bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Food Taboo and Myth Among Pregnant Mothers in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Tilahun Ruth , Aregawi Saron , Molla Wondwosen 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Food taboo is a deliberately restriction of oneself from different kinds of foods and drinks for different reasons. Even if a balanced diet is needed during pregnancy for both the health of the mother and the fetus, pregnant women restrict themselves from many essential nutrients which will endanger both the mother's and the baby's health .The study is aimed to explore food taboos and myths among pregnant women in Gedeo zone from March 25 to May 25, 2020, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based phenomenological approach was conducted. In-depth and key informant interviews were used to collect data from March 25 to May 25, 2020 in Gedeo. Convenient sampling was employed to recruit participants from the households of targeted villages. A total of 32 in-depth interviews with pregnant mothers, lactating women, elderly women, and husbands were conducted. The sample size was determined based on the concept of saturation. The data was collected by the investigators using semi-structured guiding questions. The collected data were analyzed using the thematic content analysis technique. Data coding and analysis were facilitated by using Open code version 4.0 software.Result: Thirty-two study participants were involved. During pregnancy, foods that are sweet, “good”, spicy foods, and much food were tabooed for pregnant.Conclusion: Foods that are prohibited for pregnant women have been discovered in the Gedeo zone. Pregnant women avoid eating a wide variety of foods, including good foods, sweet foods, much food, and spicy foods. Not eating this foods may prone the mother even the baby for malnutrition in the short or long run.Recommendation: Strategic health communication that focuses on refuting misconceptions such as pregnant women should eat less, certain foods cause diseases in both the mother and the fetus, and fetus skin discoloration is necessary. Maternal and child Health clinics and health extension workers must take the lead in coordinating this awareness-building effort. They should also put in place methods for identifying women on a regular basis, following food taboos, determining the reasons, and providing appropriate nutrition instruction.
Constructing immune related prognosis score based on signatures to predict the benefit of immunotherapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Xiang Jun , Li JunHu , Liu YunXiao , Jing HaoYu , Fan BoYang , Cheng XiaoNan , Zhang Hao , Wang Yang , Wang ChunLin , Chang ZeWen , Wang HuFei , Hu HanQin , Yu Lei , Wang GuiYu 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
CRC is one of the most common malignant tumors and the main cause of cancer death. Since FDA approved immunotherapy for CRC treatment in 2017, patients with CRC have low response to immunotherapy, and there is no effective marker to predict the efficacy of immunotherapy. Our aim is to find a marker that can predict the response of immunotherapy, which can be used to direct the immunotherapy of patients with CRC. The ssGSEA was implemented to construct immune related prognostic score for 2740 patients in 18 cohorts. An extensive immunogenomic analysis was performed to explore the relationship between immune score, prognostic significance, microsatellite status, cancer genotype and potential immune escape mechanism. The IRPS is correlated to important immunophenotypic factors such as neoantigen load and mutation load. Further analysis demonstrated that patients with high IRPS showed therapeutic benefits from immunotherapy. Based on these results, we can conclude that the IRPS may be an available tool for overall survival prediction and predict immunotherapy of patients with CRC.
Entrepreneurial Orientation, Dynamic Capabilities, and Business Processes Performance: Evidence from Egyptian SMEs.
