bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A NOVEL <i>LOXHD1</i> PATHOGENIC VARIANT IN GREECE: CASE STUDY OF A DNFB77 NONSYNDROMIC HEARING IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Kalentakis Zacharias , Stamataki Sofia 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundGenetic deficits cause 80% of congenital prelingual hearing loss. Some 80% of these cases are nonsyndromic and most follow an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. More than 80 genes have so far been identified as pathogenic. In this study, we focus on a recently mapped gene, <i>LOXHD1</i>, whose mutated form causes DFNB77 hearing loss, and find a new variant.Case reportThis is a case study of a 7-year-old male who was admitted to our audiology department with progressive hearing impairment. Pure tone audiometry showed bilateral symmetric hearing impairment, especially at mid to high frequencies. Acoustic immittance tests were normal, but transient evoked otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem responses were abnormal for both ears. After physical, clinical, and imaging evaluations, the patient and his parents were genetically tested. Genetic screening showed <i>LOXHD1</i> hearing loss with a novel combination of alleles, the first such case diagnosed in Greece. The patient now has hearing aids and is being regularly monitored.ConclusionsAutosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL), including DFNB77, is the most common sensory deficit in children. Our work describes the first <i>LOXHD1</i> hearing loss case diagnosed in Greece and adds a novel pathogenic variant to the list of pathogenic
<i>LOXHD1</i> gene variants.
Assessment of knowledge, perception and intent among health professional students on breastfeeding: A cross sectional study
Authors: Mishra Anshita , Hossain Samar , Goswami Shweta , Arora Hobinder , Arora Ekta 
Published: January 2024

To assess knowledge, perception, and intention regarding breastfeeding among medical students. This cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, perception, and intentions of 198 third-year medical students at Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, regarding breastfeeding. Indicated that 69.6% had average knowledge, with only 3% demonstrating good knowledge. The mean score was 6.39 ± 4.940. Gender and attendance of prior lectures did not significantly influence knowledge levels. The study explored participants' perceptions of breastfeeding policies and found no significant gender-based differences. Additionally, 55 students expressed intent to work in Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) in the future. While not statistically significant, their knowledge scores were higher. The study emphasizes the importance of enhancing breastfeeding education among medical students and highlights the potential role of future healthcare professionals in promoting optimal breastfeeding practices.
The Impact of Covid-19 On the Economic Growth of Sacu Countries
Authors: Mmolawa Wame , Kahaka Zibanani 
Published: January 2024

The objective of this research was to appraise the influence of COVID-19 on the economic expansion of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) countries, using yearly averages from the period 2010 to 2021. Prior research has focused on the effect of COVID-19 on the global economy, with limited studies conducted on the economic consequences of the pandemic in the SACU region. The economies of the SACU member states depend on international trade. A panel data random of fixed effects analysis was employed. The results showed a significant negative impact of the lockdown period on GDP per capita, suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial negative impact on the economic growth of SACU countries. As a result, the study recommends that there be an improvement in economic activities during any pandemic that may arise in the future. Moreover, there should be a reduction in import and export levies as so to improve trade. Finally, governments should increase their expenditure to bolster consumer demand during economic downturns caused by pandemics as well as, strengthen digital trade infrastructure and e-commerce capabilities to facilitate trade continuity during periods of limited physical movement.
Using computational thinking to teach foreign languages: A preliminary approach
Authors: Syropoulos Apostolos , Tatsiou Eleni , Wachter Renate 
Published: January 2024

Computational thinking is a teaching methodology that has been successfully applied to STEM education. However, its use outside STEM education seems to be quite limited. This study aims to report a small-scale experiment in which a small group of students were taught elements of the Greek language using STEM education methodology. Since computational thinking is mainly about algorithms and their use in teaching, the study has used some tools to implement the corresponding ideas. The results of this project are encouraging and the study indicates that language learning can greatly benefit from using computational thinking.
Keywords: Abstraction; Algorithm; Computational Thinking; Language Learning; Teaching.
