bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental Factors Influencing the Sightings of Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus, Smith 1828): The Case Study in Kilindoni Bay, Mafia District, Tanzania
Authors: Swai Edna , Alavaisha Edmond 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus, Smith 1828) is among the largest fish that tends to swim at the surface in aggregation. Several locations in are known habitats for whale sharks. However, there is still a need to understand the environmental factors that influence their occurrences and sighting. This paper investigated the environmental factors essential to whale sharks' s in Kilindoni bay, Mafia. Data were collected through observations supplemented with secondary historical data sets from 2012 to 2019, including whale shark sightings and environmental variables. These datasets were obtained from the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) and the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI). The Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was used to analyse 510 whale shark sighting records from October to February (2012–2019). The variables involved were sea surface temperature, zooplankton abundance, moon illumination, and weather conditions. Results revealed that weather conditions (χ2 = 10.626, df = 4, p = 0.031), zooplankton abundance (χ2 = 206.580, df = 2, p = 0.001), and moon illumination (χ2 = 7.464, df = 1, p = 0.006) are significant factors influencing the sighting of whale sharks. Sea Surface Temperature (χ2 = 0.951, df = 1, p = 0.329) was not a significant factor in the sighting of whale sharks. Generally, weather conditions, moon illumination, and zooplankton abundance were vital factors for the Mafia's distribution of whale sharks. The study recommends sustained, regular monitoring of environmental variables linked to whale sharks, reinforcing the implementation of a code of conduct for whale shark sighting, and advocating for an integrated management approach inclusive of all local stakeholders.
The effectiveness of the health promoting school intervention model in reducing overweight and obesity among school children in indonesia: a mixed-methods protocol study
Authors: Rosdiana Rosdiana , Sudargo Toto , Haryanti Fitri 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern in Indonesia, with potential long-term health consequences. Despite various interventions, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-aged children continues to rise. This study aims to develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school-based intervention to reduce overweight and obesity in Indonesian school children through improved health literacy, nutrition education, and physical activity promotion.
Methods: This mixed-methods study will employ a three-phase design: pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention. The study will be conducted in three districts of South Sulawesi, Indonesia: Makassar, Gowa, and Maros. The intervention, based on Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, will include capacity building for teachers, canteen workers, and school principals; implementation of health promoting schools; and parental engagement. Quantitative data will be collected through anthropometric measurements, questionnaires assessing knowledge, self-efficacy, and health literacy. Qualitative data will be gathered through focus group discussions with key stakeholders. The effectiveness of the intervention will be evaluated using various statistical analyses, including ANOVA, t-tests, and ANCOVA, while qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis.
Results: We anticipate that this intervention will lead to significant reductions in BMI, improvements in health literacy, increased knowledge about nutrition and physical activity, and enhanced self-efficacy among participating school children.
Conclusion: By integrating nutrition education, physical activity promotion, and the Health Promoting School model, this research aims to provide valuable insights for developing effective strategies to combat childhood obesity. The findings are expected to inform health and education policies in Indonesia and contribute to the global effort in addressing childhood obesity.
Trial registration : Current Controlled Trial NCT06601348
Conversion Therapy Strategy: A Novel GPC3-Targeted Multimodal Organic Phototheranostics Platform for Mid-late-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Fan , Kuang Xin , Deng Sanlin , Qi Shuo , Xiong Jian , Zhao Bibo , Li Chuanfu , Tan Senyou , Kang Qiang , Xiao Hao , Tan Xiaofeng , Wu Gui-long , Chen Guodong , Yang Qinglai 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is typically diagnosed at an intermediate to advanced stage, making surgical treatment unfeasible. Conversion therapy aims to reduce tumor stage, improve hepatic resection feasibility, and lower recurrence rates. Since traditional therapies are often accompanied by uncertainty of efficacy, there is an urgent need to explore new treatment strategies. Near-infrared phototheranostics technology provides a new way for HCC diagnosis and treatment by its excellent optical properties. However, complex preparation and poor biocompatibility of phototheranostics probes limit clinical application. In this study, we developed a fluorescence/magnetic resonance dual-modality imaging (FLI/MRI) as well as photothermal/photodynamic therapy (PTT/PDT) GPC3-targeted multifunctional phototheranostics probe, IR820-GPC3-Gd NPs (IGD NPs), to improve the efficiency of conversion therapy for HCC. The IGD NPs were simply prepared with the IR820 as the core. It is made by connecting the HCC-specific targeting molecule GPC3 peptide and the MRI agent DOTA-Gd through click chemistry. IGD NPs target HCC cells through GPC3, releasing heat and reactive oxygen species (ROS) under noninvasive 808 nm laser irradiation to reduce tumor size and achieve downstaging. High-sensitivity FLI/MRI precisely delineates tumor boundaries, providing real-time surgical navigation and prognosis assessment. This novel probe offers a feasible and effective treatment option for advanced HCC.
