bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WhatsApp as a medium to collect qualitative data among adolescents: lessons learned and considerations for future use
Authors: Singer Barbara , Walsh Caitlin M. , Gondwe Lucky , Reynolds Katie , Lawrence Emily , Kasiya Alinafe 
Published: April 2023

To understand dynamics surrounding adolescents’ access to and use of contraception, perspectives of youth themselves must be considered. Methods of data collection leveraging technological solutions may provide avenues for increased anonymity for adolescents to share their experiences with contraception. With the use of WhatsApp and other smartphone-based messaging applications as platforms for qualitative methodologies, public health researchers may find increased access to adolescents through utilizing mediums that adolescents already engage with in their daily lives. This article describes the methodology of using WhatsApp for conducting focus group discussions with adolescents in Malawi, including lessons learned around data collection, data use, and data quality. In June 2018, VillageReach used WhatsApp to conduct focus group discussions (FGD) to collect qualitative data on contraceptive use from Malawian youth. WhatsApp FGD participants were male and female adolescents, aged 15-19 representing rural and urban populations across three geographic regions of Malawi (northern, central and southern). Youth researchers (YR), aged 22-25, were trained and facilitated fifteen WhatsApp FGDs, as in-person (12) and remote (3) sessions. WhatsApp FGDs consisted of a YR sharing fictitious but contextually realistic ASRH scenarios, and managing the virtual discussion with questions and probing. Youth indicated comfort using WhatsApp to express their opinions and experiences related to contraceptive use and preferences. Based on the data collected, the researchers felt that use of the technology may increase willingness to provide additional levels of information during anonymized WhatsApp FGDs vis à vis traditional, in-person FGDs. Using WhatsApp as a methodological tool to facilitate FGDs has practical implications for data collection, data quality, and data analysis. This paper reports lessons learned and advantages and disadvantages of using WhatsApp to conduct FGDs in a low-resource setting. It also calls for developing guidelines and an ethical code of conduct for future use of mobile applications in qualitative research.
Single-shot multispectral quantitative phase imaging of biological samples using deep learning
Authors: Bhatt Sunil , Butola Ankit , Kumar Anand , Thapa Pramila , Joshi Akshay , Jadhav Suyog , Singh Neetu , Prasad Dilip K. , Agarwal Krishna , Mehta Dalip Singh 
Published: April 2023

Multispectral quantitative phase imaging (MS-QPI) is a high-contrast label-free technique for morphological imaging of the specimens. The aim of the present study is to extract spectral dependent quantitative information in single-shot using a highly spatially sensitive digital holographic microscope assisted by a deep neural network. There are three different wavelengths used in our method: λ=532, 633, and 808 nm. The first step is to get the interferometric data for each wavelength. The acquired datasets are used to train a generative adversarial network to generate multispectral (MS) quantitative phase maps from a single input interferogram. The network was trained and validated on two different samples: the optical waveguide and MG63 osteosarcoma cells. Validation of the present approach is performed by comparing the predicted MS phase maps with numerically reconstructed (FT+TIE) phase maps and quantifying with different image quality assessment metrices.
Evaluation of Recombinase Polymerase Amplification assay for monitoring parasite load in patients with kala-azar and post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis
Authors: Roy Madhurima , Ceruti Arianna , Kobialka Rea Maja , Roy Sutopa , Sarkar Deblina , Wahed Ahmed Abd El , Chatterjee Mitali 
Published: April 2023

Background
The potential reservoirs of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in South Asia include asymptomatic and relapsed cases of VL, along with patients with post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL). Accordingly, accurate estimation of their parasite load is pivotal for ensuring disease elimination, presently targeted for 2023. Serological tests cannot accurately detect relapses and/or monitor treatment effectiveness, and therefore, parasite antigen/nucleic acid based detection assays remain the only viable option. An excellent option is the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) but the high cost, technical expertise and time involved precludes its wider acceptability. Accordingly, the recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay operated in a mobile suitcase laboratory has emerged not simply as a diagnostic tool for leishmaniasis but also to monitor the disease burden.

