bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shoreline evolution along Benin coast using satellite data through CASSIE Tool
Authors: BONOU Frederic , METEM Raïssa Christelle MADIESSEU , Almeida Luis Pedro , Angnuureng Donatus , Sohou Zacharie 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Satellite imagery has been used to understand coastal dynamics. In order to better adapt to the impacts of climate change, it is imperative to continuously monitor coastal zones. To this end, automatic shoreline mapping and analysis tools such as Coastal Analyst System from Space Imagery Engine (CASSIE) are now in use. The aim of this study is to analyze the coastal dynamics along Benin coast, by assessing the rate of shoreline evolution generated by CASSIE tool basing on satellites images from 1984 to 2023, evaluating erosion trends over the entire Benin coastal zone, and determining the different hotspot along this coast. To assess the coastal features of the CASSIE tool, the method based on satellite data and the video camera system at Grand Popo was used, drawing on Sentinel 2 and Landsat data. It can be seen that shoreline generated by CASSIE are within the range of values read by the camera data. Cloudy images were rigorously eliminated. Nonetheless, shorelines detected by Sentinel2 moderately reproduce those in-situ and highlight the strong erosion trend evident during summer and mainly during July and August. In general, Benin's shoreline is marked by alternating, erosion, stability situation, accretion from Hilacondji to Cotonou . Zones of very strong erosion are recorded on beaches bordering protection structures (groynes) at the eastern part of Cotonou Harbor, which are classified as critical erosion with more than 15 m/year of erosion sites while significant accretion is obtained at western part of PAC over the period of 1984 to 2023.
Orthopaedic Surgeons' Attitude Toward Physical Activity for People after Total Hip or Knee replacement: Northern vs Southern European country
Authors: Zinno Raffaele , Akker-Scheek Inge , Pinelli Erika , Bragonzoni Laura , Stevens Martin , Mazzotta Alessandro , Iliescu Alina , Manunta Andrea Fabio , Marin Andreea , Dimitrova Ani , Stensdotter Ann-Katrin , Paggetti Cristiano , Dallari Dante , Tamburini Elena , Benvenuti Francesco , Pegreffi Francesco , Barone Giuseppe , Østerås Havard , Ciobanu Ileana , Dimitrov Ivo , Helbostad Jorunn Laegdheim , Yoncheva Lora , Massini Maria Scoppolini , Teodorescu Matei , Tsvetanova Maya , Berteanu Mihai , Unsgaard-Tøndel Monica , Shalamanova Natalya , Todorov Nicolay , Hals Odd Magne , Shalamanova Rumyana , Geli Simona , Cardinale Umberto , Mooiweer Yvet 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
Regular physical activity (PA) is a key factor of lifestyle behavior enhancing general health and fitness, especially in people after total hip or knee replacement (THR and TKR). Orthopedic surgeons can play a primary role in advocating the benefits of an active lifestyle. Aim of the study was 1) to assess the attitude of orthopaedic surgeons towards PA for people after THR/TKR and 2) to compare the attitude between a Northern European (the Netherlands) and a Southern European (Italy) country and analyze which factors influence the attitude towards PA.
Methods:
A cross-cultural study. An (online) survey was distributed among orthopaedic surgeons in Italy and the Netherlands. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to determine the underlying factor structure of the questionnaire. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare surgeons’ and clinics’ characteristics, and questionnaires’ factors score, respectively. A linear regression analysis was conducted to assess which surgeon characteristics influence attitude towards PA.
Results:
A cohort of 159 surgeons (103 Italians and 56 Dutch) were analyzed. The median score of overall orthopaedic surgeons’ attitude towards PA was 57 (out of 72). Dutch surgeons showed a more positive attitude compared to Italian surgeons (p < 0.01). Main difference was found in the “Physical activity concern” factor, where Italian surgeons showed more concern about the negative effects of PA on the survival of the prosthesis. The regression analyses showed that “Country” and “Type of clinic” were associated with the surgeons’ attitude.
