bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of presentation rate on auditory processing in Rett syndrome: event-related potential study
Authors: Kostanian Daria , Rebreikina Anna , Voinova Victoria , Sysoeva Olga 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Rett syndrome (RS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by mutations in the MECP2 gene. Patients with RS have severe motor abnormalities and are often unable to walk, use hands and speak. The preservation of perceptual and cognitive functions is hard to assess, while clinicians and care-givers point out that these patients need more time to process information than typically developing peers. Neurophysiological correlates of auditory processing have been also found to be distorted in RS, but sound presentation rates were relatively quick in these studies (stimulus onset asynchrony, SOA < 1000 ms). As auditory event-related potential (ERP) is typically increased with prolongation of SOA we aim to study if SOA prolongation might compensate for observed abnormalities.

Methods
We presented a repetitive stimulus (1000 Hz) at three different SOAs of 900 ms, 1800 ms, and 3600 ms in children with RS (N = 24, Mean age = 9.0 ± 3.1) and their typical development (TD) peers (N = 27, Mean age = 9.7 ± 3.4) while recording 28-channels electroencephalogram, EEG. Some RS participants (n = 10) did not show clear ERP and were excluded from the analysis.

Results
Major ERP components (here assessed as N1P1 and P2N1 peak-to-peak values) were smaller at SOA 900 than at longer SOAs in both groups, pointing out that the basic mechanism of adaptation in the auditory system is preserved in at least in RS patients with evident ERPs. At the same time the latencies of these components were significantly delayed in the RS than in TD. Moreover, late components (P2N1 and N2P2) were drastically reduced in Rett syndrome irrespective of the SOA, suggesting a largely affected mechanism of integration of upcoming sensory input with memory. Moreover, developmental stagnation of auditory ERP characterized patients with RS: absence of typical P2N1 enlargement and P1 and N1 shortening with age at least for shortest SOA.

Limitations
We could not figure out the cause for the high percentage of no-evident ERP RS participants and our final sample of the RS group was rather small. Also, our study did not include a control clinical group.

Conclusions
Thus, auditory ERPs inform us about abnormalities within auditory processing that cannot be fully overcomed by slowing presentation rate.
Facilitating exit from encampments: combining low-barrier transitional housing with stabilizing treatment for substance related problems
Authors: Komaromy Miriam , Stone Andrea , Peterson Alicia , Gott Jacqueline , Koenig Rob , Taylor Jessica L. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Tent encampments in the neighborhood surrounding Boston Medical Center (BMC) grew to include 336 individuals at points between 2019 and 21, prompting public health concerns. BMC, the City of Boston, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts partnered in 2/2022 to offer low-barrier transitional housing to encampment residents and provide co-located clinical stabilization services for community members with substance use disorders (SUDs) experiencing homelessness.

Methods
To meet the needs of some of the people who had been living in encampments, BMC established in a former hotel: 60 beds of transitional housing, not contingent upon sobriety; and a low-barrier SUD-focused clinic for both housing residents and community members, offering walk-in urgent care, SUD medications, and infection screening/prevention; and a 24/7 short-stay stabilization unit to manage over-intoxication, withdrawal, and complications of substance use (e.g., abscesses, HIV risk, psychosis). A secure medication-dispensing cabinet allows methadone administration for withdrawal management. Housing program key metrics include retention in housing, transition to permanent housing, and engagement in SUD treatment and case management. Clinical program key metrics include patient volume, and rates of initiation of medication for opioid use disorder.