Az élelmiszerjelölések szerepe a fogyasztók élelmiszerválasztásában
Authors: Tóth Ildikó , Szakály Zoltán 
Published: January 2024

One of the most important pillars of a healthy lifestyle is healthy nutritional value, in which FOP nutrition labels can support consumers in making the right decision. Nutrition-related diseases of civilization are a worldwide problem. A healthy diet is essential for overall well-being and the prevention of many chronic diseases. Special attention must be paid to the use of FOP nutrition values in order to prevention and healthy decision-making. It is important that people can interpret the nutritional quality of foods as simply as possible. The packaging has to provide realistic and accurate infromation about the product. This study describes four types of FOP nutrition labels used in the European Union: Nordic Keyhole, Nutri-Score, Traffic-Lights, NutrInform Battery. JEL-Code: M31
Automatic Edge App placement for personalized heart attack predictions
Authors: Upadrista Venkatesh , Nazir Sajid , Tianfield Huaglory 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Edge computing brings data processing, analytics and storage closer to the source, but the major limitation of edge devices is that they have limited processing power and storage. Some have argued that cloud can be a solution to overcome the edge computing limitations. However, performing all tasks on the cloud introduces latency issues. Therefore, we need a solution that can use edge and cloud computing intelligently and interchangeable such that the merits of both can be utilized based on the specific scenario. Such a model has not been discussed in the literature so far which poses a very important limitation. We proposed a novel architecture that intelligently switches data processing between the cloud and edge just-in-time based on specific conditions i.e., if a healthcare scenario demands low latency data is processed at the edge otherwise data is automatically processed on the cloud. We illustrate this by creating an Automatic edge application to monitor high risk cardiovascular disease patients who are at the risk of heart attacks after a post-operative surgery. Low latency is very important while monitoring such patients and the application is built to automatically detect all such cases and performs heart attack predictions on the edge while other patients data is processing on the cloud. The experimental results have demonstrated that our application can automatically detect high risk cardiovascular disease patients and place their workloads on the edge which is a new and unique invention in the area of automated edge computing. We have also demonstrated that the data retrieval from the edge is 55% faster than the cloud thereby ensuring low latency with edge.
Toxicity Study of Textile Materials from Natural and Synthetic Polymers Using Bioassay Techniques: Sperm Motility Inhibition Test and Daphnia magna Acute Immobility Test
Authors: Pekhtasheva Elena , Mastalygina Elena , Leonova Irina , Palanisamy Sivasubramanian , Palaniappan Murugesan , Karumuri Srikanth , Ayirilmis Nadir 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Toxic characterization of textiles in relation to human health hazards is a challenging issue. 11 textile materials were tested by two methods for assessing toxicity of textile materials: sperm motility inhibition test (with bull spermatozoa) and Daphnia magna acute immobility test (with Daphnia magna Straus). The paper provides a comparative analysis of the advantages of each method for determining toxicity. It was proved that the toxicity assessment of textiles’ extracts based on the immobilisation of daphnids was characterized by comparable sensitivity and more simplicity of execution than the toxicity test by means of bull semen. It was shown that the presence of dyes and synthetic fibres had a major impact on the textiles’ toxicity. The aqueous extracts from uniformly dyed textiles were characterized by higher level of toxicity compared to the non-dyed ones (a toxicity index by motility inhibition test was 37-62%, an acute immobility parameter by D.magna test – 100% with reference to the control uncontaminated media).
Estimating the non-market value of protected areas: the case of Senkele Swayne Hartebeest Sanctuary, South Ethiopia MSc Thesis, Hawassa University, Wondo Genet, Ethiopia.