Authors: Abdelkareem Reda , Battour Mohamed , Al-Awlaqi Mohammed 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This study investigated the mediating role of Dynamic Capabilities (DC) in the relationship between Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and Business Process Performance (BPP). Moreover, it investigates the moderating role of strategy type in the EO-DC-BPP relationship. A quantitative paradigm was followed using SEM-PLS methodology to analyze data from 179 SMEs operating in food production in Egypt. The study found a strong and positive mediating effect of DC on the EO-BPP relationship.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement is safe and effective in children when compared to the laparoscopic technique
Authors: Glithero Kyle J. , Hey Matthew T , Calisto Juan L , Alkhoury Fuad , Malvezzi Leopoldo , Burnweit Cathy A 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Introduction: We compare our experience of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and laparoscopic technique (LapGT) at a tertiary care pediatric hospital.Methods: All PEGs and LapGT placements were reviewed at our institution from August 2016 through January 2018. Demographics, procedure time, operative charges, and 30-day complications were reviewed for patients who had either PEG or LapGT. Means of quantitative values were compared using the student’s t test. Categorical values were compared using the X2 test.Results: Over 18 months, 93 isolated gastrostomy tubes were placed in children aged 2 weeks to 19 years. There were 56 PEGs (60%) and 37 LapGTs (40%). There was no significant difference in gender, age, or weight between the two groups. Operative time for PEG was 59% shorter (14 vs. 33 minutes, p < 0.001). Operating room charges averaged $4,500 less in the PEG group ($11,400 vs. $15,900, p < 0.001). Neither group had complications requiring a return to the operating room within 30 days postoperatively. In two cases, PEGs were converted to LapGTs because safety criteria for PEG were not met. Conclusions: Our experience with PEGs and LapGTs has found that the PEG technique, when used with clearly defined safety criteria, decreases operative time and cost without compromising safety.Level of evidence: level III
Survival, healing, and swim performance of juvenile migratory sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) implanted with a new acoustic microtransmitter designed for small eel-like fishes
Authors: Haas Taylor F. , Castro-Santos Theodore , Miehls Scott M. , Deng Zhiqun D. , Bruning Tyler M. , Wagner C. Michael 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Speeding Up Action Recognition Using Dynamic Accumulation of Residuals in Compressed Domain
Authors: Abdari Ali , Amirjan Pouria , Mansouri Azadeh 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
With the widespread use of installed cameras, video-based monitoring approaches have seized considerable attention for different purposes like assisted living. Temporal redundancy and the sheer size of raw videos are the two most common problematic issues related to video processing algorithms. Most of the existing methods mainly focused on increasing accuracy by exploring consecutive frames, which is laborious and cannot be considered for real-time applications. Since videos are mostly stored and transmitted in compressed format, these kinds of videos are available on many devices. Compressed videos contain a multitude of beneficial information, such as motion vectors and quantized coefficients. Proper use of this available information can greatly improve the video understanding tasks' performance. This paper presents an approach for using residual data, available in compressed videos directly, which can be obtained by a light partially decoding procedure. In addition, a method for accumulating similar residuals is proposed, which dramatically reduces the number of processed frames for action recognition. Applying neural networks exclusively for accumulated residuals in the compressed domain accelerates performance, while the classification results are highly competitive with raw video approaches.
Berberine inhibits low shear stress-induced vascular endothelial inflammation via decreasing phosphorylation of Akt and IRF3
Authors: Lv Yifei , Yang Hongfeng , Ye Peng , Qian Zhiyuan , Wang Dongchen , Kong Chaohua , Gu Yue , Zhou Wenying , Chen Shaoliang , Zhu Linlin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Low shear stress (LSS) is closely related to vascular endothelial inflammation and the development of atherosclerosis. Berberine (BBR), a natural compound isolated from Coptis chinensis, has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects. However, the role of berberine in low-shear stress-induced endothelial inflammation remains unclear.
Methods
The role of berberine in low shear stress-induced vascular endothelial inflammation was investigated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using a plate flow chamber in vitro and in mice with an established LSS model by partial ligation of the carotid artery in vivo.
Results
Firstly, in vitro experiments demonstrated that BBR significantly decreased the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and the phosphorylation of Akt in HUVECs induced by low shear stress.Meanwhile,BBR significantly inhibited low shear stress induced IRF3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Notably, Akt overexpression markedly reversed the inhibitory effects of BBR on LSS-induced IRF3 activation and ICAM-1 expression. Moreover, in vivo experiments showed that BBR markedly decreased intimal ICAM-1 and IRF3 in the LSS areas of partially ligated carotid arteries in mice; however, EC-specific Akt overexpression mediated by adeno-associated virus abolished the anti-inflammatory effect of BBR.
Conclusion
Taken together, our findings suggest that BBR treatment attenuates LSS-induced vascular endothelial inflammation by decreasing activation of the Akt/IRF3 signalling pathway.
