bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Accessibility to Maternal Health Information in Pregnancy Among Pregnant Women in Selected Primary Health Centers, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Olajide Adetunmise , Adeniyi Dorcas , Odelola Tomilola , Oyeronke Olubunmi , Ogunmodede Eunice , Olabisi Oluwaseyi , Awotunde Abisola , Odunola Ganiyat , Yetunde Oyedeji , Esan Deborah 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Maternal health information (MHI) is a cornerstone for building healthy and productive populations, particularly in developing countries where maternal and infant mortality rates remain high. The study aimed to examine the determinants of accessibility to maternal health information (MHI) in pregnancy among pregnant women in selected primary health centers, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. 137 respondents were recruited using a simple random technique. A self-structured questionnaire with a reliability index of 0.805 was used for data collection. Data analysis was done using SPSS. Descriptive statistics (frequency and table) was used to answer the research questions while inferential statistical tool (Chi-square) was used to test hypotheses.
Results
Most respondents 41(29.9%) were aged30-35years and 100(78.8%) was accessible to maternal health information. There was a significant relationship between lack of time to attend ANC (0.000), unavailability of health facilities (0.011), illiteracy (0.000), cultural beliefs (0.001), lack of transportation (0.011), fear about seeking care (0.007), dissatisfaction with the health information (0.028), cost of accessing information (0.000), distance from health facilities (0.025), lack of support from family (0.001), poor quality of care (0.035) ignorance (0.046) and accessibility to MHI.
Conclusions
It is recommended that more continuous awareness on addressing the identified determinants particularly through targeted education, health system improvements and cultural sensitivity can further accessibility to maternal health information. Further research is needed to guide policy reforms contributing to universal access to maternal health information.
Developing a novel conceptual model of how UK food and drink tax policy impacts on consumption, health, environmental and economic outcomes.
Authors: Breeze Penny , Lake Amelia , Moore Helen , Connor Natalie , Burrows Andrea , Pidd Katharine , Reynolds Christian , Wells Rebecca , Vogel Christina , Brennan Alan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background Food taxes have been proposed to encourage people to choose healthier foods and reduce diet-related disease. Rising obesity in the UK has been explained through various causal mechanisms and systems. Economic evaluation of obesity interventions would benefit from a documented understanding of system complexity. We aimed to describe the parts of the system affected (components), the causal pathways through which the effects work (mechanisms), and the individual and system-level factors that impact on food tax impacts (context).Methods We developed the conceptual model through an iterative process to develop the diagrammatic representation of the conceptual model. We first undertook a synthesis of reviews of food taxes and a rapid review of economic evaluations of food and drink taxes. The research team synthesised these results to describe mechanisms and outcomes for inclusion in the conceptual model. Secondly, the conceptual model was validated and revised according to feedback from 14 stakeholders across academia, policy, and third sector organisations.Results Our final conceptual model illustrates system components which were grouped into eight sub-systems including policy infrastructure, industry behaviour, consumer behaviour, household expenditure, nutrition outcomes, health outcomes, environmental outcomes, and macroeconomic outcomes. Food taxes will influence consumption through price changes impacting purchases of taxed food and other purchases resulting in changes to consumption. Industry may modify the effects by absorbing the tax burden, marketing and product development and reformulation. We identify health, macroeconomic and environmental outcomes linked to food, and explore complex feedback loops linking health and macroeconomic performance to household finances further modifying food purchasing. We identify individual and contextual factors that modify these mechanisms.Conclusions When developing a health economic individual simulation model of the impact food taxes, researchers should consider the mechanisms by which individuals and industry can modify the effects of food taxes, and the extent to which these actions can be anticipated. System-wide factors can be documented so that the modelled evidence can be interpreted considering these factors even if they are not explicitly modelled. The conceptual model v3.0 remains dynamic and can be updated as evidence and perspectives on the food tax policy system develop over time.
