bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autonomic cardiac function in children and adolescents with long COVID: a case-controlled study
Authors: Delogu A. B. , Aliberti C. , Birritella L. , De Rosa G. , De Rose C. , Morello R. , Cambise N. , Marino A. G. , Belmusto A. , Tinti L. , Di Renzo A. , Lanza G. A. , Buonsenso D. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlthough the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of long COVID condition are still debated, there is growing evidence that autonomic dysfunction may play a role in the long-term complications or persisting symptoms observed in a significant proportion of patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, studies focused on autonomic dysfunction have primarily been conducted in adults, while autonomic function has not yet been investigated in pediatric subjects. In this study, for the first time, we assessed whether pediatric patients with long COVID present abnormalities in autonomic cardiac function. Fifty-six long COVID pediatric patients (mean age 10.3 ± 3.8 y) and 27 age-, sex-, and body surface area-matched healthy controls (mean age 10.4 ± 4.5y) underwent a standard 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) and 24-h ECG Holter monitoring. Autonomic cardiac function was assessed by time-domain and frequency-domain heart rate variability parameters. A comprehensive echocardiographic study was also obtained by two-dimensional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging. Data analysis showed that pediatric patients with long COVID had significant changes in HRV variables compared to healthy controls: significantly lower r-MSSD (root mean square of successive RR interval differences, 47.4 ± 16.9 versus 60.4 ± 29.1, p = 0.02), significant higher values VLF (very low frequency, 2077.8 ± 1023.3 versus 494.3 ± 1015.5 ms, p = 0.000), LF (low frequency, 1340.3 ± 635.6 versus 354.6 ± 816.8 ms, p = 0.000), and HF (high frequency, 895.7 ± 575.8 versus 278.9 ± 616.7 ms, p = 0.000). No significant differences were observed between the two groups both in systolic and diastolic parameters by echocardiography. Conclusion: These findings suggest that pediatric patients with long COVID have an imbalance of cardiac autonomic function toward a relative predominance of parasympathetic tone, as already reported in adult patients with long COVID. Further studies are needed to clarify the clinical significance of this autonomic dysfunction and demonstrate its role as a pathophysiological mechanism of long COVID, paving the way for effective therapeutic and preventive strategies.

What is Known:• Long Covid in children has been described globally, but studies have mostly focused on collecting the temporal evolution of persisting symptoms.

