bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental Impacts of Illegal Fishing and Enforcement Responses in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Wei-Chung , Lin Jia-Bin , Hu Cheng-Yu , Shih Yi-Che 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing poses significant threats to marine ecosystems and sustainable fisheries management worldwide. As one of the world's leading fishing nations, Taiwan faces challenges addressing IUU fishing and its environmental impacts. Especially after the EU's yellow card warning was lifted. This research aims to examine the environmental impacts of IUU fishing in Taiwan, explore enforcement challenges and policy responses, and propose future directions for addressing this issue. A systematic review of literature from academic journals, government reports, and international organizations was conducted to analyze the environmental repercussions of IUU fishing in Taiwan, enforcement challenges, and circular economy initiatives. The study reveals that IUU fishing in Taiwan leads to biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and economic harm. Enforcement challenges include monitoring vast territorial waters and addressing labor abuses. Circular economy efforts, such as gear marking and buy-back programs, show promise in mitigating environmental impacts. This research concluded that effective enforcement, international collaboration, and promoting circular economy initiatives are essential for addressing IUU fishing's environmental impacts in Taiwan. Future efforts should focus on enhancing enforcement mechanisms, integrating environmental protection with labor rights, and advocating global marine conservation.
Kinetic modeling of proteolysis, tenderness, and microbial growth during beef accelerated aging by the freeze/thaw process
Authors: Ramos Johnathan de Lima , Paula Marielle Maria de Oliveira , Tanaka Marcelo Stefanini , Filho Robledo de Almeida Torres , Ramos Alcinéia de Lemos Souza , Ramos Eduardo Mendes 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aging has been the main practice used by the industry to improve beef palatability, but requiring up to 21 d of cooler storage to reach the desired tenderness. As an alternative to accelerate the aging process, both the use of the prior freeze/thaw process and high storage temperatures have been suggested. The present study aimed to develop kinetic models to evaluate the effects of freezing/thawing process and different aging temperatures (1, 7, 14 and 20°C) on vacuum-packed Nellore beef steaks. Changes on fragmentation index (FI), shear force (SF), cooking loss (CL) and total bacteria count (TBC) of raw beef during aging followed a first-order kinetic model; The reaction rate constant (k) increases with increasing aging temperature, and the activation energy (Ea) was lower in frozen/thawed samples than nonfrozen ones for FI and SF. The increase in aging temperature had a lower effect on the FI and SF of frozen/thawed samples than on the nonfrozen ones. Forzen/thawed samples required a shorter aging time than nonfrozen samples to reach the same SF. CL was affected only by aging temperature. The specific growth rate (µ) of TBC increases with increasing aging temperature, but the Ea was not affected by the freezing/thawing process. The developed kinetic models provide a deeper understanding of the mechanism of the quality changes of frozen/thawed beef during aging.
Multi-party verifiable blind quantum computation protocol with mutual authentication
Authors: Wen Jing , Wu Guang-Yang , Bai Ming-Qiang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Most existing blind quantum computation protocols involve a client and a server or multiple servers. The case of multiple clients needs to be explored as well, but it becomes less secure as more people are involved. Authentication helps to solve the problem by enabling clients and servers to verify each other’s identity. In this paper, a multi-party verifiable blind quantum computation protocol with mutual authenti-cation is proposed which consists of three phases. Firstly, we improve the method for generating keys. Based on this, a deterministic method is proposed to generate authentication keys. Then, the client and the server perform mutual authentication. Finally, the only requirement for the client is to perform the gate S to accomplish the quantum computing task. The proposed protocol can resist both insider and outsider attacks, ensuring the legitimacy of clients and servers in a quantum network. The protocol further also limits the client’s quantum power and allows the client to verify the accuracy of the calculation results.
Cost of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalisation in Brazilian Infants: A Micro-costing Study from the Perspective of a Brazilian Tertiary Public Hospital, 2020-2023
Authors: Santos Nancy Oliveira dos , Silva Solange Batista da , Kiriyama Edgard Joseph , Nunes Caroline Pimenta , Hiar Luís Felipe Batista , de Meireles Leonardo Henrique Fiuza , Pereira Francisco Neves , de Sousa Ancelmo Honorato Ferraz , Bass Lital Moro , D’Ornelas Adriana Cristina , Pitoli Carla Souza Behr , Alexandre Rodrigo Fernandes , Almeida Paulo Henrique Ribeiro Fernandes , Flora Ana Paula , Pachito Daniela Vianna , Vernal Sebastian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of hospitalisation for respiratory diseases among young children. Costing studies are essential for planning prevention strategies. Additional costing studies in middle-income countries (MIC) are still needed to understand the impact of hospitalisations given the high economic burden of RSV in these countries. We aimed to identify and quantify the resources required and associated costs of paediatric RSV hospitalisations at a tertiary hospital in a MIC.
