bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating Hidden Population Size of COVID-19 using Respondent-Driven
Sampling Method - A Systematic Review
Authors: SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Afzalian Arian , Dashti Mohsen , Ghasemzadeh Afsaneh , Parmoon Zohal , Shahidi Ramin , Varshochi Sanaz , Pashaei Ava , Mohammadi Samaneh , Akhtaran Fatemeh Khajeh , Karimi Amirali , Nasiri Khadijeh , Mehraeen Esmaeil , Hackett Daniel 
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
Currently, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is posing a challenge to
health systems worldwide. Unfortunately, the true number of infections is underestimated due to
the existence of a vast number of asymptomatic infected individual’s proportion. Detecting the
actual number of COVID-19-affected patients is critical in order to treat and prevent it. Sampling
of such populations, so-called hidden or hard-to-reach populations, is not possible using conventional
sampling methods. The objective of this research is to estimate the hidden population size
of COVID-19 by using respondent-driven sampling methods.

Methods:
This study is a systematic review. We have searched online databases of PubMed, Web
of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane to identify English articles published from the beginning
of December 2019 to December 2022 using purpose-related keywords. The complete texts
of the final chosen articles were thoroughly reviewed, and the significant findings are condensed
and presented in the table

Results:
Of the 7 included articles, all were conducted to estimate the actual extent of COVID-
19 prevalence in their region and provide a mathematical model to estimate the asymptomatic
and undetected cases of COVID-19 amid the pandemic. Two studies stated that the prevalence of
COVID-19 in their sample population was 2.6% and 2.4% in Sierra Leone and Austria, respectively.
In addition, four studies stated that the actual numbers of infected cases in their sample
population were significantly higher, ranging from two to 50 times higher than the recorded reports.

Conclusions:
In general, our study illustrates the efficacy of RDS sampling in the estimation of
undetected asymptomatic cases with high cost-effectiveness due to its relatively trouble-free and
low-cost methods of sampling the population. This method would be valuable in probable future
epidemics.
The Possible Protective Effect of Taurine on Bisphenol Induced
Structural Changes on the Cerebral Cortex of Rats: Histological and
Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Kandeel Samah , Abd-Elsalam Marwa M. , Abd-Elsalam Sherief , Elkaliny Heba Hassan 
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound that has been used in many
industries, such as paints and dental sealants. Taurine is a semi-essential amino acid with antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic actions.

Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate the possible protective effect of taurine on BPA-induced structural
changes in the cerebral cortex of rats using histological and immunohistochemical methods.

Methods:
35 Wistar rats (180-200 gm) were divided into control: 10 rats; Group I: 5 rats received
corn oil (0.5 mL/day); Group II (Bisphenol low dose; BPAL): 5 rats received a low dose of BPA
(25 mg/kg/three times/week); Group III (Bisphenol high dose; BPAH): 5 rats received a high dose
of BPA (100 mg/kg/three times/week; Group IV: (BPAL + taurine): 5 rats received taurine 100
mg/kg/day and BPAL (25 mg/kg/three times/week); Group V: (BPAH + taurine): 5 rats received
taurine 100 mg/kg/day and BPH (100 mg/kg/ three times/week).

Results:
BPAL& BPAH groups showed significant dose-dependent histological changes of the neuropil,
pyramidal, and neuroglial cells at H&E stained sections, significantly increased GFAP, caspase-
3 immunohistochemical reaction with cells positive for Ki67 with many mitotic figures. BPAL +
taurine and BPAH + taurine groups showed amelioration of the previously mentioned results.

