bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geometric Stiffness and Model Improvement of Rigid Elements for Preloaded Modal Analysis
Authors: Liu Yuqi , Wang Wei , Liu Tao , Wu Song , Tang Guoan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Pretension is utilized by large space structures such as deployable mesh reflector antennas and flexible solar cell wings to maintain forms and stiffness. Geometric nonlinearity must be taken into account in finite element modal analysis of their preloaded vibration modes. For detailed structural components such as hinges and connectors, modeling simplification using rigid elements is commonly adopted at preliminary design stages when global structural modes are concerned. However, the inadequate geometric stiffness of preloaded rigid elements in certain commercial solvers can lead to unacceptable computation errors, particularly in abnormalities where the zero-energy modes of free–free structures are less than six. This study derives the symmetry geometric stiffness matrix for rigid elements in equilibrium by investigating the incremental relationship between nodal loads and displacements, with full consideration of the incremental behavior of nodal moments. Case studies demonstrate that supplementing this matrix can restore all the zero-energy modes, significantly enhancing the validity of the modal analysis results. Moreover, the stiffening effects of the matrix are equivalently established by six elastic spring elements, facilitating the model improvement procedure for the preloaded rigid elements and enabling its integration into existing commercial software to solve complicated engineering problems.
Exploring the Educational Necessity of Physical Activity in Young Children Through Preservice Early Childhood Teachers’ Perceptions of Changes in Early Childhood Physical Activity Education in South Korea
Authors: Park Sunghae , Kim Yeonjae 
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the educational necessity of physical activity (PA) education in children by examining the perceptional changes of preservice childhood teachers regarding PA education in children. Method: A total of 18 preservice childhood teachers, who participated in PA education classes, were analyzed according to their experiences. Results: Through the PA education classes, the preservice childhood teachers perceived PA education as (a) education that allows for the learning of another mode of expression besides language, (b) education that is faithful to the nature of children, and (c) education that facilitates integrated education. Discussion/Conclusion: The changes in the preservice childhood teachers’ perceptions toward PA education were discussed reflective of thinking by Van Manen as (a) education that they can undertake; (b) education that they have to undertake; and (c) education that is essential in childhood education, helping the teachers realize the necessity of PA in children.
ABD-3, the confluence of powerful antibacterial modalities: ABDs delivering and expressing
ls
s, the gene encoding lysostaphin
Authors: Ram Geeta , Chiu LiTing , Dey Somrita , Ross Hope F. , Cammer Michael , Novick Richard P. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

In response to the antimicrobial resistance crisis, we have developed a powerful and versatile therapeutic platform, the Antibacterial Drone (ABD) system. The ABD consists of a highly mobile staphylococcal pathogenicity island re-purposed to deliver genes encoding antibacterial proteins. The chromosomally located island is induced by a co-resident helper phage, packaged in phage-like particles, and released in very high numbers upon phage-induced lysis. ABD particles specifically adsorb to bacteria causing an infection and deliver their DNA to these bacteria, where the bactericidal cargo genes are expressed, kill the bacteria, and cure the infection. Here, we report a major advance of the system, incorporation of the gene encoding a secreted, bactericidal, species-specific lytic enzyme, lysostsphin. This ABD not only kills the bacterium that has been attacked by the ABD, but also any surrounding bacteria that are sensitive to the lytic enzyme which is released by secretion and by lysis of the doomed cell. So while the killing field is thus expanded, there are no civilian casualties (bacteria that are insensitive to the ABD and its cargo protein(s) are not inadvertently killed). Without amplifying the number of ABD particles (which are not re-packaged), the expression and release of the cargo gene’s product dramatically extend the effective reach of the ABD. A cargo gene that encodes a secreted bactericidal protein also enables the treatment of a mixed bacterial infection in which one of the infecting organisms is insensitive to the ABD delivery system but is sensitive to the ABD’s secreted cargo protein.
Development of tools for the genetic manipulation of
Campylobacter
and their application to the
N-
glycosylation system of
Campylobacter hepaticus,
an emerging pathogen of poultry
Authors: McDonald Jamieson B. , Wade Ben , Andrews Daniel M. , Van Thi Thu Hao , Moore Robert J. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Various species of campylobacters cause significant disease problems in both humans and animals. The continuing development of tools and methods for genetic and molecular manipulation of campylobacters enables the detailed study of bacterial virulence and disease pathogenesis.
Campylobacter hepaticus
is an emerging pathogen that causes spotty liver disease (SLD) in poultry. SLD has a significant economic and animal welfare impact as the disease results in elevated mortalities and significant decreases in egg production. Although potential virulence genes of
C. hepaticus
have been identified, they have not been further studied and characterized, as appropriate genetic tools and methods to transform and perform mutagenesis studies in
C. hepaticus
have not been available. In this study, the genetic manipulation of
C. hepaticus
is reported, with the development of novel plasmid vectors, methods for transformation, site-specific mutagenesis, and mutant complementation. These tools were used to delete the
pglB
gene
,
an oligosaccharyltransferase, a central enzyme of the
N-
glycosylation pathway, by allelic exchange. In the mutant strain,
N
-glycosylation was completely abolished. The tools and methods developed in this study represent innovative approaches that can be applied to further explore important virulence factors of
C. hepaticus
and other closely related
Campylobacter
species.

