bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secure CAPTCHA by Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP)
Authors: Shojae Chaeikar Saman , Mirzaei Asl Fatemeh , Yazdanpanah Saeid , Zamani Mazdak , Khodadadi Touraj
Published: July 2023

To achieve an acceptable level of security on the web, the Completely Automatic Public Turing test to tell Computer and Human Apart (CAPTCHA) was introduced as a tool to prevent bots from doing destructive actions such as downloading or signing up. Mobile devices have small screens, and therefore, using the common CAPTCHA methods (e.g. text CAPTCHAs) in these devices raises usability issues. To introduce a reliable, secure, and usable CAPTCHA that is suitable for mobile devices, this paper introduces a hand gesture recognition CAPTCHA based on applying Genetic Algorithm (GA) principles on Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP). The proposed method improves the performance of MLP-based hand gesture recognition. It has been trained and evaluated on 2201 videos of the IPN Hand dataset, and MSE and RMSE benchmarks report the index values of 0.0018 and 0.0424, respectively. Comparison with the related works shows a minimum of 1.79% fewer errors, and experiments produced a sensitivity of 93.42% and accuracy of 92.27% – 10.25% and 6.65% improvement compared to the MLP implementation.
Digitalisation in Bioeconomy in the Baltic States and Poland
Authors: Zeverte-Rivza Sandija , Girdziute Laura , Parlińska Agnieszka , Rivza Peteris , Novikova Anastasija , Gudele Ina
Published: July 2023

the process of rapidly digitalizing and transforming businesses, known as Industry 4.0, was already underway before COVID-19. However, the imposed restrictions during the pandemic significantly amplified the need and motivation for both businesses and consumers to utilize digital tools across all sectors including the sectors of bioeconomy. The agricultural and food production sectors have a predominant role in the bioeconomy of the European Union (EU), followed by wood production. These sectors make significant contributions not only to national economies but also to rural areas. Consequently, the digitalization of businesses within the bioeconomy sector not only transforms the enterprises and value chains themselves but also benefits the rural communities in which these enterprises are situated. This study aims to assess the barriers of the bioeconomy sector and ways to support digital transformation within this sector. The paper analyses bioeconomy in EU and the state of digitalisation in the EU. The empiric analysis is based on the cluster analysis of the digitalisation and R&D indicators of the EU and the AHP analysis that allows determining the digitalisation scenarios in Latvia, Lithuania and Poland carried out by four stake-holder groups - national government; advisory and extension; research and entrepreneurship. The results of the AHP indicate that experts from Lithuania and Poland preferred the scenario that suggested the self-initiative from the entrepreneurs of the sector, but experts from Latvia – prioritization of support for digital transformation using national and EU funding. The AHP results also indicate that the opinions of the national government, consulting, and research experts are more aligned throughout all three countries, but the opinion of entrepreneurs differs from these groups.
Prevalence and Factors Related to Leishmania infantum Infection in Healthy Horses (Equus caballus) from Eastern Spain
Authors: Martínez-Sáez Lola , Dulac Quentin , Montaner-Angoiti Esperanza , Marín-García Pablo Jesús , Llobat Lola
Published: July 2023

Leishmaniosis is a zoonoses caused by Leishmania spp., an intracellular protozoan parasite. This parasite is transmitted by sandflies and the disease is endemic in Mediterranean basin. In the last years, the number of species which could be reservoir of parasite is increased. One of the most relevant is the horses, due to contact with humans and its ability to control the disease, being a possible silent reservoir. In this study, we have analyzed the prevalence and factors related to L. infantum infection in healthy horses in Mediterranean region. Epidemiological data and serum samples were obtained to 167 apparently healthy horses and presence of L. infantum was evaluated by ELISA method and qPCR. The results show 27,5% of prevalence and the main factors related to infection are equine breed, outdoor living, use and season. In conclusion, the prevalence of L. infantum infection in apparently horses from Eastern Spain (Mediterranean basin) is elevated. To control this zoonosis, it would be advisable to carry out more studies on this and other species that could be silent reservoirs of the parasite, as well as carry out measures such as the use of repellents on a regular basis.
Intractable complicated course of tricuspid valve infective endocarditis due to non-compliance of treatment with clinical guidelines with a decisive role of molecular biological study in etiological diagnosis: a case report
Authors: Kotova E. O. , Moiseeva A. Yu. , Domonova E. A. , Silveytrova O. Yu. , Pisaryuk A. S. , Kakhktsyan P. V. , Babukhina J. I. , Kobalava Zh. D.
Published: July 2023

A clinical observation of the treatment non-compliance consequences with clinical guidelines and principles of empirical therapy selection in a female patient with intravenous drug abuse, viral hepatitis C and HIV infection, with a history of a COVID-19 and the development of uncontrolled staphylococcal infective endocarditis (IE) of the tricuspid valve, complicated recurrence of early prosthetic IE is presented. Successful treatment was achieved only by a combination of tricuspid valve replacement and the appointment of etiotropic therapy for S. aureus (MSSA). The typical clinical scenario was not accompanied by the choice of adequate empirical antibiotic therapy, despite the high suspicion of association with MSSA, which determined the complicated course of IE. Only the polymerase chain reaction of the heart valve tissue played a key role in the etiological diagnosis. The use of valve tissue polymerase chain reaction in addition to traditional microbiological methods is a valuable diagnostic study.
Mesozoic Thermo-Tectonic Evolution of the Western Altai Orogenic Belt (NW China): Insights from Low-Temperature Thermochronology
Authors: Wu Mingxuan , Yin Jiyuan , He Zhiyuan , Xiao Wenjiao , Wang Yannan , Chen Wen , Wang Yamei , Sun Jingbo , Li Dapeng , Meng Yun
Published: July 2023

