bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co-payment mechanism in Uganda: Awareness of healthcare personnel and Implications on availability of Artemisinin agents in private drug outlets
Authors: Ocan Moses , Bakubi Racheal , Nakalembe Loyce , Ekusai-Sebatta Deborah , Nsobya Sam 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Malaria treatment is faced with the challenge of access, affordability, availability, and quality of antimalarial medicines. Affordable medicines facility-malaria (AMFm) program and subsequently Co-payment mechanism were developed to help increase access to quality assured Artemisinin Combination Therapies (ACTs) in seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa. We explored through a qualitative study, experience of healthcare personnel on Co-payment mechanism and the implication on access and availability of ACTs in private drug outlets in Uganda.
Method
All private drug outlets reporting stocking antimalarial agents in low and high malaria transmission settings were purposely selected for the study. In each drug outlet, data was collected from pharmacists/dispensers through key informant interview. The interview covered the following areas, (i) awareness of the co-payment mechanism, (ii) Knowledge of quality assured artemisinin combination therapies (QAACT), (iii) stocking of QAACTs, (iv) dispensing price of QAACTs), and (v) determinants of dispensing price of QAACTs. Data was managed using Atlas.ti and analyzed using framework methodology.
Results
Data was collected from 25 key informants. Five themes emerged following data analysis, (i) considerations taken while stocking antimalarial agents, (ii) access and purchasing behavior of clients, (iii) antimalarial dispensing, (iv) awareness of QAACT, and (v) awareness of Co-payment mechanism. None of the respondents was aware of Co-payment mechanism and QAACT (green leaf ACT). Duocotecin brand of ACTs (non-QAACT) was the most stocked antimalarial agent. Every seven in ten drug outlet clients request to purchase ACTs without a prescription and preferred buying cheaper brands. Drug outlets stocked and sold both ACT and non-ACT antimalarial agents. Most drug outlet clients cannot afford buying a full dose of an ACT. None of the respondents considered using Co-payment mechanism while stocking ACTs.
Conclusion
There is lack of awareness of Co-payment mechanism and QAACT among pharmacists/ dispensers close to a decade after its introduction in private sector. There was reportedly no difference in the dispensing price between QAACT and non-QAACT. The dispensing of less than a full dose of ACTs to drug outlet clients is a common practice. The Ministry of Health needs to create awareness through public campaigns on the Co-payment mechanism in the country.
An M/PH/1 Queue with Catastrophes
Authors: Liu Youxin , Liu Liwei 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
An M/PH/1 queue model with catastrophes is regarded as a generalization of an M/M/1 queue model with catastrophes. Whenever a catastrophe happens, all customers will be cleared immediately and the queuing system is empty. The customers arrive at the queuing system based on a Poisson process and the total service duration has two phases. Transient probabilities of this queuing system is considered by means of practical applications of the modifified Bessel function of the fifirst kind, the Laplace transform and probability generating function techniques.
Immune potency of bioreactor-aged dendritic cells in 3D collagen matrices
Authors: ElGindi Mei , Sapudom Jiranuwat , Garcia-Sabaté Anna , Quartey Brian Chesney , Alatoom Aseel , Al-Sayegh Mohamed , Li Rui , Chen Weiqiang , Teo Jeremy CM 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The processes of aging and space travel both have significant adverse effects on the immune system, resulting in increased susceptibility to infections. Using simulated microgravity platforms, such as the random positioning machine (RPM), on Earth allows us to investigate these effects to better facilitate future space travel and our understanding of the aging immune system. Dendritic cells (DCs) are key players in linking the innate and adaptive immune responses. Their distinct differentiation and maturation phases play vital roles in presenting antigens and mounting effective T-cell responses. However, DCs primarily reside in tissues such as the skin and lymph nodes. To date, no studies have effectively investigated the effects of aging via RPM on DCs in their native microenvironment. With 3D biomimetic collagen hydrogels, we can study the effects on DCs in more physiologically relevant microenvironments. In this study, we investigated the effects of loose and dense culture matrices on the phenotype, function, and transcriptome profile of immature and mature DCs utilizing an RPM to simulate an accelerated aging model. Our data indicate that an aged, or loose tissue microenvironment, and exposure to RPM conditions decrease the immunogenicity of iDCs and mDCs. Interestingly, cells cultured in dense matrices experienced fewer effects by the RPM at the transcriptome level.
