bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Teaching literature for the 21st century: ‘Mirrors and Windows’ prism to critical cultural literacy
Authors: Bouali Amina 
Published: April 2024

Over the last three decades, in an atmosphere that is quintessentially super-diversified and hyper-active, teaching culture is being celebrated as the emblem of a state-of-the-art branch of teaching and research. Therefore, social activists are today expediting an extraordinary era of multiculturalism, in which the bottom line is to foster cultural literacy and critical literacy as a capstone for social democracy and academic change. Given its ascendency in literature teaching, the current study endeavors to probe into the effectiveness of using literature for promoting critical cultural literacy by adopting a ‘windows and mirrors’ teaching framework. To fulfill this target, research has invested in pre/post-tests as instruments for data collection and analysis, and opted for 30 participants among second-year English as a Foreign Language learners as target randomized sampling. The study findings have revealed that ‘windows and mirrors’ readings of rhetoric have helped to stimulate learners’ empathy, tolerance, and inclusion in others’ cultures, expanded the breadth of their cultural content knowledge, and sharpened advanced critical level literacy.
Keywords: Cultural literacy, empathy, inclusion, tolerance, ‘windows and mirrors’ framework.
Double Level Non-Contiguous Traumatic Lumbar Disc Herniation Presenting With Cauda Equina Syndrome
Authors: Naik Ashish , Ramachandran Karthik , Prasad Shetty Ajoy , Kanna Rishi Mugesh , Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran 
Published: April 2024

Case:
A 52-year-old man presented with cauda equina syndrome after a motorcycle accident. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed traumatic disc herniation, at L2-L3 and L5-S1 levels without bony injury. He was managed successfully by wide laminectomy and microdiscectomy at both levels with complete neurological recovery at 2-month follow-up.

Conclusion:
With a reported incidence of 0.4%, traumatic disc herniation in the lumbar region is an uncommon occurrence that may resemble a spinal epidural hematoma in acute trauma. Although MRI may not reliably differentiate spinal epidural hematoma from disc herniation, urgent surgical intervention may be required in profound neurological deficits.
Anterior Proximal Tibial Screw Hemiepiphysiodesis Decreases Posterior Tibial Slope in Knee Flexion Contracture
Authors: Müller Fabio , Huber Hanspeter 
Published: April 2024

Case:
A 13-year-old adolescent boy with hemiplegic cerebral palsy suffering from fixed knee flexion deformity of 10° despite extensive conservative treatment. Owing to a posterior tibial slope (PTS) of 16°, anterior hemiepiphysiodesis was applied to the proximal tibia. The 2 screws were removed after 9 months. Final follow-up at 16 months showed complete knee extension and a PTS of 4°.

Conclusion:
The presented technique is a good alternative in knee flexion deformity with an increased PTS and has surprisingly not been described in the literature. This might be worth considering for other pathologies such as pediatric anterior cruciate ligament injury with an increased PTS.
Experiment-free exoskeleton assistance via learning in simulation
Authors: Luo Shuzhen , Jiang Menghan , Zhang Sainan , Zhu Junxi , Yu Shuangyue , Silva Israel Dominguez , Wang Tian , Rouse Elliott , Zhou Bolei , Yuk Hyunwoo , Zhou Xianlian , Su Hao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Our experimental protocol details the human subject evaluation of a novel, simulation-based approach for optimizing exoskeleton control strategies. Utilizing multi-layer perceptron neural networks, this approach achieves: modeling human kinematics, optimizing muscle coordination, and automating exoskeleton assistance. This method capitalizes on the strengths of data-driven machine learning to refine control strategies, significantly reducing metabolic costs across various activities including walking, running, and stair climbing. This experiment protocol aims to collect metabolic rate and kinematic data during 3 activities (walking, running, stair climbing) in 3 conditions (No Exo, Assist On, Assist Off) to demonstrate the controller’s ability to generate smooth and synergistic assistance to different locomotion activities. The entire protocol can be completed in approximately 30 minutes for each activity of each subject (n=8).
Labor Markets Between the Two World Wars: Estimates for Interwar Italy, 1921-1939
Authors: Vojnovic Jovan , Magnini Gino 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We exploit the interwar population censuses of 1921, 1931 and 1936 to develop a new dataset on Italy’s labor markets comprehensive of population aggregates, labor force, inactivity and unemployment figures. We then use the same sources to propose a break-down of all labor market stocks by sex in order to obtain a series for male and female unemployment rates in interwar Italy. We compare our estimates with the existing evi-dence, highlighting that our figures could be considered as an upper-bound unemploy-ment rate that includes unemployed and non-full-time workers. We find that changes in the unemployment rate were mostly driven by employment rates in the 1920s and by a contracting labor force in the 1930s. We then present our estimated labor market evi-dence paired with existing evidence on wage levels to propose the possible mechanisms behind high interwar unemployment rates. The paper shows that changes in inactivity levels during the 1930s were a result of wage rigidities, creating a feedback loop between inactivity and wage rates.
