bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Inadequate Calories Intake among Hospitalized Patients at Muhimbili National Hospital. A Cross-sectional Study in Dar es Salaam - Tanzania
Authors: Ndyai Justina Edward , Ambikile Joel Seme 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background: Inadequate calories intake during hospitalization is strongly related to poor patient outcomes including the risk for malnutrition, infections, longer hospital stay, morbidity and mortality. In low-income settings, factors associated with inadequate calories intake among hospitalized patients are not sufficiently studied. The purpose of this study was to assess the determinants of inadequate calories intake among hospitalized patients at a tertiary referral hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among hospitalized patients at Muhimbili National Hospital between 4th April and 28th May, 2022. A random sampling method and an interviewer-administered questionnaire were employed to recruit respondents and to collect data, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed with the help of Stata 15.0. and factors associated with inadequate calories intake were determined using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.
Results: A total of 229 hospitalized patients were included in the analysis. The mean (SD) age was 45.0 (16.3), and the majority 156 (68.1%) were from the medical ward. The median duration of hospitalization was 5 (IQR = 4-7) days, and the proportion of respondents with inadequate calories intake was 15%. Factors significantly associated with inadequate calories intakes were older patients (aged 55 years and above) (AOR: 3.936; 95% CI: 1.614, 9.598; p <0.003), male patients (AOR: 6.835; 95% CI: 2.733, 17.098; p <0.001), and residing in rural areas (far from the hospital) (AOR: 3.350; 95% CI: 1.401, 8.011; p = 0.007).
Conclusions: A considerable proportion of respondents had inadequate calories intake. Nutritional assessment and support are needed to address inadequate calories intake among hospitalized patients, with considerations of patients who are older, male, and those whose residence is far away from the hospital.
Competitive trend and the development of advantageous goods in terms of value added among ASEAN economies: a multi-regional input–output analysis
Authors: Nguyen Chung Van 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the competitive trend and the development of advantageous goods in terms of value-added among ASEAN economies in the context of the production shift is taking place strongly globally, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. To achieve this purpose we use the inter-regional IO analysis method to analyze the value-added by sectors level of ASEAN economies. The results show that there is a big disturbance in the ranking of added value for the garment and textile industries. Accordingly, the largest value-added of this industry is Indonesia; the next two positions is Thailand and Vietnam in 2015. However, during 2015–2020, Vietnamese added-value has grown significantly from the 3rd position to the 1st position within 5 years. In terms of high-tech industries, they can be divided into 3 groups based on the growth rate of value added: The first group includes Cambodia and Vietnam, although having a smaller economic scale, the growth of value-added is increase significantly; the second group includes Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines, which are countries with average industry-level value-added; the third group is Indonesia and the rest. The research results also show the trend of competition in terms of value added among ASEAN countries.
JEL Classification: A13, D57, F43
Transcriptome analysis provides insights into the skeletal malformation induced by dietary phospholipids deficiency in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) larvae
Authors: Fang Zishuo , Gong Ye , Wang Shilin , Han Zhihao , Huang Xuxiong , Chen Naisong , Li Songlin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Largemouth bass is one of the most important freshwater aquaculture species in China. However, the mechanisms underlying the development of skeleton in the fish are unclear. High-throughput RNA-Seq was used to analyze the differences in the transcriptome of largemouth bass skeleton between high-phospholipids and low-phospholipids groups. Thirty individuals each from 3 high-phospholipids families and 3 low-phospholipids families were used to reduce inaccuracies. The results indicated that 255 up-regulated and 329 down-regulated genes were identified in the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed the DEGs were involved in the MAPK signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol signaling system, glycosphingolipid biosynthesis-lacto and neolacto series and fatty acid degradation. Twist2 and Daam1, genes related to osteoblast development, were up-regulated in high-phospholipids group. BGLAP, gene associated with the skeletal development and osteohormatology, was also up-regulated in high-phospholipids group. PCOLCE b, a gene related to the development of gristle, was up-regulated in high-phospholipids group. Higher expression of SCPP1 and SCPP7 in high-phospholipids group was associated with tooth and bone development. The trend changes in the above genes all indicated that the lack of phospholipids might affect the skeletal development through the above genes. In summary, these results provided valuable information about the reduction of deformity rates in largemouth bass and contributed to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and regulative pathways regulating skeletal growth in teleosts.