The Meso-Cenozoic tectonic activities of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) played an important role in controlling the present-day topography of Central Asia. The Altai orogenic belt is a key component in the southern CAOB; so far, there is still a lack of sufficient constraints on the time and mechanism of its tectonic reactivation since the Mesozoic. In this contribution, we present new zircon and apatite (U-Th)/He and apatite fission track thermochronological data from granitoid samples in the Habahe area, western Altai orogenic belt. Therein zircon (U-Th)/He ages range from ~230 to ~238 Ma, apatite fission track central ages are ~140–157 Ma, and apatite (U-Th)/He ages vary from ~134 to ~149 Ma. Based on the associated thermal history modeling results, the Habahe area underwent a moderate cooling during the Late Triassic to Middle Jurassic (~230–170 Ma) with a cooling rate of ~0.8–1.1℃/Ma and a subsequent moderate to slightly rapid cooling stage during the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (170–130 Ma) with a cooling rate of ~1.5–2.3℃/Ma. We propose that this prolonged cooling stage occurred under a long-lasting contractional tectonism in the western Altai throughout the early Mesozoic, which was produced by multiplate convergence in East Asia during this period, mainly including the consumption of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean in the northeast and the Meso-Tethys Ocean in the south. The region experienced rather limited Late Cretaceous-Cenozoic cooling and exhumation due to insufficient reactivation and weak surficial erosion.
Reconstruction of Missing Well-Logs Using Facies-Informed Discrete Wavelet Transform and Time Series Regression
Authors: Ren Quan , Zhang Hongbing , Azevedo Leonardo , Yu Xiang , Zhang Dailu , Zhao Xiang , Zhu Xinyi , Hu Xun
Published: July 2023

Geophysical logging is widely used in lithofacies identification, reservoir parameter prediction, and geological modeling. However, it is common to have well-log sections with low-quality and/or missing segments. Repeating the well-log measurements is not only expensive but might also be impossible depending on the condition of the borehole walls. In these situations, reliable and accurate well-log prediction is, therefore, necessary in different stages of the geomodeling workflow. In this study, we propose a time series regression model to predict missing well-log data, incorporating facies information as an additional geological input and using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to denoise the input data set. The main contributions of this work are threefold: (i) We jointly use facies information with well logs as the input data set; (ii) we use DWT to denoise the input data and consequently improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the input data; and (iii) we regard the depth domain as the time domain and use a time series regression algorithm for log reconstruction modeling. We show a real application example in two distinct scenarios. In the first, we predict missing well-log intervals. In the second, we predict complete well logs. The experimental results show the ability of the proposed prediction model to recover missing well-log data with high accuracy levels.
Intelligent Risk-Based Cybersecurity Protection for Industrial Systems Control—A Feasibility Study
Authors: Houmb S. H. , Iversen F. , Ewald R. , Færaas E.
Published: July 2023

Intelligent automated industrial process control, enabled by IR 4.0 technology, requires increased system integration and connectedness. With such development comes a heightened risk of cyberattack for operational technology (OT) systems, including industrial control systems (ICS) and industrial automation and control systems (IACS), historically shielded from cyberspace. Cyberattacks on OT systems can also impact the physical world. The recent attack on the US Colonial Pipeline interrupted delivery of oil along the US West coast for several days, resulting in a declaration of a state of emergency, while the Ukraine power grid attacks interrupted electrical power supply in Kyiv, impacting thousands of consumers. In 2021, an Equinor-operated platform on the Norwegian Continental shelf was hit by malware. The incident had the potential to affect the drilling control system (DCS).

For ICS, the concern is ensuring a safe process, as opposed to the more traditional concern with data protection for information technology (IT) system management. To ensure safe implementation of advanced industrial systems control, while avoiding unnecessary operational downtime, there is a need for cybersecurity solutions that account for risk for the whole cyberphysical system (CPS), including the ICS, the work environment, the product, and the physical surroundings. Diagnostic models and methods must therefore be developed that cover the functionality of the whole CPS. Further, to account for process dynamics and evolving cyberattack threats, adaptability is required with respect to both process state and new types of attacks. For this purpose, knowledge-based awareness monitoring combined with existing cyberattack detection tools for ICS, known as ICS intrusion detection systems (IDS), is proposed, providing an element of artificial intelligence.

Results from studies in a DCS environment indicate that existing monitoring applications can be used to detect and discern between different types of cyberattacks on CPSs. This indicates feasibility with respect to monitoring the control and IT components of the ICS system for building risk-based cybersecurity decision support solutions.

