bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
School-aged children’s movement behaviours and subjective health complaints in Japan: A cross-sectional study during COVID-19 pandemic-related school closure and after school reopening
Authors: Kasai Akane , Shikano Akiko , Tanaka Ryo , Yoshinaga Mari , Noi Shingo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Social restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have altered children’s movement behaviours and impacted their mental health. However, the influence of social restrictions on subjective health complaints remains inadequately understood. This study compared adherence to 24-hour movement behaviour guidelines and the prevalence of subjective health complaints during school closure and one year after reopening. We also examined how combinations of adherence to movement behaviour recommendations relate to subjective health complaints.
Methods: A repeated cross-sectional survey was conducted at two points. The first survey in May 2020 included 1535 (766 boys and 769 girls) participants during school closures, while the second survey from May to July 2021 involved 1125 (583 boys and 542 girls) participants one year after school reopening. The questionnaire covered socio-demographics, physical activity, screen time, sleep, and subjective health complaints. Differences between periods were analysed using chi-square tests. Logistic regression models assessed the association between adherence to guidelines and subjective health complaints.
Results: During school closure, children were more likely to meet ‘only sleep’ recommendations and experience irritability and lethargy symptoms as compared to one year after school reopening. Irrespective of sex, those adhering to two or all three recommendations (excluding physical activity and screen time) had a lower risk of symptoms related to physical and mental pain, fatigue, irritability, and lethargy as compared to those who met no recommendation.
Conclusions: Children should meet at least one physical activity or screen time recommendation in addition to sleep recommendations for subjective health. Strategies considering the priority of each movement behaviour are crucial, even during abnormal situations, such as pandemic-related social restrictions. This study offers insightful findings concerning children’s mental health issues during unprecedented and massive disasters or crises.
Exploring climate change perspectives among smallholder farmers in rural Sierra Leone
Authors: Kainyande Aruna 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Climate change remains one of the greatest global threats to human livelihoods and environmental sustainability. As the impact of climate extremities continues to reshape the livelihoods of communities in marginalized rural areas of the global south, it is imperative to understand how residents in these areas perceive climate impacts and how this understanding shapes their adaptation practices and engagement in public discourses on the topic. To address this, an empirical survey was conducted on ninety (90) households from three rural communities in Northern Sierra Leone, aiming to explore their perspectives on the climate change phenomenon from a farm-household standpoint. The dynamic relationship between the varying perspectives of the farmers and their socio-demographic and farm-specific characteristics was further examined through bivariate correlation analysis. The results underscore the crucial influence of socio-demographic and farm-specific factors in moderating farmers’ perceptions of climate events in the study area, with the dynamics of the relationship manifesting in both positive and negative trajectories. While crop rotation and regulation of planting times emerged as the predominant adaptation strategies of the farmers, given their profound utility in helping farmers cope with the evolving impacts of climate change, this study emphasizes the crucial role of addressing institutional and location-specific bottlenecks to facilitate farmers to practice other adaptation strategies that align with their specific needs. The results bear important implications for policymakers seeking to enhance the climate resilience of local farmers by providing current, location-specific information on climate perceptions and local adaptation strategies, which is crucial to guide the targeted planning and implementation of climate-related interventions.
Fibril-Droplet Relationship Through Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation; A BSA-MOF Case
Authors: Latifi Amirhossein , Hosseini Elnaz , Daneshgar Hossein , Edrisi Mohammad , Arghavani Payam , Bagherzadeh Mojtaba , Yousefi Reza , Moosavi-Movahedi Ali Akbar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
By providing a suitable platform that accelerates early-stage occurrences needed for triggering protein aggregation, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has the potential to promote this phenomenon. Among different proteins which their condensation propensity has been investigated, bovine serum albumin (BSA) has attracted attentions because of its globular and stable structure. BSA undergoes phase separation and phase transition in the presence of polyethylene glycol as a molecular crowder. The control of hydrophobicity, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic forces as the main forces that conduct LLPS were provided by functionalizing a UiO-66 metal-organic framework (MOF) with -NH2 and -COOH functional groups. This work evaluated how the functionalized UiO-66 with -NH2 modulates the LLPS of BSA. Successful synthesis and functionalization of UiO-66 were confirmed using various physical and chemical analyses. Optical and fluorescence microscopy images correlated BSA LLPS droplet size with spectroscopic measurements of resultant BSA fibrils. UiO-66-NH2 was found to cause significant conformational changes in BSA, resulting in a decrease in its LLPS and aggregation rate, as demonstrated by various biophysical methods. This study suggested that more hydrophobic surrounding micro-environments caused by UiO-66-NH2 inhibited BSA LLPS, leading to decreased droplet size and number. The direct correlation between droplet size and fibril length also confirmed the role of LLPS as an important alternative pathway enabling fibril formation even in globular proteins.
