bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fertility Knowledge, Childbearing Intentions and Attitudes Towards Social Egg Freezing: a Study of Female Students of a Private University in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Osaah Millicent , Amoah Vida Maame Kissiwaa , Dankluvi Herbert Ekoe , Yeboah Beatrice , Damalie Elikplim Adzo , Kolbilla David Zawumya , Damalie Francis Jojo Moses Kodzo , Senaya Charles Mawunyo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
As women increasingly delay childbearing for educational and career pursuits, understanding the age-related decline in ovarian reserve becomes crucial to avoid infertility. Egg freezing offers a solution, extending the window for achieving pregnancy with a biological child. However, awareness and acceptance of age-related fertility decline and elective egg freezing vary across countries and social groups.
Methods
This descriptive cross-sectional study investigates fertility awareness, childbearing intentions, and attitudes toward elective egg freezing among 138 undergraduate female students at a private university in Kumasi, Ghana. Data collection employed convenience sampling and a Google-App-based questionnaire.
Results
The majority of respondents were young (below 28 years) (76.3%), Christians (79.26%), and single (57. 78%). Many respondents overestimated their knowledge of age-related fertility decline, with almost half (48.89%) incorrectly believing it occurs after age 40. Primary sources of fertility education included health professionals, the Internet, and television. While most (62.96%) considered childbearing necessary, they would not have a child without a partner. Acceptance of donor egg in-vitro fertilization (IVF) varied based on circumstances, and a significant portion were open to donating their eggs (41.48%). Awareness of elective egg freezing was low, but nearly half (48.89%) expressed interest in it, primarily to retain the option for a biological child. The cost of elective egg freezing was a significant deterrent.
Conclusions
The study revealed a significant lack of awareness regarding age-related fertility decline and elective egg freezing among female university students in Kumasi. Most prefer having a biological child only with a partner. While few were open to donating their eggs or accepting the same to achieve a pregnancy, interest in elective egg freezing was notable, albeit hindered by cost barriers. The study recommends enhanced education by health professionals using social media and television to address these gaps.
Study on pore structure and adsorption properties of coal and microscopic action mechanism of outburst
Authors: Zou Peng , Wang Lei , Zhang Bing , Chen Lipeng , Liu Huaqiang , Jin Kang , Zhong Hao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Coal and gas outburst is a complex dynamic phenomenon happened in the underground of coal mines, and it has been a serious threat to the safe and efficient production of mines. To investigate the complex mechanism of action in depth, based on the prototype of coal and gas outburst induced by coal uncovering, a large-scale coal and gas outburst test was carried out, and coal samples were obtained through isometric excavation, grinding, and sieving, and the pore structure and gas adsorption properties of coal samples were analyzed, and the mechanism of the disaster caused by the deterioration of the coal through the combined effect of the in-situ stress and gas pressure was investigated at a microscopic level with the theory of fracture mechanics. The research results aim to enrich the basic theory of coal and gas outburst and provide technical references for outburst prevention work.
Synthesis, characterization, solvatochromic, and electrochemical investigation of novel 4- methyl coumarin fused azo dyes as an NLO material and their biological studies
Authors: Y Surendranaik , Venkatesh Talavara , naik Eresha 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Herein, we synthesized novel 4-methyl coumarin-incorporated heterocyclic azo dyes, and structures were confirmed by analytical and spectroscopic approaches. Computational studies were performed using the DFT method with a B3LYP/ 6–31 G (d, p) basis set used to explore the molecular geometry, Mullikan atomic charges, global reactive descriptors, MEP, and RDG. Nonlinear optical (NLO) analysis revealed that the first-order hyperpolarizability of 1d was 18 times greater than that of urea. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis showed that all the compounds had greater stability due to internal charge transfer. Solvatochromic behaviour was analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, and the absorbance was observed in the range of 380–450 nm. The electrochemical behaviour was determined by cyclic voltammetry, which exhibited two reduction peaks and was used to calculate the energy of the molecules (EHOMO-ELUMO). The antimicrobial activity was studied against different pathogens Viz., E. coli, S. aureus, and A. flavus, and the results showed that the compounds had good antimicrobial efficacy. “Furthermore, in silico molecular docking results revealed that compounds 1b and 1a have good binding site energies against the target enzymes DNA gyrase and O-methyltransferase, respectively”.
