bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the potential of introducing an electronic death registration system in South Africa
Authors: Fruchtman Carmen Sant , Kallis Natasha , Govender Sudarshan , Bradshaw Debbie , Munoz Daniel Cobos , Morof Diane , Groenewald Pamela 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background:
Despite South Africa’s well-established civil registration and vital statistics system (CRVS) and good completeness of death registration, challenges persist in terms of the quality of cause of death information and the delayed availability of mortality statistics. The introduction ofan electronic medical certification of cause of death (eMCCD) system may offer opportunities to improve both the quality and timeliness of this information.
Methods:
This study used an exploratory mixed methods design to investigate perceptions surrounding an electronic solution for registering deaths in South Africa. We conducted 14 key informant interviews from 23 we invited, surveyed 208 out of 250 targeted health workers and engaged with more than 500 South African health professionals in a participatory workshop about the acceptability of introducing an eMCCD. Mentimeter was used to obtain feedback from the participants. Rapid qualitative analysis methods were used to analyse the key informant interviews and descriptive statistics for the survey and workshop data. During the interpretation phase, qualitative and quantitative data were integrated according to key themes that emerged from the data.
Results:
During the qualitative interviews, the underlying factors mentioned as contributing to inadequate mortality data quality included insufficient MCCD training, diseases subjected to stigma, limited access to and quality of patient health information, and a significant proportion of deaths occurring outside medical facilities. More than 80.8% of the surveyed health professionals (168/208) rated the importance of mortality statistics as very important, but the current quality was rated as low or very low by 29.3% (61/208). An eMCCD appeared to be acceptable to most workshop participants who registered on Mentimeter and was perceived as a means to strengthen the timeliness of mortality information. However, 43.0% (68/158) of the workshop participants who responded to this question on Mentimeter saw poor internetuse as the main barrier to introducing an online system.
Conclusions:
Our results shed light on critical aspects surrounding cause of death information in South Africa, as well as the challenges faced in maintaining the quality of such data. The findings suggest that the implementation of an eMCCD system could provide opportunities to strengthen the cause of death information in South Africa if it is designed to integrate into the current system and provide supplementary functionalities.
Anchoring mechanism of low-coordination terminal hydroxyls in Pt atomic clusters
Authors: Peng Yue , Yuan Xing , Si Wenzhe , Zhu Xiao , Zhou Bin , li Junhua 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Pt atomic clusters (ACs) present higher catalytic activities compared to nanoparticle or single-atom counterparts for specific reactions. The bonding mechanisms of Pt to support are determined not solely by the metal-support interaction strength, but by the effects of anchoring and migration in conjunction with surface hydroxyls. Herein, we reveal the impact of different anchoring configurations between Pt ACs and supports on the performance of selective catalytic oxidation (SCO) of NH3. We found that the Pt-O species on TiO2 necessitate c.a. 4 low-coordination terminal (LCT) hydroxyls, while the Pt-O species on Al2O3 require c.a. 6, demonstrating a lower coordination number of Pt-O species on TiO2. The different coordination leads to distinct electron transfer between Pt and supports and the extent of H-spillover in NH3 SCO. Thus, the two samples follow divergent reaction pathways: -NH acts as the key intermediate on Pt/TiO2 resulting in higher NH3 conversion but lower N2 yield (i-SCR mechanism), whereas, -NH2 plays this role on Pt/Al2O3 leading to slightly lower NH3 conversion but higher N2 yield (NH mechanism) because of rapid H2O desorption and challenging N2O dissociation. This work not only offers a comprehensive view of the role of Pt ACs in NH3 SCO, but also sheds light on the determinants of product selectivity through the identification of key intermediates and mechanisms. Such insights are vital for the rational design of catalysts aimed at controlling NH₃ slip.
