bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Neck Pain and Low Back Pain Among College Students in Nigeria
Authors: Olawale Samuel , Olajide Tobi , Oyedokun Abigail , Fatola Ayomide , Odimayo Deborah , Okojie Eghonghon , Ogunde Gabriel , Oluwalana Similoluwa , Adeolu Augustine 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Neck and back pain are common among healthcare students because they are exposed to prolonged hours of standing, inappropriate body posture while sitting, increased screen time- that is time spent on electronic gadgets, and decreased physical activities, all of which have adverse effects.The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of neck pain and low back pain among the college of medicine students in Ibadan, Nigeria, also assessing the risk factors for the development of these musculoskeletal pains.
Materials and Methods
A minimum number of 420 students, studying Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, and Physiotherapy, and who were in their clinical level in their respective course of study in the College of Medicine, the University of Ibadan, Ibadan participated in the study. Participants were recruited for the study by Stratified sampling method and data were collected through self-administered standardised online questionnaires.
Data Analysis
The data were subjected to descriptive statistics and the responses were compared across demographic groups. The association between the sociodemographic variables, risk factors, disability scores, and coping mechanisms was assessed. Also, correlation coefficient was performed to test for association between coping strategies, pain score, disability score and depressive symptoms using Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. The confidence level was set at 0.05.
Results
Four hundred and twenty students were recruited for the study. The lifetime prevalence of neck and back pain was 74.5% and 76.6%, 12-month prevalence of 60.8% and 66.1%, and point prevalence of 15.1% and 18.7% respectively. The associated risk factors found were: sitting without back support (p= 0.06), prolonged study time (p= 0.43), using the computer (p= 0.08), use of smart phones (p= 0.01), posture assumed during lectures (p= 0.4), posture assumed during practicals (p= 0.36), prolonged sitting (p= 0.49), prolonged standing (p= 0.07), carrying heavy backpacks (p= 0.69), engaging in physical activities (0.9) and waking up to low back pain (0.04).
Conclusion
The prevalence of neck and low back pain among healthcare students is high and affects their everyday life.
Single-turnover kinetic analysis of non-LTR retrotransposition defines
the mechanism and rate constants governing each step
Authors: Johnson Kenneth , Dangerfield Tyler , Zhou Jun , Eickbush Thomas 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Site specific retrotransposon-mediated gene therapy has the potential to revolutionize medicine by allowing insertion of large gene cargos. Despite decades of effort, the reaction sequence remains to be fully elucidated limiting the ability to engineer improved activity for gene insertion. Here we provide a kinetic/mechanistic framework for R2 non-LTR retrotransposition. Single turnover measurements and global data fitting defined the rate constants for each step in the pathway involving 1st -strand DNA cleavage to provide a DNA primer, reverse transcription to copy the RNA, 2nd -strand DNA cleavage to provide the second primer, and 2nd -strand synthesis to make duplex cDNA. Sequence analysis of the cDNA confirms accurate replication of the 1400 nt RNA used in this study. This represents the only complete analysis of the reaction sequence and first observation of 2nd -strand synthesis in vitro. We provide a kinetic framework to understand non-LTR retrotransposition, which provide a basis to engineer improved activity.
Prediction of global ionospheric TEC data based on deep learning methods
Authors: LIU CHENRAN , ZHOU JINXIANG 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

As the core component of the near-earth space environment, the accurate observation of the TEC (total electron content) is of great significance for understanding its spatial and temporal changes. Therefore, the modeling and prediction of the ionosphere TEC is particularly important. In view of the periodic variation nature of ionosphere TEC, this study used long and short-term memory network (LSTM) and Transformer neural network to predict ionosphere TEC in 2014 and 2017. The prediction results were comprehensively evaluated by RMSE (root mean square error) and MAE (mean absolute error), and the difference of RMSE in different latitudes was analyzed in depth. The results showed that RMSE was generally higher than that in higher latitudes. In addition, by comparing the performance of LSTM and Transformer neural networks in single-step and multi-step prediction, LSTM network is more advantageous in the ionosphere TEC data prediction, especially for single-step prediction.
Molecular dynamic simulation of Cyclophilin A in complex with Sanglifehrin A
Authors: Nabavi Seyed Pooria Tadayon , Askari Fatemeh Sana , Askari Parnia , Mohebbi Alireza 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Context
Cyclophilin A (CypA) is a peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase involved in various critical cellular processes, including protein folding, trafficking, and immunomodulation. Its role in the pathogenesis of several human diseases, including viral infections, cancer, and inflammatory conditions, makes it a significant target for therapeutic intervention. This study aims to elucidate the structural and dynamic changes in CypA upon binding with its potent inhibitor, SangfA, using molecular dynamic simulations (MDS). The potential impact of these findings on our understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutic strategies is highly anticipated.
