bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical-based phenotypes in children with pediatric post-COVID-19 condition
Authors: Noij Lieke C. E. , Blankestijn Jelle M. , Lap Coen R. , van Houten Marlies A. , Biesbroek Giske , der Zee Anke-Hilse Maitland-van , Abdel-Aziz Mahmoud I. , van Goudoever Johannes B. , Alsem Mattijs W. , Brackel Caroline L. H. , Oostrom Kim J. , Hashimoto Simone , Terheggen-Lagro Suzanne W. J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Pediatric post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) condition (PPCC) is a heterogeneous syndrome, which can significantly affect the daily lives of children. This study aimed to identify clinically meaningful phenotypes in children with PPCC, to better characterize and treat this condition.

Methods
Participants were children with physician-diagnosed PPCC, referred to the academic hospital Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands between November 2021 and March 2023. Demographic factors and information on post-COVID symptoms, comorbidities, and impact on daily life were collected. Clinical clusters were identified using an unsupervised and unbiased approach for mixed data types.

Results
Analysis of 111 patients (aged 3–18 years) revealed three distinct clusters within PPCC. Cluster 1 (n = 62, median age = 15 years) predominantly consisted of girls (74.2%). These patients suffered relatively more from exercise intolerance, dyspnea, and smell disorders. Cluster 2 (n = 33, median age = 13 years) contained patients with an even gender distribution (51.5% girls). They suffered from relatively more sleep problems, memory loss, gastrointestinal symptoms, and arthralgia. Cluster 3 (n = 16, median age = 11 years) had a higher proportion of boys (75.0%), suffered relatively more from fever, had significantly fewer symptoms (median of 5 symptoms compared to 8 and 10 for clusters 1 and 2 respectively), and experienced a lower impact on daily life.

Conclusions
This study identified three distinct clinical PPCC phenotypes, with variations in sex, age, symptom patterns, and impact on daily life. These findings highlight the need for further research to understand the potentially diverse underlying mechanisms contributing to post-COVID symptoms in children.

