bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barriers to uptake of RTS, S malaria vaccine in a malaria endemic area of western Kenya
Authors: Okanda Irine , Okuto Erick , Kwach Timon , Omolo Mevice , Abuonji Emily , Seda John , Ayodo George 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Globally in 2021, there were an estimated 247 million malaria cases in 85 malaria-endemic countries which accounted for over 619,000 deaths worldwide. An estimated 27 million malaria cases and 12,600 deaths attributed to malaria in Kenya in the year 2020 (1). In every 1000 live births, 84 die before attaining 5 years in Kenya(12). Despite the implementation of several malaria prevention measures, malaria infection is still high in Kenya with children under the age of 5 being most vulnerable. As a complimentary to the existing malaria prevention measured, there is a malaria vaccine for children under 5 years of age. However, there is a low uptake, especially the 3rd and 4th doses with limited information on the reasons for the low uptake. This study aimed at identifying reasons for the low uptake of RTS, S malaria vaccine in Muhoroni sub-county Kenya.
Methods:
Study design:
The study employed an exploratory study design. A purposeful sampling method was used to select participants for focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). Four FGDs were conducted, 3 of them involved 25 parent/guardian whose children either completed or didn’t complete the recommended 4 doses or didn’t receive the vaccine at all, and 1 FGD involved 11 community health volunteers (CHVs). The KII involved 11 nurses in charge of maternal and child health (MCH) clinics. FGDs and KIIs guides were used for data collection. Data was analyzed thematically using NVIVO version 12.
Results:
The gaps in malaria vaccine implementation are inadequate knowledge about the vaccine to both parents/guardians and nurses, vaccine side effects and high number of doses. Others are the poor attitude of health care providers, vaccine unavailability, understaffing of the health providers resulting in long waiting times, and migration to non-implementing sub-counties.
Conclusion:
Barriers for malaria vaccine uptake were: Inadequate knowledge about the vaccine, vaccine side effects and number of doses, poor attitude of health care providers, migrations, vaccine unavailability, long waiting queue due to staff understaffing, economic activities, cultural beliefs and inadequate trainings of nurses.
Impact of Diabetes Remission or Progression on the Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease in Japan: Historical Cohort Study Using a Nationwide Claims Database
Authors: Shimayama Chihiro , Fujihara Kazuya , Khin Laymon , Takizawa Hiroki , Horikawa Chika , Sato Takaaki , Kitazawa Masaru , Matsubayashi Yasuhiro , Yamada Takaho , Sone Hirohito 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Previous studies demonstrated that diabetes remission can occur during intensive intervention and in real-world settings. However, the impact of diabetes remission in real-world settings on the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains unclear.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 299,967 individuals aged 20–72 years who underwent multiple checkups between 2008 and 2020 and completed ≥ 3 years of follow-up. Patients were divided into four groups according to changes in glycated hemoglobin levels and the use of diabetes medications during the 1-year baseline period: diabetes mellitus (DM)+/no remission, DM+/remission, DM−/no progression, and DM−/progression. The risk of CVD was evaluated using multivariable Cox regression analysis.
Results
The median follow-up period was 5·0 years. The rates of CVD in the DM+/no remission, DM+/remission, DM−/no progression, and DM−/progression groups were 7·96, 4·76, 5·47, and 1·99 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Compared with DM+/no remission, DM+/remission reduced the risk of CVD [hazard ratio (HR) = 0·71, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0·57–0·89]. Meanwhile, the HR for CVD in the DM+/remission group was 0·75 (95% CI = 0·56 − 0·99) for change in BMI ≤ 0%, versus 0·66 (95% CI = 0·45–0·96) for change in BMI > 0%.
Conclusions
In a real-world setting without intensive intervention, diabetes remission decreased the risk of CVD by approximately 30% regardless of changes in BMI, suggesting that diabetes remission can prevent CVD without weight loss in routine care and emphasizing the importance of achieving remission.
