bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rare Middle Triassic coleoids from Alpine-Carpathian system: A new records from Slovakia and their significance
Authors: Kostak Martin , Schlögl Ján , Fuchs Dirk , Havrila Milan , Kolar-Jurkovšek Tea , Vörös Attila , Havelcová Martina , Šurka Juraj , Havrila Jakub , Holcová Katarína 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The two stratigraphically well constrained (by ammonites and conodonts) coleoid remains have been recorded in the Triassic (Anisian) dark-grey organodetritic limestones (Ráztoky Limestone) of Western Carpathians (Hronic Nappe). The facies originated between carbonate ramp and basinal development. It yields highly diversificated cephalopod fauna including nautiloids (2 taxa), ammonoids (7 taxa) and indetermined aulacoceratids. Two unusual coleoid specimens are referred to genus Mojsisovicsteuthis (M. boeckhi) and probably to a new taxon (described as Breviconoteuthis aff. breviconus herein) possessing similar morphological features of genus Breviconoteuthis (Phragmoteuthida) and/or Zugmontites. Based on index ammonites and conodonts, both records are of the uppermost Trinodosus through the lowermost Reitzi zones (Anisian – lower Illyrian). While the genus Mojsisovicsteuthis has been widely dispersed (however its records are rare), the occurrence of Breviconoteuthis and Zugmontites is strictly limited to the Alpine-Carpathian region. Compare to the holotype and additional specimens stored in the Hungarian Natural History Museum, the overal shell of Mojsisovicsteuthis and its size has been reconstructed. Its relationship to aulacoceratids and phragmoteuthids is briefly discussed. Geochemical record provided a relevant signal of the existence of algal meadows which may represent an analogy with later sea-grasses.
A discrete choice experiment to elicit preferences for a chronic disease screening programme in Queensland, Australia: designing the choice sets for the final survey
Authors: Senanayake Sameera , Barnett Adrian , Brain David , Allen Michelle , Powell Elizabeth E , O’Beirne James , Valery Patricia , Hickman Ingrid J , Kularatna Sanjeewa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background:
Chronic diseases are a significant health concern in Australia. Understanding community preferences for health screening services is vital for enhancing service delivery and patient satisfaction. We conducted a study to determine community preferences for health screening services for chronic diseases in Australia using a discrete choice experiment (DCE). This paper aims to present the development of the final DCE design using priors estimated from a pilot survey.
Methods:
A discrete choice experiment was conducted in Australia. An online survey was administered to a general Australian population over 18. The final attribute list of five attributes with three levels each was designed. A D-efficient design with 30 pair-wise choice tasks was developed using a fractional factorial design. A pre-test was conducted to assess comprehension and understanding of the online DCE survey. The pilot survey aimed to compute priors (i.e. coefficients) associated with attributes. A multinomial logit model was used to analyse the pilot DCE data, and the coefficients were used to improve the D-efficient design for the main survey.
Results:
The pilot survey included 30 choice tasks in three blocks, with 119 participants responding. The best DCE design was selected based on D-error, with a lower D-error indicating the most efficient design. The pilot survey results indicated a strong preference for highly accurate screening tests, with coefficients for 85% and 95% accuracy being positive. Coefficients estimated from the pilot survey were used as priors to design the DCE choice tasks for the main survey. The final DCE design showed a notable improvement in the attribute level overlap compared to the design used for the pilot survey.
Conclusions:
A rigorous approach was taken to develop a DCE survey that could effectively determine the preferences of the community for health screening services. The resulting DCE design consisted of 30 choice tasks presented in pairs and was deemed efficient enough to gather comprehensive information in the final survey that could inform policymaking.