Conclusion:
Taurine ameliorated the structural changes induced by BPA in the cerebral cortex of
rats.
Topology Optimization of Additive – Manufactured Autonomous Ground Vehicle Mount
Authors: Al-Fahoum Amjed , Elsaaideh Hamzah A. 
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
The existence of substantial amounts of comparatively unused material
inside a certain section indicates a deficiency in resource utilization. The existence of stress concentrations leads to a decrease in both the rigidity and durability of the component

Method:
Using finite element analysis (FEA), additive manufacturing (AM), and topology optimization (TO) together in this work led to a new patent for making a lightweight part for an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). Topology optimization is crucial for improving the performance of
additive manufacturing and achieving design goals. The process of engineering design frequently
leads to mechanical design being characterized by heightened complexity and improved efficiency,
owing to its need for exploration and iteration. Employing additive manufacturing and topological
optimization methodologies, we developed the optimal prototype. Using ANSYS software makes it
possible to change the engineering principle of topology optimization so that it works with additive
manufacturing. At the same time, we are doing a full evaluation to see if adding topology optimization is possible, taking into account its pros and cons.

Result:
The results of the study reveal that the proposed intervention has the potential to address
other stress-related illnesses. The preliminary design proposal projected a cost of 400 Jordanian
dinars (JD).

Conclusion:
However, through the process of optimization, we successfully achieved the ultimate
design at a reduced cost of 200 JD. The revised design not only provides cost savings but also exhibits greater eco-friendliness.
Bioactive Constituents and the Molecular Mechanism of Melastoma
dodecandrum Lour. in the Treatment of Inflammation Based on Network
Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Shuang Liu , Weiwen Qiu , Qizhao Yin , Meilu Zhao , Mingrong Mei , Houxing Lei , Xiaoqin Zhang 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Melastoma dodecandrum Lour. (MD) is a component used in traditional
Chinese medicine that is widely distributed in southern China. MD has long been used clinically to
treat various diseases, such as inflammation. However, the potential anti-inflammatory mechanism of
MD remains to be elucidated.

Objective:
In this study, network pharmacology and experimental validation have been used to explore
the underlying mechanism of MD in inflammation.

Methods:
The chemical composition of MD was determined using ultra-high performance liquid
chromatography-electrospray ionization-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-HRMS).
The effects of MD on pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as NO, i-NOS, IL-1β, and TNF-α, in
RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were determined by ELISA and QRT-PCR.
Through the analysis of multiple databases, targets for the treatment of inflammation with MD were
identified. Other extensive analyses included PPI, GO, and KEGG pathway enrichment, which were
completed through the use of the STRING database, Cytoscape software, and the DAVID database.
Key targets and key components have been selected for molecular docking.

Results:
A total of 33 active components were identified in MD, and 134 common targets were obtained
and used to construct the networks. Of these, 10 core components and 10 core targets of MD
in the treatment of inflammation were identified. The GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed
that the common targets were involved in multiple signaling pathways, including the PI3K-Akt signaling
pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway, and IL-17
signaling pathway. The molecular docking methods confirmed the high affinity between bioactive
molecules of MD and their targets in inflammation. Two core targets (PIK3CA and AKT) and three
core components (asiatic acid, apigenin, and kaempferol) were found to be closely related to MD in
the treatment of inflammation. In vitro, MD exerted a significant effect on LPS-stimulated NO, IL-
1β, and TNF-α secretion, and iNOS, IL-1β, and TNF-α expressions in macrophages.

Conclusion:
This study has demonstrated the bioactive constituents and mechanisms of MD in inhibiting
the secretion of inflammatory factors and the multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway
treatment characteristics involved in inflammation, but this still needs further in vivo/in
vitro experiments.
Biochar Amendment and its Impacts on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in
Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Shahrajabian Mohamad Hesam , Sun Wenli 
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
Biochar application and research have experienced a significant increase in
recent decades. It can produce different kinds of organic materials, and it can be employed for different
purposes, such as soil conditioning, carbon sequestration and filtration of pollutants from gas and
aqueous media. Biochar is a C-rich material, which can be obtained from different types of organic
feedstock, such as animal manure, sewage sludge, wood and crop residues and other organic waste.
It is also considered an environmentally friendly and resource-saving approach in medicinal and
aromatic plants production. Biochar can lead to plant growth improvement and influence on chemical
components of medicinal plants, stimulate the growth of soil microflora, increase soil carbonsequestration,
bioremediation of soil, regulate carbon fluxes between atmosphere and biosphere,
reduce biotic stress in plants, improve soil nutrient availability, decrease abiotic stress in plants,
wastewater treatment, immobilization and sorption of soil heavy metal contaminants.

