bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrical Properties for Non-destructive Determination of Free Fatty Acid and Moisture Content in Oil Palm Fruit
Authors: Mellyana Verra , Budiastra I Wayan , Irmansyah  , Purwanto Yohanes Aris 
Published: April 2024

FFA content is one of the essential qualities of oil palm fruit. FFA content exceeding 5% is considered unsuitable for human consumption. Commonly, FFA content is determined by chemical methods in the laboratory, but it is destructive, time-consuming, and costly. Several non-destructive methods have been investigated, but a maturity prediction approach has been primarily used with no direct relation to FFA content. Thus, there is a pressing need for a non-destructive framework to assess the FFA levels in the oil palm fruit directly. An attempt has been explored using a non-destructive palm fruit quality assessment that relied on electrical properties (impedance, admittance, resistance, and capacitance) in the frequency range from 50 Hz to 5 MHz was investigated to predict FFA and moisture content directly. Two statistical analyses were employed: stepwise multiple linear regressions (MLR) and artificial neural networks (ANN) to calibrate and validate electrical properties with FFA and moisture content. The best-performing models ANN showcased significant results: r= 0.96, R2=0.92, SEC at 0.86%, SEP at 0.97%, CV at 19.45%, consistency at 88.54, and RPD at 3.43 for FFA prediction, and r= 0.99, R2=0.98, SEC at 3.09 %, SEP at 3.46 %, CV at 5.44 %, consistency at 89.08 and RPD at 7.02 for predicting moisture content. In modeling oil palm quality determination, applying the ANN method significantly improved model performances, demonstrating its efficacy in predicting non-destructively both FFA levels based on admittance and moisture content based on impedance.
Consumos alimentarios en la infancia argentina, inequidades según nivel de ingresos de los hogares en 2018-2019
Authors: Zapata María Elisa , Rovirosa Alicia 
Published: April 2024

La calidad de la alimentación en edades tempranas es un derecho básico, del que dependen la supervivencia, el crecimiento saludable, la prevención de enfermedades crónicas y malnutrición en todas sus formas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir los consumos alimentarios de menores de 13 años de áreas urbanas de la Argentina en 2018-19, según el nivel de ingresos de los hogares. Estudio transversal con datos de la 2° Encuesta Nacional de Nutrición y Salud 2018-19, que toma una muestra probabilística polietápica de localidades urbanas de 5.000 habitantes y más de Argentina. Se analizó el consumo de alimentos de niños y niñas (5763 0 a 23 meses y 5829 de 2 a 12 años) obtenido por R24h. Se clasificaron alimentos y bebidas según las Guías Alimentarias para la Población Argentina, se analizó el porcentaje que consumió cada categoría y la cantidad promedio consumida, por grupo de edad y se estratificó según nivel de ingresos. Se realizó análisis estadístico descriptivo y regresión lineal. Se observó bajo consumo de alimentos recomendados (frutas, legumbres, verduras, frutas secas y semillas) y alto consumo de aquellos que las guías alimentarias recomiendan evitar (bebidas endulzadas, golosinas, galletitas, amasados de pastelería y cereales desayuno). En determinados grupos de alimentos se evidencian diferencias entre los niños que viven en hogares de diferente nivel de ingresos (ej frutas y azúcar), mientras que en otros grupos no existen diferencias (ej, bebidas endulzadas y galletitas). El consumo se aleja de las recomendaciones con notorias desigualdades según el nivel de ingreso. Para mejorar la calidad de la alimentación de la población infantil son necesarios cambios en los entornos y en el sistema alimentario dado que afecta directamente la seguridad alimentaria nutricional, la malnutrición, el estado de salud y el bienestar de la población.
Impact of Green Finance on Environmental Performance with the Mediation of Financial Innovation: Evidence from Nigerian Bank
Authors: Adeyemi Adewumi Z. , Olasupo Sunday F. , Johnson Adebayo A. , Adegun Emmanuel A. , Sajuyigbe Ademola S. 
Published: April 2024

Objective: This study examines the mediating effect of financial innovation on the relationship between green finance and environmental performance.
