bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perception about Child Vaccination and its Determinants among Caregivers in Tehuledere Woreda, North Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Beshir Seid Assega , Workineh Mahteme Haile , Workineh Birhanu Demeke , Kahissay Mesfin Haile 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: In spite of increase in global immunization coverage, many children around the world especially in developing countries still left unvaccinated. Effective vaccination communication with parents is crucial in efforts to overcome barriers to childhood vaccination, tackle vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination coverage.
Objective: To examine caregivers’ perception towards child vaccination and identify factors associated with childhood vaccine hesitancy among children 12-36 months of age in Tehuledere Woreda, South Wollo Zone, North East Ethiopia.
Methods and Materials: Explanatory sequential mixed method was used. For quantitative method community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2019. A multistage sampling technique was employed. Study participants were selected systematically. A total of 824 mothers/caregivers of children aged 12 – 36 months were successfully interviewed using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.6.0 and exported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Logistic regression analyses were done. A significant association was declared at a p-value less than 0.05. For qualitative data a phenomenological study design was employed among participants and content analysis was performed.
Results: About 596 (72.3%) of the children were completely vaccinated. Widowed mothers (AOR =7.3, CI =2.2,24), home delivery practice (AOR =4.6, CI =1.8,10), long walking time to health facility (AOR =9.5, CI =3.2,27), use of community as vaccine information source (AOR =4.2, CI =1.7,9.6), occurrence of child death in the family (AOR =2.6, CI =1.2,6.8) and mothers health seeking behavior (AOR =2.5, CI =1.1,5.4) were found to be associated with vaccine hesitancy.
Conclusion and Recommendations: Acceptance and refusal of child vaccination was found to reflect factors including perceived benefits of vaccine and social environment. Encouraging mothers to attend proper antenatal care and to exploit family planning programs is recommended to improve vaccination status of children in the rural communities. Community awareness programs also should be scaled up by incentivizing community health workers.
Robustness of 4D flow MRI Derived Aortic Wall Shear Stress and Pulse Wave Velocity across Different Protocols in Healthy Controls and in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Dushfunian David , Maroun Anthony , Berhane Haben , Baraboo Justin , Jarvis Kelly , Allen Bradley D. , Markl Michael 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the reproducibility of important biomarkers like wall shear stress (WSS) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) across two 4D flow MRI imaging protocols with different coverages: aorta-targeted 4D flow MRI (AT4D) and whole-heart 4D flow (WH4D) protocols.
Methods
Thirty-eight control subjects (43.2 ± 10.1 years old; 6 males) and ten patients (45.7 ± 8.9 years old; 22 males) with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) were included. Each subject underwent AT4D and WH4D scans. PWV and absolute WSS were assessed for each patient across both protocols and compared using Bland-Altman analysis. Areas of elevated WSS were assessed for BAV patients across different WSS thresholds that define WSS to be elevated compared to a normal population average. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the best WSS threshold at which WH4D-derived areas most closely resemble AT4D-derived areas. Inter-rater reproducibility was evaluated in twenty-four subjects.
Results
AT4D and WH4D PWV and WSS estimates demonstrated good agreement (PWV: -0.12 ± 1.84 m/s, p = 0.4; Median WSS: 0.06 ± 0.13 Pa, p < 0.01; Maximum WSS: 0.04 ± 0.27 Pa, p = 0.07). PWV correlated with age across protocols (AT4D: r = 0.68, p < 0.01; WH4D: r = 0.72, p < 0.01). Sensitivity analysis identified a WSS threshold where WH4D-derived areas of elevated WSS most closely resembled AT4D-derived areas. Inter-rater assessment resulted in a small mean difference percentage of < 3%.
Data conclusion:
PWV and WSS demonstrated good agreement across protocols. The WSS threshold should be adjusted for WH4D estimates to optimally match AT4D-derived output. Reproducibility analysis showed good test-retest agreement. This study demonstrates the reproducibility of certain hemodynamic parameters across two 4D flow MRI protocol.
Establishing of 3D-FISH on frozen section and its applying in chromosome territories analysis in Populus trichocarpa
Authors: Ning Yihang , Shang Daxin , Xin Haoyang , Ni Runxin , Wang Ziyue , Zhen Yan , Liu Guangxin , Xi Mengli 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The spatial organization of chromatin within the interphase nucleus and the interactions between chromosome territories (CTs) are essential for various biological processes. Three-dimensional fluorescence in situ hybridization (3D-FISH) is a powerful tool for analyzing CTs, but its application in plants is limited. In this study, we established a 3D-FISH technique using frozen sections of Populus trichocarpa root tips, which was an improvement over the use of paraffin sections and enabled us to acquire good FISH signals. Using chromosome-specific oligo probes, we were able to analyze CTs in interphase nuclei in three dimensions. We focused on the chromosome territory (CT) analysis of P. trichocarpa chromosome 19 in the root tip nuclei. Remarkably, the distance between homologous chromosomes 19 was variable and they were spatially completely separated in 80% of the nuclei. This research lays a foundation for further study of the spatial position of chromosomes in the nucleus and the relationship between gene expression and spatial localization of chromosomes in poplar.