Effects of Different Temperatures on the Development of Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera)
Authors: DEMİRCİOĞLU MUSTAFA CİHAN 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this study, the effects of different temperature conditions on the development period and adult longevity of Spodoptera exigua were investigated. The results revealed statistically significant differences among the larval period, pupal period, pre-adult period, and adult period. A reverse relationship was observed between temperature and the development periods of larvae, pupae, and adults. The fastest development period was observed at 35°C, while the longest was recorded at 20°C. Furthermore, the number of eggs laid by S. exigua at different temperatures was also examined. Fecundity showed statistically significant differences under different temperature conditions. The highest number of eggs was observed at 35°C, while the lowest was recorded at 20°C. Different temperatures significantly affected the Pre-oviposition, Oviposition, and Post-oviposition periods. As a conclusion, the development period and reproductive rate of S. exigua are related to temperature. Higher temperatures were observed to shorten the development period and increase the reproductive rate of this insect. However, excessively high temperatures were found to hinder the completion of S. Exigua 's generation. These findings provide important information for the management and control of agricultural pests.
Parents knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding baby walkers, baby car seats, oral health, and child screen time in Saudi Arabia: A cross sectional study
Authors: Algethami Rawan Ghazi , Tamur Shadi , Alsofyani Rawan Mohammed , alfaifi Hanan Hussain , Qattan Faris Mohammed , alharthi Mazen Saud , Aljaid Maryam , Al-Malki Sultan , Khayat Abdullah , Alzahrani Ahmad , Khalifa Eman A. , Shams Anwar M. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Awareness of age-appropriate milestones and developmental stages is crucial for parents to identify any potential delays or concerns early on and seek appropriate interventions. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of caregivers in Saudi Arabia regarding baby walkers, baby car seats, early dental visits, and screen time for young children.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents in Saudi Arabia using a structured questionnaire. A convenience and snowball sampling method was employed to recruit participants from various regions of the country. The questionnaire aimed to assess parents’ knowledge regarding the recommended use of baby walkers and baby car seats, their awareness of the importance of early dental visits, and their understanding of appropriate screen time guidelines. Additionally, the survey explored parents’ practices toward these recommendations. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and associations between variables were examined using the chi-squared test.
Results: The analysis revealed that the majority of the participants (81.3%) use a baby walker, while only 22.3% consider that they should never be used. Overall, 29.6% of the participants never used a car seat for their infants or children. In terms of early childhood dental visits, approximately 39.5% of the participants reported actually taking their child to the dentist within the recommended timeframe. Regarding screen time for children, 11.3% of the participants reported that their children spend >5 h daily in front of the screen.
Conclusions: Raising parents’ awareness about recent childcare recommendations and safe practices is crucial for promoting optimal child development, preventing health problems, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, reducing risks, enhancing parental confidence and empowerment, and nurturing positive parent-child relationships.
Assessment of the Seasonal Variations of Lakes Water Quality in Bangladesh
Authors: Meghla Nowara Tamanna , Urmy Sabina Yeasmin , Mahamud Md. Rubel 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the seasonal variations of water quality in Hatirjheel Lake and Dhanmondi Lake during the period from August, 2019 to January, 2020. The water samples were collected monthly during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons from five sampling stations of both lakes. Comparative analysis revealed that mean pH was near the standard level in both lakes where DO concentration was much lower in Hatirjheel Lake than Dhanmondi Lake which could be due to the direct dumping of nearby residential and commercial waste, and domestic sewages from the city drainage system as well. The BOD concentration in Hairjheel Lake water exceeded the standard in both seasons and there was no significant change over seasons. In contrast, the Dhanmondi Lake water showed relatively lower BOD concentrations in both seasons where mean concentration slightly exceeded the standard in some stations. The EC and TDS contents showed positive relations but exceeded the standard limit throughout seasons in both lakes. The nutrient contents (NO3−, NO2− and NH4+) of Hatirjheel Lake water highly exceeded the standard during the study that tends the lake water prone to eutrophication. The study revealed that the physicochemical parameters and nutrient status of Dhanmondi Lake water were within the standard limit except EC indicating a rich habitat for aquatic organisms and sounds for recreational activities than Hatirjheel Lake which should be monitored throughout the year to maintain the productivity of lake water systems.
Genetic Interpretation of Some Medico-Philosophical Theories of Ibn Sina 3-The theory of temperament.
Authors: Zaabal Magdy 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study is the third in a series of studies aimed at explaining and interpreting some of Ibn Sina's medico-philosophical implications from a genetic perspective. In the first study, we explained the genetic interpretation of the theory of “the soul creation”; while in the second study we discussed the theory of “mixtures and essence”.
In the current study, we emphasize the proper linguistic and scientific meaning of the term “temperament”, which is the “genotype” of an organ or some organs, while the temperament of the whole body is the individual genome, which is the “second perfection” of Ibn Sina. This new definition that we propose was derived from two sources. The first is a linguistic source originating from the interpretation of the word “temperament” in all its derivatives in Arabic (Ibn Manzoor’s Dictionary of Lesan al- Arab). The second source is the analysis of the scientific context of Ibn Sina and comparing it to the linguistic analogy term.