Design/Methods/Approach: A targeted sampling technique was used for access bank selection. Copies of the structured questionnaire were sent to 250 branch managers of Access Bank in southwestern Nigeria. A total of 200 questionnaires were completed and returned to researchers. Data were analyzed using the STATA 15 version using structural equation modeling.
Findings: The results show that green loans, green training, green investment, and green policy have a positive and significant impact on environmental performance. This means that green finance parameters are the driving force behind Nigeria's environmental initiatives and performance. Furthermore, the study showcases that financial innovation partially mediates green loans, green investments, green training, and environmental performance. The study also confirms that financial innovation does mediate green policy and environmental performance.
Originality/Value: Prior studies have confirmed the correlation between green finance and environmental outcomes. However, despite various research endeavors highlighting the influence of green finance on overall ecological performance and introducing financial innovation as a mediator, this aspect remains unexplored in the context of the banking sector.
Practical/Policy implication: Given that financial innovation partially mediates green loans, green investments, green training, and environmental performance, the results of this investigation are of importance to policymakers and financial institutions in the area of banks’ environmental performance. This study provides insights on financial innovation and green finance in financial institutions to foster green banking activities to promote environmental sustainability and performance.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism, BDNF, and Telomere Dynamics in T1DM Pregnancy
Authors: Delmis Josip , Elvedji Gasparovic Vesna Elvedji , Herman Mislav , Ivanisevic Marina 
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the effects of subclinical hypothyroidism and BDNF on telomere length in T1DM mothers and their neonates. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 70 pregnant women with T1DM were enrolled. Subclinical hypothyroidism during the first trimester was characterized by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels ranging from 2.5 to 5.0mIU/L alongside normal free thyroxine (FT4) concentrations. Participants were stratified into two groups based on TSH levels: a maternal subclinical hypothyroid group (SHG, n=35) and a maternal euthyroid group (ETG, n=35). Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) measurements were conducted using whole blood samples from the mothers and umbilical veins. Results: The maternal LTL mean was 1.7 (SD=1.1), which was significantly shorter than the neonatal telomeres, with a mean of 2.3 SD (1.2). A significant correlation was observed between maternal and neonatal LTL (r=0.750, p&amp;lt;0.001). A positive association was found between neonatal LTL and BDNF levels in maternal circulation [β=0.421 (95% CI 0.536; 1.873; p=0.001)]. Neonatal LTL was negatively associated with gestational weight gain [β=-0.266 (95% CI-0.138; -0.009)], and with TSH in the first trimester [β=-0.237; (95% CI -0.493; - 0.010)]. Notably, neonates in the SHG exhibited shorter LTL, with a mean of 2.1 (1.0), compared to those in the ETG, who had a mean LTL of 2.7 (1.4). A positive association was found between maternal LTL and BDNF levels in maternal circulation [β=0.523 (95% CI 0.790; 1.950; P&amp;lt;0.001)]. Maternal LTL was negatively associated with gestational weight gain [β=-0.259 (95% CI -0.122; -0.010)], and with TSH in the first trimester [β=-0.231; (95% CI -0.422; - 0.015)]. Conclusions: Genetic factors affect neonatal LTL. Maternal subclinical hypothyroidism reduces neonatal LTL. The link between maternal and neonatal LTL and BDNF reveals the complex endocrine-neurotrophic interaction in T1DM telomere dynamics.
Food Hygiene Practice and Its Associated Factors among Street Food Vendors in Addis Ketema Sub city Addis Ababa Ethiopia 2023
Authors: Abdela Abduselam Ahmed , Dessu Samuel , kolola Tufa , Aboma Mecha 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Street food vendors offer affordable prepared meals and job opportunities for individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in developing nations. Nevertheless, the lack of proper hygiene practices at these street food vending locations poses a significant worry for consumers.
Objective
This study aimed to assess food hygiene practice and associated factors among street food venders in Addis Ketema Sub City Addis Ababa, 2023.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among randomly selected 337 participants from five districts of the Addis Ketema sub-city, between March 1 and March 30, 2023. Data collection involved the use of structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and observational checklists, which were adapted from prior studies. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between the outcome variables and the independent variables, employing a binary logistic regression model. The strength of association was gauged using Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI), with statistical significance set at a p-value < 0.05.