The key challenge and novelty of the proposed approach is to extend the capability of cybermonitoring in systems control to automated evaluation of process risk, including risk to the physical environment. Such capability will enable appropriate decision support with respect to both process risk and operational downtime.
Impact of feeding mustard oil cake and soybean meal alone or in combination in calf starter on growth and blood metabolites of dairy calves
Authors: Sarker Md. Abid Hasan , Hossain Nobin , Arefin Sumaiya , Bari Md. Sadakatul , Habib Md. Rezwanul , Khandakar Md. Mehedi Hasan , Islam Md. Zakirul , Islam Mohammad Ashiqul , Rashid Md. Harun-ur- , Siddiki Mohammad Shohel Rana
Published: July 2023

The study was designed to envisage the changes in growth measurements and blood metabolites of crossbred dairy calves in response to calf starters feeding with different protein sources. All calves were fed colostrum until they were three days old. Then, calves were given 2.5 L of fresh whole milk for up to 10 days and 3 L of fresh whole milk for up to 56 days. Calves were fed a farm starter (control), other dietary groups starter containing mustard oil cake (MOC), soybean meal (SM), and a mixture of MOC and SM as MOCSM protein sources. Starting on day 21, all of the calves received starter feeds. On day 56, they were weaned, and the study included calves until day 70. Data were recorded on dry matter intake, growth measurements and blood nutrients profile. Calves consumed greater DM when MOC in the starter was supplied, which was 22.5% more than that of the control-fed group. Calves feeding with SM and MOCSM consumed almost similar quantities of DM at 220.87 and 224.87 g/head/day, respectively. The BWG of calves increased significantly by 5.04 and 4.06% more in the MOC-fed group than in the SM and MOCSM groups. MOC, SM, and MOCSM-fed calves had similar (p>0.05) BLG; however, the control diet had significantly lower BLG. Blood glucose levels did not vary among the calves fed the control, MOC, SM, and MOCSM diets. Significantly higher serum albumin, urea, and BUN concentrations were found in MOC diet-fed calves than in others. Calcium and phosphorus concentration varied significantly among dietary groups and was noticeably lower in the control group compared to the other dietary groups. The results revealed that calf starters endowed with MOC as a protein source and in combination with SM were found advantageous in improving body growth and development.
APVC2021 Automated failure diagnostic system for a cylinder of the hydraulic pressing machine
Authors: LI Zhe , Terashima Osamu , Takeda Naoyuki , Shige Koki
Published: July 2023

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and declining working-age populations in certain countries, manufacturing and production sites have actively enhanced production efficiency and labor productivity by incorporating digital technologies. In light of these trends, we have developed a system aimed at swiftly assessing the operational status of machinery in order to optimize production efficiency within a manufacturing company, thereby reducing the time required for machine inspection and repair. To efficiently identify failures and anomalies in hydraulic presses, we have implemented a machine learning-based failure diagnostic system. Vibrational acceleration sensors were installed on the cylinder, the primary component of the press machine, and continuous signal data was collected. By establishing a model based on standard deviation, crest factor, and maximum signal values for normal operation, deviations and temporal changes in the data were utilized to detect failures and anomalies. Consequently, it is feasible to predict the occurrence of failures by monitoring these variations.
Absence of sympathetic innervation hampers the generation of tertiary lymphoid structures upon acute lung inflammation
Authors: Riffard Clémence , Letaïef Laïla , Azar Safa , Casrouge Armanda , Brunet Isabelle , Teillaud Jean-Luc , Dieu-Nosjean Marie-Caroline
Published: July 2023

Background Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are lymphoid organs present in inflammatory non-lymphoid tissues. Studies have linked TLS to favorable outcomes for patients suffering from cancers and infectious diseases, but the mechanisms underlying their formation are poorly elucidated. In particular, the innervation of secondary lymphoid organs raises the question of the involvement of sympathetic nerve fibers in TLS organogenesis.
Methods We established a model of lipopolysaccharide-induced pulmonary inflammation based on 5 daily intranasal instillations in which lymphoid aggregates form and evolve toward mature TLS. Sympathetic nerve fibers were systemically depleted using 6-OHDA injections. TLS were analyzed and quantified using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence on lung tissue sections. Lung immune populations were assessed by flow cytometry, and the systemic primary immune response of denervated mice was analyzed by ELISA on plasma samples.
Results Intranasal instillation of LPS in immunocompetent mice induced the transient formation of mature TLS in inflamed lungs. TLS disappeared when acute inflammation resolved. 6-OHDA treatment of LPS-treated animals provoked sympathetic fiber depletion that was associated with a decrease in pulmonary TLS density and with a reduction in lung alveolar space, although the depletion did not fully inhibit TLS formation. We showed a drop in the proportions of naive B cells in the lungs of denervated LPS-treated mice that also exhibited a decrease in their systemic primary antibody response.
Conclusions These data support the existence of neuroimmune crosstalk involved in TLS neogenesis and function and in the control of the naive B-cell pool. Sympathetic nerve fibers could participate not only in TLS formation but also in the in situ mounting of strong primary antibody responses.
Pattern of Cognitive Impairment Among Community Dwelling Elderly in Egypt and Its Relation to Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Tawfik Amany Abass , Adly Nermien Naim , Hamza Sarah Ahmed , Kader Radwa Magdy Abdel
Published: July 2023