In his manuscript “Treatise on Cardiac Drugs” Ibn Sina stated, “ each organ has a special structure/qualitative mixture, (temperament in English translation) which is the result of specific mixtures in the essence, but this special structure/qualitative mixture develops because of the number of mixtures and the form of their structure’ in our belief, the terms “specific mixtures” and “special structure” can be adopted as sibling terms, as the difference between them can be explained within the concept of causation (the cause “specific mixtures/genes” and effect “special structure/genotype”) but not in the meaning.
Thanks to the Arabic language in which Ibn Sina formulated most of his encyclopedic works, we were able to realize some of the hidden meanings in Ibn Sina’s theories, the most important of which is the meaning of the temperament, as well as the meaning and the origin of the word DNA, which first appeared in the heritage culture of the Arabic language and is called the “two powers” or “al-merrataine” in Arabic pronunciation, which means “A long, fine, well coiled strands” and other synonyms, as will be evident in the folds of the current study.
Multidimensional Inequality in Chinese Economics Academia
Authors: Ju Qirui 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

This paper examines three dimensions of inequality in Chinese economics academia: gender, party affiliation, and international experience using an original database constructed from faculty members’ websites. By running a matched algorithm, the results show a positive impact on academic promotion for being male, having political affiliation, and acquiring an international degree. The study also analyzes interschool gaps across these dimensions and how they relate to promotion within the Chinese context. Higher-ranking schools generally associate with larger gender gaps and smaller influence from political affiliation and international experience. Besides schools, this research also examines the three dimensions of gaps across multiple stages of careers. This paper finds that senior positions are generally associated with wider gender gaps and larger percentages of political affiliations, suggesting that faculty members gradually build their political connections in the middle of their careers. Finally, this research provides potential channels for explaining inequality and possible policy intervention. Party membership is both skill-based and connection-based inequality, international experience is skill-based, and the gender gap relates to social norms.
Active defense strategies for invasive plants may alter the distribution pattern of pests in the invaded area
Authors: Zhai Junjie , Hou Bin , Hu Fangyu , Yu Guozhu , Li Zhiqi , Palmer-Young Evan C. , Gao Lei 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In the invaded areas, it is believed that invasive species reduce their investment in defense due to the absence of natural enemies. This study explored the defense strategies of invasive plants through research on the invasive species. Field investigation indicated that invasive plants have a driving effect on herbivorous pests, and the frequency of leaf damages of native plant reaches a peak at 2–3 m distance from the invasive species. A feeding preference assay with two generalist herbivorous insects (native insect Spodoptera litura and invasive insect Spodoptera frugiperda) showed that the invasive plants have a stronger antifeedant effect on generalist herbivores than native plants. By analyzing the content of secondary metabolites in the leaves of three invasive plants (Sphagneticola trilobata, Mikania micrantha, Ipomoea cairica) and three native plants (Ipomoea nil, Paederia foetida, Polygonum chinense), the leaves of invasive plants had higher concentrations of substances associated with defenses, including total phenols, flavonoids, jasmonic acid, tannin, H2O2, and total antioxidant capacity, and lower soluble protein concentrations than the native plants. After leaf damage, compared to native plants, the leaves of invasive plants showed an overall increase in substances associated with defense, except for soluble sugar. These results suggest that invasive plants maintain active defense strategies in invaded areas, and these strategies may alter the distribution patterns of herbivorous insects in a manner that facilitates invasion.
Psychobiological Responses to Choir Singing and Creative Arts Activities in Children and Adolescents with Mental Disorders: Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: Grebosz-Haring Katarzyna , Thun-Hohenstein Leonhard 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Mental disorders (MD) among children and adolescents are usually associated with over-activation of stress response pathways and poor mood state, quality of life and wellbeing. Arts interventions may help to reduce biological stress and improve psychological outcomes in this population. We determined the effects of four arts activities on salivary cortisol, immunoglobulin-A, mood state, quality of life, and wellbeing in young people with MD. Forty-two in- and out-patients in child and adolescent psychiatry (aged 12–18) were engaged in short-term arts activities (singing, textile design, drama, clownery) conducted by professional artists, delivered through five consecutive 90-minute daily sessions in one week. Cortisol, immunoglobulin-A, and mood state were assessed daily pre-post interventions. Quality of life and well-being were measured pre-post 5-day-interventions. Over five days, the arts activities apart from singing significantly affected reductions in cortisol (textile design − 0.81, 95% CI -1.48 to -0.14; drama − 0.76, 95% CI -1.28 to -0.24; clownery − 0.74, 95% CI -1.47 to -0.01). Textile design led to significant improvement in alertness (4.08; 95% CI 0.77 to 7.39), and singing (2.20, 95% CI -0.55 to 4.94) and textile design (2.89, 95% CI -0.39 to 6.18) tended to influence a positive change in mood. Quality of life measurements increased significantly in singing (5.49, 95% CI 1.05 to 9.92); well-being and immunoglobulin-A showed no significant changes. Arts activities may provide a complementary solution to reduce stress and improve mood state in young people with MD. Further investigation is needed to confirm the results and explain the differences in psycho-biological responses.