Shallow crustal velocity structure and tectonic significance beneath Fildes Peninsula, West Antarctica
Authors: Huigui Sun , Lijun Chang , Laiyu Lu , Tongwei Qin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Fildes Peninsula is the most exposed area of King George Island, Antarctica, which has experienced frequent volcanic activities, and its strata are composed mainly of basalt and pyroclastic rocks, making it an ideal location for conducting scientific research in Antarctica. This study provides the first constraints on the shallow crustal structure of the peninsula through ambient noise tomography and horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) analyses by utilizing a denser array of short-period portable seismometers deployed on Fildes Peninsula. The results indicate that the sediment layers on the peninsula are very thin and reveal inhomogeneity within the shallow crust of the study area, which may be related to the characteristics of the surface geological structure. Consistent with crustal activity characteristics observed in most volcanically active regions around the globe, the shallow layers in the study area exhibit predominantly negative radial anisotropy. Our results provide an important imaging basis for the study of shallow crustal structure and deformation on Fildes Peninsula.
Integration of 2D material-based electronic devices on flexible substrates for millimeter wave applications
Authors: Lemme Max , Reato Eros , Palacios Paula , Uzlu Burkay , Baskent Eyyub , Esteki Ardeshir , Saeed Mohamed , Pasadas Francisco , Völkel Lukas , Schneider Daniel , Heuken Michael , Neumaier Daniel , Wang Zhenxing , Negra Renato 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Research on thin-film technology-based radio frequency (RF) circuits is increasing to address the demand for transparent, wireless, and wearable consumer electronics applications. Owing to their excellent electronic and mechanical properties, two-dimensional materials (2DMs) are candidates with high potential for such applications. The 2DMs graphene and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) have the highest maturity in terms of material synthesis and fabrication technology. Graphene is of interest because of its high electron and hole mobility, although the lack of a bandgap limits the current saturation and the ratio of current between the ON and the OFF-states of graphene field-effect transistors (FETs). Therefore, we chose metal-insulator-graphene (MIG) diodes with high asymmetry as RF devices and semiconducting MoS2 as the channel material for FETs. We thus combine the strengths of graphene and MoS2 by integrating MIG diodes and MoS2-FETs on 8 µm-thick polyimide substrates, complemented with high-quality passive components. The MIG diodes have asymmetries over 100 A/A and peak responsivities of approximately 20 V-1, whereas the MoS2 FETs have transconductance mobilities averaging 7 cm²/V∙s, with peaks at 17 cm²/V∙s. Furthermore, the technology was developed with standard microfabrication techniques and 2DMs grown with wafer-scalable chemical vapor deposition processes. It was verified by realizing two on-chip wideband power detectors operating up to 30 GHz. Our technology explores new applications of 2D materials in integrated RF circuits and paves the way for full-fledged integrated transceivers on flexible substrates.
Enhancing Home IoT Network Security
Authors: Kumar Vineet 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The way that devices interact and communicate has radically altered thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), which has created new opportunities for innovative applications across many industries. However, there are already serious security risks due to the quick growth of linked devices. These flaws, which frequently result in denial-of-service attacks, are usually the result of inadequate or non-existent security procedures used in the creation or setup of these products. Conventional home networks are ill-equipped to prevent user privacy from being compromised by IoT device design problems. Our research examines vital devices and related risks, emphasising the necessity of putting strict security controls in place. Moreover, our study assesses attack paths for IoT devices that span three primary realms: residential, healthcare, and commerce. To put it briefly, we find vulnerabilities at the device level, look into security threats that arise from known vulnerabilities, and implement appropriate security controls to plug holes and lessen the possibility that a threat would manifest.