Conclusions:
Overall, the orthopaedic surgeons’ attitude towards PA for people with THR and TKR was positive. However, Dutch surgeons seem to be more positive compared to the Italian. The country of residence was the item that most influenced attitude. Further investigations are needed to untangle specific factors, such as cultural, socioeconomic, or contextual differences within the variable “country” that may influence orthopaedic surgeons' attitudes towards PA. Educational pathways of orthopaedic surgeons should involve the more recent knowledge about the benefits of PA and sport, since they have the potential to promote physically active lifestyle in people after THR and TKR and as such, enhancing the health of their patients.
A Multi-step Data Assimilation framework to investigate the effect of measurement uncertainty in the reduction of water distribution network model errors
Authors: Fayaz Ibrahim Miflal , Alfonso Leonardo , Gama Mario Castro 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Water distribution network (WDN) models are a common decision support tool for understanding the behavior and performance of WDNs, aiding in the planning and management of WDN systems. The increasing availability of real-time data has recently promoted the exploration of Data Assimilation (DA) techniques to improve these models. However, flow, pressure and demand data are uncertain, particularly due to sensor characteristics such as precision and noise. An open question is to what extent DA can still improve hydraulic models when the data used to this end is uncertain. This paper proposes a three-step Ensemble Kalman Filter based DA approach for WDNs (3-EnKF-WDN), building on previous approaches, and advancing in two main fronts: the use of extended period simulation, and the use of pressure-dependent demand (PDD) analysis. Different scenarios considering uncertain sensor data, with varied precision and noise, are applied to two networks of different sizes, representative of real-world WDNs. The computational demand of the 3-EnKF-WDN method is also assessed. Results show that increasing sensor's precision and decreasing the noise in state measurements reduce model error, as expected. However, we also found that model errors: 1) are reduced more effectively by using 3-EnKF-WDN than by increasing sensors' precision; 2) are not reduced if certain noise thresholds are surpassed; 3) can be reduced without assimilating demand data if the WDNs are fully monitored with head sensors in all the nodes and flow sensors in all the links.
A moderately higher time-in-range threshold improves the prognosis of type-2 diabetes patients complicated with COVID-19
Authors: Cong Riping , Zhang Jianbo , Xu Lujia , Zhang Yujian , Wang Hao , Wang Jing , Wang Wei , Diao Yingli , Liu Haijiao , Zhang Jing , Tang Kuanxiao 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
After fully lifting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic control measures in mainland China in 12/2022, the incidence of COVID-19 has increased markedly, making it difficult to meet the general time-in-range (TIR) requirement. We investigated a more clinically practical TIR threshold and examined its association with the prognosis of COVID-19 patients with type-2 diabetes. Sixty-three type-2 diabetes patients complicated with COVID-19 were evaluated. Patient information included epidemiological and laboratory characteristics, treatment options and outcomes. The percentages of time-above-range (TAR), time-below-range (TBR) and TIR were calculated from intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring. The composite end point included a >20-day length of stay, intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation use, or death. TIR with thresholds of 80 to 190 mg/dL was significantly associated with favorable outcomes. An increase of 1% in TIR is connected with a reduction of 3.70% in the risk of adverse outcomes. The Youden index was highest when the TIR was 54.73%, and the sensitivity and specificity were 58.30% and 77.80%, respectively. After accounting for confounding variables, our analysis revealed that threshold target ranges (TARs) ranging from 200 mg/dL to 230 mg/dL significantly augmented the likelihood of adverse outcomes.The TIR threshold of 80 to 190 mg/dL has a comparatively high predictive value of the prognosis of COVID-19. TIR >54.73% was associated with a decreased risk of adverse outcomes. These findings provide clinically critical insights into possible avenues to improve outcomes for COVID-19 patients with type-2 diabetes.