Cobalt on Tungsten Titanium Carbide MXene: A Electrocatalyst for Industrial-Scale High Current Density Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wu Yue , Liu Xiaopeng , Yang fan , Patel Deep , Albloushi Mohammad , Jiang Shan , Breckner Christian , Schroeder Connor , Cui Ruoyu , Ma Tao , Jing Dapeng , Huang Wenyu , Miller Jeffrey , li Wenzhen , Roling Luke 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Hydrogen (H2) is considered the most promising clean energy source to replace conventional fossil fuels. Despite the exceptional catalytic activity of Pt-group metals, the high cost and relatively low durability of these noble metal-based catalysts remain key bottlenecks for sustainable hydrogen production at the industrial scale. In this report, we synthesized a new type of MXene, tungsten titanium carbide (W2TiC2). By loading cobalt (Co) onto the surface of W2TiC2, we developed a highly effective and stable catalyst for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The optimized catalyst exhibited a small overpotential of 62.58 mV at 10 mA/cm2 and a low Tafel slope of 44.34 mV/dec. At high current density of 100 mA/cm2 and 1000 mA/cm2, the low overpotentials of 191.18 mV and 407.72 mV were achieved, significantly outperforming the commercial Pt/C electrode. Under both current ranges, our catalyst exhibited excellent stability of 500 h at 10 mA/cm2 and for 100 h at 1000 mA/cm2 without any obvious degradation. In flow cell tests, by pairing with Ni foam, our catalyst also required much lower cell voltage than commercial Ni foam||Pt/C and maintained ~ 100% H2 faradaic efficiency over the 15h continuous tests from 100 to 400 mA/cm2. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) demonstrated a temperature induced redistribution of Co on MXenes from single sites and large nanoparticles (NPs) to uniform small NPs. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, combined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS), revealed that the HER activity was sensitive to the coordination environment of Co on W2TiC2, and the Co-W interface is the likely HER active site . This work sheds light on structure design and utilization of metal-support interaction (MSI) in MXene-supported metal catalysts for the efficient electrochemical water splitting at industrial scale.
Voice Analysis and Deep Learning for Detecting Mental Disorders in Pregnant Women: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ooba Hikaru , Maki Jota , Masuyama Hisashi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Perinatal mental disorders are common, affecting 10–20% of pregnant women. Traditional screening tools, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), have subjective limitations, and healthcare providers often face challenges in screening owing to time constraints. Therefore, there is a need for more objective screening methods. Voice analysis has shown promise in detecting mental disorders; however, research on pregnant women is limited. This study aimed to develop a machine learning model that analyzes the voices of pregnant women to screen for mental disorders using a balanced data approach.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we collected voice samples from 204 pregnant women during one-month postpartum checkup. We preprocessed the audio data, segmented it into 5000 ms intervals, and converted it into melspectrograms using a short-time Fourier transform with different window widths. We applied data augmentation techniques, including TrivialAugment and context-rich minority oversampling, to enhance the training data. We employed transfer learning using the Efficientformer V2-L model pretrained on ImageNet for classification. We optimized the hyperparameters using Optuna to improve the generalization. We combined these predictions using ensemble learning for the final predictions.
Results: We included 172 participants in the analysis (149 without mental disorders and 23 with mental disorders). The voice-based model demonstrated higher sensitivity (1.00) and recall (0.82), whereas the EPDS showed higher specificity (0.97) and precision (0.84). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve revealed no significant difference (P = 0.759) between the two methods.
Discussion: Our study demonstrates the potential of voice analysis and deep learning as objective screening tools for perinatal mental disorders. The voice-based model performed comparably to the EPDS, with higher sensitivity and recall, indicating its potential to identify more women at risk for mental disorders.
Conclusion: Voice analysis and deep learning show promise as innovative, objective screening tools for perinatal mental disorders.
Time course of lead-induced dyslipidemia in male albino rats
Authors: Abam Esther Omugha , Wusu Adedoja Dorcas , Ogunrinola Olabisi Olufunmilayo , Afolabi Olusegun Kayode , Dosumu Oluwatosin Adebisi , Onunkwor Okechukwu Beno , Babayemi David Oluwagbemi , Balogun Elizabeth Abidemi , Odukoya Olusegun Olukayode , Ademuyiwa Oladipo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Lead has been shown to induce dyslipidemia in rats although the attendant mechanisms have not been clearly elucidated.
Methods
In order to investigate the time-course of lead-induced perturbations in lipid metabolism, male Wistar rats were exposed to 200, 300 and 400 ppm lead as lead acetate in their drinking water for 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Control animals received distilled water for the same exposure times after which blood, liver, kidney, brain, heart and lungs were removed from the animals and analyzed for lipid dynamics spectrophotometrically.