Methods:
Relevant literature has been obtained using the keywords “biochar”, “organic amendment”,
“soil quality”, “medicinal Plants”, “natural products”, “soil quality”, “macronutrient”, and
“chemical components” in scientific databases, such as “PubMed”, “SciFinder”, “Elsevier”, and
“Web of Science”.

Results:
The aim of this literature review is to study the impact of different kinds of biochars on
medicinal and aromatic plants, soil quality and soil fertility by considering case studies of successful
paradigms.

Conclusion:
Conclusively, we consider our review article will provide an appropriate guide for practitioners
and researchers for future studies as well as large-scale field applications.
To Study the Effect of Confining Walls on Permeable, Flexible Planktonic
Particle using Immersed Boundary Method
Authors: Panghal Rekha , Yadav Pooja , Ghosh Sudeshna 
Published: February 2024

Objective:
The main goal of the current research was to investigate the influence of a wall-bounded medium on the settling behaviour of flexible planktonic
particles. The particles are permeable and immersed in a Newtonian, incompressible,
and viscous fluid.

Method:
This study employed the Immersed Boundary Method to analyze the interaction between the fluid and the flexible planktonic particles.

Results:
The research findings revealed a notable correlation between the terminal
(fall) velocity of the particles and distance amongst the confining walls, referred to as
the "wall gap." Specifically, as the wall gap increased, the terminal velocity of the
particle also increased. Additionally, the study demonstrated that the degree of distortion experienced by the flexible planktonic particles increased with the expansion of
the wall gap.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the distance between the confining walls plays a significant role in determining the terminal velocity of the flexible planktonic particles during settling. This study highlights the importance of considering the wall gap as a
crucial factor when examining the behaviour of these particles in a wall-bounded medium.
Analisis Banjir akibat Keruntuhan Bendungan Kedung Bendo dengan Menggunakan HEC-RAS
Authors: Putra Damarendro Wihandaru , Juwono Pitojo Tri , Suprijanto Heri 
Published: February 2024

Bendungan Kedung Bendo yang berlokasi di Desa Gunungsari, Kecamatan Kasreman, Kabupaten Ngawi, Jawa Timur, memiliki kapasitas 2,46 juta m3 (per 2016) yang bertujuan untuk memberikan suplai air irigasi di kabupaten tersebut. Karena kapasitasnya yang besar, potensi bahaya yang dihadapinya juga fatal dan dapat menyebabkan kerugian material di wilayah permukiman sekitarnya. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini ditujukan untuk analisa dan simulasi keruntuhan bendungan Kedung Bendo menggunakan program HEC-RAS dengan mengacu dalam dua kondisi. Simulasi pada waduk dalam kondisi normal yaitu piping dan kondisi ketika terjadi hujan dengan intensitas paling tinggi yang menyebabkan debit rancangan PMF (Probable Maximum Flood) dan menyebabkan overtopping. Simulasi keruntuhan karena debit PMF ini diakibatkan overtopping dan piping. Berdasarkan hasil simulasi menggunakan software HEC-RAS, ditemukan bahwa debit banjir rancangan PMF mencapai 291,296 m³/det dan luasan banjir mencapai 12,976 km², dengan kedalaman banjir maksimum mencapai 28,025 m. Akibat keruntuhan Bendungan Kedung Bendo, sebanyak 14 desa yang berada pada hilir bendungan terdampak dengan jumlah penduduk yang terkena risiko mencapai 6.570 jiwa. Dampak ini mengakibatkan konsekuensi serius bagi masyarakat dan lingkungan yang berada di wilayah terdampak.
Intelligence Collection Priorities in an Age of Renewed Superpower Conflict: Toward a More Expansive Perspective
Authors: Johnson Loch K. 
Published: February 2024