Efficacy and safety of indocyanine green-fluorescence imaging guided liver resection: A single-arm prospective cohort study
Authors: Gon Hidetoshi , Omiya Satoshi , Komatsu Shohei , Yamasaki Nobuaki , Murakami Sae , Fukushima Kenji , Urade Takeshi , Tsugawa Daisuke , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Toyama Hirochika , Kido Masahiro , Fukumoto Takumi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of indocyanine green (ICG)-fluorescence imaging for the identification of hepatic boundaries during liver resection and its advantages in surgical outcomes over conventional methods.
Methods
This prospective, exploratory, single-arm clinical trial included 47 patients with liver tumors who underwent liver resection using ICG-fluorescence imaging (ICG-LR) between 2019 and 2020. The primary outcome measure was the successful identification of hepatic boundaries during liver resection, from the perspective of both the hepatic surface and intrahepatic boundary, using ICG-fluorescence imaging. Secondary outcomes comprised the surgical outcomes. Surgical outcomes of the ICG-LR group, which included patients with successfully identified hepatic boundaries, were then compared with those who underwent conventional liver resection (C-LR, n = 100) between 2017 and 2018, using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.
Results
Hepatic boundaries were successfully identified in 28 patients (60%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 45–72%), including 21 who underwent anatomical liver resection and seven who underwent non-anatomical liver resection. After PSM, 27 patients were included in each of the ICG-LR and C-LR groups. The surgical outcomes were similar between groups. Subsequently, surgical outcomes were compared between the groups focusing on anatomical liver resection. After PSM, 16 patients were included in each group. The C-LR group had a higher rate of Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ IIIa complication, including ascites and bile leak, than the ICG-LR group (25% vs. 0%; P = 0.033).
Conclusion
ICG-fluorescence imaging can be used to recognize hepatic boundaries during liver transection. Additionally, ICG-LR may be useful in preventing severe liver-associated complications.
Data quality assessment of pig movements in the Norwegian Livestock Register reveals challenges for outbreak preparedness
Authors: Dean Katharine Rose , Grøntvedt Carl Andreas , Hopp Petter , Viljugrein Hildegunn , Wolff Cecilia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Animal movements are an important pathway for the spread of pig diseases. Traceability systems provide data for the competent authorities to prevent and manage infectious disease outbreaks. In Norway, batch-level pig movements are documented in the Norwegian Livestock Register. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the quality of pig movement data in the Norwegian Livestock Register for 2022. We assessed the quality in terms of accuracy, completeness and timeliness for the purpose of outbreak preparedness. We used secondary governmental and industry registers for external validation.
Results
The Norwegian Livestock Register contained all the variables needed for tracing pig movements between farms and to slaughterhouses. The register had high accuracy for individual records of between farm movements, however, it lacked completeness. By comparing farm-level movements to the Register for Carcass Deliveries, we found that 41% of sending farms had fewer movements than expected reported in the Norwegian Livestock Register. Similarly, a quarter of all finisher farms did not report receiving any pigs for 2022. Using indicator farms, we show that three slaughterhouses did not correctly report live animal movements on behalf of owners. Lastly, we found that 41% of records were registered after the deadline of seven days.
Conclusions
The competent authorities need accurate, complete, and timely data on livestock movements to control rapidly spreading diseases. Based on our assessment, we found that pig movement data in the Norwegian Livestock Register lacked sufficient quality to serve this purpose. Instead, we recommend that movement data are additionally obtained through traditional epidemiological methods during outbreaks, such as from primary records on farms. Reporting from slaughterhouses and farms in sow pools should be targeted for improving the completeness and timeliness of the register data. Finally, the measures presented here should be used to develop real-time monitoring of the data quality.
Influence of Memristive Activated Gradient on Chaotic Dynamics In Discrete Neural Networks
Authors: Yu Fei , He Ting , He Shaoqi , Tan Bohong , Yao Wei , Lin Hairong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The hyperbolic tangent function is a commonly used activation function in Hopfield neurons, where its activation gradient serves as a gain scaling parameter reflecting the response speed of neuronal electrical activity. This paper proposes a novel method of integrating memristors with discretely coupled neural networks by using an exponential memristor as the activation gradient of Neuron 2, and analyzes the impact of its gain on the hyperbolic tangent activation function. Furthermore, a discrete magnetically controlled memristor model combined with sine and square functions is used as subsynapses of Neuron 1, resulting in a Discrete Hopfield neural network (DHNN) model with infinitely many equilibrium points. The results indicate that this DHNN can exhibit complex and diverse dynamical behaviors related to multiple system parameters, including rare hyperchaotic behavior characterized by four positive Lyapunov exponents, discharge mode transitions, and coexistence phenomena. Based on this, an efficient and secure color image encryption scheme is designed, and extensive security analysis shows that the proposed scheme has strong security performance.