Methodology/Principal findings
Using total genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood of confirmed VL cases (n = 40) and lesional biopsies of PKDL cases (n = 64), the kinetoplast-DNA based qPCR and RPA assay was performed and parasite load expressed as Cycle threshold (Ct) and Time threshold (Tt) respectively. Using qPCR as the gold standard, the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of RPA in naïve cases of VL and PKDL was reiterated. To assess the prognostic potential of the RPA, samples were analyzed immediately at the end of treatment or ≥6 months following completion of treatment. In cases of VL, the RPA assay in terms of cure and detection of a relapse case showed 100% concordance with qPCR. In PKDL following completion of treatment, the overall detection concordance between RPA and qPCR was 92.7% (38/41). At the end of treatment for PKDL, 7 cases remained qPCR positive, whereas RPA was positive in only 4/7 cases, perhaps attributable to their low parasite load.

Conclusions/Significance
This study endorsed the potential of RPA to evolve as a field applicable, molecular tool for monitoring parasite load, possibly at a point of care level and is worthy of consideration in resource limited settings.
How much behaviour change is required for the investment in cycling infrastructure to be sustainable? A break-even analysis
Authors: Candio Paolo , Frew Emma 
Published: April 2023

Background
Active travel has gained traction among policy makers as a promising solution to physical inactivity. Returns on active travel investments, including cycling infrastructure, crucially rely on resulting improvements in population behaviours. Estimating the expected economic value that an additional regular cyclist will generate and being able to identify the behaviour change required at the population level to offset the intervention costs is important to inform future investment decisions.

Methods
The WHO’s Health Economic Assessment Tool was employed to conduct a break-even analysis. A case study methodology was used which focused on a real-world construction project of a separated cycleway in the UK. The economic assessment considered physical activity benefits, air pollution, crash risk and carbon emissions in monetary terms. An iterative computational approach was applied to identify the behaviour change (cycling) requirements, and corresponding benefits valued using international dollars, to break even on the investment costs. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess robustness of the base-case results.

Results
Over a ten-year time horizon, an additional regular cyclist (i.e., someone cycling most days of the week) was found to generate $798 (₤533) per annum (international dollars). An additional 267 regular cyclists per km were required to break even on the construction of the new separated cycleway. Estimates were particularly sensitive to variations to age, cycling volume and evaluation time horizon.

Conclusions
Policymakers planning to invest in cycling infrastructure should consider using these reproducible, order-of-magnitude estimates to complement the more comprehensive transport appraisal and budget allocation processes. This would ensure that, when considering its health-related economic benefits, the investment is justifiable on economic sustainability grounds.
Development and validation wise assessment of genotype guided warfarin dosing algorithm in Indian population
Authors: Anand Aishwarya , Kumar Rupesh , Sharma Swati , Gupta Ankur , Vijayvergiya Rajesh , Mehrotra Saurabh , Kumar Basant , Lad Deepesh , Patil Amol N. , Shafiq Nusrat , Malhotra Samir 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Objectives
A study was conducted to develop and validate the warfarin pharmacogenetic dose optimization algorithm considering the clinical pharmacogenetic implementation consortium (CPIC) recommendations for the Asian ethnicity population.

Methods
The present prospective observational study recruited warfarin-receiving patients. We collected a three ml blood sample for VKORC1, CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, and CYP4F2 polymorphism assessment during the follow-up visits. Clinical history, sociodemographic and warfarin dose details were noted.

Results
The study recruited 300 patients (250 in derivation and 50 in validation timed cohort) receiving warfarin therapy. The baseline characteristics were similar in both cohorts. BMI, presence of comorbidity, VKORC1, CYP2C9*2, and CYP2C9*3 were identified as covariates significantly affecting the warfarin weekly maintenance dose (p<0.001 for all) and the same were included in warfarin pharmacogenetic dose optimization algorithm building. The algorithm built-in the present study showed a good correlation with Gage (r=0.57, p<0.0001), and IWPC (r=0.51, p<0.0001) algorithms, widely accepted in western side of the globe. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed a sensitivity of 73 %, a positive predictive value of 96 %, and a specificity of 89 %. The algorithm correctly identified the validation cohort’s warfarin-sensitive, intermediate reacting, and resistant patient populations.