Characterizing Smartphone Capabilities for Seismic and Structural Monitoring
Authors: Vezio Paolo , Mingozzi Enzo , Passarella Andrea , Poli Nicola 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

As seismic events continue to pose significant threats to urban infrastructure, leveraging smartphones equipped with accelerometers for real-time monitoring has gained prominence. To ascertain the reliability and sensitivity of smartphone-based measurements, an in-depth characterization of their response is essential. This article presents a thorough characterization of the performance of typical accelerometers installed on three distinct smartphone models. For this, a novel experimental apparatus has been developed to conduct a comparative study involving three different smartphones against a reference accelerometer, determining the accelerometer’s transfer functions red for Fourier frequencies 0.1 - 40 Hz, demonstrating a higher sensitivity than expected. Possible ways and solutions to the implementation in future distributed networks of heterogeneous and synchronized sensors, capable of independently generating and validating timely alerts in particular seismic events, are also discussed.
Myometrial ischemia diagnosed by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography after cesarean section without uterine artery embolization in three cases
Authors: Wang Ting , Wang Jingxin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: In the absence of uterine artery embolization, postpartum myometrial ischemia is an uncommon complication after cesarean section and is easily misdiagnosed. Accurate and prompt differential diagnosis is necessary for clinicians to plan treatment appropriately. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can effectively visualize the characteristics of microvessels and has proven to be effective for assessing organ perfusion; concurrently, it is convenient, fast, and safe. However, there are few case reports of successful diagnosis of myometrial ischemia after cesarean section using contrast-enhanced ultrasound.
Case presentation: This is the first study to report the successful application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for diagnosing and evaluating postpartum myometrial ischemia followingcesarean section in patients who have not undergone uterine artery embolization treatment. This approach effectively prevents incorrect or overtreatment stemming from misdiagnosis. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound images of myometrial ischemia have certain characteristics, including “dendritic-like” perfusion and “drop-shape” ischemic area, which can provide reliable evidence for differential diagnosis. In addition, the different degrees and ranges of myometrium ischemia revealed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound may also provide useful information for evaluating the degree of ischemia and prognosis.
Conclusions: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can provide reliable imaging evidence for diagnosing and assessing postpartum myometrial ischemia.
Image Processing Based Fire Fighting System Design
Authors: Zhou Tiannian , Chen Baohui , Zhang Zhi , Guo Hongyuan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Electricity transmission equipment in forests poses a great threat to the ecosystem due to the risk of fire, and the rapidity of forest fires or electricity equipment fires makes it difficult to make quick and effective judgments when fires start and to prevent miscalculations in cases such as electrical sparks. This paper designs an intelligent fire protection system that can realize automatic fire extinguishing. This paper focuses on the study of the jet trajectory of the fire extinguishing agent after leaving the fire cannon, and combines the fluid mechanics and particle kinematics to theoretically derive the trajectory and realize the trajectory prediction. Adding air resistance to the trajectory model makes the trajectory prediction more accurate. At the same time, the target detection algorithm in deep learning is used to accurately detect flames, and small flames in the environment can be quickly detected. Using computer vision technology to spatially locate the fire source, obtain the three-dimensional coordinates of the fire source, and calculate the pitch angle and horizontal rotation angle. Compared with existing methods, our proposed method can use deep learning visual detection algorithms to quickly detect flames and combine with other devices to extinguish the fire, constructing a complete fire prevention system, which has stronger significance in practical applications.
