bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Daughters, Savings and Household Finances
Authors: Wen Xin , Cheng Zhiming , Tani Massimiliano 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We explore the link between child gender and household financial decisions within a cultural environment that strongly favours having a son. Using data from the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS), we find that the presence of a daughter is associated with a lower saving rate. This is consistent with the hypothesis that such families, facing a less competitive marriage market thanks to the relative under-supply of unmarried women, have lower incentives to raise their female heirs’ marital prospects by accumulating bigger asset pools. The negative correlation becomes more pronounced as the firstborn child and daughter approach marriageable age. Additionally, home-buying intention and daily necessities consumption are the channels through which the daughters influence the saving rate of families with a child of marriageable age. This study expands existing research by examining the impact of child gender on financial decisions while controlling for unobserved time-invariant heterogeneity thanks to the panel nature of the CHFS.
JEL: D14, G11, G51, J12
Prevalence and associated factors of undernutrition among under five children in the conflict-affected Northwest Region of Cameroon: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ndohtabi Jerry Eyong , Navti Lifoter Kenneth , Atanga Mary Bi Suh , Nji Kah Emmanuel , Meriki Henry Dilonga 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Undernutrition poses a significant public health threat, particularly in conflict-affected regions such as the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Recent data on this disease burden are sparse. Updated data are valuable for informing targeted interventions and improving child health outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of undernutrition.
Methods
This community-based cross-sectional analysis included 1279 children (aged 6–59 months) from six health districts. Anthropometric measurements were carried out, and other data were collected through interviews. Z scores of anthropometric variables were calculated using WHO Anthro software, and the proportion of undernourished children was determined. Associations between variables were tested using the chi-square test and logistic regression at p < 0.05.
Results
The prevalence of undernutrition was 36.1% (95% CI: 33.5–38.8). These included stunting (31.2%), underweight (6.3%) and wasting (5.1%). Male children were nearly twice as likely as female children to be undernourished (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.47–2.52), and children aged 6–11 months had the highest risk (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.78–3.45) compared to their counterparts. The independent factors associated with an increased risk of undernutrition in children included higher birth order from third or later born (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.42–2.68), non-enrollment in school (OR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.56–4.41), incomplete vaccination (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.17–2.50), history of worm infections (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.65–3.18), recent antibiotic use (OR: 3.31, 95% CI: 1.90–5.76), recent diarrhea (OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.20–5.18) and recent vomiting (OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.20–5.18).
Conclusions
The prevalence of undernutrition was 36.1%. The risk factors identified were the sex of the child, age group, birth order, school enrollment, incomplete vaccination status, history of worm infections, antibiotic use, recent diarrhea and recent vomiting. This information can be used to develop context-specific strategies and interventions that are required to improve the nutritional status of children.
Digital Advance Care Planning with Severe Mental Illness: A retrospective observational cohort analysis of the use of an Electronic Palliative Care Coordination System
Authors: Gill Rea Kaur , Droney Joanne , Owen Gareth , Riley Julia , Stephenson Lucy 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
People living with severe mental illness (SMI) face significant health inequalities, including in palliative care. Advance Care Planning (ACP) is widely recommended by palliative care experts and could reduce inequalities. However, implementing ACP with this group is challenging. Electronic Palliative Care Coordination Systems such as Coordinate my Care (CMC) have been introduced to support documentation and sharing of ACP records with relevant healthcare providers. This study explores the use of CMC amongst those with SMI and aims to describe how those with a primary diagnosis of SMI who have used CMC for ACP, and makes recommendations for future research and policy.
Method
A retrospective observational cohort analysis was completed of CMC records created 01/01/2010 - 31/09/2021 where the service user had a primary diagnosis of SMI, with no exclusions based on comorbidities. Descriptive statistics were used to report on characteristics including: age, diagnosis, individual prognosis and resuscitation status. Thematic analysis was used to report on the content of patients’ statements of preference.