Effects of Water-Sediment Regulation on spatial-temporal distribution of nutrients in the lower Yellow River
Authors: Ying Yimei , Wang Xu , Shang Meng , Cun Xinrui , Huang Ruijie , Su Caili , Han Bing , Huang Qian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The operation of the reservoirs in the Water-Sediment Regulation Scheme (WSRS) controls the inflow of water and sediment to the lower Yellow River (LYR). This scheme lead to complex effects on nutrient distribution in space and time, due to the interactions among the main river channel and its tributaries. Twelve observation points were set up from Xiaolangdi (XLD) to the Yellow River Estuary (YRE) during June to August 2023. These sites were tasked with monitoring levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) across three stages: These include the water regulation stage, the sediment regulation stage and the after-WSRS stage. The findings showed that this segment of the river is largely nitrogen enriched and phosphorus depleted, with nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) being the dominate forms. The Yiluo, Qin and Dawen rivers, as important tributaries, play a major role in modulating nutrient levels in the LYR as both sources and sinks. The nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes during the WSRS stage accounted for 15.21% and 17.33%, respectively, of the annual totals. We observed a robust linear relationship between the fluxes and relative concentrations of these nutrients. The Class II standard was not consistently met in this segment, indicating that the short term ecological effects of the WSRS required attention. At the YRE, the ratio of dissolved inorganic nitrogen to phosphorus (DIN/DIP) exceeded the Redfield ratio, and these potentially threaten the marine ecosystem. This investigation helps to better understand the ecological consequences of the WSRS on the LYR.
Identification of specific microbiota members that induce beige fat biogenesis in response to dietary cues
Authors: Honda Kenya , Tanoue Takeshi , Nagayama Manabu , Roochana Ayumi , Zimmerman Samuel , Ashenberg Orr , Jain Tanvi , Sasajima Satoshi , Takeshita Kozue , Hetherington Nicola , Okahashi Nobuyuki , Ueda Masahiro , Konishi Morichika , Nakayama Yoshiaki , Minoda Aki , Skelly Ashwin , Minokoshi Yasuhiko , Pucci Nicholas , Mende Daniel , Arita Makoto , Yamamoto Hironori , Watanabe Shunji , Miura Kouichi , Suda Wataru , Atarashi Koji , Matsushita Mami , Kajimura Shingo , Plichta Damian , Saito Masayuki , Xavier Ramnik 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Activation of brown and beige fat biogenesis promotes metabolic health in rodents and humans, but typically requires cold exposure or pharmacological activation of β-adrenergic receptors, which may pose cardiovascular risks. Dietary intervention represents a clinically viable alternative strategy to induce beige cells and thus enhance metabolic health, though the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified specific microbiota members in both mice and humans that promote browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) and ameliorate metabolic disorders in the context of a low-protein diet (LPD). Diets with low protein, regardless of fat and carbohydrate content, induced robust WAT browning to a degree comparable to that achieved by cold exposure or β-adrenergic receptor agonist administration. LPD-mediated browning was markedly diminished in germ-free (GF) mice, highlighting the essential role of the gut microbiota. Microbiota-induced browning occurred independently of the immune system and primarily through mechanisms involving increased circulating deconjugated bile acids, activation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in WAT progenitor cells, and enhanced hepatic production of FGF21. The browning defect in GF mice was rescued by transplanting microbiota from conventional mice or from brown/beige fat-positive healthy human volunteers, as determined by fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (FDG-PET). Defined bacterial consortia, comprising strains isolated from mice or FDG-PET-positive human volunteers, were sufficient to elevate plasma bile acids and hepatic FGF21 levels by modulating nitrogen metabolism, ultimately restoring browning in response to a LPD. Our findings highlight the significant impact of diet-microbiota interactions on WAT browning and suggest their therapeutic potential for managing metabolic diseases.
Identification of CDPK Gene Family in Amorphophallus konjac and AkCDPK15 Functional Analysis Under Drought Stress
Authors: Gao Penghua , Zou Ying , Yang Min , Li Lifang , Qi Ying , Guo Jianwei , Zhao Yongteng , Liu Jiani , Zhao Jianrong , huang Feiyan , Yu Lei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Konjac is an economically important crop that is often threatened by low temperatures, drought, salt, pests, and diseases, leading to reduced yield and quality. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) play crucial roles in plant growth and stress responses, yet their presence and functions in konjac remain unexplored. This study aimed to identify and analyse the CDPK gene family in the Amorphophallus konjac genome.
