bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Add-on testing: stability assessment of 63 biochemical analytes in centrifuged and capped samples stored at 16 °C
Authors: Nielsen Anne J. , Ladefoged Søren A. , Madsen Jeppe B. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Integration of add-on testing in high-scale automated clinical laboratories constitute a valuable instrument not only for the clinicians and the general patient care, but also for the laboratory itself. Knowledge on sample quality and analytical stability upon storage is necessary to be able to offer add-on testing. The objectives of this study were to examine the analytical stability of 63 biochemical analytes in plasma and urine samples stored at 16 °C.

Methods
Samples were collected by professional laboratory technicians, analyzed at automated analyzers and stored in their primary, capped tube without separator for 10, 12, 16, 20 or 24 h at 16 °C. Stability was assessed by inspecting mean concentration of samples at baseline and examining if (A) mean concentration over time violated limits of bias, or if (B) individual sample concentrations violated limits of total error.

Results
The majority of the 63 analytes were stable for up to 24 h of storage. Few of the analytes were only suitable for add-on testing for 4, 6, 10, 12, 16 or 20 h of storage. One analyte, P-lactate dehydrogenase, was not found suitable for add-on testing when stored at 16 °C.

Conclusions
Due to the increasing number of intelligent solutions for high-scale clinical laboratories, add-on testing has come to stay. Loss of stability could not be demonstrated for the majority of analytes after 10, 12, 16, 20 or 24 h of storage. This feature of analytical stability suggests that add-on testing is an acceptable tool for these analytes.
Reliability and sensitivity assessment of laminated composite plates with high-dimensional uncertainty variables using active learning-based ensemble metamodels
Authors: Zemed Najib , Mouzoun Kaoutar , Moulay Abdelali Hanane , Cherradi Toufik , Bouyahyaoui Azzeddine 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Laminated composite materials play a crucial role in various engineering applications due to their exceptional mechanical properties. This article explores the analysis of reliability and the local sensitivity of failure probability associated with laminated composite materials. It delves into the impact of uncertainties on the performance of these materials and presents an active learning-based reliability methodology. This methodology combines Monte Carlo simulation with a metamodel derived from the combination of three metamodels: artificial neural networks, support vector regression, and Kriging. The article illustrates this methodology through two practical applications on laminated composite plates and compares its performance with other reliability methods. This approach offers valuable insights to enhance the analysis of reliability, strengthen the design process, and facilitate decision-making while fully considering uncertainties related to material properties.
Investigation into the mechanical and thermal properties of lightweight mortar using commercial beads or recycled expanded polystyrene
Authors: Shabbar Rana , Almusawi Aqil Mousa , Taher Jaber Kadhim 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The addition of recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) in cement mortar is a key to enhancing buildings’ insulation and reducing energy consumption. The main objective of this study is to improve the thermal conductivity of lightweight mortar (LWM) by using the EPS. Also, to overcome the segregation problem when increasing the EPS proportion by more than 70% by volume, slurry sand was used. To achieve that, more EPS waste is required to produce an LWM with less cement and natural resources (sand) content. The effect of different percentages and particle sizes of the EPS either virgin or grated on the workability, density, compressive, flexural strength, and thermal conductivity were investigated by using the EPS with the range of 0, 75, 80, and 85% by mortar’s volume. The results exposed that LWM with grated EPS waste had greater physical and mechanical properties than with EPS beads because it has low void content and suitable distribution. In addition, mortar with 85% grated EPS had similar properties than that with 75% EPS beads. Accordingly, EPS should be grinded to increase its volumetric percentage in the mixture. Also, electron microscopy was used as an integral technique to study surface morphology between mortar components and the EPS.
Hegemonic Discourses Surrounding United States’ Leadership in Post-Ebola Development in Liberia
Authors: Amevor Elinam Balimenuku 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study examines the hegemonic discourses surrounding USAID’s leadership in post-Ebola Liberia between 2015 and 2020. Using documents and critical discourse analysis, the study finds that USAID’s overarching goal of empowering Liberians, especially women, was primarily on humanitarian grounds. However, the study revealed the significant extent to which ideological and political economic assumptions influenced USAID’s prioritization of Liberia in the fight against Ebola in West Africa. These findings call for advancing research on the concept of national interest in international development discourse and practice, as well as the political economy of aid to sub-Saharan Africa from a neocolonialist lens.
A Novel Microfiber Cellulose from Paederia foetida Stems: Characterization of Physical, Morphology, Thermal, and Chemical Properties
Authors: Herlina Sari Nasmi , Suteja  , Syafri Edy , Mavinkere Rangappa Sanjay , Fudholi Ahmad , Fatriasari Widya , Karimah Azizatul , Siengchin Suchart 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The Paederia foetida (PF) stem’s abundant and environmentally friendly novel nanocellulose has immense potential as a reinforcing agent for bio-nanocomposites. This work aims to investigate the physical, thermal, chemical, and morphological properties of cellulose microfibrils from Paederia foetida stems (CMFPFs). Sodium chlorite, acetic acid, and 5 % sodium hydroxide were used to perform bleaching and mercerization operations to extract cellulose. Chemical composition, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, density, moisture content, examination of cellulose morphology using field emission scanning electron microscopy, and thermal stability were assessed using thermogravimetric analysis. The outcomes showed that the delignification and mercerization methods, respectively, removed lignin and hemicellulose from the extracted cellulose. Higher crystallinity was produced from chemically treated fibers, according to XRD examination. The CMFPF sample had a crystallinity index of 97.9 %, which was higher than the raw PFs (81.9 %) and bleached PFs (84.38 %). The maximum crystallinity was identified for CMFPFs, which had the lowest moisture content, fiber diameter, and density of the samples. After bleaching and mercerization have been applied to the fiber, changes in functional groups take effect.
Morphological processing across the adult lifespan: a tale of gains and losses
Authors: Reifegerste Jana 
Published: April 2024

