bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Determinants of Typhoid Intestinal Perforation in Surgical Patients: A Regional Perspective from Western Ugandan Hospital
Authors: Quealee Charles G. , Demoz Abraha , Kabuye Umaru , Kiswezi Ahmed , Ibe Usman M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Typhoid intestinal perforations are a serious complication of typhoid fever that continues to be a problem in developing countries such as Uganda, where more than 80% of districts are affected. Despite advancements in medical treatment, outcomes in resource-limited settings remain poor. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, outcomes, and factors associated with typhoid intestinal perforations.
Methods: This was a prospective cohort study conducted at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital between March and November 2023, focusing on individuals with typhoid intestinal perforations. Data was carefully entered into Microsoft Excel 2019 and analyzed using IBM SPSS 27.0.
Results: We examined 85 patients; constituting 16.89% of typhoid fever cases seen, 70 of them had typhoid perforations by biopsy. The average age was 38.40 years (SD±14.6), with 69.4% being male (n=59) and 30.6% female (n=26). Majority were married (58.8%, n=50), and 45.9% (n=39) lacked formal education. All participants (100%) reported abdominal pain and fever, with 83.5% (n=71) experiencing symptoms for less than seven days.
Leucocytosis was observed in 78.8% (n=67) of patients and was significantly linked to intestinal perforation. Additionally, chest x-rays identified pneumoperitoneum in 90.6% (n=77) of cases. The ileum had the highest perforation rate (84.7%, n=72), while the colon had the lowest (2.4%, n=2). The majority of patients had single perforations (87%, n=74). Primary repairs were performed in 54.1% (n=46) of cases, while 11.8% (n=10) underwent distal primary repair with proximal loop ileostomy. Complications, including mortality (35%, n=11), surgical site infections (52%, n=16), and reoperations (13%, n=4), were observed in 44.3% (n=31) of patients. Those who experienced complications had longer hospital stays (>7 days) compared to those without complications.
Conclusion: According to our study, it is clear that typhoid intestinal perforation remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality rates, with an incidence rate of 13.3%, which surpasses the global average. Our research also uncovered that a shorter duration of symptoms (less than 7 days) and the presence of leucocytosis were linked to typhoid intestinal perforation.
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Recommendation: We recommend aggressive community case-finding and information campaigns in affected communities and among local healthcare providers to increase awareness on the need for early and appropriate treatment.
We encourage communities to adapt early healthcare seeking behavior. The incorporation of typhoid vaccines in the national immunization program cannot be overemphasized.
Calculation of macroinvertebrate MMI for water bodies in central China based on land use classification and topographic grouping
Authors: Zheng Biao , Tian Shuang , Sun Bingjiao , Gao Xin , Han Wennuo , Wu Bin , Hu Sheng , Li Zhao , Ding Seng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The Multi-Metric Index (MMI) is a comprehensive assessment index that has gained popularity in aquatic ecological assessment due to its integrated consideration of various factors such as community composition, diversity and function. However, when applied over large spatial areas, the MMI may not be effective in discriminating the level of human disturbance due to the influence of natural variability. To reduce the impact of natural variability on the assessment results, we collected macroinvertebrate community data from the water bodies in central China in 2023. We then grouped the data according to different topographies and constructed separate MMIs. We used the Catchment Disturbance Index (CDI) to categorise human disturbances into low-disturbance and strong-disturbance groups. In order to eliminate the influence of subjective factors on the selection of indicators, when the correlation of indicators was greater than 0.75, we considered all possible combinations of indicators and finally selected the best performance as the final MMI. The results showed that the point classification based on the Catchment Disturbance Index (CDI) could accurately reflect the changes of communities under different levels of human disturbance. The gradient of human disturbance levels in the mountain group was small, and the final MMI was not significantly correlated with the CDI. In contrast, the MMI results for the plains and hills were better than those for the entire catchment area where MMI was not grouped.
Research on the drag reduction and vibration attenuation performances of the fish’s surface mucus film
Authors: Zeng Qihang , Duan Zhengyong , Zhang Fubing , Chen Qing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study is the inaugural investigation into the drag reduction and vibration attenuation performance of mucus films naturally present on fish surfaces, leveraging nanomechanical systems for a comprehensive understanding. The mucus was collected from healthy Asian carps. Four testing groups were the fish scale surfaces adsorbed musus for 1 min, 5 min, 10 min and 30 min, respectively. Bare scale was used as a control. The mechanical and lubrication properties of the mucus film were tested using a nano scratch/indentation tester. And the vibration attenuation performance of the film was examined by a self-developed vibration excitation device. Results show that the mucus film and the surface of fish scales combine through electrostatic interactions, ultimately forming a smooth inner layer. As the adsorption time progresses, additional proteins gradually accumulate, forming a thicker outer layer. Notably, the inner layer possesses a significant lubrication effect, effectively preventing friction and wear caused by underwater sand and gravel. Furthermore, the outer layer exhibits an excellent vibration attenuation effect, assisting Asian carp in overcoming the resistance caused by turbulence and enhancing swimming speed.
