bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival and causes of death in infants admitted in NICU in Iran (a retrospective cohort study 2016-2022)
Authors: Dalili Hosein , Shariat Mamak , Sahebi Leyla
Published: November 2023

Objective: Neonatal mortality remains a global public concern. The aims of the study were the evaluation of survival in all admitted infants in the NICU, as well as overall and periodic predictors of neonatal mortality from 2016 to 2022.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among a total of 7255 neonates who were admitted to the NICU in Valiasr Hospital (in the capital of Iran).
Result: Mortality in preterm neonates was 9.1%, this percentage was 6.6% in all neonates. Mortality proportion had been declining from the majority of medical morbidities from 2016 to 2022. The most visible decline was observed for respiratory disorders, prematurity, and sepsis. In the adjusted Cox regression, gestational age, birth weight, one and fifth-minute APGAR scores, congenital defects (HR=2.02), sepsis (HR=1.63) respiratory disorders (HR=1.40), intervention treatments, and antibiotic administration history were continued as predictor variable of death.
Conclusion: Although the probability of survival seems to be increasing over the past years in Iran, it is far away from the target for 2030. The most common causes of neonatal mortality were congenital defects, sepsis, and respiratory disorders.
Prediction model based on MRI morphological features for distinguishing benign and malignant thyroid nodules
Authors: Zheng Tingting , Wang Lanyun , Wang Hao , Tang Lang , Xie Xiaoli , Fu Qingyin , Wu Pu-Yeh , Song Bin
Published: November 2023

Background
The low specificity of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) for preoperative benign-malignant diagnosis leads to a large number of unnecessary biopsies. This study developed and validated a predictive model based on MRI morphological features to improve the specificity.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 825 thyroid nodules pathologically confirmed postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to obtain β coefficients, construct predictive models and nomogram incorporating MRI morphological features in the training cohort, and validated in a validation cohort. The discrimination, calibration, and decision curve analysis of the nomogram were performed. The diagnosis efficacy, area under the curve (AUC) and net reclassification index (NRI) were calculated and compared with TI-RADS.
Results
572 thyroid nodules were included (training cohort: n = 397, validation cohort: n = 175). Age, low signal intensity on T2WI, restricted diffusion, reversed halo sign in delay phase, cystic degeneration and wash-out pattern independent predictors of malignancy. The nomogram demonstrated good discrimination and calibration both in the training cohort (AUC = 0.972) and the validation cohort (AUC = 0.968). The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and AUC of MRI-based prediction are 94.4%, 96.0%, 93.4%, 89.9%, 96.5% and 0.947, respectively. The MRI-based prediction model exhibited enhanced accuracy (NRI > 0) in comparison to TI-RADSs.
Conclusions
The prediction model for diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules demonstrates a more notable diagnostic efficacy than TI-RADS. Compared with the TI-RADSs, predictive models have better specificity along with a high sensitivity and can reduce overdiagnosis and unnecessary biopsies.
Long-term effects of weed control on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community and grain yield in a rice-rotated wheat cropping system
Authors: Li Qiang , Liu Jian , Shen Junming , Xue Yaguang , Wei Yafeng , Zhang Zichang , El-Keblawy Ali , Sheteiwy Mohamed S. , Fakhry Amal M. , Yang Haishui
Published: November 2023

Rational weed control in arable land is a key contributor to food security and sustainable agricultural development. However, little is known about how weed control practices affect the root-associated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), especially in rice-wheat cropping systems. Here, the effects of different weed control measures on AMF community structure, wheat yield and soil properties were determined based on a long-term weed control experiment established since 2001 in a rice-wheat annual double cropping system. The weed control treatments include: (ⅰ) control (CK): No weeding; (ⅱ) manual weeding + herbicide application (MH); (ⅲ) Hindering seeds dispersed from water + herbicide application (WaH); (ⅳ): Hindering seeds dispersed from water + manual weeding (WaM); (ⅴ) Hindering seeds dispersed from water + manual weeding + herbicide application (WaMH). Results demonstrated that weed control markedly affected soil properties, shifted AMF community structure (diversity and composition), and notably increased wheat yield by 52.6%-62.2% compared with CK. The values of Pielou evenness index, Shannon-Weiner index and Simpson’s index were significantly lower under MH compared with CK. The Mantel test analysis indicated that AMF diversity was dominantly controlled by both total nitrogen and soil organic carbon. Similarly, AMF composition was markedly affected by soil water content, total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and microbial biomass nitrogen. Mantel test also revealed that wheat yield was significantly correlated to AMF composition and Pearson correlation analysis also showed that some key indicator taxa were significantly correlated with wheat yield, suggesting that the composition of AMF community might play an important role in wheat yield formation. In addition, redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that soil properties and wheat yield were closely related to AMF community characteristics. Taken together, our findings suggest that weed control can mediate the relationships among soil quality, AMF community and wheat yield, providing valuable guidance for integrated weed management in the Yangtze River basin regions in China.
Comparison of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy versus unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy for treating far lateral lumbar intervertebral disc herniation
Authors: Wang Ling-hao , lu Gong-biao , Zhang Cun-xin , Lv Chao-liang , Li Kang
Published: November 2023

