bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel approach to predicting early pregnancy outcomes dynamically in a prospective cohort using repeated ultrasound and serum biomarkers
Authors: Petersen Jesper Friis , Friis-Hansen Lennart Jan , Bryndorf Thue , Jensen Andreas Kryger , Andersen Anders Nyboe , Løkkegaard Ellen Christine Leth
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to develop a dynamic model for predicting outcome during the first trimester of pregnancy using baseline demographic data and serially collected blood samples and transvaginal sonographies. A prospective cohort of 203 unselected women with an assumed healthy pregnancy of <8 weeks’ gestation was followed fortnightly from 4–14 weeks’ gestation until either miscarriage or confirmed first trimester viability. The main outcome was development of a model to predict viability from gestational age-dependent fetal viability hazard ratios using both baseline and updated serial data from each visit. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for miscarriage. The results showed that 18% of the women experienced miscarriages. A fetal heart rate detected before 8 weeks’ gestation indicated a 90% (95%CI 85–95%) chance of subsequent delivery. Maternal age (≥35 years), insufficient crown-rump-length (CRL) and mean gestational sac diameter (MSD) development, and presence of bleeding increased the risk of miscarriage. Serum biomarkers, including hCG, progesterone, and estradiol, were found to impact the risk of miscarriage with estradiol as the most important. The best model to predict miscarriage was a combination of maternal age, vaginal bleeding, CRL, and hCG. The second-best model was the sonography-absent model of maternal age, bleeding, hCG, and estradiol. This study suggests that combining maternal age, and evolving data from hCG, estradiol, CRL, and bleeding could be used to predict fetal viability during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02761772
Satisfying the patient journey: optimal service configuration for online health service platforms
Authors: Jia Li , Ying Lu , Zeyu Peng , David Yen
Published: May 2023

Using and developing online health service platforms are flourishing in recent years. Surprisingly enough and also unfortunately, the vast majority of those online health service startups don't survive for a long time. For this reason, it is significant to investigate why some of the online medical service platforms have sustained, while others haven’t. In specific, this study intends to investigate the optimal service configuration of online health service platforms from the perspective of patient’s journey. With the single service level, a frequency-rarity framework is proposed to analyze the importance of individual services, while at the multiple service level, the rule of service chain continuity is adopted to analyze the service configuration strategy. Further, an fsQCA analysis based on 14 most influential online health service platforms in China confirms the proposed research hypotheses. The obtained results suggest the configurations that lead to a high customer retention may require the presence of at least one of high frequency services (i.e., health information or e-consultation), while the configurations that lead to a high customer acquisition may require the presence of at least one of high rarity services (i.e., e-consultation or online pre-registration). The continuity of service chain is proved to be essential for both high customer retention and high customer acquisition. In addition, the basic services at the beginning of the service chain is deemed to be vital for the high customer acquisition.
Bismuth porphyrin anchored reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites as fascinating photocatalyst for rhodamine B dye degradation
Authors: Yasmeen Rehana , Bajju Gauri Devi , Sheikh Haq Nawaz
Published: May 2023

Herein, two porphyrins with bismuth metal incorporated in the porphyrinic core were synthesised having peripheral carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups. The successful synthesis of free base porphyrin and their bismuth integrated metalloporphyrins was identified using 1H NMR spectroscopy, UV-Visible and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). Further, these bismuth based metalloporphyrins complex were doped with thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO) via simple solvothermal techniques. The intrinsic characteristics of prepared metalloporphyrins based reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites were examined by using various spectroscopic techniques like, photo-physical properties (UV–Visible spectroscopy and Fluorescence spectroscopy), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), powdered X-ray diffraction (P-XRD) patterns, FE-SEM and EDX analysis. At last, the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (Rh-b) dye was demonstrated by the steady-state luminescence and ground-state absorption measurements, demonstrating the effectiveness of these nanocomposites as photocatalysts. The catalytic efficiency of RGO-Bi-P1 and RGO-Bi-P2 came out to be 94% and 93%, respectively.
Identification and fixing bottlenecks of a food manufacturing system using a simulation approach
Authors: Javadi Seyed Mahdi , Sadjadi Seyed Jafar , Makui Ahmad
Published: May 2023

In manufacturing systems, simulation modeling plays an important role in creating some changes instead of working on real systems. Manipulation in a real system is more costly than manipulation in a simulated model. In this research, we tried to use a simulation approach to recognize and minimize bottlenecks of a production line, which will decrease costs and improve productivity. To achieve our objectives, we chose a case and analyzed its production line. By using our case study strategy, we tried to collect our data and adapt a conceptual model of production processes drawing on an operation process chart (OPC). After that, we created a simulation model of the production processes by using the popular Arena simulation software 13.5. By running the Arena model, some bottlenecks were found. Ultimately, we proposed some solutions to obviate bottlenecks and reduce the total costs of production.
Research on rapid detection of characteristic parameters of aeroengine blade surface based on laser scanning
Authors: song junfang , He Lei , Sun Bin , Pu Yuanyuan , Wang Tengjiao
Published: May 2023