Analyzing Climate Change Effects on Soil temperature in the North of Africa
Authors: Mohamed Regagba , Maamar Meghraoui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Understanding the intricate interplay between the Soil temperature and climate change holds paramount importance, serving as a pivotal gateway to unravel the ramifications of shifting climatic patterns on soil temprature dynamics and hydrological processes. This study embarks on a comprehensive exploration aimed at scrutinizing soil temprature fluctuations within the El Chouly watershed situated in northwestern Algeria, spanning a time frame of five years. Leveraging the trove of Sentinal satellite imagery available for each year throughout the study duration, our inquiry revolves around the discernment of soil temprature variations vis-à-vis alterations in key climatic parameters such as precipitation and temperature.
Employing the Soil temprature Index (ST) as our analytical cornerstone, we meticulously dissect satellite imagery captured on five distinct dates. Our findings unveil a mosaic of soil temprature dynamics across the temporal spectrum. For instance, on January 2, 2020, an expansive swath of land spanning 404,8hectares exhibited significantly elevated soil temprature levels (ST ranging from 0.8 to 1), indicative of abundant moisture content. Conversely, a mere 21,(hectares on December 30, 2017, manifested analogous high ST values, accentuating the ephemeral nature of such conditions.
The nadir of soil temprature , denoted by ST values hovering between 0 and 0.2, reached its zenith on December 30, 2017, enshrouding an extensive terrain spanning 1809.37 hectares. This stark revelation underscores the pervasive aridity pervading a substantial expanse of the watershed during this epoch.
Upon juxtaposing these empirical observations with the meticulously analyzed climatic data spanning the stipulated period, a cogent narrative emerges, underscoring the intricate dance between climatic vicissitudes and soil temprature dynamics.
Structural Vulnerability Factors Influence Gestational Weight Gain in a Broad Range of Contexts: A Scoping Review
Authors: Labonté Jocelyne M , Clark Emily , Dumas Alex , Savard Claudia , Fournier Karine , O’Connor Sarah , Morisset Anne-Sophie , Fontaine-Bisson Bénédicte 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Insufficient and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) are rising epidemiological health concerns, affecting the majority of pregnant women in high-income countries and contributing to a multitude of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes.
Objective: The aim of this scoping review was to identify key structural vulnerability factors related to GWG in order to examine the extent, scope and nature of this body of research and to inform future methodological approaches.
Data sources: Electronic searches were performed in October 2018 (updated in August 2019) in MEDLINE(R) ALL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Sociological Abstracts databases.
Study selection: Studies had to be conducted before COVID-19, in a high-income country, have pregnant participants, have an observational design, and perform inferential statistics between a structural vulnerability factor and GWG.
Results: Of the 11,382 citations identified through database searches, 157 articles were included in the review. The structural vulnerability factors most commonly studied in association with GWG were race/ethnicity (n=91 articles), age (n=87), parity (n=48), education (n=44), income (n=39), marital status (n=28), immigration (n=19), and abuse (n=12). Moststudies were conducted in the USA (77%) and reported significant associations between structural vulnerability factors and GWG; 34% of studies were specific to a population where all individuals were affected by one of more structural vulnerability factors. Race/ethnicity was the most extensively studied factor, covering the longest time period (since 1976), being assessed in the highest number of articles (n=91) with the largest sample size (n=7,966,573), and having a high proportion (79%) of studies reporting a significant relationship with GWG.
Conclusions: Adopting an intersectional approach may enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between social context, structural vulnerability factors, and GWG. Recognizing their long-term health consequences during pregnancy, increased social, structural, and policy efforts should support pregnant women in achieving optimal GWG.
Unveiling the Substrate-Dependent Dynamics of Mycotoxin Production in Fusarium verticillioides Using an OSMAC-Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Groppi Emie , Haddad Mohamed , Cristofoli Valérie , Vansteelandt Marieke , Gadea Alice 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Fusarium verticillioides is a prevalent plant pathogenic fungus known to produce harmful mycotoxins, including fumonisins and emerging toxins. This study aimed to investigate the influence of substrate on the temporal patterns of mycotoxin biosynthesis by F. verticillioides, employing a combined OSMAC (One Strain-Many Compounds) strategy and metabolomics approach. The fungus was cultured under various media conditions, and samples were collected over time. LC-MS/MS analyses and a dereplicative workflow were used to profile the secondary metabolite production, focusing on mycotoxins. The results demonstrated that modifying the culture conditions led to significant variations in fungal growth and the nature and relative concentrations of mycotoxins produced. Corn meal agar (CMA) medium was favorable for fumonisins A1 and B1, while malt extract agar (MEA) favored fumonisins A2 and B2. The study also identified the production of other mycotoxins related compounds as fusarins, bikaverin derivatives and fumonisins analogs, under different growth conditions. This study highlights the potential of combining OSMAC and metabolomics to unravel the substrate-dependent and time-dependent variations in mycotoxin biosynthesis by F. verticillioides. The insights gained provide a better understanding of the ecophysiology of this fungus and the occurrence of its mycotoxins, which can inform targeted mitigation strategies to ensure food and feed safety.