Purpose
We compared the differences between percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PTELD) and unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy (UBE) as well as the differences between PTELD and UBE for treating L4/5 or L5/S1 far lateral lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed on 32 patients with far lateral lumbar intervertebral disc herniation at the L4/5 or L5/S1 herniation level. The patients were divided into the PTELD (n = 17) and UBE (n = 15) groups, all of whom had lower limb numbness and back and leg pain of varying degrees before surgery. Operation time and blood loss were recorded and analyzed statistically. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and MacNab standard were used to analyze the clinical outcomes of the two groups.
Results
The VAS and ODI scores of both groups showed marked postoperative improvement, and the clinical outcomes were comparable according to the MacNab standard. However, the VAS score of back pain 1 day after surgery in the PTELD group was significantly lower than that in the UBE group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the operation time of the PTELD group was significantly shorter than that of the UBE group (P < 0.05). Moreover, blood loss in the PTELD group was significantly less than that in the UBE group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
PTELD is a good choice for far lateral lumbar intervertebral disc herniation because it has the advantage of shorter operation time, less blood loss, and milder postoperative short-term back pain compared to UBE.
Enhancing Residue Valorization Through Microbial Adaptation: A Path to Sustainable Biogas Production from Pig Manure and Corn Residues
Authors: Galvan Maria Jose
Published: November 2023

This research is dedicated to redefining residue valorization by maximizing biogas production potential from stabilized pig manure while promoting sustainability. This underscores the significance of microbial adaptation in expediting biogas production and waste valorization. Utilizing pig manure from stabilization ponds as a renewable substrate, this study reveals how microbial adaptation processes not only augment biogas yields, but also contribute to minimizing waste and generating clean energy. By coupling this approach with corn residue as an additional substrate, we created a synergistic model for waste valorization while reducing the environmental footprint of pig farming.
People Living with Chronic Pain in Canada Face Difficult Decisions and Decisional Conflict Concerning Their Care: Data from the National DECIDE-PAIN Survey
Authors: Naye Florian , Légaré France , Cachinho Chloé , Gérard Thomas , Toupin-April Karine , Sasseville Maxime , Paquette Jean-Sébastien , LeBlanc Annie , Gaboury Isabelle , Poitras Marie-Ève , Li Linda C. , Hoens Alison M. , Poirier Marie-Dominique , Tousignant-Laflamme Yannick , Décary Simon
Published: November 2023