How to quickly and effectively detect and evaluate the profile quality of aeroengine blades and provide technical support for blade manufacturing has become one of the key technical problems in the field of aviation manufacturing. This paper studies the evaluation criteria of medium surface quality in the processing and manufacturing process of aeroengine blades, optimizes and innovates the fast extraction algorithms of various geometric parameters such as aeroengine blade section line, middle arc, front and rear edge center, front and rear edge radius, blade chord length and chord angle, and establishes the evaluation criteria of aeroengine blade surface. According to the geometric relationship of blade chord length and front / rear edge radius in blade section profile, the parameters are solved one by one through optimization algorithm, combined with non-contact laser scanning measurement, and the blade detection efficiency is improved by more than 40%.
Investigating the hidden mechanism underlying the tau interaction by methylene blue
Authors: Seo Dong-Hyun , Huh Yang Hoon , Yoo Hee-Jin , Cho Kun , Cheong Hae-Kap , Kim Eun-Hee , Choi Joonhyeok , Kim Hak Nam , Bang Jeong , Lim Jong-Soo , Lee Min Jung , Ryu Kyoung-Seok
Published: May 2023

Methylene blue (MB) has recently completed another Phase-3 clinical trial as the leuco-methylthioninium (LMT) bis(hydromethanesulfonate) (LMTM) for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aimed to elucidate the detailed mechanisms of MB as a tau aggregation inhibitor, focusing on tau monomers and fibrils. Methylthioninium (MT+) oxidized the Cys residues of tau proteins (2N4R, K18, and dGAE) to disulfide bonds by utilizing O2 molecule, independent of the MB redox-cycle between MT+ and LMT. The previous MB-mediated 1H-15N heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) peak-broadenings in a large area (> 60 residues) of 2N4R likely resort to disulfide-centered hydrogen bonds, specific long-range interactions with the NH, and the basic side-chains in solution. In addition, at least two different MB binding sites were identified for dGAE fibrils, and the different Ki values of MT+ and LMT were measured against thioflavin-T (ThT), which could serve as a molecular basis to support the disaggregation activity of MB.
Behavioral experiments confirm that interventions with psychological factors facilitate weight management: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhao Ting-Yan , Li Jia-Le , Bai Wen-Ju , Tian Min , Li Zhen , Ji Zhao-Hua
Published: May 2023

The proportion of overweight or obese people in China was increasing year by year, and the objective demand for weight loss was stronger and stronger. Physical exercise was one of the simplest and most important ways to lose weight, but there were still objective reasons such as the inability to adhere to exercise, which made the effect of physical exercise on weight management not good. Previous studies had shown that psychological factors such as grit and motivation were related to individuals’ exercise behavior. However, the effect of additional extrinsic motivation on exercise behaviors remained unknown. Here, a new "exercise-incentive" model through behavioral experiments was conducted. The model showed that grit and motivation had an obvious relationship with individuals’ exercise behavior. Extrinsic motivation could significantly change individuals’ exercise behavior, and different psychological factors were associated with different exercise patterns. Meanwhile, we established the relationship among psychological factors, exercise patterns, and lifestyle factors, and finally identified effort, the sub-dimension of grit, as the core psychological factor for weight management. Our study, through behavioral experiments, provided a psychological perspective on weight management and potential targets for psychological interventions.
Social Needs Analysis of a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Patient Cohort
Authors: Sullivan Luke , Tirrell Eric , Gobin Asi Polly , Carpenter Linda
Published: May 2023

Purpose Little research exists on how a depressed patient’s social wealth affects their access and clinical benefit from Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy.Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent TMS therapy for MDD. To assess social assets, we implemented a modified version of the AHC-HRSN Screening Tool.Results We found that generally, the n = 74 patients had minimal deficits regarding basic needs. A majority reported social isolation and disabling symptom burden.Conclusion This cohort had elevated levels of social assets, though symptoms may contribute to social disengagement. There is potential to connect patients with higher social burdens to TMS.
The effect of trees on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and nutrient acquisition of grassland plant communities in three temperate silvopastoral systems
Authors: Murray Shevani , Avezaat Bram , Guilmot Robin , Hogenboom Anne A. , Lareau Don H. , Wear Brigitte , Moinet Gabriel Y.K.
Published: May 2023