Graphical abstract
MicroRNAs from edible plants reach the human gastrointestinal tract and may act as potential regulators of gene expression
Authors: Díez-Sainz Ester , Milagro Fermín I. , Aranaz Paula , Riezu-Boj José I. , Lorente-Cebrián Silvia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. A cross-kingdom regulatory function has been unveiled for plant miRNAs (xenomiRs), which could shape inter-species interactions of plants with other organisms (bacteria and humans) and thus, be key functional molecules of plant-based food in mammals. However, discrepancies regarding the stability and bioavailability of dietary plant miRNAs on the host cast in doubt whether these molecules could have a significant impact on human physiology. The aim of the present study was to identify miRNAs in edible plants and determine their bioavailability on humans after an acute intake of plant-based products. It was found that plant food, including fruits, vegetables and greens, nuts, legumes, and cereals, contains a wide range of miRNAs. XenomiRs miR156e, miR159 and miR162 were detected in great abundance in edible plants and were present among many plant foods, and thus, they were selected as candidates to analyse their bioavailability in humans. These plant miRNAs resisted cooking processes (heat-treatments) and their relative presence increased in faeces after and acute intake of plant-based foods, although they were not detected in serum. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that these miRNAs could potentially target human and bacterial genes involved in processes such as cell signalling and metabolism. In conclusion, edible plants contain miRNAs, such as miR156e, miR159 and miR162, that could resist degradation during cooking and digestion and reach the distal segments of the gastrointestinal tract. Nevertheless, strategies should be developed to improve their absorption to potentially reach host tissues and organs and modulate human physiology.
US Trade Policy Uncertainty and Nigeria’s Participation in Global Value Chains: Evidence from Frequency Domain Causality, Wavelet Coherence Analysis, and Time-Varying Causality
Authors: Oshodi Ayodele Folorunso , Olasehinde-Williams Godwin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study examines for the first time whether trade policy uncertainty emanating from the United States significantly predicts Nigeria’s participation in global value chains. It further examines the kind of global value chain participation in Nigeria (forward or backward linkages) that is most predictable by the United States trade policy uncertainty. To achieve the study objective, frequency domain causality, wavelet coherence analysis, and time-varying causality are employed in analyzing annual data sets over the period 1990–2019. The summary of the study findings is as follows; first, trade policy uncertainty emanating from the United States significantly predicts Nigeria’s overall integration into global value chains. Second, there is a positive association between Nigeria’s integration into global value chains and the United States trade policy uncertainty. Third, Nigeria’s overall integration into global value chains is highly correlated with the United States trade policy uncertainty in periods around the global economic crisis of 2007/08 and Nigeria’s recession of the late 2010s. Fourth, most of the predictability noticed in the relations between trade policy uncertainty generated by the United States and the overall global value chain participation is caused by the relations between the United States trade policy uncertainty and Nigeria’s forward linkage into global value chain participation.
Elucidating co-conditioning strategies of aluminium-based sludge using natural biopolymeric magnetite composite for leveraging dewaterability
Authors: Elsayed Zahraa A. , El-Sayed Ibrahim E. , Tony Maha A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSignificant co-conditioning of aluminum-based sludge using alternative conditioner (natural biopolymer-magnetite/H2O2) as a Fenton conditioner for improving the sludge dewaterability is investigated in the current study. Firstly, natural biopolymer/magnetite (NBP-M) were prepared in various ratios and the samples labeled as (NBP-M-(1:1); NBP-M-(1:3) and NBP-M-(2:1). Focuses were placed on factors influencing such novel Fenton conditioner. Capillary suction time (CST) was utilized to assess sludge dewaterability. Experiments have exhibited that significant development of alum sludge dewaterability could be attained at minimum reaction time and using low concentrations of the applied catalyst, i.e. natural biopolymer/magnetite and H2O2. It was found that sludge conditioning and dewaterability became better with increasing both reagents concentrations. A Box–Behnken experimental design based on the response surface methodology was investigated to explore the optimum of the influencing variables, i.e. catalyst (NBP-M) concentration, H2O2 loading and pH. The optimized values for NBP-M, H2O2, and pH are 46 and 380 mg/L, respectively at pH 3.0, at which the CST reduction efficiency of 58 ± 3% can be attained, this approved with that predicted by an established polynomial model in the current investigation.
Water quality index and health risk assessment for heavy metals in groundwater of Kashiani and Kotalipara upazila, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
Authors: Shaibur Molla Rahman , Howlader Masum , Ahmmed Ishtiaque , Sarwar Sabiha , Hussam Abul 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe groundwater quality of the Gopalganj district in Bangladesh was not well documented. Therefore, this research was done to determine the groundwater quality in the study area. The water quality index and the human health risk for heavy metal ingestion were used to describe the water quality. The water quality was performed through the estimation of turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and concentration of sodium, potassium, ammonium, nitrate, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, and arsenic. The mean turbidity, pH, and total dissolved solids in the two upazila were within the permissible limit. However, the electrical conductivity in both the upazila was higher than the WHO-prescribed value in which the higher concentration was in Kotalipara. Excess concentrations of iron and arsenic were found in the Kashiani upazila, but these were below the detection limit in Kotalipara upazila. The water quality index revealed that roughly 61.0% of samples of Kashiani upazila were of poor quality. However, about 96.0% of samples of Kotalipara upazila were of excellent quality. Chronic health risks due to the revelation of drinking have also been determined by assessing the hazard quotient and hazard index. In Kashiani, almost 85.0% of samples were elevated chronic risks for adults and 100.0% of the samples were very high chronic risks for children. In Kotalipara, all the samples (almost 100%) were suggested to have a lower chronic risk for adults and children. The results suggested that the carcinogenic risk of arsenic via oral exposure was very high for both adults and children in Kashiani upazila.
An experimental comparison of 3D velocity components around single and twin piers installed in a sharp bend under the influence of upstream implemented vanes
Authors: Safaripour Neda , Vaghefi Mohammad , Mahmoudi Amin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTo reduce the trend of scouring, understanding the flow pattern around the bridge piers is necessary. By using hydraulic structures such as submerged vanes, it is possible to alter the flow pattern of water, thus scouring process and sediment transport in riverbeds. Since the scouring mechanism for pier groups differs from single pier, experiments were conducted in a 180° sharp bend channel in the laboratory to investigate the flow pattern around pier group and single pier under the influence of 25% submerged vanes. Furthermore, a comparison was made between the flow patterns in single pier and pier group conditions. Three-dimensional velocities along the bend and different depths were measured using an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV(. The results suggest that the maximum vorticity value at the apex position of the bend (location of piers) and the maximum secondary flow value, at the distance between the piers and the vanes, were found to be, 0.15 and 0.89, respectively. In the twin pier experiment, the maximum Reynolds shear stress value $${\tau }_{yx}$$

τ

yx

decreased by about 36%, and the minimum value decreased by about 49% compared to the single pier experiment. The final results indicated that using submerged vanes obtained the maximum $${\tau }_{yx}$$