Enhancing Saccharomyces cerevisiae alcohol production by Discoloring red sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) malt: use of Gompertz 3-parameters Model
Authors: Amisi Arthur Kapepa , Bwanganga Jean-Claude T. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The fermentation of sorghum wort is one of the fundamental steps that determine the quality of this beer. It is influenced by several parameters, among others: temperature, pH, sugar content, amino acid profile, phenolic compound content, and redox potential. Controlling these parameters will therefore make it possible to optimize the production of alcohol and the growth of the yeast during fermentation. Three parameters were considered in this work, namely: The polyphenol content in the grain (Discolored and non-discolored sorghum), temperature (10 and 25°C) and fermentation time (in hours). The results obtained give a better alcohol content of 4.8% for the E1T1 (Discolored sorghum, fermentation at 10°C). The comparison of the means confirms that, and simply means that the extraction of the phenolic compounds before malting as well as the fermentation temperature had a significant effect on the production of alcohol and the growth of the yeast. The results of this work open the door to many other studies to provide to the industrial and artisanal brewers with scientific data that will allow them to better integrate red sorghum malt as raw material into brewing.
Exploring near-infrared spectroscopy ability to predict the age and species of An. gambiae mosquitoes from different environmental conditions in Burkina Faso
Authors: Djègbè Nicaise D. C. , Da Dari F. , Somé Bernard M. , Paré Lawata Inès G. , Cissé Fatoumata , Kaboré Jacques , Churcher Thomas S. , Dabiré Roch K. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) showed ability to predict some important entomological parameters in laboratory-reared and wild mosquitoes with moderate to high accuracy. Before validating the technique as a routine tool, it is necessary to assess NIRS accuracy on these variables under different environmental conditions similar to natural setting, as temperature and humidity could impact the mosquito cuticle and interfere with the machine prediction. This study aims to investigate the influence of environmental conditions on NIRS accuracy to determine age and species of An. gambiae s.l.
Methods
Environmental conditions of three important seasonal periods in Burkina Faso covering the onset, the peak and the end of the rainy season were mimicked in the laboratory using incubators. Emerged An. gambiae and An. coluzzii from laboratory colony were reared in each environmental condition and analysed by NIRS to predict mosquito species. Wild An. gambiae s.l. were caught during the 3 different periods described above and analysed by NIRS to compare the two results. Furthermore, first generation of Anopheles was used to assess NIRS ability to determine mosquito age in each environmental condition.
Results
NIRS discriminated between laboratory-reared Anopheles with 83% of accuracy independently of any environmental condition. Similar trend was found in wild-caught Anopheles. NIRS prediction accuracies varied slightly in laboratory Anopheles (77% − 85%) and more strongly in their field counterparts (67% − 84%). In both cases, prediction models developed from the season of interest were a little more accurate than models trained with insectary conditions or from a different period of the year, indicating temperature and humidity can impact NIRS accuracy. Models derived from laboratory-mosquitoes reared under fluctuating environmental conditions predicted field-derived mosquito species with a low accuracy (59%). Models trained on smaller datasets and varying conditions were reliably classified age into two categories (< 9 days or ≥ 9 days, 79% − 84% accuracy).
Conclusion
NIRS was able to predict An. gambiae s.l. species and classified age into two categories under different environmental conditions with modest accuracy. Models trained using wild mosquitoes from one season could predict species in wild mosquitoes from a different season, though with slightly lower accuracy.
Optimizing Timing and Preparation for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: SUN ZIMIN , Geng Liangquan , Chen Erling , JI YANPING , Liu Huilan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This retrospective study evaluated allo-HSCT outcomes in 70 higher-risk MDS patients classified by the IPSS-R. Key factors analyzed included the interval from diagnosis to allo-HSCT (early: <6 months vs. late: ≥6 months), number of prior treatment cycles (less: <2 vs. more: ≥2), remission status (CR/PR vs. NR), and donor type (sibling vs. unrelated cord blood [UCB]). The results showed a significantly higher 3-year OS in the early HSCT group (70% vs. 50%, P = 0.05) with lower TRM (22.7% vs. 46.5%, P = 0.0205). Although more pre-transplant treatment cycles were linked to a lower relapse rate (2.3% vs. 15.4%, P = 0.0403), they did not significantly affect OS or TRM. Early HSCT emerged as the only significant factor influencing both OS (HR 2.84, P = 0.01) and TRM (HR 3.21, P = 0.01). While no significant differences were noted between sibling HSCT and UCB for OS and TRM, UCB demonstrated a lower incidence of chronic GVHD (19.0% vs. 52.9%, P = 0.003). Early allo-HSCT is recommended, with UCB as a viable alternative to sibling donors.