Conclusions
Validation and comparisons of the warfarin pharmacogenetic dose optimization algorithm have made it ready for the clinical trial assessment.
Effects of ground plane on a square graphene ribbon patch antenna designed on a high-permittivity substrate with PBG structures
Authors: BENDAOUDI Amina , BERKA Mohammed , DEBAB Mohamed , MAHDJOUB Zoubir 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In this paper, a wide bandwidth (20 GHz) and small sized (200 × 200 × 50 µm3) terahertz (THz) square graphene ribbon antenna using Photonic Band Gap (PBG) substrate are investigated in the 0.6–0.8 THz band. The proposed antenna consists of graphene as radiating patch mounted on four types of ground plane. The important aim of this work is to eliminate the second resonance frequency by utilize a several types of ground plane and keep a single frequency by improving the performance of the proposed antenna. The effect of change ground plane on the performance of antenna is compared, in terms of reflection coefficient, bandwidth, directivity and radiation pattern. The antenna has achieved good gain (7.62 dB) and good directivity (6.38 dB) in comparison to work reported in the literature.
The effect of different plant extracts on the oxidative stability of microencapsulated anchovy oil
Authors: Yeşilsu Ahmet Faruk , Alp-Erbay Esen , Kutlu Sebahattin , Özyurt Gülsün 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Lactose and sodium caseinate were used as wall materials in microencapsulation of fish oil by spray drying. Thyme, rosemary, and laurel extracts were utilized to enhance oxidative stability. Efficiency of antioxidant capacity of plant extracts was compared with BHT. Fish oil encapsulates with rosemary extract exhibited better protection against lipid oxidation (0.36 mmol MDA/kg) than the control group (2.92 mmol MDA/kg) at +4 °C. Hue angle properties of encapsulated fish oil with the laurel extract showed the highest change. The lowest peroxide value (PV) was detected in the 1500 ppm rosemary group (5.13 mEq O2/kg oil) and 250 ppm BHT group (5.90 mEq O2/kg oil) after the spray drying. Also, these groups had the lowest TBARs values during the storage. It was observed that the pAV of CG2 (BHT Control), RE1 (1000 ppm rosemary extract), RE2 (1500 ppm rosemary extract), and LE2 (1500 ppm laurel extract) groups remained below six during 8 months of storage. Volatile components of encapsulated fish oil were the highest in control, thyme and laurel extracts compared to the microcapsules with rosemary extracts in terms of total aldehyde generation. Sensory analysis showed that fresh fish odor was better preserved with rosemary extract compared to other plant extracts. It was concluded that microencapsulation of fish oil with sodium caseinate and lactose as wall material and rosemary and laurel extracts as antioxidants enhanced the oxidative stability of the microcapsules.
Differences in venous, capillary and interstitial glucose concentrations in individuals without diabetes after glucose load
Authors: Pleus Stefan , Schauer Sebastian , Baumstark Annette , Beil Alexandra , Jendrike Nina , Link Manuela , Zschornack Eva , Beltzer Anne , Haug Cornelia , Freckmann Guido 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Differences between capillary and venous glucose concentrations have been reported in the past. In continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system performance studies, comparator measurements are often performed in venous samples, despite CGM systems typically aiming at providing capillary-like values. In this study, differences between venous, capillary and interstitial glucose concentrations, measured with a laboratory analyzer, a self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) system and an intermittent-scanning CGM system were investigated in subjects without diabetes after glucose load.

Methods
During the study, an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) was performed with 41 participants who had no known history of diabetes (mean age 25.5 ± 9.7 years). Venous blood samples for measurement with a laboratory analyzer were collected before drinking the standardized 75 g glucose solution and after 60 and 120 min. In parallel, capillary blood was obtained for measurement with a laboratory analyzer and an SMBG system, and interstitial glucose values were measured with an intermittent-scanning CGM system.