Background.
Shared decision-making is an imperative in chronic pain care. However, we know little about the decision-making process, especially in primary care where most chronic pain care is provided. We sought to understand decisional needs of people living with chronic pain in Canada.
Methods.
Informed by the Checklist for Reporting Of Survey Studies, we conducted a population-based cross-sectional online survey of random samples of adults living in Canada with chronic noncancer pain and registered with the Leger Marketing panel. We used a stratified proportional random sampling based on the population and chronic pain prevalence of each province to achieve representativeness. Based on the Ottawa Decision Support Framework, we collected data on difficult decisions faced when interacting with health care providers, the level of decisional conflict associated with the most difficult decisions (i.e., Decisional Conflict Scale), the assumed and preferred role during the decision-making process (i.e., Control Preferences Scale), and respondents’ characteristics. We used descriptive quantitative analyses of survey responses.
Results.
Of the 31,545 invited panellists, 2,666 met the eligibility criteria, and 1,649 respondents from the 10 Canadian provinces completed the survey. Respondents had diverse socio-demographic profiles. Mean age was 51.84 years (SD = 16.33). Half were man (51.36%), most lived in urban areas (87.75%), pain duration ranged from 3 months to 59 years and respondents reported an average number of painful body regions of 2.30 (SD = 1.52). We observed that 96.73% of respondents faced at least one difficult decision across their care pathways. These difficult decisions were related to numerous issues from the medical consultation, diagnosis, treatment, and daily life. Almost half of respondents made their most difficult decision with a primary care physician. One third of respondents experienced a high level of clinically significant decisional conflict (Decisional Conflict Scale score ≥ 37.5). Two-thirds of respondents self-reported having a collaborative role during their decision while three-quarters wanted this role.
Conclusions.
People living with chronic pain in Canada have unmet decisional needs and need support to make optimal decisions to manage their chronic pain. Our findings will guide future development of interventions to implement shared decision-making, especially to support primary care where discussions about difficult decisions often occur.
Cardioprotective effects of S-equol and role of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the isolated ischemic rat heart
Authors: Yamada Mariko , Nakadate Yosuke , Omiya Keisuke , Oguchi Takeshi , Abe Masako , Matsukawa Takashi
Published: November 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to assess the cardioprotective effects of S-equol on stunned myocardium in an isolated rat heart model. Additionally, we examined the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.l
Methods
Rat hearts were perfused using the Langendorff system and assigned to receive 1) modified Krebs–Henseleit (KH) buffer containing 1 µmol/L S-equol (EQ), 2) KH buffer (Cont), 3) KH buffer supplemented with 1 µmol/L S-equol and 100 nmol/L wortmannin (a specific PI3K inhibitor) (EQW), or 4) KH buffer containing wortmannin (ContW). After stabilization, each group was perfused for 20 min prior to no-flow ischemia for 7.5 min, followed by reperfusion for 20 min. The primary outcome was the maximum left ventricular derivative of pressure development (LV dP/dt max) after 20 min of reperfusion. Myocardial Akt and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) were assayed using western blotting.
Results
The LV dP/dt max in the EQ group was greater than that in the Cont group after 15 and 20 min of reperfusion; however, this effect was attenuated in the presence of PI3K inhibitors. S-equol treatment increased Akt and suppressed GSK-3β in the EQ group compared to the Cont group. However, these effects were not observed in the presence of wortmannin.
Conclusion
S-equol exerted a protective effect against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, possibly by activating PI3K/Akt signaling.
Geospatial Analysis of COVID-19 Death Rate and Influencing Factors in the MENA Region
Authors: Aboalyem Mustafa Shebani , Ismail Mohd Tahir
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with over twenty-eight million cases and 800,000 deaths reported as of August 2023. Spatial analysis can help identify factors associated with the high death toll and develop targeted interventions to reduce the virus's spread and improve health outcomes. The study uses GIS-based analysis and geostatistical models to analyze the COVID-19 death rate in MENA countries. It identifies demographic, medical, and socioeconomic factors as key factors. The research suggests that hospital bed allocation, unemployment rate, and overall immunizations could be key factors influencing the death rate. The study also highlights the fragility of healthcare infrastructure in developing nations, with poor allocation and insufficient support for vulnerable groups. The findings suggest a positive correlation between death rate, hospital bed allocation, unemployment rate, and vaccination doses, highlighting the importance of social isolation measures. The estimated OLS model, which considers variables like hospital beds, unemployment rate, and total vaccine doses, was found to explain 73.46% of COVID-19 death cases across the Middle East and Africa (MENA). However, the model's spatial autocorrelation was found, requiring the development of spatial lag regression (SLM) and spatial error regression (SEM) models. The GWR and multiscale-GWR models showed higher R2 and lower AIC than global models, with the GWR model showing a clear pattern of impact in the northwestern area and the MGWR model showing a moderate impact in the northwestern area. Understanding COVID-19 death incidence is crucial for controlling transmission. This work could be valuable in future studies.
Analyzing tourism reviews using Deep Learning and AI to predict sentiments.
Authors: MARIGLIANO PIERGIORGIO
Published: November 2023

Today, it seems natural to discuss Artificial Intelligence or, if you prefer, Machine Learning. Many observers of digital marketing and tourism trends in recent years have not missed an opportunity to emphasize how these technologies will become increasingly prevalent and pervasive in our digital age, especially in the travel and tourism sector. But what are machine learning and deep learning? They are branches of artificial intelligence that provide computers with the ability to ’learn without being explicitly programmed’. In essence, when properly trained, artificial intelligence can respond to novel situations based on reasoning and past experiences. This technology, particularly artificial intelligence in tourism, paves new pathways allowing the automation of tasks that were previously done manually. Even in the hospitality industry, it can be successfully deployed for guest assistance tasks, both before and during their stay. Having an assistant on the site communicating with the visitor in real-time without any delay is an effective way to convert them into a customer. Statistics are confirming a correlation between response time to inquiries and the site’s conversion rate. Moreover, during the stay, the use of chatbots has proven its worth. Having a continuously active assistant ready to respond is undoubtedly a boon for the establishment. It also includes activities where there’s a need to understand the guest’s requirements and make decisions, such as recommending services to the guest or preparing a quote. Fortunately, the future will not solely consist of chatbots and robots. A new era of tourism is on the horizon, where humans will spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time catering to and entertaining guests in ways that, for now, only we humans can. In this study, we utilized data from several hotel reviews. Each review represents a client’s assessment of a hotel. For each textual review, we aim to predict whether it corresponds to a positive review (the customer is satisfied) or a negative review (the customer is dissatisfied). The overall ratings of the reviews can range from 2.5/10 to 10/10. To simplify the issue, we’ll categorize them as follows: negative reviews have overall ratings of less than 5; positive reviews have ratings of 5 or higher. The challenge lies in predicting this information using only the raw textual data of the review.
Factors influencing postoperative symptom improvement in hiatal hernia patients and construction of a clinical prediction model
Authors: Huang Haonan , Ma Ning , Ma Tao , Liu Chuangxiong , Huang Enming , Tang Fuxing , Zhou Taicheng
Published: November 2023