Validation of new, circulating biomarkers for gliomas
Authors: Chatanaka Miyo K. , Avery Lisa M. , Diamandis Eleftherios P. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Biomarkers are useful clinical tools but only a handful of them are used routinely for patient care. Despite intense efforts to discover new, clinically useful biomarkers, very few new circulating biomarkers were implemented in clinical practice in the last 40 years. This is mainly due to rather poor clinical performance.
Methods: Here, our goal was to validate the performance of a group of newly discovered circulating biomarkers for glioma by comparing our data with data from a paper recently published in Science Advances. We analyzed our own sets of clinical samples (gliomas (n=30), meningiomas (n=20)) and a different analytical assay (Proximity Extension Assay, OLINK Proteomics) to compare the results of Shen and colleagues.
Results: Despite the sophistication of the utilized discovery method by the original investigators, we found that the newly proposed biomarkers for glioma (the best one presumably being SERPINA6) did not perform as originally claimed.
Conclusions: Scientific irreproducibility has been extensively discussed in the literature. A large proportion of newly discovered candidate biomarkers likely represent “false discovery” and significantly contribute to the propagation of irreproducible results between investigators. One of the best ways to assess the value of any new biomarker is by independent and extensive validation. Based on our previous classification of irreproducible results, we believe that this new work likely represents another example of biomarker false discovery.
Study on the micro-motion wear mechanism of K417 alloy at high temperature under different normal load conditions
Authors: Jiang Tao , Dong Xinyan , Chen Hehe 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Rim plate dry friction dampers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a simple and effective method of friction damping in various types of high-speed rotating machinery blades. This method improves the service life of turbine blades and enhances the safety and reliability of aero-engines by utilizing the friction between the damping material and the blade material to counteract the vibration energy generated. However, under different conditions, frictional wear can cause abnormal wear, material transfer, micro-crack generation, and expansion between the damping block and the blade. These issues may lead to premature failure of the component. This experiment utilized a cylindrical/planar line contact form for the rim-plate dry friction damper and blade contact parameters. Micro-motion wear experiments were conducted at high-temperature conditions in the SRV-V multifunctional friction and wear tester to simulate the contact state of the dry friction damper block and turbine blade under working conditions. The study investigated the micro-motion friction and wear behavior of K417 alloy under varying normal contact stress conditions. The results indicated an inverse relationship between the friction coefficient and the normal load in the same micro-motion environment. Additionally, the degree of fluctuation flattens out with an increase in load. The normal load increase caused the micro-motion operating region characteristics to transition from the complete slip zone to the mixed zone. In the complete slip zone, the micro-motion wear forms were mainly abrasive, fatigue, and oxidative wear, while in the mixed zone, they were mainly adhesive and oxidative wear. Under low load conditions, the bonding degree between the three-body layer and the substrate material was more effective, resulting in better substrate protection. However, under high load conditions, the increase in contact stress caused a decline in the bonding degree between the two, resulting in cracking and crushing of the three-body layer and loss of substrate protection, leading to gradual damage.
Using acoustic recorders and accounting for imperfect detection to understand spatial and temporal breeding patterns of a cryptic burrowing amphibian
Authors: Kelly Oliver , Beranek Chad , Gould John , Wallace Samantha , Stock Sarah , Klop-Toker Kaya , Mahony Stephen , Daly Garry , Stauber Andrew , Mahony Michael , Callen Alex 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Understanding the determinants of detection and occupancy at breeding habitats is crucial in the management of threatened amphibian species. This study investigates the spatial and temporal breeding patterns of the giant burrowing frog, Heleioporus australiacus australiacus, a cryptic and threatened amphibian species, through acoustic monitoring. We aimed to quantify the detectability of this species and identify environmental factors that influences its breeding behaviour. Passive acoustic recorders were deployed between May 2018 and November 2021 across eastern NSW. From 5,030 survey nights, the giant burrowing frog was only detected calling on 44 occasions. The estimated probability of detecting a giant burrowing frog during a single survey was p̂ = 0.01, confirming the cryptic nature of its breeding behaviour. Our analysis revealed that calling behaviour in the giant burrowing frog is correlated with climatic variables, with increased detection probabilities associated to higher nightly temperatures and impending rainfall. Conversely, higher daily rainfall and solar radiation levels were associated with a decrease in detection probability. Temperature, precipitation, seasonality and habitat aspect were identified as key factors influencing breeding site occupancy. Overall, our study highlights the importance of accounting for imperfect detection in monitoring programs and provides valuable insight into the breeding behaviour of a difficult to detect species. These findings have implications for the management and conservation of giant burrowing frog populations, particularly in the face of changing environmental conditions. Continued monitoring efforts, focusing on tadpole surveys and passive acoustic monitoring, are recommended to improve our understanding of their ecology.