Background
Cognitive decline is one of the aging health problems that strongly affects daily functioning and quality of life of older adults and threatening their independence with different levels of cognitive health among people from different socioeconomic groups.
Objective
To assess the prevalence and pattern of cognitive impairment among community dwelling elderly in Egypt and the contribution of socioeconomic status to inequality in cognitive impairment.
Material and Methods
This study involved 470 elderly participants ≥ 60 years, males and females. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to assess the prevalence of cognitive impairment, Hachinski ischemic score (HIS) to investigate type of cognitive impairment, Ain Shams Cognitive Assessment (ASCA) to assess pattern of specific cognitive domain affection, and an Egyptian Socioeconomic status (SES) scale was used to describe the SES of participants.
Results
The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 50.2% that was distributed as 37.7% for MCI and 12.5% for Dementia. The most common type of cognitive impairment was degenerative type (47.8%). Pattern of specific domain affection among cognitively impaired subjects, ranged from 94% for visuospatial function to 12.7% for abstraction. Cognitive impairment was significantly associated with increasing age, female sex, marital status single or widow, low education and with increasing total number of comorbidities and positive family history of cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment was mainly concentrated in the economically disadvantaged population (low educational level, non-occupied, limited computer use, low income and bad sanitation).
Conclusion
In Egypt, cognitive impairment is significantly prevalent and concentrated among those who are in low socioeconomic status. Increasing educational level of low SES population and improving their access to healthcare services will help to improve the inequity of cognitive impairment.
Major cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity in the municipality of Niakhene in 2020 in Senegal
Authors: Diallo Amadou Ibra , Bassoum Oumar , Sow Polele , Drame Serigne Mbacke , Ba Mouhamadou Faly , Diongue Fatoumata Binetou , Ndiaye Ibrahima , Ba Ndèye Amy , Tine Jean Augustin Diègane , Faye Adama , Seck Ibrahima
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION
Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure are a heavy health and economic burden in low-income countries. This work aimed to study the prevalence of diabetes, arterial hypertension, and obesity as well as their associated factors in the Niakhene commune in rural Senegal.
METHOD
This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical survey among subjects aged at least 18 years and residing in the municipality of Niakhene carried out in October 2020. A systematic random survey, stratified according to sex and sections was carried out. The questionnaire was constructed from the framework of the STEPS 2015 World Health Organization tools and a literature review. This questionnaire was associated with anthropometric, blood sugar and blood pressure measurements. Descriptive and analytical analyzes were performed with R 4.0.2 software.
RESULTS
A total of 300 individuals were surveyed. They had a mean age of 35.3 years (SD:16.9), female (52.3%), married (65.7%), and uneducated (67.7%).
The main family history was high blood pressure (42.0%), diabetes (9.0%), and stroke (5.7%). The prevalence of diabetes was 3.7% including 0.7% newly diagnosed. Factors associated with diabetes were advanced age over 60 (ORaj =10.6 95% CI [1.32-232]) and family history of diabetes (ORaj =10.6 95% CI 8 .77 [1.16-65.7]).
On arterial hypertension, the prevalence was 47.7% of which 16.3% were newly diagnosed. It was associated with age and areas of overweight-obesity. Subjects aged 40 to 59 had a 4.1 ORaj (95% CI [1.9-9.3]) times greater risk of being hypertensive and this risk increases with age and people aged 60 and over had a risk of 5.6 ORaj (95% CI [2.37-13.9]). Overweight and obese people with a BMI greater than 25 Kg/m2 were 2.6 ORaj (95% CI [1.25-5.76]) times more at risk of being hypertensive
Overweight was noted in 10.7% and obesity in 3.7%. They were mainly associated with age with people aged 25-39 being 7.5 (95% CI [2.35-33.9]) more at risk than young people aged 18-25.
CONCLUSION
The increasing development of major cardiovascular risk factors should lead health authorities to give crucial importance to the fight against the burden of non-communicable diseases in the context of epidemiological transition.
Systematic review and cumulative analysis of clinical properties of BRAF V600E mutations in PLNTY histological samples
Authors: Baumgartner Michael E , Lang Shih-Shan , Tucker Alexander M , Madsen Peter J , Storm Phillip B , Kennedy Benjamin C
Published: July 2023

Polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumors of the young (PLNTY) represent a rare pediatric-type tumor that most commonly presents as medically refractory epilepsy. PLNTY has only recently been recognized as a distinct clinical entity, having been first described in 2016 and added to the World Health Organization classification of CNS tumors in 2021. Molecular studies have determined that PLNTY is uniformly driven by aberrant MAPK pathway activation, with most tumors carrying either a BRAF V600E mutation or activating FGFR2 or FGFR3 fusion protein. Although it is known that these driver mutations are mutually exclusive, little is known about differences in clinical presentation or treatment outcomes between PLNTY cases driven by these distinct mutations. In this study, we performed a systematic review and cumulative analysis of PLNTY cases to assess whether or not PLNTY tumors carrying the BRAF V600E mutation exhibit different clinical behaviors. By searching the literature for all cases of PLNTY wherein BRAF V600E status was characterized, we compiled a dataset of 62 unique patient instances. Using a logistic regression-based approach, we assessed a primary outcome of what factors of a clinical presentation were associated with BRAF V600E mutations and a secondary outcome of what factors predicted total seizure freedom post-surgical resection. PLNTY cases carrying BRAF V600E mutations in the literature were strongly positively associated with adult patients (p=0.0055, OR=6.556; 95% Conf. Int. = 1.737 – 24.742). BRAF V600E status was also positively associated with tumor involvement of the temporal lobe (p=0.0046, OR=11.036; 95% Conf. Int. = 2.100 – 58.006). Male sex was also positively associated with BRAF V600E status, but the result did not quite achieve statistical significance (p=0.0731). BRAF V600E status was not found to be associated with post-operative seizure freedom. These findings indicate that BRAF V600E-positive PLNTY exhibit characteristic clinical presentations but are not necessarily different in treatment responsiveness.
Neonatal outcomes and follow-up of children born to women with pregnancy- associated cancer: a prospective observational study
Authors: Capozza Michele Antonio , Romano Alberto , Mastrangelo Stefano , Attinà Giorgio , Maurizi Palma , Rivetti Serena , Costa Simonetta , Vento Giovanni , Scambia Giovanni , Ruggiero Antonio
Published: July 2023

Background
During the last decade, there has been a growing number of cases of children born from pregnancy-associated cancer (PAC), however there are currently insufficient data on the follow up to be observed in this category of newborns. Objective of the study was to evaluate the neonatal outcomes of infants born to mother with PAC and the potential adverse effect of chemotherapy during pregnancy.
Methods
Maternal clinical data and neonatal outcomes of child born to mothers diagnosed with PAC were collected; infants were divided into those were and were not exposed to chemotherapy during fetal life and their outcomes were compared.
Results
A total of 37 newborn infants from 36 women with PAC were analyzed. Preterm delivery occurred in 83.8% of the cases. No significant differences in neonatal outcomes were found between infants who were and were not exposed to chemotherapy during pregnancy. The median follow-up period was 12 months.
Conclusions
PAC treatment during the second or third trimester does not seem to be dangerous for the fetus, however infants born from PAC must be carefully evaluated for to rule out the consequences of chemotherapy. Long-term follow-up, especially in children exposed to chemotherapy, should be encouraged to obtain relevant data on long-term toxicity.
Assessing Photovoltaic Power Uncertainty in Low-income Smart Home Energy Management using Geographic Information Systems Data
Authors: Elazab Rasha , Saif Omar , Metwally Amr , Daowd Mohamed
Published: July 2023

Solar-powered homes can be an optimal solution for the lack of continuous power sources problem in initial low-income communities. However, the challenge of PV uncertainty can make it difficult to coordinate this vital solar energy in real-time. This paper proposes a new, low-cost solution for assessing the uncertainty of photovoltaic power generation in smart home energy management systems. The proposed index, inspired by the well-known clearness index, is an adaptive deterministic indicator that only requires free Geographic Information System GIS models and PV power measurement, without the need for expensive high-tech controllers or expert engineers/programmers. The proposed index successfully predicts the daily PV energy with errors of less than 3% for more than 93% of studied days, according to the 2020 measured solar radiation of the studied case.
Lay Healthcare Worker Financial Toxicity Intervention: A Pilot Financial Toxicity Screening and Referral Program
Authors: Parikh Divya Ahuja , Rodriguez Gladys M. , Ragavan Meera , Kerr Elizabeth , Ascuncion Khay , Hansen Jennifer , Srini Sandy , Fan Alice , Shah Sumit , Patel Manali I.
Published: July 2023

Purpose
Financial toxicity is a source of significant distress for patients with urologic cancers, yet few studies have addressed financial burden in this patient population.
Methods
We developed a financial toxicity screening program using a lay health worker (LHW) and social worker (SW) to assess and mitigate financial toxicity in a single academic medical clinic. As part of a quality improvement project, the LHW screened all newly diagnosed patients with advanced stages of prostate, kidney, or urothelial cancer for financial burden using 3 COST tool questions and referred patients who had significant financial burden to a SW who provided personalized recommendations. The primary outcome was feasibility defined as 80% of patients with financial burden completing the SW consult. Secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction, change in COST Tool responses, and qualitative assessment of financial resources utilized.
Results
The LHW screened a total of 185 patients for financial toxicity; 82% (n = 152) were male, 65% (n = 120) White, and 75% (n = 139) reported annual household income > $100,000 US Dollars; 60% (n = 114) had prostate cancer. A total of 18 (9.7%) participants screened positive for significant financial burden and were referred to the SW for consultation. All participants (100%) completed and reported satisfaction with the SW consultation and had 0.83 mean lower scores on the COST Tool post-intervention assessment compared to pre-intervention (95% confidence interval [0.26, 1.41]).
Conclusion
This multidisciplinary financial toxicity intervention using a LHW and SW was feasible, acceptable, and associated with reduced financial burden among patients with advanced stages of urologic cancers. Future work should evaluate the effect of this intervention among cancer patients in diverse settings.
Does The Level of Intercultural Sensitivity of Nurses Affect Their Attitudes Towards The Elderly?
Authors: JAFAROV Gülşah ÜNSAL , RASHİDİ Mahruk , KARAMAN Funda , ÇAKMAK Sultan , Elkin Nurten
Published: July 2023