Improving GPU Web Simulations of Spiking Neural P Systems
Authors: Odasco Ayla Nikki Lorreen , Rey Matthew Lemuel , Cabarle Francis George 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The utilization of a parallel processor such as the graph-ics processing unit (GPU) is only natural for the simulation of spikingneural p systems (SN P Systems) because of their inherent parallel na-ture. A recent work, created an SN P system simulator, GPUSnapse,that both utilizes GPU and runs on modern web browsers by exploitingthe Web Graphics Library (WebGL) which creates shaders to generatetextures that corresponds to SN P system simulation algorithms. Ma-trix representation operations were used in GPUSnapse. In GPUSnapse,when working with large matrices a common concern are sparse matri-ces. Sparse matrices are known to downgrade the performance of thesimulation because of wasting memory and time due to performing re-dundant operations. In this work we extend GPUSnapse by: (a) usingoptimized sparse matrix operations to improve the performance of oursimulator and; (b) increase the number of neurons that can be handledby the simulator due to better memory usage. We also identify the lim-itations of GPUSnapse in terms of the sizes of each benchmark systemthat it can handle. We present two algorithms: deterministic and non-deterministic algorithms, which we use to compare the performance andmemory requirements of the previous GPUSnapse and our present work.We also analyzed the performance between GPU and CPU implementa-tions of all algorithms involved. Results from our work show promisingimprovements such as up to a 1.97x speedup of GPU runtime and up to 30% reduction of memory usage. We also identify some bottlenecks inour work and recommendations for improvements.
Increased nationwide recreational mobility in green spaces in Norway during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Ulset Vidar , Venter Zander , Kozák Michal , Nordbø Emma Charlott Andersson , von Soest Tilmann 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Recreation in green spaces has seen a pervasive decrease during the last two decades, particularly in urban areas, suggesting a shift away from contact with nature in Western countries. There is some evidence that the response to the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased recreational mobility in urban green spaces during the initial phases of the pandemic; however, it is not clear whether the sudden and extensive disruption of people's lives may have led to nationwide changes in green space use in both rural and urban areas, and whether the pandemic has reinforced or attenuated already existing social inequalities in recreational green space use. We used daily nationwide aggregated mobility data from more than 2 million cell phone subscribers in 14,331 geographical grids across Norway to examine potential changes in mobility to green spaces as measured with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) during the pandemic, while controlling for weather conditions, holidays, and sociodemographic characteristics of neighborhoods. Moreover, we used neighborhood level registry data about household income, proportion of immigrants and education level to examine if there were social inequalities in changes in green space use. Results from linear mixed model analyses showed an increase in recreational dwells in green spaces during the pandemic, that was most prominent in areas of low socioeconomic status and high population density. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increase in recreational mobility in green spaces across Norway, with the most significant increase observed in low socioeconomic status areas and high population density regions, indicating the potential of the pandemic to reduce already existing social inequalities in green space use.
