bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistical Approach of Selected Heavy Metals in the Sediments of the Mfouati River (South of Congo Brazzaville)
Authors: Mazel Ifo Grace , Lady Kouhounina Banzouzi Merline , Flora Diamouangana Mpissi Zita , Martin Tchoumou 
Published: July 2023

Aims: The general objective of this study was to evaluate heavy metals [Molybdenum (Mo), Cobalt (Co), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Antimony (Sb), Bismuth (Bi)] in the sediments of the Mfouati River near the area impacted by the mining operation.
Study Design: The sediments were collected in the area near the abandoned plant and in the vicinity. At the end of the sampling, the samples were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES).
Place and Duration of Study: Sediments were collected in the Mfouati River near the area impacted by the mining operation, these samples were taken in September 2021.
Methodology: X-ray diffraction was performed on the sediments of the Mfouati River, the physico-chemical parameters were measured with a Hanna type apparatus. The contents of heavy metals (Mo, Co, Cd, Ni, Sb, Bi) in the sediments were measured by optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The level of metallic contamination, the indices of evaluation of the contamination (FC, FE, Igeo) were calculated by using the expressions which exist in the literature.
Results: The results obtained show that the physical-chemical parameters (pH, EC and TDS) measured are within the standards (WHO). Only the pH which presents a slightly acid character at the stations (S4, S5, S6). The heavy metal contents found (mg/Kg) vary between Mo: [0,05-23] ; Co:[10-39] ; Cd[0,1-63] ; Ni[7-36] ; Bi[0,164-0,169] ; Sb[1-29]. X-ray diffraction showed the presence of the following minerals: Talc and Kaolinite. The results of contamination factor showed the following order:FC(Cd)> FC(Sb) >FC(Mo) >FC(Co) >FC(Bi) >FC(Ni);enrichment factor the order is as follows: FE(Cd)>FE(Sb)>FE(Fe) >FE(Bi) >FE(Mo); geo accumulation index the order is as follows:Igeo(Ni)>Igeo(Co) >Igeo(Mo) >Igeo(Sb) >Igeo(Cd) >Igeo(Bi).
Conclusion: The levels of metals Co, Cd, Ni, Sb, Mo in the sediments of the Mfouati River are higher than the concentrations in the terrestrial crust.
Mathematical Modelling of Effects of Non-Clinical Strategies in Combating Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Kenya
Authors: Kimathi Akwalu Ezra , Muthuri Grace Gakii , Ngari Cyrus Gitonga 
Published: July 2023

SARS-CoV-2 is a serious problem in Kenya today. It has put an unprecedented burden on worldwide economy and public health. The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been driven predominantly by aerosol transmissions. The objectives of this study were to formulate mathematical models on the spread of SARS –CoV-2 and incorporating the effects of nonclinical strategies like screening, facemask usage, hand washing and social distancing, determine well posedness of the model, validate the developed model and finally predict the effects of nonclinical strategies on the dynamics of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Kenya. The mathematical model was based on SIRS epidemiological classical model. In developing the model, the population was divided into six human compartments; susceptible, exposed, infected, isolated in hospital, at home and recovered. The basic reproduction number was determined using next generation method. The model was analyzed through the determination of the model steady states. The stabilities of steady states analyzed based on reproduction number (R0) using: signs of Jacobi matrix evaluated at steady state, Lyapnov criteria, centre manifold theorem, Metzler matrix and Routh-Hurwitz. Numerical simulations were carried out using MATLAB inbuilt ode solver based on Runge Kutta method. Sensitivity analysis of the model parameters was carried out using partial differentiation of the reproduction number and also using normalized sensitivity analysis.
From this analysis, findings showed that adherence to the containment measures and contact tracing had the greatest negative impact on the reproduction number. It was found through simulation that adherence to the SARS-CoV-2 containment measures by the population would reduce the reproduction number to below 1 hence containing the pandemic. The findings of this study show the extent to which the nonclinical can be used to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2in Kenya. We recommended strict adherence to containment
The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Myopia among School Children in Africa: A Structured Literature Review
Authors: Samuel-Nwokeji Chizor Jacinta , Wasige Judy , Adeboye Adeniyi 
Published: July 2023

