bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological interventions for addressing pediatric and adolescent obesity: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Shuo , Xin Shuangqing , Ju Ronghui , Zang Peizhuo 
Published: February 2025

Background
Obesity significantly impacts the health outcomes of children and adolescents, necessitating a comprehensive study to evaluate the effects of various anti-obesity medications (AOMs) on weight-related and metabolic outcomes.

Methods
PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched for studies published up to January 3, 2024. We performed a network meta-analysis on randomized clinical trials that compared various treatments for pediatric and adolescent obesity, such as phentermine/topiramate, semaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, topiramate, metformin, fluoxetine, metformin/fluoxetine, sibutramine, and orlistat. The study evaluated body mass index (BMI), BMI percentage change, weight, BMI-SDS, waist circumference, metabolic, anthropometric, and safety outcomes.

Results
The study gathered 2733 studies, including 30 articles that involved 3822 participants. The results of our research showed that PHEN/TPM was better at lowering BMI than exenatide, liraglutide, metformin, fluoxetine, Met/Flu, topiramate, orlistat, and sibutramine, with mean differences (MD) ranging from −10.29 to −1.28. Additionally, semaglutide demonstrated superior efficacy over other AOMs (MD ranged from −8.28 to −1.24). Various levels of certainty, ranging from very low to moderate, supported the findings. Furthermore, semaglutide demonstrated superior efficacy over exenatide (MD-12.43, 95% CI −23.95 to −0.30) regarding percentage change in BMI. Semaglutide also showed enhanced weight reduction effectiveness compared to seven other AOMs except for PHEN/TPM (MD ranging from −15.56 to −12.65). Similarly, PHEN/TPM displayed greater weight reduction effectiveness than seven other AOMs, except for semaglutide (MD ranged from −12.17 to −9.27). Moreover, semaglutide proved more effective in decreasing waist circumference when compared with other AOMs apart from PHEN/TPM (MD ranged from −11.61 to −6.07). Similarly, we found that PHEN/TPM, excluding semaglutide and sibutramine, was more effective in reducing waist circumference (MD ranged from −8.64 to −5.51).

Conclusions
The study found that semaglutide outperformed other AOMs in reducing BMI and additional weight-related outcomes in children and adolescents with obesity, while PHEN/TPM showed comparable efficacy.
Association between prenatal exposure to maternal metal and trace elements and Streptococcus infection: A prospective birth cohort in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Iwata Hiroyoshi , Ikeda Atsuko , Itoh Mariko , Ketema Rahel Mesfin , Tamura Naomi , Yamaguchi Takeshi , Yamazaki Keiko , Yamamoto Rieko , Tojo Maki , Ait Bamai Yu , Saijo Yasuaki , Ito Yoshiya , Kishi Reiko ,   the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) Group
Published: February 2025

Background
Streptococcus infection is a common and potentially severe bacterial infection which remains a global public health challenge, underscoring the necessity of investigating potential risk factors.

Aims
The present study aims to assess the association between metal and trace element exposure and Streptococcus infection using a prospective nationwide birth cohort, the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS).

Methods
The JECS obtained data from over 100,000 pregnancies through 15 Regional Centres across Japan. We assessed toxic metal and trace element levels among pregnant mothers and Streptococcus infection among their children, born between 2011 and 2014, at age three to four. Analysis was performed using univariable and multivariable logistic regressions, as well as Quantile g-computation. We also conducted quartile regressions to assess the effects of higher serum selenium levels and potential interactions between selenium and mercury.

Results
Among 74,434 infants and their mothers, univariable and multivariable regression analyses found that selenium and mercury each had an inverse association with Streptococcus infection incidence. Quantile g-computation analysis yielded results consistent with the primary regression analyses. Quartile regression suggested that serum selenium levels above the third quartile were inversely associated with later Streptococcus infection incidence, but no interaction between selenium and mercury was found.

Conclusions
These findings imply that maternal selenium exposure may have protective effects on Streptococcus infection among children. Further studies should explore the role of pediatric selenium in immune responses to infectious diseases, especially Streptococcus infection.
Risk factors for osteoporosis in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Su Wenhao , Jia Hairong , Yang Luo , Zhang Jiaqi , Wei Zhaoyang , Tsikwa Pepertual , Wang Yanru 
Published: February 2025

Background
Osteoporosis is a prevalent chronic result of diabetes. Osteoporosis susceptibility is raised by unstable blood glucose levels, oxidative stress, hormonal abnormalities, and other factors. Currently, there is no systematic review addressing the risk factors of osteoporosis in diabetes. This study intends to systematically assess the current risk factors related to diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) and provide suggestions for the improvement of therapy approaches.