Methods
MDS was conducted using GROMACS 5.1.4 to explore the interaction between CypA and SangfA. The crystallographic structure of CypA (PDB ID: 1BCK) was obtained from The Protein Data Bank and prepared using UCSF Chimera 1.10.2. The structures of known CypA inhibitors were sourced from PubChem. Docking studies were performed using Autodock Vina, and the grid box coordinates were set with Autodock Tools 1.5.6. The MDS involved solvating the CypA-SangfA complex in a simple point-charge water box under periodic boundary conditions. The system was neutralized, followed by steepest descent energy minimization and equilibration. A 100 ns MD simulation was conducted to evaluate the system's stability. The built-in tools in GROMACS were utilized to analyze Root Mean Square Fluctuation (RMSF), Radius of Gyration (Rg), hydrogen bonding, and Solvent Accessible Surface Area (SASA). The Linear Interaction Energy (LIE) method was utilized to estimate binding free energy, and principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to detect significant conformational alterations. All simulations were executed on a Core i7 system with an NVidia GeForce GPU.
Precession driven low-latitude terrestrial precipitation paced by shifting perihelion
Authors: Yang Hu , Shi Xiaoxu , Wang Xulong , Liu Qingsong , Zhong Yi , Liu Xiaodong , Sun Youbin , Cai Yanjun , Liu Fei , Lohmann Gerrit , Werner Martin , Jian Zhimin , Pinho Tain˜a M. L. , Cheng Hai , Lu Lijuan , Liu Jiping , Yang Chao-Yuan , Hu Yongyun , Cheng Xing , Zhang Jingyu ,   Dake Chen1
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Paleoclimate proxies reveal a significant precessional impact on the low-latitude hydrological cycle. Classical theory suggests that precession modulates the inter-hemisphere summer insolation difference, and hence controls the meridional displacement of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone. Accordingly, the low-latitude precipitation changes are expected to be in-phase (for the Northern Hemisphere) or anti-phase (for the Southern Hemisphere) with the Northern Hemisphere summer insolation. However, increasing number of absolutely dated proxies reveal that variations in land precipitation at different low-latitudes follow distinct precession rhythms that are very often not paced by the hemispheric summer insolation. The mechanism underlying such spatial complexity remains elusive. In this study, we argued that the precession driven low-latitude land precipitation is paced by shifting perihelion, rather than the hemispheric summer insolation. More specifically, precession of the Earth’s rotation axis alters the season and latitude of perihelion. When perihelion occurs, solar radiation reaches its maximum value, thermodynamically moving the tropical convergence zone from ocean to land, contributing to enhancing the precipitation over land. As perihelion occurs towards different latitudes and seasons at different precessional phases, this leads asynchronous land precipitation maxima at different latitudes. Our hypothesis, supported by both model simulations and geologic records, suggests that the insolation in individual seasons is equally important in shaping the orbital scale climate changes at low-latitude. This provides new insight on the Milankovitch theory which highlights the role of summer isolation in driving the astronomical climate change.
Context-Dependent Modulations of Spatial Attention: A Simulated Driving Task
Authors: Britt Noah , Chau Jackie , Sun Hong-jin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Human attention can be guided by semantic information of individual objects in the environment (e.g., traffic light). In the current study, we reported a novel phenomenon in which certain behavioural contexts could determine whether guidance of attention occurs. Using a driving simulator, we simulated a real-world driving task representing an over-learned behaviour. A peripheral cue-target paradigm was implemented where a roadside pedestrian avatar (target) appeared following a cylinder cue. Results revealed that, during simulated driving, participants (all with driver’s licenses) showed increased attentional facilitation when pedestrians were oriented toward the road compared to away. This orientation-specific selectivity was not seen if the 3-D context was removed, or the same visual scene was presented but participants’ viewpoint remained stationary, or an inanimate object served as a target during simulated driving. This context-specific attention modulation likely reflects drivers’ expertise in automaticallyattending to behaviourally relevant information in a context-dependent manner.
Perceptions and Attitudes of College Students on Proposed Divorce Legislation in the Philippines
Authors: Ingles Antonio Levy S. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study examines college students' perceptions of the proposed civil divorce legislation in the Philippines. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative data from Likert scale surveys and CSAT questionnaires. Out of 148 distributed questionnaires, 72 were analyzed, capturing student attitudes from four sections of the 'Marriage and Family Life' course at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde during the third term of 2023–2024. Results show a generally positive perception of the legislation, with support for its alignment with societal expectations (OGM: 3.67; CSAT: 63.2%) and effectiveness in addressing issues like marital distress (OGM: 3.67; CSAT: 56.9%). However, moderate satisfaction and neutrality were noted regarding the legislative process and support systems. Recommendations include improving transparency, stakeholder engagement, and support services to enhance overall acceptance.