Shallow Strata Expressions of Leakage and Seepage Structures Associated With Hydrocarbon Migration: a Seismic Analysis on Offshore Barreirinhas Basin, Brazilian Equatorial Margin
Authors: Delabrida Guilherme Martins , Gomes Moab Praxedes , de Castro David Lopes , Goulart José Paulo de Melo , de Oliveira Diógenes Custódio 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The Brazilian Equatorial Margin (BEM) is an oblique-transform segment with counterparts in the Gulf of Guinea on the West Africa Margin, inherited from the Pangea breakup and Atlantic Ocean opening. These areas are exploratory frontiers where recently petroleum systems were found in deep- and ultra-deep waters. The strike-slip Barreirinhas Basin, at the central portion of the BEM, is conjugated with the oil and gas producers Ivory Coast and Tano basins, whereas the Barreirinhas Basin has currently no relevant discovered petroleum reservoirs. This present study aimed to identify and map distribution patterns of leakage and seepage features in shallow strata, indicating potential hydrocarbon migration and accumulation along the offshore Barreirinhas Basin. The investigation used conventional 2D seismic reflection data with additional application of seismic attributes, including RMS amplitude, instantaneous amplitude, instantaneous frequency, and chaos. Diverse hydrocarbon leakage and seepage structures were identified, including faults, gas chimneys, pockmarks, hydrocarbon-derived diagenetic zones, bottom simulating reflectors, and mounds. Regional morphological and stratigraphic structures constrain the zones of fluid leakage and seepage, which indicate potential hydrocarbon migration pathways. In the eastern lower continental slope and continental rise, regional faults and gas chimneys control seep formation. On the central to northern sectors of the continental rise and abyssal plain, several deep-water mounds are linked by large gas chimneys and faults. There are gravitational gliding systems on the western and central portions of the basin, where the extensional domain is characterized by listric faults, negative flower structures, and gas chimneys that produce cold seeps on the outer shelf and upper slope. These structural controls are related to the compressional domain of the lower continental slope and continental rise, where the decollement zone and a series of faults and folds are correlated to pockmarks and deep-water mounds. Near the western compressional domain, igneous intrusions control the development of leaking faults, gas chimneys, bright spots, and pockmarks. These hydrocarbon-derived structures, seeps, and pathways of fluid migration in deep-water indicate potential petroleum systems in the Albian to Turonian-Oligocene tectono-sedimentary sequences in the central sector of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin.
Evidence for hybrid interpolymeric complexes existence
Authors: Prosanov Igor 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The concept of hybrid interpolymeric complexes (HICs) has been put forward earlier [1]. It implies that inorganic compounds in form of linear chain polymers can form complexes with complexing organic polymers like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (-CH2-CHOH-)n. Such complexation stabilizes unusual polymeric structure of inorganic component. HICs are hybrid analogs of well known organic interpolymeric complexes [2]. Two PVA based HICs were known before: 1) iodine complex [3] and 2) complex of PVA with copper hydroxide [4]. There is the problem with PVA based HICs’ structure identification due to their noncrystallinity. The chain polymeric structure of copper hydroxide Cu(OH)2 in a complex with PVA was proved by magnetic measurements. This complex has characteristic green color which differs from blue color of copper hydroxide solution. Blue complex formation is observed at iodine-PVA interaction. Blue coloring is regarded as a strong evidence of polyiodine chains formation.
“Wait Short Time” as a Simple and Resource-rational Boost: Theoretical and Empirical Approaches in the Contexts of Speed-accuracy Trade-off
Authors: Shirasuna Masaru , Kagawa Rina , Honda Hidehito 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Many workers today engage in simple judgment tasks (e.g., on crowdsourcing platforms). This has led to a growing need for interventions to boost their judgment accuracy. We proposed the “wait short time” as a simple and resource-rational intervention: Inserting a short waiting time before presenting alternatives without any instructions. The speed-accuracy trade-off posits that longer thinking typically improves accuracy, whereas resource rationality emphasizes the cognitive costs associated with prolonged thinking (e.g., irritation, cognitive conflict) because of humans limited cognitive resources. Therefore, there should be an appropriately short thinking time to achieve workers’ higher accuracy with minimal workload. We investigated the effectiveness of the proposed intervention both theoretically and empirically. The computer simulations demonstrated that, under assumptions of limited cognitive resources, there was an optimal time point at the early stages of trials for maximizing total benefits. The results of behavioral experiments were consistent with the theoretical findings: Providing a waiting time (1s or 2.5s) improved judgment accuracy, but cognitive conflicts between the alternatives increased over time and an unnecessarily long time (2.5s) induced more subjective irritation. Consequently, an appropriate time (1s) could enhance judgment accuracy with less workload. We discuss the implications and limitations of the proposed intervention.