Results
Lead accumulated in the organs in the following descending order: kidney > liver > brain > heart > lungs. Lead-induced inhibition of reverse cholesterol transport was both time-dependent as well as dose-dependent at 4 and 8 weeks as evidenced by decrease in HDL cholesterol (17% in 4-week 400 ppm, 35, 43 and 49% in 200, 300 and 400 ppm doses respectively at 8 weeks). Free fatty acids (FFAs) in plasma displayed a hormetic-like response at 4 weeks with the lowest lead dose instigating a 51% decrease in FFA while 300 and 400 ppm doses displayed 2-fold and 1.5-fold increases respectively. Increases in plasma FFA were dose-dependent at 12 weeks. Increases in erythrocyte FFA were also observed in the 200 ppm dose at 4 weeks and in all the doses at 8 weeks. Increased hepatic, brain and renal cholesterogenesis were generally observed with highest increases occurring at 8 weeks in both organs. Hepatic, brain, renal, cardiac and pulmonary phospholipidosis were observed in all the lead doses and exposure times. Cardiac cholesterol decreased while triacyglycerols increased at 4 weeks. Hepatic and brain HMG-CoA reductase activities were generally up-regulated in most of the doses with highest increase (35%) occurring in 300 ppm lead dose at 4 weeks. Positive correlations were observed between liver lead and liver cholesterol (r = 0.476, p = 0.01), kidney lead and plasma FFA (r = 0.498, p = 0.01) while a negative correlation was observed between blood lead and HDL cholesterol (r = -0.523, p = 0.01).
Conclusion
These findings indicate that lead-induced dyslipidemia may be mediated through up-regulation of HMG-CoA reductase activity, inhibition of reverse cholesterol transport and enhanced phospholipidosis resulting from increased availability of FFA.
Long-Term Evaluation of Vision-Related Daily Activities after ICL-V4c Implantation for Myopia: An 8-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Linghu Shaorong , Luo Xin , Liu Taixiang , Hu Yixiao , Li Fayuan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
To evaluate long-term daily activities after the implantable Collamer lens with a central hole (ICL-V4c) implantation for myopia throughout an 8-year follow-up.
Methods
The evaluation involved the follow-up of sixty eyes of 30 patients were over 8 years after ICL-V4c implantation. The analysis was focused on uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuities, vault, intraocular pressure (IOP), endothelial cell density (ECD), and vision-related daily activities.
Results
A total of 50 eyes (83.3%) had a postoperative UDVA of 20/20 or better. The central vault showed no significant difference from the observations at 3 months and 2 and 8 years (0.42 ± 0.3 and 0.42 ± 0.3 and 0.40 ± 0.2 mm, P = 0.06, P = 0.08, P = 0.08, respectively). The ECD decreased by 4.82% (P = 0.124), 4.58% (P = 0.065), and 4.43% (P = 0.057), respectively. The mean IOP remained stable over the 8-year follow-up (12.54 ± 1.53 and 12.9 ± 1.77 and 12.69 ± 1.64 mmHg, P = 0.02, P = 0.06, P = 0.07, respectively), The questionnaire scores indicated that at least 80% of the patients (24 patients) were highly satisfied and satisfied with their vision-related daily activities at 8 years after ICL-V4c implantation. A total of 6.7% of patients (2 patients) complained about difficulty driving at night at 8 years postoperation.
Conclusion
The outcomes of this study revealed the long-term viability and safety of the ICL-V4c implantation. The vision-related daily activities at 8 years after ICL-V4c implantation were highly satisfactory and satisfactory.