Result
Out of the total 337 study participants, the prevalence of good hygienic practice among street food vendors in Addis Ketema Sub City was found to be 33.2% (95% CI: 28.2, 38.3). Factors significantly associated with good food hygiene practices among these vendors included: having received food handling training (AOR: 2.43, 95% CI 1.12, 5.27), possessing food handling knowledge (AOR: 3.44, 95% CI 1.60, 7.38), having uninterrupted water supply (AOR: 2.52, 95% CI 1.37, 4.62), undergoing health professional visits (AOR: 5.42, 95% CI 2.90, 10.12), and having work experience of more than one year (AOR: 4.68, 95% CI 1.96, 11.14).
Conclusion
- The findings of this study indicate that street food vendors in Addis Ketema Sub City exhibit a low level of food hygiene practice. However, certain factors such as food handling training, knowledge, uninterrupted water supply, health professional visits, and more than one year of work experience were significantly associated with good hygienic practices among these vendors. The study underscores the necessity for improving the food hygiene practices of street food vendors. This highlights the importance of providing effective and continuous training, regular inspections by healthcare workers, and ensuring the availability of water supply at vending sites to enhance the hygienic practices of street food vendors.
The Impact of Open and Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises in Water on Pain and LumboPelvic Stability Men with Non-Special Chronic Back Pain
Authors: yalfani Ali , Ashoury hossein , arjipour mahdi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of open and closed kinetic chain exercises in water on pain and LumboPelvic Stability in men with non-specific chronic low back pain. 60 men aged range 40-60 with (Non-Speciﬁc Low Back Pain; NSCLBP ) participated in this semi-experimental research which was randomly divided into one of three groups ( Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises; CKCE )in water (mean age 47.80 ± 5.43), (Open Kinetic Chain Exercises; OKCE) in water (mean age 46.10 ± 6.06) and the control group (with mean age 50.40 ± 5.43). The pain was measured by the visual Analogue Scale; VAS ) and (Lumbo Pelvic Stability; LPS) by the Pressure Biofeedback Unit. Based on the findings of this research, there is a significant improvement in pain reduction (P<0 .05) and increased LPS of patients with chronic back pain in the four tests of the groups of CKCE and OKCE exercises in water compared to the control group (P≤0 .05). The results of the present study showed that the implementation of CKCE and OKCE programs in water can reduce pain and increase the stability of the lumbar pelvic region and can be effective in the daily life of people such as walking, going up and down the stairs, sitting and standing up from the chair, and sleeping without pain.
Ultrafast phonon-mediated dephasing of color centers in hexagonal boron nitride probed by electron beams
Authors: Talebi Nahid , Taleb Masoud , Bittorf Paul , Black Maximilian , Hentschel Mario , Sigle Wilfried , Haas Benedikt , Koch Christoph , Aken Peter van , Giessen Harald 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Defect centers in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) have been extensively studied as room-temperature single-photon sources. The electronic structure of these defects exhibits strong coupling to phonons, as evidenced by the observation of phonon sidebands in both photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence spectra. However, the dynamics of the electron-phonon coupling as well as phonon-mediated dephasing of the color centers in hBN remain unexplored. Here, we apply a novel time-resolved CL spectroscopy technique (Nature Physics 19, 869–876 (2023)) to explore the population decay to phonon states and the dephasing time T2 with sub-femtosecond time resolution. We demonstrate an ultrafast dephasing time of only 200 fs and a radiative decay of about 585 fs at room temperature, in contrast with all-optical time-resolved photoluminescence techniques that report a decay of a few nanoseconds. This behavior is attributed to efficient electron-beam excitation of coherent phonon-polaritons in hBN, resulting in faster dephasing of electronic transitions. Our results demonstrate the capability of our sequential cathodoluminescence spectroscopy technique to probe the ultrafast dephasing time of single emitters in quantum materials with sub-femtosecond time resolution, heralding access to quantum-path interferences in single emitters coupled to their complex environment.
