bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“He’ll come with some sugar.” A qualitative study exploring the drivers and consequences of schoolgirls transactional sex behaviours
Authors: Thiaw Yandé , Nyothach Elizabeth , Zulaika Garazi , van Eijk Anna Maria , Fwaya Eunice , Obor David , Phillips-Howard Penelope , Mason Linda 
Published: May 2024

IntoductionTransactional sex (TS) is common in areas of sub-Saharan Africa, motivated by reasons beyond financial support. Through this qualitative study we sought to understand the motivation driving TS among adolescent schoolgirls in rural western Kenya where rates are reportedly high. Identifying and understanding drivers within the local context is necessary for implementation of successful public health policy and programming to reduce the associated harms impacting health and wellbeing.MethodsTo understand the drivers of sexual behaviors, individual views, and socio-cultural norms, we spoke with schoolgirls, male peers, parents and teachers. The three latter groups may influence, encourage, and shape girls' views and behaviors and thus contribute to the perpetuation of cultural and societal norms.ResultsOne hundred and ninety-nine participants took part across 20 FGDs; 8 comprised of schoolgirl groups, and 4 each of schoolboy, parent or teacher groups. Through thematic analysis, poverty emerged as the key driver of TS and a normative behaviour amongst secondary school girls. Subthemes including parental influence, need for menstrual pads, pressure from boda boda drivers, peer pressure, and blame were part of a complex relationship linking poverty with TS.DiscussionWe conclude that whilst TS is perceived as inevitable, normal and acceptable it is not really a choice for many girls. Exploring ways to encourage communication between families, including around menstruation, may help enable girls to ask for help in acquiring essential items. In addition, education at a community level may shift social norms over time and decrease the prevalence of age-disparate TS among schoolgirls and older, wealthier men in the community.
Transport of energetic particles in turbulent space plasmas: pitch-angle scattering, telegraph, and diffusion equations
Authors: Shalchi Andreas 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: In this article, we revisit the pitch-angle scattering equation describing the propagation of energetic particles through magnetized plasma. In this case, solar energetic particles and cosmic rays interact with magnetohydrodynamic turbulence and experience stochastic changes in the pitch-angle. Since this happens over an extended period of time, a pitch-angle isotropization process occurs, leading to parallel spatial diffusion. This process is described well by the pitch-angle scattering equation. However, the latter equation is difficult to solve analytically even when considering special cases for the scattering coefficient.Methods: In the past, a so-called subspace approximation was proposed, which has important applications in the theory of perpendicular diffusion. Alternatively, an approach based on the telegraph equation (also known as telegrapher’s equation) has been developed. We show that two-dimensional subspace approximation and the description based on the telegraph equation are equivalent. However, it is also shown that the obtained distribution functions contain artifacts and inaccuracies that cannot be found in the numerical solution to the problem. Therefore, an N-dimensional subspace approximation is proposed corresponding to a semi-analytical/semi-numerical approach. This is a useful alternative compared to standard numerical solvers.Results and Discussion: Depending on the application, the N-dimensional subspace approximation can be orders of magnitude faster. Furthermore, the method can easily be modified so that it can be used for any pitch-angle scattering equation.
The effect of a 10-week TOCA Football System intervention program on sport-specific motor skills among junior footballers
Authors: Szabó Zoltán Tamás , Derkács Evelin , Deli Balázs , Prémusz Viktória , Vass Lívia , Pusztafalvi Henriette , Ács Pongrác 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThe objective of our study was to examine, in addition to using the TOCA Football System tool and training method, the effect of a 10-week intervention on elite youth athletes in terms of their sport-specific motor skills and anthropometric variables.MethodsThe study covered a group of 32 young players practicing football (U14) (13.45 ± 0.64 years). The junior U14 footballers were randomly assigned to an intervention or TOCA group (TG, N = 15, 13.25 ± 0.58 years) and a control group (CG, N = 17, 13.63 ± 0.66 years). Before starting the test, we performed full anthropometric measurements and assessed the sample's agility with and without the ball and their sport-specific endurance. The measurements were then repeated after the 10-week intervention.ResultsWithin-group analysis showed significant improvements in muscle mass (p &lt; 0.001), sport-specific endurance (p &lt; 0.001), (p &lt; 0.004) and agility (in TG) both with and without the ball (p = 0.002), (p = 0.004) however, we did not find a significant change in body fat percentage in either group (p = 0.988, p = 0.288). In the CG, “agility with the ball” changed significantly only (p = 0.023). In the between-group analysis with a repeated-measures analysis of variance (mixed-design ANOVA), there was no significant interaction in any performance variables. The main findings of this study indicate that a TOCA Football training program in addition to normal training during the in-season period does not produce additional effects in anthropometric factors, sport-specific endurance and agility performance with the ball (dribbling) and without the ball in comparison with the control condition.DiscussionFrom a practical point of view, the presented anthropometric and physical profiles of players can be useful for football coaches in optimizing soccer training. Overall, it also can be concluded that the device can be safely used in the sensitive age group in terms of the development of motor skills since we did not find any negative effects during the use of the device in terms of the parameters we examined. In addition to the expansion of the number of elements and the inclusion of other age groups, it is advisable to carry out further complex tests, as the TOCA Football System offers many research opportunities.
CT reconstruction based 3D model of the digital cushion’s blood supply in the hind foot of an African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana)
Authors: Reinitz László Zoltán , Lenzing Franka , Papp Endre , Biácsi Alexandra , Fajtai Dániel , Petneházy Örs 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionFoot health is crucial for elephants, as pathological lesions of the feet are a leading cause of euthanasia in captive elephants, which are endangered species. Proper treatment of the feet, particularly in conditions affecting the digits and the digital cushion, requires a thorough understanding of the underlying anatomy. However, only limited literature exists due to the small population and the epidemiological foot diseases which often precludes many deceased elephants from scientific study. The aim of this study was to provide a detailed anatomical description of the blood supply to the African elephant’s hindfoot.MethodsThe healthy right hindlimb of a 19-year-old deceased female African savanna elephant was examined using computed tomography. Following a native sequence, 48 mL of barium-based contrast agent was injected into the caudal and cranial tibial arteries, and a subsequent scan was performed. The images were processed with 3D Slicer software.ResultsThe medial and lateral plantar arteries run in a symmetrical pattern. They each have a dorsal and a plantar branch, which reach the plantar skin before turning toward the axial plane of the sole to reach the digital cushion from the proximal direction. An accurate 3D model of the arteries and the bones of the foot, a set of labeled images and an animation of the blood supply have been created for ease of understanding.DiscussionIn contrast to domestic ungulates, the digital cushion of the hindlimb is supplied differently from that of the forelimb. The lack of large vessels in its deeper layers indicates a slow regeneration time. This novel anatomical information may be useful in the planning of surgical interventions and in emergency medical procedures.
Сучасні стохастичні квазіградієнтні алгоритми оптимізації
Authors: Норкін Володимир Іванович , Козирєв Антон Юрійович , Норкін Богдан Володимирович 
Published: May 2024