Methods and analysis
We will search five English literature databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library) and three Chinese databases (CNKI, WanFang, and SinoMed) from the starting point until December 31, 2024. We will perform a systematic examination and meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies to identify all population-based risk factors for diabetic osteoporosis. Two researchers will independently assess the publication, extract data, and evaluate the quality and potential biases present in the study. We will utilize RevMan V.5.4 software and STATA 16.0 for data analysis. The included studies will be assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Instrument (NOS). If the heterogeneity of the included studies is higher than 50%, we will perform subgroup and sensitivity analysis to identify probable sources of heterogeneity. The assessment of publication bias will be conducted using funnel plot. Furthermore, we will employ the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) to assess the quality of evidence for each exposure and outcome.

Discussion
This protocol aims to investigate the risk variables associated with DOP. We will summarize the current knowledge about factors influencing osteoporosis in diabetes. We strive to assist physicians with more extensive references for decision-making and facilitate the implementation of effective prevention strategies for DOP.

Registration
This study has been registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42024602637).
Making Use of Competitive Advantages of a University Education Innovation Cluster in the Educational Services Market
Authors: Gryshchenko Ivan , Ganushchak-Efimenko Lyudmila , Shcherbak Valeriia , Nifatova Olena , Zos-Kior Mykola , Hnatenko Iryna , Martynova Liliia , Martynov Andrii 
Published: February 2025

One of the major trends of the contemporary world market of educational services is the increasing role of knowledge and information in socioeconomic development, when knowledge becomes a key driver of economic prosperity and competitiveness as well as a critical factor in boosting the labour market demand for a new type of skilled workforce which gives rise to a sweeping demand for professional higher education, incrementally demanding requirements to Universities in terms of meeting social needs, and the globalization of the world economy. Such drastic development dynamics of University environment along with the objective escalation of competition in the area of educational services greatly affect the issues of strategic planning and University competitiveness management in the long run.
Modulatory Efficiency of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) on Collagen-Induced Platelet Aggregation and Dysfunction
Authors: Onwuka Osah Martins , Adigwe Chukwukadibie , Adheke Oghenefego Michael , Elem Chamberlin Jamike , Hart Josiah Soipiriala 
Published: February 2025

Platelet aggregation, coagulation, and activation are crucial for hemostasis. Collagen treatment can impair hemostatic processes leading to bleeding disorders like thrombosis; vitamin C may mitigate these effects. Hence, modulatory efficiency of vitamin C on collagen-induced platelet aggregation and dysfunction was investigated. Thirty (30) Wistar rats (135g-155g) were divided equally into; Group 1 (Control), Group 2 (Collagen-induced), and Group 3 (Collagen + Vitamin C treated). Platelet aggregation, prothrombin time, bleeding time, fibrinogen levels assessed coagulation and platelet function. Thromboxane B2 and P-selectin levels measured platelet and endothelial activation. Platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and plateletcrit (PCT) evaluated platelet production and size variability. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Group 2 exhibited higher platelet aggregation, prolonged prothrombin and bleeding times and elevated fibrinogen, thromboxane B2, and P-selectin levels, along with increased platelet count, MPV, PDW, and PCT, compared to Group 1. Group 3 showed significant reductions in all these parameters compared to Group 2 (p < 0.05). Vitamin C demonstrated significant modulatory effect on collagen-induced platelet aggregation and dysfunction which suggests that vitamin C may have therapeutic potential in mitigating platelet dysfunction and coagulation impairments associated with collagen-induced pathophysiological conditions.
Application of Taguchi Experimental Design in Optimization of Levulinic Acid Production from Cellulose Derived From Millet Stalk
Authors: Ibrahim Shehu , Muhammad Abdullahi Sokoto , Umar Kabiru Jega , Muhammad Ibrahim Magami 
Published: February 2025