Aim: The study aimed to examine the relationship between the intercultural sensitivity levels of nurses and their attitudes towards the elderly.
Method: The study was a descriptive research, examining relationships among variables design and was conducted with 202 nurses working in a private, public and university hospital in Istanbul, between the dates of 15 March and 15 June 2023, who volunteered to participate in the research (n=202). In collection of the data “Personal Information Form”, “Intercultural Sensitivity Scale” and “Kogan's Attitudes Toward Old People Scale” were used. Descriptive statistics, independent groups t-test and one-way ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U, spearman correlation tests were used in the analysis of the data.
Results: The mean score of the intercultural sensitivity level of the nurses was 78.21±8.49, the mean score of the attitude level towards the elderly was 127.85±14.93, and a significant negative correlation was found between them. It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the nurses' professional experience, the place where they lived for a long time, their recognition and knowledge of the culture of the patient they care for, and their scale scores (p<0.05).
Conclusion: In the study, it was found that the nurses' attitudes towards the elderly were at a good level, their intercultural sensitivity levels were above the average score of the scale, and there was a significant negative correlation with each other. It is recommended to determine the strategies to increase and develop the intercultural sensitivity of nurses and their attitudes towards the elderly in a positive way.
Preparation and Properties of Cellulose Nanofiber/Ti3C2Tx/Polylactic Acid Composite Film
Authors: Yan Xiaofei , Gao Zhaoyang , Wang Chen , Zhu Chenyan , Qi Dongming , Tu Lexi
Published: July 2023

Polylactic acid (PLA), a new renewable and environmentally friendly polymer material, has gained significant attention in recent years. However, its application is limited by challenges such as poor thermal stability, brittleness and limited impact resistance. At present, PLA is predominantly modified through blending, filling and copolymerization methods. The above modification methods can effectively improve the properties of PLA to meet the needs of different applications. In this work, CNF/Ti3C2Tx/PLA composites were prepared by impregnating cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and the novel two-dimensional material Ti3C2Tx into PLA. The effects of CNF and Ti3C2Tx incorporation on the thermal, mechanical and electromagnetic shielding properties of PLA were investigated using various characterization techniques including FT-IR, XRD, DSC, TGA, tensile testing and electromagnetic test characterization. The results showed that CNF and Ti3C2Tx can improve the crystallinity of PLA with a maximum crystallinity of 2.52%. Furthermore, these modifications improved its thermal stability and increase the tensile strength by 177.2%. The addition of Ti3C2Tx not only synergistically enhances the mechanical properties of PLA with CNF, but also imparts electromagnetic shielding performance to the polylactic acid composites. The fundings expand the application of PLA composites in the field of electromagnetic shielding.
Development and application of the online initial graft tension measurement system for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Chen Yu , Chen Jihang , Zhao Chen , Liao Shiyao , Cui Ze , Zhu Danjie
Published: July 2023

The initial graft tension during ACL reconstruction is an essential mechanical parameter. We established a viscoelastic lateral mechanical measurement model. Based on this model, we designed the online measurement system for the initial graft tension during ACL reconstruction. 22 patients with chronic ACL deficiency were treated by single-bundle ACL reconstruction. 12 patients underwent single-bundle ACL reconstruction (group 1), whereas 10 underwent single-bundle ACL reconstruction using the online tension measurement system (group 2). All patients were followed up with the Lysholm score and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score to evaluate knee joint function. The Lysholm scores and the IKDC scores of the two groups were significantly higher at 1 month and 3 months after the operation with a significant difference, and the Lysholm scores and the IKDC scores of the instrument group (group 2) was significantly higher than those of the control group with significant difference (group 1). In the same ACL single-bundle reconstruction, the application of the online initial graft tension measurement system can provide quantification for the initial graft tension of ACL, improving the current situation in which only experience can be used to estimate the initial graft tension.
An atomic boson sampler
Authors: Young Aaron , Geller Shawn , Eckner William , Schine Nathan , Glancy Scott , Knill Emanuel , Kaufman Adam
Published: July 2023

A boson sampler implements a restricted model of quantum computing. It is defined by the ability to sample from the distribution resulting from the interference of identical bosons propagating ac- cording to programmable, non-interacting dynamics [1]. Here, we demonstrate a new combination of tools for implementing boson sampling using ultracold atoms in a two-dimensional, tunnel-coupled optical lattice. These tools include fast and programmable preparation of large ensembles of nearly identical bosonic atoms (99.5+0.5 −1.6% indistinguishability) by means of rearrangement with optical tweezers and high-fidelity optical cooling, propagation for variable evolution time in the lattice with low loss (5.0(2) %, independent of evolution time), and high fidelity detection of the atom positions after their evolution (typically 99.8(1) %). With this system, we study specific instances of boson sampling involving up to 180 atoms distributed among ∼ 1000 sites in the lattice. Direct verifi- cation of a given boson sampling distribution is not feasible in this regime. Instead, we introduce and perform targeted tests to determine the indistinguishability of the prepared atoms, to char- acterize the applied family of single particle unitaries, and to observe expected bunching features due to interference for a large range of atom numbers. When extended to interacting systems, our work demonstrates the core capabilities required to directly assemble ground and excited states in simulations of various Hubbard models [2, 3].
Effects of probiotics on intermediate disease markers in individuals with overweight and obesity: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Xian , Peng Cai , Gou Hao , Le Qu
Published: July 2023