Despite increasing research on language in aging, age effects on morphological processing have received comparatively little attention. Some previous evidence suggests that while regular morphology (e.g., walk-walked) may remain relatively stable in older age, irregular morphology (e.g., bring-brought) shows signs of age-related decreases in processing efficiency. However, the underlying reasons for these declines are unclear. The current study sought to investigate the cognitive underpinnings of age-related effects on German noun plurals: default plurals (posited to follow a default rule [e.g., Zebra-Zebras 'zebra(s)']) and predictable and unpredictable non-default plurals (closed class plurals, in which the plural is either phonologically predictable from the singular [e.g., Flasche-Flaschen 'bottle(s)'] or unpredictable [e.g., Nest-Nester 'nest(s)']). In a cross-modal priming experiment, 283 healthy German native speakers (aged 18–91 years) performed lexical decisions on singular nouns which take different types of plural affixes, and which were primed by either their plural form ("morphological condition") or an unrelated noun ("unrelated condition"). Additionally, several cognitive abilities (declarative, procedural, and working memory, interference control, processing speed) were tested to assess their mediating role for morphological processing. The results revealed distinct developmental trajectories for default versus non-default plurals: priming effects (unrelated-morphological condition) for predictable and unpredictable non-default plurals decreased with increasing age, with age-related declines in declarative memory mediating these declines. In contrast, priming effects for default plurals increased with increasing age. Although the reasons for this increase remain to be clarified, we suggest lifelong experience with the computation of these forms as a possible mechanism.
« Je vous dis que vous y gagnerez en cette vie ». Réflexions sur la stratégie apologétique dans le « pari » de Pascal
Authors: Moreau Denis 
Published: April 2024

In Pascal’s Pensées, at the very end of the so-called “wager” fragment, we find this intriguing remark intended to win once and for all the whole conviction of the “libertine” the apologist is addressing to : “I will tell you that you will win thereby in this life”. This article endeavours to reconsider this remark seriously, as it has been somewhat neglected by the canonical commentaries on the “wager”. We begin by determining the reasons that lead the apologist to this final remark, then we attempt to define its meaning and scope in Pascal’s apologetic project. Next we seek to identify the “gain in this life” that is promised to the libertine who adopts a Christian lifestyle. This leads to study how Pascal analyses joy. To conclude we propose some more general thoughts about the strategies this fragment of Les Pensées suggests to today’s Christian apologetics.
Breastfeeding Practices among Urban Mothers of Central Kerala, India: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Othayoth Fathimathusalma , Chellamma Prabhakumari , Mathumkunnath Vijayan Sajna , Kulampallil Sebastian Jackson , Raveendran Rini 
Published: April 2024