Promotion of Maize Straw Degradation Rate by Altering Microbial Community Structure through the Addition of Soybean Straw
Authors: Liu Xiaodan , Huo Hongrui , Zhang Yuhang , Yang Huawei , Li Shumin , Meng Lingbo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The carbon-nitrogen ratio (C/N ratio) of straw significantly influences its mineralization and nutrient release when returned to the soil. This study utilized indoor culture and outdoor pot experiments to investigate the impact of varying straw ratios on straw mineralization, soil property dynamics, soil microbial communities, soil enzyme activities, and maize growth. Design of treatments included: (1) maize straw return (M), (2) soybean straw return (S), (3) 1:1 ratio of maize straw and soybean straw return (MS), (4) 2:1 ratio of maize straw to soybean straw return (2MS), (5) maize straw return combined with nitrogen fertilizer (MF) and (6) no straw return (NS). Compared with M treatment, MS and MF treatment enhanced the straw mineralization rate and nutrient release, thus increasing the biomass of succeeding maize. The MS treatment increased the relative abundance of Chloroflexi, Acidobacteriota, and Proteobacteria by 15.54%, 5.36%, and 14.29%, respectively, compared to the M treatment. Straw return treatments significantly decreased the prevalence of the pathogenic fungus Fusariumcompared to the NS approach. Correlation analyses indicated a positive association between soil chemical properties and the presence of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bdellovibrionota, and Nitrospirota. Conversely, these factors showed a negative correlation with Actinobacteriota, Gemmatimonadota, Funneliformis, Trichoderma, and Fusarium. These changes in microbial communities are beneficial for straw degradation and nutrient release. In summary, the combined addition of soybean straw and maize straw in a 1:1 ratio optimizes the microbial community, enhances soil nutrient cycling, improves soil fertility, and positively affects corn biomass and nutrient uptake.
Wavy spider web honeycomb sandwich structures with PLA: Bending performance
Authors: Solak Alparslan , Temiztaş Birgül Aşçıoğlu , Bolat Berna 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the mechanical properties of honeycomb sandwich structures with wavy spider web profiles using three-point bending tests. First, 3D-printed tensile samples and sandwich structures were produced from PLA by ASTM standards. The tensile test provided mechanical properties such as the material's modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio. Three-point bending tests were performed on sandwich structures with different profiles to obtain force-displacement curves. The values obtained from the tensile test were input into the material model in Ls-Dyna to perform finite element analysis of sandwich structures. The force-displacement curves and damage images obtained from the analyses were consistent with the experimental test results. Validation was also performed for the straight model using analytical approaches found in the literature. The wavy spider web honeycomb structure exhibited the highest specific energy absorption value (sEA) and specific peak crushing force (sPCF). These results suggest that honeycomb structures with wavy spider web profiles have the potential to be used in lighter and stronger structures.
AI-assisted ultrasound for early liver trauma: Animal models &amp; clinical validation
Authors: Song Qing , He Xuelei , Wang Yanjie , Gao Hanjing , Tan Li , Ma Jun , Kang Linli , Han Peng , Luo Yukun , Wang Kun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The study aimed to develop an AI-assisted ultrasound model for early liver trauma identification, using data from Bama miniature pigs and patients in Beijing, China. A deep learning model was created and fine-tuned with animal and clinical data, achieving high accuracy metrics. In internal tests, the model outperformed both Junior and Senior sonographers. External tests showed the model's effectiveness, with a Dice Similarity Coefficient of 0.74, True Positive Rate of 0.80, Positive Predictive Value of 0.74, and 95% Hausdorff distance of 14.84. The model's performance was comparable to Junior sonographers and slightly lower than Senior sonographers. This AI model shows promise for liver injury detection, offering a valuable tool with diagnostic capabilities similar to those of less experienced human operators.
Associations of Obesity with the Risk of Anal Fistula: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhao Zongxian , Song Shiling , Zhang Jun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

(1) Background: Obesity has become a worldwide pandemic, while anal fistulas represent a prevalent anorectal disorder that affects a significant number of individuals across the globe. However, the relationship between obesity and anal fistula remains unclear.
(2) Methods: We assess obesity comprehensively through multiple indicators including body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), waist circumference (WC), and waist-hip ratio (WHR). In order to evaluate the causal effects of obesity on the risk of anal fistula, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was completed using five methods: inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode and weighted mode. IVW method was used as the main method.
(3) Results: IVW method found that there were positive effects of genetically determined BMI (OR: 1.001, 95%CI: 1.001-1.002, p = 0.022), BFP (OR: 1.001, 95%: 1.000-1.003, p = 0.035), WC (OR: 1.001, 95%CI: 1.000-1.003, p = 0.035), WHR (OR: 1.001, 95%CI: 1.000-1.003, p = 0.024) on the risk of anal fistula. The MR-Egger intercepts and MR-PRESSO method show no evidence for significant pleiotropy and heterogeneity.