Стохастична оптимізація стала провідним методом у різних галузях, таких як машинне навчання, нейронні мережі та обробка сигналів. Ці задачі спрямовані на мінімізацію цільової функції із зашумленими та невизначеними даними. Всебічно порівнюються сучасні квазіградієнтні методи стохастичної оптимізації, ілюструються їхні основні принципи, властивості збіжності та практичні застосування. Вводяться основні поняття градієнтного спуску, стохастичної апроксимації та оптимізації, після чого детально пояснюються методи оптимізації. Поглиблено аналізуються адаптивні стохастичні градієнтні методи, акцентується увага на їхній здатності динамічно змінювати швидкість навчання залежно від структури задачі. Досліджуються узагальнення цих методів на негладкі випадки, описуються проблеми, що виникають при негладких оптимізаційних ландшафтах. Ілюструється застосування вдосконалених методів у контексті задач безумовної оптимізації та демонструється їхня ефективність у прискоренні збіжності та підвищенні точності. Цей порівняльний аналіз має на меті дати дослідникам і практикам глибше розуміння останніх досягнень у стохастичній оптимізації та окреслити шлях для майбутніх інновацій.
Need Analysis of English Course Materials For The First Grade of Food Crops And Horticulture Students of SMKN 4 Sidrap
Authors: Yessicka Noviasmy  
Published: May 2024