Results
Glucose concentrations in the fasting state were slightly different for the three different compartments whereas considerable differences (some median differences exceeding 30 %) in glucose concentration were observed 60 and 120 min after the start of the oGTT.

Conclusions
Marked differences with a high inter-individual variability between venous, capillary, and interstitial fluid glucose concentrations were found especially after glucose load. These differences can affect perceived CGM accuracy in performance studies depending on the specific comparator method used, and they are potentially relevant in clinical practice, like diabetes diagnosis.
Photoprotection strategies with antioxidant extracts: a new vision
Authors: Ayad Radia , Lefahal Mostefa , Makhloufi El Hani , Akkal Salah 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The most harmful to biological compounds is ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun. UVC rays (100–280 nm) are extremely harmful to the skin. Fortunately, it is primarily absorbed in the earth’s troposphere by molecular oxygen and ozone. Although UVB (290–320 nm) accounts for only about 5 % of terrestrial UVR, its effects are typically much stronger than those of UVA (320–400 nm). UVR’s clinical effects on normal-appearing human skin can include erythema, pigmentation, suppression of acquired immunity and enhancement of innate immunity, all caused by UVB, and blood pressure reduction caused by UVA. Long-term effects include photocarcinogenesis and photoaging. All of these effects are supported by molecular or cellular effects such as DNA damage, ROS generation, melanogenesis, and the expression of numerous genes and related proteins. The use of sunscreen and avoiding prolonged sun exposure are the first lines of defense in photoprotection. Sunscreens with the appropriate SPF and protection spectrum are now the mainstay of many studies on UV damage. A variety of novel strategies for developing better sunscreens have been proposed. It has been proposed that incorporating antioxidant phenolic extracts into sunscreens can provide additional photoprotective qualities and provide greater protection by replenishing the skin’s natural reservoirs. Thus, the goal of this study was to look into the use of antioxidant extracts from medicinal plants in sunscreens and cosmetic formulations to boost photoprotection, with a particular emphasis on green extraction of these antioxidants from their complex matrices.
A tale of two Hippo pathway modules
Authors: Han Han , Wang Wenqi 
Published: April 2023

The Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily conserved pathway with crucial roles in development, organ size control, tissue homeostasis and cancer. Over two decades of research have elucidated the core Hippo pathway kinase cascade, but its precise organization has not been fully understood. In this issue of The EMBO Journal, Qi et al (2023) report a new model of two modules for the Hippo kinase cascade, providing new insights into this long‐standing question.
Female infertility from oocyte maturation arrest: assembling the genetic puzzle
Authors: Ding Xinbao , Schimenti John C 
Published: April 2023

Assisted reproduction procedures often encounter an issue called oocyte maturation arrest (OMA), which is manifested as failed IVF/ICSI attempts using oocytes from some infertile women. In this issue of EMBO Molecular Medicine, Wang et al identify infertile women bearing novel DNA sequence variants in a gene called PABPC1L, which is essential for translation of maternal mRNAs. By conducting a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, they demonstrated certain variants as being causal for OMA, confirming a conserved requirement for PABPC1L in human oocyte maturation. This study offers a promising therapeutic target for treating OMA patients.
DISCURSOS RELIGIOSOS JUSTIFICADORES DE LA VIOLENCIA DE GÉNERO EN UN GRUPO DE MUJERES UPALEÑAS: SACRIFICIO, CULPA Y ESPIRITUALIDADES
Authors: Argüello Brenda Jiménez , Montoya Hernández María Auxiliadora 
Published: April 2023