Results
Housing: Between 2/1/22–1/31/2023, 100 people entered the low-barrier transitional housing (new residents admitted as people transitioned out); 50 former encampment residents and 50 unhoused people referred by Boston Public Health Commission. Twenty-five residents transferred to permanent housing, eight administratively discharged, four incarcerated, and four died (two overdoses, two other substance-related). The remaining 59 residents remain housed; none voluntarily returned to homelessness. One hundred residents (100%) engaged with case management, and 49 engaged with SUD treatment. Clinical: In the first 12 months, 1722 patients (drawn from both the housing program and community) had 7468 clinical visits. The most common SUDs were opioid (84%), cocaine (54%) and alcohol (47%) and 61% of patients had a co-occurring mental health diagnosis in the preceding 24-months. 566 (33%) patients were started on methadone and accepted at an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP).

Conclusions
During the 1st year of operation, low-barrier transitional housing plus clinical stabilization care was a feasible and acceptable model for former encampment residents, 49% of whom engaged with SUD treatment, and 25% of whom transitioned to permanent housing.
Birth-related, medical, and diagnostic characteristics in younger versus older children with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
Authors: Brosig Luise , Düplois Dominik , Hiemisch Andreas , Kiess Wieland , Hilbert Anja , Schlensog-Schuster Franziska , Schmidt Ricarda 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Although avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) presents the replacement and extension of feeding disorders of infancy and childhood, previous research into ARFID concentrated mainly on older patients. While birth-related characteristics play an etiologic role in feeding disorders, virtually nothing is known so far in ARFID. Therefore, the first aim of the study was to identify differences in birth-related characteristics in younger vs. older children with ARFID. Second, differences in physical and mental comorbidities, and third, diagnostic features between age groups were analysed.

Methods
Among N = 51 in- and outpatient treatment-seeking patients, n = 23 patients aged 0–5 years (30% girls) and n = 28 patients aged 6–17 years (57% girls), with an interview-based diagnosis of ARFID were included. Data on the pre- and perinatal period and mental and physical comorbidities were derived from patients’ medical records, while diagnostic criteria, main ARFID presentation, and sociodemographic variables were collected through diagnostic interview.

Results
Significantly, younger patients with ARFID were born more often preterm and had more pre- and perinatal complications and a higher incidence of postnatal invasive procedures. Patients with ARFID aged 0–5 years presented significantly more physical comorbidities and conditions, especially congenital anomalies, while mental comorbidities, especially mood disorders, were significantly more common in patients with ARFID aged 6–17 years. No age differences were found for the distribution of diagnostic criteria and main ARFID presentation.