IMPORTANCE

Spotty liver disease (SLD) of layer chickens, caused by infection with
Campylobacter hepaticus
, is a significant economic and animal welfare burden on an important food production industry. Currently, SLD is controlled using antibiotics; however, alternative intervention methods are needed due to increased concerns associated with environmental contamination with antibiotics, and the development of antimicrobial resistance in many bacterial pathogens of humans and animals. This study has developed methods that have enabled the genetic manipulation of
C. hepaticus
. To validate the methods, the
pglB
gene was inactivated by allelic exchange to produce a
C. hepaticus
strain that could no longer
N
-glycosylate proteins. Subsequently, the mutation was complemented by reintroduction of the gene in
trans
, on a plasmid vector, to demonstrate that the phenotypic changes noted were caused by the mutation of the targeted gene. The tools developed enable ongoing studies to understand other virulence mechanisms of this important emerging pathogen.
Geologic Aspects of Control of Mississippi-Atchafalaya Diversion,
Louisiana
Authors: Kolb Charles R. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
One of the most important current problems with which the Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, must deal in connection with navigation and flood control in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley is the threatened diversion of the lower 300 miles of the Mississippi through one of its major distributaries, the Atcha-falaya (Fig. 1).
Of primary concern was a determination of whether such a diversion would occur and, if so, how soon. A report published in 1952 concluded on the basis of geological and engineering evidence that the possible diversion would be the latest of a number of similar occurrences in the recent geologic past, and that, unless the gradually increasing amount of flow from the Mississippi through its Atchafalaya distributary is controlled, a critical state in the diversion process can be expected between 1965 and 1975 (Fisk, 1952; Kolb, 1955).
Consequently, the Corps is now in the early phases of work designed to preclude development of the Atchafalaya into the main channel of the Mississippi River. The control plan calls for maintenance of the status quo. Flow that now passes through the Atchafalaya must continue; floodwaters currently carried off through the Atchafalaya must continue to escape through this natural outlet; navigation from the Atchafalaya and the Red rivers must continue to have access to the Mississippi; and, finally, the gradual increase of flow through Old River and the Atchafalaya River must be stopped. A low-sill structure excavated to a depth of 50 feet, capable of taking water from the Mississippi
Antonio Lucchetti Dam, Puerto Rico
Authors: Kaye Clifford A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The Antonio Lucchetti Dam is on the Rio Yauco, about 4.3 miles north of the town of Yauco, Puerto Rico. It was designed, built, and is being operated by the Puerto Rico Water Resources Authority as a unit of the Southwestern Puerto Rico Project. This project integrates six drainage basins by means of six diversion and storage dams and five tunnels. The project generates nearly 100 million kilowatt hours of hydroelectric energy annually, provides water for the irrigation of 26,000 acres in the Lajas valley and for the water supply of several towns, and furnishes a measure of flood protection for the region.
The dam is a concrete gravity structure, 175 feet in maximum height, 580 feet in length, 101,700 cubic yards in volume. It has a center spillway designed to accommodate a flood of 62,800 second feet. The dam was completed in May 1952. The site was investigated by the writer in 1950-1951 under a co-operative agreement between the Puerto Rico Water Resources authority and the U. S. Geological Survey.