Purpose: Our purpose was to analyze the factors influencing the improvement of symptoms postoperatively in patients with a hiatal hernia (HH), and build a clinical prediction model.
Methods: The records of 121 patients with a HH who received surgery at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from April 2019 to October 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into a good improvement group (88 patients) and a poor improvement group (33 patients) according to the improvement of symptoms postoperatively. Patient demographic and clinical data, and high-resolution manometry (HRM) data were extracted from the records, and data of the 2 groups were compared by univariate analysis. Statistically significant factors (p<0.05) were incorporated into a multivariate logistic regression model to determine independent factors of postoperative symptom improvement. A clinical prediction model and a nomogram were constructed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve analysis were used to predict the accuracy of the model. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical applicability of the model.
Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that non-smoking history and level of distal contraction integral (DCI) were independent factors affecting postoperative symptom improvement of HH patients. The accuracy of the test scoring system shows that the C index is 0.878.
Conclusion:The Improvement of symptoms postoperatively in HH patients is affected by smoking history and DCI level. The clinical prediction model established based on these results has good efficacy in predicting the outcomes of patients with a HH who undergo surgery.
Integrative analyses of bulk, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics identified diabetes mellitus-related signature as a prognostic factor in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tang Le , Xie Tongji , Fan Guangyu , Zhu Haohua , Yao Jiarui , Shi Yuankai
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a deadly disease, particularly for those with diabetes mellitus (DM). While there have been various studies on prognostic factors in pancreatic cancer, few have specifically focused on PAAD patients with DM. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between DM and non-DM individuals and develop a predictive model.
Materials and Methods
PAAD patients with DM were divided into training (70%) and test (30%) groups, and OS-associated genes were identified using univariate COX analysis. A 10-gene risk model was constructed using LASSO-penalized COX regression with ten-fold cross-validation.
Results
The model showed a C-index of 0.83 in the training group and 0.76 in the test group. High risk group represented a tumor-growth and angiogenic phenotype and the low group represented an immune-active phenotype.
Conclusion
This prognostic model holds promise for predicting overall survival in PAAD patients with DM, indicating potential benefits from immunotherapy for those with low-risk scores.
Temporal trends and shifts of 24 notifiable infectious diseases in China before and during the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Chen Tianmu , Li Kangguo , Rui Jia , Song Wentao , Liu Chan , Zhao Yunkang , Qu Huimin , Wei Hongjie , Zhang Ruixin , Abudunaibi Buasiyamu , Wang Yao , Zhou Zecheng , Liu Hong , Xiang Tianxin
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 epidemic and the subsequent implementation of public health and social measures (PHSMs) have markedly reshaped the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases. In this study, we analyzed the impact of PHSMs on 24 notifiable infectious diseases (NIDs) in mainland China and utilized multiple time series models to forecast transmission trends under hypothetical scenarios without PHSMs or epidemic. Our findings revealed distinct seasonal patterns in the incidence of different NIDs categories. Among these categories, respiratory infectious diseases exhibited the most substantial response to PHSMs, while bloodborne and sexually transmitted diseases demonstrated more moderate effects. Furthermore, we identified 8 NIDs, including hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), dengue fever, malaria, pertussis, scarlet fever, mumps, and rubella, as being highly susceptible to the impact of PHSMs. PHSMs, such as travel restrictions, played a crucial role in mitigating the transmission of zoonotic diseases such as dengue fever and malaria. Interestingly, the easing of PHSMs did not lead to a notable resurgence in NIDs, likely due to the continued practice of self-isolation. Our findings highlight the varied impact of PHSMs on different infectious diseases and emphasize the need for developing sustainable, long-term strategies, such as vaccine development, for their prevention and control.
Profiling the clinical presentation and bacterial causes of fever and hypothermia among neonates at a district hospital in rural Rwanda
Authors: Orikiriza Patrick , Seifu Daniel , Ruhangaza Deogratius , Niyibizi Jean Baptiste , Bizimana Ezechiel , Nshimiyimana Irene , Mujyuwisha Louis , Bekele Abebe
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Neonatal sepsis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low-resource settings. We explored the clinical presentation and bacteria causing fever and hypothermia among neonates at a rural district hospital in Rwanda.
Methods
Between 29th March to 7th October 2022, a total of 126 children were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Clinical data was obtained from children with fever or hypothermia at Butaro District Hospital. Blood culture was done using conventional methods. Positive cultures were sub-cultured onto MacConkey, blood agar, and chocolate, and incubated for 24 hours to confirm the pathogen. Mothers were followed for neonatal outcomes before and after discharge for two weeks.
Results
Among the neonates, 55.6% were males. The majority were aged 24 hrs and 6 days 99/126(78.6%). All children had fever or hypothermia, tachycardia (84.1%), tachypnea (87.3), poor perfusion (81%), abnormal breathing (70.6%), or abnormal cavities (50%), among others. Many mothers (46%) had at least four ANC visits, and none had a known HIV infection. In our sample of mothers, 7.9% reported a previous history of sepsis, 31.7% delivered by C-section, and 20.6% had a history of sepsis.
Blood cultures were positive in 67/126 (53.2%) neonates: 9 for Staphylococcus aureus (7.1%), 49 for coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CNS) (38.9%), 8 for gram-negative rods (6.4%), and 1 for Hemophilus species (0.8%). The mortality rate was reported at 7/126 (5.6%) among these children.
Conclusion
High positivity rates with CNS were reported among the neonates suggesting further approaches to minimize cross contamination in the neonatology unit.
Leadership experiences of nurse managers in a Saudi Ministry of Health Hospital: A focused ethnographic study
Authors: Alenezi Ibrahim Naif
Published: November 2023