Conclusion
This is the first study which aimed to identify age-specific characteristics in patients with ARFID with potential relevance for diagnosis and treatment. Especially birth-related complications, including invasive procedures postnatally, may be associated with developing ARFID, highlighting the importance of a closer view on these potential risk factors of the disorder. Future research with longitudinal design and larger samples may allow more detailed information on further age-specific associations, symptom trajectories, and age-specific risk factors for ARFID.
Rater cognitive processes in integrated writing tasks: from the perspective of problem-solving
Authors: Jia Wenfeng , Zhang Peixin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIt is widely believed that raters’ cognition is an important aspect of writing assessment, as it has both logical and temporal priority over scores. Based on a critical review of previous research in this area, it is found that raters’ cognition can be boiled to two fundamental issues: building text images and strategies for articulating scores. Compared to the scoring contexts of previous research, the TEM 8 integrated writing task scoring scale has unique features. It is urgent to know how raters build text images and how they articulate scores for text images in the specific context of rating TEM8 compositions. In order to answer these questions, the present study conducted qualitative research by considering raters as problem solvers in the light of problem-solving theory. Hence, 6 highly experienced raters were asked to verbalize their thoughts simultaneously while rating TEM 8 essays, supplemented by a retrospective interview. Analyzing the collected protocols, we found that with regard to research question 1, the raters went through two stages by setting building text images as isolated nodes and building holistic text images for each dimension as two sub-goals, respectively. In order to achieve the first sub-goal, raters used strategies such as single foci evaluating, diagnosing, and comparing; for the second sub-goal, they mainly used synthesizing and comparing. Regarding the second question, the results showed that they resorted to two groups of strategies: demarcating boundaries between scores within a dimension and discriminating between dimensions, each group consisting of more specific processes. Each of the extracted processes was defined clearly and their relationships were delineated, on the basis of which a new working model of the rating process was finalized. Overall, the present study deepens our understanding of rating processes and provides evidence for the scoring validity of the TEM 8 integrated writing test. It also provides implications for rating practice, such as the need for the distinction between two types of analytical rating scales.
A multi-analytical approach to identify ancient pigments used in pottery towers excavated from the Han Dynasty tombs
Authors: Go InHee , Wen Jingqi , He Xiang , Liu Naitao , Guo Hong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In 2013, several tombs were discovered and excavated in Southeastern Beijing, China, yielding various burial products. Among these were pottery towers, a representative artifact of the Han Dynasty rarely found in the area. Many studies on architectural aspects, such as construction type and construction situation, have been conducted based on the excavated pottery towers, but only a few have examined their raw materials or pigments. In this study, black, white, and red pigments were identified as carbon black, calcite, and cinnabar, respectively, through a multi-analysis approach. The manufacturing method of the pigment was established based on the crystal form and particle size of the pigment, by factoring in the pigment characteristics, which cannot be distinguished by component analysis and crystal structure analysis. We recommend that a continuous database be prepared and used in the future, not only for an interpretation of ancient pigments but also to identify the factors to be considered (physical characteristics, such as pigment particle size among others) when estimating the manufacturing process and conservation treatment.
Inhibition of pathogen and induction of resistance against early blight: Alternaria solani Sorauer in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) through external application of compounds from seaweed Chaetomorpha antennina Bory
Authors: Chanthini Kanagaraj Muthu-Pandian , Senthil-Nathan Sengottayan , Sivanesh Haridoss , Ramasubramanian Ramakrishnan , Stanley-Raja Vethamonickam , Karthi Sengodan , Shyam-Sundar Narayanan , Ali Mohammad Ajmal , Alwahibi Mona S. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The indiscriminate application of pesticides has depleted soil fertility. Marine algae are regarded as excellent sources of bioactive compounds that can stimulate plant growth and also enhance their resistance against biotic and abiotic stressors. Compounds derived from the marine algae Chaetomorpha antennina (Cladophoraceae) were analysed for their biocontrol efficiency against the tomato disease pathogen Alternaria solani as an alternate technique to preserve agricultural output sustainability.

Results
The active fraction from the methanol extract of C. antennina (CA-F8) proved effective against the pathogen in vitro by affecting A. solani's spore germination (92.13%) along with their mycelial growth thereby decreasing their dry weight (44.71%). GC–MS examination revealed the presence of fatty acids (defence pathway activators), terpenes (antimicrobial compound) and antioxidants (deactivators of pathogen enzymes). Seaweed compounds also elicited polyphenol oxidase (PPO) (78.8%) and peroxidase (PO) (54.6%) synthesis, along with stimulating the accumulation of foliar phenols (67.5%) that are components of jasmonic acid defense pathway, higher compared to control plants. Salicylic acid was detected only in treated plants, thereby offering efficient disease control.

Conclusions
By triggering natural systemic defences, salicylate (SA) and jasmonate (JA) mediated pathways; the study demonstrates the elicitor potentials of chemicals from C. antennina that was efficient in controlling early blight (EB) disease. In addition to providing a different method for crop protection to reduce or replace the demand for chemical pesticides, this study reveals unique projections.

Graphical Abstract
Organic fertilizer and hydrothermal conditions change the distribution of Medicago sativa L. productivity and soil bacterial diversity in coastal saline soil
Authors: Cao Jing , Li Zhensong , He Feng , Tong Zongyong , Wang Yu , Wang Lixue , Zheng Guiliang , Zhang Yiwei 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a perennial leguminous forage that can improve the properties of saline soil. In addition, the supplementation with fertilizer to promote soil bacterial activity is critical to improve the productivity of coastal saline soils. However, the association between fertilizer application, bacterial community characteristics, and alfalfa yield in saline soil remains unclear.