A new method for calculating the food self-sufficiency ratio: Supply-side food self-sufficiency ratio
Authors: Takahashi Goro 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The conventional formula for calculating food self-sufficiency cannot cover all the food we eat on a daily basis and cannot calculate the food self-sufficiency ratios (FSSR) of each country. The conventional food self-sufficiency ratio (CFSSR) can only calculate the FSSRs of each country for grains. To determine the actual state of food insecurity worldwide as accurately as possible, a method for calculating the FSSR of each country for all the food we eat on a daily basis is needed. To address this situation, this study proposes the supply-side food self-sufficiency ratio (SSFSSR), which can systematically calculate the self-sufficiency ratio of all foods in all countries/regions.
Results
We compared the results of both calculations under the same conditions and used the same data to determine whether the CFSSR or the SSFSSR is a more suitable method for obtaining basic information and formulating measures of global food security. The results showed that the SSFSSR has advantages and practicality over the CFSSR. The SSFSSR can calculate self-sufficiency ratios for all foods in all countries/regions of the world, and the figures for various statistical tests are better. The food that is the subject of the calculation in the SSFSSR formula is the entire supply from production, distribution, storage, and consumption, excluding duplication in the calculation, and includes primary products required to produce secondary products, such as livestock products and edible oils. The study also highlighted the value of reducing the amount of primary products used to produce secondary products such as livestock and edible oils, thereby lowering the primary product conversion rate (PPCR).
Conclusion
This study used actual data to estimate the SSFSSR for each country/region to demonstrate the applicability of this method and that lowering the PPCR would lead to an increase in food self-sufficiency ratio. To further refine this methodology, we find that the most important tasks for the future are to collect more reliable data on calories per weight for a large number of foods, expand the number of types covered by more reliable PPCRs, and analyze those data.
Investing in Green: Foreign Direct Investment Fingerprint on Nigeria's Renewable Energy and Carbon Footprint
Authors: Adebayo Temitope 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study examines the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on green growth in Nigeria, focusing on renewable energy usage and carbon footprint. Using annual data from 1990 to 2022, the research employs a Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model to analyze the relationship between FDI and various indicators of green growth. The results indicate that FDI has a positive impact on green growth in Nigeria, both in the short and long term. Environmental policy stringency also shows a positive relationship with green growth, while carbon dioxide emissions demonstrate a negative correlation. The study finds that the relationship between FDI and green growth is non-linear, highlighting the importance of considering both the magnitude and direction of FDI inflows. The findings support the Porter Hypothesis, suggesting that well-designed environmental policies can stimulate innovation and competitiveness. Based on these results, the study recommends prioritizing policies to attract FDI in green sectors, enhancing environmental regulations, improving regulatory quality, implementing carbon pricing systems, and developing green finance initiatives. These strategies aim to maximize the positive impacts of FDI on green growth while mitigating potential negative environmental effects, positioning Nigeria as a leader in sustainable economic development in Africa.
Experimental Investigation of condensation heat transfer co-efficient by surface modification on a monolithic Aluminium heat sink
Authors: N Lohith , B Bhaskar H , S Manu , S Yogendrakumar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the enhancement of condensation heat transfer (CHT) through surface modifications applied to a monolithic aluminum heat sink. Condensation heat transfer plays a crucial role in various industries, including power generation, refrigeration, and HVAC systems, with its efficiency heavily influenced by the surface properties of heat exchanger materials. In this research, different surface modification techniques such as surface roughening, coating, and texturing were applied to an aluminum heat sink with the goal of increasing the condensation heat transfer coefficient. The modifications aimed to improve the surface wettability and promote dropwise condensation, which is notably more efficient than filmwise condensation. The experiments were performed under controlled conditions with the heat sink exposed to a saturated vapor environment. Precise thermal sensors and data acquisition systems were used to measure the condensation heat transfer coefficient, and the results were compared to those of an unmodified aluminum surface. The findings revealed a substantial improvement in the condensation heat transfer coefficient for the modified surfaces, with some treatments achieving up to a 40% increase over the unmodified baseline. These results indicate that surface modifications on aluminum heat sinks can significantly enhance the performance of heat exchangers in condensation-based systems. This study advances the understanding of how surface properties influence condensation heat transfer and provides valuable insights for the development of more efficient thermal management systems. Future work is suggested to further optimize these surface modification techniques and assess their effectiveness on other materials and in different industrial contexts.
