bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Assessment Of Health Risks Posed By Consumption Of Pesticide Residues In Fruits And Vegetables Among Residents In The Kampala Metropolitan Area In Uganda
Authors: Ssemugabo Charles , Bradman Asa , Ssempebwa John C. , Sille Fenna , Guwatudde David 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Pesticide use for fruits and vegetable production in Uganda may result in presence of residues on produce which may pose health risks to consumers. Uganda does not have an established system for monitoring pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables and assessing potential health risks. This research aimed to conduct a health risk assessment of presence of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables in the Kampala Metropolitan Area in Uganda.Method: Pesticides were measured in 160 fruits and vegetables samples collected at farms, markets, street vendors, restaurants and homes using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fruit and vegetable consumption information was collected from 2,177 people. Pesticide concentrations were compared with European Union maximum residual limits (MRLs). Mean values of pesticide concentration residues found in the sample of fruits and vegetables; and fruits and vegetables intake and body weight were used to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) of pesticide residues. EDI values were compared with acceptable daily intakes (ADI) to calculate the hazard quotient by age group, and stage at which consumption happens along the chain. Results: Overall, 57 pesticides were detected in fruits and vegetables from farm to fork. Of the 57, 39 pesticides were detected in all the fruits and vegetables studied. Concentrations of fonofos, fenitrothion and fenhexamid were above the European Union MRLs in some samples. Hazard quotients based on dietary ingestion scenarios for eighteen pesticides, including dichlorvos (444) alanycarb (314), fonofos (68), fenitrothion (62), dioxacarb (55) and benfuracarb (24) and others, were above 1, indicating the possibility of chronic health risk to consumers. Chronic health risk decreased with age but was stable for stage at which consumption happens along the food chain. The number of pesticides with EDI greater than the ADI decreased with increase in age; with 18, 13, 9, 11, 8, 9, and 9 pesticides for age groups <5, 5-12, 13-19, 20-25, 36-49 and ≥50 respectively.Conclusion: Chronic dietary pesticide exposures to Ugandans are likely common, and for some pesticides result in exposure exceeding health-based benchmarks. Risks were highest for younger participants. There is an urgent need to increase monitoring and regulation of pesticides in fruits and vegetables in order to protect consumers, especially the children who are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of pesticides.
Optimal lane expansion model for electric vehicle transportation networks with bounded rational travelers
Authors: Xin Xu , Wang Xiaoli , Chen Kang , Li Cui , Liu Yanran 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
With governments worldwide emphasizing environmental protection and the global focus on carbon reduction, the battery electric vehicle (BEV) industry has developed rapidly. Urban transportation network with BEVs as the main form of transportation will soon be formed. Thus, we investigate a BEV transportation network design problem, and a lane expansion model is established. The abovementioned model aims to minimize the system travel time of BEV transportation networks and optimize government lane expansion schemes under limited budgets. To consider the travel characteristics of BEV drivers, range anxiety and bounded rationality factors are simultaneously incorporated into the model framework. A heuristic algorithm is designed based on the active set algorithm to obtain the local optimal solution of the actual scale problem. Moreover, a column generation technique is embedded in the abovementioned algorithm to avoid the enumeration of paths. Sensitivity analyses of different levels of rationality and government investment scales are performed. The experimental results demonstrate that the abovementioned model and algorithm effectively solve the considered problem and provide decision support for the government in formulating transportation planning policies.JEL Code: C61; D58; H54; R42; R53
Does sex of the jockey influence racehorse physiology and performance