Angiomatous Meningioma: A Study on Epidemiology and Clinical Presentation
Authors: Guerra Pedro Lucas Negromonte , Silva Inaê Carolline Silveira , Araújo Mayle Gomes Ferreira , Queiroga Lara Vilar , Santana Luiz Euripedes Almondes , Faquini Igor Vilela , Batista Auricelio 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction: Angiomatous meningiomas (AM) are a rare subtype of benign brain tumors, primarily affecting women. This study investigates the clinical and epidemiological features of AM and provides a literature review.
Objective: Analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of AM, assess its incidence, and review existing literature.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 28 AM cases out of 584 meningioma patients who underwent surgery between 2013 and 2023. Data were collected from medical records and imaging exams.
Results: AM comprised 4.7% of the cases, with a female predominance (1.8:1). Common tumor locations included the convexity (33%), falx/parasagittal region (17%), and sphenoid wing (17%). Clinical presentations were related to increased intracranial pressure, often presenting non-specific symptoms, such as headache and nausea. MRI findings were consistent with known patterns.
Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into AM's clinical and epidemiological aspects, aiding in accurate diagnosis and patient care. The literature review underscores the unique features of AM, emphasizing the need for special management.
Undrained SHPB experiments on calcareous sand with different saturation degrees
Authors: Su Yuchen , Wang Yuan , Lv Yaru , Li Pengfei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Extensive research has been conducted on the impact behavior of unsaturated sand at high strain rates. However, achieving the undrained boundary condition remains a persistent challenge, leading to an inconsistent understanding of the dynamic responses of sand with varying saturation degrees. In this study, a novel sleeve designed to conduct Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) tests under undrained boundary conditions. Furthermore, drained SHPB tests were carried out by using the conventional steel sleeve as references. The absolute particle crushing distributions within various size ranges were investigated by utilization of dyed calcareous sand. Results revealed that, for the conventional drained sleeve, the locking-up phenomenon of full saturation sand was only observed at strain rate of 750 s− 1. However, locking-up occurs at all strain rates for undrained sleeve. The locking-up stiffness at strain rate of 750 s− 1 was 1.2 and 2.9 times larger compared to that at strain rate of 500 s− 1 and 250 s− 1, respectively. The locking-up stiffness increase with increasing strain rates under the fully undrained boundary conditions. Moreover, for the drained sleeve, negligible reductions on Br up to 10.8% were observed in measured Br if saturation degrees change from 0–100%. In contrast, for the undrained sleeve, the maximum reduction on Br was 47.6% and increases rapidly with increasing strain rates. The particle crushing was more sensitive to saturation degree at higher loading strain rates under undrained boundary conditions.
Universal, untargeted detection of bacteria in human tissues using spatial metabolomics
Authors: Chen Wei , Qiu Min , Paizs Petra , Kinross James , Goldin Robert , Rebec Monica , Takats Zoltan , McKenzie James , Strittmatter Nicole 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Fast and reliable identification of bacteria directly in clinical samples is the holy grail of microbiological diagnostics. Current approaches predominantly require time-consuming bacterial isolation and enrichment procedures, delaying stratified treatment. Here, we describe a biomarker-based, hierarchical strategy that utilises conserved bacterial small molecular metabolites and lipids for direct mass spectrometric detection of bacteria in clinical samples. Marker discovery was carried out by creating a metabolic library of 232 bacterial species and mining this library for markers showing specificity at various taxonomic levels. We have found 359 bacterial taxon-specific markers (TSMs) via a combination of univariate and multivariate statistical analysis methods. We applied the concept of TSMs to the in situ detection of bacteria directly from complex clinical specimens, using healthy and cancerous colorectal tissues as well as faecal samples. To show the method independent nature of these TSMs, samsamples were analysed using chemical histology as well as traditional metabolomics approaches. TSMs were found in >90% of samples tested, suggesting the general applicability of this novel workflow to detect bacterial presence with standard MS-based analytical methods.