Study on Bipedal Running on Compliant Ground Using Hybrid Zero Dynamics Controller
Authors: Luo Yinnan , Arbogast Philipp , Römer Ulrich J. , Zirkel Marten , Zentner Lena , Fidlin Alexander 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This research contributes to the development of energy-efficient bipedal running gaits on compliant ground using the hybrid zero dynamics control framework, which has been predominantly applied to rigid ground in existing literature. The robot model is composed of five rigid body segments connected by four actuated revolute joints using electric motors. The periodic running gaits at a constant average velocity consist of single support and flight phases with discrete transitions between them. During the single support phase, the compliant contact between the stance foot and the ground is modeled as a nonlinear viscoelastic interaction. Feedback controllers are developed for the continuous phases to enforce holonomic virtual constraints, thereby synchronizing the joint angles with a reference trajectory on the actuated joints, resulting in reduced-order zero dynamics. A multiple shooting technique is employed to ascertain periodic solutions of the hybrid zero dynamics. The formulation of energy-efficient gaits is conceptualized as an optimization problem, wherein the parameters of the reference trajectory are optimized. The stability of the gait is evaluated a posteriori by computing the Floquet multipliers of the periodic solutions. The magnitude of these multipliers is considered as optimization constraints, enabling the generation of stable and energy-efficient running gaits on compliant ground. Comparison with rigid ground demonstrates that ground compliance does not necessarily reduce energy efficiency. In certain scenarios, the elastic properties of the ground can be harnessed to enhance overall efficiency despite the energy dissipation due to damping.
Unveiling Water Adsorption Dynamics on N and Br-Modified Anatase TiO₂ (101) Surfaces: A DFT Study
Authors: Mahmood Asad 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Understanding water adsorption on photocatalyst surfaces through DFT studies is essential for uncovering interaction mechanisms and enhancing surface reactivity. Defect modulation in oxide-based semiconductors like TiO₂ is pivotal for applications in catalysis, geophysics, and biochemistry. This study uses periodic DFT calculations to investigate water adsorption on Br- and N-doped TiO₂ (101) surfaces. The results indicate that Br and N doping enhances surface reactivity, yielding higher adsorption energy of 0.873 eV for a single water molecule compared to 0.654 eV for undoped TiO₂. An increase in the number of water molecules leads to cluster formation on the modified surface, demonstrating improved adsorption capability. Moreover, Br and N dopants facilitate water dissociation, suggesting an elevated potential for photocatalytic reactions. This study is significant as it deepens our understanding of the surface behavior of doped oxide materials, i.e., TiO2, paving the way for enhanced insights into their catalytic properties and potential applications in heterogeneous catalysis.
MGAPSO Algorithm Based Inverse Kinematics Solution for 2F2R Macro-Micro Robotic Arm
Authors: Tang Zhiguo , Li Longqi , Ji Zhiwei , Wang Dejun , Xu Jianliang , Ma Yan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The accuracy and precision of the inverse kinematics solution is the key to determine the performance of the robotic arm motion. Aiming at the Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO) algorithm’s low accuracy in solving inverse kinematics of 2-link flexible macro robotic arms with 2-link rigid micro robotic arms(2F2R macro-micro robotic arm), this paper proposes the Multiple Genetic Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (MGAPSO), which employs a hybrid inertia weight updating strategy and integrates the multiple parallel swarm search mode and the genetic mutation operation to increase the diversity of the populations and the search accuracy. In order to verify the effectiveness of MGAPSO algorithm , two sets of experiments are conducted with six test functions and 2F2R macro-micro robotic arm, respectively. Simulation results show the optimal solution accuracy of improved MGAPSO is 1.19*10-14 , which is better than other algorithms of 3.45*10-7. This paper provides a new algorithm for the inverse kinematics problem.