Background: The practice of breastfeeding is vital in child nutrition and morbidity. The authors aimed to determine breastfeeding practices and factors related to Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) among mothers with children aged six months to 2 years in an urban area of Thrissur district, Kerala, India.
Methods: This was a community-based and cross-sectional study conducted on 339 mothers using cluster sampling in 2016 for one year in the urban area of Thrissur district, Kerala. Details regarding sociodemographic factors, obstetric history, child-related data and breastfeeding practices were collected from mothers using a pretested and semi-structured questionnaire. Analyses were done using SPSS16 and Epi Info 7.
Results: The mean age of study population was 27.21 ± 4.27. 223 mothers (65.78 %, 95% CI = 60.43-70.77) initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour, and prelacteal feeding was observed in 25 cases (7.37%, 95% CI = 4.92-10.83). 99.71% practiced feeding on demand, and 30.97% (95% CI = 26.15- 36.24) of children were exclusively breastfed up to 6 months with mean duration of 3.95± 1.79 months. The mean age at which complementary feeding started was 4.83±1.32 months. Cultural beliefs, mothers' employment, and problems during breastfeeding were significant predictors of EBF for up to 6months.
Conclusion: Despite high educational status and good antenatal care among the study population, breastfeeding practices were not carried out at the recommended level. Breastfeeding was initiated within 1 hour of delivery by 2/3rd ,and 1/3rd of the children were exclusively breastfed up to 6 months. Cultural beliefs and mothers' employment were factors associated with EBF.
Soybean Phytoestrogen-Rich Extract: A Novel Approach For Lipid Regulation In 4-Vinylcyclohexane Diepoxide-Induced Menopausal Albino Rats
Authors: Edusola Juliana Olaniyan , Abiodun Emokpae, Mathias , Ohiremen Oyakhire, Fidelis , Adeagbo Ahmed Liasu , Iria Kelly Esezobor, , Olawale Olaniyan Stephen , Adebayo Akesinro Ayodeji , Ugege6 Christian Onosetale 
Published: April 2024

Background/Objective: Atherosclerosis is a key feature in the pathophysiology of arterial forms of cardiovascular disease, and these compounds (isoflavones) may serve as both shields against the disease and disruptors of already-formed plaques. The study aimed to seek for novel approach and alternative way rather than use of statin in lipid regulation in 4-vinylcyclohexane diepoxide-induced menopausal albino rats.
Methods:Thirty (30) female albino Wistar rats were employed in the investigation and each one of the experimaental animal was induced with 80mg/kg of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide before being treated with either normal estradiol therapy (14ug/kg) or varying concentrations of the soybean phytoestrogen-rich extract (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg). The levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein were all measured spectrophotometrically. Statistical software SPSS (IBM) version 23.0 was used to analyze the data.
Results: Results showed dose-dependent reductions in lipid profile levels were seen across all treatment groups (p<0.05) with soybean phytoestrogen rich extract. Treatment with phytoestrogen isoflavones significantly decreased high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in a dose-dependent manner, with no discernible difference between 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg. Except at a concentration of 14ug/kg of estradiol therapy.
Conclusion: Data from this research clearly demonstrate that soybean phytoestrogen-rich extract have increased lipolytic effect on hyperlipidaemia induced with 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide in menopause-induced female Wistar rats. Soybean phytoestrogen-rich extract therapy in a high-dose appears to be more effective in lowering lipids compared to hormone replacement therapy as an alternate source of estrogen in treatment of cardiovascular diseases
Hyperuricemia And Its Relation With Obesity Among Children In Anbar Province
Authors: Hussein Ali Hussein  , Al‐Dulaimy Hussein Ali Jasim , Al-Dulaimy Wisam  Zabin  Saleh 
Published: April 2024

