bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of malaria positivity using patients’ demographic and environmental features and clinical symptoms to complement parasitological confirmation before treatment
Authors: Ojurongbe Taiwo Adetola , Afolabi Habeeb Abiodun , Bashiru Kehinde Adekunle , Sule Waidi Folorunso , Akinde Sunday Babatunde , Ojurongbe Olusola , Adegoke Nurudeen Adedayo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Current malaria diagnosis methods that rely on microscopy and Histidine Rich Protein2 (HRP2)-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) have drawbacks that necessitate the development of improved and complementary malaria diagnostic methods to overcome some or all of these limitations. Consequently, the automated detection and classification of malaria can provide patients with a faster and more accurate diagnosis. Therefore, this study used a machine-learning model to predict the occurrence of malaria based on sociodemographic behaviour, environment, and clinical features.Method Data from 200 Nigerian patients were used to develop predictive models using nested cross-validation and sequential backward feature selection (SBFS), with 80% of the dataset randomly selected for training and optimisation and the remaining 20% for testing the models.Results Among the three machine learning models examined, the penalised logistic regression model had the best area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the training set (84%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 75–93%) and test set (83%; 95% CI = 63–100%). Increased odds of malaria was associated with high body weight (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.50, 95% CI = 2.27–8.01, p < 0.0001). Even though the association between the odds of having malaria and body temperature was insignificant, patients with body temperature had higher odds of having malaria than those who did not have body temperature (AOR = 1.40, CI = 0.99–1.91, p-value = 0.068). In addition, patients who had bushes in their surroundings (AOR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.30–4.66, p-value = 0.006) or experienced fever (AOR = 2.10, CI = 0.88–4.24, p-value = 0.099), headache (AOR = 2.07; CI = 0.95–3.95, p-value = 0.068), muscle pain (AOR = 1.49; CI = 0.66–3.39, p-value = 0.333), and vomiting (AOR = 2.32; CI = 0.85–6.82, p-value = 0.097) were more likely to experience malaria. In contrast, decreased odds of malaria were associated with age (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.41–0.90, p-value = 0.012) and BMI (AOR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.26–0.80, p = 0.006).Conclusion Newly developed routinely collected baseline sociodemographic, environmental, and clinical features to predict malaria types may serve as a valuable tool for clinical decision-making.
Efficient Machine Learning of Solute Segregation Energy Based on Physics-informed Features
Authors: Ma Zongyi , Pan Zhiliang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Machine learning models solute segregation energy based on appropriate features of segregation sites. Lumping many features together can give a decent accuracy but may suffer the curse of dimensionality. Here, we modeled the segregation energy with efficient machine learning using physics-informed features identified based on solid physical understanding. The features outperform the many features used in the literature work and the spectral neighbor analysis potential features by giving the best balance between accuracy and feature dimension, with the extent depending on machine learning algorithms and alloy systems. The excellence is attributed to the strong relevance to segregation energies and the mutual independence ensured by physics. In addition, the physics-informed features contain much less redundant information originating from the energy-only-concerned calculations in equilibrium states. This work showcases the merit of integrating physics in machine learning from the perspective of feature identification other than that of physics-informed machine learning algorithms.
Investigating the relationship between antimicrobial susceptibility and serovar of Glaesserella parasuis
Authors: Lin Wei-Hao , Yang Cheng-Yao , Lin Chuen-Fu , Lin Chao-Nan , Chiou Ming-Tang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background Glaesserella parasuis (G. parasuis) is the causative agent of Glässer’s disease and causes severe economic losses in the swine industry. Vaccination and antimicrobial therapy are crucial to Glässer’s disease prevention and control, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important issue. As a resident microbiota and a proficient pathogen, the AMR of prevalent G. parasuis may be developed more commonly. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the relationship of serovar and antimicrobial susceptibility and report the antimicrobial susceptibility of Taiwanese G. parasuis.Results Non-wild type G. parasuis populations were observed due to non-unimodal distributions of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for amoxicillin, ampicillin, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, gentamicin, gentamicin, kanamycin, lincomycin, spectinomycin and tiamulin. By contrast, MIC values for ceftiofur, cephalothin, doxycycline and florfenicol were lower (MIC90 range from 0.5 to 8 µg/mL). The dominant serovars in Taiwan were serovar 4 (33.1%), 5 (24%), 13 (14.3%), 12 (11%) and non-typable isolates (8.4%). The MIC value distributions for some antimicrobials of serovar 4 isolates were significantly higher than some other serovars (p < 0.01).Conclusions This study evidences the most prevalent G. parasuis serovar relates to AMR. Continuous surveillance of G. parasuis is needed for disease prevention, control and meeting the “One Health” concept of the World Organization for Animal Health.