The main objectives of this research are to find out the student’s needs in learning English as a general course and also the target language needs for materials and to design an appropriate syllabus on the basis of agricultural student’s needs especially in food crops and horticulture. In order to achieve these objectives, a need analysis of the students was carried out in advance. The research method employed descriptive research. The research was carried out by distributing questionnaires to collect the relevant data. The data collected were tabulated and analyzed using both descriptive and quantitatif methods. The population of this reserach was all the first grade of food crops and horticulture students consisted 25 students and one English Instructor and one Vocational Teacher.
The result of the research indicated that learning needs questionnaires given on speaking and listening activities. Based on the questionnaires showed that learning needs of perceptions of sudents skills regarding the importance of item referring to speaking skill were 94,4% ,the subskills highest importance is listening 93,6%, and other were writing 92,8% and reading 90,4%. Target language needs as perception of students regarding the importance of students reffering to speaking skils were 95,2%, and listening as the next skill with 94,4%. Reading and writing skills have the same range of 93,6% according to perception of respodents. Based in this fact, a syllabus that meets the students expectation specially related to teaching material, teaching method and leraning strategies is to be designed that using in curriculum 2013.
Relationship between Bilateral Chronic Subdural Hematomas and Postoperative Recurrence
Authors: Altaf Imran , Mukhtiar Ahmed  , Khawar Anwar  , Junaid Mubashir Cheema  , Muhammad Rizwan Sarwar  
Published: May 2024

Objective: The association between bilateral chronic subdural hematomas and postoperative recurrence remains controversial as conflicting evidence regarding this association exists in the literature. We carried out the present study to assess whether bilateral chronic subdural hematomas are associated with increased postoperative recurrence compared to unilateral chronic subdural hematomas after burrhole drainage.
Materials & Methods: We retrospectively studied the data of all the patients operated on in our department for chronic subdural hematoma evacuation through burrhole drainage and then included the data of sixty-three patients in our study. For the sake of uniformity, only patients without postoperative drainage were included in the study. The patients operated on for unilateral and bilateral chronic subdural hematomas were then compared with each other for their association with postoperative recurrence.
Results: Forty-five patients in our study had been operated on for a unilateral chronic subdural hematoma. Eighteen patients had been operated for bilateral chronic subdural hematomas. Of the forty-five patients who operated for unilateral chronic subdural hematomas, eight (17.8%) had a recurrence. Twelve (66.7%) of the eighteen patients operated for bilateral chronic subdural hematoma had a recurrence. This difference in recurrence between the unilateral and bilateral chronic subdural hematomas was found to be very significant (p = 0.0002).
Conclusion: We conclude that a bilateral chronic subdural hematoma is associated with significantly increased postoperative recurrence compared to a unilateral chronic subdural hematoma following burrhole drainage.
Keywords: Bilateral chronic subdural hematoma, unilateral chronic subdural hematoma, burrhole drainage, recurrence.
Clinical Outcomes of Full Endoscopic Thoracic Discectomy in Acute Disc Herniation: A Case Report from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Alam Ikram , Shahjehan Ali , Ali Mumtaz , Zubair Muhammad , Sahibzada et al Abdul Haseeb 
Published: May 2024

Objectives: Thoracic disc herniations are rare relative to lumber and cervical spine herniations and account for 0.25% to 0.75% of cases in the general population. This case report presents a rare case of a 65-year-old male diagnosed with thoracic disc herniation and managed through full endoscopic thoracic discectomy.
Clinical Presentation: A 65-year-old wheelchair-bound male presented to OPD with complaints of paresthesia and sensory symptoms along with motor weakness from the past 2 weeks. No Symptoms of bowel and bladder dysfunction were present.
Diagnosis/Intervention: Sagittal and axial MRI findings revealed disc herniation at the T11 – T12 level. Full endoscopic thoracic discectomy through a transforaminal approach was performed to decompress the spinal cord.
Conclusion: Acute thoracic disc herniations although rare, can present with variable clinical manifestations. Full endoscopic thoracic discectomy through a transforaminal approach is a safe and effective surgical procedure associated with improved patient outcomes, increased satisfaction scores, and decreased chances of complications.
Keywords: Acute thoracic disc herniation, endoscopic discectomy, full endoscopic thoracic discectomy.
Incidence of Acute Complications Associated with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): A Study of the Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad
Authors: Ehtisham Ahmed Khan Afridi  , Shagufta Naeem  , Adil Ihsan  , Sidra Maqbool  , Aqsa Shehzadi  
Published: May 2024