The new global setting of the post-Cold War allowed the United States and its intelligence agencies to broaden the nation’s mandate to include the environment, health, the global economy, and terrorism, among other considerations---although the military might of Russia and China had by no means disappeared and considerable resources would remain focused on military threat assessments. This article explores the commitment of the United States to the ongoing mission of knowing about and thwarting military attacks, while at the same time taking into account a new host of once ignored worldwide threats to national security.
INTERNATIONAL POLICE COOPERATION: REDUCING GLOBAL CRIME AND HARM
Authors: O'Brien Bruce 
Published: February 2024

On November 14, 2023, Assistant Commissioner Bruce O’Brien, New Zealand Police, presented International Police Cooperation: Reducing Global Crime and Harm for this year’s West Coast Security Conference. The key points discussed were the advantages and challenges of collaborative international policing, upcoming challenges due to technological advancements, and the significance of advancing through consent, legitimacy, and evidence-based global policing practices.

Received: 12-19-2023
Revised: 01-26-2024
CANADIAN POLICE KNOWLEDGE NETWORK TRAINING THE POLICE AND SECURITY PROFESSIONALS IN THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR POLICING
Authors: Duffy Barrington 
Published: February 2024

On November 14, 2023, Barrington Duffy, Business Development Representative for the Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN), presented Training the Police and Security Professionals in the professional development for policing for this year’s West Coast Security Conference. The key points discussed were the role of CPKN in training policies and professional development in policing, the issues and key focuses of the policing sector in Canada, and the need for ongoing investment in technology, collaboration, and education in overcoming challenges in the policing sector.

Received: 01-17-2024
Revised: 01-29-2024
2023 WEST COAST SECURITY CONFERENCE: OPENING REMARKS DAY 2
Authors: Gilmour John 
Published: February 2024

On November 14, 2023, Dr. John Gilmour delivered the opening remarks for the second day of this year’s West Coast Security Conference. The key points discussed were the structure of the day, the value and mission of CASIS, and contemporary challenges and opportunities faced by law enforcement communities.

Received: 01-10-2024
Revised: 01-26-2024
MARITIME SECURITY LESSONS LEARNED FROM INTERNATIONAL SECURITY INITIATIVES IN THE CARIBBEAN
Authors: Kelshall Jason 
Published: February 2024

On November 15th, 2023, Jason Kelshall, Regional Coordinator, SEACOP EU, presented Maritime Security Lessons Learned from International Security Initiatives in the Caribbean for this year’s West Coast Security Conference. The key points discussed were increasing illicit trade and its effects, rising crime and drug availability, and challenges in maritime and energy resource security.

Received: 01-15-2024
Revised: 01-26-2024
THE RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR: WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR RUSSIA, UKRAINE, AND THE WEST?
Authors: Muradov Ibrahim 
Published: February 2024

On November 16, 2023, Dr. Ibrahim Muradov presented The Russo-Ukrainian War: What Does it Mean for Russia, Ukraine, and the West? at this year’s West Coast Security Conference. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were that Ukrainian society's push for a pro-Western policy has shaped its foreign relations, despite international reluctance to integrate Ukraine into Western structures; Ukraine's strong protest culture, especially in western regions, has significantly influenced its political direction and resistance to Russian dominance; and Ukraine developed a long-term strategy for economic, military and identity strengthening and this long-term strategy precipitated the full-scale invasion and forced the Kremlin to act before the strategy was complete.