Authors: Wogayehu Dimim , Melka Yoseph 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Protected Areas provide secured habitat for plants and animals. The principal objective of the study was to estimate the determinants that influence households’ decision, maximum and the mean willingness to pay local rural farm for conservation and restoration of Senkele Swayne’s hartebeest sanctuary. To achieve the objective of the study, the contingent valuation method (CVM) was using double bound dichotomous questions followed by open-ended questions. Sample data from 175 rural households were collected by applying two stage sampling procedures. The primary data was collected using structured and semi-structured questionnaire interviews, conducting, a focus group discussion and a key informant interview. Relevant secondary data was also reviewed. Both descriptive statistics and econometric methods of analysis were used. Econometric models such as bivariate probit, binary probit and Tobit models were used to estimate mean WTP, determinants of decision WTP and the intensity of WTP respectively. The WTP result shows that the average amount of money from the open-ended format was 31.71 ETB per month and the mean WTP values from double bounded dichotomous households in the senkele sanctuary can pay up to 34.59 ETB per month. Determinants such as educational level, livestock holding and total land size had a positive and significant effect on the decision of households’ WTP. While distance from sanctuary and initial bid amount had a negative influence on households' WTP decisions. Therefore, the aggregated welfare gain expected from the conservation intervention of sanctuary from the open-ended format and double bounded dichotomous format were 12,024,812.52 ETB and 13,116,943.08 ETB per year respectively. Based on welfare gains from the sanctuary intervention, results show that the aggregate value of Sanctuary from an open-ended question format (12 million ETB) was underestimated as compared to a double bounded dichotomous choice format (13.12 million ETB). This indicates that there may be the existence of free riding problems in the study area. EWCA, researchers, local people and non-governmental organizations are working together to minimize deforestation and develop a sustainable management system for Senkele sanctuary.
Eco-epidemiological study of seropositivity against Rickettsia and Leptospira agents in rural areas of Urabá, Colombia.
Authors: Torres-Bustamante Mariana , Cantillo-Barraza Omar , Ko Albert I. , Wunder Elsio A. , Quintero-Vélez Juan C. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Rickettsioses and leptospirosis are infectious diseases that are often underdiagnosed due to a lack of knowledge about their epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, among others.
Objetive: to characterize the seroprevalence and seroincidence of both Rickettsia and Leptospira agents and determine the risk factors for these outcomes in rural areas of Urabá, Antioquia.
Methods: a secondary data analysis using information on Rickettsia and Leptospira exposure from a prior prospective study that explored sociocultural and ecological aspects of Rickettsia infection in rural Urabá, Colombia. A multinomial mixed logistic regression model was employed to analyze factors linked to seroprevalent cases of Rickettsia, Leptospira and both, along with descriptive analyses of seroincident cases.
Results: the concomitant seroprevalence against Rickettsiaand Leptospira was 9.38% [95%CI 6.08%-13.37%] (56/597). The factors associated with this seroprevalence were age (ORa= 1.02 [95%CI 1.007–1.03]), male gender (ORa= 3.06 [95%CI 1.75–5.37]), fever history (ORa= 1.71 [95%CI 1.06–2.77]) the presence of breeding pigs (ORa= 2.29 [95%CI 1.36–3.88]), peridomicile yucca crops(ORa= 2.5 [95%CI 1.1–5.62]), and deforestation practices(ORa= 1.74 [95%CI 1.06–2.87]). The concomitant seroincidence against Rickettsia and Leptospira was 1.09% (3/274) [95%CI 0.29%-4.05%], three cases were female, with a median age of 31.83 years-old (IQR 8.69–56.99). At the household level, all the seroincident cases had households built partially or totally with soil floors, wooden walls, and zinc roofs. Two seroincident cases described the presence of equines, canines, and domestic chickens in intra or peri-domicile. Finally, two cases were exposed to synanthropic rodents, and one case to tick infestation.
Conclusion: there is evidence of seroprevalent and seroincident cases of seropositivity against both Rickettsia and Leptospira in rural areas of Urabá, Colombia. These findings can help improve public health surveillance systems in preventing, detecting, and attending to the different clinical cases caused by these pathogens.