Results
1826 records were identified. Of this sample most (60.1%) had capacity to make treatment decisions, 47.8% were aged under 70, 86.7% were given a prognosis of ‘years’ and most (63.1%) remained for full cardio-pulmonary resuscitation in the event of cardio-pulmonary arrest.. Records with completed statements of preferences (20.3%) contained information about preferences for physical and mental health treatment care as well as information about patient presentation and capacity, although most were brief and lacked expression of patient voice.
Discussion
Compared to usual CMC users, the cohort of interest are relatively able, younger people using CMC to make long-term plans for active physical and mental health treatment. ADM is a service user-driven process, and so it was expected that authentic patient voice would be expressed within statements of preference, however this was mostly not achieved.
Conclusions
This digital tool is being used by people with SMI but to plan for more than palliative care. This cohort and supporting professionals have used CMC to plan for longer term physical and mental healthcare. Future research and policy should focus on development of tailored digital tools for people with SMI to plan for palliative, physical and mental healthcare and support expression of patient voice.
Bacteriorhodopsin Homolog Identified in Priestia Megaterium DSM319 Genome using Bioinformatics
Authors: Rafique Beenish , Sufian Muhammad , Munsif Kinza , Khalid Kayinaat 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Priestia genus is an industrially important bacteria used in a variety of procedures. With several patents and industrial applications, P. megaterium (or Bacillus megaterium) is a potent cell factory for biotechnology. P. megaterium strain DSM319 has a genome size of 5.1 Mb and 4,955 proteins in NCBI database.
Objectives
The current research was focused on finding an unknown homolog of beta-carotene 15, 15’-monoxygenase (BCMO), a light-driven proton pump (bacteriorhodopsin), within the genome of P. megaterium strain DSM319.
Methods
Bioinformatics based methods involved in the identification of hypothetical protein (HP) of BCMO on the basis of sequence similarity were performed followed by its gene mapping, finding residues and checking its similarity with other proteins, prediction of secondary structure, transmembrane helices, and subcellular localization.
Results
The HP (NCBI WP_013084145.1) was the homolog of BCMO (NCBI WP_251445845.1) of P. megaterium that shared percent identity of 98%. Gene mapping showed that both BCMO and HP align at nucleotide position of 3344166–3345227 with different similarity scores. Secondary structure prediction of BCMO and HP revealed sharing of majority of alpha-helices and beta-sheets. Transmembrane helices prediction showed that HP contains 7 TMHs. The HP protein was predicted to be localized in the cell membrane by CELLO and PSORTb.
Conclusion
The HP of P. megaterium DSM319 was predicted to be having the function of BCMO. BCMOs are involved in conversion of beta-carotene to retinal and further to retinoid. Retinoids are used as medications for treating skin infections and as cosmetic agents.
New chemically modified electrode obtained from the interaction of the biosurfactant saponin from Glycyrrhiza glabra with graphene oxide matrix
Authors: Jesus Rodrigo Sá , Oliveira Alan Santos , Santos Antônio Santana , Santos Natália Ferreira , Salay Luiz Carlos 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This work aimed by employing cyclic voltammetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to study the interactions of the biosurfactant saponin glycyrrhizin (SAP) with graphene oxide (GO) to the development of hybrid nanomaterials. Chemically Modified Electrodes (CMEs) based on carbon paste were developed. First, the electrochemical behavior of GO on the surface of the carbon paste electrode (CPE) was studied, resulting in the CME called (CPE/GO), this system showed good electrochemical characteristics such as: formal potential (Eo) of 300 mV, separation peak (DE) of 170 mV vs Ag/AgCl operating in 0.5 mol/L KCl solution and applied potential sweep speed of 20 mV vs Ag/AgCl. The second CME called carbon paste electrode modified with saponin (CPE/SAP) presented a formal potential (Eo) of 250 mV, peak separation (DE) of 100 mV vs Ag/AgCl operating under the same conditions as above. Finally, the carbon-based CME containing SAP associated with graphene oxide was named (CPE/GO/SAP). This system presented excellent characteristics when operated under the same conditions, with a current gain of 1.74 and 2.16 times greater compared to CPE/GO and CPE/SAP respectively. High stability of SAP was also observed when associated with GO in the carbon paste matrix, maintaining a high response rate, with a drop of only 2% of current after 5 hours, evidencing a favorable interaction and resulting in a hybrid nanomatrix with improvements in the redox process. FTIR spectroscopy also showed that there is a positive interaction of SAP when associated with GO, promoted from functional groups present in both systems.