Examining the Role of Structural Change in Income Inequality: Insights from Quantile ARDL Modeling in the United States
Authors: Marangoz Cumali 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study attempts to examine the dynamics of the U.S. manufacturing sector and income inequality using a Quantile Autoregressive Distributed Lag (QARDL) model from 1965q1 to 2019q4. We analyze the impact of urbanization, economic growth, human capital, manufacturing, and human capital on income distribution. An inverted U-shaped Kuznets curve indicates that as the manufacturing sector progresses the income disparity diminishes. Limiting our analysis to the industrial value contributed to GDP might cause a harder discern the overall effect on income inequality. A higher rate of GDP might not guarantee equal incomes, which may show an increase in certain sectors. Looking at the manufacturing sector's share of total employment, which reflects both employment opportunities and revenue sources, allows more direct reflection of income disparity. This study contributes to the literature by enhancing our comprehension of the intricate processes of income distribution, offering valuable insights for policymakers and researchers to better tackle income inequality.
Quality of life and associated factors among older adults of central Nepal: A cross-sectional study using WHOQOL-OLD tool
Authors: Adhikari Rubisha , Shah Rajani , Ghimire Kamal , Khanal Birat , Baral Sunil , Adhikari Anisha , Malla Dinesh Kumar , Khanal Vishnu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The world population is ageing increasingly. The quality of life (QOL) of older people is an important global issue and is indicative of the health and well-being of this demographic. As the population ages, ensuring people's QOL has become increasingly challenging. This study aims to investigate the QOL among older people and factors associated with it in an urban setting of central Nepal using the WHOQOL-OLD tool.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Central Nepal. Quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire. The individual and overall mean scores of the six domains of QOL were presented along with their standard deviations (SDs). The association between QOL and independent variables were first examined using t-test or analysis of variance followed by multiple linear regression. Regression coefficient (β) and respective 95% confidence intervals were presented to show the association of independent variables with QOL.
Results
The mean age of the 366 participants was 70 years (SD: 8.2 years). Of which, 56.3% were aged 70 years and above and 55.2% were females. The mean score was higher in the domains of past, present and future activities (14.96, SD: 2.32), social participation (14.29, SD: 2.17) and intimacy (14.69, SD: 2.36) compared to other domains of QOL. Older people who had an annual household income of 40,000 (Nepalese Rupees) or more (β: 1.909: 95% CI: 0.337, 3.480), who reported health services as accessible (β: 4.019; 95% CI: 0.666, 7.371), and affordable (β: 3.176; 95% CI: 1.327, 5.025), and who reported being involved in physical activity (β: 2.107; 95% CI: 0.607, 3.606) had higher QOL scores compared to their respective counterparts. Conversely, those who were illiterate (β: -0.415; 95% CI: -5.556, -1.986) reported a lower QOL score compared to the literate group. There were considerable variations among the factors associated with the six individual domains of QOL, with a more consistent association observed with literacy status, household income and access to health services.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated that participants’ literacy, having a better household income, accessible and affordable health services and being involved in physical activity were crucial factors for quality of life. The current biomedical model of health service is unlikely to improve the QOL of older people. Therefore, a holistic model of service using the social determinants of health framework is essential to improve the well-being of older people in Nepal.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight Among Neonates in Soroti Regional Referral Hospital
Authors: Changulo Hilda Mary , Wambi Rogers , Ndibalekera Slyvia , Muwanguzi Patience A , Kutesa Annet 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Low birth weight is an important marker of maternal health and neonatal health. It is an indicator of morbidity and mortality as well as adult-onset of chronic conditions. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with low birth weight among neonates at birth in Soroti regional referral hospital.
Methods:This was a cross sectional study employing quantitative methods of data collection. It was conducted at Soroti regional referral hospital between November and December 2021. The study recruited 322 mothers with live neonates. To analyze the data, low birth weight was summarized as a proportion while modified poisson model was used to determine the factors significantly associated with birth weight.