Electrochemically active via f-MWCNTs for finding caffeine in beverages
Authors: Chen Zhiyan , Ye Xiangzhen , A Dhamodharan , K Perumal , Gao Yajun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In several industries, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and environmental protection, the identification of analytes at extremely low concentrations is essential. In the food standardization field, electrochemical sensors are one of the key technologies for determining food quality and making medical diagnoses. Sensor design is dependent on electrochemically active characteristics of the selected material to alter the electrode. For rapid and accurate detection of caffeine (CAF), we technologically built an electrochemical sensor based on functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs/GCE). The functionalized material was characterized by XRD, Raman, FT-IR, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, EDX and the mapping of elements. The component’s natural virtue and cooperative connection demonstrate enhanced electrocatalytic activity, as evidenced by the component’s decreased overpotential, increased electron transfer, improved sensing and selectivity, broad linear range, and low detection limit toward the selected analyte. CAF was found to have broad linear ranges of concentrations 5.3 to 166 µM, with detection limits of 0.043 µM. 9.13 µA. µm− 1 is the designed electrode's sensitivity. High selectivity, stability, repeatability and reproducibility were also demonstrated by the electrode. Crucially, the investigation was effective in identifying and measuring the aforementioned element in authentic specimens. In addition, the sensor demonstrated efficacy in detecting CAF in drinks, yielding good recoveries ranging from 96.4–102.4%. This suggests that the sensor holds desirable potential for identifying CAF real substances.
Immediate Effectiveness of Condoliase Chemonucleolysis in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation who were Nonambulatory due to Leg Pain
Authors: Hagizawa Hiroki , Kamatani Takashi , Kitaguchi Kazuma , Kashii Masafumi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Surgery is often the treatment of choice for Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with severe leg pain. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Condoliase chemonucleolysis (CC) in patients who were nonambulatory because of severe leg pain.
Methods: A total of 58 patients who underwent CC for conservative treatment-resistant LDH were included in this study. Changes in the leg and lower back pain evaluated using the numeric rating scale (NRS) were retrospectively assessed at three time points (1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment). Patients were divided into the ambulatory group (group A) and nonambulatory group (group N) based on their ambulatory status. The clinical and radiological findings including magnetic resonance images were compared between the two groups.
Results: Of the 58 patients, 16 (28%) who could not walk independently because of severe leg pain were included in group N. Group N showed significantly higher mean NRS score for leg pain (NRS-LP) before treatment than group A (group N, 7.9; group A, 6.8; p = 0.009). Changes in the mean NRS-LP from pretreatment to 1 week were significantly higher in group N (group N, 5.2; group A, 3.4; p = 0.02). In group N, the mean NRS-LP decreased significantly over time, and 69% of the patients were ambulatory after 1 week, 88% after 1 month, and 94% after 3 months.
Conclusions: CC provides early pain relief and can be an immediate treatment option for patients who cannot walk independently because of severe leg pain.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Pterorhachis zenkeri: Characterization and evaluation of antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and androgenic properties in TM3 Leydig cells exposed to cyclophosphamide
Authors: Deeh Patrick Brice Defo , Natesh Nagabhishek Sirpu , Alagarsamy Karthik , Arumugam Madan Kumar , Dasnamoorthy Ramachandran , Sivaji Tharunkumar , Vishwakarma Vinita 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
We fabricated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Pterorhachis zenkeri, characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and determined their antioxidant potentials in vitro. Results confirmed the fabrication of AgNPs by using P. zenkeri as a bioreducing agent for the first time. AgNPs possessed potent antioxidant activity in vitro. Furthermore, the TM3 cells were treated for 24 h with AgNPs, vitamin E and cyclophosphamide (CP) at different concentrations (25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 µg/ml). The cells morphology, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane depolarisation (MMD), Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), caspase 3/9, oxidative stress-related enzymes, testosterone, and the mRNAexpression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) were measured. Results revealed that AgNPs, vitamin E and CP decreased the cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, but did not affect the TM3 cells morphology after treatment. The cytotoxicity of CP in TM3 cells was alleviated after AgNPs application. For instance, AgNPs significantly (p<0.001-0.05) reduced the MMD, ROS production, and caspase 3/9 activities, but increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the TM3 cells. Moreover, AgNPs improved testosterone production by activating StAR machineries. These results indicate that AgNPs/P. zenkeri could be a potential alternative drug in the management of oxidative stress and androgen deficit associated with CP chemotherapy.