Authors: Schrurs Charlotte , Dubois Guillaume , Erck-Westergren Emmanuelle van , Gardner David S 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Studies assessing the effect of the rider’s sex on racehorse performance and physiology during training have not been reported, mostly due to the paucity of available data for female participants within the sport. Here, using a validated system (the ‘Equimetre’™) that records all parameters simultaneously, we objectively report the effect of rider’s sex on racehorse cardiovascular (heart rate, heart rate recovery) and biomechanical parameters (stride length and frequency) at various exercise intensities (slow canter to hard gallop). 530 Thoroughbreds, varying in age (2-7 years old) and sex (including geldings), from one racing yard in Australia, completed a total of 3,568 exercise sessions, monitored by a single trainer, on varying track surfaces (sand, turf, or fibre). 103 different work riders (male, n=66; female, n=37) of which n=43 were current or past registered professional jockeys, were used. Data were analysed using analysis of variation (ANOVA) or mixed-effect models, as appropriate. Sex of the rider did not influence racehorse speed (P=0.06) nor stride length (P=0.42) at any training intensity. Heart rate and peak heart rate increased with training intensity (P<.001), with no difference according to sex of rider (P=0.73). Heart rate recovery after exercise appeared influenced by rider sex, but only when the usual training intensity on each surface was reversed, suggesting an interaction between racehorse anticipation of exercise and rider sex. Male jockeys had slightly higher strike rate in races in Australia, but not the UK. This study demonstrates no overt effect of rider sex on racehorse performance and physiology.
Social inequities and visual function in pediatric ophthalmology populations: a small cross-sectional study
Authors: He Bonnie , Binda Catherine , Loock Christine , Gardiner Jane 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objectives
The relationship between visual function and social determinants of health in pediatric ophthalmology patients is unclear. Our study evaluated the feasibility of screening for social determinants of health in ophthalmology clinics, assess the prevalence of these risk factors, and to clarify the relationship between social determinants of health and visual function.
Methods
An institution approved survey on social determinants of health risk factors was completed by 145 patients from five pediatric ophthalmology outpatient clinics in British Columbia. Medical charts of survey participants were reviewed to determine diagnoses and level of visual function. Descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariate analysis were performed.
Results
Socioeconomic risk factors were present in all pediatric ophthalmology settings. 56% (n=81) of participants reported having at least one risk factor. Characteristics of poverty, including annual household income, size of support network, adverse childhood experiences, and level of parental education, were not associated with level of visual function. Food insecurity, housing instability, low income, and lack of social support were all associated with a higher adverse event scores (p<0.05). Patients who experienced food insecurity were more likely (OR 7.14, 95% CI 1.47-38.44) to have an adverse childhood experience score of four or more compared to patients who did not have any risk factors.
Conclusions
Our study found no relationship between the level of visual function and social determinants of health risk factors. Given that all pediatric ophthalmology populations experience socioeconomic poverty, the need to establish social screening and social work support is pertinent in all pediatric ophthalmology clinics.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes and Binge Eating Disorder: A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Perceptions and Lived Experiences
Authors: Salvia Meg G. , Ritholz Marilyn D. , Craigen Katherine L.E. , Quatromoni Paula A. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
The overlap in prevalence between type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and binge eating disorder (BED) is substantial, with adverse physical and mental health consequences. Little is known about patients’ efforts at managing these two conditions simultaneously. The research objective was to explore patients’ experiences managing co-existing T2DM/prediabetes and BED.
Methods
Qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews. Participants included 21 women with T2DM or prediabetes (90% non-Hispanic White; mean age 49 ± 14.8 years, mean BMI 43.8 ± 8.4; 48% with T2DM and mean HbA1c was 8.4%). Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis and NVivo software.
Results
Qualitative analysis revealed that participants reported binge episodes frequently started in childhood or adolescence and went undiagnosed for decades; notably, they recalled that diabetes diagnosis preceded BED diagnosis. They also described trying to lose weight throughout their lives and how feelings of deprivation, shame, and failure exacerbated binge eating. Participants further reported how binge eating made diabetes self-care and outcomes worse. Finally, participants observed that when BED treatment and diabetes management were synergistically integrated, they experienced improvements in both binge eating and glycemic outcomes. This integration included reframing negative thoughts surrounding BED and diabetes self-management and increasing their understanding of how the two disorders were connected.
Conclusions
Findings highlight the importance of increasing healthcare providers’ awareness of and screening for BED in the treatment of diabetes and for developing specific integrated interventions that address both diagnoses.
Desain Ambulans Air Modern Untuk Wilayah Kepulauan
Authors: Rosalina  
Published: February 2022