Towards an integrated lightweight 3D interactive approach to guidance in assembly process
Authors: Cheng Sibo , Li Zhi , Sun Ruoyi , Guo Wenting , Bai Ao 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Assembly is an essential part of the product life cycle. Inefficient assembly has a direct impact on the effectiveness and quality of the product. One of the main problems of current on-site assembly operations is clear and efficient guidance, which consists of two aspects: the lack of efficient reuse of existing data and confusion in the form of presentation. In order to reduce errors and the time required to perform assembly tasks, we aim to propose an integrated lightweight 3D interactive method to guidance in assembly process. It enables the reuse of previous process design and simulation stages, which can reduce the duplication of content and enhance the content preparation efficiency. At the same time, the method is platform-independent, does not rely on high-performance workstations and can be presented on mobile, cross-platform. One case of disassembly the graphic card in the computer is presented to verify the method.
Effects of remote ischemic preconditioning on coronary blood flow and microcirculation
Authors: Zhao Zhenzhou , Li En , Li Xuejie , Guo Quan , Shi Qingbo , Li Muwei 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effect of short-term remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on coronary blood flow and microcirculation function using the quantitative flow ratio (QFR) and index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR). We randomly divided 129 patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) into RIPC and control groups. Following the first CAG, we randomly divided the patients further into the unilateral upper limb and lower limb groups for four cycles of ischemia/reperfusion circulation; subsequently, we performed the second CAG. During each CAG, contrast-flow QFR (cQFR), fixed-flow QFR (fQFR), and IMR (in patients with cardiac syndrome X) were calculated and compared. We measured 253 coronary arteries in 129 patients. Compared to the control group, the average cQFR of the RIPC group increased significantly after RIPC. Additionally, 23 patients with cardiac syndrome X (IMR > 30) were included in this study. Compared to the control group, IMR and the difference between cQFR and fQFR (cQFR-fQFR) both decreased significantly after receiving RIPC. The application of RIPC can increase coronary blood flow and improve coronary microcirculation function.
Non-medical reasons for caesarean section birth in public health facilities: Experiences from post caesarean mothers and maternity healthcare providers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Risasi Tatu , Paulo Linda Simon , Mwakawanga Dorkasi L. , Sirili Nathanael 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background Increase in Caesarean Section (CS) delivery rate has become a major global public health concern due to its risks and costs in comparison to normal vaginal births. Tanzania is not exceptional on rising rate of CS; however not all CS are done for medical reasons. Therefore, this study explored non-medical reasons for CS birth in public health facilities among mothers’ post-CS and maternity healthcare providers in Kinondoni, Dar es salaam, Tanzania.Methods An exploratory qualitative study was employed where 18 in-depth interviews were conducted with thirteen (13) women who underwent CS within six weeks and five maternity healthcare providers. Participants were recruited purposeful from postnatal clinics, labor wards, and postnatal wards in two selected health facilities. Qualitative content analysis was used for data analysis.Results Three categories of non-medical reasons for cesarean section delivery emerged. These include (i) women related practices and preferences such as local believes and practices, non-conformity to Ante-natal Care (ANC) requirements and maternal request;, (ii) influence of healthcare providers such as opportunity for financial gain, limited competencies and unfamiliarity with guidelines and (iii) limited supportive health system related reasons which included lack of proper diagnostic technologies, limited training and supportive supervision and unfavorable working environment.Conclusion This study uncovered a triad of non-medical reasons for caesarean section delivery. It is prudent that efforts to reduce CS without proper medical indication be grounded into health promotion campaigns aiming to increase conformity to ANC requirements and proper education on the use of herbs. Unavoidably, addressing non-medical causes of CS will necessitate enhancing the working environment of healthcare facilities and ensuring adequate human resources for health. All of these endeavors necessitate the concerted and coordinated efforts of numerous stakeholders.
Soil properties of agroforestry fields introducing Poplar and Willow in Goettingen, Germany
Authors: Rana Md. Tanbheer , Corre Marife D. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Land-use conversion accounts for various modifications in the scope of physical, and geochemical properties of associated components, especially soil properties. Agroforestry is a type of land management system where forestry and agricultural practices are incorporated together to achieve certain land-use management goals with respect to various environmental factors. The microclimatic condition of forest and agroforestry has a definite situation that has the potential to alternate with the change of management practices. Our study aimed to measure the soil’s physical and biogeochemical properties, greenhouse gases (GHG) potential, and nitrogen (N2) fixation properties of the respective sites during the respective study period. A certain alteration of nitrogen availability through fixation, soil organic carbon due to the availability of a thick debris layer in the forest was observed whereas water-filled pore space varied in different agroforestry and forest sites was determined because of compaction effects of agricultural practices. The presence of trees in the study area showed the trends of resulting differentiation in N2 fixation and CH4 emission. Soil microbial biomass created an impact on releasing GHG which is altered by surrounding environmental factors.