Aim: This review aims to provide current evidence on the prevalence and risk factors of Myopia among school children in Africa.
Background: Myopia has emerged the most prevalent and major cause of visual distress which may result in poor academic performance among school children compared to other refractive error conditions. Whereas the importance of optimal vision for competence in academic achievement has been emphasised. Hence, the association of increase in myopia prevalence with increase in age coupled with its projected critical rise to 26.9% in Africa by 2050 is worrisome.
Methodology: This review was conducted using the population, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) framework guidelines and PRISMA 2020 Flow Diagram for New systematic Reviews. Also, four digital databases; MEDLINE, CINAHL, PROQUEST, WEB OF SCIENCE and a Web Search Engine (Google scholar) were searched for studies on Prevalence and Risk factors of myopia among school children in Africa from January 2012 to March 2023. Studies were appraised for quality using Joanna Briggs Appraisal tool for prevalence studies. Data were analysed based on age, gender, and risk factors of myopia, while the myopia was defined as SE ≥-0.50D.
Results: Data from 10,031 school children and 6 quality appraised studies were included in this review. Overall, the prevalence of myopia ranged from 2.7% to 16.05% among school children in Africa. The prevalence of myopia was significantly higher among the older children (10–18-year-olds), while Age at school start, Level of education, family history of myopia, working distance at near, prolonged near work per day, private school of learning, time spent on mobile exposure, and presence of ocular abnormality were significantly associated with myopia.
Conclusion: Prevalence of myopia among school children is generally low in Africa but the retrieved studies offered geographical variations with outlying higher prevalence in some regions.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Sars-COV-2 among Students in Private Universities in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Okoro Sylvia Ngozi , Etim Clement, Emmanuel , Joshua David, , Seth Abolurin, Boluwatife , Golden Owhonda, , Best Ordinioha, 
Published: July 2023

Background: COVID-19 prompted an early and sustained worldwide public health response. Its proclivity for rapid transmission and relatively high fatality rate across global regions prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to proclaim it a global pandemic. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence, and factors associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among students in private universities in Rivers State.
Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study
Aims: To determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and its associated factors among private university students.
Materials and Methods: 431 participants were tested for SARS CoV-2 using GeneXpert Dx System's reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Self-administered questionnaires were also distributed to elicit responses from these participants. Descriptive statistics (percentages and proportions) were used to report findings.
Results: A response rate of 96% was recorded (431 correctly completed questionnaires retrieved). Out of the 431 participants tested, 425(98.6%) were negative while 6(1.4%) were positive bringing the prevalence rate to 1.4%. The majority (90.3%) don’t use facemasks when a lecturer is not in class, and 60.6% of the participants indicated inadequate provision for hand washing equipment, and sanitizers in the laboratories for students.
Conclusion: This study showed a low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among private university students and poor compliance with COVID-19 protocols.
Evaluation of the Combustion Characteristics of Rice Husk and Coconut Shell Briquettes
Authors: Sebastine A. Bam , Michael Abuh , Kumaden Ikpambese 
Published: July 2023

Combustion characteristics of rice husk and coconut shell briquettes have been investigated with a view of establishing its suitability as an energy source. The husk and shell were collected and carbonized in a furnace as rice husk charcoal (RHC) and coconut shell charcoal (CSC). These were further down sized and sieved to 2.5 mm particle size. The RHC and CSC were mixed in proportions of 50:45, 60:35, 70:25, 80:15, and 90:5% by weight respectively, and 5% cassava starch used as binder for all the compositions. The briquette samples were formed by thorough mixing and compaction in a metallic mold and extruded for drying and labelled 1 A, 2 A, 3 A, 4 A and 5 A respectively. Physical and mechanical as well combustion tests were performed to confirmed the viability of the briquettes. The results indicate that sample 1A had the highest calorific value (4886 cal/g). The other properties such as water content, ash content, density of briquettes also indicate their suitability as energy source.
The Delineation of the Langat Basin Aquifer Based on Geological and Hydrogeological Characterization of Three Urban Areas of Malaysia
Authors: Haque Syeda Jesmin , Roslan Norsyafina 
Published: July 2023