Molecular systematics and taxonomy reveal three new wood-inhabiting fungal species (Basidiomycota) from southern China
Authors: Li Qi , Luo Yunxuan , Zhao Changlin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Three new wood-inhabiting fungal species, Lyomyces australis, L. lancangjiangensis and Mycobernardia yunnanensis are proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Lyomyces australis is characterized by a smooth hymenophore, a monomitic hyphal system with the generative hyphae having clamp connections, the presence of fusoid cystidia, and ellipsoid basidiospores (4–5.3 × 2.5–3 µm); L. lancangjiangensis is characterized by a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, fusiform and capitate cystidia, and ellipsoid basidiospores (4.5–5.8 × 2.8–4.5 µm). Mycobernardia yunnanensis is characterized by a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and allantoid basidiospores (4.5–6.3 × 2–3 µm). Sequences of ITS and nLSU rDNA markers of the studied samples were generated and phylogenetic analyses were performed with the maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The phylogram inferred from the ITS dataset revealed that L. australis formed a monophyletic lineage and was grouped closely with L. crustosus, L. juniperi, L. niveus and L. ochraceoalbus. Additionally, L. lancangjiangensis grouped closely with L. albopulverulentus and L. bambusinus with strong supports. Sequences of the ITS + LSU rDNA markers of seven genera related to the genus Mycobernardia within the families Corticiaceae were generated and carried out the phylogenetic analyses, in which the result of the phylogenetic analysis indicated that the new species belong to the genus Mycobernardia, and the species M. yunnanensis was sister to M. incrustan.
e-Cigarette Use among Ecuadorian Students: A Comprehensive Study across Different Educational Levels
Authors: Cherrez-Ojeda Ivan , Osorio Maria F. , Robles-Velasco Karla , Calderón Juan C. , Faytong-Haro Marco , Queirolo Luis Stward , Cevallos-Levicek Denisse , Zevallos Juan C , Espinoza Fernando , Farber Harold J. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction: Although the World Health Organization requires monitoring of e-cigarette use and up to 40% of youth who self-identified as Hispanic/Latino have reported the ever-use of electronic vapor products in the US, there has been limited research describing the prevalence and patterns of E-cigarette use in Latin America. For this reason, we aim to explore e-cigarette use among Ecuadorian students from various educational levels, such as primary, secondary, and university.
Methods: A cross-sectional was conducted in 2022 using the US Centers for Disease Control National Youth Tobacco Survey. Participants were students aged 10 years and older from Ecuador. They were categorized as never-, current- or former-users. The same categories were applied to combusted cigarettes. The IRB approval was HCK-CEISH-2022-003. Stata 17.0 was used to perform descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests to explore the associations between e-cigarette use and demographic variables.
Results: Of 3608 participants, 16% were current e-cigarette users, 21% former users and 63% never users. Among current users, 3.41% belonged to primary school, 25.3% to secondary and 61% to university. Age of initiation of an e-cigarette was 12 ± 4 years. More than half of current users has ever tried a combusted cigarette. 62% used disposable devices, 75% of surveyed vaped nicotine and more than 90% used flavored e-cigarettes, being fruit the most used flavor.
Conclusions: This is the first study to show the youth's e-cigarette use trends and preferences in Ecuador. Our findings point to a substantial public health risk for Ecuadorian youth.
Study on the Internal Flow State and Local Resistance of a Bend under Different Operating Conditions
Authors: Wang Jie , Song Chongfang , Pan Wuxuan , Yan Yajing , Zhao Ke 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
At present, to reduce the energy consumption of buildings and thereby decrease carbon emissions, the research on the internal flow mechanism of local components represented by elbows has been paid more and more attention in heating, cooling and water supply systems. In this paper, the study delves into the mechanisms behind fluid flow pattern changes in elbows, examining factors such as the causes of fluid flow pattern changes, the dynamic mechanisms of uneven pressure distribution, and mechanical properties. Comparative analyses were conducted on the changes in local resistance coefficient, center section velocity, and wall shear stress of elbows under various conditions. The results revealed that, the local resistance coefficients of bending pipes with different pipe diameters do not completely change according to the power function law at the same inlet flow velocity. Further analysis of the mechanical properties and dynamic mechanisms in elbows with these pipe diameters indicates that the observed results are attributed to various factors, including fluid velocity and wall shear stress. It is found that the result is caused by many factors such as fluid velocity and wall shear stress. With the increase of pipe diameter, the influence of the turning section on the fluid decreases, and the curvature effect of the pipe also weakens. This study offers theoretical insights for drag reduction optimization of local components in heating, cooling, and water supply pipelines.