Although the general location of the dam was controlled by the layout requirements of the entire project, the site was chosen to take advantage of a constriction of the valley below the confluence of the Rio Yauco and the Quebrada Grande. At the dam, the valley of the Rio Yauco is about 850 feet deep. The river is about 50 feet wide at the site and flows between steep valley sides. A vertical rock bluff about 100 feet
One-to-one counselling and school attendance in the UK: a single group pre-post study
Authors: Saxton Jennifer , Toth Katalin , Ukoumunne Obioha C , Wilkinson Hannah , White Jemma , Golden Sarah , Ford Tamsin 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveAbsence rates remain high in UK schools, with negative implications for attainment, life chances and inequality. Reasons for non-attendance are complex but include psychosocial factors. Few UK-based studies have evaluated psychosocial interventions for school attendance outcomes or its moderators. This pre-post evaluation examined the potential influence of school-based one-to-one counselling on school attendance and possible moderators.Design and settingSecondary analysis of routine data, collected by a national mental health provider in primary and secondary schools.Participants7405 pupils aged 4–19 years, with complete school attendance records at Time1 (pre-counselling term) and Time2 (the term when counselling ended).InterventionAll participants received school-based one-to-one counselling with a trained counsellor between August 2016 and December 2019.OutcomesPercentage of school sessions attended (continuous) and persistent absence (binary; attending ≤90% of sessions) in a term. Potential moderators included sociodemographics, mental health and school engagement/enjoyment.ResultsMedian Time1 attendance was 96%. 23.6% of participants were persistently absent. The intervention was not associated with improved percentage attendance (0.028%, 95% CI −0.160–0.216%) but was associated with 18.5% reduced odds of persistent absence (OR=0.815, 95% CI 0.729–0.911). We identified five moderators of change in attendance (interaction terms p<0.05): age group (improvements for 4–9 s; worsening for 15–19 s), improvement for some ethnicities and lower parent/carer education. Mental health and school engagement/enjoyment co-varied with attendance in expected directions.ConclusionsOne-to-one counselling may improve school attendance among persistently absent pupils, particularly at younger ages. Improving mental health and pupil engagement/enjoyment are potential intervention targets. Our hypotheses require confirmation with controlled designs.
Perioperative management of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus-associated antiphospholipid syndrome undergoing mandibular third molar surgery
Authors: Gunturu Srikanth , Chawla Jitendra , Karipineni Swetha , Jayam Cheranjeevi 
Published: July 2024

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune condition characterised by recurrent venous or arterial thrombosis and pregnancy complications, with persistent antiphospholipid autoantibodies. APS is often found in conjunction with other autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE-associated APS patients may require dental procedures like tooth extractions. Due to the complex nature of this autoimmune disorder, perioperative management requires a comprehensive approach involving various medical specialists.These patients are frequently taking medications like anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, disease-modifying drugs and immunosuppressants. This medication regimen can increase their risk of postoperative complications, including bleeding, thrombosis, delayed healing and postoperative infections. Currently, there are no established guidelines for performing tooth extractions in individuals with SLE-associated APS.We report a case of SLE-associated APS with pericoronitis requiring surgical extraction. The purpose of this report is to offer practical recommendations for the perioperative management of dental procedures and alteration in medications used in such cases.
Tricuspid valve infective endocarditis in disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI)
Authors: Cummings Shenae , Busby Darin , Hall Michael , Esquer Garrigos Zerelda 
Published: July 2024