Aims: The aim of this study is to find out the hydrogeological settings and aquifer properties of Kajang, Bangi, and Semenyih urban areas to overcome the mismanagement of groundwater.
Study Design: The scarcity of groundwater is one of the major concerns of urbanization in growing populated countries like Malaysia. Lack of knowledge of subsurface geology, hydrogeology and aquifer properties is the main reason for the groundwater mismanagement of the Langat Basin.
Place and Duration of Study: The study targeted three growing urban areas Kajang, Bangi and Semenyih of Malaysia. Data were collected from the Mineral and Geosciences Department, Malaysia. Borehole logs, pumping tests and groundwater level monitoring data have been analysed and interpreted for this study.
Methodology: Subsurface logs have been produced by the Strater Demo4 software; Water level analyses have been done by the groundwater level monitoring data, the contour map was plotted by using ArcGIS software with calculated groundwater head values and the Pumping test curve has been prepared by using Excel 2007.
Results: Study areas are situated in Kenny Hill formation. Water is pumped from four types of formations they are; hard rock, weathered sedimentary, shallow sedimentary and a combination of alluvium and hard rock. Groundwater flow direction is controlled by the topography, from the hilly north-eastern side to the low elevated south-western side. The identified aquifer condition of the Kajang area is confined, boundary and consolidated fractured. Water is pumped from the confined fractured aquifer in Bangi town and from the leaky, consolidated fractured and unconfined aquifer in Semenyih town. Transmissivity and Specific capacity of all types of aquifers show a range of 2.35m2/day to 25.92m2/day and 2.64 m2/day to 41.28m2/day respectively.
Conclusion: This study will help to establish robust policies for the sustainable development of groundwater.
A Comparative Study of the Academic Performance of Boarding and Day Secondary School Students in a Rural Town in South Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Obi-Nwosu A. L. , Ubajaka C. F. , Ibeh D. K. , Nwosu B. O. , Ezemenahi S. I. , Nwosu C. S. , Azudialu B. C. , Ulochukwu C. M. , Obi-Nwosu D. I. , Ofiaeli C. I. 
Published: July 2023

Background: Education is of immense importance to individuals and the society at large. Many factors have been postulated to influence the academic performance of children in different families. There have also been family concerns as to whether boarding house students perform better academically than day students. However, considering the cost of the boarding school system, a lot of families have been put under both financial and psychological stress especially in resource-constrained third world countries where there are no tuition-free high schools.
Objective: The study sought to determine the family factors that affect academic performance as well as compare the academic performance of day and boarding students.
Methodology: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study involving 212 secondary school students of a rural town who met the eligibility criteria and consented to participate in the study. Stratified sampling technique with proportionate allocation was used to select students studied from the school. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS V25.
Results: Of the 212 students studied, 123 were boarding house students and 89 were day students. The mean academic performance for the boarding students’ vs day students was 76.33±11.21% vs 76.51±10.66% with no significant difference between the two. Family factors that affected academic performance were father’s occupation, mother’s occupation and listening to/participating in academic programs among day students.
Conclusion: Encouraging day school students to listen to and or participate in academic programs by parents significantly affects academic performance. Both the boarding and day school system can lead to good academic performance among students. Families can choose whichever system that suits them without undue financial stress on the family income.
Association of Hospital Incentive Care Management Partnerships for Uninsured Patients With Emergency Department Utilization
Authors: Gareau Sarah , López-De Fede Ana , Chen Zhimin , Bell Nathaniel , Mayfield-Smith Kathy 
Published: July 2023