The Aroma Profile of Butters Produced Using Different Starter Cultures
Authors: Şengül Mustafa , Akgül Halil İbrahim , Ürkek Bayram 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The aroma of fermented dairy products is greatly influenced by the starter culture and the lactic acid bacteria species that are used as starter cultures. Butter samples were produced using no starter culture, commercial starter culture, prepared bacteria mix and prepared bacteria mix + Lactobacillus rhamnosus B19 (L. rhamnosus B19). The aroma profile of the butter samples was investigated using GC-MS. A total of 92 components were determined in the butter samples, including acids (12), alcohols (20), aldehydes (9), alkanes (6), esters (8), ketones (19) and several other aroma compounds (18). The sample containing the prepared starter culture had the most numerous detectable aroma components, while the least numerous components were found in the sample without a starter culture. The 2,3-butanedione (diacetyl) was not detected in the sample without a starter culture. 2-Butanone 3-hydroxy- (acetoin) content was the highest in the sample containing the commercial starter culture and the lowest in the sample without a starter culture.
Feasibility, uptake, and performance of COVID-19 rapid antigen diagnostic tests among refugees and migrants: Finding from secondary analysis of data from a pilot project in Jordan
Authors: Ghawji Hassan , ALYOUSFI Mohamad Nihad , Nejem Mohammad Abu , Abaza Hiba , Satyanarayana Srinath , Wilson Nevin , Sarin Sanjay , Kao Kekeletso 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
1) Background: Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Tests (Ag-RDTs) supplements health system’s capacities for COVID-19 testing. Minimal data are available on their use for refugees and migrants. The study aims to describe the feasibility, uptake, and performance of Ag-RDTs among refugees and migrants in Jordan while describing the encountered facilitators and barriers.
2) Methods: A cross-sectional study using data collected from an Ag-RDTs pilot project comprising 17,000 Ag-RDTs in Jordan.
3) Results: About 17,060 people were eligible, of which 99.5% consented. Exactly 99 (0.6%) people were positive. Higher positivity was observed among those with severe COVID-19 symptoms (4.2%) and a history of COVID-19 contact (4.1%). A non-random sample of 209 people underwent confirmatory rt-PCR tests. Observed sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of Ag-RDTs were 72%, 97%, 57% and 98.5%, respectively. Key challenges included facing initial hesitancy to undergo Ag-RDTs due to perceived fear of pain, stigma, and isolation, and in getting confirmatory rt-PCR testing.
4) Conclusion: Good feasibility and uptake of Ag-RDTs were demonstrated among refugees and migrants in Jordan. Despite low positivity, certain characteristics were associated with higher rates. Higher specificity and negative predictive values indicate Ag-RDTs can be incorporated within national COVID-19 testingstrategies for ruling out COVID-19.
Loneliness, social isolation and ageing: a methodological approach to compare Latvian and Icelandic older populations in the course of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Reine Ieva , Miķelsone Madara , Guðmundsson Helgi , Ivanovs Andrejs , Tomsone Signe , Guðmundsson Halldór S. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Feelings of loneliness and social isolation are common among the elderly, affecting both health and wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered social connections through health precautions, restrictions and other factors. However, limited research has been conducted on how older people’s health and wellbeing in different countries has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to develop methodology that would allow us to compare elderly populations, aged 67 + in Latvia and Iceland, and to discuss the potential impact of diverging factors on the association between loneliness, social isolation and health.Methods Quantitative data on 420 respondents from Wave 8 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was utilized in Latvia. Data on health and wellbeing of elderly in Iceland from a HL20 study with 1033 respondents was used to provide comparative analytic material for studying the differences between Latvia and Iceland, and within each country.Results The study revealed considerable differences between the countries regarding the frequency of loneliness and social isolation. About 80% of Latvian respondents felt socially isolated and 45% were lonely, compared to 42.7% socially isolated and 30% lonely Icelanders. In general, more elderly people in Latvia experienced difficulties than their peers in Iceland. Social isolation tends to differ across genders and age groups in both countries. This is related to marital and employment status, financial situation, and education. COVID-19 had a stronger deteriorating effect on mental and physical health among both lonely Latvian and Icelandic respondents. However, health deterioration was stronger amongst more socially isolated Icelanders compared to Latvians.Conclusions The study suggests that social isolation is a contributing factor and increases the risk of loneliness, which might have been enhanced by restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vanadium in irrigation water and its effect on crops and soils
Authors: Klappenbach Ana Muzlera , Lavado Raúl S. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Vanadium (V) is a trace metal that comes from different anthropogenic sources, including irrigation water, and shows either positive or negative effects on crops. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of V in irrigation water on crops and soils. We determined: the effect of irrigation with V-enriched water on sunflower and soybean and V accumulation in soils subjected to irrigation with water with V levels close to the standard limit (0.1 mg V l− 1). Both a greenhouse experiment and a field soil sampling were carried out. The former was performed to mimic sprinkler irrigation, with three V concentrations (0, 5 and 10 mg V l− 1), whereas the latter was performed in a vegetable farm in sites receiving 0, 4, 12 and 17 years of irrigation. Irrigation water containing more than 5 mg V l− 1 significantly decreased sunflower aerial biomass and grain production and soybean biomass but did not affect soybean grain production. The aerial biomass of both crops showed a marked accumulation of V after irrigation but the V concentration in sunflower and soybean grains did not increase. The concentration of V in the soil profile of irrigated soils initially increased but then remained stable. Except in the cases of irrigation water with extremely high V concentrations, V had no significant effects on the crops or soils evaluated. Results allow concluding that the limit of V established in the water quality standards is appropriate.