SummaryWe describe a case of culture-negative infective endocarditis due toNeisseria gonorrhoeae, where the application of metagenomics shotgun sequencing in blood played a pivotal role in elucidating the underlying aetiology, guiding targeted therapy and ultimately resulting in the patient’s complete recovery. Beyond its immediate clinical impact, prompt treatment bears significant implications for public health. The utilisation of molecular testing emerges as a valuable strategy to enhance diagnostic accuracy, particularly in cases involving fastidious organisms that are infrequently associated with infective endocarditis.
Application of an integrated behaviour-change model on grandparental adherence towards childhood domestic injury prevention in Hong Kong: a longitudinal study
Authors: Chiu Roni Man Ying , Capio Catherine M , Hagger Martin S , Yung Patrick S H , Ip Patrick , Lai Agnes Y K , Chan Derwin King Chung 
Published: July 2024

Background/purposeEvery year, unintentional injury claims thousands of children’s lives and causes disabilities in many more. For very young children, these injuries often occur at home. The risks of domestic injury can be reduced through proper implementation of injury preventive measures. In this study, we investigated the motivational and belief processes underlying childhood domestic injury prevention in grandparent caregivers based on the integrated model of self-determination theory and theory of planned behaviour.MethodGrandparents (n=299, mean age=62.61 years, SD=5.91, men=20.07%) of 0–2-year-old infants and toddlers self-reported their perceived psychological need support, autonomous motivation, perceived behavioural control (PBC), subjective norms, attitude, intention and adherence with regard to domestic injury prevention for their children at two time points (T1: baseline, T2: 4-month follow-up).Results/outcomesData were analysed with structural equation modelling, and the proposed model yielded an acceptable fit with the data: χ2=905.09 (df=531), Comparative Fit Index=0.94, Tucker-Lewis Index=0.93, root mean square error of approximation=0.05 and standardised root mean square residual=0.078. Our results supported our hypothesis, demonstrating significant and positive associations between the following key constructs: (1) psychological need support from family and autonomous motivation; (2) autonomous motivation and social-cognitive beliefs; (3) social-cognitive beliefs and intentions; and (4) intention and behavioural adherence. Subjective norms and PBC, but not attitudes, were also found to significantly mediate the indirect effects of psychological need support and autonomous motivation on intention and behavioural adherence.ConclusionsOverall, the integrated model seems to be a feasible framework for explaining grandparents’ domestic injury prevention behaviour.
Assessing the resilience of child immunisation programmes using geospatial modelling and interrupted time series analysis in Ethiopia and Kenya amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: tracking coverage and identifying key challenges
Authors: Mankhwala Chifuniro Somanje , Chifungo Chimwemwe , Mzembe Themba , Ngwira Tabitha , Peterson Maame B , Khundi McEwen , Madise Nyovani Janet , Chipeta Michael Give 
Published: July 2024

Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare provision and access in sub-Saharan Africa. Lockdowns and travel restrictions, coupled with fear of contracting the virus, disrupted services, especially for women’s and children’s health, derailing progress on sustainable development goals. This paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine child immunisation coverage in Ethiopia and Kenya at both national and subnational levels.

Methods
Health management information systems data were used to estimate changes in child immunisation. Mean differences in coverage between the pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 were tested at a 5% significance level. Geospatial maps for coverage and differences between the two periods were created using aggregated proportions. Interrupted time series analyses provided counterfactual coverage assessments, assuming no COVID-19 impact.