Aims
Despite their importance for plant nutrient acquisition, the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in tree-crop interactions in silvopastoral systems is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of trees on AMF biomass and grassland root colonisation in relation with nutrient acquisition of the grassland plant community (GPC) in temperate permanent grazed silvopastures.
Methods
Samples were collected at two soil depths (0–20 cm and 20–60 cm) in three paired sites on commercial farms, each combining an apple (Malus domestica)-based silvopasture adjacent to a grassland managed identically excepting the presence of trees. Soil chemical and physical properties were determined. AMF biomass was measured by extracting and quantifying Neutral Lipid Fatty Acids (NLFA). GPC roots were isolated from the soil samples and their colonisation by AMF, biomass, and N and P concentrations were measured.
Results
Apple trees had an overall negative effect on AMF biomass, colonisation, and GPC root biomass. Trees increased soil mineral N and N concentrations in GPC roots, which were likely N-limited at all sites as indicated by N:P ratios comprised between 5 and 9.
Conclusions
Rather than mediating interactions between trees and the GPC, AMF colonisation and biomass likely followed direct effects of trees on nutrient cycling and consequential changes in root biomass. We speculate that trees lifted nutrient limitations in the topsoil due to ‘hydraulic lift’ and ‘nutrient pumping’ mechanisms which would have decreased root biomass by shifting the functional equilibrium of the GPC towards above-ground production.
Impact of covid 19 on the financial performance of Tunisian companies
Authors: nasfi faten , saidi basma
Published: May 2023

Purpose- The purpose of this study is to evaluate theoretically and empirically the impact of the health crisis of covid-19 on the financial performance of Tunisian listed companies. Design/methodology/approach –The methodology of this research is based on a literature review and information collected from 40 Tunisian firms listed on the stock exchange. To estimate this result using a dynamic panel data model by the method of moments generalized during the period 2013–2020 which allows us to deal with the endogeneity problem of some independent and control variable. Findings –results of this study reveal that (1) the covid-19 crisis has certainly hit Tunisian companies hard, and they have suddenly found themselves in an unprecedented situation, both in terms of scope and severity while also revealing their financial vulnerability. (2) the crisis has a negative impact on the financial performance of Tunisian firms and was more pronounced in the industrial sector. (3) While size has a positive impact on firm performance, turnover, debt and the covid19 have a negative effect on the performance of Tunisian firms. Originality/value – This study provides information that supports investors, regulators and executive managers in countries that have used containment to control the health situation. A well-structured balance sheet would improve the financial performance and risk management of the listed companies, especially in times of crisis and pandemics.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy plus Surgery versus Direct Surgery in Senile Patients with with Gastric Cancer: Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: SAH BIRENDRA KUMAR , Zhenjia Yu , Jian Li , Sheng Lu , Yanan Zheng , Zhenglun Zhu , Chen Li , Min Yan , Zhenggang Zhu
Published: May 2023

Background
Despite the lack of decisive research advocating neoadjuvant chemotherapy there is a broad consensus that it is beneficial for gastric cancer in terms of survival. However, there is no comparative research on whether it is similarly helpful in senile patients with the age above 75 years old. Here we compared the survival rate between neoadjuvant plus surgery with Direct Surgery.
Methods
We analyzed 79 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer who were preoperatively suspicious of serosa positive or beyond (cT4a or cT4b); or extensive lymph node involvement (cN3). Postoperative complications and overall survival rate were compared between the patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) plus surgery and the patients who had direct surgery.
Results
A total of 15 (19%) patients underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 64 (81%) patients had direct surgery. The median follow-up time was 34 months (range of 24–60 months). While the median survival time was not reached in the direct surgery group, the median survival time for the NAC plus Surgery Group was 37 months. Two years of overall survival (OS) for the patients in the NAC plus Surgery group and direct surgery group were 53.3% and 70.3% respectively. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (p > 0.05) in overall postoperative complication and length of postoperative stay.
Conclusions
Reduced does of neoadjuvant chemotherapy was feasible in senile patients. There was no difference in survival rate between the patients who had neoadjuvant plus surgery compared to those who had direct surgery. While this result contradicts the previous assumption that neoadjuvant chemotherapy is beneficial for late-stage gastric cancer patients, a well-controlled prospective study is mandatory for a better understanding of whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy is beneficial to senile patients too.
Experimental Study on Icon Attention Difference Based on Multidimensional Visual Variables
Authors: Deng Qianwei , Wong Chee-Onn , Sitharan Roopesh , Meng Xiangbin
Published: May 2023

Cognition plays an important role in psychology. The study of cognition is divided into an important research direction: cognitive psychology. The process by which users process information conveyed by icons is icon attention, and cognitive psychology can only be used as a theoretical basis to study internal mechanism of icon attention difference. By studying internal mechanism of user recognition of icons, the icon design is optimized to make its visual form more consistent with the cognitive law of user recognition of icons, so as to improve efficiency of icon attention, achieve the purpose of improving smoothness of human-computer interaction in digital interface, and provide reliable theoretical basis and feasible icon optimization design criteria for improving user experience in digital interface. Because icons are affected by many attributes including color, background, outline, shape, detail, direction, size, etc., these attributes as visual characteristics of icons will inevitably affect user's cognitive process of icons. Therefore, to carry out scientific and rigorous research on icon concern, it’s necessary to carry out experimental research on difference of concern of multi-dimensional visual variables of icons, so as to determine the more representative attributes of multi-dimensional visual variables, and provide experimental support for future icon design suggestions.
Coverage of policies to improve antimicrobial stewardship in low and middle income countries: Results from the first Global Survey of Experts on Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Ya Kyaw Zay , Lambiris Mark J. , Levine Gillian A , Tediosi Fabrizio , Fink Günther
Published: May 2023

Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) constitutes a major threat to global health security. While antimicrobial misuse or overuse is a one of the main drivers for AMR, little is known regarding the extent to which this is due to a lack of national government-led efforts to enforce rational antimicrobial use in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Methods
To assess antimicrobial stewardship and national implementation measures currently in place for optimizing antimicrobial use and slowing the spread of AMR through expert’s lens, we invited public health experts from 138 LMICs to participate in a Global Survey of Experts on Antimicrobial Resistance (GSEAR). Key coverage measures as reported by experts were compared to across countries and also compared to estimates collected in the 2020-21 World Health Organization organized Tripartite AMR Country Self-assessment Survey (TrACSS).
Results
A total of 352 completed surveys from 118 LMICs were analysed. Experts in 67% of the surveyed countries reported a national action plan (NAP) on AMR, 64% reported legislative policies on antimicrobial use, 58% reported national training programs for health professionals, and 10% reported national monitoring systems for antimicrobials. 51% of LMICs had specific targeted policies to limit the sale and use of protected or reserve antibiotics. While 72% of LMICs had prescription requirements for accessing antibiotics, getting antibiotics without a prescription was reported to be possible in practice in 74% of LMICs. On average, country efforts reported in TrACSS were substantially higher than those seen in GSEAR.
Conclusions
Gaps in the implementation and enforcement of policies to reduce the risk of AMR in many LMICs remain large. Improved monitoring of national efforts as well as increased national efforts in the areas of enforcement and monitoring of antibiotic use are urgently needed to reduce inappropriate use and overuse in LMICs and to slow the spread of AMR globally.
Relationship between Sleep Disturbances and In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes in Infertile Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Habibi Farangis , Nikbakht Roya , Jahanfar Shayesteh , Ahmadi Mohammad , Eslami Maryam , Shahhosseini Zohreh
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim: Infertility means failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse or reproductive disorders. In this respect, in vitro fertilization has been acknowledged as the primary assisted reproductive technology technique for the fertilization of oocytes outside the female reproductive system, which is steadily increasing thanks to its prenatal safety. However, stress and anxiety, inextricably linked to sleep disorders, are likely to affect infertility and its treatment. Against this background, the present study was to investigate the relationship between sleep disturbances and IVF outcomes in infertile women.
Materials and Methods: Considering no language limits, the databases of PubMed (1996), Embase (1980), the Cochrane Library (2010), ProQuest (1995), and Web of Science (1997) were searched for the relevant articles published up to April 2023. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was then used to assess their methodological quality. Moreover, the random effects model and the STATA (v.11) software program were utilized to present the odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Ultimately, the Begg’s test and funnel plots were recruited to examine publication bias and sensitivity analysis, thereby determining the impact of each study on its final results.
Findings: During the initial search, 425 articles were retrieved; however, five studies remained after the exclusion of the unrelated ones, including two and three cross-sectional and cohort studies, respectively. The review findings demonstrated that sleep disturbances were more common in women undergoing the IVF techniques than the general population. In addition, such disorders were associated with getting pregnant, oocyte retrieval, ovulation, live birth, and fetal weight. After combining the ORs reported in the cross-sectional studies with 95% CI based on the I2 index (OR=0.42, 95% CI=[0.23, 0.60], I2=0.0%) and the p-value of 0.901 for heterogeneity according to the fixed effects model, the relationship between sleep and pregnancy was approved. On the other hand, upon combining the ORs revealed in the cohort studies with 95% CI based on the I2 index (OR=1.02, 95% CI=[0.86, 1.18], I2=77.9%) and the p-value of 0.011 for heterogeneity with reference to the random effects model, the relationship between sleep and pregnancy was not confirmed.
Results: The study results established that sleep, as a modifiable parameter, could affect IVF outcomes. Therefore, health policymakers must develop effective interventions for the youth population along with childbearing policies to improve sleep as an important factor.
Evaluating the Accuracy of the Current Tuberculosis Scoring System in Screening Suspected Cases: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Hariri Bassem Al , Alharafsheh Ahmad E. , Omran Maya A. , Mohamedali Mohamed G. , Khalid Muayad Kasim , Chandra Prem , Alnaimat Ali M. , Mohammad Osama , Nashwan Abdulqadir J.
Published: May 2023