Performance Enhancement of Gold Coated D-shaped PCF Sensor using Monolayer MoS2
Authors: Praveena S. , Senthilnathan K. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we theoretically propose a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based D-shaped photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensor with gold coating and an overlayer of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) 2D material. We design the PCF sensor using the square lattice arrangement of airholes for sensing the analytes of refractive index ranging from 1.33 to 1.42, which includes most of the bio-samples. Further, we optimize the proposed sensor in terms of two different air hole radii, pitch distance, thickness of the gold layer, and 2D material. The details numerical results corroborate that the sensor exhibits a wavelength sensitivity of 20,200 nm/RIU without coating of MoS2 layer. However, it does exhibit an enhanced wavelength sensitivity of 22,800 nm/RIU with a high spectral resolution of 4.38 × 10− 6 RIU when a monolayer of MoS2 is coated onto the gold layer. In addition to wavelength sensitivity, we also compute the amplitude sensitivity and is 752 RIU− 1 with a resolution of 1.34×10− 6 RIU. Besides, we carry out the tolerance studies to ensure the robustness of the proposed sensor. Finally, we also analyze the linearity of the sensor through the R2 value and the same is 0.9688. Thus, the proposed D-shaped MoS2 coated PCF sensor may find potential application in the detection of chemical and biological samples.
Evaluation of the methods used for estimating the bearing capacity of stone columns
Authors: Ghazavi Mahmoud , Rouhani Movahed , Khoshghalb Arman 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Stone columns have been utilized for several decades due to their ability to improve the mechanical behavior of weak and marginal soil deposits. Reducing the cost of a project necessitates accurate estimation of the stone column capacity. This paper considers the existing analytical methods for estimating the bearing capacity of stone columns and evaluate their prediction accuracy. For this purpose, the results of 36 full-scale field tests on footings supported by stone columns are considered, and the measured bearing capacity (QM) are compared with estimated bearing capacity (QE) values computed from 15 analytical solutions predicting the stone column capacity. For this comparison, five statistical approaches are employed in order to evaluate these 15 methods and identify the level of their prediction accuracy. Finally, the methods are ranked by the degree of accuracy with which they can estimate the load capacity. The findings of this research help designers and decision makers to choose a more reliable design method when dealing with stone columns.
Association of Vehicle Count Data Obtained Via Image Processing Techniques Compared with Microsimulation Program Analysis Results
Authors: Ilyas Seyitali , Ulusoy Bahadır Ersoy , Kofteci Sevil , Albayrak Yalcın 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

As the population in cities increases, traffic problems have emerged, especially at intersections with high traffic density. Increasing traffic density leads to longer transportation times, higher fuel consumption, and elevated levels of environmental pollution. There are various techniques employed to decrease traffic congestion. To apply these methods, the degree of traffic density must first be determined. This is typically done through vehicle counting studies in the field using camera images. However, manually counting vehicles from camera images is a very detailed process. Therefore, various automated methods based on image processing techniques are preferred today to perform these operations faster and more accurately. In this study, we designed virtual zones using different vehicle counting methods at intersections based on image processing techniques. We obtained vehicle count data from four methods, including manual counting and three methods based on image processing techniques. We evaluated the accuracy of the counting results using transportation engineering parameters such as density and traffic volume. Additionally, we modeled the signalized intersection in the AIMSUN simulation program. The study found that the "New Type Virtual Zone" method resulted in vehicle counts that were 95% accurate, and the average success rate of the AIMSUN simulation analysis results performed with this data was 83.71% accurate.
A case of severe Plasmodium ovale malaria with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and splenic infarction in a Caucasian man
Authors: Tomassi Maria Virginia , D’Abramo Alessandra , Vita Serena , Corpolongo Angela , Vulcano Antonella , Bartoli Tommaso Ascoli , Bartolini Barbara , Faraglia Francesca , Nicastri Emanuele 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Plasmodium ovale malaria is usually considered a tropical infectious disease associated with low morbidity and mortality. However, severe disease and death have previously been reported.
Case presentation
A case of severe Plasmodium ovale malaria in a healthy Caucasian man with a triangle splenic infarction and clinical progression towards acute respiratory distress syndrome was reported despite a rapid response to oral chloroquine treatment with 24-hr parasitaemia clearance.
Conclusion
Plasmodium ovale malaria is, generally considered as a benign disease, with low parasitaemia. However, severe disease and death have occasionally been reported. It is important to be awere that occasionally it can progress to serious illness and death even in immunocompetent individuals.