ImportanceThe South Carolina (SC) Healthy Outcomes Plan (HOP) program aimed to expand access to health care to individuals without insurance; it remains unknown whether there is an association between the SC HOP program and emergency department (ED) use among patients with high health care costs and needs.ObjectivesTo determine whether participation in the SC HOP was associated with reduced ED utilization among uninsured participants.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective cohort study included 11 684 HOP participants (ages 18-64 years) with at least 18 months of continuous enrollment. Generalized estimating equations and segmented regression of interrupted time-series analyses of ED visits and charges were conducted from October 1, 2012, to March 31, 2020.ExposuresTime intervals related to the HOP were 1 year before and 3 years after participation.Main Outcomes and MeasuresED visits per 100 participants per month and ED charges per participant per month overall and by subcategory.ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the 11 684 participants in the study was 45.2 (10.9) years; 6293 (54.5%) were women; 5028 (48.4%) were Black participants and 5189 (50.0%) were White participants. Over the study period, the mean (SE) number of ED visits decreased by 44.1%, from 48.1 (5.2) to 26.9 (2.8) per 100 participants per month. The mean (SE) ED charges were reduced to $858 ($46) per participant per month, a decrease from a mean (SE) of $1583 ($88) per participant per month 1 year before HOP implementation. There was an immediate level decrease of 40% (relative risk [RR], 0.61; 99.5% CI, 0.48-0.76; P &amp;lt; .001) from the preenrollment period, with a sustained reduction trend of 8% (RR 0.92; 99.5% CI, 0.89-0.95; P &amp;lt; .001) during the postenrollment period. A level change for ED charges was detected, at a decrease of 40% (RR 0.60; 99.5% CI, 0.47-0.77; P &amp;lt; .001) directly after HOP enrollment with a subsequent downward trend of 10% (RR 0.90; 99.5% CI, 0.86-0.93; P &amp;lt; .001) for the postenrollment period.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this retrospective cohort study, proportions and charges of ED visits by uninsured patients saw immediate and sustained decreases after HOP enrollment. Reducing ED charges may have been driven by decreasing the ED as the primary point of patient care, especially for high-frequency users. These findings have implications for other nonexpansion states seeking to maximize uninsured compensation for low-income populations through improved outcomes.
Association of Racial Discrimination With Adiposity in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Cuevas Adolfo G. , Krobath Danielle M. , Rhodes-Bratton Brennan , Xu Shu , Omolade Jesulagbarami J. , Perry Aniyah R. , Slopen Natalie 
Published: July 2023

ImportanceChildhood obesity is a major public health issue and is disproportionately prevalent among children from minority racial and ethnic groups. Personally mediated racism (commonly referred to as racial discrimination) is a known stressor that has been linked to higher body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) in adults, but little is known about the association of racial discrimination and childhood and adolescent adiposity.ObjectiveTo assess the prospective association between self-reported experiences of racial discrimination and adiposity (BMI and waist circumference) in a large sample of children and adolescents in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study used complete data from the ABCD study (2017 to 2019), involving a total of 6463 participants. The ABCD study recruited a diverse sample of youths from across the US, with rural, urban, and mountain regions. Data were analyzed from January 12 to May 17, 2023.ExposureThe child-reported Perceived Discrimination Scale was used to quantify racial discrimination, reflecting participants’ perceptions of being treated unfairly by others or unaccepted by society based on their race or ethnicity.Main Outcomes and MeasuresWeight, height, and waist circumference were measured by trained research assistants. BMI z scores were computed by applying the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s age and sex-specific reference standards for children and adolescents. Waist circumference (inches) was quantified as the mean of 3 consecutive measures. Measurements were taken from time 1 (ie, 2017 to 2019) and time 2 (ie, 2018 to 2020).ResultsOf the 6463 respondents with complete data, 3090 (47.8%) were female, and the mean (SD) age was 9.95 (0.62) years. Greater racial discrimination exposure at time 1 was associated with higher BMI z score in both unadjusted (β, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02-0.08) and adjusted regression models (β, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01-0.08). Discrimination at time 1 was associated with higher waist circumference in unadjusted (β, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.15-0.54) and adjusted (β, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.04-0.44) models.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study of children and adolescents, racial discrimination was positively associated with adiposity, quantified by BMI z score and waist circumference. Interventions to reduce exposure to racial discrimination in early life may help reduce the risk of excess weight gain across throughout life.
Association of Core Biopsy With Extranodal Extension in Surgically Treated Human Papillomavirus–Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Vivian L. , Rand Dayton R. , Arnold Kiranya E. , Pagedar Nitin A. , Bayon Rodrigo , Buchakjian Marisa R. 
Published: July 2023