Background
Early identification and isolation of suspected Tuberculosis (TB) cases are crucial for reducing the risk of transmission to healthcare workers and other patients. The current TB scoring system, with a cutoff point of 4, has been widely used but lacks specificity. This quality improvement project aims to evaluate the accuracy of the current TB scoring system in screening suspected cases and explore the potential for improving the system's performance.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of 309 male patients presenting with respiratory symptoms was conducted at Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital. The sensitivity and specificity of various TB scoring cutoff points were assessed using a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Additionally, the potential benefits of incorporating symptom duration into the scoring system were explored.
Results
The current TB scoring system, with a cutoff point of 4, demonstrated a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 53%. By increasing the cutoff point to 6, the sensitivity decreased to 79%, while the specificity increased to 67%. Incorporating symptom duration into the scoring system was identified as a potential factor for further enhancing its diagnostic performance.
Conclusion
The current TB scoring system can be improved by adjusting the cutoff point to achieve a better balance between sensitivity and specificity. A dynamic scoring approach that considers symptom duration may provide additional benefits in terms of diagnostic accuracy. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore other factors that could refine the scoring system, ultimately enhancing its effectiveness in screening and managing TB cases.
A Neuropsychological Outcomes among Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in Malaysia
Authors: Alias Hamidah , Ranai Norashikin Mohd , de Sonneville Leo M. J. , Chong Doris Lau Sie
Published: May 2023

The 5-year survival rate of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in Malaysia is between 80% and 90%. This study intended to explore the neuropsychological ramifications in childhood ALL survivors in Malaysia and to examine treatment-related sequelae. A case-control study was conducted over a 2-year period. Seventy-one survivors of childhood ALL who have completed treatment for a minimum of 1 year and were in remission, and 71 healthy volunteers were enlisted. To assess alertness (processing speed) and essential executive functioning skills such as working memory capacity, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and sustained attention, seven measures from the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks (ANT) programme were chosen. Main outcome measures were speed, stability and accuracy of responses. Mean age at diagnosis was 4.50 years (SD ± 2.40) while mean age at study entry was 12.18 years (SD ± 3.14). Except for alertness, survivors of childhood ALL underperformed on 6 out of 7 ANT tasks, indicating poorer sustained attention, working memory capacity, executive visuomotor control, and cognitive flexibility. None of the treatment parameters like duration of treatment, age at diagnosis, gender, or cumulative doses of chemotherapy were correlated with any of the neuropsychological outcome measures. Childhood ALL survivors in our facility demonstrated significantly poorer neuropsychological status compared to healthy controls.
A new Rhaetian plant assemblage from Zilanba, the northern Sichuan Basin, South China
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Popa Mihai Emilian , McLoughlin Stephen , Lu Ning , Li Liqin , Zeng Jianli , Zhang Tingshan , Wang Yongdong
Published: May 2023

Triassic-Jurassic strata are extensively developed and widely distributed in the Sichuan Basin, South China. In particular, the continental Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation is well-exposed in this region, yielding rich assemblages of fossil plants. Here, a new fossil assemblage is reported from Zilanba in the Guangyuan area, northern Sichuan Basin. This locality yields 31 species of fossil plants belonging to 18 genera, newly collected from ‘member Ⅲ’ of the Xujiahe Formation. Based on the floral assemblages and previous magnetostratigraphic and palynostratigraphic studies, the host strata are considered lower Rhaetian in age. The early Rhaetian flora in the Guangyuan area is dominated by Cycadales and Bennettitales but also contains abundant ferns and low proportions of various sphenopsids, conifers and other gymnosperms. The occurrence of some climate-diagnostic plants, such as Dipteridaceae, Anthrophyopsis and Ptilozamites, indicate that this area experienced a humid and warm tropical or subtropical climate during the early Rhaetian.
Regional Pre-Heat Treatment System Development and Applications for HAZ in RSW Joining of High-Strength Steels
Authors: AYDIN Kemal , HIDIROĞLU Mehtap , KAHRAMAN Nizamettin
Published: May 2023

STRENX and DP steels are advanced high-strength dual-phase steel types used in the automotive industry for producing lightweight vehicles that have low cost, high fuel efficiency, and can carry more load volume. In this study, STRENX 700 CR and DP 800 steels were joined by resistance spot welding (RSW) using medium frequency direct current (MFDC). Some parts were joined under atmospheric conditions, while others were joined by applying regional pre-heating (RPH) to their heat-affected zones (HAZ) before welding. The design, manufacturing, and adaptation of the RPH system to the RSW machine were carried out as part of this study, considering it as a new system. After the joining process, non-destructive (visual inspection, magnetic particle) and destructive (microhardness, tensile-shear, cross-tension, fatigue) tests were performed on RSW connections between STRENX 700 CR and DP 800 steels. Hardness tests revealed that the RPH applied to the HAZ before welding reduced the hardness of the weld metal by approximately 8%, while the microstructure analysis showed that the RPH increased both the weld metal and the HAZ width. The tensile-shear strength increased by about 7%, and the cross-tension test strength increased by about 5% with the RPH applied to the HAZ before welding. In both the tensile-shear and cross-tension tests, all failures occurred in the form of button shearing from the HAZ. The RPH treated specimens showed the highest fatigue life, with an average of 947,632 cycles.
Passive and low-energy strategies to improve sleep thermal comfort and energy resiliency during heat waves and cold snaps
Authors: Aijazi Arfa , Parkinson Thomas , Zhang Hui , Schiavon Stefano
Published: May 2023