On the ESG principles to produce cellulose nanofibrils from coconut fiber residue
Authors: Albuquerque A. K.C. , Souza M. F. , Nicácio P. H. M. , Ferreira E. S. B. , Luna C. B. B. , Araújo E. M. , Pereira A. L. S. , Rosa M.F. , Mattos A. L. A. , Melo R. P. , Wellen R. M. R. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This work aims to integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into the use of coconut fiber residue for producing partially delignified cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), providing significant benefits across all three dimensions of sustainability. Combination of alkaline treatment with mechanical refining using a colloidal mill, to our knowledge, has not yet been reported. This study explores the relationship between process parameters and physicochemical and thermal properties of CNFs. Produced CNFs displayed FTIR spectra that indicate significant removal of lignin and hemicellulose content due to alkaline treatment. XRD data showed higher crystallinity, and thermal stability was enhanced, with carbonaceous residues ranging between 27% and 30%, as confirmed by TG analyses. The cost evaluation is also reported, based on applied methodological parameters and achieved yield. By leveraging coconut fiber residue within an ESG framework, companies can create environmentally friendly products, support social development, and adhere to strong governance principles.
Association between age at last menstrual and all-cause mortality: key mediators of lipid metabolism and physical activity
Authors: Wang Li , Li Xia , Dong Yishan , Yu Bin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective
To elucidate the association between premature ovarian failure, delayed menopause and all-cause mortality. To clarify the key influencing factors and improvement measures.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
The cross-sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2016. 2788 subjects were divided into three groups according to their age at menopause.
EXPOSURES
Cox hazards regression model was employed to examine the relationship between premature ovarian failure, delayed menopause and all-cause mortality. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) was utilized to explore potential non-linear relationships between blood lipid indexes and all-cause mortality.
MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, which were obtained from the codebook for the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) 2019 Public-Use Linked Mortality Files.
Results
The total rate all-cause mortality was 12.52%. Compared with other two groups (normal group and premature ovarian failure), the rate of women with delayed menopause were significantly increased (39.01%, p<0.001). After adjusting for multiple variables (model 3), the risk for all-cause mortality was statistically significant for women with delayed menopause (HR2.30, p<0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves also found that the survival time of women with delayed menopause was significantly shortened (p<0.001). There were the nonlinear (U-shaped) relationship was observed between cholesterol (p for nonlinearity <0.003), HDL-cholesterol (p for nonlinearity <0.022) and the risk of all-cause mortality. Moreover, parallel mediation analysis found that cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol significantly adjusted both association, with the adjustment ratio of 5.8% and 3.0% (p<0.01). Diseases of heart and malignant neoplasms were the common causes of mortality. Physical activity, including vigorous recreational activities and moderate recreational activities, could obviously prolong the survival time (HR0.23 and 0.43) and reduce the risk of all-cause mortality
Conclusions
The study emphasized the association between delayed menopause (but not premature ovarian failure) and the risk of all-cause mortality, and identified lipid metabolism as a key mediator. It also underscored the potential of physical activity as a modifiable risk factor to improve survival outcomes.
How do dodgeball holding techniques influence ball velocity and joint torque generation of the upper body segments in developmental children?
Authors: Motoyama Kiyotaka , Urita Yoshihisa , Abe Daijiro 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Children often hold a large ball with their fingers, palm, and flexed wrist when throwing arm holding (AH). The study questions were whether kinematic differences between AH and hand grasping (HG) are attributed to kinetic variables and ball velocity. Relative time series of the joint angles, joint torque generated by the upper body segments, and centrifugal force were compared between 40 AHs and 84 HGs among children aged 6–12 years old using statistical parametric mapping. Although internal rotation torque and adduction torque generated by the shoulder joint were greater for HG, the maximal ball velocity was not different between HG and AH. Wrist and elbow joint torque were not significantly different regardless of greater wrist and elbow joint flexion due to ball holding in AH. AH utilized more centrifugal force by increasing angular velocity at the latter phase of the throwing motion. Given these, choosing either AH or HG was not necessarily determined by ball graspability. Proximal joint torque with the centrifugal force at the latter phase of the throwing motion contributed to AH showing an equivalent maximal dodgeball velocity with HG in developmental children.