Multivariate optimization of thiacloprid remediation using multifunctional MCM-41-Pirkle nanoadsorbent
Authors: Vedovello Priscila , Costa José Arnaldo S. , Oliveira Rhayza V. M. , Menezes Thalles H. S. , Aquino Sara D. , Costa Vinicius Câmara , Paranhos Caio Marcio , Romão Luciane P. C. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In the present approach, we investigated the performance of multifunctional nanomaterial MCM-41-Pirkle in the thiacloprid removal in water samples. In the batch adsorption tests, the effects of pH, contact time, initial concentration, and adsorbent dosage were evaluated using the factorial experimental design model and response surface method. The multifunctional MCM-41-Pirkle exhibited well-ordered hexagonal structure with space-group symmetry (P6mm), high thermal stability, good textural, structural, and morphological properties, as well as, large pore volume and high surface area. The factorial design was suitable to find the optimized conditions using a smaller number of experiments. Moreover, practically all the effects were significant, which indicates the correct choice of the relevant parameters for the thiacloprid remediation. The MCM-41-Pirkle exhibited a high and fast removal efficiency at a low concentration of thiacloprid, with up to 95.20% of thiacloprid removal in the initial 5 min. It is also possible to observe that the MCM-41-Pirkle has excellent thiacloprid removal potential at different pH values, since the removal efficiency was between 95.01–95.82%. In addition, the Pareto graph displayed the following decreasing order of significance for thiacloprid removal by the multifunctional nanomaterial MCM-41-Pirkle: nanoadsorbent mass > thiacloprid standard concentration > solution pH. Finally, a maximum removal efficiency of 95.83% was achieved at an equilibrium time of 5 min with pH 3 using 40 mg of nanoadsorbent at an initial thiacloprid concentration of 4.5 mg L− 1.
Brink of extinction: red list of epiphytes of Colombia
Authors: Carmona-Higuita Maria Judith , Arango Daihana , Calderón-Caro Jennifer , Lopez-Gallego Cristina , Castellanos-Castro Carolina , Vieira-Uribe Sebastián , Clavijo Laura Vibiana , Vasco Alejandra , Betancur Susana Vega , Testo Weston , Sundue Michael , Tuberquia Dino , Callejas Ricardo , Zuluaga Alejandro , Idárraga Álvaro , Ospina-Calderon Nhora Elena , Benavides Ana María 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The IUCN Red List assessments of Colombian flora significantly impact national public policy by informing conservation strategies and prioritizing areas for conservation. However, little is known about the distribution, conservation status, or evolutionary history of most Colombian epiphytes, which prevents the development of strategies aimed at their protection. In this article, we present the results of national assessments of extinction risk for 290 species of vascular epiphyte species from Colombia, including 81 country endemics, using geographic occurrences obtained from GBIF, herbarium specimens, and expert observations and implementing an analysis of habitat quantity and quality. We identify the most common threats facing these taxa and highlight the most at-risk taxa, to identify conservation priorities for epiphytic plants in this megadiverse country. We show that focusing on specific taxonomic groups at the national level is a practical approach for accelerating the assessment process. We suggest continuing working collectively, implementing workshops to share the complete route for an individual or multispecies assessment, and sharing experiences of efforts in several countries since, with a standardized methodology and published evaluations in national and global repositories, we can continue working for the conservation of biodiversity of mega-diverse countries, which its protection is critical to maintaining global biodiversity.