Cellulose is the primary component of lignocellulosic biomass and the main source of renewable materials in chemical industry. This study aims at optimizing the production of levulinic acid from cellulose derived from millet stalk using Taguchi experimental design approach. The millet stalks were pretreated by acid and alkali treatment method. The extractives, hemicellulose, lignin, and cellulose contents of the millet stalks were estimated using dry-weight basis technique. Levulinic acid production from the millet stalk was carried out in Teflon lined stainless steel autoclave (50cm3) using standard method. The optimum conditions for the production of levulinic acid were evaluated using Taguchi experimental design method. Levulinic acid was characterized using GC-MS and FT-IR techniques. The cellulose content of the millet stalk was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the other components. FT-IR spectrum showed the presence of O-H, C=O, C-H, and C-O stretch in the levulinic acid. The highest (95%) yield of the levulinic acid was obtained with an acid concentration of 0.2M at 2000C, for 4 hours. The optimum temperature, acid concentration, and time for the production of levulinic acid from the millet stalk were 2000C, 0.2M, and 4 hours, respectively. Levulinic acid is characterized by a range of functional groups.Keywords: Cellulose, Levulinic acid, Millet stalk, Optimization, Taguchi design
Harnessing the Digital Economy for Sustainable Energy Efficiency: An Empirical Analysis of China’s Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Liu Fengqin , Kumar Jai , Sun Huaping , Edziah Bless Kofi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study investigates the impact of the digital economy on energy efficiency through a combination of theoretical analysis and empirical testing. The research contributes by categorizing the energy value creation process into two stages: the energy input stage and the energy operation stage and by examining both the direct and indirect effects of the digital economy on energy efficiency. Indirect effects are explored through factors such as industrial structure, green innovation, transaction efficiency, and environmental regulation. Using panel data from 41 cities in the Yangtze River Delta region of China, covering the period from 2006 to 2020, the study empirically examines the effects of the digital economy on energy efficiency. The findings emphasize the significant role of the digital economy in enhancing energy efficiency, particularly through upgrading industrial structures, increasing transaction efficiency, and stimulating green innovation. A heterogeneity analysis reveals that the influence of the digital economy on energy efficiency is less pronounced in resource-based cities than in non-resource-based cities. Based on these findings, the study provides targeted policy recommendations to further leverage the digital economy for improving energy efficiency.
Factors affecting self-care in heart failure patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Widaryati Widaryati , Prihatiningsih Dwi , Ramdani Wawan Febri 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Heart failure is a cardiovascular disease with a high incidence in the world and Indonesia as well. This disease must get serious attention because it results in high mortality rates and has a broad and long-term impact on patients with heart failure. The high recurrence rate, rehospitalization, and patients’ poor quality of life are influenced, one of them, by the self-care behavior of patients, considering that heart failure is a progressive and chronic disease. In practice, implementation of self-care behaviors in people living with heart failure is poor. This study analyzes the factors influencing self-care for heart failure patients.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional study that involved 100 heart failure patients taken from August to October 2020. Self-care was measured using the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) questionnaire. The chi-square statistical test determines the relationship between the factors that influence self-care.

Results
The results showed that there was a significant relationship between education (p 0.00), marital status (p 0.005), occupation (p 0.00), NYHA class (p 0.00), and patient age (p 0.01) with self-care maintenance. There was no relationship between gender (p 0.30), comorbidity (p 0.21), and duration of heart failure (p 0.11).