Sustainability assessment framework: Tools for studying the sustainability of shifting cultivation
Authors: Jagannath Pratyaya , Jamir Chubbamenla , Chatterjee Sudipto , Dutta Swarup 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Shifting cultivation is pivotal for biodiversity and cultural identity, especially in Nagaland, India. However, shifting cultivation is being criticized for its ecological impact, in spite of its traditional significance. This study aimed to develop a framework for evaluating the sustainability of shifting cultivation in Nagaland. Shifting cultivation is deeply embedded in the ecological, economic, and social fabric of the region; however, traditional agricultural systems have several issues and concerns. Shifting cultivation has long been considered a detrimental process to ecology, and advocates of modern agriculture criticize these practices. However, recent studies offer a counterview, proposing that shifting cultivation is a system that is more sensitive to the local area economy, traditional wisdom in biodiversity preservation, food choices of natives, and, importantly, upholding the kinship of clans and tribes along with cultural practices related to shifting cultivation. This study critically examined several prominent sustainability assessment methods through secondary research on theoretical concepts. The strengths, weaknesses, and possibilities for the adoption of the method were analyzed. A comprehensive framework was developed to evaluate the sustainability of shifting cultivation in Nagaland by critically examining existing sustainability assessment methods using a Systems Thinking Approach and incorporating indicators from the indicateurs de durabilité des exploitations agricoles or farm sustainability indicators (IDEA) method. This study contributes to the understanding of the intertwining of ecological, economic, and social factors in shifting cultivation, offering insights for more balanced and nuanced sustainability assessments. Since many assessment methods have labeled shifting cultivation as having a negative outlook, the related tools did not fully consider how local cultural practices, ecological cycles, and economic factors affect shifting cultivation. The method suggested in this study gives a more effective and comprehensive nuance by equally considering the three components and providing an in-depth rationale for the sustainability of an agricultural system and, in this case, "shifting cultivation." Additionally, this model can be adaptable to agricultural systems that fall outside the parameters set by contemporary input-based cultivation systems.
Nuciferine promotes longevity and fitness in Caenorhabditis elegans through the regulation of the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Yan , Miao Yuanxin , Li Rong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Nuciferine, as one of the most abundant plant-derived alkaloids, has multiple bioactivities including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and lipid lowering effect. Nevertheless, the anti-aging effects and related mechanisms of nuciferine are rarely reported. In this study, we found that nuciferine significantly prolonged the mean lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) by 14.86% at a dose of 100 μM. Moreover, nuciferine promoted the health of C. elegansby increasing the body bending and pharyngeal pumping rates and reducing the lipofuscin accumulation level. Meanwhile, nuciferine enhanced stress tolerance by inducing the expression of stress-related genes or proteins. The molecular mechanism behind the anti-aging effect of nuciferine occurred by down-regulating the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway. Our findings shed new light on the application of nuciferine for longevity promotion and human health.
Enhancing Elderly Wellness through AI- Powered Yoga and Exercise Support Systems
Authors: Adeyemi Jammal Omotoyosi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This research presents a pioneering and comprehensive approach aimed at delivering personalized exercise and yoga support to the senior population. The primary objective of this research is to enhance physical well-being, boost engagement, foster adherence to exercise and yoga routines, and refine users' posture and balance. A pivotal phase in this project involves keypoint extraction, skillfully executed using MoveNet, an advanced posture estimation model. To achieve this, deep learning algorithms such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Dense Neural Networks (DNNs), and Multi-Layer Perceptrons (MLPs) are deployed to effectively classify and categorize yoga and exercise positions. The culmination of this endeavor manifests in the form of an interactive web application. The robustness and efficacy of the system are underscored by extensive user testing, which has also assessed its usability and potential to significantly enhance the physical well-being of the elderly. In summation, this research represents a substantial advancement in the realm of targeted exercise and yoga support, expressly designed to cater to the distinctive needs of the senior demographic.