The structure, processes and outcomes of stroke rehabilitation in Ghana: A study protocol
Authors: Yarfi Cosmos , Nyante Gifty Gyamah , Rhoda Anthea 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
BackgroundConventional and complementary treatments are often used in rehabilitation for persons with stroke. Conventional treatment makes use of medications, physiotherapy, occupational, speech and diet therapies while complementary treatment makes use of homeopathy, naturopathy, massage and acupuncture. The structure, process and outcomes of stroke rehabilitation using conventional or complementary treatments have not been empirically investigated in Ghana.AimTo investigate the structure, process and outcomes of stroke rehabilitation at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra and Kwayisi Christian Herbal Clinic (KCHC) in Nankese-Ayisaa, Ghana and to explore experiences of persons with stroke.MethodsA mixed methods approach involving a cross sectional, hospital-based cohort and qualitative exploratory studies. The objectives of the study will be achieved using three phases: Phase one will recruit health professionals and gather information on the structure and process of stroke rehabilitation at conventional and complementary hospital using adapted questionnaires. Phase two will determine outcomes of persons with stroke attending a conventional and complementary hospital facility at baseline, two, three- and six-months follow-up using outcome measures based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model. Phase three will explore experiences of persons with stroke who use complementary or conventional treatment using an interview guide. Data AnalysisIBM SPSS Statistics Version 27 will be used to analyse the data using descriptive and inferential statistics. Repeated measures of ANOVA analysis will be used to determine differences between varaibles at baseline, one, three- and six-months post stroke. The qualitative data will be transcribed and entered into Atlas Ti version 9.0. The data will be coded and analysed using thematic areas that will be generated from the codes. ConclusionThe study protocol will provide a comprehensive overview of structure, process and outcomes of stroke rehabilitation in Ghana: incorporating both conventional and complementary treatment and rehabilitation into the stroke recovery journey. It will also inform clinical practice, with new insights on the experiences of persons with stroke based on their choice of rehabilitation pathway.
Species composition, monthly distribution and behaviour of adult Anopheles mosquitoes in areas under elimination setting, Dembia district, Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Tarekegn Mihretu , Dugassa Sisay , Wolde-hawariat Yitbarek , Negash Yohannes , Tekie Habte 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background Despite of the progress made in scaling-up of the intervention tools in Ethiopia, malaria is still a public health problem in the country. This necessitates a continuous monitoring of the local vector species composition, monthly distribution and behaviour in order to follow up effectiveness vector control strategies in place. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate species composition, distribution, and behaviour of Anopheles mosquitoes in selected localities of Dembia district.Methods Anopheles mosquito collection was conducted from June 2018 - May 2019 in selected areas of Dembia district by using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps, pyrethrum spray catches (PSCs), artificially constructed pit shelters and mouth aspirators. The sibling species of An. gambiae s.l were identified using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The blood source and sporozoite infection of Anopheles mosquitoes were determined using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. ResultsAnopheles mosquitoes belonging to 11 species were identified from 2,055 field collected adult specimens during this study: An. pharoensis, An. arabiensis, An. coustani, An. demeilloni, An. cinereus, An. funestus, An. ardensis, and An. squamosus were identified from both Guramba Bata and Arebiya study sites while An. garnhami, An. christyi and An. nili were identified only from Guramba Bata. Anopheles pharoensis was the dominant species identified in both Arebiya and Guramba Bata study sites comprising 46.4%, whereas An. arabiensis were also comparably dominant in both study sites (38.3%). The density of outdoor host seeking and resting Anopheles mosquitoes were higher than indoor host seeking and resting Anopheles mosquitoes, however the difference was not statistically significant (p ≥ 0.05). The human blood indexes (HBI) of indoor and outdoor host seeking An. arabiensis were 17.4% and 15.3%, respectively. The overall sporozoite rate of An. arabiensis, An. pharoensis and An. coustani was 0.3%, 0.9% and 5.9% respectively.ConclusionsAnopheles pharoensis and An. arabiensis were the dominant species identified in the study area. Anopheles mosquitoes showed an exophagic, exophilic and zoophilic tendency in the study area. Vector control strategies targeting outdoor host seeking and resting Anopheles mosquitoes should be sought to achieve the desired malaria control and elimination program in the study area.
Evolutionary Causal Matrices as Models of Social Stability and/or Change
Authors: Voorhees Burton 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This paper considers evolutionary causal matrices (ECM), which have been proposed as a tool for determination of population distributions of traits in cases in which traits exert mutual influence on each other. In the case of 2x2 ECM a complete mathematical analysis is given including determination of equilibrium distributions and stability. A theorem is proved relating equilibrium stability to ratios of matrix eigenvalues. Several 2x2 ECMs are studied as potential examples of application to questions of norm compliance and binary decisions. 3x3 EMCs are considered as possible examples for modeling political debate between opposed parties with an intermediary group of independents.