In vivo assembly in tobacco cells to elucidate and engineer the biosynthesis of 4-hydroxydihydrocinnamaldehyde from Gloriosa superba
Authors: xiong zhiqiang , Ding Zhuoying , Sun Jingyi , Jiang Xuefei , Cong Hanqing , Sun Huapeng , Qiao Fei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The precursor, 4-hydroxydihydrocinnamaldehyde (4-HDCA), participates in the biosynthesis of the carbon skeleton of colchicine, which is derived from l-phenylalanine. However, one hypothesis proposed that 4-HDCA is synthesized by sharing the early part of the monolignol pathway in G. superba. In this study, we validated this prediction and identified the enzymatic functions involved in this pathway. GsDBR1 is a crucial enzyme to illustrate 4-HDCA diverging from monolignol pathway, we first confirmed its reductase activity on 4-coumaraldehyde, an important intermediate compound in monolignol biosynthesis. Then, the biochemical function of recombinant enzymes belonging to the other four families were verified to elucidate the entire process of 4-HDCA biosynthesis from l-phenylalanine. After reconstruction, the 4-HDCA was 78.4 ng/g with fresh weight (FW) of transgenic tobacco cells, and the yield increased to 168.22 ng/g·FW after improved treatment with methyl jasmonate (MeJA). The findings also indicate that heterologous reconstruction of biosynthetic pathways in plant cell cultures may prefer to use endogenous precursors rather than exogenous feeding. The elucidation of 4-HDCA biosynthesis sharing the monolignol pathway supplemented the biosynthesis of colchicine in G. superba, and the production of 4-HDCA in tobacco cells provides an important step in the development of plant cell cultures as heterologous bio-factories for secondary metabolite production.
Exploring the Reproductive Mechanisms of Fertility-Boosting No.1 and Fertility-Preserving Tang by Network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Jiao Lin , Jiang Lijuan , Zhan Xingxiu , Qian Yanping 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite global economic growth and health care and education improvements, the global birth rate has remained negative. How to increase fertility has become a common global challenge. Fertility-boosting No. 1 Tang (FB1T) and Fertility-preserving Tang (FPT) are clinically effective prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine, which play important roles in improving the sperm quality of boys and the embryo loading rate of women to the process of fertilization of sperms and eggs, but the mechanism of their action is still unclear.
Methods
For insight into the molecular mechanism of FB1T and FPT in reproduction, we used a network pharmacology approach to analyze it with recurrent miscarriage (RM) as the disease representative. Then, we analyzed the potential protein targets signaling pathways looking for therapeutic mechanisms between FB1T and FPT and RSA by drug-target network respectively. Finally, AutoDock Vina was selected for molecular docking validation.
Results
From the OMIM, DisGeNET, and GeneCards databases, we identified 1933 targets for Recurrent Miscarriage (RM). Post-ADME screening, 96 active components and 467 targets in FB1T, along with 137 active components and 327 targets in FPT were recognized. A total of 286 active component targets in FB1T and 230 in FPT overlapped with RM targets. PPI analysis revealed top targets like TNF, AKT1, IL6, TP53, IL1B, ESR1, STAT3, EGFR, CASP3, JUN, CTNNB1, and MMP9. These targets are associated with 124 and 99 signalling pathways in FB1T and FPT respectively, including the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway and chemical carcinogenesis-receptor activation. Quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin were identified as the primary active components in both FB1T and FPT for RM treatment. We hypothesize FB1T and FPT may activate NF-kB through the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα, thereby offering therapeutic benefits for RM. Molecular docking further verified that quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin have strong binding activities with proteins involved in the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway.
Conclusions
The material basis of FB1T and FPT for the treatment of RM is quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin. The mechanism may be to enhance oxidative stress resistance and improve anxiety and ovarian function by inhibiting the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway for the treatment of RM.