Kepulauan Karimunjawa terdiri dari gugusan kepulauan dengan 5 pulau berpenghuni yang secara administratif masuk kedalam wilayah Kabupaten Jepara. Minimnya pelayanan kesehatan di Kepulauan Karimunjawa membuat warga Karimunjawa dengan kondisi kesehatan kritis dirujuk ke pulau utama, yaitu Pulau Jawa dimana terdapat fasilitas kesehatan yang lebih lengkap. Hal tersebut sulit dilakukan dengan belum tersedianya transportasi medik khususnya untuk penyebrangan dari Kepulauan Karimunjawa yang berjarak 87 km dari pusat Kota Jepara di Pulau Jawa. Perancangan SEA (Safe Escorting Ambulance) didasari dengan tujuan keberhasilan penanganan pasien gawat darurat dengan respon cepat agar mengurangi angka kematian dan kecacatan pada pasien. SEA (Safe Escorting Ambulance) adalah pengembangan ambulans air dengan mengusung prinsip dasar dari penanganan gawat darurat yakni ‘time saving is life and limb saving’. Inti utama dari perancangan ini adalah ambulans air yang memudahkan mobilitas pasien menggunakan fitur landing craft, ambulans air berkecepatan tinggi dan kabin modular yang dapat dikonfigurasi sesuai dengan kebutuhan user. Pemilihan tema pada SEA (Safe Escorting Ambulance) mengusung tema origami dengan mengadaptasi 9 karakteristik dari seni origami yakni stowability, portability, deployability, pengurangan bagian, manufakturabilitas dari lembaran material, folding, pengurangan perakitan, kemudahan miniaturisasi, dan volume beserta massa material yang rendah. Ambulans air ini menggunakan aplikasi gaya futuristik yang dilatarbelakangi oleh pencarian sebuah karakter desain yang dapat membuat produk transportasi memiliki desain yang berorientasi pada kemajuan zaman dan kecepatan gerak.
An efficient and economic desilitation strategy for reservoir sustainable development under the threat of extreme flooding threaten
Authors: Hung Chia-Ching , Lai Jihn-Sung , Huang Cheng-Chia 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Severe sediment disaster has already been observed locally and worldwide, and serious disasters will happen increasingly in the future due to climate change. Hence, developing a proper reservoir desilitation strategy is an urgent priority to ensure sustainable water resources development worldwide. This study aims to investigate the release efficiency of the bypass tunnel in the reservoir. Firstly, a 2D numerical model was adapted to reproduce the most severe sedimentation disaster due to Typhoon Aere and obtain a reliable result compared with the measured data. Then, the concept of climate change was embedded to understand the release capability of the bypass tunnel under slight to worst scenarios. Finally, the bypass tunnel is demonstrated to be effective in releasing sediment during typhoon periods and prolonging the reservoir lifespan. In conclusion, this study proposes a proper solution to reservoir sedimentation during extreme flooding events. The optimization of water resources and economic benefits can help reservoir management achieve the goal of sustainable development. The presented research can be promoted in the worldwide reservoir to face the possibly severe sediment disaster under the threat of climate change.
Spatiotemporal evolution and the driving factors of meteorological drought in the Hun-Taizi River basin, NE China
Authors: Yue Shupeng , Yang Fengtian , Sheng Xiaodan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The evolution of meteorological drought under global warming is of great significance to drought risk management. Meanwhile, driving factors that influence hydrological factors and water cycle processes play an important role in meteorological drought risk assessment. The Hun-Taizi River basin (HTRB) is a region seriously troubled by drought in China. Therefore, we reveal the evolution characteristics of meteorological drought and its driving factors. First, the standardized precipitation index (SPI) was adopted to characterize the evolution characteristics of meteorological drought. Meanwhile, copula functions with the highest goodness of fit were established to calculate the return period of meteorological drought. Then, the relationships between the SPI and the climatic phenomena were reflected by the cross-wavelet transform method to reveal the driving factors of meteorological drought. The results showed that (1) the meteorological drought of the HTRB varied greatly in different periods, and drought aggravated during spring and autumn; (2) the meteorological drought in the western, northwestern and southeastern regions of the HTRB was characterized by high frequency, short duration and low severity, while that in the other regions was characterized by low frequency, long duration and high severity; (3) the co-occurrence return periods of mild, moderate and severe drought were 1.9, 4.7 and 32.8 years and the joint return periods were 1.5, 3.0 and 9.3 years, respectively; (4) solar activity (sunspot), El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Arctic Oscillation (AO) were strongly correlated with drought evolution in the HTRB.
Efficiency of a flocculent consisting of bentonite clay and fly ash for the removal of pollutants in AMD
Authors: Ntwampe I. O. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Acid mine drainage was collected from the western decant in Krugersdorp, South Africa, to conduct a series of laboratory tests using 200 mL of AMD in five beakers dosed with increasing bentonite clay and decreasing pulverised fly ash respectively (flocculent-A) to establish accurate FA:BC dosing ratio. Two similar sets of experiments were conducted using a combination of bentonite clay and fly ash demineralized with distilled water (flocculent-B) and the other samples with tap water (flocculent-C). The pH, electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity and toxic metals were analyzed before and after experiments, i.e. As, Co, Zn and Pb, and treated in a jar test at 250 rpm for 2 min and reduced to 100 rpm for 10 min, allowed to settle for 1 hour after which the measurements were conducted. Turbidity removal of the samples of flocculent-A was slightly lower (72.5–75.1%) compared to that of flocculent-B and C (95.3–97.3%). On the other hand, FA:BC of 3:1 showed the highest turbidity removal. Toxic metals removal (85.9–94.8%) in the samples with flocculent-B and C is also higher compared to that of flocculent A. The SEM micrographs of the samples with flocculent-B and C showed large flocs indicating optimal sorption.
Altered Expression and In Vivo Activity of mGlu5 Variant a Receptors in
the Striatum of BTBR Mice: Novel Insights Into the Pathophysiology of
Adult Idiopathic Forms of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Matrisciano Francesco , Locci Valentina , Dong Erbo , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Guidotti Alessandro , Grayson Dennis R. 
Published: February 2022