Sleep is a pillar of human health and wellbeing. In high- and middle-income countries, there is a great reliance on heating ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) to control the interior thermal environment in the bedroom. However, these systems are problematic as they are expensive to buy and operate while being energy and environmentally intensive - problems that may increase due to climate change. Passive and low-energy strategies, such as fans and electrical blankets, may address these challenges but their comparative effectiveness for providing comfort in sleep environments has not been studied. We used a thermal manikin to experimentally show that many passive and low-energy strategies are highly effective in supplementing or replacing HVAC systems during sleep. Using passive strategies in combination with low-energy strategies that elevate air movement like ceiling or pedestal fans can enhance the cooling effect by three times compared to only passive options. We applied our experimentally measured heating and cooling effects to two historical case studies: the 2015 Pakistan heat wave and the 2021 Texas power crisis. Passive and low-energy strategies can reduce the sleep time heat or cold exposure by as much as 90%. The low-energy strategies we tested require one to two orders of magnitude less energy than HVAC systems, and the passive strategies require no energy input. Our results demonstrate that these strategies can also help reduce peak load surges in extreme temperature events. This reduces the need for utility loadshedding, which can put individuals at risk of hazardous heat or cold exposure. Our results may serve as a starting point for evidence-based public health guidelines on how individuals can sleep better during heat waves and cold snaps without HVAC.
Axis Path Planning of Five-axis Surface Machining by optimizing Differential Vector of the axis movement considering tool posture limits
Authors: Li Jiajing , Lu Lei , Wang Sicong , Dai Sijie , Sun Lining , Wang Zhenyu
Published: May 2023

Two rotating axes of the five-axis machine tools complicate the kinematics, which increases the difficulty of trajectory planning of five-axis CNC machining. In the process of machining a free-form surface with a ball-head cutter, the tool is required to follow the tool tip path of the surface and the restriction of tool orientation is only constrained within a certain range. This paper proposes a planning algorithm based on differential vector optimization for generating a smooth trajectory of each axis for five-axis machining. Firstly, the kinematic model of the five-axis CNC machine tool and the Jacobian matrix are built. Secondly, the optimization objectives combined with the smoothness optimization requirements and the limits of the tool axis vector are established. Then, the trajectory of the moving axis by integrating the optimized differential vector is generated. At last, a waveform surface is machined based on VERICUT software and a five-axis machine with the trajectory generated by the proposed method. To prove the feasibility and superiority of the method, a simulation based on VERICUT and no-load experiments are conducted in an A-C type five-axis CNC machine. The simulation and experiments verify the smoothness and optimal of the proposed path planning method.
Residential variation in diabetes mellitus among Bangladesh's middle-aged and older population: findings from two cross sectional survey
Authors: Ireen Shahjadi , Akter Salma , Parvin Shahanaj , Hossain Md. Ismail , Soni Most Sifat Muntaha
Published: May 2023

Background
Diabetes mellitus is a rising global health issue that causes a number of health complications and is becoming increasingly prevalent in countries with low and medium incomes. The objective of the study is to assess the changes of the prevalence and associated risk factors of diabetes mellitus in the middle-aged and elderly population in urban and rural areas of Bangladesh between the years 2011 and 2018.
Methods
The relationship between the outcome variables and the covariates was evaluated using a chi-square test. In order to identify the risk factors strongly linked to diabetes mellitus, two distinct multivariate binary logistic regression models were utilized (one for urban and the other for rural areas).
Results
In 2011 there were 8.3% of respondents who had diabetes, and 11% in 2017–18. Multivariate analysis of the determinants of diabetes status in relation to place of residence revealed a significant impact on age, education, wealth status, region, and survey year. Diabetes risk was lower in rural Bangladesh (OR = 0.87) and higher in 2017-18, according to the odds ratio. In terms of fixed effects, the risk of diabetes was significantly 2.34 times higher for rich households compared to poor urban households, whereas the risk was 1.98 times higher for rural households. Unemployed respondents had a higher risk of diabetes (OR = 1.33 for urban and OR = 1.31 for rural residences) than employed respondents. Both urban and rural respondents without hypertension were at less risk of diabetes than those with hypertension (OR = 0.73 for urban and OR = 0.77 for rural).
Conclusion
The prevalence was significantly higher among older respondents, wealthy families, and more educated respondents. The likelihood of having diabetes mellitus was positively related to one's age, education, wealth status, and geographic location. A large proportion of the adult population in Bangladesh suffers from diabetes. Different health education programs are required to develop appropriate strategies, including proper weight control, physical activity, and healthier eating habits to prevent the prevalence of diabetes in Bangladesh.
Identification of HOMER2 as a novel biomarker of endometrial receptivity by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: qin ti , Peng Cai’e , He Jiayi , Wang Zhengguang
Published: May 2023