Preparation of Green Reduced Graphene Oxide/Zirconium Phosphate nanocomposites as a new adsorbent for Enhanced Non-enzymatic Salicylic acid delivery
Authors: Adhikary Kalyani , Goswami Pallabi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study explores the synthesis of Zirconium Phosphate nanoparticles (ZrP NPs) supported on nano-sized reduced graphene oxide and investigates their efficacy as an adsorbent for removing organic pollutants like salicylic acid (SA). The organometallic-modified rGO/ZrP mixed nanocomposites was characterized using various methods, including elemental analysis, UV–vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, EDX, AFM etc. The nano-adsorbent exhibited strong potential to remove SA ions from aqueous solutions, with removal efficiencies reaching 86.4% for SA, respectively, at initial concentrations of 150 mg/dm3. Adsorption kinetics were studied using pseudo-first and pseudo-second order models, as well as Freundlich, Langmuir, and Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm models. The equilibrium adsorption data indicated a contact time of 35 minutes for maximum adsorption capacity at 150 C. The process was found to be spontaneous and endothermic, with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model providing a good fit.
House modifications using insecticide treated screening of eave and window as a vector control tool: evidence from a semi-field system in Tanzania and simulated epidemiological impact
Authors: Odufuwa Olukayode G. , Sheppard Richard J. , Ngonyani Safina , Mpelepele Ahmadi Bakari , Kobe Dickson , Njohole Agathus , Moore Jason , Lusoli Jastin Lusoli , Muganga Joseph B. , Bosselmann Rune , Skovmand Ole , Mboma Zawadi Mageni , Mbuba Emmanuel , Philipo Rose , Stevenson Jennifer C , Sherrard-Smith Ellie , Bradley John , Moore Sarah Jane 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Gaps in unimproved house structures, especially in eaves and windows, allow vector entry and facilitate indoor vector biting and disease transmission. Simple house modification tools that target unimproved houses have the potential to reduce human exposure to bites in the home. This study assessed the performance of Insecticide Treated Screening (ITS) for eaves and windows, incorporated with deltamethrin and piperonyl-butoxide (PBO) compared to a PBO Insecticide Treated Net (ITN) in Tanzania.
Method
A randomised Latin-square (4x4) design study was conducted in four experimental huts built in a large netting cage to allow recapture of mosquitoes inside and outside of the huts within a semi-field system (SFS). Four treatment arms were evaluated: 1) new ITS; 2) 12-months naturally-aged ITS; 3) 12 months field-used PBO ITNs (standard of care in Tanzania), and 4) no treatment. The study was performed for 32 nights using 30 mosquitoes per strain, per hut, and per night, i.e., 120 (4x30) mosquitoes per hut-night. Four laboratory-reared strains were used: vectors of malaria (Anopheles arabiensis and An. funestus), dengue (Aedes aegypti) and nuisance biting (Culex quinquefasciatus). Recaptured mosquitoes were assessed for mortality at 72 hours (M72), blood feeding and hut entry. A simulation exercise with a modified mechanistic model tracking Plasmodium falciparum malaria was used to illustrate the potential epidemiological impact from these products.
Results
Against all mosquito species tested relative to field-used ITNs, new-ITS induced higher M72 [OR:2.25(95%CI:1.65–3.06),p < 0.0001], and M72 was similar for aged-ITS [OR:0.80(95%CI:0.59–1.08),p = 0.141]. ITS reduced more mosquito blood feeding [new OR:0.02(95% CI:0.01–0.03) and aged OR:0.09(95%CI:0.05–0.14)] and hut entry [new IRR:0.10(95%CI:0.08–0.13) and aged IRR:0.25(95%CI:0.21–0.31)] (p < 0.0001). Transmission model estimates indicate epidemiological impacts of ITS may supersede those of PBO ITNs at the population level. The model results indicate that the potency of these impacts depends on assumed intervention percentage cover, durability and mosquito bionomics.
Conclusions
ITS is an efficacious tool for controlling vectors transmitting malaria, and dengue, and reducing nuisance biting, as assessed in a semi-field setting. Given the intervention’s simplicity, it should be considered as an additional or stand-alone tool for screening of unimproved houses.
Cultivating Excellence: Development and Validation of a Bilingual Competency Self- Assessment Tool for Infection Control Practitioners
Authors: Felix Adriana Maria da Silva , Abraão Ligia Maria , Gusmão Viviane Cristina de Lima , Zimmerman Peta-Anne , Carneiro Marcelo , Padoveze Maria Clara 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The study aimed at to develop and validate a competency self-assessment tool for infection control practitioners.