Modeling of Methylene blue removal with Zinc oxide-coated activated carbon with Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Altıntıg Esra , Sarıcı Birsen , Bozdag Dilay , Ozcelik Tijen Over , Karakaş Mehtap , Altundag Huseyin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In the first stage of this study, activated carbon was obtained from agricultural waste hazelnut shells through chemical activation with H3PO4. Composite materials were obtained by coating the activated carbon with zinc oxide, whose BET surface area was calculated as 1278 m2/g. ZnO doped ZnO/AC composite was synthesized as an adsorbent for its possible application in the elimination of organic dyestuff MB and its removal efficiency was investigated. Morphological properties of ZnO/AC were characterized using analytical methods such as XRD, SEM, FT-IR. The adsorption system and its parameters were investigated and modeled using the response surface method of batch adsorption experiments. The experimental design consisted of three levels of pH (3, 6.5 and 10), initial MB concentration (50, 100 and 150 mg L− 1), dosage (0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 g 100 mL − 1), and contact time contact time (5, 50 and 95 min). The results from the RSM suggested that the MB removal efficiency was 98.7% under optimum conditions of the experimental factors. The R2 value, which expresses the significance of the model, was determined as 99.05%. Adsorption studies showed that the equilibrium data fit well with the Langmuir isotherm model compared to Freundlich. The maximum adsorption capacity was calculated as 270.70 mg g− 1.
Potential of hospital wastewater treatment using locally isolated Chlorella sp. LH2 from cocoon wastewater
Authors: Le Tu Thi Anh , Nguyen Truong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Chlorella sp. is able to grow and transform inorganic and organic contaminants in wastewater to create biomass. In the present study, Chlorella sp. LH2 isolated from cocoon wastewater was able to thrive in hospital wastewater, then remove nutrients and eliminate E. coli ATCC 8739. The results indicated that optimal cultivation conditions of Chlorella sp. LH2 in hospital wastewater were pH of 8, light:dark cycle of 16:8 at 30oC. The inhibitory effect of chlorination on algae growth was accompanied with the chlorine concentration. BOD5:COD ratio of 0.77 indicated biodegradability of hospital wastewater. The removal efficiency of COD, BOD5, total nitrogen and total phosphorous were 80.53%, 87.55%, 68.64% and 64.44% after 9 days, respectively. Elimination of E. coli ATCC 8739 after 7 days by Chlorella sp. LH2 was 88.92%. The results of this study suggest the nutrients and pathogens removal potential of Chlorella sp. LH2 in hospital wastewater for further practical applications.
The impact of alternative childcare policies on mothers’ employment in selected EU countries
Authors: Narazani Edlira , Agundez Ana , Christl Michael , Figari Francesco 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In 2022, the European Council raised the commonly known Barcelona target on childcare provisions established in2002 that, by 2010, a minimum of 33% of children below the age of three should receive early childhood educationand care with specific. The recent recommendation stipulates that by 2030 a minimum of 45% of children belowthe age of three should receive early childhood education and care. This paper analysis the labour supply effects ofhypothetical formal childcare provision targets (40%, 50%, 60% and 65% of children below the age of three) in aset of EU Member States based on the behavioural microsimulation model EUROLAB. Our findings indicate thatachieving these targets would result in an overall increase in the labor force participation of mothers, with variationsacross countries. We show that in countries like Hungary and Poland, where the current levels of formal childcareand female labor participation are low, the expected impact on labor supply incentives is likely to be substantial.Conversely, in countries like Portugal, which already exceed the existing childcare target of 33%, the changes in laborsupply incentives are moderate for the highest targets. These results indicate that a universal, one-size-fits-all targetsmay not be efficient in the EU, given significant variations across countries in terms of labor market participation andchildcare systems.