Background:
mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptors are considered as candidate drug
targets in the treatment of “monogenic” forms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), such as Fragile-
X syndrome (FXS). However, despite promising preclinical data, clinical trials using mGlu5 receptor
antagonists to treat FXS showed no beneficial effects.

Objective:
Here, we studied the expression and function of mGlu5 receptors in the striatum of adult
BTBR mice, which model idiopathic forms of ASD, and behavioral phenotype.

Methods:
Behavioral tests were associated with biochemistry analysis including qPCR and western
blot for mRNA and protein expression. In vivo analysis of polyphosphoinositides hydrolysis was
performed to study the mGlu5-mediated intracellular signaling in the striatum of adult BTBR mice
under basal conditions and after MTEP exposure.

Results:
Expression of mGlu5 receptors and mGlu5 receptor-mediated polyphosphoinositides hydrolysis
were considerably high in the striatum of BTBR mice, sensitive to MTEP treatment. Changes in the
expression of genes encoding for proteins involved in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission and
synaptic plasticity, including Fmr1, Dlg4, Shank3, Brd4, bdnf-exon IX, Mef2c, and Arc, GriA2,
Glun1, Nr2A, and Grm1, Grm2, GriA1, and Gad1 were also found. Behaviorally, BTBR mice showed
high repetitive stereotypical behaviors, including self-grooming and deficits in social interactions.
Acute or repeated injections with MTEP reversed the stereotyped behavior and the social interaction
deficit. Similar effects were observed with the NMDA receptor blockers MK-801 or ketamine.

Conclusion:
These findings support a pivotal role of mGlu5 receptor abnormal expression and function
in idiopathic ASD adult forms and unveil novel potential targets for therapy.
Research on the Anti-tumor Activity of a Novel Aminopeptidase Inhibitor
Based on 3D QSAR Model
Authors: Meng Liqiang , Ou-Yang Yanhong , Lv Fuyin , Song Jiarong , Yao Jianxin 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Aminopeptidase N (APN) is a type II transmembrane zinc ion-dependent metalloprotease.
It is closely related to many processes of tumor occurrence and development, such as the formation
of new blood vessels and tumor metastasis. Recent studies have shown that APN is a member of
the family of surface markers of liver cancer stem cells. Therefore, APN small molecule inhibitors may
have multiple compound functions, exerting multiple anti-tumor effects at multiple stages of cancer occurrence
and development.