Methods. A retrospective micro-costing study of RSV-related hospitalisations among children under the age of one year, from January 2020 to November 2023, was conducted at a tertiary public hospital in Brazil. Only cases of RSV isolated on molecular respiratory panel tests were eligible for inclusion. The study used direct and indirect expenses to calculate the average cost (AC) per hospitalisation, AC per hospital day, and the total financial impact of RSV-related hospitalisations using the absorption model. The analysis was clustered by age group and the necessity of intensive care admission. Financial data is presented in Brazilian reais(BRL) and United States dollars using purchasing power parity (USD-PPP).
Results. After excluding 1,354 positive tests (i.e., individuals aged one year or older), we included 231 hospital admissions. Of these, 83.1% required intensive care support. The AC per hospitalisation was BRL$29,285.47 (USD-PPP$12,051.63), with an average length of stay of 8.51 days, equivalent to BRL$3,801.00 (USD-PPP$1,564.19) AC cost per day. A total of 1,965 hospital days were counted, resulting in the financial impact at BRL$6.76 million (USD-PPP$2.78 million) due to RSV-related hospitalisations of infants in the study period. Hospitalisation episodes with intensive care unit admission were significantly more expensive, with the higher costs concentrated in the younger group (<2 months old).
Conclusions. RSV-related hospitalisations impose a significant economic burden on this Brazilian tertiary public hospital, mainly related to bed cost per day and intensive care needs in young infants. These findings highlight the need for cost-effective RSV management and prevention strategies in Brazil.
Effects of an exercise intervention (Tai Chi) on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in a mHealth model
Authors: Fang Jing-Xian , Chen Xi-Shuang , Han Yue-Xia , Han Yu , Huang Fang , Zou Hui-Ming , Gu Qing , Hu Xue , Ma Qian-Wen , Liu Hui-Zhen , Meng Jian , Wang Sui-Jun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: E-health interventions can promote physical activity among adults in the short term, but there is still a lack of evidence on long-term effects.We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness as well as the sustainability of the intervention. Our primary aim of this exercise intervention was to improve overall health-related quality of life （HRQoL）, and our secondary aims were to improve nerve conduction indices and glycemia.
Material & methods: The study design was a parallel randomized controlled trial. The participants were randomly paired and assigned to control and intervention groups (each consisting of 50 members).
Patients assigned to the intervention group received online instruction in Tai Chi exercises three times a week for three months under the guidance of a physical therapist. The intervention group was asked to use the Tencent conference application, which provided online video instruction on Tai Chi exercises. Participants in the control group received a written Tai Chi exercise program and recommendations on a sheet of paper. The primary outcome was a Change in HRQoL in the intervention group over 6 months as measured by the PCS index score. Secondary outcomes included changes in SF-36v2, NRS, PSQI, motor nerve conduction index, blood glucose, and biochemical indices.
Results: When comparing the primary outcomes at 6 months, we found that there was a significant difference in PCS scores (mean difference 4.33 [95% CI 2.03,5.87]; p = 0.01).
Conclusion: Web-based exercise therapy for patients may help improve exercise therapy's effectiveness in treating DPN. In this exploratory study, the exercise group consistently trended better than the conventional group for most endpoints.
Gut microbiota, circulating inflammatory proteins, and cirrhosis: a multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Qifan , Lv Hao , Yang Han , Guo Yuxin , Dong Sifan , An Shiqi , Wang Chufeng , Jiang An 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The liver-gut axis is the focal point of cirrhosis research, suggesting a close association between the gut microbiota (GM) and cirrhosis. Previous studies have shown a significant correlation between cirrhosis and changes in gut microbial composition. There was a significant correlation between the severity of cirrhosis compared to healthy individuals, the displacement of specific GM, and the number of invading microorganisms. However, the causal relationship between GM and cirrhosis and whether inflammatory proteins play a mediating role remain unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the specificity of specific GMs associated with cirrhosis and their underlying inflammatory mechanisms for subsequent risk prediction, treatment, and prognosis of patients with cirrhosis.
Methods
We identified genetic variants closely associated with GM, circulating inflammatory proteins, and cirrhosis from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary data and explored the causal relationship between the three and whether circulating inflammatory proteins mediate the GM-to-cirrhosis pathway using multivariate Mendelian randomization. This study used the inverse variance weighting (IVW) method and MR-Egger as the primary methods, supplemented by the weighted median estimator (WME), the Weighted model, and the Simple model.
