bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Azarshahr travertine compression strength prediction based on point-load index (Is) data using multilayer perceptron
Authors: Mao Yimin , Licai Zhu , Feng Li , Nanehkaran Yaser A. , Zhang Maosheng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAzarshahr County in the northwest of Iran is predominantly covered by Azarshahr travertine, a prevailing sedimentary rock. This geological composition has led to extensive open-pit mining activities, particularly in the western and southwestern parts of the county. The rock's drillability and resistance to excavation play a pivotal role in determining its overall durability and hardness, crucial factors that influence the mining process. These attributes are intimately tied to the compressive strength of the rock. Accurate assessment of rock strength is vital for devising reliable excavation methodologies at mining sites. However, conventional approaches for analyzing rock strength have limitations that undermine the precision of strength estimations. In response, this study endeavors to leverage artificial intelligence techniques, specifically the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), to enhance the prediction of travertine's compressive strength. To formulate a robust model, a comprehensive database containing data from 150 point-load index (Is) tests on Azarshahr travertine was compiled. This dataset serves as the foundation for the development of the MLP-based predictive model, which proves instrumental in projecting rock compressive strength. The model's accuracy and efficacy were rigorously assessed using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, employing both training and testing datasets. The modeling outcomes reveal impressive results. The estimated R-squared coefficient attained an impressive value of 0.975 for axial strength and 0.975 for diametral strength. The overall accuracy, as indicated by the Area Under the Curve (AUC) metric, stands at an impressive 0.968. These exceptional performance metrics underscore the efficacy of the MLP model in accurately predicting compressive strength based on the point-load index of samples. The implications of this study are substantial. The predictive model, empowered by the MLP approach, has profound implications for excavation planning and drillability assessment within the studied region's travertine deposits. By facilitating accurate forecasts of rock strength, this model equips mining endeavors with valuable insights for effective planning and execution.
Association between physical activity and the prevalence of tumorigenic bacteria in the gut microbiota of Japanese adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Iwasaka Chiharu , Ninomiya Yuka , Nakagata Takashi , Nanri Hinako , Watanabe Daiki , Ohno Harumi , Tanisawa Kumpei , Konishi Kana , Murakami Haruka , Tsunematsu Yuta , Sato Michio , Watanabe Kenji , Miyachi Motohiko 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEscherichia coli harboring polyketide synthase (pks+E. coli) has been suggested to contribute to colorectal cancer development. Physical activity is strongly associated with lower colorectal cancer risks, but its effects on pks+E. coli remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between pks+E. coli prevalence and physical activity. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 222 Japanese adults (27–79-years-old, 73.9% female). Triaxial accelerometers were used to measure light-intensity physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity, the physical activity level, step-count, and time spent inactive. Fecal samples collected from participants were used to determine the prevalence of pks+E. coli. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline curves were used to examine the association between pks+E. coli prevalence and physical activity. The prevalence of pks+E. coli was 26.6% (59/222 participants). The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the highest tertile with reference to the lowest tertile of physical activity variables were as follows: light-intensity physical activity (OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.26–1.5), moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.39–1.87), physical activity level (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.32–1.51), step-count (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.42–2.00) and time spent inactive (OR 1.30; 95% CI 0.58–2.93). No significant dose–response relationship was found between all physical activity variables and pks+E. coli prevalence. Our findings did not suggest that physical activity has beneficial effects on the prevalence of pks+E. coli. Longitudinal studies targeting a large population are needed to clarify this association.
Examination of psycho-motor development of children who were 6–36 months in the COVID-19 stay-at-home period
Authors: Kılıç Mahmut , Koçak Şeyda 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis study aims to examine the pandemic's effect on the psycho-motor development of children aged 6–36 months during the Covid 19 pandemic period and now aged 2–5 years. This study was cross-sectional and children (n = 150) aged 2–5 years were included in the study. Data were collected using the Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory (ADSI) in 2022. The proportion of children included in the study who have general development, language-cognitive, fine motor, gross motor, and social skill-self-care development levels at a delay-suspiciously were 25.4%, 18.0%, 58.7%, 22.0%, and 25.3%, respectively. Children's overall development and specific areas of development are more positively affected by the younger age of the child. Additionally, shorter pregnancies, earlier pregnancies, and father involvement in childcare all have positive effects on child development. During the pandemic period, the fact that older children stay at home has further negatively affected their development. Fine motor development was most negatively affected.