The health economics evaluation of HPV vaccine with different immunization strategies in Zhejiang Province based on the PRIME tool
Authors: Liu Yan , Xie Qixin , Gu Wenwen , Du Jian , Lu Zhaojun , Wang Jing , Xu Yuyang , Yang Yingying , Chen Junfang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the health economics of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for school-age female children in Zhejiang Province under different immunization regimens.
Methods: The PRIME tool recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) was used to evaluate the health economics of HPV vaccination by modifying and replacing local data with custom parameters, and the results of sensitivity analysis and economics were combined to select the optimal immunization strategy.
Results: Assuming a free HPV vaccination program among all school-age female children (13 years old) in Zhejiang Province from 2022, the net annual costs to be invested in the scenario of using domestic bivalent and imported bivalent, imported quadrivalent, and ninevalent HPV vaccines to carry out immunization in the province with a full vaccination coverage of 80% of the target vaccination population and a discount rate of 3% are 153 million, 433 million, 597 million, and 967 million, respectively. For each disability-adjusted life year (DALY) saved due to cervical cancer, the incremental costs (CER) were 34,700, 97,800, 135,000, and 170,300 Yuan for different HPV vaccines, respectively, compared with no intervention program. The incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICER)/annual GDP per capita ratio is 0.31, 0.87, 1.19, and 1.51 for different HPV vaccines. The recommended solution is to apply domestic bivalent vaccine, discount 80% of vaccine procurement cost, and achieve 90% coverage of full vaccination.
Conclusion: The immunization strategy for children of school-age females using the domestically produced bivalent HPV vaccine in Zhejiang Province has a highly favorable performance in terms of health economics.
Creating more transparency in malaria program funds: a business case for Connected Diagnostics in Kenya
Authors: Dieteren Charlotte , Millimo Emmanuel , Siteyi Angela , Duijn Shannen van , Stijvers Leon , Dayo Lilyana , Ganda Gregory , de Wit Tobias Rinke 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
International vertical (disease specific) health financing programs risk functioning in parallel with existing domestic funding in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC)s, leading to inefficient service delivery and concomitant poor health outcomes. There is a need to reduce these inefficiencies and create new public-private opportunities to bundle health system funds. In this paper we aim to assess the opportunities offered by digitalized diagnostics to target and monitor health funds to those in need objectively and transparently. We named this Connected Diagnostics (ConnDx).
Methods
In this study we used the malaria case to demonstrate the ConnDx process codeveloped with the local Department of Health of Kisumu, Kenya. We used ConnDx quantitative data to demonstrate how an ConnDxapproach can contribute to manage malaria health funds with markedly increased transparency. We also calculate the costs for ConnDx and standard care to assess potential cost reductions.
Results
ConnDx was rolled out in five private healthcare facilities and detected 2,199 malaria cases among 11,689 patients with fever. ConnDx allowed for the identification of malaria hotspots, semi-real-time assessment of patient health seeking behavior across facilities, and insights in doctor’s prescription behavior, vis a vis National Guidelines. Based on these insights, we demonstrate that a 25% reduction in costs can be realized, while simultaneously better-quality indicators can be monitored and put into quality improvement action.
Conclusion
The concept of ConnDx can in principle be used for any medical condition that can be diagnosed in a digital manner and linked to mobile payment systems. This can help decision makers in LMICs to channel disease-specific funds to the right patients for the right disease at the right time, which can potentially accelerate the way to universal health coverage.
Microresonator photonic wire bond integration for Kerr-microcomb generation
Authors: Burkley Zakary , Takabayashi Alain , Pavlov Nikolay , Rosborough Victoria , Hoffman Galen , Mokhtari-Koushyar Farzad , Huffman Taran , Nelson Mike , Turner Charles , Johansson Leif , Musolf Juergen , Garrett Henry , Liu Thomas , Morrison Gordon , Chembo Yanne , Mattis Brian , Nguyen Thien-An , Camp Mackenzie Van , Turner Steven , Karpov Maxim , Jost John , Kanger Lou 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Extremely high-Q microresonators provide an attractive platform for a plethora of photonic applications including optical frequency combs, high-precision metrology, telecommunication, microwave generation, narrow linewidth lasers, and stable frequency references. Moreover, the desire for compactness and a low power threshold for nonlinear phenomena have spurred investigation into integrated and scalable solutions. Historically, crystalline microresonators with Q~10^9 were one of the first material platforms providing unprecedented optical performance in a small form factor. A key challenge, though, with these devices is in finding alternatives to fragile, bulky, and free-space couplers, such as tapered fibers, prisms, and cleaved fibers. Here, we present for the first time, the coupling of a photonic wire bond (PWB) to a MgF2-based microresonator to generate solitons and a pure, low-noise microwave signal based on Kerr-microcombs. These results open a path towards scalable heterogeneous integration of crystalline microresonators with integrated photonics. Moreover, because PWBs possess advantages over traditional coupling elements in terms of ease of fabrication, size, and flexibility, they constitute a more advanced optical interface for linear and nonlinear photonics.