MATEO: InterMolecular α-Amidoalkylation Theoretical Enantioselectivity Optimization. Online Tool for Selection and Design of Chiral Catalysts and Products
Authors: Carracedo-Reboredo Paula , Aranzamendi Eider , He Shan , Arrasate Sonia , Munteanu Cristian R. , Fernandez-Lozano Carlos , Sotomayor Nuria , Lete Esther , González-Díaz Humberto 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The enantioselective Brønsted acid-catalyzed α-amidoalkylation reaction is a useful procedure is for the production of new drugs and natural products. In this context, Chiral Phosphoric Acid (CPA) catalysts are versatile catalysts for this type of reactions. The selection and design of new CPA catalysts for different enantioselective reactions has a dual interest because new CPA catalysts (tools) and chiral drugs or materials (products) can be obtained. However, this process is difficult and time consuming if approached from an experimental trial and error perspective. In this work, an Heuristic Perturbation-Theory and Machine Learning (HPTML) algorithm was used to seek a predictive model for CPA catalysts performance in terms of enantioselectivity in α-amidoalkylation reactions with R2 = 0.91 in training and validation series. It involved a Monte Carlo sampling of > 100,000 pairs of query and reference reactions. In addition, the computational and experimental investigation of a new set of intermolecular α-amidoalkylation reactions using BINOL-derived N-triflylphosphoramides as CPA catalysts is reported as a case of study. The model was implemented in a web server called MATEO: InterMolecular Amidoalkylation Theoretical Enantioselectivity Optimization, available online at: https://cptmltool.rnasa-imedir.com/CPTMLTools-Web/mateo. This new user-friendly online computational tool would enable sustainable optimization of reaction conditions that could lead to the design of new CPA catalysts along with new organic synthesis products.
Anais 1º Congresso Nacional de Nutrição e Longevidade e 3ª Jornada da UNATI (UNIFAL) Universidade Federal de Alfenas, 2021
Authors: Paulino Alice Helena de Souza , Todescato Angelica Pereira , Paula Bruno Martins Dala , Rodrigues Kamila Leite , Silva Marcella Zache , Teodoro Micaela Aparecida , Silva Júnior Sinézio Inácio da , Brito Tábatta Renata Pereira de , Silva Wanderson Roberto da 
Published: March 2023

A UNIFAL-MG, por meio do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nutrição e Longevidade (PPGNL) e a Universidade Aberta à Terceira Idade (UNATI), realizou entre os dias 04 e 06 de novembro de 2021, o 1º Congresso Nacional de Nutrição e Longevidade e 3ª Jornada da UNATI. O evento contou com apresentações de trabalhos, mesas-redondas e palestras ministradas por convidados internos e externos. As atividades aconteceram a partir das 17h, com transmissão ao vivo através do canal oficial da UNIFAL-MG no YouTube. Com o objetivo de debater os diferentes aspectos da longevidade e sua relação com a nutrição, assim como questões relacionadas à gerontologia. O público-alvo do evento contou com profissionais de diferentes áreas do conhecimento; graduandos e pós-graduandos. Comissão Organizadora - 1º Congresso Nacional de Nutrição e Longevidade e 3ª Jornada da UNATI - (UNIFAL) Universidade Federal de Alfenas, 2021
Economics of Bovine Respiratory Disease Treatment Regimens
Authors: Larson Robert L. , Pierce V. L. 
Published: March 2023

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading cause of feedlot morbidity and mortality in North America, and decisions about BRD therapy are critically important to feedlot veterinarians and their clients. A spreadsheet tool was utilized to evaluate variables having the greatest economic impact on a decision to move from one BRD treatment regimen to another.
Differences in case fatality rate and re-treatment proportion between two potential BRD treatment regimes are important variables when selecting BRD treatment protocols based on return to ownership and management. Other variables unrelated to treatment efficacy that are important for selection of a BRD treatment regimen are sale price and cost of gain. Purchase price of the cattle, morbidity proportion, labor costs not associated with BRD treatment, trucking costs, processing costs, interest rate and yardage cost were not found important to selecting an appropriate BRD treatment regimen.
Determination of blood cardiac troponin I and L-lactate cut-off values for predicting survival in dairy cows affected by downer cow syndrome
Authors: Labonté Josiane , Dubuc Jocelyn , Roy Jean-Philippe , Buczinski Sébastien 
Published: March 2023

The downer cow syndrome (DCS) is a challenging health issue in the dairy industry because of the high incidence of negative outcome. For practitioners dealing with DCS cases, it implies dealing with the cause of the problem but also with animal welfare concerns. Unfortunately, no cow-side test is available to provide an accurate prognosis of DCS cases in farm settings.