Aim
To understand the interaction of different fertilizer and environmental factors on soil bacterial diversity and alfalfa yield in coastal saline soil.

Results
A 4-year field study was conducted to examine the interaction of different fertilizer treatments and environmental factors on soil bacterial diversity and alfalfa yield in coastal saline soil in China. Three organic fertilizer treatments (fulvic acid potassium, fulvic acid potassium + wood vinegar, and fulvic acid potassium + Bacillus), one biochar treatment (bio-charcoal), one inorganic fertilizer treatment (diammonium phosphate), and a control (no fertilizer) were included. The effects of the six treatments and 15 cutting times on alfalfa yield and soil bacterial community diversity were assessed. The productivity in fulvic acid potassium + Bacillus and fulvic acid potassium treatments was 68.37 and 67.90 t·hm−2 in 4 years, which was significantly higher than that in the bio-charcoal treatment and control. Hydrothermal conditions and timing of alfalfa harvest had significant effects on the soil bacterial community. Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the principal bacterial phyla detected in the soil samples, collectively accounting for approximately 60% of the total bacterial abundance. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Nitrospirae was significantly correlated with alfalfa yield, and the abundance of these phyla was also affected by the maximum temperature and precipitation. Fertilizer supplementation in coastal saline soil can effectively increase the yield of alfalfa. Among the fertilizers tested, fulvic acid potassium had the strongest effect, whereas bio-charcoal fertilizer had little effect on alfalfa yield.