Results
There were four positive and three negative results between GM and cirrhosis and five positive and five negative results between circulating inflammatory proteins and cirrhosis. In addition, Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 12 (TNFSF12) may mediate the Genus Ruminococcus torques-cirrhosis pathway.
Prevalence of Malaria and Associated Factors among Febrile Children Under 15 Years at Bududa General Hospital, Eastern Uganda
Authors: Okongo Benson , Asiimwe Daisy , Olong Clinton , Muwanguzi Enoch , Wagubi Robert 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
A considerable number of malaria-related deaths occur in Africa, with Uganda being one of the endemic nations where malaria continues to pose a public health challenge. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria and its associated factors among febrile children under 15 years of age at Bududa General Hospital, Eastern Uganda.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2023. Informed consent was obtained from parents/guardians before 250 febrile children below 15 years were enrolled in this study. A structured questionnaire was administered to parents/guardians to collect sociodemographic characteristics and identify factors associated with malaria. Venous blood samples were collected from the children and screened for the presence of malaria parasitaemia using via blood smear microscopy. The data collected were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and analysed using STATA version 14. Logistic regression models were developed to determine the factors associated with malaria, and we considered ≤ 0.05 as the level of significance.
Results
Out of the 250 study participants, the overall prevalence of malaria was 111(44.4%). Among the children who tested positive for malaria, 98 (88.3%) had Plasmodium falciparum, 11 (9.9%) had Plasmodium malariae, and (1.8%) had Plasmodium ovale infection. The mean parasite count was 21,951 parasites/µL of blood. The prevalence rates of mild, moderate, and severe malaria parasitaemia were 46.8%, 28.0%, and 25.2%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the factors associated with malaria infections were older age; 1 to 5 years (p = 0.013), 6 to 10 years (p = 0.000), 11 to 15 years (p = 0.000), secondary education level of parent/guardian (p = 0.050), and no use of insecticide-treated bed nets (p = 0.002).
Conclusion
The prevalence of malaria among febrile children in this study was high, with nearly half of the participants showing severe infections. Health education on the correct use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets should be prioritized to help control malaria.
Analysing Changes in Rainfall Dynamics: Onset and Precipitation Probability in Tanzania
Authors: Magang Dawido , Lou Yunsheng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the changes in rainfall dynamics in Tanzania, focusing specifically on the onset and precipitation probability of rainy seasons. The research stems from growing concerns about climate variability in East Africa, which has significant implications for agriculture, water resources, and food security. Despite Tanzania's heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture, there is a lack of understanding regarding how rainfall patterns are shifting, impacting both local farmers and national policies. Utilizing time series analysis and the Instat Climatic tool for the assessment of rainfall onset dates, Mann-Kendall (MK) test, Sen’s slope estimator (Q2) for onset dates trend analysis and Markov chain model for precipitation probability, we analysed historical rainfall data from 27 weather stations (regions) across Tanzania. Our findings indicate a noticeable shift in the onset of the rainy seasons, with variability in the trends of rainfall onset across different regions. Furthermore, a consistent pattern wherein southern and central regions tend to witness prolonged waiting times for the start of the rainy season and increase in the probability of rain following a rainy day (rr), while the probability following a dry day (rd) remains relatively stable. These results highlight critical adaptations necessary for agriculture and water management strategies in Tanzania. Late rainfall onset could hinder crop growth, particularly for maize and other staple foods, leading to potential food shortages and economic instability if no adaptive measures are implemented. The findings underscore the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to develop robust frameworks that integrate climatic forecasts into agricultural planning. Understanding the shifting dynamics of rainfall is essential not only for Tanzania but also for other regions facing similar climate challenges, emphasizing the interconnectedness of climate change impacts on food systems and livelihoods around the world.
A Comparative Case Report: Supplementation of Emollients Alone Versus Emollients Combined with Warm Perineal Compression to Reduce the Risk of Perineal Tears in Primiparous Women
Authors: Yehia Hana , Hassan Ahmed , Ahmed Yahia , Sherif Mohamed , Osman Dina , Elgezeri Hagar A. , Rakha Abdelrhman , Khaled Ahmed 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Perineal tears affect, on average, 80% of women who undergo vaginal delivery, with primiparous women being more commonly affected than multiparous women. Third- and fourth-degree tears result in obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASISs), which constitute the largest obstetric risk factor for the development of anal incontinence. As a result, several interventions have been suggested to reduce the risk of perineal tears during labor.