Endometrial receptivity is a critical factor for successful embryo implantation. Poor receptivity of the endometrium is a significant contributor to recurrent implantation failure (RIF) in assisted reproduction. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing endometrial receptivity is essential for enhancing the success rate of embryo implantation and developing new therapeutic approaches for RIF. In this study, we conducted tissue-wide differential gene expression analysis on three microarray datasets (GSE111974, GSE26787, and GSE188409) comparing RIF and control groups. we also performed differential gene expression analysis of epithelial cells and high-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis on the single-cell dataset GSE183807. By integrating these three gene sets, we identified key genes for RIF. Finally, we used gene score and correlation analyses to explore the relationship between the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and key genes in the menstrual cycle. We employed functional pathway enrichment of genes that were highly correlated with key genes to speculate on the mechanism of action of receptivity of the key genes in the endometrium. The results showed that we obtained 298 differentially expressed genes in whole tissues, 816 differentially expressed genes in epithelial tissues and a key module EC-M7. Additionally, we identified HOMER2 as the key gene through intersection. The expression of HOMER2 was negatively correlated with the activity of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and the genes strongly positively correlated with HOMER2 were mainly involved in the nucleotide metabolism pathway. We hypothesize that HOMER2 may be involved in the regulation of proliferation, migration and EMT of endometrial epithelial cells, and its low expression in mid-secretory phase may serve as a marker of the establishment of endometrial receptivity. This study provides novel insights into the establishment of endometrial receptivity and provides a scientific basis for potential therapeutic agents for RIF.
Exercise improves the treatment of peripheral arterial disease in extremely old patients
Authors: Liu Xinwen , Zhou Jianmei , Wang Bozhong , Zhou Liyue , Zhou Rongfang , Yang Cuicui
Published: May 2023

Background
This study aimed to investigate the effect of supervised exercise on the walking abilities of patients with peripheral arterial disease(PAD) who are extremely old and in no condition to undergo surgical treatment.
Methods
Forty-four patients aged 78–92 years were recruited and randomly assigned to the control group or the exercise training group. After a 6-minite walking testing(6 MWT), cardiopulmonary exercise test(CPET), and ankle-brachial index(ABI )measurements were performed, personalized exercise training plans were established for the exercise intervention group according to the CPET results. After three months of exercise training, the 6 MWT, CPET, and ABI measurements were repeated.
Results
Compared to the control group, the walking distance in the exercise group significantly increased by 78.27ms (p<0.05), and the claudication distance increased by 72.5ms. Similar results were also observed for other indicators, including the consumption of VO2peak, anaerobic threshold(AT), and metabolic equivalents(METs), which increased by 159.00 ml/min, 2.17 ml/kg. min-1 and 0.55, respectively. All results were statistically significant.
Conclusion
Personalized aerobic exercise training effectively improved walking ability and physical stamina in patients aged ≥ 75 years.
Identification of Neolithic diet by the morphology of the starch grains of dental calculus found in the Dehesilla Cave (Cadiz – South of the Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Coutinho António Pereira , Moreira Margarida , Silva Eduarda , García-Rivero Daniel , Umbelino Cláudia
Published: May 2023

The starch grains present in the dental calculus of four Neolithic individuals of the Dehesilla Cave (Cadiz, South of Spain) were extracted and observed with light microscopy. The variant of the extraction technique used proved to be very effective. A number of Poaceae-Triticeae taxa [wheat (Triticum sp., the main crop, including Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum sp.)], Fabaceae-Fabeae-Cicereae and Fagaceae (oaks = Quercus sp., which constitute new data for the area in question.) were identified. Some pollen grains and fungal spores were also identified, which helped to provide information on the ecological framework of the crops associated with the archaeological site.
Oomycete compositon in Proteaceae orchards and natural stands on three continents
Authors: Migliorini Duccio , Vivas Maria , Wingfield Michael J , Shaw Christopher , Burgess Treena I.
Published: May 2023

The Proteaceae is an important southern hemisphere family with many species known to be susceptible to Phytopthora cinnamomi, both in the natural environment and in cut-flower orchards. Very little in known about the prelevence of P. cinnamomi and other oomycetes across these landscapes. To address this lack of knowledge we a used double ITS1 and RSP10 gene metabarcoding approach and traditional isolation protocols to investigate oomycetes in orchards and natural stands of Proteaceae across four countries on different continents. Results revealed a consistent oomycetes richness within native and planted Proteaceae. Species richness and community composition were significantly influenced by the country of collection, while they did not show any variation between orchards and natural vegetation. RSP10 barcoding detected, the largest number of species and, provided a greater statistical confidence than ITS1 when considering oomycete species composition. Metabarcoding also showed that orchards had a higher abundance of P cinnamomi compared to native stands, but this outcome was not confirmed using isolation protocols.. These results and those of other recent studies show that metabarcoding provides an effective tool to describe the ecological dynamics of soil oomycetes in different ecosystems.
The Effects of a Biofeedback Breathing Device on Stress and Burnout in Oncology Healthcare Providers
Authors: Manor Adi , Kitchuk Lee Lavi , Raphael Ari , Shpigel Shulim , Pelles-Avraham Sharon , Schaffer Tali , Barilier Shir , Geva Ravit
Published: May 2023