Methods:
Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) and Comparative Molecular Similarity Indices
Analysis (CoMSIA) approaches were employed in the study.

Results:
Both internal and external cross-validations were conducted to obtain high predictive and satisfactory
CoMFA model (q2 = 0.627, r2 = 0.995, SEE = 0.043) and CoMSIA model (q2 = 0.575, r2 = 0.998,
SEE = 0.031) values. The statistical results obtained from CoMFA and CoMSIA models were found to be
credible and having remarkable predictive power.

Conclusion:
The results of 3D-QSAR are reliable and significant with high predictive (q2) ability, and a
lower value of the standard error of estimation indicates a good correlation between predicted and observed
activity. All these results have revealed many useful structural insights to improve the activity of
the newly designed APN small molecule inhibitors.
Open-access Mega-journals in Health and Life Sciences: What Every
Researcher needs to know about this Publishing Model
Authors: Dinis-Oliveira Ricardo Jorge 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT:
A mega-journal is a peer-reviewed scientific open-access journal designed to be much
larger than a traditional classical journal. The low selectivity review criteria largely focused on the
scientific soundness of the research methodology and ethical issues regardless of the importance
and application of the results, the fast peer review, and a very broad scope usually covering a
whole discipline, such as biomedicine or social science, are the major hallmarks. This publishing
model was pioneered by PLOS One and was soon followed by other publishers. A few years ago, it
was believed that the academic journal landscape would dominate by the mega-journals model, but
a decline has been registered in the last few years. This editorial aimed at presenting the current
state-of-the-art of the open-access mega-journals (OAMJs) in scientific publications.
Using a Patient Portal to Increase Enrollment in a Newborn Screening Research Study: Observational Study
Authors: Gehtland Lisa M , Paquin Ryan S , Andrews Sara M , Lee Adam M , Gwaltney Angela , Duparc Martin , Pfaff Emily R , Bailey Jr Donald B 
Published: February 2022

Background
Many research studies fail to enroll enough research participants. Patient-facing electronic health record applications, known as patient portals, may be used to send research invitations to eligible patients.

Objective
The first aim was to determine if receipt of a patient portal research recruitment invitation was associated with enrollment in a large ongoing study of newborns (Early Check). The second aim was to determine if there were differences in opening the patient portal research recruitment invitation and study enrollment by race and ethnicity, age, or rural/urban home address.

Methods
We used a computable phenotype and queried the health care system’s clinical data warehouse to identify women whose newborns would likely be eligible. Research recruitment invitations were sent through the women’s patient portals. We conducted logistic regressions to test whether women enrolled their newborns after receipt of a patient portal invitation and whether there were differences by race and ethnicity, age, and rural/urban home address.

Results
Research recruitment invitations were sent to 4510 women not yet enrolled through their patient portals between November 22, 2019, through March 5, 2020. Among women who received a patient portal invitation, 3.6% (161/4510) enrolled their newborns within 27 days. The odds of enrolling among women who opened the invitation was nearly 9 times the odds of enrolling among women who did not open their invitation (SE 3.24, OR 8.86, 95% CI 4.33-18.13; P<.001). On average, it took 3.92 days for women to enroll their newborn in the study, with 64% (97/161) enrolling their newborn within 1 day of opening the invitation. There were disparities by race and urbanicity in enrollment in the study after receipt of a patient portal research invitation but not by age. Black women were less likely to enroll their newborns than White women (SE 0.09, OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.16-0.55; P<.001), and women in urban zip codes were more likely to enroll their newborns than women in rural zip codes (SE 0.97, OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.62-5.67; P=.001). Black women (SE 0.05, OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.57-0.78; P<.001) and Hispanic women (SE 0.07, OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.60-0.89; P=.002) were less likely to open the research invitation compared to White women.

Conclusions
Patient portals are an effective way to recruit participants for research studies, but there are substantial racial and ethnic disparities and disparities by urban/rural status in the use of patient portals, the opening of a patient portal invitation, and enrollment in the study.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03655223; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03655223