bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutrient Balance in Small Catchments of the Upland Areas of the Gumara River, Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Gezie Melese , Adgo Enyew , Assaye Habtamu , Wassie Alemayehu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Nutrient balance analysis provides essential information concerning the current nutrient status of the soils and used to take appropriate nutrient replenishment practices. Nutrient flows were analyzed in Enqulal watershed of Dera district, Northwestern Ethiopia in the cropping season of 2018. Direct measurement and empirical formulas were used to identifying and measuring major inputs and outputs of NPK from different land uses within the catchments. Four nutrient inputs (Mineral fertilizer, Organic fertilizer, Atmospheric deposition and Nitrogen fixation) and five nutrient outputs (Crop yield, Crop residue, Gaseous lose, Leaching and Soil erosion) leaving the catchment were directly measured to calculate the partial and full nutrient balances. The results indicated that with the exception of phosphorus, teff cropland had negative partial N and K balances. The results also showed that the partial nutrient balances in wheat cropland were observed positive only for nitrogen. The full nutrient balances for the major cropland (wheat and teff) were found to be -20.9 kg , -0.7 kg , -37.87 kg ha-1 yr-1 and -61.4 kg ,+11 kg, and -26.7 kg ha-1 yr-1of N, P and K respectively. Generally, negative N and K full balances were found in this study for all land use/land cover. Therefore, the negative nutrient balances observed in cultivated land and other land uses indicated nutrient depletion which leads to land degradation and reduced agricultural productivity. Finally, analysis of the overall finding on nutrient balance implies that there is a need to enhance nutrient management in order to improve productivity and agricultural sustainability.
Core Symptoms of Depression in Chinese Teachers and Comparison between Different Gender and Stage of Teaching: A Network Analysis Approach
Authors: Ma Shumeng , Jia Ning 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background Depression, increasingly recognized as a critical factor impacting mental health, notably affects various populations, including teachers. This study aimed to delineate the specific characteristics of depressive symptom networks among Chinese teachers, identify the core symptoms of depression within this demographic, and examine the variations in depressive symptom networks across different genders and teaching stages.Method The study encompassed 1,670 teachers. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Central symptoms were identified through centrality indices. Network stability was examined via a case-dropping procedure.Results “Depressed affect” and “emptiness of life” exhibited the highest centrality values in the network. No significant differences were observed in the network structure and global strength of depression between adolescents of different genders. However, significant differences in the network"s global strength were found between junior and senior high school teachers.Conclusion “Depressed affect” and “emptiness of life” emerged as the most noteworthy depressive symptoms among teachers in China. Paying close attention to these symptoms could potentially alleviate the experiences of depression in this demographic.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals key pathways influenced by HIV-2 Vpx
Authors: Szojka Zsófia Ilona , Kunkli Balázs , Kiarie Irene Wanjiru , Linkner Tamás Richárd , Al-Muffti Aya Shamal , Ahmad Hala , Benkő Szilvia , Tőzsér József , Mahdi Mohamed 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background Viral protein X (Vpx) is a unique accessory protein encoded by the genome of the Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) and lineages of the simian immunodeficiency virus of sooty mangabeys. So far, counteracting the cellular restriction factor SAMHD1 and mediating efficient translocation of viral pre-integration complex have been recognized as key functions of Vpx, however, thorough exploration of its effects on the cellular transcriptome and cytokine milieu have not yet been explored.Methods In this study, we carried out transcriptomic analysis of THP-1 cells and determined differential gene expression induced by HIV-2 Vpx, additionally, we analysed the effect of Vpx expression on secretion of key cytokines in the medium of transfected cells.Results Our findings revealed that wild-type HIV-2 Vpx can significantly alter the expression of genes coding for helicases, zinc finger proteins, chaperons, transcription factors and proteins involved in DNA methylation. Differentially altered genes were involved in negative regulation of viral process; type I interferon signaling pathway; DNA-templated transcription, elongation; positive regulation of interferon-beta production and negative regulation of innate immune response. Moreover, Vpx downregulated genes associated with negative regulation of TGF-β1, resulting in stimulation of its production. Importantly, Vpx was also found to decrease the expression of HIV-1 Tat, possibly through downregulation of a crucial splicing factor required for maturation of Tat.Conclusion Transcriptomic analysis revealed that many cellular pathways were affected by HIV-2 Vpx. Studies on cellular cytokine milieu showed that this accessory protein induced key proinflammatory cytokines. Our study provides important information about the complex role played by HIV-2 Vpx in priming and taming the cellular environment to allow for establishment of the infection.