Results
We identified 29 CDPK genes categorised into four subgroups that unevenly distributed across 12 chromosomes. Most AkCDPK genes have undergone purifying selection during evolution. Cis-acting element analysis revealed that these genes were involved in phytohormone induction, defence, stress response, and plant development. Expression analysis indicated tissue specificity and responses to salt, drought, low temperature, and Pcc stress. Moreover, AkCDPK15 was cloned and its physicochemical properties and functions were analysed. We found that the protein encoded by AkCDPK15 is mainly localised on the cell membrane, while a small amount aggregates in the nucleus. This protein has eight potential phosphorylation sites and was found to positively promote drought tolerance by regulating the antioxidant system.
Conclusions
These findings provide a theoretical foundation for future research on the CDPK gene family’s functions in A. konjac, potentially aiding in the development of stress-resistant konjac varieties.
RETRACTED: Improving Oil Pipeline Surveillance with a Novel 3D Drone Simulation Using Dynamically Constrained Accumulative Membership Fuzzy Logicalgorithm (Dcamfl) for Crack Detection
Authors: MUHI Omar Saber , Farhan Hameed Mutlag , KURNAZ Sefer 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
A Novel Decision Support System for Generating Irrigation Ecolabels Based on the Resource Overutilization Ratio
Authors: Vélez Sergio , Martínez-Peña Raquel , Valente João , Ariza-Sentís Mar , Pardo Miguel Ángel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

As a crucial economic activity, agriculture must consider factors that impact business viability, such as environmental conditions and climate. In planning an agricultural field, particularly for woody crops, it’s crucial to recognize that plants are reliable indicators of irrigation efficiency. Unlike herbaceous crops, woody crops are typically planted with an irrigation system that remains unchanged for the duration of the life of the crop. Initially, the irrigation system is designed based on the conditions of the first year, but after several years, it is essential to reassess the design using new data, such as plant development, to evaluate whether the original setup was effective. This static approach, if uncorrected, cannot account for the developing needs of the crop, such as plant mortality, changes in soil water availability, topographical influences, and proper management by the farmer. Therefore, regular assessment and adjustment of the irrigation system are necessary to ensure long-term efficiency and sustainability. To this end, this paper introduces a novel DSS supported by two novel concepts for improving water management in these systems: the \(\:Irrigation\:Ecolabel\), based on the Resource Overutilization Ratio (\(\:ROR\)). By using the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith method to calculate the current water needs of plants through the crop coefficient (Kc) and leveraging technologies like drones to measure key factors such as canopy cover, the DSS gathers essential data. Then, it compares this information with the existing irrigation system, which, for woody crops, is often based on the original design. A new index is developed: the \(\:ROR\), which evaluates the level of excess water usage and assigns an efficiency label to the system. A case study in a vineyard in northern Spain revealed opportunities for resource savings and efficiency improvements. Implementing this labeling system could optimize resource management and reduce environmental impact. The datasets can be found in public repositories, and the software is open-source.
Healthcare-seeking behavior and associated factors for neonatal danger signs among mothers who gave birth in Asella town, Arsi zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. A community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Legese Birhanemeskel Damtew , Megersa Nega Degefa , Yesera Gesila Endashaw , Kedir Fouzan Amin , Tsegaye Mesfin Ayalew , Ayano Solomon Muleta , Kena Sintayehu Solomon 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Health-seeking behavior for neonatal danger sign encompasses any action taken by the parents who believe their baby is experiencing a health problem, with the purpose of finding an appropriate treatment. Delay in seeking healthcare has a significant impact on neonatal mortality rates. This is due to the fact that a large number of neonate’s deaths occur at home as families often fail to seek medical attention for neonatal illness. Majority of studies focusing on mothers who gave birth within the past 12 months, making recall more challenging.
