bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Students’ English Pronunciation: A Study on the Private University Students of Bangladesh
Authors: Hannan Md. Abdul , Sultana Sayma , Zahin Aftab 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This research examines the complex relationship between university students’ socioeconomic backgrounds and language pronunciation abilities in tertiary level education. It is a quantitative research based on survey method. The required primary and secondary data were collected from the students of Northern University of Business and Technology Khulna and Northwestern University using structured questionnaires that focused on socioeconomic origins, parental influence, educational settings, and language learning motivation. Purposive sampling was used to select 120 participants from a private institution in Khulna who would be relevant to the study’s goals. The collected data was analyzed using regression analysis, correlation analysis, and descriptive statistics, which produced significant associations and predictors of language proficiency. Furthermore, qualitative insights were added to the results through in-depth interviews conducted with a selection of ten students. The findings showed that socioeconomic considerations had a significant impact on language pronunciation abilities. Pupils from wealthier socioeconomic origins demonstrated greater language ability as well as greater enthusiasm for language acquisition. Parental influence and the school setting have been identified as key factors influencing pronunciation abilities. Significant disparities in language competency between kids from wealthy and low socioeconomic backgrounds were found through comparative study. This study highlights the complex aspects of language learning in an academic setting and offers insightful new information to the area. The results highlight how crucial it is to address socioeconomic gaps in order to support fair language development chances for a range of student demographics.
“I’ve never been asked”: Community perspectives on involvement in genomics research
Authors: Russo Fiona , Sherburn Isabella , Finlay Keri , Nunn Jack , Ferrie Monica , McKenzie Anne , Murray Sean , Cannings John , Pratt Greg , Boughtwood Tiffany 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

There is increasing global support from governments and other funding bodies for community involvement (CI) in research, alongside a scientific and moral imperative for responsible and ethical research practice. 90% of Australian patient-led organisations in rare diseases have clearly articulated research priorities, indicating a desire among people affected by disease to be involved in research that impacts their communities. Philanthropic research, which is likely to have predominantly community-minded priorities, is worth over AU$1 billion annually and increased more than 100% between 2007 and 2017. This research aimed to understand public perspectives on CI in health-related research activities, and to inform the development of guidelines for genomic researchers to improve this. A 37-question survey was distributed to 1,206 members of the Australian public by Dynata. The survey was co-designed by the Involve Australia working group of community members within Australian Genomics. Key themes emerging from the survey data that impact potential involvement were low community confidence to contribute, a limited understanding of CI, roles and recognition, trust and governance of data, perceived trustworthiness of research funders, and barriers and enablers related to time and personal resources. A variety of motivations for involvement were also stated. Members of the Australian public are interested in research involvement, however the differences between involvement and participation is poorly understood and a variety of barriers still exist. Researchers must actively reach out into community and offer opportunities to engage with research and identify community priorities.
Digital nursing schedule outcomes: systematic review
Authors: Peršolja Melita , Svetlin Anton Grmšek 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background With the development of informatics in nursing and the advancement of modern technologies, handwriting a schedule on paper has become an obsolete practice. The introduction of electronic timetables in nursing is a measure of the digitalization of nursing, with many different outcomes for both patients and nurses, which can be either positive or negative. The purpose of this literature review is to identify the evidence of the outcomes of digitalization of schedules in nursing. Methods The method used was a systematic review of the literature in electronic databases: CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane Library, PubMed, ScienceDirect, JSTOR and SpringerLink. Seventy-four relevant literature items were identified according to the aim and objective of the study. Results Eleven studies published between 2015 and 2024 were evaluated and critically analysed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist: four systematic literature reviews; three case studies; three quasi-experimental methods and one quantitative descriptive method. Conclusions The literature on electronic schedules in nursing shows a variety of positive and negative impacts on nurses, patients and healthcare organizations. The introduction of electronic schedules in nursing is mainly a positive measure which, if appropriately implemented, leads to better patient health outcomes and increased job satisfaction among nurses.
Development of an offshore ground motion prediction equation considering path effects based on S-net data
Authors: Nakanishi Ryo , Takemura Shunsuke 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs) in offshore regions are important for not only earthquake early warning but also evaluating the durability of subsea structures and tsunami risk associated with seafloor slope failures. Since the ground conditions and propagation path effects differ between onshore and offshore areas, it is desirable to develop a GMPE specific to the seafloor. Previous models have some problems, such as the influence of buried observation equipment and path effects. In this study, to predict the distribution of seafloor seismic acceleration, a new GMPE was regressed on the peak ground acceleration (PGA) data of S-net using minimum necessary seismic parameters as explanatory variables. The path effects through the offshore area were emphasized from the residual analysis by the conventional GMPE and were corrected by the depth up to the plate boundary. The new model successfully predicted PGA with smaller errors compared to conventional onshore and offshore GMPEs. The residuals between the observed and predicted PGAs were used to examine the factors responsible for the effects of the S-net site conditions. The new GMPE can obtain PGAs within 300 km of the epicenter from the moment magnitude (Mw 5.4–7.4), focal depth, focal type, and source distance. In this model, the distance attenuation is smaller than in conventional models, and consequently, the PGAs along the trench axis amplified due to path effects are reproduced. This means that the PGA is unexpectedly large even at the point far from the hypocenter when considering slope failure and earthquake resistance assessments.