JEL-Code: J20, J22, J23, J13
Evolving profile of severe and critical COVID-19 according: Cases admitted to the University Hospital of Kinshasa (UHK) = the official name of the institution from March 24, 2020 to December 12, 2022
Authors: Sonzi Donatien Mangala , Risassi Jean-Robert Makulo , Ndona Madone Mandina , Mambimbi Marcel Mbula , Mashi Murielle Longokolo , Bepouka Ben , Ossam Odio , Kayembe Harry César , Kaswangala Béni Béni , Kapour Germain , Ngongo Nadine Mayasi , Lusunsi Christian Kisoka , Tuna Lukiana , Bompangue Didier , Situakibanza Hippolyte Nani-Tuma 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background:Severe and critical forms of COVID-19 require early conventional oxygen therapy.Objective:The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of Severe and critical COVID-19 patients treated at the University Hospital of Kinshasa according to News score.Methods:This was a historical cohort study carried out at the COVID-19 Treatment Center (of the University Hospital of Kinshasa (UHK) from March 24, 2020 to December 12, 2022. The target population was all patients (1159) admitted to the intensive care unit of the COVID-19 Treatment Center of the UHK. All tests were two-tailed with 95% CI and considered significant when P-value was < 0.05.Results:Of a total of 1159 patients, severe and critical forms accounted for 84.2% (n=976), with the age category of patients over 60 years the most represented at 52.2% (n=605), with a mean age of 58.1±17.3 years. Severe and critical patients with at least one comorbidity 74.2% (n=724) were admitted to CTCO CUK and 84.6% (n=981) of these patients required respiratory support with conventional oxygen therapy. Factors predictive of lethality were the use of CPAP and mechanical ventilation with HRa (95% CI) of 0.001 and 0.002 respectively, age> 60 years and late referral to UHK.Conclusion: Ultimately, this study showed that severe COVID-19 patients require early and effective management.
Correlation of Physical Activity and Health-related Quality of Life Among the Saudi Arabian Population: Implications for Promoting Public Health
Authors: Kaliyaperumal Karunamoorthi , Almalki Manal , Adam Hamza , Mahran Hesham 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

PurposePhysical activity (PA) is the key indicator to measure the psycho-physical-mental-socio health of society. It is a protective factor for managing chronic medical conditions and non-communicable illnesses. Nevertheless, one in five adults is physically sedentary worldwide. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the existing physical activity pattern among the Saudi population to estimate the relation between physical activity and health-related quality of life.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 572 adults between January and June 2023. A pre-tested online questionnaire was circulated via social media platforms. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (version 24.0).Results76.1% of females and 22.9% of males participated. The walking (76%) was the major PA than other sports. Respondents reported that their comorbidities for cardiometabolic diseases lessen due to continual PA. Overall, 59.3% of the participants perceived that they felt better after engaging in PA. 35.8% and 33.6% of the respondents practice 15-30 min every day and 3-4 times a week, respectively. About 44.7% of them perceived a significant improvement in their physical and mental health after any kind of PA. A strong correlation was observed between PA and health-related quality of life (P – 0.0005).ConclusionPA ensures the overall psycho-physical-mental-socio health of society. However, a sizable faction of the population still suffers due to sedentary culture. It is a grave concern. Therefore, sport-specific mental health interventions must be implemented through novel health education and promotion strategies to educate and promote a sporty lifestyle among the Saudi population in the future.
Knowledge, Uptake and Therapeutic Effectiveness of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) among Pregnant Women Attending the Antenatal Clinic at Ayeduase Health Centre in Oforikrom Municipality in the Ashanti-Region, Ghana
Authors: Ansong Daniel , Otoo David Mensah , Mensah Vivian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background Malaria is a life-threatening disease, and in pregnancy, it has been recognized to pose a substantial threat to mothers, fetuses and neonates and accounted for 15% of all maternal deaths globally in 2015. MiP poses a significant threat, and globally, it is associated with approximately 10,000 maternal deaths each year. In sub-Saharan Africa, it is projected that approximately 25 million pregnant women in this region are at risk of contracting P. falciparum malaria infection annually. In Ghana, the overall prevalence of MiP was 20.4% among pregnant women in the middle belt of Ghana. MiP causes maternal anaemia, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm delivery and low birth weight; however, it is preventable and curable. Despite the implementation of the IPTp-SP policy in Ghana, coverage remains low. This study assessed the knowledge, uptake and therapeutic effectiveness of IPTp-SP among pregnant women visiting the antenatal clinic at the Ayeduase Health Centre.