Knowledge needs in economic costs of invasive species facilitated by canalization
Authors: Balzani Paride , Cuthbert Ross N. , Briski Elizabeta , Galil Bella , Castellanos-Galindo Gustavo , Kouba Antonín , Kourantidou Melina , Leung Brian , Soto Ismael , Haubrock Phillip J. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
As strategic transport infrastructures, canals provide wide-ranging economic benefits as well as save energy and reduce CO2 emissions. At the same time, by connecting previously biogeographically-isolated systems, they serve as corridors for the introduction and spread of aquatic alien species, potentially leading to unforeseen ecological and economic impacts. To date, there has been no attempt to quantify the reported economic costs of these species. Here, we used the InvaCost database on the monetary impact of invasive alien species to identify the costs of species whose introduction and spread have been linked to the operation of three major canal systems: the European Inland Canals, Suez Canal and Panama Canal. While we identified a staggering number of alien species that have been spread via these systems, monetary costs have been reported only for a few of these known invasive aliens. A total of $33.6 million in costs have been reported from invasive species linked to European Inland Canals (the fishhook waterflea Cercopagis pengoi and the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha) and $8.6 million linked to the Suez Canal (the silver-cheeked toadfish Lagocephalus sceleratus, the lionfish Pterois miles, and the nomad jellyfish Rhopilema nomadica), but no recorded costs were yet recorded for species which invasion was facilitated by the Panama Canal. We thus identified a pervasive lack of information on the monetary costs of invasions facilitated by anthropogenically-created corridors, such as canals. In highlighting the uneven and lacking distribution of costs, we suggest those benefiting from the creation of canals are not necessarily the same as those paying the incurred costs, and urge greater recognition and reporting of impacts.
The pH of tap and deionized water at 13, 23, 33, and 43 oC in the range of 0-140 g/L of NaCl salinity
Authors: Rudyk Svetlana , Spirov Pavel , Lunde Mona , Jimoh Adetunji 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The pH of water used to prepare liquid solutions and brines for various types of biochemical investigations may influence the experimental results and overall conclusions. The pH of four types of water such as tap, tap boiled, deionized and deionized boiled water were investigated at the temperatures of 13, 23, 33 and 43 oC in the salinity range of 0-140 g/L of NaCl. The pH of tap water decreased by 2 on average after deionization. The pH of tap water and brines varied from 7 to 9.5 while it varied from 5.1 to 6.5 for deionized water and brines at all salinities. The pH of tap water increased by 0.5-1.5 due to CO2 release while the pH of deionized water did not change after boiling in 30 minutes. The addition of salt of more than 20 g/L of NaCl caused the pH decrease by 1-1.5. The pH of tap boiled and deionized boiled brines decreased with the temperature increase by 0.1 per 10 oC. The decreasing, increasing and neutral trends of pH change with the increase in salinity were observed. The brines of tap water, tap boiled water and deionized water were close to constant at 20-120 g/L. The increase in pH from 80 g/L for deionized boiled water could be addressed to a salting out effect because of the lower CO2 solubility at highly concentrated brines.
Subtle Changes in Perivascular Endometrial Mesenchymal Stem Cells after Local Endometrial Injury in Recurrent Implantation Failure
Authors: Fan Yiping , Lee Ryan Wai Kheong , Ng Xiang Wen , Gargett Caroline , Chan Jerry Kok Yen 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Improvements in reproductive techniques have resulted in the live birth rates from IVF procedures increasing from 5% to approximately 30% in recent decades but has plateaued since. Emerging preclinical and clinical data implicates endometrial receptivity deficiencies in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) as the predominant factor hindering successful implantation. Mechanisms on how local endometrial injury (LEI) improves implantation rates in patients with RIF are currently unknown. We hypothesized that LEI may influence perivascular endometrial mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (eMSCs) thought to regenerate the stromal vascular component of the functional layer every month. Here, we assessed the effect of LEI on the proportion and function of eMSCs present in consecutive LEI biopsies. Consecutive paired mid-luteal phase endometrial biopsies obtained from patients with RIF were digested to single cells and the proportion of SUSD2-expressing cells determined. Growth kinetics and decidualization were compared between the consecutive LEI samples. A mid-luteal LEI altered the decidualization capacity of SUSD2+ eMSCs in women with RIF, but not their proportion or clonogenicity. With the potential of LEI to improve IVF outcomes in women with RIF, additional investigations are needed to understand the impact of the altered decidualization response in eMSCs.
Unified Creeping Model Identifying the Critical State of Granular Material
Authors: Tong Lihong , Wu Bingni , Lei ZX , Xu Changjie 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
We propose a state evolution model to study the creep of a granular packing both below and beyond the yield stress. Three types of creeping curves are observed under both static and dynamic loading conditions. The experiments are analyzed using the proposed model which introduces characteristic strain to account for the influences of historic strain on current state. A criterion to identify the stability of a granular system is obtained based on the proposed model. Two key factors dominating the stability of the granular system are recognized, the shear wave velocity and critical velocity. Our laboratory experiments in combination with the proposed criterion offers a physical explanation for intrinsic triggering mechanism of system evolution from stable to fluidic state: decrease in wave velocity or/and critical velocity.