ImportanceExtranodal extension (ENE) is an adverse feature in human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and is an indication for adjuvant treatment escalation. Preoperative core needle biopsy (CNB) may cause lymph node capsule disruption related to ENE development; however, evidence regarding this association in OPSCC is lacking.ObjectiveTo assess whether preoperative nodal CNB is associated with presence of ENE in final pathology findings among patients with HPV-associated OPSCC targeted for primary surgical resection.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single academic tertiary care center from 2012 to 2022. All patients with OPSCC treated with transoral robotic surgery were assessed for eligibility, and primary surgical patients with HPV-associated OPSCC and node-positive disease confirmed on neck dissection were included in analyses. Data were analyzed from November 28, 2022, to May 21, 2023.ExposurePreoperative nodal CNB.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was presence of ENE in final pathology findings. Secondary outcomes included adjuvant chemotherapy and recurrence rates. Outcomes of interest were investigated against patient demographic, clinical, and pathologic features.ResultsOf 106 patients (mean [SD] age, 60.2 [10.9] years; 99 [93.4%] men) included in analyses, 23 patients (21.7%) underwent CNB. Mean (range) preoperative node size was 3.0 (0.9-6.0) cm. Pathologic node class was pN1 in 97 patients (91.5%) and pN2 in 9 patients (8.5%). A total of 49 patients (46.2%) had ENE identified in final pathology analysis. Of 94 patients who received adjuvant therapy, 58 (61.7%) underwent radiation therapy and 36 (38.3%) underwent chemoradiation therapy. There were 9 recurrences (8.5%). In univariate analysis, CNB was associated with ENE (odds ratio [OR], 2.70; 95% CI, 1.03-7.08), but there was no association in a multivariable model including pN class and preoperative node size (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 0.97-7.27). Compared with pN1 class, pN2 class was associated with ENE (OR, 10.93; 95% CI, 1.32-90.80). There were no associations of ENE with preoperative node size, presence of cystic or necrotic nodes, fine needle aspiration, tobacco or alcohol exposure, pathologic T class, prior radiation, or age. Furthermore, use of CNB was not associated with macroscopic ENE, adjuvant chemotherapy, or recurrence.Conclusions and RelevanceThis cohort study of patients with HPV-associated OPSCC found that preoperative nodal CNB was strongly associated with ENE in final pathology, supporting the possibility of an artifactual ENE component in this population.
The role of priming in anticipatory thinking
Authors: Hiatt Laura M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAnticipatory thinking is the act of identifying problems that may arise in the future, and preparing for them in order to mitigate the risk of (or opportunity for) positive or negative impacts occurring. In this paper, we argue that a critical underlying process of anticipatory thinking is cognitive priming, where one's current thoughts influence the next without conscious intention. We make this argument in terms of two aspects of human cognition that are related to anticipatory thinking: context and creativity. We then use the parallels between context, creativity, and anticipatory thinking to support our belief that cognitive priming plays a key role in various aspects of anticipatory thinking. As part of this analysis, we also discuss its broader implications, including how it can be used to improve computational systems that do anticipatory thinking, as well as how it can be leveraged to improve anticipatory thinking in people.