2.5%Co-7.5%Mo/SA catalyst is the highest, reaching 49.08%, which is 12.48% higher than that of SAPO-11 catalyst. The introduction of Co is conducive to the production of olefin, and the content of heteroatomic compounds is reduced, which is conducive to the isomerization in the reaction process. Mo improves the strong acidic site, catalytic activity and isomerism selectivity.
Investigation of the impact of the Caspr3 receptor in brain microvascular endothelial bEnd.3 cells on invasion function of Escherichia coli K1
Authors: Qiao Zhi-Dong , Zhao Hong , Xu Lei , Fu Jun-Xian , Li Tian-Xia , Jia Yue-Xin , Zhao Wei-Dong , Yang Guang-Lu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective To investigate the role of the Caspr3 receptor in bEnd.3 cells on the invasion function of Escherichia coli K1 strain. Methods 1. Cell Culture and Bacterial Infection:bEnd.3 cells and E. coli K1 (E44) were cultured in vitro. Confocal laser microscopy was used to observe the changes in F-actin and Caspr3 in bEnd.3 cells following bacterial addition. 2. Caspr3 Knockdown: bEnd.3 cells were transfected with lentivirus to establish stable Caspr3 knockdown (Lenti-sh-Caspr3) and null-loaded (Lenti-sh-NC). Transfection efficiency was assessed via Western blot and confocal laser microscopy. 3. Bacterial Adhesion and Invasion Assays: Lenti-sh-NC and Lenti-sh-Caspr3 cells were infected with E. coli E44 to evaluate bacterial adhesion and invasion. 4. Changes in F-actin: Confocal laser microscopy was used to observe the changes in F-actin after E. coli E44 invaded Lenti-sh-Caspr3. Results 1. bEnd.3 cells expressed Caspr3. Compared with the control group, there was no significant change in the fluorescence intensity of Caspr3, F-actin aggregation occurred, and the co-localization with Caspr3 at the aggregation was more significant after E44 infection. 2. Western blot and confocal microscopy confirmed a significant reduction in Caspr3 protein expression in Lenti-sh-Caspr3 compared to bEnd.3 and Lenti-sh-NC. 3. No significant difference in E44 adhesion rate was observed between Lenti-sh-Caspr3 and the control group. However, the invasion rate of E44 in Lenti-sh-Caspr3 was significantly lower than in the control group. 4. F-actin aggregation was significantly reduced in Lenti-sh-Caspr3 after E44 infection. Conclusions bEnd.3 cells expresses Caspr3, which co-localizes with F-actin during E. coli meningitis invasion. Knockdown of Caspr3 did not affect the adhesion of E. coli E44 to host cells, but the number of bacterial invasions was significantly decreased, and F-actin aggregation of the host cells was reduced. Caspr3 may influence the invasion of host cells by E. coli meningitis by regulating F-actin rearrangement.