Conlusions
Education, marital status, occupation, NYHA class, and age significantly influence self-care in heart failure patients, while gender, comorbidity, and disease duration do not. Targeted interventions are needed to improve self-care and reduce rehospitalization.
Performance comparison of water towers and combined pumped hydro and compressed gas system and proposing a novel hybrid system to energy storage with a case study of a 50 MW wind farm
Authors: Hadidi Amin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In general, the most important method of energy storage at the power plant scale is the pumped hydro method, which has been developed in two main models to improve its performance, which is pumped hydro combined with compressed gas (PHCCG) and pumped hydro in closed towers (PHWT). In this research, to answer which of these methods is more suitable, in the form of a case study, both systems were designed to store the generated energy in the Aghkand wind farm with a nominal power of 50 (MW), and the performance of both was completely compared with each other. The findings indicated that the efficiency of the PHWT method was higher, but on the other hand, the water requirement of the PHCCG method was much lower than the PHWT method. Also, in an innovative way, the PHWT system was presented with a combination of towers of different classes and the performance of each was investigated. Finally, by combining both PHWT and PHCCG systems, a new hybrid system (HPHWTCG) was proposed. By using this hybrid system, the advantages of both methods can be used at the same time and the disadvantages of each method can be eliminated to a great extent. The efficiency of PHWT and PHCCG is 65 % and 45 % respectively. The efficiency of HPHWTCG is between these two values based on its structure.
CNN based prediction of modulation techniques in Li-Fi
Authors: Pundir Aryan Singh , Kaushik Rahul , Pathak Prashast 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Visible light communication (VLC) being a key component of light-fidelity (Li-Fi), requires adaptive and efficient modulation techniques to guarantee reliable data transmission under varying channel conditions. This study focuses on the prediction of modulation techniques in VLC systems, namely, on-off keying (OOK), pulse position modulation (PPM): 4-PPM, 8-PPM and 16-PPM, 4 – differential pulse interval modulation (DPIM), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and generalized space shift keying (GSSK), using machine learning based approach. A convolutional neural network (CNN) is trained on a synthetic dataset which is generated under varying channel conditions and noise levels. The trained model is then used to classify modulation techniques based on signal features extracted from simulated VLC signals. The model is then exported and used to predict modulation techniques in a different dataset. The outcomes demonstrate CNNs’ effectiveness in real time modulation technique prediction. This method presents a viable way to boost Li-Fi communication effectiveness in varying environments.
Future People as Future Victims: An Anti-Natalist Justification of Longtermism
Authors: Lee Rex 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this paper, I propose a refined version of Seana Shiffrin’s consent argument for anti-natalism and argue that longtermism is best justified not through the traditional consequentialist approach, but from an anti-natalist perspective. I first reformulate Shiffrin’s consent argument, which claims that having children is pro tanto morally problematic because the unconsented harm the child will suffer could not be justified by the benefits they will enjoy, by including what I call the trivializing requirement to better accommodate various criticisms. Based on this iteration of anti-natalism, I argue that future generations should not be seen as far away strangers who are merely anonymous bearers of well-being, but rather as collective victims of the wrongful acts of procreation. As a result, anti-natalism provides us with a rational ground to put a key moral priority on improving the future, not only as restitution to future generations for the unconsented harm imposed on them, but also as part of a long-term effort to nullify the anti-natalist criticism, since the consent argument would no longer apply if our society eventually becomes so utopian that the positive aspects of the average person’s life vastly outweigh its negative aspects.
Ill, vulnerable and kind: a corpus-based study of the discourse representation of older adults on Weibo
Authors: Zhang Shuling , Bao Kai 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This article offers an in-depth analysis of the evolving representations of older adults on Weibo, a leading Chinese social media platform, using a self-compiled corpus of nearly 7 million tokens from posts spanning January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2022. We utilize a corpus analysis tool to identify four-grams and perform concordance analysis to determine thematic categories and track their frequency changes over time. The findings reveal significant shifts in the portrayal of older adults, highlighting not only deteriorations in health but also perceived declines in cognitive abilities, moral standing, and societal roles. This evolved depiction paints older adults as increasingly isolated, outdated, and vulnerable, suggesting a nuanced form of marginalization compared to pre-pandemic portrayals. This study contributes to the existing literature by delineating the complex dynamics of older adult representation on Chinese social media against the backdrop of a rapidly aging population.
Perceived coworkers' work addiction: Scale development and associations with one's own workaholism, job stress, and job satisfaction in 85 cultures
Authors: Atroszko Paweł A. , Kun Bernadette , Buźniak Aleksandra , Czerwiński Stanisław K. , Schneider Zuzanna , Woropay-Hordziejewicz Natalia , Bakker Arnold B. , Balducci Cristian , Demetrovics Zsolt , Griffiths Mark D. , Innstrand Siw Tone , Morkevičiūtė Modesta , Pallesen Ståle , Pontes Halley M. , Sussman Steve , Charzyńska Edyta 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundWhile the empirical data on the role of environmental factors in work addiction (WA) is steadily growing, little is known about the extent to which the workaholic environment contributes to the increased risk of WA and what are the relative contributions of direct supervisor's and colleagues' WA to one's own workaholism.MethodsThe Perceived Coworkers' Work Addiction Scale (PCWAS) assessing perceived direct supervisor's and colleagues' WA, defined as an addictive disorder, was administered alongside measures of WA, job stress, and job satisfaction in a total sample of 33,222 employees from 85 cultures across six continents (63.2% females, mean age 39.35 years).ResultsThe PCWAS showed scalar measurement invariance between genders and job positions, and approximate measurement invariance across cultures. In most cultures, the perceived supervisor's and colleagues' WA correlated with one's own WA, job stress (positively), and job satisfaction (negatively). In structural equation models, perceived colleagues' rather than supervisor's WA was more strongly related to one's own WA and job stress in most cultures.Discussion and conclusionsThese findings suggest that the PCWAS is valid and reliable for assessing the workaholic environment, and it can be used globally to provide comparable and generalizable results. The present study is the first to show that WA may considerably depend on environmental factors in different cultures worldwide and that perceived colleagues' WA may play a particularly important role in this context. These findings may guide organizational interventions to decrease WA risks among employees and improve their well-being and productivity.