What is New:• Cardiac autonomic imbalance toward a relative predominance of parasympathetic tone is a mechanism underlying Long Covid in children, as also described in adults.
Fossil gas lock-in risks: analysis of Algeria’s electricity sector and implications for a renewable energy transition
Authors: Boukhatem Imane , Oei Pao-Yu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlgeria's electricity sector is dependent on fossil gas. Domestic gas demand is growing, and gas-fired power plants are projected to make up 84% of total installed capacity by 2028. This brings the country into a Sustainability Nexus dilemma: on the one hand, Algeria is committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts of the gas sector, whereas on the other hand, the energy and export revenue derived from gas would need to be substituted in order to ensure social and economic development in the country. Socioeconomic tradeoffs and alternatives must therefore be understood and managed in a way that ensures continued political and public support for the country's energy transition and fossil fuel exit. This paper aims to (a) identify fossil gas lock-in factors and (b) explore the opportunities to overcome these obstacles in order to facilitate a transition into renewable energy. Using a deductive approach, we draw on theoretical assumptions regarding carbon lock-in theory and the 2020 framework of Trencher et al. to study (1) technological and infrastructural conditions, (2) actors and agency, (3) formal and informal institutions, knowledge and competences, and (4) exogenous context. Between November 2021 and March 2022, a total of 23 semi-structured interviews were conducted in Algeria with stakeholders from the government, power and industry organizations, civil society organizations, and scientific institutions. The interview transcripts were then thematically analyzed to get a picture of recurrent themes and patterns. Our analysis identified several factors contributing to the fossil gas lock-in in Algeria's electricity system: economic dependence on oil and fossil gas; the significant influence of oil and gas actors, and the governmental support for fossil gas; gas and electricity subsidies, which lock out all other energy alternatives; and an overall lack of attention to climate change in energy policy formulation and in political and societal debate, despite the major capacity expansion plans prompted by heatwaves. The paper ends with a brief discussion of how Algeria's gas lock-in may worsen due to the war in Ukraine.
Evaluation of Damage Stress Thresholds and Mechanical Properties of Granite: New Insights from Digital Image Correlation and GB-FDEM
Authors: Aboayanah Kareem Ramzy , Abdelaziz Aly , Haile Bezawit Fekadu , Zhao Qi , Grasselli Giovanni 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe employed a novel combination of digital image correlation (DIC) and grain-based hybrid finite–discrete element method (GB-FDEM) to improve the comprehension of the relationships between microstructural features and the mechanical properties of granitic rocks. DIC and numerical results showed that macrocracks initiated and propagated along grain boundaries among different minerals driven by the high stiffness contrast between the compliant biotite and the stiffer feldspar/quartz grains. Surface deformation analyses revealed that tensile-dominated macrocracks open at monotonically increased rates before the crack damage threshold, and the opening accelerated afterwards with the increased shear component. The onset of the acceleration of the opening rate of macrocracks can be used to infer the crack damage threshold. Both strain and acoustic emission were used to infer damage stress thresholds in the synthetic numerical samples. Numerical results showed that the damage stress thresholds and uniaxial compressive strength decrease with increasing grain size following log-linear relations. Coarse-grained samples tend to fail by axial splitting, while fine-grained samples fail by shear zone formation. Biotite and quartz contents significantly affect mechanical properties, while quartz to feldspar ratio is positively related to the mechanical properties. Our study demonstrates the capacities of DIC and GB-FDEM in inferring damage conditions in granitic rocks and clarifies the microstructural control of the macroscopic mechanical behaviors. Our results also provide a comprehensive understanding of the systematics of strain localization, crack development, and acoustic emission during the rock progressive failure process.
Augmented reality headsets for surgical guidance: the impact of holographic model positions on user localisation accuracy
Authors: Pérez-Pachón Laura , Sharma Parivrudh , Brech Helena , Gregory Jenny , Lowe Terry , Poyade Matthieu , Gröning Flora 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNovel augmented reality headsets such as HoloLens can be used to overlay patient-specific virtual models of resection margins on the patient’s skin, providing surgeons with information not normally available in the operating room. For this to be useful, surgeons wearing the headset must be able to localise virtual models accurately. We measured the error with which users localise virtual models at different positions and distances from their eyes. Healthy volunteers aged 20–59 years (n = 54) performed 81 exercises involving the localisation of a virtual hexagon’s vertices overlaid on a monitor surface. Nine predefined positions and three distances between the virtual hexagon and the users’ eyes (65, 85 and 105 cm) were set. We found that, some model positions and the shortest distance (65 cm) led to larger localisation errors than other positions and larger distances (85 and 105 cm). Positional errors of more than 5 mm and 1–5 mm margin errors were found in 29.8% and over 40% of cases, respectively. Strong outliers were also found (e.g. margin shrinkage of up to 17.4 mm in 4.3% of cases). The measured errors may result in poor outcomes of surgeries: e.g. incomplete tumour excision or inaccurate flap design, which can potentially lead to tumour recurrence and flap failure, respectively. Reducing localisation errors associated with arm reach distances between the virtual models and users’ eyes is necessary for augmented reality headsets to be suitable for surgical purposes. In addition, training surgeons on the use of these headsets may help to minimise localisation errors.
Osteoblastic differentiation and changes in the redox state in pulp stem cells by laser treatment
Authors: Escobar Lina M. , Grajales Marggie , Bendahan Zita , Jaimes Sully , Baldión Paula 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on cell proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential changes (∆Ψm), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and osteoblast differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). These cells were irradiated with 660- and 940-nm lasers for 5 s, 50 s, and 180 s. Cell proliferation was assessed using the resazurin assay, cell differentiation by RUNX2 and BMP2 expression, and the presence of calcification nodules using alizarin-red S staining. ROS was determined by the dichlorofluorescein-diacetate technique and changes in ∆Ψm by the tetramethylrhodamine-ester assay. Data were analyzed by a Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U test. The 940-nm wavelength for 5 and 50 s increased proliferation at 4 days postirradiation. After 8 days, a significant decrease in proliferation was observed in all groups. Calcification nodules were evident in all groups, with a greater staining intensity in cells treated with a 940-nm laser for 50 s, an effect that correlated with increased RUNX2 and BMP2 expression. ROS production and Δψm increased independently of irradiation time. In conclusion, photobiomodulation (PBM) with LLLT induced morphological changes and reduced cell proliferation rate, which was associated with osteoblastic differentiation and increased ROS and Δψm, independent of wavelength and time.
On convergence of iterative thresholding algorithms to approximate sparse solution for composite nonconvex optimization
Authors: Hu Yaohua , Hu Xinlin , Yang Xiaoqi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper aims to find an approximate true sparse solution of an underdetermined linear system. For this purpose, we propose two types of iterative thresholding algorithms with the continuation technique and the truncation technique respectively. We introduce a notion of limited shrinkage thresholding operator and apply it, together with the restricted isometry property, to show that the proposed algorithms converge to an approximate true sparse solution within a tolerance relevant to the noise level and the limited shrinkage magnitude. Applying the obtained results to nonconvex regularization problems with SCAD, MCP and $$\ell _p$$