Results
At the national level, minor short-term disruptions in coverage were observed following pandemic peaks in Kenya and Ethiopia, which were considered statistically insignificant. In Ethiopia, a subnational assessment reveals that full vaccination coverage remained relatively stable, with significant changes observed in the southeast regions of Somali and Dire Dawa. Specific vaccines such as BCG, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus 3 and polio (OPV3) showed considerable coverage changes in most regions except Oromia, Gambela and Sidama. Measles vaccine coverage experienced major changes across almost all regions of Ethiopia. In Kenya, full vaccination coverage experienced significant changes in eight counties, including Kisii, Turkana and Marsabit, with most Kenyan counties experiencing significant changes in measles vaccine coverage.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while routine immunisation services were mostly sustained with short-term disruptions at the national level in Ethiopia and Kenya, subnational levels experienced notable changes. The resilience of child immunisation was due to the implementation of community-based healthcare, mobile vaccinations and collaboration and partnerships for mass vaccination campaigns. The temporary disruptions were likely due to pandemic-related fears and supply chain restrictions.
Decentralisation and integration of paediatric tuberculosis services to primary healthcare facilities as an approach to optimise management in Cameroon and Kenya: a descriptive cohort study
Authors: Masaba Rose , Herrera Nicole , Tchounga Boris , Siamba Stephen , Ouma Millicent , Okomo Gordon , Tchendjou Patrice , Ditekemena John , Zoung-Kanyi Bissek Anne-Cecile , Casenghi Martina , Machekano Rhoderick , Tiam Appolinaire , Denoeud-Ndam Lise 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionTuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality for children less than 5 years. Diagnosis and treatment of children with active TB is often centralised in district hospital settings due to poor public health infrastructure and lack of diagnostic capabilities in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. This analysis aims to evaluate TB case detection and treatment outcomes by comparing district hospitals and PHC facilities.MethodsTo increase paediatric TB case detection, an intervention was designed to decentralise and integrate paediatric TB diagnosis and management into PHC facilities. Between May 2019 and March 2021, we screened and enrolled children under age 5 years with presumptive TB at different entry points in 32 study facilities in Kenya and Cameroon. TB services were described by level of care. Fischer’s exact test was used to determine significance when comparing categorical variables and a Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used to test for significance of continuous variables.ResultsA total of 610 children were enrolled; 481 (79%) had received services at the district hospitals and 129 (21%) at the PHC facilities. The median age was 15.4 (IQR: 6.1–36.0) months; 59% were children below age 2 years, 53% were male and 5% were HIV coinfected. A total of 74 (12%) children were diagnosed with TB, 19 (15%) in PHC and 55 (11%) in district facilities, 11 (15%) with a bacteriological confirmation. The time from TB symptom onset to TB diagnosis was significantly shorter in the PHC (1.0 month (IQR: 0.1–2.1)) than district hospitals, (1.8 months (0.8–4.4), p=0.043). The proportion of lost to follow-up was higher in district hospitals (15.8%) than in PHC (1.8%, p=0.05). Mortality (overall 1.4%) did not significantly differ by setting.DiscussionDecentralisation of TB screening and diagnosis at the PHC level was feasible and significantly shortened the time from the onset of symptoms to TB diagnosis.Trial registration numberNCT03862261.
Generalized $$\beta $$ and (q, t)-deformed partition functions with W-representations and Nekrasov partition functions
Authors: Liu Fan , Wang Rui , Yang Jie , Zhao Wei-Zhong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe construct the generalized $$\beta $$
β
and (q, t)-deformed partition functions through W representations, where the expansions are respectively with respect to the generalized Jack and Macdonald polynomials labeled by N-tuple of Young diagrams. We find that there are the profound interrelations between our deformed partition functions and the 4d and 5d Nekrasov partition functions. Since the corresponding Nekrasov partition functions can be given by vertex operators, the remarkable connection between our $$\beta $$
β
and (q, t)-deformed W-operators and vertex operators is revealed in this paper. In addition, we investigate the higher Hamiltonians for the generalized Jack and Macdonald polynomials.
Criticality of central charges for Gauss–Bonnet black holes
Authors: Cui Hong-Ming , Fan Zhong-Ying 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEmploying extended phase space formalism, we study critical phenomenon of A-charge and C-charge for holographic theories dual to Gauss–Bonnet black holes. We find an universal critical Gauss–Bonnet coupling, giving rise to an universal ratio between the two central charges at the critical point. This leads to a new intepretation for critical behavior of Gauss–Bonnet black holes in terms of the boundary degrees of freedoms, although the solutions are electrically neutral. Another novel feature is for either of the central charges, the transition temperature is beyond the critical point but is upper bounded by causality of the boundary theories.