The presence of local and/or systemic hypoperfusion and myocardial lesions can lead to an increase in blood concentrations of biomarkers such as cardiac troponin I (cTnl) and L-lactate.
Since their blood concentrations can be determined using a validated cow-side portative unit, the objective of this study was to determine the cut-off values of these biomarkers for predicting survival in dairy cows affected by DCS.
An Examination of Indo-Trinidadian Females' Identity Beliefs: Implications for their Centered Leadership
Authors: Bissessar Charmaine 
Published: March 2023

Discussions around the development of Caribbean women have, to a great extent, marginalized Indo-Trinidadian with scant anecdotal evidence of their leadership potential and identity beliefs. I sought to examine Indo-Trinidadian women's identity beliefs and how this is linked to the concept of leadership. The underlying theoretical framework of this qualitative methodology study was Centered Leadership (Brash & Cranston, 2011). The questions posed were, what are the beliefs as regards Indo-Trinidadian females' identity and how do such beliefs reflect the subscales of Centered Leadership? Most of the 50 participants belonged to the 18 to 36 age range with 20 of them possessing high school certificates, 19 Indo-Trinidadian females lived in North-East Trinidad, and 12 were salesclerks. All participants displayed high levels of self-efficacy, 80% indicated that they used positive methods of eliminating stress and they felt empowered emotionally, physically, and mentally. In responding to questions about their belief in freewill, 84% of respondents indicated that they favored free-will over destiny. Four participants who lived in other countries indicated that they did not have any major issues assimilating a new culture. Moreover, 10 of the participants verified the findings. Indo-Trinidadian women's identity and belief systems closely matched the five stages of Centered Leadership: (a) meaning; (b) framing; (c) connecting; (d) engaging; and (e) energizing.
Gender and the Workplace: The Impact of Stereotype Threat on Self- Assessment of Management Skills of Female Business Students
Authors: Flanagan Jennifer 
Published: March 2023

Stereotype threat, the threat of being stereotyped against (Steele & Aronson, 1995), regardless of the legitimacy of the stereotype, can impact not only productivity, but goals, behavior, and ultimately attitudes. Stereotype threat impacts not only racial groups but men and women as well, each group impacted by the negative stereotypes about their intellectual and/or work performance. As the workplace becomes more and more diverse, managers must understand and brace for the impact stereotypes have on their workers. This study looks at the impact of stereotype threat on male and female business majors in the workplace and future entrepreneurs. The impact of stereotype was measured in their ranking of their own management skills, how they thought others would rank their management skills, and their goals in the workplace.
Women's Leadership: Young Men's Expectations of Female Leaders
Authors: Hickman Laura J 
Published: March 2023

Interviews with twenty pre-professional millennial men revealed that while many young men have experienced a maledominated home life in their youth, their experiences in college and early work have led most to believe that in their professional careers female authority figures will be a normal and accepted part of work. Other themes include the desire for more personal and trusting relationships in the work place and a growing acceptance of all people without discrimination. Implications of this study are discussed.
The Gender Shift in Enrollment Patterns in Higher Education: A Case Study of a School Administration Program
Authors: Guramatunhu ""Mudiwa Precious 
Published: March 2023

Recent trends in higher education suggest that there are more women than men enrolled and that more degrees are being conferred to women across all levels at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and the doctorate levels (Hussar &Bailey, 2011; Wang & Parker, 2011). I offer theoretical perspectives about the rapid growing female enrollment in higher education, arguing that it is a major force in shifting college student demographics. The conclusions are based on an investigation of student enrollment patterns in a school administration program at a large comprehensive university in southeastern United States from 2000 through 2011. The results revealed that in this program, females outnumbered males by 2:1. Chi-square tests revealed statistically significant gender differences in enrollment patterns across age, semester, academic year, type of program, and type of campus. A further test using logistic regression analysis confirmed these findings. These results mirrored national trends where females now outnumbered males in higher education.