Background:Overweight and obesity has become a global health issue with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Probiotics has shown its effectiveness on intermediate disease markers, however, its efficacy remain unclear. This meta-analysis examined the effects of probiotics on intermediate disease markers in individuals with overweight and obesity.Methods:All randomized controlled trials published in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases between 2013 and 2023 were systematically searched. The Cochrane Handbook Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used to assess study quality. 26 studies with 1,884 adults with overweight and obesity were selected for inclusion in our analysis. Data were analyzed using the Review Manager 5.3 and Stata version 15.1 software.Results:Probiotics significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (SMD= − 0.1, 95% CI: − 0.20, 0.00,p＜ 0.05) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (SMD= − 0.17, 95% CI: − 0.32, − 0.01,p＜ 0.05), and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (SMD= 0.11, 95% CI:0.01, 0.21,p＜ 0.05). There were no significant changes observed in the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, blood pressure, and C-reactive protein (p> 0.05).Conclusions:Our results of this meta-analysis suggests that adding probiotics may improve intermediate disease markers, such as LDL, HOMA-IR, and HDL, in overweight and obese individuals. However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Why do general practitioners leave Spain? A mixed methods international study
Authors: Calderon-Larranaga Sara , González-De-La-Fuente Ángel , Espinosa-González Ana Belén , Casado-Vicente Verónica , Brito-Fernandes Oscar , Klazinga Niek , Kringos Dionne
Published: July 2023

Background
International mobility of health workforce affects the performance of health systems and has major relevance in human resources for health policy and planning. To date, there has been little research exploring the reasons why general practitioners(GPs) migrate. This mixed methods study aimed to investigate the reasons why Spain-trained GPs migrate and develop GP retention and recruitment health policy recommendations relevant to Spanish primary care.
Methods
The study followed an explanatory sequential mixed methods study design combining surveys with semi-structured interviews and focus groups with GPs who qualified in Spain and were living overseas at the time of the study. Survey data were analysed using quantitative methods. Interview and focus group transcripts were analysed thematically.
Results
The survey had 158 respondents with an estimated 25.4% response rate. Insufficient salary (75.3%), job insecurity and temporality (67.7%), excessive workload (67.7%), poor primary care governance (55.7%), lack of flexibility in the workplace (43.7%) and personal circumstances (43.7%) were the main reasons for leaving Spain. Almost half of the respondents (48.7%) would consider returning to Spanish general practice if their working conditions improved. Interviews and focus groups with respondents (n = 24) pointed towards the need to improve the quality of employment contracts, working conditions, opportunities for professional development, and governance in primary care for effective retention and recruitment.
Conclusion
Efforts to improve GP retention and recruitment in Spain should focus on salary, job security, flexibility, protected workload, professional development, and governance. We draw ten GP retention and recruitment recommendations expected to inform urgent policy action to tackle existing and predicted GP shortages in Spanish primary care.
Properties of Al x Ga 1-x As grown from a mixed Ga-Bi melt
Authors: Khvostikova Olga , Vlasov Alexey , Ber Boris , Salii Roman , Khvostikov Vladimir
Published: July 2023

Thick smoothly graded AlxGa1−xAs layers (50–100 µm) are used in light-emitting diode structures and also for creation of high-power photovoltaic converters with side-input of laser radiation. To achieve the required thickness of the AlxGa1−xAs layer the high temperature LPE growth technique is required. However high epitaxial temperature increases the unintentional doping level. Epitaxy from mixed Ga-Bi melts was investigated as a way to solve this problem. It was found that for growing relatively thick AlxGa1−xAs layers, it is expedient to use Ga-Bi melts with 20 at.% or less bismuth content. SIMS and Hall characterization of AlxGa1−xAs layers revealed that the growth of AlxGa1−xAs from mixed Ga-Bi melts reduces the background doping level (including carbon) and influences the native defect formation keeping the n-type conductivity. This effect is explained by the changes of the group III and V elements concentrations in the melt as well as Bi incorporation in the lattice.
GaAs nano-ridge laser diodes fully fabricated in a 300 mm CMOS pilot line
Authors: De Koninck Yannick , Caer Charles , Yudistira Didit , Baryshnikova Marina , Sar Huseyin , Patra Saroj , Hsieh Ping-Yi , Kuznetsova Nadezda , Colucci Davide , Milenin Alexey , Yimam Andualem , Morthier Geert , Thourhout Dries Van , Verheyen Peter , Pantouvaki Marianna , Kunert Bernardette , Campenhout Joris Van
Published: July 2023