(4) Conclusion: Our MR study supports a causal role of obesity in increasing the risk of anal fistula. We emphasize that obese patients with anal fistula underscore the urgent need for attention to weight control.
Electrical Circuit Approaches to Modeling Brain Chaos: Insights into Neural Dynamics
Authors: selmi kaouther , bachta kods , bouallegue kais 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This paper investigates the simulation of brain chaos dynamics using a combination of the Chua circuit and diode tunnel mechanisms, aiming to examine chaotic behavior in brain networks. Leveraging the inherent chaotic properties of the Chua circuit, Fitzhugh-Nagumo function and the nonlinear characteristics of diode tunneling, our model offers a platform to mimic the intricate synaptic interactions observed in the brain. By subjecting the model to various stimuli and perturbations, we analyze the emergence and evolution of chaotic patterns, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of cerebral chaos. Through numerical simulations and experimental validation, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in replicating key features of brain chaos and highlight its potential implications for understanding neurological disorders and cognitive processes. This research contributes to the broader effort of leveraging computational models to explore the complex dynamics of the brain and their implications for neuroscience and microengineering.
Role of PbO and Up-conversion in RE doped B2O3 - P2O 5 glasses
Authors: Singh Harpreet , Singh Devinder , Singh Supreet Pal 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

To investigate the role of PbO as a former or a modifier and effect of its compositional variation on the physical, structural and optical properties, lithium lead borophosphate glasses were synthesized by melt quenching technique. For physical properties of the prepared glasses, density was measured by the Archimedes principle and density showed an increasing trend with increasing concentration of lead oxide. The structural analysis were performed through X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Structural units due to PbO, P2 O5 and B2O3 were identified. Ultraviolet-visible absorption spec-troscopy was performed for optical properties and increase in the indirect band gap from 4.80 eV to 4.90 eV was observed. One glass sample was chosen for doping of erbium, neodymium, thulium and ytterbium, for study of their up-conversion properties. All the prepared samples were excited at 980 nm and ytterbium being a sensitizer helps in up-converting infrared light to visible light. As up-conversion is a host dependent process, up-1 conversion results suggested that the rare earth doped lithium lead borophosphate glasses are great host for up-conversion and these glasses can find applications in display devices and lasers.
Risk factors for severe respiratory syncytial virus-associated respiratory tract infection in a high HIV prevalence setting, prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, South Africa, 2012 – 2018
Authors: Moyes Jocelyn , Tempia Stefano , Walaza Sibongile , Cohen Adam L. , Treurnicht Florette , Hellferscee Orienka , Wolter Nicole , von Gottberg Anne , Dawood Halima , Variava Ebrahim , Kahn Kathleen , Madhi Shabir A. , Cohen Cheryl 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Identifying risk factors for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)–associated severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) will assist with targeting vaccine interventions.
Methods
Using surveillance data from South Africa (2012-2018). We compared the characteristics of individuals with RSV-associated ILI (reference group) to those with RSV-associated SARI to describe factors associated with SARI using a multivariable analysis.
Results
RSV was detected in 6% (483/7792) of ILI cases and 15% (844/5672) of SARI cases. Factors associated with SARI in children included age <2 months, compared to age 2–4 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 54.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 23.5–125.8), malnutrition (aOR 1.9; 95% CI 1.2–3.2), prematurity (aOR 2.4; 95% CI 1.3–4.6) and living with HIV (LWH) (aOR 22.5; 95% CI 2.9–174.3). In individuals ≥5 years, factors associated with SARI included age ≥65 years compared to age 5–24 years (aOR 10.7; 95% CI 1.1–107.5), symptom duration ≥5 days (aOR 2.7; 95% CI 1.1–6.3), underlying illness (aOR 2.7; 95% CI 1.5–26.1) and LWH (aOR 16.8, 95% CI: 4.8–58.2).
Conclusion
Individuals at the extremes of age and those with identified risk factors a might benefit most from RSV prevention interventions.