Results: Overall, the prevalence of low birth weight was (21.5%, 95% CI: 16.4- 25.3). Factors that were found to be significantly associated with low birth weight were mother’s occupation (PR=0.83, 95%CI ;0.71-0.97, P=0.019), Antenatal care attendance (PR=1.21 ,95%CI; 1.09-1.36,P=0.001), Gestation age by Ballard score (PR=1.92, 95%CI: 0.82-5.52, P=0.133,) and parity (PR=0.95,95%CI;0.85-1.07,P=0.407) respectively were significantly associated with low birth weight
Conclusion: Prevalence of low birth weight was considerably high in Soroti Regional referral hospital. One in every 5 neonates born in Soroti regional referral had low birth weight. Mother’s occupation, attending antenatal care, gestation age, and parity were the factors significantly associated with low birth weight.
Movement Patterns and Habitat Selection of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in a Great Basin Stream
Authors: Flynn Keane , Kelson Suzanne , Rossi Gabriel , Bess Zachary , Simmons James , Csank Adam , Hogan Zeb , Chandra Sudeep 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Understanding the movement of organisms is critical for species conservation in the context of changing landscapes and climate. As climatic extremes impact the United States Great Basin, quantifying the movements of native fishes like Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi) is vital for facilitating their persistence. These climatic extremes are projected to alter flow regimes, specifically, reducing hydrologic connectivity needed to maintain populations. By studying fish movement patterns during streamflow recession and baseflow conditions, we can identify the factors responsible for movement and habitat selection to better manage these factors in a changing world.
Methods: We tagged 57 Lahontan cutthroat trout from early summer to fall in 2021 and 2022 in the Summit Lake watershed (NV, USA). The location of each fish was associated with local hydraulic, physical habitat, invertebrate drift concentration, and water quality data to assess which factors impact habitat selection, abandonment, and overall movement. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess which factors were associated with trout movement, and a two-sample permutation test was used to identify factors associated with habitat selection or abandonment.
Results: Stream-resident trout displayed little movement during streamflow recession and baseflow conditions, with median daily movements of 0.3 m/day and a median home range of 10.2 m; these results suggest even less movement than those reported in previous studies. Abrupt declines in riffle crest thalweg (RCT) depth were the primary factor associated with increases in distance traveled, yet there were only four observed movements below RCT depths of 5 cm and no observations below 4 cm. The only factor that impacted trout habitat selection or
abandonment was fork length and weight, with smaller individuals abandoning habitat more often than larger, dominant individuals.
Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that trout movement occurs when absolutely necessary, such as escaping drying reaches or being displaced by larger or more aggressive individuals. We suggest that watershed managers implement low-flow hydrologic monitoring to identify vulnerable stream reaches, with an emphasis on preserving streamflow connectivity for stream-rearing salmonids. Additionally, this emphasizes the importance of tracking movements for species of interest as a strategy to identify factors potentially reducing population fitness.
Characteristics and Seismogenic Background of the 2014 Earthquake Sequence around Shanxi Reservoir in Eastern China
Authors: Gao Yajing , Zhang Qi , Sun Yunqiang , Gao Yaqi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The Shanxi Reservoir area is one of the most seismically active regions in Eastern China. We use the seismic waveforms, earthquake catalogs, and seismic phase observation reports to study and summarize the earthquake sequence characteristics and seismogenic background of the Shanxi Reservoir area in 2014. (1) Firstly, we relocate the earthquake sequence by the HypoDD method. The relocation results show that the dominant strike of the sequence is approximately NW-SE 129°, with a steep dip of roughly SW 84°, and the seismogenic structure contains multiple secondary surfaces (sub-faults). (2) Based on the relocation catalog, we estimate the spatial distribution of b-values along the strike of the seismogenic fault using the maximum likelihood method, and obtain the abnormal regions of stress and inhomogeneity near the fault. (3) At the same time, we also calculate the focal mechanisms for events with ML ≥ 2.5 and ML ≥ 3.0 by the HASH and CAP methods, respectively, and obtain rose statistical charts for each parameter. The results indicate that the 2014 sequence is basically of the right-lateral strike-slip type. Combined with the relocation results, we speculated that the seismogenic surface is close to the nodal plane with a strike of NW-SE 131°, a dip of SW 82°, and a rake of -173°. (4) On the basis of the focal mechanisms, we further acquire the azimuth and inclination parameters of the P and T axis for each earthquake, and get the rose statistical charts of these parameters. The P-axis and T-axis of the 2014 sequence are dominantly distributed in the NNW and SEE direction, with a gentle inclination angle, which exhibits nearly horizontal compression in the NNW direction and nearly horizontal tension in the SEE direction. (5) Finally, combined with the distribution of fault zones around the reservoir area, we infer that the 2014 sequence around the Shanxi Reservoir was the result of right-lateral strike-slip rupture of the f11 − 3 branch of the Shuangxi-Jiaoxiyang fault. We find that the 2014 sequence began to occur in areas where multiple groups of faults converge and have favorable infiltration conditions, which are regions of high-stress concentration and significant infiltration effects. The infiltration of reservoir water into deeper areas leads to an increase in pore pressure and a decrease in the strength of structural surfaces, making the rock more susceptible to rupture. Under the influence of continuous ruptures (earthquakes) and infiltration of reservoir water, the 2014 earthquakes developed along the f11 − 3 fault towards NW and SE and deeper directions.