PROOF OF THE HOPF CONJECTURE
Authors: Niang Athoumane , Seck Thierno , Thiandoum Adama 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The aim of this note is to show that a metric induced by $\mathbb{R}^{6+k}$ on the graph of k-smooth functions on $S2 × S2$ does not have a positive sectional curvature. According to the remark of O. Perdomo in [11], this result solves the Hopf Conjecture.
Mathematics Subject Classification 2010: 53A10, 53C42, 53C50.
Water availability and proximity to natural areas influence terrestrial plant and macroinvertebrate communities in urban stormwater infrastructures
Authors: Petit-Prost Matisse , Poulin Monique , Desrochers André , Lavoie Isabelle 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Stormwater infrastructures are primarily used for managing water runoff, but these environments can also foster biodiversity. Despite extensive literature about certain taxa found in these human-made environments, the terrestrial plants and macroinvertebrates present there remain understudied. Here, we compared alpha and beta diversity of plant and macroinvertebrate communities and assessed the influence of landscape characteristics on their composition in different types of urban stormwater infrastructures. Plants and macroinvertebrates were identified at the bottom and on the banks of 54 infrastructures (dry basins, wet basins with and without a water channel and retention ponds) in Quebec City and Trois-Rivieres, in Eastern Canada. Results showed poor and homogenous plant and macroinvertebrate communities in dry basins. Wet basins had the highest plant diversity, with more facultative wetland species. Wet basins with and without water channel had similar plant and macroinvertebrate composition, with the most heterogeneous communities. Retention ponds (with permanent water) had distinct communities with fewer plant species than wet basins. Macroinvertebrate and plant diversity decreased when excluding data from the banks of retention ponds from the analyses. The presence of natural areas around the infrastructures significantly influenced communities within a 2000 m and 500 m radius for plant and macroinvertebrate communities, respectively. Wetland plant species were generally found in infrastructures close to natural areas, whereas generalist species were associated with disturbed environments. Our results suggest that enhancing diversity of the stormwater infrastructure types at the regional and local (microhabitat) scales will maximize diversity of plants and macroinvertebrates.
High-precision position tracking control for permanent magnet linear servo system
Authors: Jin Hongyan , Ran Teng , Zhao Ximei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Aiming at the uncertainties existing in the permanent magnet linear servo system, an intelligent second-order sliding mode control (ISOSMC) method is proposed to achieve high precision and strong robustness. First, the dynamic model of PMLSM with uncertainties is established. To conquer the uncertainties, a second-order sliding mode control (SOSMC) method based on the PID sliding surface is designed. Additionally, to further reduce chattering caused by sign function, a sinusoidal saturation function is applied in the control law of SOSMC. Due to the value of the uncertainties is difficult to obtain, a recurrent radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) uncertainty estimator is introduced to estimate the uncertainties and a robust compensator (RC) is developed to reduce the approximation error of recurrent RBFNN. To guarantee the performance of the ISOSMC system, Lyapunov function is employed to prove the stability. Experimental results demonstrate ISOSMC possesses favorable tracking performance and strong robustness against the parameter variations and load disturbances.