τ

yx

and $${\tau }_{zx}$$

τ

zx

near the vanes. Near the bed and mid-depth of the water flow, the geometric location of the maximum velocity also occurred around the vanes in both experiments. Therefore, the vanes are important in altering the water flow pattern, diverting the flow from around piers and consequently reducing the bridge pier scouring.
A first species-wide phylogenetic analysis of small mammals from Costa Rica using mitochondrial cytochrome b
Authors: Gómez-Lépiz Alexander , Sampaio Sara , Hughes Jonathan J. , Valdés Sara María Cáceres , Alves Paulo Célio , Paupério Joana , Searle Jeremy B. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCosta Rica is within the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot and has about 53 native species of small mammals. This high diversity, along with recent records of new species and indications of cryptic genetic diversity, suggest that application of the DNA barcoding approach would be worthwhile. Here we used 131 tissue samples of small mammals from multiple localities in Costa Rica and sequenced the complete mitochondrial cytochrome b (1140 bp). These samples represented 17 recognized species and two taxa of uncertain status. The new sequence data were supplemented with previously published data from INSDC. Our phylogenetic analyses are consistent with and extend upon recent revisions in Heteromys, Peromyscus and Reithrodontomys and suggest possible new cryptic forms within what are currently named Melanomys chrysomelas, Nyctomys sumichrasti and Proechimys semispinosus. The previously named “Heteromys sp” is indeed likely a new species requiring a full taxonomic description. Moreover, we found new localities for previously described species substantiating recent taxonomic surveys and field guides for the small mammals of Costa Rica. To confirm the presence of cryptic species and major genetic forms in Heteromys, Peromyscus, Reithrodontomys, Melanomys, Nyctomys and Proechimys there needs to be greater sampling, additional genetic markers, morphometrics and other studies. Scotinomys also shows interesting phylogenetic subdivision, requiring further investigation.
Low-pressure gasoline direct injection system development and emissions analysis for a reciprocating two-stroke engine
Authors: Gutiérrez E. , Sala D. , Delpeuch J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study presents the design and construction of an electronic low-pressure gasoline direct injection system for two-stroke engines, with the objective to study engine performance and the emission of exhaust polluting gases, maintaining the expectations of this type of engine. The investigation includes a test bench with an incorporated engine and the required control devices for this, as well as a gas analyzer Class 0, a computerized data acquisition and several tools for displaying and process all the electronic signals from the engine in real time. In order to manage this system, a custom electronic injection control unit has been designed and built, which allows to control the fuel injection timing and duration. This unit uses the signal from an inductive sensor installed in the crankshaft as a reference and synchronization point. Additionally, modifications have been made to the fuel feeder circuit and the electronic of the test engine, as well as to some parts of the mechanism in order to adapt them to this technology. The implementation of the engine tests is described, and the performance and operational points of the original system and those of the new injection system are evaluated.
Analysis of impact deformation of elastic-perfectly plastic particles
Authors: Saifoori Saba , Nezamabadi Saeid , Ghadiri Mojtaba 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMaterial Point Method is used to study the impact deformation of elastic-perfectly plastic spherical particles. A wide range of material properties, i.e. density, Young’s modulus and yield strength, are considered. The method is particularly suitable for simulating extensive deformation. The focus of the analysis is on linking the coefficient of restitution and the percentage of the incident kinetic energy dissipated by plastic deformation, Wp/Wi × 100, to the material properties and impact conditions. Dimensionless groups which unify the data for the full range of material properties have been identified for this purpose. The results show that when the particle deforms extensively, Wp/Wi × 100 and the equivalent plastic strain, are only dependent on the particle yield strength and the incident kinetic energy, as intuitively expected. On the other hand, when the deformation is small, Young’s modulus of the particle also affects both Wp/Wi × 100 and the equivalent plastic strain. Moreover, coefficient of restitution is insensitive to Young’s modulus of the material. Dimensionless correlations are then suggested for prediction of the coefficient of restitution, the equivalent plastic strain and Wp/Wi × 100. Finally, it is shown that the extent to which the particle flattens due to impact can be predicted using its yield strength and initial kinetic energy.
Does Medical Curriculum Impact on Empathy? A Longitudinal Study in a Sample of Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Ardenghi Stefano , Russo Selena , Rampoldi Giulia , Bani Marco , Strepparava Maria Grazia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEmpathy in medical students is receiving increasing attention as it is fundamental to build and develop a functional patient-physician relationship. When looking at its determinants, demographic and academic factors seem to concur in shaping empathy in this population. Although data show strong gender differences and changes in empathy throughout medical school, it is not clear the direction of these changes and whether gender and curriculum features modulate them. This longitudinal study examined changes in empathy and explored gender differences throughout the medical school. Four consecutive cohorts of Italian medical students (N = 336) completed the Jefferson Scale of Empathy – Student (JSE-S) and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) in their second year of study (before any clinical clerkship and communication skills courses) and fifth year of study (after a 2-year clinical clerkship and communication skills courses). Analysis of variance for repeated-measures revealed that, beyond the effect of gender, JSE-S total score and IRI Perspective Taking increased, whereas IRI Personal Distress and IRI Fantasy significantly decreased throughout medical school. No significant change in IRI Empathic Concern emerged over time. Student’s t-tests showed that female students displayed significantly higher mean scores than their male counterparts for all empathy measures in both their second and fifth years of medical training. The findings suggest that the medical curriculum affects self-reported empathy dimensions among undergraduate medical students. Further research is needed to deepen the understanding of the educational factors that promote the changes in empathy levels during medical training.