ℓ
p

penalty ($$0\le p \le 1$$

0
≤
p
≤
1

) and utilizing the recovery bound theory, we establish the convergence of their proximal gradient algorithms to an approximate global solution of nonconvex regularization problems. The established results include the existing convergence theory for $$\ell _1$$

ℓ
1

or $$\ell _0$$

ℓ
0

regularization problems for finding a true sparse solution as special cases. Preliminary numerical results show that our proposed algorithms can find approximate true sparse solutions that are much better than stationary solutions that are found by using the standard proximal gradient algorithm.
International comparative study of motivation: a commentary
Authors: Eccles Jacquelynne S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this commentary, I focus on an international, collaborative, longitudinal study of the development of elementary school students’ math motivation and performance across six countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Portugal, and Serbia. The investigators designed motivational questionnaires to assess student motivational beliefs defined quite broadly, teacher and student questionnaires to assess teacher beliefs and practices, and family questionnaires to assess parents’ beliefs and practices as well as perceptions of their children and then tested to reliability and validity of these measures across all six countries so that they could investigate both development within countries and generalizability across countries. I focus my comparative comments on the following themes that cut across the various studies: the gender, national and SES differences, the impact of teacher beliefs and practices, the impact of parents, and the testing hypotheses derived from various social cognitive motivational systems.
Landscapes of Memory and Power: The Archaeology of a Forgotten Kingdom in Ethiopia
Authors: González-Ruibal Alfredo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUnlike their northern counterparts, the kingdoms of southern Ethiopia have received little attention by archaeologists. Their relatively late emergence and absence of literacy may explain this lack of interest. However, they have much to offer to better understand the history not only of the Horn but also of the precolonial African state more generally. In this paper, the polities that developed in the southern Ethiopian highlands during the second millennium AD are briefly described and then one of them is explored in more detail: the kingdom of Anfillo. An archaeological and historical overview of the polity is provided based on two seasons of fieldwork. It is argued that in Anfillo, as in other southern Ethiopian polities, a fortified landscape materialized at the same time a persistent situation of conflict and the collective memory of the ruling classes, which used it as a mnemonic device to tell history and legitimize social divisions.
Parent Engagement in Child-Focused Interventions: A Systematised Review of Qualitative Allied Health Literature
Authors: Burney Victoria , McCann Clare M. , Arnold-Saritepe Angela 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Parent engagement in child-focused interventions is increasingly recognised as an important aspect of effective intervention delivery. While several fields have an emerging literature around parent engagement, no reviews currently exist which combine findings across allied health literatures.

Objective
This review aimed to explore factors relevant to understanding parent engagement in child-focused interventions, as described in qualitative literature across allied health disciplines, toward informing the clinical practice of helping professionals in effectively engaging parents.

Methods
A systematised qualitative literature review was carried out, with a comprehensive search of five online databases (CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus) for allied health literature (specifically: behaviour analysis, occupational therapy, psychology, and speech-language therapy) using parent engagement key words. Reference searching and citation tracking steps supported the search. Thematic synthesis was used as the overarching framework and analysis approach.

Results
8824 unique studies were generated in the search. Of the 71 studies which met inclusion criteria, 38 reported qualitative findings and were included in the analysis. Five themes were identified including: societal context, interpersonal context, clinician features, family features, and relationship as engagement.