Mobile Based Indoor Hospital Navigation System for Tertiary Care Setup: A Scoping Review
Authors: Gupta Prakamya , Sharma Vishu , Gairolla Jitender , Thakur Uttam , Pandey Navin , Khurana Dheeraj , Ramavat Anurag Snehi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: Mobile navigation applications have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly for outdoor positioning and routing. Indoor positioning systems (IPS) have gained interest as they provide users with real-time location information inside buildings. This scoping review aims to explore the existing literature on mobile-based indoor hospital navigation systems for tertiary care setups. Specifically, the review aims to identify the effectiveness of such systems in improving indoor hospital navigation for patients and visitors and the factors that contribute to the successful implementation of these systems in tertiary care settings. The scoping review also seeks to identify any gaps in the current literature and suggest directions for future research in this area.
Methodology: A systematic literature was undertaken from the following electronic databases using the following keywords “indoor hospital navigation”, “mobile navigation”, “patient navigation” and “hospital wayfinding” from January 2010 till March 2023. Data charting was done using a structured format as per the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews.
Results and discussion: A total of 15 studies reported on developing and implementing indoor navigation apps for timely access to medical services. The studies were conducted in a range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics and long-term healthcare facilities. The studies reported improving patient navigation within the hospital premises and reducing wait times, especially during emergencies.
Conclusion: The indoor hospital navigation applications provide improved patient satisfaction and outcomes, increased efficiency of healthcare delivery, and enhanced safety for patients and healthcare providers.
RETRACTED: Quantum-Resistance Meets White-BoxCryptography: How to Implement Hash-BasedSignatures against White-Box Attackers?
Authors: Bicakci Kemal , Ulker Kemal , Uzunay Yusuf , Şahin Halis Taha , Gündoğan Muhammed Said 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Effectiveness of conservative treatment for upper gastrointestinal perforation in older patients aged &gt;70 years: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Sanmoto Yohei , Hasegawa Makoto , Kinuta Shunji 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background Upper gastrointestinal perforation, primarily caused by peptic ulcers, remains a life-threatening condition associated with a high mortality rate. While surgical intervention has been the traditional first line of treatment, the establishment of various guidelines has prompted a shift in treatment strategies, particularly in cases of patients with mild symptoms of peritonitis who are aged < 70 years. The effectiveness of conservative treatment for upper gastrointestinal perforation in older patients remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of conservative treatment by comparing it with that of surgical treatment in patients of the same age.Methods This retrospective study examined patients aged > 70 years with upper gastrointestinal perforation at Takeda General Hospital from April 2013 to March 2023. We focused on evaluating key factors such as duration of antibiotic use, blood transfusion requirements, fasting periods, length of hospital stay, discharge conditions, and mortality rates at 30- and 90-days post-treatment.Results The study included 31 patients (11 underwent conservative treatment and 20 underwent surgery). More patients had generalized peritonitis in the surgical group than in the conservative treatment group (p = 0.023). Regarding the course after intervention, the fasting period was slightly longer in the conservative treatment group than in the surgical group (p = 0.0064); however, no 30-day deaths were noted overall, with no significant difference in 90-day mortality between the two groups.Conclusions Conservative treatment for upper gastrointestinal perforation in older patients aged > 70 years, when appropriately selected, demonstrated outcomes equivalent to those of surgical intervention. Conservative treatment appears to be effective in cases of localized peritonitis, potentially avoiding unnecessary surgery. Further accumulation of case studies is desirable for establishment of clear criteria for conservative treatment indications in the older patients.
On directionally nonexpansive mappings
Authors: Llorens-Fuster Enrique 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In 2000, W.A. Kirk introduced the concept of directionally nonexpansive mapping. Here, we present a more comprehensive study of this class of mappings, including a fixed-point result for them. We further present a class of mappings, properly containing the directionally nonexpansive ones, for which Kirk's theorem still holds.
Epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance and risk factors of infection among liver transplant patients in East China: a retrospective study 2010 to 2023
Authors: Wang Pusen , Jiang Zhongyi , Liao Huanjin , Zhang Shubin , Que Weitao , Wang Chunguang , Huang Yiming , Zhang Yi , Zhao Dong , Yu Yang , Zhong Lin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Liver transplantation (LT) recipients exhibit heightened susceptibility to infection and sepsis, which have emerged as the most prevalent and life-threatening complications significantly impacting prognosis. The etiological spectrum of organisms following LT has undergone substantial changes over recent decades.
Methods
This retrospective monocentric study included a consecutive cohort of 776 LT patients from 2010 to 2023, in contrast to our previous study conducted from 2007 to 2010. Infection was diagnosed as per the established definition, and sepsis was diagnosed based on the sepsis-3 criteria. Infection was diagnosed as per the established definition, and sepsis was diagnosed based on the sepsis-3 criteria. Samples were collected from infection sites, cultured, and isolated for further analysis.
Results
A total of 207 pathogens were isolated from 180 infection sites of 156 (20.1%) patients, comprising of 82 (39.6%) gram-positive bacteria, 90 (43.5%) gram-negative bacteria, and 35 (16.9%) fungi. Among the gram-positive bacteria, we identified Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in 18 cases, Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCNS) in 25 cases, and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) in 1 case. In terms of gram-negative bacteria, Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) was found in 8 cases (7 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 1 Escherichia coli), Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing bacteria were detected in 7 cases (5 Escherichia coli and 2 Enterobacter cloacae), Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) was found in 14 cases, and 2 cases had Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA). Advanced age, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and extended ICU stay were significantly associated with increased susceptibility to post-LT infections. Infected patients with bilirubin levels exceeding 90 μmol/L (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.46-8.24; P = 0.005) as well as drug-resistance bacterial infections (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.07-5.15; P = 0.033) were more likely to develop sepsis.
Conclusions
More than 45% of bacterial infections were caused by drug-resistant pathogens, with over 30% of gram-negative bacteria exhibiting carbapenem resistance. Implementation of strategies aimed at reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay may effectively decrease the incidence of post-liver transplantation infection. Furthermore, pre-transplant interventions targeting reduction in jaundice could potentially mitigate the risk of post-transplant sepsis.
Green landscape and macrophyte cover influence macroinvertebrate taxonomic and functional composition in urban waterbodies at multiple spatial scales
Authors: Robert Audrey , Pinel-Alloul Bernadette , Taranu Zofia E. , Harvey Eric 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Urban waterbodies provide important services to humans and play a considerable role in biodiversity conservation. Yet, we still know very little about how urban pond ecosystems may respond to ongoing and future stresses operating at multiple spatial scales. Here we examined the littoral macroinvertebrates in 20 urban waterbodies as an indicator community to assess how local waterbody condition and urban land use affected their taxonomic and functional composition. Although macroinvertebrates were diverse (total richness of 60 taxa ranging from 10 to 41), they were dominated by two major taxonomic groups, the Diptera Chironomidae (36%) and the Annelida Oligochaeta (22%), which largely represented the dominant functional group of the Collectors-Gatherers (63%). Fuzzy clustering identified four different types of communities based on taxonomic and functional groups. These reflected inversed gradients in the dominance of Collectors-Gatherers versus ponds with higher abundances of Herbivores (Gastropoda Pulmonata, Hemiptera, Trichoptera), Collectors-Filterers (Gastropoda Prosobranchia, Crustacea Ostracoda), Predators (Odonata), and Parasites (Nematoda, Hydracarina). Distance-based redundancy analysis identified macrophyte cover and green landscape (parks and buildings with yards) within a 100 m radius as the best drivers of macroinvertebrate taxonomic and functional composition. We also noted a comparable variance explained by models that included parks within a 500 m radius or buildings with yards within a 2000 m radius. Our results have implications for urban landscape management as it suggests that human alteration in the urban landscape can be transmitted at least up to 2000 m from ponds.