A Pilot Cross-sectional Study Comparing WHO QOL-BREF and SF-36 Questionnaires in Measuring Health-related Quality After Modified Radical Mastectomy
Authors: Brizawasi Abhijeet , Ghoshal Soumya , Dubhashi Siddharth P. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer is a significant health issue in India, with a growing number of cases and increasing morbidity associated with treatment. Assessing quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer patients is essential for understanding the impact of the disease and treatment on their well-being.
Objective
This study aimed to assess health-related quality of life (QoL) and the factors influencing it in postmodified radical mastectomy (MRM) patients using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHO QOL BREF) and the 36-item short-form survey (SF 36) questionnaires. The feasibility of these tools in the outpatient department (OPD) setting and the time taken to administer them were also compared.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Nagpur, over two months. A total of 30 patients who underwent MRM for breast carcinoma were included. Sociodemographic information was recorded, and QoL was measured using the WHO QOL BREF and SF-36 questionnaires. The questionnaires were administered in the OPD, and the average time of administration was noted. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the correlation between QoL scores and various characteristics of the study population. Results: The overall mean QoL score was greater for the WHO QOL-BREF (65.39) than for the SF-36 (53.41). The social health domain had the highest score in the WHO QOL BREF, while the emotional well-being domain had the highest score in the SF-36. The mean administration time was significantly shorter for the WHO QOL BREF than for the SF-36. No significant correlation was found between QoL scores and patient characteristics, except for a weak association between higher stage and lower SF-36 overall QoL score.
Conclusion
The breast cancer patients in this study reported lower health-related QoL than did the healthy Indian individuals. The WHO QOL BREF and SF-36 questionnaires were feasible for use in the OPD setting, with the WHO QOL BREF requiring less time for administration. However, further research with a larger sample size is needed to explore the factors influencing QoL in this population.
Annotated Hands for Generative Models
Authors: Yang Yue , Gandhi Atith N , Turk Greg 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Generative models such as GANs and diffusion models have demonstrated impressive image generation capabilities. Despite these successes, these systems are surprisingly poor at creating images with hands. We propose a novel training framework for generative models that substantially improves the ability of such systems to create hand images. Our approach is to augment the training images with three additional channels that provide annotations to any hands in the image. These annotations provide additional structure that coax the generative model to produce higher quality hand images. We demonstrate this approach on two different generative models: a generative adversarial network and a diffusion model. We demonstrate our method both on a new synthetic dataset of hand images and also on real photographs that contain hands. We measure the improved quality of the generated hands through higher confidence in finger joint identification using an off-the-shelf hand detector.
Implications of Blasting-Induced Vibration on the Stability of Hydroelectric Power Tunnel
Authors: Nata Refky Adi , Ren Gaofeng , Tanjung Ardhymanto Am , Muzer Fadhilah , Heriyadi Bambang , Syahmer Verra , Pratama Azri Rizki 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

An adit tunnel is a horizontal opening used for accessing a headrace in a hydroelectric power tunnel. PT. Kerinci Merangin Hidro is actively engaged in the construction of hydropower plants, with a focus on creating two types of tunnels. During blasting activities with a target progress rate of 50 m in a month, high explosives are commonly used between 500 and 600 PCS days. However, this method leads to vibrations that negatively impact tunnel stability, causing the formation of new cracks in walls. Data processing was conducted using Blastware 10.7 instant software, RS2/Phase2 software and the finite element method. The classification of rock masses included the use of the Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and the Q-System. The research results showed that Fair Rock class (III) rocks were identified at the six observation stations based on the classification of rock masses according to RMR 1989. There was a significant decrease in the weight of the rock mass before and after blasting at each station. The safety factor ranged from 1.26 to 6.00. A greater blasting agent weight per delay resulted in increased vibration across the six patterns. The most significant decrease in safety factors occurred only in pattern 6, with the highest tremor recorded at 1.1220 m/s2. Comparing patterns 5 and 6 with the same blasting agent weight per delay of 8.8 kg and equal explosive load of 550 kg showed that the highest decrease in safety factor values occurred in pattern 6. This phenomenon can be attributed to the fact that a shorter delay produces greater vibration than a longer delay time.
Examining apathy prevalence and associated factors among older adults after the Great East Japan Earthquake: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Yamashita Mari , Seino Satoshi , Nofuji Yu , Sugawara Yasuhiro , Okamura Tsuyoshi , Kawakubo Kiyo , Shinkai Shoji , Fujiwara Yoshinori 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to clarify the sense of apathy experienced by older adults residing in areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) in 2011 and categorized the factors associated with apathy based on their narratives.