Spatio-Temporal Analysis of the Pre-Earthquake Disturbances in the Ionosphere before Ten Earthquakes with Magnitudes Greater than Mw 5.0
Authors: Karatay Secil , Arikan Feza , Pirti Atinc 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study analyzes the variations in Total Electron Content (TEC) to perform a spatio-temporal evaluation of pre-earthquake disturbances in the ionosphere in order to characterize anomalies occurred before the major earthquakes using Differential Rate Of TEC (DROT) algorithm. By employing the DROT technique, significant TEC oscillations have observed 1–5 days before the earthquakes. The temporal approach showed a higher frequency of oscillations on the day immediately preceding the event. The spatial approach showed clustering around 500 km from the epicenter at most. Finally, the approach depending on the magnitude of the earthquake showed that large-scale ionospheric disturbances occurred before the earthquakes with magnitude greater than Mw 5.6.
ALB-Chain:Achieving Scalability and Load Balance Blockchain Sharding
Authors: Wu Aihua , Hua Chunyang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

As a promising technology, blockchain has widespread application in many decentralized systems. However, scalability is still a major challenge to blockchain adoption.Sharding is a promising method for scaling blockchain. However, in current implementations, the complexity of cross-shard transactions and the imbalance of shard workloads have become key factors hindering its potential performance advantages. We propose ALB-Chain, a meticulously designed blockchain system aimed at achieving exceptional scalability and balancing the workload across all shards. In ALB-Chain, we introduce a replica account mechanism, which transforms cross-shard transactions into intra-shard transactions, thereby enhancing transaction throughput. Additionally, we introduce a lightweight Account Aggregation Model (AAM), which supports batch aggregation and threshold signatures. To optimize system performance and ensure balanced workload distribution among shards, we have specially designed a dynamic partitioning algorithm named MLPA. This algorithm intelligently monitors the operational status of each shard and dynamically adjusts task allocation among shards based on historical data, ensuring that the entire system maintains high efficiency and stability. We conducted transaction-driven simulations using real
Ethereum transaction datasets. The evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed protocol outperforms
other benchmarks in terms of throughput, transaction processing latency, transaction queue size, and shard
workload distribution.
Long-Term Trends in Subsurface Flows of Solar Cycle 23 to 25
Authors: Komm Rudolf 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We study the long-term variation of the zonal and meridional flows from Solar Cycle 23 to 25 derived with ring-diagram analysis applied to Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) and Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) Dopplergrams. We focus mainly on the subsurface flows averaged over depths from 2.0 Mm to 11.6 Mm since their long-term variations are sufficiently similar. First, we examine their temporal variations for systematic artifacts. We find that the GONG-derived zonal flows increase almost linearly with time until about 2020, which we correct with a linear regression. Then, we determine the average differences between the GONG- and HMI derived flows. The average offset is 0.15 ± 0.53 m s−1 for the zonal flow and 0.65 ± 0.08 m s−1 for the meridional flow within ±30.0◦ latitude. The average difference of the meridional flow is nearly constant with latitude in this range, while that of the zonal flow varies similar to that of the magnetic activity. At latitudes of 45.0◦ and higher, the differences increase and are larger than those at lower latitudes, which is most likely due to geometric foreshortening. Finally, we combine the GONG- and HMI-derived flows and find, as expected, that the solar-cycle variation is the dominant long-term variation. At each latitude within ±30.0◦, the meridional-flow pattern appears ahead of the zonal-flow pattern by an average lag of 0.926±0.126 years. The equatorward and poleward branches of the solar-cycle variation occur at 52.5◦ with the poleward branches present near 60.0◦ and the equatorward ones at lower latitudes. The zonal flows at 52.5◦ and 60.0◦ show an additional trend and decrease by 2.9±0.3 m s−1 over 11 years. This decrease might nevertheless be related to the solar cycle and imply that the flow amplitudes are anti-correlated with the strength of the associated solar cycle.