Exploring the Impact of 3,3’-Diindolylmethane on the Urinary Estrogen Profile of Premenopausal Women
Authors: Newman Mark , Smeaton Jaclyn 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
3, 3’-diindolylmethane (DIM) is a phytonutrient derived from cruciferous vegetables that is an often used supplement in the complementary and alternative medicine space. The most common goal for providers when recommending DIM to their patients is to alter estrogen metabolism, yet research into DIM’s effect on the estrogen profile is lacking in the published literature. The objective of this study was to comprehensively evaluate DIM’s effect on the urinary estrogen profile.
Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from a clinical laboratory, including urinary estrogen and estrogen metabolite concentrations. Analyte concentrations were determined from dried urine samples using a gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay. Individuals were separated into 2 groups, either reporting taking DIM (N = 909) or reporting not taking DIM (N = 18,385). Comparisons between individuals in these two groups were made using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Additionally, we were also able to explore a subset of women who had laboratory results in the database before and after initiating DIM treatment (N = 53). In this subset, differences were assessed with Wilcoxon signed rank tests.
Results
In the larger group, significant differences were observed in the concentrations of almost every urinary estrogen and estrogen metabolite (with the only exception being 2-methoxyestrone) in the urinary estrogen profiles of those taking DIM compared to those not taking DIM (all P values < 0.001). In the smaller subset of individuals with before and after measurements, differences were only seen in 4 of the urinary estrogens and estrogen metabolites (P < 0.001 for estrone, estradiol, estriol, and 16-hydroxyestrone). Differences in total estrogens were significant in both the larger group and the smaller subset (both with P < 0.001). Additionally, observed differences in the ratios of metabolites followed a similar trend with more significant differences observed in the larger group. Notably, the 2-hydroxyestrone:16-hydroxyestrone ratio increased significantly in both the larger and the before and after group.
Conclusions
The results of this study provide the most comprehensive evaluation to date of DIM’s effect on the urinary estrogen profile. Additionally, the results demonstrate that the dried urine collection and accompanying assay used captures changes that are similar in direction, but not necessarily magnitude, to previous reports in the literature. Considered together, these two things highlight the clinical validity and utility of this approach to the evaluation of DIM supplementation and suggest the need for additional studies using this approach to fully understand the potential clinical utility of DIM.
A Trigonometric Approach to the Hardy–Weinberg principle
Authors: Thompson Emanuel Junior 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Representing, manipulating, and visualizing data is essential when presenting abstract or physical concepts. One representation is the Hardy-Weinberg Model (HWM), which provides a mathematical framework for understanding allele frequencies within large, randomly mating populations absent of evolutionary forces. Conventionally, the HWM is presented through algebraic expression. This paper introduces a modification that integrates trigonometric principles into the HWM’s framework by establishing a trigonometric identity using sine and cosine functions; This modification maintains the mathematical integrity of the algebraic form while also enhancing its utility through the incorporation of the Genetic Phase Angle (GPA) as a common variable between p and q. The use of a GPA to measure allele frequency allows users the ability to introduce mathematical formulae and or derivatives that affect both p and q simultaneously since p and q are dependent on the GPA. This method can also allow the user to map various evolutionary effects or even simulate them by directly affecting the GPA as a variable. Additionally, the use of the product variable (𝑛)and 𝑘, both derived from a trigonometric approach to model scenarios that depart from the HWM.