Effect of Organic Fertilizer Solutions on the Growth and Yield of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
Authors: Rajapaksha Ishara , Vibodhani Nisansala , Harshana Maleesha , Jayathilaka Dilki , Munasinghe Udara , Bandara Shaliya , Jayamal Vishwa , Bandara Samadhi , Rathnayake Sanduni , Madusanka Harsha , Alahakoon Chamitha , Madushani Pamuditha , Kavinda Kasun , Wijesekara Nethmi , Wijesundara Imasha , Kodithuwakku Chamod , Balasooriya Chandu , Madushanka Tharindu , Rathnayaka Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage Sangeeth Maduranga Bandara 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Tomato, a popular Sri Lankan vegetable, faces challenges in yields due to inadequate chemical fertilizer access, impacting growers' livelihoods. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the use of organic fertilizer solutions compared to the prevailing fertilizing practices. For that, recommended N, P, and K fertilizers (Chemical fertilizers), organic fertilizer solutions, organic fertilizer solutions + Albert’s solution and Albert’s solution only were tested. Two organic fertilizer solutions were prepared and applied aiming at two growth stages of the plant. The first solution included cow dung, Glyricidia leaves, and dried banana leaves. It was applied throughout the vegetative phase of the plant. The second solution included cow dung, Glyricidia leaves, egg shells, and banana peels and it was applied aiming at the reproductive stage of the plant. Results indicated that compared to the chemical fertilizers, the use of organic fertilizer solutions had a higher number of leaves per plant 12 weeks after planting (10.27 ± 0.45) and a higher root length (35.53 ± 3.22 cm) at the end of the life span. Also compared to the other treatments, they showed a higher fruit fresh weight (g) and a fruit diameter (cm). There were no significant differences (p < 0.05) among treatments for the Total Soluble Solid content (Brix %) and pH. Additionally, though the total weight of fruits per plant and the total number of fruits per plant were lower, better results were given with the plants treated with the organic fertilizer solutions.
Relationship between State Anxiety, Heart Rate Variability, and Shooting Performance in Adolescent Shooters
Authors: Zhao Chaochao , Wang Kun , Li Dan , Li Yan , Wang Zhuo , Liu Yongsen , Zhang Tingran 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the key factors affecting the shooting performance of young shooters, and to reveal the correlation between pre-competition state anxiety, inter-competition heart rate variability (HRV), and shooting performance, to provide a basis and reference for scientific monitoring and evaluation of the athletic state of shooters.
Methods
A total of 45 adolescent shooters were selected in Chongqing, China, and completed 40 effective shots at self-pace in real shooting scenes. The pre-competition state anxiety, inter-competition HRV, and shooting performance of the athletes were monitored and evaluated respectively.
Results
1) There was a significant difference in the pre-match state anxiety of the adolescent shooters, which showed that the cognitive state anxiety and physical state anxiety of the first-level athletes were significantly lower than those of the second-level athletes, while the state confidence was significantly higher than that of the second-level athletes. 2) There were significant differences in HRV of athletes with different sports levels during the competition, showing that the RMSSD, TP, and HFn of the first-level athletes were significantly higher than those of second-level athletes, while LFn was significantly lower than the latter. 3) The shooting performance of first-level athletes was significantly better than that of second-level athletes. 4) Among adolescent shooters of different grades, there was a significant correlation between pre-competition state anxiety, inter-competition HRV, and shooting performance. The negative dimension of state anxiety was positively correlated with sympathetic activity in HRV, negatively correlated with parasympathetic activity, and negatively correlated with shooting performance. The positive dimension of state anxiety was negatively correlated with sympathetic activity in HRV, positively correlated with parasympathetic activity, and significantly positively correlated with motor performance.