Background; The prevalence of pediatric hyperuricemia is increasing worldwide. No other similar study was done in Anbar province previously.
Objective: This study was designed to show the prevalence of hyperuricemia among children from 6 to 16 years old in Ramadi teaching hospital for maternity and childhood, Anbar province, Iraq. Studying the relation of hyperuricemia with childhood obesity, in addition to its relation with gender, residency, and economic status of their families.
Material and Methods: Across sectional study was done for 6 months from the first of January 2021 to the end of June 2021, to determine the expected prevalence of hyperuricemia among a randomized sample of children of ages from 6-16 years with either gender. Weight and height were measured for all cases, a body mass index was calculated for each child for estimation of obesity. For all studied cases, other data was collected for socioeconomic status and residency. All cases were sent for serological calculation of uric acid levels.
Results: The total number of studied children was 520, the overall prevalence of hyperuricemia among these cases was (11.3%). The overweight's and obese children had a higher prevalence of hyperuricemia (29.3 %) compared with only (3.3%) among those who were not. Girls had more prevalence than boys with female to male ratio (2.2:1). Most of the cases were from middle-economic status families with a non-significant relation when compared with control, while it was more and significant among urban area residence.
Conclusions: A higher prevalence of hyperuricemia was found among obese children in Anbar province, and this requires a specific educational program given to the families in explaining the risk and how to deal with obesity.
Analiza gibanja števila Slovencev v Črni gori 1921 – 2021 in njihova organiziranost
Authors: Tomažič Dušan 
Published: April 2024