Discriminating between indoor and outdoor environments during daily living activities using local magnetic field characteristics and machine learning techniques
Authors: Marcianò Vincenzo , Bertuletti Stefano , Caruso Marco , Bonci Tecla , Alcock Lisa , Gazit Eran , Ireson Neil , Bevilacqua Antonio , Mazzà Claudia , Ciravegna Fabio , Din Silvia Del , Hausdorff Jeffrey M. , Ifrim Georgiana , Caulfield Brian , Cereatti Andrea 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Wearable technology has rapidly evolved, enabling the integration of various sensors and algorithms, opening new possibilities for context-aware applications in fields such as healthcare, fitness tracking, and environmental monitoring. The discrimination between indoor and outdoor environments is crucial. This is often accomplished through technologies like GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth. However, these methods have drawbacks, including privacy concerns, high power consumption, and reliance on external infrastructure. To address these challenges, recent studies have explored using the ambient magnetic field for indoor-outdoor detection, though comprehensive validation with real-life data is lacking.
This paper seeks to validate specific machine learning techniques - random forest, extreme gradient boosting, and stacked long short-term memory networks - for indoor-outdoor discrimination. The validation exclusively relies on magnetometer data from the daily activities of 20 participants in four cities across three countries (United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy). The study examines factors such as magnetometer placement (feet, lower back, and non-dominant wrist) and pre-processing techniques (features, window size, etc.). Reference data is obtained through a GPS-based algorithm coupled with a geographical database running on a smartphone carried by the participants. The extreme gradient boosting algorithm yielded the best results, with an accuracy of 0.91, an F1-score of 0.90, and an area under the ROC curve of 0.94. These findings confirm the feasibility of extracting precise indoor/outdoor context information from magnetometer data.
Investigating the Impact of the Quantity of Wet and Dry Cycles on the Mechanical Characteristics and Fracture Variations of Sandstones
Authors: He Ruiyu , Tang Xin , Yin Hong , Qin Yujia , Guo Zhengchao , Fang Li , Zhou Xiaoyi , Zhou Yuerong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The impact of varying quantity of dry-wet cycles on the mechanical characteristics and cracking behavior of sandstone are investigated by uniaxial compression tests and numerical simulations. The findings indicate that the deformation stage of sandstone remains unchanged by the dry-wet cycle. The uniaxial compressive potency and coefficient of restitution gradually diminish as the quantity of cycles rises, while the Poisson's ratio exhibits the opposite trend, and the impact on the mechanical performance of sandstone wanes with cycle increments, and the correlation coefficient surpasses 0.93, signifying a substantial influence of the dry-wet cycle on sandstone's mechanical performances. The discrepancy between the numerical simulation and experimental results is minimal, with a maximum error of only 3.1%, demonstrating the congruence of the simulation and experimental outcomes.The mesoscopic examination of the simulations indicates that the quantity of fractures in the sandstone specimens rises with the escalation of dry-wet cycles, and the steps of analysis linked to crack inception and fracture propagation are accelerated, and the analysis steps from fracture initiation to penetration are also reduced.
Incidence of Persistent Neonatal Hypoglycemia and Associated Factors among Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Admissions in South Gondar Public Hospitals, Northcentral Ethiopia: a prospective cross sectional study
Authors: kebede Solomon , Munye Tigabu , Agmas Kindu , Necho Worku , Moges Natnael 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of persistent neonatal hypoglycemia and associated factors in south Gondar public hospitals, northcentral Ethiopia.
Design and setting Prospective cross-sectional study for 400 neonates admitted in NICUs at public hospitals.
Main results The incidence of persistent neonatal hypoglycemia (PHG) was found to be 94 ((23.5%); 95%CI (19.3%-28%)). Neonates with hypothermia (AOR=4.41; 95% CI=2.72-10.92), preterm birth (AOR=3.5; 95%CI=1.69-11.97), those with perinatal asphyxia (AOR=2.5; 95% CI=1.34-9.67), and neonates with pathological jaundice (AOR=2.3; 95% CI=1.21-10.34) were factors associated with persistent hypoglycemia. On the contrary, spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) was a protective factor (AOR=0.72; 95% CI=0.35-0.88).
Conclusions The incidence of persistent neonatal hypoglycemia (PHG) was lower compared to previous studies while factors increasing the risk of PHG were Hypothermia, Pretermbirth, perinatal asphyxia (PNA), early onset of sepsis (EONS), and pathological jaundice. And, Spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) was a protective factor.