Methods
A triangulation-mixed-method sequential explanatory design was employed. Data were collected using a mail survey among 9754 randomly selected community-dwelling independent adults, aged between 65–84 years, living in Kesennuma City, one of the GEJE-affected areas, in October 2019. Of these, 7845 completed the analysis criteria, and participants who scored ≥ 2 on three apathy items of the Geriatric Depression Scale were considered to have apathy. A thematic analysis was performed on the narrative data obtained to categorize the associated factors.
Results
The mail survey results indicated that apathy had a prevalence of 44.2%. Using data from 30 individuals who demonstrated apathy during the interview, the thematic analysis revealed three types of apathy: (A) Decline, caused by decreased physical and social functioning due to aging or illness; (B) Crisis, caused by major life-changing events, such as bereavement, divorce, unexpected retirement, or disaster; and (C) Carry Over, caused by strained family relationships and stressful social situations during old age.
Conclusions
In addressing apathy, it is important to check for the co-occurrence of depression, life satisfaction, and the availability and utilization of social support.
Long-term Outcomes and Associated factors among Intensive Care Unit Survivors in a Low- income Country: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort study
Authors: Matovu. Ham Wasswa , Sendagire Cornelius , Luggya Tonny Stone , Wabule Agnes , Mukiza Nelson , Prisca Auma , Agaba Peter Kaahwa 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Post-ICU survivors face higher mortality and often require costly rehabilitation or palliative care, such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and hospice yet there is a lack of data quantifying the demand for these services, particularly in developing countries like Uganda. Moreover, a critical knowledge gap persists regarding long-term outcomes and predictors among post-ICU survivors. Our study aimed to ascertain the 90-day mortality rate, evaluate functional status, and identify risk factors for mortality among patients discharged from three tertiary hospital ICUs in Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study that tracked 121 adult patients discharged from three tertiary hospital intensive care units for three months. Data collection utilized open data kit (ODK) software. Follow-up involved telephone assessments by trained research assistants on days 30, 60, and 90 post-discharge, evaluating vital and physical functional status with the Karnofsky Performance status tool. The study's primary outcomes included mortality at 90 days post-ICU discharge and the physical functional status of ICU survivors. Cox regression analysis using Stata version 15 was used to determine the factors associated with 90-day mortality.
Results
A total of 18/121 died following discharge from the ICU giving a mortality rate of 14.9% (95% CI: 9.5%- 22.5%). Approximately 36.36% achieved a normal physical functional status. Factors associated with 90-day mortality included raised intracranial pressure (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.763–2.787, p = 0.04), acute kidney injury (HR 4.13, 95% CI 2.163–7.890, p < 0.001) and renal replacement therapy (HR 3.34, 95% CI 2.210–5.060, p < 0.001)
Conclusion
High 90-day mortality is observed in post-ICU patients, particularly those with elevated intracranial pressure, acute kidney injury, and prior renal replacement therapy. The fact that nearly two-thirds of patients fail to attain a normal functional status after 90 days highlights the need for post-ICU rehabilitation services.
Unveiling the digital phenotype: A protocol for a prospective study on physical activity behavior in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Daniels Kim , Vonck Sharona , Robijns Jolien , Spooren Annemie , Hansen Dominique , Bonnechère Bruno 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background.
Physical activity (PA) is a recognized boon for older adults, enhancing their overall well-being and mitigating health risks. Nevertheless, to encourage active lifestyles in this demographic, it is vital to understand the factors influencing PA. Conventional approaches predominantly rely on supervised cross-sectional evaluations, presuming both the stability of PA determinants over time and their isolated components. However, the complex nature of real-life dynamics often involves temporal variability in individual-level determinants. Digital phenotyping (DP), employing data recruited from personal digital devices, enables the continuous, unsupervised and real-time quantification of an individual's behavior within their natural context. This approach offers more ecological and dynamic assessments, revolutionizing our understanding of the intricacies underlying individual PA patterns in their environmental context.
Objective.
This paper aims to design a robust research protocol for the DP of PA behavior among healthy community-dwelling older adults aged 65 and above by employing a novel measurement approach.
Methods.
Observational data will be collected over a two-week period to assess various functions combining both cross-sectional and longitudinal data collection methods. Patterns of PA behavior and factors affecting PA outcomes will be detected in order to identify digital phenotypes related to PA. The measurements are based on the Behavior Change Wheel and include self-reporting and clinical assessments for cross-sectional data collection and ecological momentary assessment as well as time series collection for longitudinal data. The statistical analysis involves machine learning which will handle data complexity. Unsupervised learning will be used to uncover patterns, and supervised learning to identify variables. The analysis will be conducted in RStudio (v3.6.3) with significance set at 0.05.
Discussion.