Production of African Swine Fever Virus p54 ectodomain and p30 in an E. coli system and their potential application in immunodetection
Authors: Meksiriporn Bunyarit , Ounjai Puey , Kaeoket Kampon , Phakham Tanapati , Saelao Pijitra , Wongtangprasert Tossapon , Pisitkun Trairak , Ngamwongsatit Natharin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

African swine fever (ASF) is a lethally infectious viral disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), leading to a high mortality of almost 100% in domestic pigs worldwide. ASFV has significantly impacted the global swine industry and food security. Highly effective vaccines are in high demand; however, no current vaccines provide effective immunity against ASFV. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop reliable immunodetection assays to prevent the spread of ASFV. Traditionally, ASFV antigens are produced using mammalian expression systems, which are labor-intensive, costly, time-consuming, and challenging to scale up. In this study, two ASFV structural proteins associated with viral infection, p30 and the p54 ectodomain from genotype II ASFV, were recombinantly expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3). The results demonstrated that recombinant p54 ectodomain and p30 were highly expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) using the pET28a system. Both recombinant p54 ectodomain and p30 were then validated for their ability to serve as antigens to detect anti-ASFV antibodies in an indirect ELISA platform. The p54 ectodomain/p30-based indirect ELISA was validated using serum from ASFV-infected pigs and serum from ASFV-uninfected pigs. Both p54 ectodomain and p30 demonstrated binding ability in the serum from ASFV-infected pigs, while no binding was observed in the serum from ASFV-uninfected pigs. Collectively, our recombinant p30 and p54 ectodomain were successfully expressed in E. coli and can be used as antigens to develop an indirect ELISA-based detection assay for anti-ASFV antibodies.
Effects of Pasture-burning Management on Anuran Communities in Subtropical Brazilian Grasslands
Authors: Cansan Guilherme , Moser Camila Fernanda , de Oliveira Juliano Morales , Tozetti Alexandro Marques 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Anthropogenic fire is a worldwide event that affects many ecosystems and organisms. In Southern Brazil, grassland management with fire has been highly employed since the mid-18th century. Although the practice is regulated by federal law (prescribed fire), there is no detailed information about the impacts of this practice on the small, non-volant fauna. We evaluated the effect of fire management on anuran species richness and community composition in Brazilian grassland areas that have adopted this practice for more than 15 years. Our results show that burning practices lead to a reduction of anuran richness. About 37% of the species occur exclusively in sites free of fire. Sites with fire management have low densities of taller grass and shrubs, which could reduce habitat availability for some anuran species. Nestedness and turnover components of beta diversity did not differ within and between treatments, but there was a tendency for a nestedness organization of the community in burned sites, suggesting that sites with fire management are a subsample of sites where fire is absent. Our results pointed out that prescribed fire practices have potentially negative effects on the anuran diversity. These results suggest that the changes in vegetation, in particular percentages of shrub cover, affect habitat suitability for some species. As a consequence, anuran communities tend to become less diverse and lack arboreal species where fire occurs.
Nutrient removal from secondary wastewater effluent by adsorption with hydrotalcite: effect of calcination temperature and co-existing ions
Authors: Díaz Oliver , González Enrique , Rodríguez-Sevilla Juan , Vera Luisa 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Hydrotalcites have been investigated as adsorption systems for water treatment. However, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding studies analyzing their simultaneous removal of ammonium and phosphate pollutants. This work presents an analysis of the ammonium and phosphate adsorption process in real wastewater by commercial hydrotalcite calcined at different temperatures. In addition, an analysis of the effect of co-ions in the medium is performed, studying synergies and interferences between them. Optimal nutrient adsorption is achieved by calcining the adsorbent at 550 °C, facilitating a crystalline restructuring. During adsorbent hydration, the chemical memory effect allows phosphate to be incorporated into the interlamellar space, while ammonium is adsorbed mainly by electrostatic attraction when the zero-charge point is exceeded. The alkaline nature of water decreases adsorption capacities due to interference with the adsorbent's crystalline reestablishment process and a buffer effect. The latter effect favors the loss of magnesium from the adsorbent, which results in a lower phosphate adsorption capacity. By contrast, calcium in the medium improves phosphate adsorption but inhibits ammonium adsorption. In real wastewater, the removal performance of phosphate and ammonium reached 90 and 50%, respectively, with standardized doses of 150 mgads/mg PO43− and 80 mgads/mg N-NH4+.