Conclusions
Findings support conceptual explanations of parent engagement as a complex and dynamic process, emphasising the joint contributions of parents and clinicians in developing therapeutic relationships which promote engagement. Across allied health research there are consistency of understandings around parent engagement, supporting the conclusion that clinicians can look to literatures from various helping fields to inform clinical practice around engaging parents in interventions.
Unraveling the Neural Circuits: Techniques, Opportunities and Challenges in Epilepsy Research
Authors: Xiao Wenjie , Li Peile , Kong Fujiao , Kong Jingyi , Pan Aihua , Long Lili , Yan Xiaoxin , Xiao Bo , Gong Jiaoe , Wan Lily 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEpilepsy, a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by high morbidity, frequent recurrence, and potential drug resistance, profoundly affects millions of people globally. Understanding the microscopic mechanisms underlying seizures is crucial for effective epilepsy treatment, and a thorough understanding of the intricate neural circuits underlying epilepsy is vital for the development of targeted therapies and the enhancement of clinical outcomes. This review begins with an exploration of the historical evolution of techniques used in studying neural circuits related to epilepsy. It then provides an extensive overview of diverse techniques employed in this domain, discussing their fundamental principles, strengths, limitations, as well as their application. Additionally, the synthesis of multiple techniques to unveil the complexity of neural circuits is summarized. Finally, this review also presents targeted drug therapies associated with epileptic neural circuits. By providing a critical assessment of methodologies used in the study of epileptic neural circuits, this review seeks to enhance the understanding of these techniques, stimulate innovative approaches for unraveling epilepsy's complexities, and ultimately facilitate improved treatment and clinical translation for epilepsy.
Graphical Abstract
The Social Reproduction Crisis During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Barcelona: Potentialities and Limitations
Authors: Camps Calvet Clara , Bonet-Marti Jordi , Bernat Molina Ignasi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe outbreak of the social pandemic brought to the foreground the crisis of social reproduction afflicting our societies. However, this new visibility of the importance of care work and the emergence of mutual support networks was not a sufficient condition for the politicization of the reproductive sphere to take place, contrary to what happened during the 2008 crisis. This paper aims to comprehend the reasons why such politicization did not occur by means of a case-study carried out with four focus-groups made up of representatives of mutual support networks established in Barcelona to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable groups of the population. The achieved results show the limits of social reproduction theory to explain politicization theories, as it does not sufficiently acknowledge the state’s agency.
Blockchain-based framework and platform for validation, authentication & equivalency of academic certification and institution’s accreditation: UAE case study and system performance (2022)
Authors: Al Hemairy Mohamed , Abu Talib Manar , Khalil Ather , Zulfiqar Ahsan , Mohamed Takua 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAcademic credentials play an immensely significant role in the career of a person and in the progress of society. The system in place currently used for the issuance, storage & sharing of academic credentials is quite inefficient in its operations, due to being paper based in large. There is also widespread fraud committed every year in terms of academic credentials, ranging from diploma mills to plain forgery. There presents a need for a total digital transformation in this field, which ensures complete independent authenticity of credentials that could be proven in a fool-proof manner. Blockchain technology promises to alleviate the above identified problems by ensuring complete transparency & verifiable proofs of ownership using decentralized storage of credentials & Public Key Cryptography (PKC) in the form of Digital Signatures. This project implements the proposed solution by using the ECDSA algorithm to (i) sign the accreditation of institute by governing body, such as The Ministry of Education (MOE) (ii) sign the academic credentials by the issuing party (iii) sign the issued credentials by the learner to claim iv) sign the credentials by some governing body like the MOE. The learner can share the signed credential with any third party, such as a potential employer. The ECDSA algorithm can then authenticate the credential by programmatically verifying the signature proof by any party using the corresponding Public Key without going through tedious channels.
Voices from the field: Integrating e-portfolios in early childhood education
Authors: Bedel Emine Ferda , İnce Sema , Başalev Acar Serenay 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDigital technologies are increasingly integrated into early childhood education (ECE), prompting discussions regarding their potential benefits and drawbacks. Research has shown that technology designed for children’s developmental needs can enhance learning and development, while also improving communication between parents, teachers, and children. However, issues like access, equity, ethics, and teacher workload require careful consideration. This qualitative study explores the expected outcomes of integrating e-portfolios into ECE through one-on-one interviews with key stakeholder groups. After gathering general opinions, the participants were asked to provide detailed feedback on how the application affects children, teachers, and parents. In addition to revealing a diverse range of voices regarding the implementation of e-portfolios, this study aims to utilize the information gathered from participants for informed decision-making, offering valuable insights for the improved e-portfolio design and implementation. The study involved 34 Turkish participants from five stakeholder categories: ECE and primary school teachers, faculty members from ECE and primary school education departments, and parents. Results revealed that e-portfolios were viewed as highly beneficial, providing permanent and comprehensive documentation, facilitating data transfer to subsequent schooling levels, enabling multidimensional assessment, promoting child-centred practices, improving communication, enhancing reflective thinking and digital skills, and allowing resource utilization. However, participants raised concerns about workload, documentation gaps, and ethical issues. While e-portfolios hold promise for integrating digital technologies into ECE, current teacher education may lack sufficient training in key areas like digital literacy, documentation, assessment, and ethics. Further education in these areas can help ensure effective implementation and positive outcomes.