Conclusion
Adolescent shooters with higher sports levels usually have better pre-competition mental state and emotional regulation ability, and could better maintain autonomic nerve dynamic balance and focus attention resources on shooting tasks during the competition, so it was easier to achieve good shooting performance. Meanwhile, pre-competition state anxiety and HRV during competition could be used as objective indicators to monitor and evaluate the competitive state of young shooters.
The effect of temperature on the current-carrying tribological behevior of C/Cu contact pairs in high humidity environments
Authors: Ji De-Hui , Xiao Li , Hu Qiang , Chen Siyang , Li Qiuping , Shen Mingxue 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The environmental temperature alters the frictional behaviour by changing the state of the current-carrying contact interface, which makes the electrical contact invalid. In this work, the effects of three different temperatures (-20 ℃, 0, 20 ℃) on the current-carrying tribological behaviour of C-Cu tribo-pairs in high humidity environment (85%) were discussed. The evolution laws of friction coefficient, wear volume, contact surface properties, and contact resistance of C-Cu contact pairs under the coupling effect of temperature and current were studied, and the current- carrying wear mechanism of C-Cu at low temperature was analyzed in depth. The friction coefficient at each temperature exhibits a similar changing rule before and after current-carrying, demonstrating that the friction coefficient increases as temperature falls. However, the average friction coefficient at each temperature is lower than that without current. Although it will hasten the material surface's oxidation, a drop in ambient temperature will effectively lessen the transfer behavior of copper to carbon surface and reduce the wear volume of carbon material. The amount of copper transferred increases as current rises. Compared with the current, the change of temperature has a greater impact on the damage of tribo-pairs. At room temperature, the contact resistance under high current is greater than that of low current, the low temperature is just the opposite. In addition, at 0℃, although the contact resistance of low current (5 A) decreases significantly in the early stage of friction, its average resistance and fluctuation amplitude are the largest. As the temperature decreases, the current-carrying wear mechanism of C-Cu contact pairs gradually changes from adhesive wear to fatigue wear.
Drawing a line from CO2 emissions to health - Evaluation of medical students’ knowledge and attitudes towards climate change and health following a novel serious game: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Stevens Merel , Israel Adriana , Nusselder Anouk , Mattijsen Juliette C. , Chen Feng , Erasmus Vicki , Beeck Ed van , Otto Suzie 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Education is urgently needed to equip medical students with knowledge, values and skills to promote planetary health. However, the current literature offers little insight into evidence-based approaches and best practices. In response to this pressing need, a novel serious game was introduced into the medical curriculum at Erasmus Medical Center in 2023. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of medical students after they had played a serious game that addresses climate change and health.
Methods
In accordance with a mixed-methods design, quantitative data were collected using pre- and post-intervention surveys. Differences were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Focus group discussions were held after the game to explore the underlying mechanisms that led to the changes in knowledge and attitudes as identified in the survey. The transcripts were then thematically analysed.
Results
145 students played the game, of which 59 (40.7%) students completed the pre- and post-intervention surveys. After the game, self-reported knowledge and the proportion of students who recognized the importance of climate change education, to inform patients and society about the health impacts of climate change, significantly increased. Moreover, survey results indicated a significant increase in climate worry subsequent to the game. Eleven students participated in the focus group discussions. Thematic analysis highlighted participants’ reflections on the roles and responsibilities in climate change and health, along with their recognition of climate and health co-benefits as tools for action. Another significant aspect was the importance participants placed on learning alongside peers with diverse attitudes. Additionally, participants appreciated the tangible overview of climate change and health provided by the serious game.
Conclusions
Our novel serious game positively influenced medical students’ knowledge and attitudes towards climate change and health. The accompanying climate worry needs attention through the empowerment of students’ agency to foster change.