Background: Vision 2030, which aims to provide all Saudi citizens with high-quality healthcare, is constrained by international and domestic shortages of nursing staff. Therefore, nursing directors have recommended the introduction of a professional career path, focusing on developing nurses’ leadership skills. However, despite widespread recognition of nurse managers’ key role in recruiting, retaining and engaging nurses, few studies have explored how Saudi managers are trained and acquire leadership skills and how they deploy them. This study aimed to explore how nurse managers view and experience leadership within their workplace.
Methods: An ethnographic study into the perceptions and experiences of nurse managers regarding their leadership development was undertaken in a Saudi hospital affiliated with the Ministry of Health. Periodic study visits to the hospital over 8 months were undertaken to collect qualitative data. They involved workplace and continuing medical education observations, an examination of relevant documents, informal interviews/discussions, and semistructured interviews with 21 nurse managers. A framework approach analysis was used to interpret and summarise the data.
Findings: The data were organised into four major themes: imbalanced power dynamics, no shared vision, workplace rituals and behaviours, and the need for learning.
This paper discusses the imbalance of power, which was also in line with other international studies. The hospital had hierarchical and transactional management structures and processes and a culturally pervasive and normalised capricious leadership approach that was framed by Wasta. This is aform of nepotism normalised to Saudi business practice but now officially recognised and condemned as corrupt by state legislators. A climate of fear and intimidation induced compliance, conformity, and adaptation by managers to the directorate diktats. However, they also used other strategies to subvert and avoid some of the directorate’s authority.
Conclusion: The notion that wasta was everywhere was pervasive within the hospital organisation and reported to be the root cause behind most of the dubious directorate decisions. It was used to enhance performance, obtain financial rewards, secure favourable work assignments, obtain meritless leadership promotions, and allocate staff arbitrarily. Paradoxically, while managers disparaged their experiences of the capricious use of wasta, some more vehemently than others, they also used it to get what was they assumed should be their due and occasionally at the expense of their colleagues.
Assessment the Exposure Effects of Polycarbonate with X-ray Radiation using Spectroscopic Techniques and Molecular Modeling Calculations
Authors: Zaki M. F. , Rashad A. M. , Elkalashy Sh. I. , Al-Naggar Tayseer I.
Published: November 2023

In this article, the effects of 6 MeV energy of X-ray radiation on polycarbonate polymeric films were investigated. The induced alterations are assessed using several methodologies: FTIR spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, surface roughness assessment, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and luminescence emission spectroscopy. As well, using the basic sets in the ground state of the polycarbonate structure, the vibrational analysis has been carried out using the density functional theory (DFT). The FTIR spectra display that the X-ray irradiation produces surface chemical alterations in the irradiated films due to successive degradation mechanisms due to the decrease in the detected band peaks. The basis sets that were calculated using the DFT method are in good agreement with the experimentally observed spectra. The frontier molecular orbital energies are used to assess the molecule's energy gap (HOMO-LUMO). The value of the frontier energy gap reflects the chemical reactivity and intermolecular charge transfer that take place within the molecule. The surface wettability behaviors were amended due to the decrease in the contact angle values of irradiated films. This leads to an increase in the surface roughness and surface free energy. X-ray irradiation can enhance the surface goodness of polycarbonate films and control their surface properties to be used in biocompatibility applications. The optical properties of irradiated films show modifications in the studied optical parameters. The absorbance spectra exhibited a shift in the absorption edge of the irradiated samples compared with the pristine one. This shift indicates the decreases in the band gap energy of irradiated samples. For direct transitions, the band gap decreased from 4.03 to 3.125 eV, and for indirect transitions, it decreased from 3.5 0 to 2.65 eV. This result was attributable to the formation of defects and the creation of complex charge transfer due to X-ray irradiation. The photoluminescence emission spectra show that the peak intensities are obviously influenced by increasing the irradiation doses. This is attributable to the band-band transition, donor/acceptor pairs, and bound to free transition, which correlated to the received absorbed dose.
Uncertainty Quantification of the ONERA 7A Rotor Performance and Spanwise Structural Loads using a Surrogate-Based Approach
Authors: Khurana Manas , Yeo Hyeonsoo
Published: November 2023