The effect of initial placement of mutant in subdivided population on fixation time and probability
Authors: Mohamadichamgavi Javad , Zahedian Mohamadreza 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Evolutionary graph theory investigates how population structure changes evolutionary dynamics. In this paper, we examine how the structure of a subdivided population impacts mutant fixation probability and time under the Moran Birth-death process with constant fitness. Specifically, we model the population as two fully connected subpopulations (cliques) linked by a few links. Using an analytical Markov-chain approach supplemented by Monte Carlo simulations, we explore how the size of the starting clique where the initial mutant arises influences its eventual fixation outcomes. We demonstrate that initiating the process in a smaller clique boosts fixation probability and acts as an amplifier of selection compared to a well-mixed population while a bigger starting clique acts as a suppressor of selection. Also, we show that both unconditional and conditional fixation time are affected by the starting clique size and fitness value. For small cliques, increased fitness reduces unconditional fixation time, whereas, for larger cliques, greater fitness prolongs it. Additionally, conditional fixation time grows with increased starting clique size until a critical size and then decreases. This critical size is different depending on fitness value. In general, a combination of fitness level and starting clique size serves to maximize the conditional fixation time.
Quantitative and qualitative analysis of medical students’ symptoms and feelings during a catastrophic event
Authors: Felix Soraia Nogueira , Costa Anna Paula Lima , Andrade Juliana Matsumoto , Ballester Denise , Tempski Patrícia Zen , Kobayasi Renata , Garcia Maria Lúcia Bueno , Costa Fernanda Magalhães Arantes , Freitas Lucas Rodrigues Silva , Correia Aristides Tadeu , Tibério Iolanda de Fátima Lopes Calvo , Romanholo Beatriz Mangueira Saraiva , Martins Milton de Arruda 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional face-to-face teaching has been disrupted. Social restrictions and isolation during this period may have contributed to various physical and emotional disorders. We aimed to assess the perceptions of medical students regarding their emotions, anxiety and depression symptoms, and daily experiences during the pandemic.
Methods: We conducted a prospective mixed methods study involving students in their 1st to 4th years of medicine at a university in São Paulo, Brazil,in 2020 and 2021. Participants completed online questionnaires, including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), and Medical Student Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (VERAS-Q) and participated in an online focus group.
Results:313 students finished the questionnaires, and 200 were involved in the focus group. Women exhibited higher scores for anxiety (p=0.002) and depression (p=0.007); men demonstrated better quality of life (p=0.042). The students aged 18 to 24 years (p=0.048) presented better quality of life and lower trait anxiety (p=0.001). Both trait and state anxiety were strongly associated with depression (p<0.01) and inversely related to quality of life, showing a moderate association with happiness (p<0.01). Depression was strongly linked to both trait and state anxiety (p<0.01) and moderately negatively correlated with happiness and quality of life (p<0.01). The focus groups revealed recurring negative feelings, such as anxiety, depression, tiredness, loneliness, difficulty managing time and others, resulting in reduced mental and physical health during the pandemic. Coping strategies were discussed, including the adoption of new healthy habits, religious practices, and reconnection with family.
Conclusion: Depression and anxiety symptoms were more prevalent among females, while quality of life improved for younger and male students. The qualitative analysis enhanced our understanding of the determinants and consequences of students' recurring negative feelings and revealed positive aspects such as greater proximity to family and religiosity.