Genomic analysis of Plasmodium vivax describes patterns of connectivity and putative drivers of adaptation in Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Alebachew Messele , Sutanto Edwin , Trimarsanto Hidayat , Benavente Ernest Diez , Barnes Mariana , Pearson Richard D. , Siegel Sasha V. , Erko Berhanu , Assefa Ashenafi , Getachew Sisay , Aseffa Abraham , Petros Beyene , Lo Eugenia , Mohammed Rezika , Yilma Daniel , Rumaseb Angela , Nosten Francois , Noviyanti Rintis , Rayner Julian C. , Kwiatkowski Dominic P. , Price Ric N. , Golassa Lemu , Auburn Sarah 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEthiopia has the greatest burden of Plasmodium vivax in Africa, but little is known about the epidemiological landscape of parasites across the country. We analysed the genomic diversity of 137 P. vivax isolates collected nine Ethiopian districts from 2012 to 2016. Signatures of selection were detected by cross-country comparisons with isolates from Thailand (n = 104) and Indonesia (n = 111), representing regions with low and high chloroquine resistance respectively. 26% (35/137) of Ethiopian infections were polyclonal, and 48.5% (17/35) of these comprised highly related clones (within-host identity-by-descent > 25%), indicating frequent co-transmission and superinfection. Parasite gene flow between districts could not be explained entirely by geographic distance, with economic and cultural factors hypothesised to have an impact on connectivity. Amplification of the duffy binding protein gene (pvdbp1) was prevalent across all districts (16–75%). Cross-population haplotype homozygosity revealed positive selection in a region proximal to the putative chloroquine resistance transporter gene (pvcrt-o). An S25P variant in amino acid transporter 1 (pvaat1), whose homologue has recently been implicated in P. falciparum chloroquine resistance evolution, was prevalent in Ethiopia (96%) but not Thailand or Indonesia (35–53%). The genomic architecture in Ethiopia highlights circulating variants of potential public health concern in an endemic setting with evidence of stable transmission.
The effect of free school fruit on academic performance: a nationwide quasi-experiment
Authors: Halkjelsvik Torleif , Bere Elling 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn past research, higher intake of fruit has been associated with better academic achievement. In Norway, the government required lower secondary schools to provide fruit to their pupils from 2007 to 2014. The present study assessed whether this policy improved academic performance. In addition to secondary schools, the policy covered schools with combined elementary and lower secondary education, but not ordinary elementary schools. This differentiation, in combination with administrative data on test scores before, during, and after the law was enforced, created a nationwide quasi-experiment. Population register data on parents’ sociodemographic characteristics allowed for targeted analyses on a subsample of boys with low sociodemographic status. In analyses of 5th grade tests, the free fruit policy coincided with a slight decline in test scores among eligible compared to non-eligible pupils in the subsample (B = − 0.18, 95%CI[− 0.35, − 0.01]) and entire population (B = − 0.14, 95%CI[− 0.24, − 0.05]). Exploratory analyses of exam data in 10th grade yielded similar results, and sensitivity tests either failed to detect any effect or demonstrated a negative tendency. In a Western country with low levels of food insecurity, a policy that required schools to provide free fruit to pupils did not appear to improve academic performance.
Changes in natural killer and T lymphocyte phenotypes in response to cardiovascular risk management
Authors: Good Elin , Åkerman Linda , Nyström Sofia , Jonasson Lena , Ernerudh Jan , de Muinck Ebo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe pro-inflammatory and regulatory roles of T lymphocytes in atherosclerosis are well established but less is known about natural killer (NK) cells and natural killer T (NKT)-like cells. The effects of cardiovascular risk management on the phenotypes of these cells are unknown. To assess changes in NK cell and lymphocyte phenotypes and circulating inflammatory proteins in response to cardiovascular risk management in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Fifty patients were included in a prospective clinical study. Measurements were at baseline and after 12 months of cardiovascular risk management. Circulating NK, NKT-like and T lymphocyte subpopulations were phenotyped by multi-colour flow cytometry. Proximity extension assay was performed for 176 plasma proteins associated with inflammation and cardiovascular disease. At 12 months there were significant reductions in LDL (P = 0.001) and blood pressure (P = 0.028). NK cells responded with a reduction in pro-inflammatory (NKG2C+) cells (P = 0.0003), an increase in anti-inflammatory (NKG2A+) cells (P = 0.032), and a reduction in terminally differentiated (CD57+) NK cells. NKT-like cells showed a similar decrease in terminally differentiated subpopulations (P = 0.000002). Subpopulations of T helper cells exhibited a significant reduction in central memory (P = 1.09 × 10−8) and a significant increase in CD4+ naïve- (P = 0.0008) and effector memory T cells (P = 0.006). The protein analysis indicated that cardiovascular risk management affects proteins involved in the inflammatory NF-κB pathway. The consistent decrease in senescent phenotypes of NK, NKT-like and CD4+ cells with a concomitant increase in more naïve, phenotypes suggests a change towards a less pro-inflammatory lymphocyte profile in response to cardiovascular risk management.Trial registry name: CARotid MRI of Atherosclerosis (CARMA). ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04835571 (08/04/2021). https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04835571.