Unaided breathing techniques are often used to reduce stress and burnout levels. However, lack of time, access, or feedback can make these techniques impractical for many individuals. We aimed to investigate the effect of a drug-free biofeedback-breathing device in reducing stress and burnout levels in oncology physicians, nurses and healthcare workers. In this single-arm, self-controlled survey study, 42 oncology personnel used the biofeedback device for a period of 10 weeks, 3 times a day for 3 minutes at a time. The primary and secondary endpoints of the study were improvement over baseline in the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) validated questionnaire scores, respectively, assessed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of device use. The questionnaire response rate was 100%. The PSS scores improved from 17.31 (standard deviation [SD] 5.74) at baseline to 14.12 (SD 6.50) and 13.48 (SD 6.04) at 6 and 8 weeks of device use, respectively, with a significant improvement achieved at 8 weeks (p = .026). All MBI scale scores significantly improved after 6 weeks of device use (occupational exhaustion, p = .010, depersonalization, p = .031, and personal accomplishment assessment, p = .044), with sustained significant improvements in occupational exhaustion (p = .0083) and depersonalization (p = .049) at 8 weeks. This study demonstrated that the biofeedback-breathing device may offer a drug-free and highly accessible intervention to alleviate stress and burnout in oncology staff members.
Endogenous endophthalmitis misdiagnosed as non-infectious uveitis among patients with a history of injection drug use
Authors: Batra Nikhil N , Rees Christiaan A , Luong Preston M , Phan Cong T , Abazari Azin , Zegans Michael E
Published: May 2023

Objective
Uveitis is an inflammatory process of the eye that can lead to severe vision loss. Non-infectious forms of uveitis constitute the majority of cases and chronic disease is typically treated with immunosuppressive drugs. A minority of uveitis cases are of an infectious cause, and in these cases, the use of immunosuppressive agents may aggravate the underlying infection.
Design:
Retrospective case series.
Result.
Five patients who initially presented with ocular findings suspicious for non-infectious uveitis and who were treated with corticosteroids. After failing to respond to corticosteroid therapy, and with a history of injection drug use (IDU) eventually reported by all five patients, there was a high degree of clinical suspicion for an underlying infectious process. All five were later classified as having endogenous endophthalmitis related to IDU, and experienced clinical improvement after antibiotic therapy and pars plana vitrectomy.
Conclusions and Importance.
Given the ongoing opioid crisis, this study demonstrates the importance of considering IDU-associated endogenous endophthalmitis in any individual with intraocular inflammation and history of IDU presenting with new-onset vision loss, irrespective of time since last reported use.
Mechanical, Physical and Thermal Properties of Waste Polypropylene/Polystyrene/Natural Rubber (wPP/PS/NR) Blends
Authors: Adamu Yusuf , Bello Tajudeen Kolawole , Shehu Umar , Bello Abdullahi , Adamu Sagir , Isa Muhammed Tijani
Published: May 2023

Combining two or more polymers as a blend is necessary rather than synthesizing new ones for the balance of polymer properties for end-use applications. This work introduces a sustainable polymer blend (matrix) for high-impact applications, as the accessibility and cost of production of these high-impact polymers keep souring. This was achieved by designing an experiment using design expert v10.0 to account for the number of experimental runs and optimise the polymer blend. Mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and temperature effects were considered on the blended polymer. Sixteen (16) experimental runs were generated with blend ratio as the independent variable and Impact Strength (IS) and Tensile Strength (TS) as the responses. The optimal blend ratio was obtained for wPP, PP and NR as 23, 30 and 47 % respectively. While, the optimum conditions for maximum impact and tensile strengths from the D.E was 241.62 J/m and 118.04 MPa respectively, with a desirability of 0.973. While the validated values obtained were 248.9 J/m; with errors of 2.93 % and 120.14 MPa; with an error of 1.75 % respectively. Thermogravimetry analysis revealed a single peak degradation for sp17, sp18, and sp19 (control samples) while multiple degradation peaks were observed for the blends. It was believed to be a result of different times for degradation of the individual components forming the polymer blend. Also, the Td onset started around 300 oC and the Td offset was around 500 oC for all tested samples. While, the Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) showed that there was an improvement in the Tg and damping factor for sp5 (109 oC, 0.171) as compared to sp17 and sp18 (81.1 oC, 0.089 and 104.3 oC, 0.061), but no improvement was recorded for storage and loss moduli. SEM micrographs showed a good surface morphology for the blend with optimal mechanical and thermal properties. The blend can be utilized for engineering applications, including matrices for body armour, helmets, car bumper, etc.