Este trabajo indaga la violencia que sufren cinco mujeres de la zona de Upala en Costa Rica, desde espacios como el cultural, la familia y las instituciones religiosas. Ante esto, se examinan nociones determinantes en la legitimación de esa violencia como el sacrificio, la culpa, sus espiritualidades liberadoras y la visión de un dios como quien resuelve problemas. Para ello, se usaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a modo de herramienta recolectora de datos en la investigación cualitativa. De esta manera, se evidencia cómo la violencia cultural es legitimada a través de imaginarios y discursos religiosos que llegan a repercutir en la vida de las mujeres, al justificar muchas de las situaciones agresivas que viven y al contribuir en la construcción de subjetividades arraigadas a la pasividad, la obediencia, el sacrificio y la entrega. Además, se muestra cómo analizar discursos religiosos opresores puede ser favorable ante la postura que las mujeres tengan frente a situaciones violentas sustentadas en un lenguaje religioso inmerso en lo cultural. Así, el texto permite conocer, desde la historia de estas cinco mujeres que forman parte de un grupo femenino víctima de violencia, el impacto de una sociedad, la cual mantiene estructuras que violentan a las mujeres y son sostenidas por medio de imperativos religiosos.
Reflexiones y experiencias del Programa de Capacitación, Actualización y Divulgación de la Escuela de Geografía, Universidad de Costa Rica en el periodo 2015-2021
Authors: Reyes-Chaves Jonnathan , Masís-Campos Ramón , Retana-Quirós Daniela , Álvarez-Vargas Lisbeth , Pérez-Briceño Paula Marcela , Vargas-Picado Huberth , Fernández-Arce Mario 
Published: April 2023

Teaching extensions are one of the functions of the Vicerrectoría de Acción Social at the Universidad de Costa Rica. Through this modality an academic exchange between teachers. and communities is offered to improve the welfare of society through the transfer of knowledge in an agile and direct way. These activities are beneficial for communities and contribute to the country's social and economic development. The Training, Update and Dissemination Program of the School of Geography (PROCADI) was created to promote geographical trade through teaching extension, attending non-formal educational needs aimed at companies, institutions, career graduates, university students, professionals and technicians from various competencies. Through a systematization of data associated with the PROCADI that are administered from the Academic and Budget Information Management System of the Vicerrectoría de Acción Social (BITE) in the 2015-2021 period it was determined that the PROCADI issues annually on average between 10 and 15 activities such as: courses, conferences, forums, seminars, among others that correspond to the themes of geomatic, society and population, environment, teaching and research, ordering and territorial planning. In general, the development of geomatic activities in the last 7 years predominate in quantity and frequencies. Traditionally, the PROCADI and the School of Geography have developed their in-person training in different spaces such as in the field, in laboratories, in auditoriums and in classrooms. However, the Covid-19 pandemic required a methodological change towards virtuality with the support of digital platforms. Among the challenges for the PROCADI, it is identified the ability to offer greater opportunities in training in the fields of territorial ordering and planning, environment, society and population, in addition to consulting and articulating the professional demands of the target audiences, as well as internationalization.
Estudio de prácticas docentes para el desarrollo de habilidades prelectoras en el nivel de Preescolar en Costa Rica-California, EE. UU.
Authors: Badilla Zamora Isabel , Hernández Segura Ana María , Segura Esquivel Sylvia , Solís Sánchez Gabriela , Urdaneta Benavides Margarita , Amador-Lankster Clara , Solis Elsie N. , Flores Nirmla G. 
Published: April 2023

This writing is based on a joint investigation between staff members from Universidad Nacional of Costa Rica and faculty researchers from universities of California, USA: Redlands, California State University San Marcos and National University that is carried out during 2020 and 2021, which aims to know the teaching practices at the preschool level related to the development of pre-reading skills in both contexts. As a result of the interviews applied to thirty teachers, fifteen from each country, teaching practices are identified: similarities and particularities, in addition, the evaluative strategies used to assess pre-reading skills in preschool children are determined, as well as the challenges that face the teachers of each country. Finally, the interest of promoting opportunities for collaboration and learning between colleagues of both nationalities is established. In conclusion, teaching practices with the intention of developing pre-reading skills coincide in safeguarding and considering the characteristics of the age group. In addition, their practices include the use of printed material, games, and art, among others, as vehicles to integrate children into the literate world in the classroom. Likewise, the need and challenge of considering the context is considered when designing meaningful strategies and promoting real situations of childhood in the classroom such as conversations and dramatizations for the development of oral language and vocabulary.