VertiBayes: learning Bayesian network parameters from vertically partitioned data with missing values
Authors: van Daalen Florian , Ippel Lianne , Dekker Andre , Bermejo Inigo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFederated learning makes it possible to train a machine learning model on decentralized data. Bayesian networks are widely used probabilistic graphical models. While some research has been published on the federated learning of Bayesian networks, publications on Bayesian networks in a vertically partitioned data setting are limited, with important omissions, such as handling missing data. We propose a novel method called VertiBayes to train Bayesian networks (structure and parameters) on vertically partitioned data, which can handle missing values as well as an arbitrary number of parties. For structure learning we adapted the K2 algorithm with a privacy-preserving scalar product protocol. For parameter learning, we use a two-step approach: first, we learn an intermediate model using maximum likelihood, treating missing values as a special value, then we train a model on synthetic data generated by the intermediate model using the EM algorithm. The privacy guarantees of VertiBayes are equivalent to those provided by the privacy preserving scalar product protocol used. We experimentally show VertiBayes produces models comparable to those learnt using traditional algorithms. Finally, we propose two alternative approaches to estimate the performance of the model using vertically partitioned data and we show in experiments that these give accurate estimates.
Intuitionistic fuzzy time series forecasting method based on dendrite neuron model and exponential smoothing
Authors: Cansu Turan , Bas Eren , Egrioglu Erol , Akkan Tamer 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMethods based on artificial neural networks for intuitionistic fuzzy time series forecasting can produce successful forecasting results. In the literature, exponential smoothing methods are hybridised with artificial neural networks due to their simple and efficient structures to improve the forecasting performance. The contribution of this paper is to propose a new forecasting approach combining exponential smoothing methods and intuitionistic fuzzy time series. In this study, a forecasting algorithm based on the dendrite neuron model and simple exponential smoothing methods is proposed for modelling intuitionistic fuzzy time series. In the fuzzification stage of the proposed method, the intuitionistic fuzzy c-means method is used. The proposed method is a modular method using two separate dendrite neuron model neural networks and the grey wolf optimisation algorithm is used to estimate all parameters of the method. The performance of the proposed method is applied on four different random time series obtained for Index of Coin Market Cap and the performance of the method is compared with some other fuzzy forecasting methods. As a result of the analyses, it is concluded that the proposed modular method has better forecasting results than other methods.
Financial Worries, Health Complaints, and Career Exploration: The Role of Action Crises
Authors: Schmitt Antje , Heihal Teodora I. , Zacher Hannes 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFinancial worries, a distressing emotional state prompted by perceived threats to financial resources, are particularly prevalent among employees during economic downturns. This study investigates associations between financial worries and employees’ health and career behaviors, drawing on conservation of resources theory and the self-regulation literature. We propose that financial worries are not only positively related to health complaints, but also positively related to employees’ career exploration as a coping mechanism. In addition, we explore how financial worries are associated with action crises—internal conflicts about whether to leave one’s job—and how these crises may help explain the relationships between worries and employee outcomes. In a two-month time-lagged study with 312 employees, we observed a positive association between financial worries and health complaints, but no significant association with career exploration. Furthermore, the experience of an action crisis mediated the relation between financial worries and health complaints. Action crises were positively related to subsequent career exploration, and we established a significant indirect effect of financial worries on career exploration through action crises. This research contributes to a better understanding of the potential health-related and behavioral outcomes of financial worries by introducing action crisis as a cognitive–emotional mechanism. It also expands the limited research on antecedents and consequences of action crises and responds to calls for research on the predictors of career exploration as a career self-management behavior. We discuss the study’s implications for theory, research, and practice in light of the its limitations.
Random walk simulation by population dynamics P systems
Authors: Orellana-Martín David , Andreu-Guzmán José A. , Graciani Carmen , Riscos-Núñez Agustín , Pérez-Jiménez Mario J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPDP systems have been widely used for real-life applications, such as systems biology, ecosystems, physics or economy, among others. Complex systems related with these areas are simulated in the framework of Membrane Computing using objects and membranes that can represent entities or places in the real-life process. In physics, the study of a particle in different fluids, depending on their composition, is really interesting for several applications. A first approximation to this field is to think that particles move randomly in the available space, without any force that constrains their movements. This behavior is known as random walk, and it is used not only in physics but in economics, genetics, and ecology among other areas. In this paper, we introduce generic PDP systems for simulating the behavior of particles, both for one-dimensional spaces and for two-dimensional spaces, using different simulators to analyze the computational resources consumed.