The study demonstrates the role of uncertainty quantification for rotorcraft aeromechanics using the ONERA 7A rotor. The uncertainties in blade properties including torsion, flap, and lag stiffness on rotorcraft performance and spanwise structural loads are quantified. To support this effort, a stochastic-based computational framework is developed using a surrogate of the rotorcraft comprehensive analysis code with artificial neural networks. Statistical analysis is undertaken to quantify system uncertainties with probabilities and a qualitative approach with parallel coordinate plots is used for a visual interpretation of the trends between uncertain inputs and response outputs. It is shown that the stochastic-based approach will aid intelligent data driven decisions to follow as a design window with quantifiable probabilities of failure due to high loads and/or excessive power requirements are identifiable.
The influence of kidney depth measured by computed tomography on glomerular filtration rate in patients with moderate and severe obstructive nephropathy
Authors: Ren Siyu , Wu Airui , Wen Xiaoxia , Liang Wenli , Zhao Deshan
Published: November 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of CT for correcting the renal depth on the accuracy of GFR in the patients with moderate and severe hydronephrosis.
Methods: Fifty five patients with hydronephrosis were studied. All the subjects were accepted the diuretic dynamic renal imaging, injected 99mTc-DTPA, and abdominal CT scanning after renal imaging. GFR in all patients were tested by two-sample plasma clearance method. The tønnesen's formula and CT were used to measure the kidney depths.According to tGFR, all the subjects were divided into 3 groups: (1)patients: GFR≥90 ml/min1.73m2; (2)patients: 60≤GFR＜90 ml/min1.73m2; (3)patients: 0＜GFR＜60 ml/min1.73m2. All statistical analysis was done with SPSS statistics version 25.0.
Results: In patients with moderate to severe hydronephrosis, the renal depths in normal and hydronephrotic kidneys measured by CT were significantly greater compared to Tønnesen formula(t=-6.61, t=-9.65, p＜0.05, p＜0.05). 2. In GFR ≥90 ml/min1.73m2 and 60≤GFR＜90 ml/min1.73m2 groups, significant differences between gGFR and tGFR weren’t found , and dGFR was significantly higher than tGFR (t=-2.779, t=2.62, p=0.013, p=0.01). In GFR＜60 ml/min1.73m2 group, significant differences between tGFR and all other GFRs were noted (t = 2.68, t = -4.33, p < 0.05, p < 0.05). 3. In the patients with moderate to severe hydronephrosis, there were statistically differences between dGFRsingle and gGFRsingle in normal and hydronephrotic kidneys (t=7.46, t=6.16, p<0.05, p<0.05).
Conclusion: The CT-based renal depth-calibrated GFR could be more accurately used to evaluate the renal function in the patients with moderate-to-severe hydronephrosis.
Key words: hydronephrosis; glomerular filtration rate; computed tomography; Gates method; kidney depth
Optimization of Rate Distortion Control Based on Fundamentals of Convolutional Neural Networks.
Authors: Singam Amitesh Kumar , Pashike Venkat raj reddy
Published: November 2023

Roots of Convolutional Neural Networks or Fuzzy weights based Neural Networks and its fundamentals are mostly concerned with coordination and its respective logic's and moreover with consideration of Neuroscience terms and conditions in involvement of research practices towards Artificial Neural Networks, we need to abide that human visual characteristics(HVS) are considered with first priority towards developmental cases in research activities. Moreover cognitive abilities and emotion management are considered as second priority compare to Human visual System(HVS).
EMR sharing system with lightweight searchable encryption and rights management
Authors: Luo HaoTian , Mei Niansong , Du Chong
Published: November 2023

The blockchain-based Electronic Medical Record (EMR) data storage system encounters challenges such as data leakage, insufficient access control, and low retrieval efficiency. In response to these issues, this paper proposes a lightweight searchable encryption and access control system for shared EMR data. The searchable encryption scheme is constructed using BGG13 + and MP12. The lightweight design is achieved by integrating the trapdoor verification phase with the keyword retrieval phase. User access control is implemented through a Boolean circuit. Simulations and experiments demonstrate that the system presented in this paper surpasses related studies. In addition, this paper adopts the Bloom filter as the system index to enhance the efficiency of block-chain data retrieval. Experimental results indicate that the index structure can boost data retrieval speed by 30%-50%.
Crop Loss Induced by Avian and Rodent Pest Infestations of Lowland Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Grown in a Savanna Transition Environment of Nigeria
Authors: Okwara Obinna Stanley , Pitan Olufemi , Osunsina Israel , Afolabi Clement
Published: November 2023