Creating A Realistic Sybil Attack Dataset For Inter-vehicle Communication
Authors: Guven Taner , Taysi Ziya Cihan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

A Sybil attack, in which a malicious node uses multiple identities simultaneously to deceive other participants, poses a significant threat to Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks (VANETs). Traditional solutions used in conventional networks are often ineffective in VANET due to the network's dynamic nature and the strict timing constraints of safety-critical applications. An alternative approach involves leveraging physical attributes of received messages, such as the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), for attack detection. However, research on RSSI-based Sybil attack detection in VANET is limited by a lack of realistic datasets. This work aims to bridge this gap by creating a simulation environment that accurately reflects real-world road structures, traffic flows, and environmental factors. We began by importing a region of Istanbul's historical center from OpenStreetMap. Next, we designed a traffic scenario replicating real-world density based on municipal data, incorporating packet loss due to channel capacity constraints and signal interference. We carefully calibrated the radio propagation model to accurately reflect the impacts of both surrounding landscapes and signal interference on RSSI readings. We implemented four well-known sybil attack methods with five power control options, yielding 20 distinct attack scenarios. Our dataset was rigorously validated against traffic flow, RSSI measurements, attack distribution, and packet collisions. Finally, we established a portable data format and released a sample dataset, along with our simulation environment's source, settings, and scenarios.
Multi-Trait Genetic Analysis of Asthma and Eosinophils Uncovers Novel Loci in East Asians
Authors: Chang Xiao , Zhi Lili , Jiang Yue , Yu Lu , Li Linzehao , Song Yingchao , Peng Bichen , Zhang Chumeng , Jiang Hengxuan , Li Ren , Mentch Frank , Glessner Joseph , Jia Peilin , Zheng Qiwen , Tang Hua , Hakonarson Hakon 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Asthma is a prevalent respiratory condition with over 100 genetic loci identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, the genetic basis of asthma in East Asians remains underexplored. To address this, we performed a comprehensive analysis of shared genetic mechanisms between asthma and white blood cell (WBC) traits in East Asians, aiming to identify novel pleiotropic loci. Using linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC), we identified a significant genetic correlation between asthma and eosinophil count, further supported by Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. A multi-trait analysis of GWAS (MTAG) uncovered 52 genome-wide significant loci, including 31 novel loci specific to East Asians. Notably, we discovered a missense variant (rs75326924) in the CD36 gene that exhibits increased expression in lymphocytes and ILC2-enriched cells in asthma patients, confirmed by flow cytometry. Proteomic profiling demonstrated downregulation of immune-related proteins such as Interleukin-7, Oncostatin M, and VEGFA in carriers of rs75326924, a variant previously associated with CD36 deficiency. Our findings provide insights into novel genetic loci and candidate genes underlying asthma in East Asians, offering potential targets for therapeutic interventions tailored to this population.