Characterizing the Evolution of Lesion, Penumbra and Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability in a Photothrombotic Juvenile Rat Stroke Model Using MRI and Histology
Authors: Domi Trish , Honarvar Faraz , Sare Daniel , Slim Mahmoud , Dlamini Nomazulu , Kassner Andrea 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Pediatric stroke is a significant cause of childhood mortality and morbidity. The clinical research in this field bears certain limitations that do not exist in the pre-clinical setting. In pre-clinical research, experimental models of ischemic stroke show differences in lesion evolution and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability between adult and neonatal rats. However, little is known about these factors in the juvenile stage.
Aims: To characterize the evolution of the lesion, penumbra and degree of BBB permeability in a photothrombotic ring model of juvenile stroke.
Methods: The design is a mixed longitudinal and cross-sectional study. In 14 Sprague Dawley juvenile rats (weight 130-189 g), lesion, penumbra volume and blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage were measured longitudinally on days 0, 2, and 7 following photothrombotic stroke. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques were conducted to measure lesion and penumbra volumes (T2-weighted imaging [T2] and water restriction (diffusion-weighted imaging [DWI]) and BBB leaking (with dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging [DCE]). Histology was performed to confirm stroke (n=9) with Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining (TTC); (n=3) for Haemotoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining; and (n=9) Evans Blue (EB) staining to assess BBB permeability.
Results: We found the penumbra volume to be larger and better delineated on MRI and histology in the acute compared to the subacute and chronic stages, and the lesion to be smaller in volume, increasing over time following same time trajectory. The BBB was most compromised at the hyperacute stage (day 0) and decreasingly, yet persistently, disrupted to day 7.
Conclusions: Our in vivo and ex vivo findings provide insight into the evolution of stroke and could serve as a study model to test blood-brain barrier stabilization agents in the pediatric setting.
Transcranial direct current stimulation-mediated miR-298-5p downregulation enhances autophagy by targeting LC3 to promote motor recovery after spinal cord injury
Authors: Pan Qinhe , Chen Jianmin , Zuo Weifeng , Li Xiaolu , LiuFu chun , Tang Yun , Gui Yuchang , Wang Kewen , Xu Senming , Xu JianWen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

While transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to contribute to motor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI), the underlying mechanisms behind this process remain unclear. In the present study, we sought to explore whether tDCS can inhibit apoptosis, activate autophagy, and promote functional recovery. To achieve this aim, SCI was induced in rats using a modified Allen’s method and managed with tDCS. MicroRNAs responding to tDCS administration were detected using microRNA sequencing and validated using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Dual-luciferase reporter analysis and miRNA overexpression were applied to verify the possible mechanisms of tDCS regulation. Stimulation of PC12 cells with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to simulate SCI models in vitro allowed for the detection of the effect of miR-298-5p on neuronal apoptosis and autophagy induced by SCI. The findings revealed that miR-298-5p was upregulated after SCI and decreased after tDCS. In vitro, miR-298-5p silencing was found to promote autophagy and reduce apoptosis in SCI, whereas miR-298-5p overexpression was associated with enhanced SCI-induced neuronal injury. LC3 was demonstrated to be the functional target of miR-298-5p, and tDCS was found to enhance autophagy flux, reduce neuronal apoptosis, improve nerve fiber regeneration, and minimize motor deficits after SCI in vivo. However, all tDCS-induced effects were counteracted after overexpression of miR-298-5p by agomir. In conclusion, this study shows that while miR-298-5p could be detrimental to SCI, tDCS can increase autophagy flux and inhibit neuronal apoptosis by negatively regulating miR-98-5p, thereby improving the recovery of motor function in SCI.