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) belongs to the family poaceae and has become the most popular food. Cultivation of this crop is been faced with the menace of vertebrate pests of which birds and rodents are the most implicated. This research, carried out during the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons was to identify the bird and rodent pest species associated with lowland rice, determine their infestation status and quantify the losses induced. The experiment was a split-plot arrangement fitted into a Randomized Complete Block Design. Main plots were protection and no-protection, sub-plots were four rice varieties: Ofada, NERICA-L-34, ARICA-3, and WITA-4. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (p ≤ 0.05) and means were compared using Least Significant Difference (LSD). The bird pests identified were: Passeriformes - Ploceus melanocephalus Linnaeus (Ploceidae), Ploceus cuculatus Muller (Ploceidae) and Spermestes cucullatus Swainson (Estrildidae) while the rodent pest identified was Thryonomys swinderialus Fitzinger (Thryonomyidae). In 2020 and 2021, the infestation levels of birds and rodents were significantly (p < 0.05) higher under the no-protection plots (1.21 and 5.24) and (2.31 and 2.62) than the protected plots (0.00 and 0.56) and (0.00 and 0.18) respectively, the estimated bird- and rodent-induced losses ranged between 85.59% − 92.01% and 83.44% − 95.98% in 2020 and 2021, respectively. In conclusion, bird and rodent pests cause significant loss to rice crops and therefore, protection measures are recommended for optimum grain yield.
Application of data science in career path and employability analysis from secondary and higher education students: a systematic review
Authors: Nadela Savira Dwia , Yin Kaiqian
Published: November 2023

Background
A sophisticated approach is required for career planning in the dynamic nature of the modern job market. Data science offers the capability to analyze complex factors influencing career paths and employability, providing students with tailored recommendations for success. This study aims to describe contemporary literature on the applicability of data science to students’ career paths and employability data.
Method
Multiple databases were systematically reviewed for student career and employability analysis studies up to May 2023 in both secondary and higher education. The review aimed to answer three research questions: 1) Which data science methodologies and techniques were used in predicting students’ career paths and employability? 2) What variables were identified as predictors of students' career decisions? 3) What performance metrics were used to evaluate the models?
Results
56 studies were identified involving 583,000 students. Studies mainly focused on employability outcomes (N = 30), with a significant portion in India (39.3%). Since 2016, research in this area has steadily increased. Random forest was the predominant model (N = 10), followed by other ensemble methods and Support Vector Machine (17.8%, 12.5%, and 10.7% respectively). Academic performance (N = 30) and student demographics (N = 28) were key predictors of career paths and employability. Accuracy was the primary evaluation metric (N = 48), followed by Recall (N = 26).
Conclusion
The study's results demonstrate the Random Forest algorithm outperformed other methods. The most influential factors was student's academic performance. The accuracy of predictions was the primary measure used to evaluate the models.
The 34th International Colloquium on Group Theoretical Methods in Physics
Authors: Campoamor-Stursberg Rutwig , de Montigny Marc , Rausch de Traubenberg Michel , Valenzuela Mauricio
Published: November 2023

Introduction to the proceedings of the 34th International Colloquium on Group Theoretical Methods in Physics.
Jordan meets Freudenthal. A black hole exceptional story
Authors: Marrani Alessio
Published: November 2023

Within the extremal black hole attractors arising in ungauged \mathcal{N}≥2𝒩≥2-extended Maxwell Einstein supergravity theories in 3+13+1 space-time dimensions, we provide an overview of the stratification of the electric-magnetic charge representation space into “large” orbits and related “moduli spaces”, under the action of the (continuous limit of the) non-compact UU-duality Lie group. While each “large” orbit of the UU-duality supports a class of attractors, the corresponding ” moduli space” is the proper subspace of the scalar manifold spanned by those scalar fields on which the Attractor Mechanism is inactive. We present the case study concerning \mathcal{N}=2𝒩=2 supergravity theories with symmetric vector multiplets’ scalar manifold, which in all cases (with the exception of the minimally coupled models) have the electric-magnetic charge representation of UU-duality fitting into a reduced Freudenthal triple system over a cubic (simple or semi-simple) Jordan algebra.
Remembering David J. Rowe
Authors: Wood John L. , Van Isacker Piet
Published: November 2023

David Rowe was a highly respected theoretical physicist who made seminal contributions that improved our understanding of the atomic nucleus, in particular of the collective behaviour of its constituent nucleons - results he often obtained with the use of sophisticated group-theoretical methods. He will also be remembered as the (co-)author of monographs on nuclear physics, written with the scientific rigour that was characteristic of his research.
Relative Leaf Expansion Rate as an Indicator of Compensatory Growth of Defoliated Vines (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Prokupac)
Authors: Cirkovic D. , Matijasevic S. , Cirkovic B. , Bešlić Z.
Published: November 2023