Security Analysis of Password-based Authenticated Key Exchange Protocols
Authors: Mishra Ashutosh , Mishra Sweta , Panday Sunil 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Password-based cryptosystems commonly suffer from dictionary attacks because their security depends on low entropy passwords. It is ever challenging to design a password-based cryptosystem secure against this attack. Password-based authenticated key exchange (PAKE) protocols allow two or more interacting parties to establish cryptographic keys based on their knowledge of some password. The PAKE protocols commonly use password-based encryption and are therefore susceptible to dictionary attacks. Many existing PAKE protocols are claimed to be secure against these dictionary attacks but there is no easy method to verify their claim. In this work we focus on evaluating the security of two-party PAKE protocols under possible attack scenarios. We first consider all possible combination of participants of an attack scenario, which turn out to be 5 in number. This gives rise to 25 possible attack scenarios among the participants. We find that 11 out of these 25 scenarios are valid. We then analyze the security of 5 PAKE protocols under the attack scenarios developed by us. Namely, we analyze EKE, SPEKE, SRP, KOY and IdBP protocols. We also provide some suggestions on improving existing PAKE designs.
Identification of maternal risk factors for having Down syndrome cases in Jordan
Authors: Batiha Osamah , Alahmad Nour Alhoda , Hammad Hani , Mresieh Reem , Al-zoubi Esra'a , Altalib Mohammad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the leading cause of intellectual disability, yet the factors contributing to its occurrence remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the genetic influence of the C677T variant in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, alongside maternal age, family history, and miscarriages, on the development of DS. Our findings indicate that the presence of the C677T CT and TT genotypes in the MTHFR gene were associated with a 1.9-fold and 3.4-fold increased risk of DS, respectively, compared to controls. Furthermore, advanced maternal age, family history of DS, and particularly a history of miscarriages were found to significantly elevate the risk of DS. These results highlights the genetic and environmental factors contributing to DS and emphasize the importance of understanding these factors for effective prevention and management strategies.
Factors related to oral mucositis or dysgeusia in breast cancer patients undergoing fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide therapy: A single-center, retrospective study
Authors: Kanbayashi Yuko , Taguchi Tetsuya , Ishikawa Takeshi , Takayama Koichi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to identify factors contributing to the development of oral mucositis (OM) or dysgeusia.
Methods: Between February 2016 and September 2020, 154 female breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide were enrolled at our outpatient chemotherapy center. Variables related to the development of OM or dysgeusia were extracted from the patients’ medical records. The severity of OM or dysgeusia was assessed at the end of chemotherapy using a questionnaire designed according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5. Multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis was performed.
Results: Factors significantly correlated with the development of OM included age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.07; P = 0.025), number of cycles (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.02-2.51; P = 0.042), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (OR = 4.52, 95% CI = 1.05-19.51;P = 0.043), mucoprotective agents (OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.24-6.45; P= 0.014), and palliative chemotherapy (OR = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.01-0.60; P= 0.013). Factors significantly correlated with the development of dysgeusia were albumin (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.21- 0.998; P = 0.049) and palliative chemotherapy (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.03- 0.68; P = 0.015). Although not significant, potential prophylactic factors were statins for OM and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors for dysgeusia.
Conclusions: The identified factors for OM or dysgeusia may help develop strategies to improve the quality of life of patients receiving chemotherapy.
The relationship between neighbourhood income and youth mental health service use differs by immigration: Analysis of population-based data in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Kaoser Ridhwana , Thakore Padmini , Peterson Sandra , Wiedmeyer Mei-ling , Sierra-Heredia Cecilia , Goldenberg Shira , Machado Stefanie , Hagos Selamawit , Tayyar Elmira , Bozorgi Yasmin , Lavergne Ruth 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose
We investigated the relationship between neighbourhood income quintile and mental health service use by immigration among youth and explored changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method
We used administrative data to examine mental health service use in British Columbia, Canada, among youth aged 10 to 24 between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2022. We compared rates of community-based service use, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations and the proportion of involuntary admissions by neighbourhood income quintile and immigration. We used models stratified by immigration to estimate the relationship with income.
Results
Non-immigrant youth used substantially more services than immigrant youth. Service use increased following the pandemic's start and peaked between January and March 2021. We observed a clear income gradient for community-based service use among both immigrant and non-immigrant youth, but the direction of the gradient was reversed. Service use was highest among non-immigrant youth in lower-income neighbourhoods and lowest for immigrant youth in lower-income neighbourhoods. We observed similar patterns of income gradient for non-immigrant youth for emergency department visits and hospitalization. The proportion of involuntary admissions was higher for immigrant youth.
Conclusions
Mental health service use was substantially lower among immigrant youth than non-immigrant youth, but higher proportions of immigrant youth were hospitalized involuntarily. The reverse income gradient patterns observed for community-mental health service use are noteworthy and suggest significant barriers to accessing preventable care among immigrant youth, particularly those living in lower-income neighbourhoods.