CoCo-ST: Comparing and Contrasting Spatial Transcriptomics data sets using graph contrastive learning
Authors: Wu Jia , Aminu Muhammad , Zhu Bo , Vokes Natalie , Chen Hong , Hong Lingzhi , Li Jianrong , Fujimoto Junya , Poteete Alissa , Nilsson Monique , Li Xiuning , Cascone Tina , Jaffray David , Navin Nicholas , Byers Lauren , Gibbons Don , Heymach John , Chen Ken , Cheng Chao , Zhang Jianjun , Yang Yuqui , Wang Tao , Wang Bo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Traditional feature dimension reduction methods have been widely used to uncover biological patterns or structures within individual spatial transcriptomics data. However, these methods are designed to yield feature representations that emphasize patterns or structures with dominant high variance, such as the normal tissue spatial pattern in a precancer setting. Consequently, they may inadvertently overlook patterns of interest that are potentially masked by these high-variance structures. Herein we present our graph contrastive feature representation method called CoCo-ST (Comparing and Contrasting Spatial Transcriptomics) to overcome this limitation. By incorporating a background data set representing normal tissue, this approach enhances the identification of interesting patterns in a target data set representing precancerous tissue. Simultaneously, it mitigates the influence of dominant common patterns shared by the background and target data sets. This enables discerning biologically relevant features crucial for capturing tissue-specific patterns, a capability we showcased through the analysis of serial mouse precancerous lung tissue samples.
Clinical features and prognostic risk factors of different gender with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Yu Yun-Xia , Feng Jing-Jing , Shi Tian-yun , Shi Jin-dong , Du Yong , Li Jun-qing , Jie Zhi-jun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this retrospective case control study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and the outcomes of acute excerbations of chronic obstuctive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients between different gender.
Methods: We aim to collect the first hospitalization patients who were diagnosed as AECOPD between 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021 from the general ward and intensive care unit in the hole hospital, Shanghai the Fifith Peoples Hospital, Fudan University. Demographic data, initial clinical symptoms, on admission vital signs, comorbidities, laboratory tests and imaging examination, treatment and the follow-up were compared between the two groups.
Results:The patients were followed up for 30 days, 90 days, 180 days after the discharge from the hospital, all these difference were not statistically significant in hospital readmissions and mortality(P＞0.05). The multivariate analysis incorporated seven factors according to the results of the univariate regression analysis, The results showed that readmission was independently associated with increased course of disease(P=0.032), combined with chronic pulmonary heart disease(P=0.011) , and combined with peptic ulcer(P=0.044). Conversely, gender were not retained(P=0.304).
Conclusion: The short-term readmission was independently associated with increased course of disease, combined with chronic pulmonary heart disease, and combined with peptic ulcer but not with sex.
Comparison of anterior segment parameters, corneal endothelial cell density, and coefficient of variation in COVID-19 and healthy groups
Authors: Shandiz Javad Heravian , Majd Amir Etemadi , Moghaddam Hadi Ostadi , Khorasani Abbas Azimi , Safari Rahim , Jamali Jamshid 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose: This research aimed to compare the anterior segment parameters, the corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), and the coefficient of variation (CV) of endothelial cells in COVID-19 patients and healthy individuals.Methods: A total of 34 cases and 34 healthy individuals were included in this study. The patient group had a history of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization. The participants underwent full optometric examinations on their right eye, which included, autorefractometry, retinoscopy, ophthalmoscopy, slit lamp, and examinations with specular microscope and Pentacam devices. The same procedures were carried out on the right eyes of healthy individuals, and the results were contrasted. Both the infected group and the healthy group had also received vaccinations.Results: The average corneal ECD was 311.76±2503.78 in the patient group and 276.65±2831.72 in the healthy group, which indicated a significant decrease in the patient group, compared to the healthy group. There was a significant difference in the ECD between the two groups (P<0.001). Moreover, the CV of cells was 36.63 in the healthy group and 37 in the patient group, which was increased. No significant differences were observed in the other anterior segment parameters, such as the central corneal thickness, anterior chamber angle, keratometry, corneal horizontal diameter, and pupil diameter (P>0.05).Conclusion: Individuals who have previously overcome COVID-19 experienced a reduction in the corneal ECD and an increase in cell CV, as revealed by tests using a specular microscope and Pentacam devices. These findings could contribute to our comprehension of the systemic impacts of COVID-19 on the body.
Thrombocytopenia Secondary to Hydroxychloroquine Intake Mimicking Dengue Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Aamir Raveeha , Razzaque Muhammad Raheel Abdul , Chavarria Yeny , Arif Aabiya , Memon Hamadullah 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is utilized for the prevention and treatment of acute malaria attacks, and management of, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and primary Sjögren syndrome. Common side effects of hydroxychloroquine encompass anorexia, diarrhea, and nausea. Other manifestations include exanthema, hyperpigmentation, photodynamic reaction, retinopathy and rarely psychosis and auditory impairment [1]. Here, we describe the case of a 63-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with an eight-day history of fever, body aches, and bilateral leg pain. The patient had a three-year history of rheumatoid arthritis and was self-medicating with hydroxychloroquine. Recent complete blood counts (CBC) revealed a downward trend in platelet (PLT) count, and a deranged Liver Function Test (LFT). The patient received oral and intravenous (IV) treatment, which led to an improvement in her platelet count. This case report seeks to contribute to the sparse literature concerning patients who present with hydroxychloroquine-induced thrombocytopenia.