The Financial Well-Being and Quality of Life of Older Adults in Nigeria
Authors: Oni-Eseleh Ohiro D. , Badaiki Afesimi D. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Nigeria’s pension system has historically been fraught with problems, including fraud, incompetence, and poor implementation. Consequently, older adults are often not adequately served by the system, resulting in a high degree of poverty within that population. However, very little attention has been given by scholars to the economic and social plight of older adults in the country. Using a snowball sampling procedure, we conducted face-to-face and telephone interviews of 45 retired adults residing in 10 states spanning all of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The findings revealed some differences in the experiences, financial well-being and quality of life of people who retired under the pension system that existed before the Pension Reform Act of 2014 and those who retired after that. The findings also indicate that pension amounts are inadequate for the basic needs of older adults, resulting in difficulties such as the inability to feed properly and pay for medical care. It is necessary for Nigeria’s leaders to develop policies to address financial insecurity and enhance the quality of life of older adults and provide them with supportive safety nets.
Unveiling Deceptive Tactics: Exploring Fraudulent Online Ratings in the Restaurant Industry and Their Impact on Consumer Choice
Authors: Mandavalli Satish 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study delves into the phenomenon of fraudulent online ratings, particularly those fabricated by restaurants targeting their competitors. Given the widespread use of online ratings by consumers in deciding where to dine—restaurants are tempted to deploy deceptive tactics such as posting fake negative reviews on rival establishments. This unethical behavior not only undermines the trustworthiness of genuine ratings but also detrimentally affects consumer welfare. Therefore, our study aims to understand the drivers behind such deceptive practices and their implications on consumer choice. To investigate the prevalence of cheating, we leverage a notable disparity between two prominent online rating platforms—TripAdvisor and OpenTable. By analyzing data from these platforms, we assess various dimensions of competition faced by restaurants, including proximity, price range, and culinary offerings. Our findings reveal a significant correlation between the intensity of competition and instances of cheating among restaurants. Specifically, establishments tend to engage in deceptive practices more frequently when faced with a higher number of competitors operating in the same price range or holding similar rankings. This underscores the influence of economic incentives in shaping the decision-making process regarding cheating behaviors. The study also sheds light on the complex interplay between competition dynamics and fraudulent activities in the realm of online restaurant ratings. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for devising effective strategies to curb deceptive practices and uphold the integrity of online rating systems.
Estimation of pulpwood balance yield under accelerated growth of pine and spruce wood in the Leningrad Region
Authors: Тюрин Д.С. , Данилов Д.А. , Ковалева О.П. , Зайцев Д.А. 
Published: April 2024

Проведено исследование качественных характеристик древесины сосны и ели, выращиваемой по интенсивной технологии в плантационных культурах в Ленинградской области. Количественные и качественные характеристики объемов древесины сосны и ели при короткоротационном интенсивном лесовыращивании позволяют получить сырье для целлюлозно-бумажного производства. Экспериментальные варки показали принципиальную возможность применения данной древесины для производства целлюлозы пригодной для изготовления картона и технических видов бумаги. На основании проведенного анализа расчетов балансовой продуктивности плантаций сосны и ели, выращиваемых по короткоротационной схеме, возможно определить оптимальный режим выращивания для данных насаждений с точки зрения получения максимального объема товарной небеленой целлюлозы. При выращивании на балансовую древесину для целлюлозно-бумажной промышленности сосновых насаждений оптимальным по густоте и запасу является вариант с густотой 1200 деревьев к возрасту рубки 40 лет. Для плантаций ели оптимальными по своим показателям выхода небеленой целлюлозы явились варианты насаждений с запасом и густотой в диапазоне 1100–1600 штук на га. При интенсивном лесовыращивании данные режимы регулирования густоты для плантаций сосны и ели являются оптимальными для получения максимального количества сырья для получения целлюлозы.
The study of qualitative characteristics of pine and spruce wood grown under intensive technology in plantation crops in the Leningrad region has been carried out. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of pine and spruce wood volumes under short-rotation intensive forest growing allow obtaining raw materials for pulp and paper production. Experimental pulping has shown the principal possibility of using this wood for pulp production suitable for cardboard and technical paper production. On the basis of the analysis of calculations of the balance productivity of pine and spruce plantations grown under the short-rotation scheme, it is possible to determine the optimal growing regime for these plantations from the point of view of obtaining the maximum volume of marketable unbleached pulp. When growing pine plantations for balance wood for pulp and paper industry, the optimum density and stock is the variant with the density of 1200 trees by the cutting age of 40 years. For spruce plantations the optimums in terms of non-white pulp yield were plantations with stock and density in the range of 1100-1600 trees per hectare. At intensive forest growing these regimes of density control for pine and spruce plantations are optimal for obtaining the maximum amount of raw material for pulp production.