A novel approach to understanding older adults' PA behavior will be used in this study. Challenges include varying technology adoption, usability, and unproven validity of health tech. Ethical considerations, representativeness, participant engagement, and machine learning expertise are also key aspects of the study's success. This study offers promise in bridging traditional and dynamic assessment methods for older adults' PA behavior to promote active lifestyles.
Trial registration:
Clinical Trials.gov: NCT06094374
Investigation of the Effects of Silymarin and Vitamin C on Kidney Damage and Aquaporin-2 Downregulation in Lithium-Induced Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus in Rats
Authors: YAKUT Seda , GENÇER Berrin TARAKÇI , YALÇIN Mehmet Hanifi , AYDIN Süleyman , YÜKSEL Hayati 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
While lithium (LIT) therapy is widely regarded as the primary approach for managing bipolar disorder over the long term, it is also a major contributor to the development of acquired Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus (NDI) with prolonged use. This study aimed to examine the protective effects of Silymarin, Vitamin C, and the combined administration of SIL + Vit C against nephrotoxicity induced by NDI resulting from long-term LIT treatment in rats. The groups of rats exposed to LIT were provided with 1 kg of regular commercial chow containing an 80 mmol LiCl supplement for 28 days. Meanwhile, SIL and Vit C were orally administered to rats at a dosage of 200 and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively, throughout the 28 days. Both the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed and enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed to determine the protective effect of SIL and Vit C against oxidative stress. Aquaporin-2 (AQP2) levels in kidney tissues were evaluated immunohistochemically and by ELISA method to determine the anti-downregulatory effect. In addition, serum and urine parameters were measured. Lithium-induced nephrotoxicity was characterized by elevated levels of renal toxicity markers and reduced antioxidant enzyme activities. Administration of SIL significantly reduced kidney tissue toxicity markers, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, regulation of physiological parameters in blood and urine, and downregulation of AQP2 in the kidney. However, no significant protective effect against lithium-induced renal toxicity was observed with the administration of Vitamin C. These findings indicate that SIL effectively guards against lithium-induced nephrotoxicity, whereas Vitamin C does not possess this protective effect.
Mechanical influence on the chip formation in wet metal cutting
Authors: Denkena Berend , Bergmann Benjamin , Schenzel Jan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Cooling lubricants (CL) are used in various machining processes. In addition to the heat dissipation, influencing the tribological system during metal cutting is a key function. In particular, the thermomechanical load on the cutting wedge is influenced by a change in friction in the secondary shear zone on the rake face. In addition to such tribological effects, the mechanical forces of the fluid jet have a significant effect on chip formation, particularly when a high-pressure supply of CL is used. However, investigating the mechanical effect of CL on chip formation is challenging due to poor accessibility of the chip formation zone. Using a planing test rig and a high-speed camera, it is possible to show that the mechanical force of the CL supply reduces the chip curvature radius and influences deformation of the chip during machining. In particular, it was found that the force of the coolant jet force in the cutting normal direction has a significant effect on reducing the chip curvature radius.
Coherent Mesh Representation for Parallel I/O of Unstructured Polyhedral Meshes
Authors: Weiß R. Gregor , Rusche Henrik , Lesnik Sergey , Galeazzo Flavio C. C. , Ruopp Andreas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a new mesh data layout for parallel I/O of linear unstructured polyhedral meshes. The new mesh representation infers coherence across entities of different topological dimensions, i.e. grid cells, faces, and points. The coherence due to cell-to-face and face-to-point connectivities of the mesh is formulated as a tree data structure distributed across processors. The mesh distribution across processors creates consecutive and contiguous slices that render an optimized data access pattern for parallel I/O. A file format using the coherent mesh representation, developed and tested with OpenFOAM, enables the usability of the software at unprecedented scales. Further implications of the coherent and sliceable mesh representation arise due to simplifications in partitioning and diminished pre- and post-processing overheads.
Breeding confirmation and habitat utilization of Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea) on Isla de los Estados, Argentina
Authors: Rey Andrea Raya , Balza Ulises , Domato Ignacio , Salom Amira , Pütz Klemens 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea) is a species facing global decline, nesting on southern hemisphere islands, and migrating to the northern hemisphere during the non-breeding season. This study confirms the species ́ breeding presence on Isla de los Estados in the Fuegian archipelago, Argentina. Additionally, we present a preliminary evaluation of its habitat utilization. Active burrows were found along the northern coast of the island on slopes with dense, stumpy subantarctic forests and beneath or alongside rocky outcrops overlooking the coast. These discoveries provide valuable insights into the population status of the species, offering critical insights that can significantly inform and enhance conservation efforts.