Graphical Abstract
Reducing dropout rate through a deep learning model for sustainable education: long-term tracking of learning outcomes of an undergraduate cohort from 2018 to 2021
Authors: Shiao Yi-Tzone , Chen Cheng-Huan , Wu Ke-Fei , Chen Bae-Ling , Chou Yu-Hui , Wu Trong-Neng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn recent years, initiatives and the resulting application of precision education have been applied with increasing frequency in Taiwan; the accompanying discourse has focused on identifying potential applications for artificial intelligence and how to use learning analytics to improve teaching quality and learning outcomes. This study used the established dropout risk prediction model to improve student learning effectiveness. The model was based on the academic portfolios of past students and built with statistical learning and deep learning methods. This study used this model to predict the dropout risk of 2205 freshmen enrolled in the fall semester of 2018 (graduated in June 2022) in the field of sustainable education. A total of 176 students with a dropout risk of more than 20% were considered high-risk students. After tracking and the appropriate guidance, the dropout risk of 91 students fell from > 20% to < 20%. To discuss the results from the perspective of gender and financial disadvantages, the improvement rate of the dropout risk for male students was 10.2% better than that of female students at 2.9%. The improvement rate in dropout risk for students with disadvantageous financial situations was as high as 12.0%, surpassing the 5.9% rate among general students. Overall, the dropout rate in the second year of the 2018 freshman cohort was lower than that of the 2016 and 2017 freshman cohorts. A predictive model established by statistical learning and deep learning methods was used as a tool to promote precision education, accurately and efficiently identifying students who are having difficulty learning, as well as leading to a better understanding of AI (artificial intelligence) in smart learning for sustainable education.
Cross-sectional study: prevalence of oedema disease Escherichia coli (EDEC) in weaned piglets in Germany at pen and farm levels
Authors: Berger Pia I. , Hermanns Steffen , Kerner Katharina , Schmelz Friederike , Schüler Verena , Ewers Christa , Bauerfeind Rolf , Doherr Marcus G. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundEscherichia colibacteria capable of producing the toxin Stx2e and possessing F18-fimbriae (edema diseaseE. coli,EDEC) are considered causative agents of porcine oedema disease. This disease, which usually occurs in piglets shortly after weaning, has a high lethality in affected animals and can lead to high economic losses in piglet rearing. The aim of this cross-sectional field study was to determine the prevalence of EDEC in weaned piglets in Germany at pen and farm levels.ResultsNinety-nine farms with unknown history of infections with shigatoxin-producingE. coli(STEC) and oedema disease were sampled. On each farm, up to five pens were selected for sampling (n = 481). The piglets in these pens were at an age 1–3 weeks after weaning. Single faecal samples (n = 2405) and boot swabs (n = 479) were collected from the floor. On 50 farms, cotton ropes were additionally used to collect oral fluid samples (n = 185) and rope wash out samples (n = 231) from the selected pens. All samples were analyzed by bacterial culture combined with a duplex PCR for the presence of the corresponding genesstx2eandfedA(major subunit protein of F18 fimbriae). In addition, whole DNA specimens extracted from boot swabs, oral fluid samples, and rope wash out samples were directly examined by duplex PCR for DNA ofstx2eandfedA.A pen was classified as positive if at least one of the samples, regardless of the technique, yielded a positive result in the PCR, and farms were considered positive if at least one pen was classified as positive. Overall, genesstx2eandfedAwere found simultaneously in 24.9% (95% CI 22.1–29.1%) of sampled pens and in 37.4% (95% CI 27.9–47.7%) of sampled farms. Regardless of the presence of F18-fimbriae,Escherichia coliencoding for Stx2e (STEC-2e) were found in 35.1% (95% CI 31.0–39.1%) of the pens and 53.5% (95% CI 44.4–63.6%) of the farms sampled.ConclusionsEscherichia colistrains considered capable to cause oedema disease in swine (EDEC) are highly prevalent in the surveyed pig producing farms in Germany. Due to intermittent shedding of EDEC and a potentially low within-farm prevalence, we recommend a combination of different sampling techniques for EDEC monitoring at pen and farm levels. Further studies are needed to understand which STEC-2e strains really pose the risk of causing severe porcine disease.
Mapping stunted children in Ethiopia using two decades of data between 2000 and 2019. A geospatial analysis through the Bayesian approach
Authors: Atalell Kendalem Asmare , Techane Masresha Asmare , Terefe Bewuketu , Tamir Tadesse Tarik 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Childhood stunting is a major public health problem globally, resulting in poor cognition and educational performance, low adult wages, low productivity, and an increased risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases in adulthood life. Accurate and reliable data on the prevalence of stunting over time with a sub-national estimate are scarce in Ethiopia.

Objective
Our objective was to investigate the spatiotemporal distributions and ecological level drivers of stunting among under-five children over time in Ethiopia.

Methods
A geospatial analysis using the Bayesian framework was employed to map the spatial variations of stunting among children aged less than five years. The data for the primary outcome were obtained from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (2000–2019) and covariates data were accessed from different publicly available credible sources. The spatial binomial regression model was fitted to identify drivers of child stunting using the Bayesian approach.

Result
The national prevalence of stunting was 47.9 in 2000, 43.3 in 2005, 37.3 in 2011, 36.6 in 2016, and 35.9 in 2019, with a total reduction rate of 25%. Substantial spatial clustering of stunting was observed in the Northern (Tigray), Northcentral (Amhara), and Northwestern (Amhara) parts of Ethiopia. Temperature (mean regression coefficient (β): −0.19; 95% credible interval (95% CrI): −0.25, −0.12) and population density (β: −0.012; 95% CrI: −0.016, −0.009) were negatively associated with stunting, whereas travel time to the nearest cities (β: 0.12; 95% CrI: 0.064, 0.17) was positively associated with child stunting in Ethiopia.

Conclusion
The prevalence of stunting varied substantially at subnational and local levels over time. Clustering of stunted children were observed in the Northern parts of Ethiopia. Temperature, population density and travel time to the nearest cities were identified as the drivers of stunting in children. Improving community awareness of child nutrition through community health extension programs should be strengthened.