Methodology The study employed an analytical cross-sectional design, and a total of 187 pregnant women attending ANC at the Ayeduase Health Centre were surveyed. The collected data were exported into the Stata Corp 17 version for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed, and logistic regression was used to test associations between the dependent and independent variables. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant at a 95% confidence level.
Results All pregnant women (100%) had ever heard of IPTp-SP, and 94.7% knew of its benefit in pregnancy. Notably, health providers were the major source of information for approximately 94% of pregnant women, and a higher level of knowledge on IPTp-SP was found among 92.0% of pregnant women. The prevalence of anaemia and MiP was found to be low (4.8% and 9.7%, respectively). Optimal uptake (≥ 3 doses) of IPTp-SP was high among (61.3%) pregnant women. Therapeutic effectiveness was high among (86.6%) pregnant women. Having 3-4 live births (AOR=4.4 95% Cl: [1.98-9.56], p<0.001), first ANC initiation in the 2nd trimester and 3rd trimester of their current pregnancy (AOR=0.4 95% Cl: [0.21-0.89], 0.022), IPTp-SP intake in their 3rd trimester (AOR =0.1 95% Cl: [0.03-0.37], <0.001) and therapeutic effectiveness (AOR=3.4 95% Cl: [1.08-11. ], p=0.037). were significantly associated with ≥3 doses of IPTp-SP.
Conclusion The initiation of ANC and the uptake of optimal doses of IPTp-SP are crucial elements in ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Educating pregnant women on these aspects is imperative for enhancing their overall well-being and ensuring positive outcomes during pregnancy and childbirth.
A Novel Method for Estimating Time of Concentration in Ungauged Catchments
Authors: Fathi Abazar , Zolghadr Masih 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Time of Concentration (TC) is one of the most frequently used time parameters in many hydrological studies. A good estimation of TC value results in a more precise design of expensive hydraulic structures, as well as a better estimation of flood discharge. There are the three available approaches to determine TC: physical, empirical, and graphical methods. Among these, graphical method is a widely accepted and popular among researchers for estimating TC. It is also considered as benchmark in TC studies. However, this method faces problems due to the lack of recorded data in many catchments. In this study, two-dimensional (2D) hydraulic simulation is studied and suggested as a novel technique for calculation of TC. The required input for 2D simulation can be obtained by using free satellite data. Some empirical formulas were also considered for calculating TC as well. The graphical method was used as a benchmark to evaluate the outputs of hydraulic simulation, and empirical formulas. To do this, four different watersheds were considered, with 28 rainfall-runoff events. In hydraulic simulation, TC was calculated as the time taken by a water parcel to travel from the upstream (headwater) to the downstream (outlet) of a watershed. The TC values obtained from the hydraulic simulation, and empirical formulas were compared with graphical method. It was observed that the maximum difference between the graphical method and the 2D simulation was less than 10% in all watersheds. Therefore, hydraulic simulation is a reliable method for calculating TC, especially in ungauged catchments where graphical method is not applicable.
Effect of oral administration of Microcin Y on growth performance, intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota of chicks challenged with Salmonella Pullorum
Authors: Li Wenjing , Zeng Zhiwei , Zhou Di , Wang Guyao , Wang Zepeng , Li Yu , Han Yu , Qin Miaomiao , Luo Changqi , Feng Saixiang , Cao Weisheng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The lasso peptide microcin Y (MccY) effectively inhibits various serotypes of Salmonella in vitro, but the antibacterial effect against S. Pullorum in poultry is still unclear. This study was the first to evaluate the therapeutic activity of MccY in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks infected with S. Pullorum. The chicks were randomized into four groups: (I) negative control group (NC), (II) S. Pullorum-challenged group (SP, 5 × 108 CFU/bird), (III) MccY-treated group (MccY, 20 mg/kg), and (Ⅳ) enrofloxacin-treated group (ENR, 50 mg/L). The results indicated that oral administration of MccY increased body weight and average daily gain (P < 0.05), reduced fecal and cecal S. Pullorum burden (P < 0.05), enhanced the thymus and bursa of Fabricius index and decreased the spleen and liver index (P < 0.05). Moreover, MccY increased the jejunal villus height, lowered the jejunal and ileal crypt depth (P < 0.05), and upregulated the expression of IL-4, IL-10, ZO-1, CLDN-1 in the jejunum and ileum, as well as CLDN-1 in the jejunum (P < 0.05). MccY increased the α-diversity (Simpson index) and the relative richness of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and probiotic flora (Faecalibacterium, etc.), while decreasing (P < 0.05) the relative richness of Proteobacteria and pathogenic flora (Salmonella and Klebsiella, etc.). In conclusion, oral administration of MccY promoted growth performance, reduced S. Pullorum colonization in the gut, improved anti-inflammatory and intestinal barrier function, and restored the balance of the gut microbiota, providing an antibiotic replacement for effective prevention and control of S. Pullorum.