Received: 01-07-2024
Revised: 01-26-2024
Development of Magnetic-Silica Particles and In-house Buffers Kit for SARS-CoV-2 and CDV RNA Extraction
Authors: Prasetya Ahadi Damar , Muflikhah Muflikhah , Lubis Wildan Zakiah , Insani Andon , Sulungbudi Grace Tjungirai , Mujamilah Mujamilah , Saepulloh Uus 
Published: February 2024

Since the end of 2019, COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 has become a serious problem for the world. Accurate and rapid techniques in testing and tracing are needed to control the virus spreading. Molecular diagnostics through gene amplification techniques, especially PCR, still become the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 detection, which requires the first step of RNA extraction and purification. The limitations of commercial RNA extraction-purification kits during the pandemic caused a big problem in testing and tracing, especially for developing countries. A simple RNA extraction-purification kit based on magnetic-silica (MAGSi) beads and non-guanidine in-house buffers for RNA virus extraction-purification has been developed. Two types of MAGSi beads with different magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) content were synthesized through a modified Stöber’s method using the sonication technique. The PCR result shows that both the MAGSi beads and the buffer can be used as a kit for RNA extraction-purification, tested for SARS-CoV-2 and Canine Distemper Virus. Further study shows that MAGSi-1 has better RNA extraction ability, and a higher concentration of RNA has been extracted. This is likely because of the smaller particle size distribution (50–1,500 nm distribution) and higher magnetization (20.2 emu/g) of MAGSi-1 compared to MAGSi-2 with 100–1,700 nm size distribution and 14.2 emu/g magnetization.
Characteristic and Performance of Ni, Pt, and Pd Monometal and Ni-Pd Bimetal onto KOH Activated Carbon for Hydrotreatment of Castor Oil
Authors: Trisunaryanti Wega , Triyono Triyono , Falah Iip Izul , Wicaksono Dwi Bagus , Sumbogo Satriyo Dibyo 
Published: February 2024

The preparation of highly efficient hydrotreating catalysts has presented a significant challenge in the field of catalysis. In this study, chemically activated carbon (AC) was prepared using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as an activator and Merbau wood as a lignocellulosic source for the AC. The AC was then impregnated with mono-metallic species (nickel, platinum, and palladium) as well as a bimetallic NiPd combination. The results revealed that the optimal KOH impregnation weight ratio was determined to be 2:1, resulting in a remarkably high iodine value of 751.94 mg/g. Subsequently, AC was employed as a support material for the hydrotreating of castor oil. Among the catalysts tested, the NiPd/AC catalyst demonstrated superior performance, yielding a liquid fraction comprising 88.80 wt.%. Within this fraction, C5-C12 hydrocarbons accounted for 15.16 wt.%, alcohol compounds constituted 71.69 wt.%, while the remaining 0.87 wt.% consisted of other components. Furthermore, the NiPd/AC catalyst exhibited remarkable stability, as its performance remained largely unchanged even after being used three times consecutively. This finding suggests that coking had minimal impact on the active sites of the mentioned catalyst, indicating its robustness and potential for prolonged application.
Accounting Standardization and Separation in the Municipal Debt Market: Evidence from GASB 34
Authors: Baber William , Beck Amanda , Koester Allison 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 34 (GASB 34, 1999) standardized financial reporting and disclosure requirements for U.S. state and local governments. We interpret debt issuing patterns surrounding GASB 34 implementation as evidence of strategic behavior by governments in anticipation of GASB 34 consequences. Specifically, governments that expected more favorable post-GASB 34 evaluations by municipal bond investors delayed new uninsured debt issues until after, whereas governments that expected less favorable evaluations accelerated debt issues to before, GASB 34 information became publicly available. Governments expecting favorable consequences were more likely than governments expecting adverse consequences to substitute away from insured debt and toward uninsured debt, and to choose new debt financing rather than alternative financing sources following GASB 34. These findings are consistent with the notion that expectations about GASB 34 consequences were realized, and that standardization created through GASB 34 facilitated separation in the municipal debt market.
Data Availability: Data are from publicly available sources identified in the manuscript.
JEL Classifications: G18; H74; M48.