V Črni gori živi majhno število Slovencev, a so za proučevanje kljub vsemu zelo zanimivi. Na območju Črne gore je bil prvi popis prebivalstva izveden leta 1879 v času kneza Nikole. Prvi dokaj natančni podatki popisa prebivalstva segajo že v leto 1909, kasnejši, sodobni popisi prebivalstva so bili izvedeni v treh državno teritorialnih okvirih. V času Kraljevine SHS (1921 in 1931), v okviru SFRJ je bilo šest popisov in sicer od 1948 -1991, dva pa v času samostojne republike Črne gore v letih 2003 in 2011. Slovensko populacijo je bilo že zaznati v popisu leta 1921, takrat se je za Slovence izreklo 55 oseb. Prvi popis v sodobni Črni gori je popisal 415 Slovencev, zanje pa so demografska gibanja nespodbudna in predstavljajo biološko depopulacijo. Ob nenehnem zmanjševanju števila, je bila leta 2001 tudi povprečna starost visoka (50,9 let). V zadnjem popisu leta 2011 se je za Slovence izreklo še manj ljudi in sicer 354 oseb, povprečna starost pa se je zvišala na 53,2 let. V pričujočem delu je narejena osnovna demografska analiza Slovencev v Republiki Črni Gori in kako je sprememba državno pravnega statusa države vplivala na razvoj slovenske populacije in njeno organiziranost v novi državi.
Visual-Servo Micromanipulation Platform for Patterned and Complex Organoid Biofabrication
Authors: Gao Huijun , Tong Mingsi , HUANG GANG , Zhuang Songlin , Jiang Meng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Microwells array-based cellular self-assembly approaches are frequently utilized in organoid manufacturing due to their ability to generate consistent 3D cell spheroids. However, in the context of the microenvironments contained, multiple organ combinations and other complex organoid biofabrication processes are essential, and the lack of controllable inter- and intra-wells heterogeneity has hindered the broader application of these approaches. In this study, we introduce a micromanipulation-based robotic platform that integrates advanced robotic technology and visual-servo systems to enable the patterned and complex organoid biofabrication. By addressing cell seeding-induced fluid perturbations within microwells, we effectively control the spatial distribution of cell, promote self-assembly and achieve precisely arranged of varied types tissue spheroids. This platform supports advancements in complex organoid-based biomechanism discovery, drug screening, and other organoid-based investigations.
Bacterial Diversity Associated with Feeding Boschveld Indigenous Chickens with Sorghum-Based Diets
Authors: Nemukondeni Ndivho , Mafuna Thendo , Sebola Amanda Nthabiseng , Mbajiorgu Christian Anayochukwu , Mabelebele Monnye 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The metagenomics technique was applied to assess the effects of sorghum-based diets on the gut microbes of Boschveld indigenous chickens. A total of 420 unsexed, day-old Boschveld indigenous chickens, in a completely randomized design, were assigned to a three sorghum varieties (red, brown, and white) x 5 inclusion levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) x 4 replicate with 7 chicks per replicate for 90 days. The bacterial communities at alpha diversity indices at observed; Shannon and Simpson indexes were more abundant at day 90 of sample collection than on day 60. The group of chickens offered diets with 50% (level 3) inclusion of sorghum varieties had more bacteria than other inclusion levels. The dominant bacteria communities at the phylum level were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidia, while Lactobacillus - Aviarius, Comamoducuae, and Methylobacterium were dominant at the genus level. Boschveld chickens fed diets with the white sorghum variety were the only group with 1% of Campybacterales present in their guts compared to groups fed red and brown sorghum varieties at the phylum level. The same group of chickens fed diets, including the white sorghum variety, showed Streptococcus at 6%, which was unique to the guts of this group compared to their counterparts at the genus level. This study provided information about how feeding different diets influences bacterial diversity and dominance in chickens' gut microbiomes.
Kinetic modelling of aromaticity and water colour changes during diclofenac oxidation by UV/H2O2
Authors: Villota Natalia , Echevarria Begoña , De Luis Ana 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Diclofenac (DCF) is degraded by UV/H2O2 following first-order kinetics to highly aromatic species, while generating an intense yellow tint in the water. During the oxidation, turbidity remains under 1 NTU. The formation of aromatic intermediates has been modelled considering a first-order series reaction system, where DCF degrades to aromatic species (anilines and phenols), according to a kinetic constant kDCF,254=0.3 (1/min), until the maximum concentration of aromatic compounds \({\text{[}{\text{A}}_{\text{254}}\text{]}}_{\text{max }}\text{=0.2116 }{\text{[}{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\text{]}}_{\text{0}}^{\text{0.6}}\text{ – 0.9327 }{\text{[}{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\text{]}}_{\text{0 }}^{\text{0.3}}\text{+ 3.3602}\). The aromaticity then decreases, following kArom (1/min), as carboxylic acids (acetic, formic) and inorganic ions (CO2, NO3−, Cl−) are created. The evolution of colour presents the kinetics of a reaction intermediate following first-order kinetics, where DCF degrades to coloured intermediates (quinone-like compounds), in agreement with kDCF,455=0.2 (1/min), until reaching a maximum intensity \({\text{[Colour]}}_{\text{max }}\text{=0.0043 }{\text{[}{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\text{]}}_{\text{0}}^{}\text{ - 0.0538 }{\text{[}{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\text{]}}_{\text{0 }}^{\text{0.5}}\text{+ 0.2758. }\) After, tint diminishes following a kinetic constant kColour (1/min). Conducting with ratios over 1 mol DCF : 6 mol H2O2, waters with colourless appearance, low aromaticity and DCF degradation output >95% are attained. Both aromaticity and colour elimination rates increase with the oxidant concentration, reaching their maximum kArom=0.08 (1/min) and kColour=0.14 (1/min) when using 1 mol DCF : 150 mol H2O2. When performing with higher molar ratios, the kinetic constants slow down, due to the self-decomposition of H2O2 that acts as a HO• scavenger agent.
Investigation of multifaceted wound healing effect of exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced from probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GD2 as in vitro and in ovo
Authors: Demir Abdullah , Aslim Belma 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Skin wounds may threaten quality of life and cause serious complications. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lyophilized exopolysaccharide (L-EPS) obtained from the probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GD2 on various stages of wound healing. The results revealed that L-EPS accelerated in vitro wound healing and increased COL1A1 in L929 cells. L-EPS affected the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway by increasing the expression of the TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 genes. L-EPS also exerted anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and iNOS in TNF-α-induced fibroblasts. Additionally, L-EPS demonstrated fibroproliferative effect on both healthy and TNF-α-induced fibroblasts. Furthermore, L-EPS was found to have a proangiogenic effect in ovo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. This study presents the first-ever characterization of the multifaceted effects of L-EPS derived from the probiotic strain L. plantarum GD2 on wound healing. Our findings highlight the potential of L-EPS as effective agent for wound healing and suggest possible application in the development of wound healing biomaterials. By elucidating the mechanism of action of L-EPS in wound healing, this research may provide new perspectives for advanced treatment strategies in the field of wound care.