Methods
Study performed from December/2021 to June/2023. The development of this bilingual tool (Portuguese and English), followed four stages: 1) establishment of the conceptual framework and item generation; 2) content validation; 3) validation of the response process; and 4) validation of the internal structure. The first stage followed the World Health Organization guidance “Core competencies for infection prevention and control professionals”. In the stage two, the Content Validity Ratio (CVRcritic) was used, conducted with participation of 13 experts. For the stage three, 30 Portuguese and 30 English infection control practitioners speakers assessed whether the tool was intelligible. The stage four was performed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis with a convenience sample made up of 645 Portuguese and 620 English-speaking infection control practitioners. To evaluate the internal consistency, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was considered as satisfactory when higher than 0.80. Results: 118 items were generated in both languages. After experts validation, 63 items in Portuguese and 70 in English obtained a CVR > 0.769. No changes in the items were required. Finally, the Portuguese tool was organized into five areas, 36 items with Cronbach's alpha coefficient between 0.89 and 0.97; the English tool was organized into five areas, 37 items and a Cronbach's alpha coefficient between 0.91 and 0.98. Conclusions: The bilingual tool gathers evidence of content validity and validation of the internal structure. This tool is intended for self-assessment of the competencies of infection control practitioners, mainly Portuguese and English speakers.
Evaluation of habitat fragmentation and its suitability for blackbuck in Kaimur Disrtict: A case study of Bihar
Authors: Sekhar Shashi , Pandey Jitendra , Singh Sudhir Kumar , Singh Nitu , Sharma Raj Kumar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Increasing illegal hunting and poaching, biodiversity loss, and conflicts between people and wildlife, management of ungulates has become important in the study area. Although remote sensing and GIS although have made habitat evaluation easier, the results obtained through these techniques need to be verified manually for robustness and accuracy. The purpose was to identify the suitable area for blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra) using the MaxEnt model. The Area Under Curve (AUC) value of 0.923 showed robust results. Furthermore, based on the results obtained using MaxEnt, a total 10.75% of the area is highly suitable for the blackbucks and 12.45% falls under moderate/less suitable area. About 31.6% of total area falls under wildlife sanctuary located in the south of Kaimur district. Poachers are gaining enormous profit from killing this species because of less effective management and lack of stringent legal anchors. Therefore, integration of community led initiatives in the study area will accelerate conservation efforts of schedule I species and demarcation of Blackbuck Conservation Region (BCR) will serve the foundation stone to achieve conservation milestone of such fragmented habitat population.
A Mechanical Plastic Hinge for Beam-to-Column Connections of Precast Concrete Structures
Authors: Soydan Cihan , Özkaynak Hasan , Sürmeli Melih , Senol Erkan , Saruhan Hakan , Yuksel Ercan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

There is an increasing demand for precast reinforced concrete (RC) structures due to their undeniable advantages, such as rapid assembly, material standardization, and labor quality. The structural performance of precast RC structures depends not only on the quality of the precast members but also on joints and connections. In recent years, significant attention has been given to replaceable energy-dissipative devices for beam-to-column connections in precast RC structures. This paper proposes a novel energy-dissipating mechanical plastic hinge for beam-to-column connections in precast RC systems. The proposal is based on the results of intensive experimental and numerical studies conducted in the research project. The beam longitudinal reinforcements are connected to the joint using developed fuse-type mechanical couplers (FTMCs) that have energy dissipation capability. While the bending moment in the connection is transformed into an axial force couple and transferred by FTMCs, the shear force is transmitted through the steel hinge at the center of the beam. The cyclic behavior of the beam-to-column connections with the mechanical plastic hinge was experimentally investigated, resulting in a robust numerical model for the connection. The experiments demonstrated that the proper configuration of FTMCs in the connection enables reaching a 4% drift ratio.