Polybacterial shift in benthic river biofilms attributed to organic pollution – a prospect of a new biosentinel?
Authors: Exton Benjamin , Hassard Francis , Medina Vaya Angel , Grabowski Robert C. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Organic pollution continues to contaminate river water and degrade aquatic ecosystems worldwide. In heavily modified river systems with high organic loading, sewage fungus, a heterotrophic biofilm, can form on the riverbed. The aim of this study was to determine how the polybacterial community of riverbed biofilms changes prior to and during a sewage fungus outbreak to inform the development of novel biomonitoring approaches. Riverbed biofilm samples were collected from a site that experienced sewage fungus outbreaks previously and an upstream control, following a BACI design. The polybacterial community was characterized using targeted amplicon sequencing (16s rRNA). The results indicate that the community became dominated by two genera prior to and during the sewage fungus outbreak, Rhodoferax and Sphaerotilus, which accounted for 32.8 and 14.2% of the relative abundance. When aggregated at a higher taxonomic level, the genetic data show that the community was comprised largely of bacteria from a single family, Comamonadaceae, totalling 64.1% of the relative abundance. Statistically significant differences in the polybacterial community over time and between impact and control sites provide initial evidence that genetic-based fingerprinting could be a promising biosentinel approach to identify organic pollution inputs and monitor their ecological impact.
Development of drought severity–duration–frequency curves for identifying drought proneness in semi-arid regions
Authors: Pandya Parthsarthi , Gontia Narendra Kumar 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe effectual estimation of meteorological drought parameters such as severity, duration and frequency to plan suitable drought mitigation measures is challenging owing to the complex relationship among these parameters. The present study endeavored to assess the drought proneness of various districts of chronic drought prone Saurashtra region of Gujarat state (India). The district wise Drought Severity Duration Frequency (DSDF) curves were developed using Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) based on 40 years (1980 to 2019) data. The monthly drought severities of SPEI for various return periods ranging from 2 to 100 years were estimated by testing 10 probability distributions. The DSDF curves revealed that severe droughts were more prominent for shorter durations and identical severities were observed for 1 to 4 month drought duration for smaller rerun periods. As drought mitigation measures vary according to drought severity and duration, the study employed a novel approach of ranking the districts based on three criteria as proneness to higher severities for longer drought durations, high severities with short drought duration, and low severities with long drought duration. Rather than relying on rainfall or drought index-based judgement, the present study demonstrated the better alternative for drought risk assessment, resilience planning, and mitigation.
Optimum location for energy recovery and leakage reduction in water distribution networks
Authors: Jain Priyanshu , Khare Ruchi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe excess pressure in water distribution networks (WDNs) can be utilized to reduce leakage and produce energy by installing energy recovery devices (ERDs) like microturbines or pumps-as-turbines. The major challenge in adopting ERDs in pipe networks is to locate the optimum location for their placement. An optimization procedure is proposed in this work to find the optimum locations of energy recovery (ER) and leakage reduction (LR). The optimization method is based on the Rao algorithm, written in Python, coupled to an EPANET-implemented hydraulic model. With optimal ER of 543.46, 648.24 and 154.58 kWh/day and LR of 61.1, 13.6 and 6.8%, three benchmark networks – the 5-node, the 25-node and the 46-node network – serve as the basis for validating the proposed approach which converges to the best solution in only 2,000, 4,000 and 10,000 function evaluations. For large networks, solutions with two ideally located devices gave higher ER than three imperfectly located devices. This methodology is verified to give optimal ER locations and can be applied to any pipe network regardless of size and location. This work made it easier to analyse the potential for ER in WDNs and promotes the use of sustainable leakage management methods.