Highly directional and carrier density-independent plasmons in quasi-one-dimensional electron gas systems
Authors: Gao Han , Zhang Xuejin , Ding Chao , Ma Xikui , Wang Mingzheng , Li Yangyang , Zhao Mingwen 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRecent advancements in developing metahyperbolic surfaces through substrate patterning have enabled the realization of highly-directional hyperbolic surface plasmons, but the feasibility of reproducing the same properties in natural hyperbolic two-dimensional (2D) materials is still unexplored. In this study, we expand the possibility of natural 2D materials in achieving electromagnetic scenarios akin to those observed in metahyperbolic surfaces. Natural hyperbolic 2D materials provide inherent advantages for simplicity, predictability, and lower losses compared to meta-surfaces. By employing first-principles calculations, we find that realistic 2D material, specifically the RuOCl2 monolayer, are suitable alternatives to metahyperbolic surfaces. Indeed, RuOCl2 monolayer sustains carrier-density-independent and broadband low-loss hyperbolic responses across the terahertz to ultraviolet spectral range, owning to the highly-anisotropic electronic band structures characterized by quasi-one-dimensional electron gas. These findings shed light on the integration of hyperbolicity in natural 2D materials, opening new avenues for the design and development of optoelectronic devices and nanoscale imaging systems.
Towards a global strategy for the conservation of deep-sea active hydrothermal vents
Authors: Menini Elisabetta , Calado Helena , Danovaro Roberto , Manea Elisabetta , Halpin Patrick N. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDeep-sea active hydrothermal vents are globally diverse, vulnerable, rare, remote, and isolated habitats, yet they face increasing threats from human activities, including deep-sea mining. To address the conservation challenges surrounding these habitats, we present a global assessment of the conservation status of deep-sea active vents. Our findings reveal that while 25% of the known deep active hydrothermal vents are currently under conservation interventions, only 8% benefit of full protection. These conservation interventions, consisting of area-based and regulation-based management measures, are implemented by 17 Sovereign States, three Regional Fisheries Management Organizations and one international treaty through 30 discrete interventions. However, our assessment and comparison of the specific measures for the 155 managed active hydrothermal vents reveal that the current conservation remain fragmented and discordant across jurisdictions and biogeographical provinces, resulting in overall insufficient protection, especially in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. Seizing the current momentum for ocean conservation, it is crucial to harmonize the management and protection of active deep-sea vents worldwide, taking into account their global biogeographic context and spatial distribution. This requires aligning current international initiatives that could improve baseline policies for the global protection of deep-sea hydrothermal vents.
“Reactive Mineral Sink” drives soil organic matter dynamics and stabilization
Authors: Wu Songlin , Konhauser Kurt O. , Chen Baodong , Huang Longbin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractReactive primary and secondary minerals play a critical role in the transformation and stabilization of organic matter (OM) in soil, a critical aspect that has been largely overlooked in existing literature. In this regard, we propose a new model known as the “reactive mineral sink” (RMS) to illustrate three primary mechanisms through which these minerals drive the bioprocessing, transformation, transport and stabilization of OM in soil. Firstly, from a biological perspective, reactive minerals influence enzymatic and microbial OM processing through binding enzymatic proteins or influencing the structure of microbial communities. Secondly, from a chemical standpoint, these minerals have the capacity to adsorb OM and/or coprecipitate with it, leading to a more diverse distribution of OM in the soil. This distribution, in turn, triggers OM transformation through chemical catalysis and redox reactions. Thirdly, on a physical level, reactive minerals have a substantial impact on soil architecture, aggregate dynamics, porosity development, and hydrological processes. These physical changes then affect the transport, reprocessing and stabilization of OM. The RMS model provides a conceptual framework that underscores the fundamental role of reactive minerals in driving the dynamics of OM and carbon (C) sequestration in natural soil. Furthermore, it promotes the restoration of soil biogeochemical processes and ecological resilience. We advocate for the implementation of strategies based on the RMS model to enhance the sequestration of organic C in soils for the purposes of rejuvenating soil health and mitigating CO2 emission.
Assessing Phonological Processing in Children With Speech Sound Disorders
Authors: Roepke Elizabeth 
Published: November 2023

Purpose:
Phonological processing skills, or using phoneme knowledge to process language, in preschool- and kindergarten-age children are an important indicator of children's future reading abilities. However, assessing phonological processing skills can be difficult in children with speech sound disorders because scoring often requires that children produce speech sound accurately. This tutorial presents assessment tasks that are appropriate for children with speech sound disorders to better identify children with phonological processing difficulties.