Objectives To assess healthcare-seeking behavior and associated factors for neonatal danger signs among mothers who gave birth in Asella town, Arsi zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, 2023.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 – May 1, 2023. A multistage sampling method was used to select 625 study participants. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was entered using Epi Dataversion 3.1 then exported to statistical package for social sciences version 26 for further analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used for identifying the factor of healthcare-seeking behavior and the variables which have statistically significant association was identified based on p-value < 0.05, AOR with 95% CI.
Result: The finding of this study showed that 38.7% (95% CI: 34.6-42.5%)of mothers have good health care seeking behavior for neonatal danger sign. Mothers who have college and above educational level (AOR = 2.839, 95% CI: 1.173-6.87), Mothers who have good knowledge on neonatal danger sign (AOR=4.996, 95% CI: 3.343-7.468), Mothers who had antenatal care follow (AOR = 4.714, 95% CI: 2.417-9.193), were factors associated with health care seeking behavior.
Conclusion and recommendation: The health-seeking practices in the area concerning neonatal danger signs did not meet the standards established by the World Health Organization. There were significant association between healthcare seeking and factors like the education level of mothers, antenatal care follow up, and knowledge of neonatal danger signs. As a result, the study recommends targeted interventions, awareness campaigns, improved health education, enhanced antenatal care and further research.
A qualitative study of Emergency and Intensive Care Unit nurses' experience of work flow: I enjoy the “flow” at work
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Zheng Danli , Xiao Yaru , Li Ying , Huang Sufang , Xiong Jie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
To understand the work flow experience of nurses in departments of Emergency and Intensive Care Unit, and to provide a reference basis for improving the quality of nursing care and service level as well as nurses' occupational satisfaction.
Methods
Using the purposive sampling method, 22 nurses working in Emergency and Intensive Care Unit in a tertiary hospital in Wuhan City from September to November 2024 were selected as survey respondents, and three rounds of interviews were conducted.
Results
A total of three themes and nine sub-themes were extracted, including the triggering modes of work flow experience (triggering, self-regulation), the influencing factors of work flow experience (nursing skills and work experience, working relationships, and teamwork patterns), and the positive effects of work flow experience (quality of nursing care and level of service, view of career development, career satisfaction, and work-life balance).
Conclusion
Nursing managers should create a favorable work environment and develop nurses' self-regulation skills to promote the Flow experience of Emergency and Intensive Care Unit nurses at work.
Litter invertebrates display greater differences among locations than grass species in a temperate grassland
Authors: Wall Allison M. , Barton Philip S. , Schultz Nick L. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Grasslands comprise a significant portion of terrestrial ecosystems, contributing an estimated 20% of global carbon stores. Biomass is recycled in these systems by photodegradation, biotic decomposition, and through disturbances such as fire or grazing. Yet the diversity of invertebrates and their potential role in biotic decomposition remains unclear in many grasslands worldwide. To help close this knowledge gap we conducted a litter bag experiment to test for the effects of four grass species (two native and two exotic) and two mesh sizes on invertebrate assemblages surveyed at three grassland sites in southeastern Australia. We collected 7,933 invertebrates across twelve arthropod orders and found that all sites had a diverse and abundant invertebrate community that readily interacted with detached grass litter. Study site had the largest effect on invertebrate composition, with significant differences found for Acari, Poduromorpha and Thysanoptera. Grass species identity also had a small but significant effect on invertebrate composition, but there was no effect of litter bag mesh size on the invertebrates. Conservation implications: We found that both geographic and floristic factors were important drivers of variation in grassland invertebrate communities linked to decomposing litter. Further research should focus on quantifying the role of invertebrates in grass decomposition rates and nutrient cycling to improve knowledge of grassland ecology.