Objective: To document the occurrence of acute problems as well as post-surgical improvements in individuals suffering from spinal cord injury.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively in the Department of Neurosurgery. All patients of any age and both genders were included who were admitted with spinal injuries. The patients with cervical fractures received the anterior cervical plating plus graft placement in the cervical spine, whereas the patient with thoracolumbar fractures received the transpedicular fixation in thoracolumbar spine fractures. ASIA Impairment Scale for neurological status, GCS at admission, and acute complications developed within two weeks were noted.
Results: 200 patients were included (mean age of 34.6 years). The common cause of SCI was a fall from an elevated position of 62.5%. On admission, 50% of patients’ neurological state was Asia grade A. The most common location involved in patients (70%) was a thoracolumbar junction. 20% of patients presented with neurogenic shock. Postoperatively, the GCS scores in all patients were been improved. The commonest acute complications associated with SCI were pulmonary in 60% of patients. 17% of patients developed an infection, 5% suffered from gastrointestinal issues, and 3% suffered from renal issues. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was observed in 9%.
Conclusion: During the early phase of hospitalization, respiratory difficulties were among the most prevalent complications encountered in those suffering from traumatic SCI. These outcomes exacerbate the eventual suffering caused by the spinal cord injury; hence, recognizing the likelihood of occurrence, early detection, exact surgical treatment, and prevention are essential.
Surgery for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Comparative Study of Small Incision with Classic Anterior Nerve Transposition
Authors: Naseer Hassan  , Raza Hassan  , Muhammad Usman  , Mumtaz Ali  , Farooq Azam  , Momina Saleem  
Published: May 2024

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of ulnar neuropathy, and cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) surgery via a small incision with that of anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve.
Materials & Methods: In this comparative cross-sectional study, 108 patients were recruited from the Neurosurgery Department of Qazi Hussain Ahmad Medical Complex, Nowshera. Two Groups were made. Group A patients undergo either ulnar nerve anterior transposition or simple decompression via a small skin incision, while Group B patients undergo ulnar nerve subcutaneous anterior transposition through a classic skin incision.
Results: Totally 108 patients were enrolled. Males were 67 and females were 41 with a mean age of 45.6 ± 12.97 years. During follow-up visits, an increase in clinical outcome measures was noted, but no statistically significant difference was seen in both groups. Nevertheless, in comparison to the two groups, complications were more in group B, in terms of superficial infection, numbness of skin at the medial elbow, revision surgery, and painful scar.
Conclusion: It is concluded that keeping in view the stability/anatomical position of the ulnar nerve to undergo either simple decompression or anterior transposition through small skin incision is effective and an excellent procedure as compared to classic incision procedure in treating patients suffering from cubital tunnel syndrome.
Stuttering As a Disability in Pakistan; Policies and Its Implementation
Authors: Aqsa Malik  , Romana Pervez  , Gul Nayab  , Nusrat Naseem  , Zaish Awan  , Aqeel Ahmed  , Shoukat Hayat  , Muhammad Ibrar  
Published: May 2024