Case Summary
This case report presents and compares two primigravid women who underwent different interventions during childbirth. One patient was treated solely with emollients, specifically glycerin, whereas the other received a combination of emollients and warm compresses. The primary aim was to evaluate the effect of each intervention on perineal integrity. The outcomes of perineal tears in both patients were assessed, along with the observed effects of the interventions.
This report discusses the potential benefits of combining warm compresses with emollients during the second stage of labor to reduce the risk of perineal trauma. These findings suggest that the addition of warm compresses to emollient applications may help improve perineal outcomes, providing a practical strategy for reducing perineal tears in vaginal deliveries.
Conclusion
The findings from this case report support the use of a combination of warm compresses and emollients during the second stage of labor as an effective strategy for reducing perineal trauma, and indicate that this combination is superior to the use of glycerine alone.
Prediction of Eigen-frequency Responses of FGM - Sandwich Structure by FEM
Authors: Namdeo Shivank , Satankar Rajesh Kumar 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In the current study, first-order shear deformation theory is presented for the investigation of the sandwich structure with the FGM face sheet. The equivalent properties of the graded face of the structure are estimated via the rule of mixture technique. The eigen frequency equation obtained via variational method subsequent isoperimetric displacement with finite element technique. The convergence criteria and validation test of the adopted simulation method have been measured by solving the adequate number of numerical examples. The desired frequency responses are obtained under the influence of various structural parameters core to face thickness ratio, aspect ratio, side-thickness ratio, and end constraints condition.
A Systematic Review of the Long-Term Efficacy of Physical Activity Interventions in Reducing Risk Factors for Obesity in Adults
Authors: Ominyi Jude 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Regular physical activity (PA) provides numerous health advantages, including lowering mortality rates and preventing obesity. Despite well-established guidelines advising 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic PA weekly, sedentary lifestyles remain prevalent, especially in industrialised nations. This systematic review examines the long-term effectiveness (12–24 months) of PA interventions aimed at reducing obesity risk among adults, with a particular focus on identifying strategies that promote sustained adherence. A comprehensive literature search was performed using multiple databases, including Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase, focusing on studies published between January 2004 and January 2024. The inclusion criteria focused on randomised controlled trials and similar designs targeting healthy adults, with interventions promoting sustained PA. Primary outcomes assessed were long-term PA adherence, reductions in obesity rates, and improvements in physical and metabolic health. Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria, covering a range of intervention strategies. Most interventions featured structured PA programmes, often with personalised components and ongoing support. Several high-quality studies demonstrated long-term PA adherence, increased weekly energy expenditure, and improvements in fitness. However, adherence rates varied, with participants meeting recommended PA levels ranging from 4.6–81%. The meta-analysis showed a small to moderate positive effect of PA interventions on outcomes like PA levels and weight loss, with an effect size of 0.37 (CI: 0.25–0.50). The results highlight the need for tailored, culturally sensitive interventions, particularly for vulnerable populations. Long-term PA adherence is stronger in older adults than middle-aged ones, but the sustainability of these effects remains unclear, warranting further research
The Impact of Youth Leadership Program on Perceived Employability Skills: Evidence from Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Adilah Hisa  , Fadzliwati Mohiddin  , Heru Susanto  
Published: October 2024

Youth leadership programs foster skills development in youth which are pivotal for gaining successful careers and being more employable throughout their career. Given the concerning youth unemployment issues in Brunei, the study aims to highlight the importance of youth leadership programs and examine their influence on perceived employability skills. By utilising structural equation modelling to analyse the survey data gathered from 229 samples of participants from youth leadership programs, it was revealed that the impact of learning involving skills-based and attitudinal outcomes has significant positive relationships with perceived employability skills. The results further confirmed the role of behavioural outcomes as a mediating variable in the relationship between learning and perceived employability skills. Findings from this study can be valuable for program designers, practitioners, and stakeholders in contributing to the process of structuring and making ongoing improvements to these programs to align with the essential employability skills. It also offers youth the foundation to be employable in the 21st-century job market, by highlighting the importance of youth leadership programs as a channel through which youth acquire desirable capabilities necessary for attaining a set of attributes that reflect the employability skills sought by employees in the current competitive job market. Therefore, the study can be a starting point in moving forward to mitigate the unemployment issues in Brunei through improving programs to meet the demand of employers concerning employability skills. The study provides notable contributions to the existing body of literature on youth leadership development in Brunei as well as contributing to a few other studies in the Asian region to demonstrate the impact of youth leadership programs on employability skills perceptions.