RNA Sequencing of Sepsis Patients Informs Tests to Quickly Diagnose Pathogens and Resistance
Authors: Monaghan Sean , Shin Jaewook , Armstead Brandon , Ayala Alfred , Cohen Maya , Fairbrother William , Levy Mitchell , Lillard Kwesi , Raggi Emanuele , Nau Gerard , Fredericks Alger 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Diagnosis of infection in patients with sepsis takes days via culture and appropriate treatment of pathogens are delayed awaiting results. A faster diagnosis of the pathogen and resistance via RNA sequencing informed PCR will improve outcomes. We hypothesize that we can use RNA sequencing from patients with sepsis to identify novel targets for future nucleic acid-based tests. This cohort study of 46 sepsis patients admitted to the ICU with samples taken on days 0, 1, 3, and 7 with follow up through the hospital stay during 2021–2022. All patients had RNA sequencing, depth of > 100 million reads, conducted on days in the ICU from a single center medical intensive care unit. Patients were admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of sepsis. Patients or surrogates were approached consecutively and those who consented were enrolled. RNA sequencing of peripheral blood was performed to identify RNA targets from pathogens. RNA sequencing data that did not map to the human genome was then aligned to resistance genes and pathogen genomes and used to design novel PCR tests. These tests were correlated with culture diagnosis and clinical outcomes. Forty-six patients (mean age 62.2, 48% female) were enrolled and samples from 87 time points were collected. These samples resulted in 8.6 billion RNA sequencing reads to identify pathogen RNA. PCR target discovery for this study focused on positive blood cultures (n = 40) due Escherichia coli (5), Staphylococcus aureus (6), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3) as well as identification of resistance genes. From these RNA sequencing reads, 40 targets were defined and tested by quantitative PCR. In cohort of patients (n = 9) the some of the proposed PCRs identified all cases of positive blood cultures (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli had no positive blood cultures in this cohort). RNA sequencing from patients with sepsis can identify RNA from pathogens causing the infection. This can be used to design PCR primers that can identify patients with positive blood cultures. Translation of these primers to clinical microbiology machines is the next step and will allow the diagnosis pathogen and resistance faster than blood culture.
Serum levels of the Parkinson’s disease-linked protein Parkin are specifically elevated in COVID-19
Authors: Gumanova Nadezhda G. , Bogdanova Natalya L. , Gorshkov Alexander Yu. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is known to cause various unfavorable effects, including neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of the present study was to assess comparative serum protein profiles specifically associated with COVID-19.
Methods: COVID-19 infection was confirmed by the detection of immunoglobulin G (IgG)-SARS antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein receptor-binding domain in serum samples collected in 2019-2021. IgG antibodies to adenovirus (IgG-AdV) were analyzed in serum samples collected in 2016-2018 prior the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Comparative protein profiling was conducted in matched serum samples with positive/negative IgG-SARS-status using the Signaling Explorer Antibody Array (SET100) that included 1358 specific antibodies in two replicates. This analysis identified Parkin as a top protein discriminating between SARS-positive and negative status. The results were validated using in-house ELISA in the serum of participants recruited in 2019- 2021. Specificity versus another viral infection was tested in the serum samples with positive/negative status of IgG-AdV antibodies.
Results: High serum levels of the Parkinson’s disease-linked protein Parkin were associated with SARS-positive status (P<0.05) but were not associated with IgG-AdV-positive-status (P>0.05).
Conclusions: Specific associations of Parkin with COVID-19 contribute to identification of the signaling pathways linked to COVID-19 effects.
Modelling Speed and Inter-Race Intervals as a Proxy for Glycogen Restoration in Racing Greyhounds
Authors: Payne Richard M 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The recovery of Greyhounds post-race has important welfare implications, primarily to avoid over-running and prevent Greyhounds with subclinical injuries from racing. Both situations could reasonably be expected to reduce performance, which may be identified by comparing the successive race performances of individual Greyhounds. The focus in this analysis was on reportedly sound Greyhounds and thus the hypothesis was that changes in performance would be due to changes in muscle glycogen stores, which may not have had time to be restored after the previous race. In order to determine whether changes in inter-race intervals affected performance, particularly where the inter-race interval was less than four days, a one-year dataset of raceform was analysed. The dataset contained 153,728 races of 9,190 reportedly sound GBGB-licenced Greyhounds and was analysed using R and MLwiN to generate a multilevel model. The results showed an undetermined effect on performance when there was only one day between races, due to lack of records in this part of the dataset, but showed unchanging performance when there were two or more days between races. As such the implication is that racing Greyhounds have fully recovered their glycogen stores by two days after a race. Performance depression after this time might suggest a subclinical injury. Expanded datasets are required to determine the effect of a one-day gap between races.