Objective: Stuttering is a disorder of speech fluency not only includes academic and social consequences but also has emotional/behavioral outcomes. Stuttering leads to negative emotions and feelings i.e., low confidence, frustration, shame, embarrassment, poor self-image, and negative social identity. The present study was aimed at incorporating the definition of disability in Pakistan policy and determining the position of stuttering in it.
Materials and Methods: The nature of the current study is qualitatively conducted on 10 Participants approached through convenient sapling and exploring their responses through Thematic analysis. Participants falling in this category were recruited into the study from SLPs, Lawyers, disability advocates, and CSPs as per inclusion criteria. Common masses were excluded from the study. A Self-Developed Questionnaire/structured interviews were conducted. Questions developed by the Lawshe method. The tool was validated through content validity by 10“experts”.
Results: Thematic analysis was done and the findings of the study indicated an individual’s negative reaction towards association with any kind of disability and communication barriers are also the main source of not fitting disability as a definition. Results also showed that lack of assessment and screening tools are the main barrier, however, Visibility as per data in research publications also consider a barrier towards recognition of it.
Conclusion: The study has practical implications regarding stuttering as a Disability in Pakistan.
Incidence and Outcomes of Diastematomyelia in Spina Bifida Patients
Authors: Sagheer Ahmed  , Iram Bokhari  , Tanveer Ahmed  , Rabail Akbar  , Raheel Gohar  
Published: May 2024

Objective: To determine the prevalence of diastematomyelia in spina bifida patients and to assess the efficacy of surgical intervention.
Material and Methods: This prospective research study was conducted at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center in Karachi in the Neurosurgery department. We included 55 patients after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. All of the patients had craniospinal MRI, and the results, as well as any anomalies discovered, were noted for future reference during their therapy. Patients suffering from these diseases were treated surgically, which included sac excision and repair, cord detethering, and ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Throughout the postoperative period, all of these patients' outcomes were documented and assessed.
Results: The majority of patients were under 1 month old (29 patients, 53.70%), whereas 13 patients were between one month and 1 year old. The patients were 2.8 years old on average. There were 23 males (42.60%) and 32 females (58.18%). Dermal sinuses, hypertrichosis, and skin dimples (signs of spina bifida occulta), with prevalence rates of 5.55 percent, 3.70 percent, and 1.85 percent, respectively. Spina bifida occulta was less frequent (17 cases) than spina bifida aperta (37 occurrences). 33 patients (61.11%) have myelomeningocele, followed by meningocele in three (5.5%), lipomyelomeningocele in six (10.9%), diastematomyelia in six (10.9%), dermal sinus in two (3.70%), along with spinal lipoma in one (1.85%) instance.
Conclusion: The overall prevalence of Diastematomyelia in patients with spinal dysraphism is low. However vigilant assessment and management is crucial for optimal surgical benefit.
Keywords: Diastematomyelia, Spina Bifida, Spinal Dysraphism.
The Lower-Back Painkiller Challenge: Efficacy of Tramadol Versus Tapentadol
Authors: Naveed Gul  , Kashif Ramooz  , Yasir Shehzad  , Soban Sarwar Gondal  , Fraz Mehmood  , Hafiz Muhammad Ali Khan  , Eesha Yaqoob  , Saad Javed  
Published: May 2024

Introduction: To reduce pain levels in people with lower back pain, the study looked at the comparative efficacy and tolerability of Tramadol and Tapentadol taken by oral route.
Materials & Methods: This comparative study consisted of a total of 126 patients divided into 2 groups, the Tapentadol and Tramadol groups for managing low back pain. Participants aged 18-60 with moderate or higher pain intensity were included. Data on pain intensity, adverse events, and patient-reported outcomes were collected at baseline, day 7, and day 14. Participants were randomly assigned to Tapentadol or Tramadol groups, receiving respective medications for 14 days. Data analysis involved t t-test to compare groups. Means and SD were also calculated.
Results: The mean age of the patients in the Tramadol group was 33.1 ± 19.1 and in the Tapentadol group was 37.6 ± 19.9, respectively. Sixty of the total participants were men and sixty-five were women. Participants were split equally between groups A and B, with 30 men and 33 women in group A and 30 men and 32 women in group B. The findings demonstrated that both medications considerably lessened moderate to severe chronic lower back pain (CLBP) patients' pain levels. At 28 days after the baseline, the mean VAS scores for groups A and B were 34.57 and 37.55, respectively.
Conclusion: According to the study's findings, these two medications effectively reduce pain in those with chronic lower back pain. Tapentadol is observed to be tolerated well and more effective than Tramadol.