Conclusions:
The following phonological processing assessment tasks are recommended for children with speech sound disorders: receptive tasks for phonological awareness, the Syllable Repetition Task for phonological memory, and limited letter choices for rapid automatized naming in phonological retrieval tasks. These tasks can be modified for multilingual children. Appropriate assessment of phonological processing skills will help speech-language pathologists in differential diagnosis of children with true phonological processing difficulties and children whose speech sound errors may mask phonological processing abilities. Assessment of phonological processing skills is particularly important for children with speech sound disorders, whose speech errors may be evidence of phonological processing difficulties.
Formation-flying interferometry in geocentric orbits
Authors: Ito Takahiro 
Published: November 2023

Context. Spacecraft formation flying serves as a method of astronomical instrumentation that enables the construction of large virtual structures in space. The formation-flying interferometry generally requires very high control accuracy, and extraterrestrial orbits are typically selected. To pave the way for comprehensive missions, proposals have been made for preliminary space missions, involving nano- or small satellites, to demonstrate formation-flying interferometry technologies, especially in low Earth orbits. From a theoretical perspective, however, it is unknown where and to what extent feasible regions for formation-flying interferometry should exist in geocentric orbits.
Aims. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of formation-flying interferometry in geocentric orbits in which various perturbation sources exist. Geocentric orbits offer the advantage of economic accessibility and the availability of proven formation-flying technologies tailored for Earth orbits. Its feasibility depends on the existence of specific orbits that satisfy a small-disturbance environment with good observation conditions.
Methods. Spacecraft motions in Earth orbits subjected to perturbations are analytically modeled based on celestial mechanics. The magnitudes of the accelerations required to counteract these perturbations are characterized by parameters such as the semimajor axis and the size of the formation.
Results. Small-perturbation regions tend to appear in higher-altitude and shorter-separation regions in geocentric orbits. Candidate orbits are identified in high Earth orbits for the triangular laser-interferometric gravitational-wave telescope, which is 100 km in size, and in medium Earth orbits for the linear astronomical interferometer, which is 0.5 km in size. A low Earth orbit with a separation of approximately 0.1 km may be suitable for experimental purposes.
Conclusions. Geocentric orbits are potentially applicable for various types of formation-flying interferometry.
Early and Higher Volumes of Formula Supplementation after Birth Impact Breastfeeding Rates at Discharge in Well-Baby Nursery: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kumar Navin , Al-Nahar Mohammed , Harris Nathalee , Sampath Venkatesh 
Published: November 2023

Objective Physiologic breast milk production in the first 24 hours is estimated to be between 2 and 10 mL per feed. Many mothers intending to breastfeed use formula supplementation (FS) early on, which can affect successful breastfeeding. Whether the volume and timing of FS introduced in the first 24 hours of life (24 HOL) impacts the rate of “breastfeeding at discharge” (BFAD) is not well-studied and was investigated herein.
Study Design Single-center, retrospective, chart review of breastfeeding infants born at ≥35 weeks who received supplementation in the first 24 HOL. Comprehensive demographic data pertaining to maternal and infant characteristics, along with infant feeding data, were collected. Four supplementation characteristics, (timing, rate, volume [mL/kg per feed], and type [expressed breast milk (EBM) or formula]) were correlated with BFAD.
Results Among 3,102 supplemented infants in whom mothers intended to breastfeed, 1,031 (33.2%) infants were BFAD. At baseline, African American, Medicaid-insured, and single mothers had lower odds of BFAD. The overall maximum volume of FS per feed was 11.0 mL/kg (interquartile range 8.0–14.4). With each hour of delay in first supplementation, the odds of BFAD increased by 2.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.022, 0.035). With every 1 mL/kg increase in the first formula volume, subsequent supplementation frequency increased by 4.5%. A positive association was observed between BFAD and a lower rate of supplementation (cutoff value ≤35.1%). However, among infants with these lower rates of supplementation, each unit increase in maximum FS, from 2 to 15 mL/kg, decreased the probability of BFAD by 4.2% (3.6–4.7%). Additionally, we observed that infants who were given at least one EBM supplementation (n = 223; 7.2%) had substantially increased rates of BFAD (odds ratio [OR] = 9.8, 95% CI 7.2–13.3).
Conclusion Early and higher volumes of FS negatively impacted BFAD. Birthweight-based FS of feeding with physiological volumes may increase breastfeeding rates at discharge.
Key Points