Arctic Sea Ice Volume decline uncertainties reduced using Passive Microwave-based Sea Ice Thickness
Authors: Soriot Clement , Vancoppenolle Martin , Prigent Catherine , Jimenez Carlos , Frappart Frédéric 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Arctic sea ice volume (SIV) is a key climate indicator and memory source in sea ice predictions and projections, yet suffering from large observational and model uncertainty. Here, we test whether passive-microwave (PMW) data constrain the long-term evolution of Arctic SIV, as recently hypothesized. We find many commonalities in Arctic SIV changes from a PMW sea ice thickness (SIT) 1992-2020 time series reconstructed with a machine-learning algorithm trained on lidar altimetry, and the reference PIOMAS reanalysis: relatively low differences in SIV mean (45%), SIV trends (17%), and phased variability (r2=0.55). Key to reduced differences is the consistent evolution of many SIV contributors: seasonal and perennial ice coverage, their SIT contrast, whereas perennial SIT provides the largest remaining uncertainty source. We argue that PMW includes useful SIT information, reducing SIV uncertainty. We foresee progress from sea ice reanalyses combining dynamical models and data assimilation of PMW SIT, in addition to the already assimilated PWM sea ice concentration.
A Preliminary Investigation of UV Crosslinked Alginate- based Hydrogel for Cardiac-tissue Mimicking Material Potential
Authors: Iskandar Harriz , Ramlan Effirul , Zaman Wan Safwani Wan Kamarul 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Alginate is a polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed, forming a polymerization network rich in glycosidic bonds. It is recognized for its therapeutic potential, including application in cardiovascular disease treatment. However, due to its unstable molecular structure, it is not widely used for therapeutic purposes. To address this limitation, we have fabricated a UV crosslinked alginate-based hydrogels to create a bioscaffold that is capable of mimicking a cardiac structure. By utilising the low-scalability wavelength and interleaved UV-rays exposure, we can fine-tune alginate hydrogels to simulate cardiac physiological conditions in a controlled setting. We evaluated its mechanical properties using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), examined the gross morphology, conducted contractile strength tests, and evaluated conductivity. Our results demonstrated a correlation between the wavenumber (cm⁻¹) and the transmittance (%) obtained from FTIR, signifying effective crosslinking. While degradation test showed that UV-rays exposed alginate hydrogel without any supporting buffers may exhibit prolonged stability before degradation (lasting up to 11 weeks). Meanwhile, its contractility capacity appears to emulate that of myocardium with is 0.61 N/cm2, while the reference adult myocardium showing 0.50 N/cm2. This is further supported by the conductivity test which measured segmentized hydrogels effectively at (3.87, 3.70, 3.20, 3.72, 3.60) mA, below the threshold electrical activity of the heart (5.0 ~ 7.0) mA. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the UV crosslinked alginate-based hydrogel has the potential to mimic cardiac tissue structure suggesting a plausible application for tissue replacement and repair.
Role of oxygen functional groups and pore structure in CO 2 adsorption from oxygen-blowing and nitrogen calcination processes using a precursor of coal-based activated carbon
Authors: Monika Ika , Huda Miftahul , Mevia Axl , Damayanti Retno , Wijayanti Retno , Yanti Evi Dwi , Rinovian Asnan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Functional groups on the surface chemical and pore structure are the main properties in the performance of activated carbon adsorption. Coal-based activated carbon product is used as a precursor to clarify that the oxygen-blowing into precursor structure can form new site oxygen-containing on the surface. Oxygen functional groups are verified through calcination under a nitrogen atmosphere. The process of oxygen-blowing is conducted at different temperatures of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500°C and calcination at 900°C under a nitrogen atmosphere. The oxygen-containing tended to increase at a temperature of 500°C and encountered the decomposition of functional groups from the hydroxyl to carboxyl groups. The high temperature of 900°C in the calcination process formed new sites of nitrogen-carboxyl groups bonded, which improved micropore volume and CO2 adsorption—breakthrough time exhibited the more extended time duration for the calcination samples. This study proved that oxygen-blowing and calcination on coal-based activated carbon products can generate the enhancement of functional groups and pore structure. The increase in adsorption capacity is relatively minor as the volatile matter of activated carbon is very low.