Defoliation is a common practice in vineyards, with numerous benefits for vine microclimate conditions, and it can significantly improve the composition of grapes. In addition, early defoliation reduces the active leaf area, which affects the modifications of the source-sink balance and decreases whole-vine photosynthesis. The reaction of grapevines to early defoliation is to mitigate the effects through compensatory growth, resulting in more lateral shoots with a greater number of leaves. In this study, we evaluate the use of nondestructive and continuous measurements of mean and lateral leaf area on the same shoots for the purpose of monitoring leaf area development and calculating relative leaf expansion rate (RLER) during active growth. The results show that the grapevine’s ability to recover its leaf area after defoliation depends mainly on the time of defoliation. Vines defoliated early had time to compensate for the removed leaves by producing a greater number of lateral shoots with more leaves, resulting in a larger total leaf area. With a decrease in shoot growth during vegetation, the recovery ability decreases, and compensatory growth is therefore not enough to restore the reduced leaf area. Based on the value of RLER, it is shown that, if defoliation is performed in the period of intensive shoot growth, it retards the emergence of new shoots and leaves over several days, followed by a period of regrowth. Very slow or no growth of shoots and leaves occurred with defoliation after the véraison stage.
The Olfactory Threshold of Rotundone in Brandy is Ten-fold Higher than in Wine and does not Increase with the Complexity of the Matrix
Authors: Geffroy O. , Aymard F. , Cuif C. , Baerenzung dit Baron T. , Denat M. , Jacques A.
Published: November 2023

Rotundone is the only known aroma compound imparting a peppery aroma to wine. Its presence has recently been documented in spirits, notably those aged in oak barrels. However, the sensory contribution of rotundone in such alcoholic beverages remains hard to predict, given their high ethanol level. The aim of this study was to estimate olfactory thresholds for rotundone in brandy using three different matrices. Rotundone concentrations in the unspiked samples were 50 ng/L for wine distillate and 135 ng/L for brandy, demonstrating for the first time the presence of rotundone in such spirits and a possible endogenous origin. The olfactory detection threshold was estimated at 103 ng/L in 40% (v/v) ethanol solution, while difference thresholds were 171 ng/L and 189 ng/L in fresh wine distillate and young French brandy, respectively, both standardised at 40% (v/v). These thresholds were 10-fold higher than in wines and did not significantly differ according to the complexity of the matrix. Our results, which are still preliminary and would deserve to be validated with a larger number of samples and using a higher number of panellists, open new fields of investigation for a deeper exploration of the concentration range of rotundone in brandies, particularly those that underwent a longer ageing period in barrels.
Analisis bibliometrik perkembangan penelitian tentang perjuangan ulama menggunakan Vosviewer
Authors: Darmawan Budi , Shalihin Nurus , Nopriyasman Nopriyasman
Published: November 2023

Purpose. This research aims to investigate the prominent Ulama figures who have played significant leadership roles in Indonesian society throughout history. These Ulama have been instrumental in various aspects, including social, political, and religious realms. The article delves into the evolution of research publications related to the struggles of Ulama from 2010 to 2023.Methodology. The methodology employs a descriptive bibliometric analysis focused on the struggle of Ulama, using specific keywords like “Perjuangan” and “Ulama” on the Dimensions platform, within the timeframe of 2010 to 2023.Results and discussion. The results reveal fluctuations in the number of publications, ranging from a peak of 786 in 2018 to only 70 in 2023, with a significant spike in 2017. The research network involves three clusters of authors, highlighting diversity in the field. Overlay Visualization demonstrates strong author relationships, with some forming influential networks. The Indonesian Institute of Science had a notable impact on many writers. Density Visualization identifies active authors and Co-occurrence analysis reveals four keyword clusters, with “Islam” and “Indonesia” as primary foci. A trend shift occurred in 2020, with new keywords gaining prominence such as “Education, Women, Politics, and Law”. These data show that research on the theme of the ulama's struggle still has many opportunities.Conclusions. The bibliometric analysis of the ulama struggle research (2010-2023) provides information about publication fluctuations and close collaboration. diversity, changing trends, and research potential that has not yet been fully explored regarding the struggles of the ulama. which is useful for encouragement and determining the focus for further research on the struggles of the ulama.
Transformasi pustakawan dalam meningkatkan kemampuan mahasiswa terhadap penelusuran informasi di dunia maya
Authors: Fitriyani Fitriyani , Zulfa Siti Ukhtiya , Miswan Miswan
Published: November 2023

Purpose. College libraries are no longer just waiting for users to come to visit and serve book return loans, but a new breakthrough is needed to seduce students. One of them is that librarians can act as educators. Librarians can provide education to users in accessing, searching, and using information sources effectively. This article discusses the role of librarians in digital information tracing training at UIN Walisongo Library.Methodology. The research method used is quantitative with a descriptive approach, which allows for a more detailed investigation of the stages taken by librarians in providing this training.Result and discussion. There are several stages carried out by librarians in providing digital information tracing training, namely the introduction of information sources, information tracing tools, search strategies, and citation management. Through this training, librarians guide students in understanding and mastering these steps, enabling them to access, search for, and use information more competently in an academic and research context. Conclusion. Reveal several stages undertaken by librarians in providing digital information tracing training, covering source introduction, tracking tool utilization, search strategy formulation, and citation management guidance. The pivotal role of librarians involves guiding students to understand and master stages of information retrieval. This transforms librarians into proactive educators, exceeding traditional roles. By transferring essential digital information tracing skills, librarians contribute to students' academic success, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping information-literate individuals.