Childhood heart disease and parental emotional wellbeing: a predictive model to explain the perception of quality of life in children and adolescents
Authors: Capitello Teresa Grimaldi , Correale Cinzia , Amodeo Giulia , Balsamo Michela , Carlucci Leonardo , Fiorilli Caterina 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
The number of people living with congenital heart disease (CHD) in 2017 was estimated to be 12 million, which was 19% higher than that in 1990. However, their death rate declined by 35%, emphasizing the importance of monitoring their quality of life due to its impact on several patient outcomes. The main objective of this study is to analyze how parents’ psychosocial factors contribute to children’s and adolescents' perceptions of their QoL, focusing on their medical condition. More specifically, we explore how parental psychological dimensions, such as anxiety and depression, are related to patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Methods
We recruited 447 children aged 5 to 18 years with a CHD diagnosis and their parents (319 mothers and 229 fathers) from January to December 2018. Patients were referred to the Cardiology Department of “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital and participated in multidisciplinary standardized follow-up. Children and adolescents were submitted to a comprehensive evaluation by different physicians, including pediatric cardiologists, surgeons, and psychologists, at preset time frames. A series of standardized questionnaires were administered during psychological assessment.
Results
The main findings show a negative correlation between mothers’ anxiety and three patients' HRQoL subscales (Treatment II, Treatment anxiety, and Communication). Similarly, mothers’ depression correlates negatively with other patients’ HRQoL subscales (heart problems, symptoms, perceived physical appearance, cognitive problems, and communication). Fathers' anxiety and depression show negative correlations with only the subscale of Treatment II. More generally, the perceived quality of life of children and adolescents with CHD is influenced by their medical conditions as well as the parents’ psychological dimensions.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that the caregivers of pediatric patients with CHD are more exposed to psychological problems of anxiety and depression, which affect the perceived quality of life of their children. Longitudinal research with a healthy control group is recommended to further consolidate this evidence.
A Microbial Cell Factory Combining an Artificial Metathase with a Fatty Acid Decarboxylase for New-to-Nature Synthesis of Cycloalkenes
Authors: Ward Thomas , Zou Zhi , Wu Shuke , Gerngross Daniel , Lozhkin Boris , Chen Dongping , Tachibana Ryo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) are powerful tools for catalyzing new-to-nature reactions. ArMs offer great potential to complement natural enzymes in concurrent cascade reactions. For in cellulo applications, however, the abundance of thiols in the cytosol of aerobic organisms limits the use of ArMs that rely on precious metal cofactors. To overcome this limitation, compartmentalization of ArMs either in the periplasm or on the surface of Escherichia coli has shown promise. We report herein on our efforts to combine a surface-displayed artificial metathase with UndB, an inner membrane decarboxylase. The resulting concurrent cascade converts medium-chain dicarboxylates to cyclic alkenes. To optimize the cascade, we evolved both enzymes independently and fine-tuned their relative expression levels. Compared to the wild-type whole-cell enzyme cascade, the engineered strain was improved by > 75-fold for the conversion of sebacic acid to cyclohexene. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first example of a whole-cell enzyme cascade that combines a natural enzyme with an ArM.