Personality traits and self-rated health might be a sustaining factor for some cases of organic dyspepsia
Authors: Lexne Erik , Brudin Lars , Nylander Per-Olof , Marteinsdottir Ina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background Self-rated health (SRH) is associated with morbidity, mortality and personality traits. Previously is reported differences in personality traits and SRH among patients with acute abdominal pain divided into three diagnostic groups, organic dyspepsia, specific abdominal diagnoses and non-specific abdominal pain. However, the impact of personality traits on SRH still is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate possible associations of personality traits with SRH among patients with acute abdominal pain belonging to the three main diagnostic groups; organic dyspepsia, non-specific abdominal pain and specific abdominal diagnoses.Methods Consecutive patients (N = 137) with abdominal symptoms at an emergency ward completed the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) alongside rating SRH.Results Patients with poor SRH were in temperament more harm avoidant (p < 0.001), pessimistic (p < 0.001), fearful (p = 0.039) and fatigued (p < 0.001). In character less self-directed (p < 0.001), responsible (p < 0.001), purposeful (p = 0.012), resourceful (p = 0.003), goal-directed in behavior (p = 0.001) and generally less mature in character (p = 0.002). These personality traits, except for fearfulness, showed alongside organic dyspepsia, to be risk factors for low SRH in univariate logistic regression. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that poor SRH was predicted by high fatigability (p = 0.003) and low self-directedness (p = 0.001). Approximately 65% of patients with very poor SRH deviated in personality traits from normal range compared to 5% with very well SRH (p < 0.001).Conclusions Several personality traits were associated with poor SRH in patients with acute abdominal pain, especially in organic dyspepsia. These results implies that psychiatric consultation might be beneficial for patients with acute abdominal pain.
Sugarcane streak mosaic virus: distribution, prevalence and severity in the integrated
farming units of Zuénoula and Borotou-Koro, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: OUATTARA Migninlbin Marcel , KOUAME Konan Didier , DESBIEZ Cécile , GIRARDOT Grégory , BLE Binaté , YAO Kouakou , SORHO Fatogoma , CHERIF Mamadou , KONE Nahoua , KONE Daouda , SCHOENY Alexandra 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Sugarcane streak mosaic is an emerging viral disease caused by sugarcane streak mosaic virus (SCSMV) recently reported in Ivorian sugar production areas. A 5-year study was performed to determine the spatial distribution, incidence and severity of SCSMV on commercial varieties in two of the three sugarcane production basins of Côte d'Ivoire. In Zuénoula, 104 plots were evaluated between 2018 and 2021. In Borotou-Koro, 72 plots were evaluated between 2019 and 2022. Disease prevalence and severity were assessed using a 0 to 4 rating scale based on the percentage of symptomatic leaf area. In Zuénoula, overall disease prevalence was 98% in 2018, 100% in 2020 and 98% in 2021. Varieties M1400/86, M2593/92, R570 and SP711406 were monitored during the three years. M1400/86 and M2593/92 showed a moderately susceptible profile, whereas R570 was susceptible to moderately susceptible and SP711406 was susceptible. In Borotou-Koro, overall disease prevalence was 21% in 2019, 48% in 2020 and 61% in 2022. Varieties Co449, M1400/86, R570 and SP711406 were monitored during the three years. Co449 remained moderately susceptible throughout the monitoring, while M1400/86, R570 and SP711406 moved from partially resistant to moderately susceptible. This study showed that SCSMV is highly prevalent in the Zuénoula sugar complex and is rapidly evolving in the Borotou-Koro complex. In this epidemic context, varieties showed either a stable or increasing susceptibility profile. In vitro regeneration permitted significant reduction in prevalence and severity but efforts must be maintained to achieve higher levels of resistance.
Long COVID incidence in adults and children between 2020 and 2023: a real-world data study from the RECOVER Initiative
Authors: Mandel Hannah , Yoo Yun , Allen Andrea , Abedian Sajjad , Verzani Zoe , Karlson Elizabeth , Kleinman Lawrence , Mudumbi Praveen , Oliveira Carlos , Muszynski Jennifer , Gross Rachel , Carton Thomas , Kim C. , Taylor Emily , Park Heekyong , Divers Jasmin , Kelly J. , Arnold Jonathan , Geary Carol , Zang Chengxi , Tantisira Kelan , Rhee Kyung , Koropsak Michael , Mohandas Sindhu , Vasey Andrew , Weiner Mark , Mosa Abu , Haendel Melissa , Chute Christopher , Murphy Shawn , O'Brien Lisa , Szmuszkovicz Jacqueline , Güthe Nicholas , Santana Jorge , De Aliva , Bogie Amanda , Halabi Katia , Mohanraj Lathika , Kinser Patricia , Packard Samuel , Tuttle Katherine , Thorpe Lorna , Moffitt Richard 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Estimates of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) incidence, also known as Long COVID, have varied across studies and changed over time. We estimated PASC incidence among adult and pediatric populations in three nationwide research networks of electronic health records (EHR) participating in the RECOVER Initiative using different classification algorithms (computable phenotypes). Overall, 7% of children and 8.5%-26.4% of adults developed PASC, depending on computable phenotype used. Excess incidence among SARS-CoV-2 patients was 4% in children and ranged from 4-7% among adults, representing a lower-bound incidence estimation based on two control groups - contemporary COVID-19 negative and historical patients (2019). Temporal patterns were consistent across networks, with peaks associated with introduction of new viral variants. Our findings indicate that preventing and mitigating Long COVID remains a public health priority. Examining temporal patterns and risk factors of PASC incidence informs our understanding of etiology and can improve prevention and management.