Silicon photonics is a rapidly developing technology that promises to revolutionize the way we communicate, compute, and sense the world [1,2,3,4,5,6]. However, the lack of highly scalable, native CMOS-integrated light sources is one of the main factors hampering its widespread adoption. Despite significant progress in hybrid and heterogeneous integration of III-V light sources on silicon [7,8,9,10,11,12], monolithic integration by direct epitaxial growth of III-V materials remains the pinnacle in realizing cost-effective on-chip light sources. Here, we report the first electrically driven GaAs-based multi-quantum-well laser diodes fully fabricated on 300 mm Si wafers in a CMOS pilot manufacturing line. GaAs nano-ridge waveguides with embedded p-i-n diodes, InGaAs quantum wells and InGaP passivation layers are grown with high quality at wafer scale, leveraging selective-area epitaxy with aspect-ratio trapping. After III-V facet patterning and standard CMOS contact metallization, room-temperature continuous-wave lasing is demonstrated at wavelengths around 1020 nm in more than three hundred devices across a wafer, with threshold currents as low as 5 mA, output powers beyond 1 mW, laser linewidths down to 46 MHz, and laser operation up to 55 °C. These results illustrate the potential of the III-V/Si nano-ridge engineering concept for the monolithic integration of laser diodes in a Si photonics platform, enabling future cost-sensitive high-volume applications in optical sensing, interconnects and beyond.
Reproductive analysis of functional interference and role of pollinators in sunnhemp: A late-acting self-incompatible crop
Authors: Maruthi Rangappa Thimmaiah , Kumar Arroju Anil , Choudhary Shashi Bhushan , Sharma Hariom Kumar , Prasannakumar N. R. , Mitra Jiban
Published: July 2023

Sunnhemp (C. juncea), a commercially important bast fibre crop possesses late-acting self-incompatibility. The flower is complete, zygomorphic, gamosepalous and herkogamus. Crops with hermaphrodite flowers expressing late-acting self-incompatibility like sunnhemp often encounter sexual interference. The impact of sexual interference in sunnhemp can be studied by understanding its reproductive mechanism and pollinator behaviour. Here, we reported the consequence of different possible types of pollination in sunnhemp under natural conditions and the role of pollinator behaviour in sexual interference. Controlled hand-pollination experiments and seed set analysis were done to understand the influence of sexual interference on seed setting. Self-pollination and pistil longevity studies were undertaken to determine the effect of self-pollination on pistil abscission. Through field observations pollinator identity and how they interact with flowers were recorded. Pollination studies highlight the importance of pollen quality over quantity in determining the reproductive success of sunnhemp. The differential pistil longevity between unpollinated and self-pollinated flowers reassured the presence of late-acting self-incompatible in sunnhemp. Xylocopa auripennis, Xylocopa fenestrate and Xylocopa ruficornis were the most effective pollinators. Further, overall pollination scheme was hypothesized for the species by considering floral development and principal pollinators. We conclude that under natural conditions some self-pollination and geitonogamy were unavoidable, which often causes pollen limitation and ovule discounting in sunnhemp.
Environmental impacts of lactation type, accessories, purchasing habits, and diet: The GREEN MOTHER-I project, an observational study protocol
Authors: Cabedo-Ferreiro Rosa Maria , Liutsko Liudmila , Cos-Busquets Judit , García-Sierra Rosa , Colldeforns-Vidal Margalida , Reyes-Lacalle Azahara , Vicente-Hernández Mª Mercedes , Masvidal Miriam Gómez , Montero-Pons Laura , Cazorla Gemma , Torán-Monserrat Pere , Violán Concepció , Falguera-Puig Gemma
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Breastfeeding (BF) is the healthiest form of nutrition for babies and is recommended exclusively (EBF) for at least the first six months of life. The carbon footprint of formula feeding (FF) has been studied, but that of BF is unknown.
Aim: To identify the environmental impact of EBF vs. FF and mixed feeding (MF), taking into account the accessories needed for BF and the diet of postpartum women during the baby’s first month of life.
Methods: This is a multicenter, cross-sectional study conducted in the Barcelona North Metropolitan Area (Catalonia, Spain). The participating sites are primary care settings that will recruit 408 pregnant and/or postpartum women (4-6 weeks) as per inclusion/exclusion criteria. The data will be collected through a GREEN MOTHER Survey (Phase 1) that includes 4 dimensions: 1) socio-demographic and clinical data; 2) data on a newborn and accessories used in lactation; 3) general data on the mother's diet (includes habits on purchasing and cooking), and 4) 24h of the mother diet register. The data analysis will be performed to check the prevalence of BF types at month 0 and month 1, as well as a comparative analysis of three types of BF on environmental impact (carbon footprint; water consumption, and scarcity).
Ethics: This project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Jordi Gol i Gurina University Institute Foundation for Primary Health Care Research (IDIAP) under code 22/101-P dated 22/02/2023.
Discussion: The results of the project will be disseminated during and after its duration: The CO2 impact of EBF, FF, and MF calculated in the current Study I will be included in the educational materials of the intervention program of Study II (the following step of the two-phases GREEN MOTHER project). We expect that the project results - through the publication and dissemination of scientific papers and reports - among relevant stakeholders (association of community midwives and the general public) will increase the public awareness of breastfeeding and its impact on sustainability.
Keywords: Public health; Postpartum Women; Maternal medicine; Protocols & Guidelines; Health Education; Nutrition & Dietetics; Sustainability; Carbon footprint, climate impact, environmental impact