A Mendelian randomization study of type 2 diabetes on prostate cancer
Authors: Guo Hui , Deng Jiewen , Niu Xiaowen , Sun Yan , Huang Fang , Chen Xiujuan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
In previous observational studies, the association between type 2 diabetes and prostate cancer risk has been reported, but remained controversial. The causality is still unclear. We intended to evaluate the causal effect of type 2 diabetes on prostate cancer by using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods
The summary statistics for type 2 diabetes were from Diagram Consortium with 69033 individuals and prostate cancer information from IEU OpenGWAS for a total of 463010 individuals. Under different model assumptions, MR analysis including inverse variance weighted, weighted median, MR-Egger regression, simple mode, and weighted mode were used to perform the causality effect. Sensitivity analysis was implemented by Cochran Q-test, MR-Egger regression, leave-one-out method, pleiotropic residual and outlier tests.
Results
No evidence for an causality effect of T2D on PCa risk was found in IVW (OR = 1.000, 95%CI = 0.999–1.001, 3.35, P = 0.560), MR-Egger regression method (OR = 1.005, 95%CI = 1.000-1.010, P = 0.107), weighted median method (OR = 1.001, 95%CI = 1.000-1.002, P = 0.187), simple mode (OR = 1.001, 95%CI = 0.999–1.003, P = 0.396) and weighted method (OR = 1.001, 95%CI = 0.999–1.003, P = 0.303). Cochran Q was obtained 0.750(MR Egger)and 0.524༈IVW༉, respectively, and no heterogeneity was observed. The MR-Egger regression has an intercept close to 0, with a P-value greater than 0.05 (Egger intercept = -0.006, P = 0.120).
Conclusions
A causal relationship between T2D and PCa risk were not supported in our MR results based on genetic data.
Understanding Options for Improving Cowpea Production under Changing Climatic and variability in Rain-Forest Agro-ecology of Nigeria
Authors: Adetayo Adewale. Olusola , Balogun Ahmed , Balogun Ifeoluwa 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Options for improving cowpea production under influence of climate change and variability impacts such as delayed onset, early cessation and shortened length of growing season in rain forest agro-ecological zone of Nigeria was investigated in this study. In order to achieve a sustainable improvement in cowpea production using selection of planting dates option for good growth and yield of cowpea, three planting dates were selected at two weeks interval starting from the onset of rain. This research was conducted during the growing season of 2021 and 2022 at the Laboratory for Geoecology and sustainable food systems (GeoLab), Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria (7°15’N, 5°15’E) and project farm of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (I.A.R&T.) Ibadan, Nigeria (7°22‘N; 3°.30‘E). Both locations are within the rain-forest agro-ecological zone of Nigeria. The varieties of cowpea used are, FUAMPEA 2(V1), Ife Brown (V2) and 573-1-1(V3). The planting spacing of 25cm x 75cmcrop was followed. Variables measured are plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, days to 50% flowering, number of peduncle per plant, number of pods per peduncle, number of seeds per pod, pod length, 100 seed weight and yield per hectare. Cultivar differences were noticed among the three varieties of cowpea which indicated their generic differences. Ife Brown and 573-1-1 matured earlier than FUAMPEA 2. Ife Brown had more pods per plant, shorter pod length, fewer numbers of seeds per pod and smaller seeds than FUAMPEA 2 and 573-1-1 varieties of cowpea. Generally, the plant growth and yield parameters decreased with delayed planting irrespective of location and variety of cowpea planted. Maximum yield for FUAMPEA 2, Ife Brown and 573-1-1 planted in Akure are 1.48tons/ha, 1.47tons/ha and 1.22 ton/ha respectively while the maximum yield of cowpea planted in Ibadan for V1,V2 and V3 are 1.36 tons/ha, 1.38 tons/ha and 1.12 ton/ha respectively. Planting of cowpea for good grain yield is best done at the onset of rains in rain-forest of Nigeria. Through this adaptation strategy, the negative effects of climate change on cowpea production are reduced and positive influences enhanced.