bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The study on water supply and demand matching and flow in Upper Hanjiang River basin basin of China
Authors: Ma Xinping , Li Jing , Yu Yuyang
Published: September 2024

Water supply service flow is an important link between natural ecosystem and human society, and has great significance for the production, transfer and consumption of water supply service. Taking the upper Hanjiang River basin in Shaanxi Province as an example, SWAT model and GIS were used to simulate the spatial flow process of water supply services and water demand at different spatial-temporal scales, and the spatial scope and service flow of typical supply and benefit areas of the basin were defined. The results show that the water supply in the basin is obviously higher than the water demand, and the water supply and demand level of most administrative units is higher. However, with the change of time, the water supply and demand level in the basin gradually formed extreme characteristics. In terms of discharge, the direction of water supply and demand is consistent with the characteristics of topography, and the discharge and flow momentum at the sub-basin scale show a decreasing trend. The results can provide reference for water resources protection and water quantity monitoring in the basin.
The Management of nurses in Internet-based home care in tertiary general hospitals in China: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Cao Ziwei , Yue Liqing , Peng Huan , Li Bingyu , Peng Bin
Published: September 2024

Background
China is currently implementing a “Internet-Based Home Care” program that refers to medical institutions use institution-registered nurses to provide door-to-door nursing services to patients discharged from hospitals/illnesses with limited mobility through an "online application and offline service" model. And tertiary general hospitals are playing a leading role in this program.The management of nurses in the program is crucial. But the overall development situation of Internet-based home care in tertiary general hospitals is still unclear.
Purpose:
To understand the current situation and problems in the management of nurses' participation in Internet-based home care in tertiary general hospitals in China, and to propose corresponding recommendations and strategies.
Methods:
From March 1 to December 31, 2022, a two-stage mixed method approach was used in this study. Phase 1 employed an online survey to explore the current situation and problems in the management of nurses' participation in Internet-based home care in Chinese tertiary general hospitals. Based on the findings of phase 1, phase 2 included a focus group interview to collect nurses' views and opinions on the program.
Results:
The survey results showed that the coverage of Internet-based home care in Chinese tertiary general hospitals was 64.1%. According to the survey results of these hospitals that had carried out Internet-based home care, 51.3% of these hospitals had less than 5% of all nurses participating in the program. And 85% of the 75 hospitals provided this service less than 50 times per month. 97.33% of the 75 hospitals provided pre-job training and assessment for nurses who participated in the program, but there were no uniform training and assessment standards. And there still were legal risks and medical safety risks in this program. The mechanisms for distributing benefits among the involved parties have not yet been well established. In addition, a total of 3 main themes were identified in the interviews, including (1) attitudes of nurses, (2) proposals, and (3) expectations and supports.
Conclusion:
This study investigated the current situation of nurses' participation in Internet-based home care services in tertiary general hospitals in China. Meanwhile, it explored the problems and recommendations related to human resources, safety assurance, training and assessment, performance, and incentive mechanisms for nurses participating in the program. It is suggested that relevant departments in China should learn from the mature experience of home care abroad, combine it with the actual situation in China, explore the training system, formulate implementation rules, clarify the process, and guide the standardized development of Internet-based home care.
The mediating role of professional values and self-efficacy in the relationship between organizational justice and quality of working life among nurses in southwestern Iran
Authors: Ansari Sahar , Mohebbi Zinat , Torabizadeh Camellia
Published: September 2024

Background: An optimal quality of working life (QWL) is crucial for the preservation and maintenance of employees. Organizational justice, as a significant organizational factor, leads to the improvement and enhancement of QWL in organizations, which can in turn promote organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and ultimately increased productivity. One variable that can be influenced by organizational justice is self-efficacy, which strengthens the flexibility of nurses in challenging operating room environments. Professional values form the foundation of the nursing profession, enabling nurses to manage conflicts and prioritize actions. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between organizational justice and quality of work life, with an emphasis on the mediating role of professional values and self-efficacy among the operating room and anesthesia nurses.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Iran in 2023.Via convenience sampling, 376 operating room and anesthesia nurses participated in this study. Data were collected in person using five questionnaires: demographic characteristics, organizational justice (Niehoff & Moorman), quality of work life (Walton), professional values (Schank & Weis), and job self-efficacy (Riggs).
Results: 376 operating room and anesthesia nurses with a mean age of 33.92 ± 7.02 years and a mean work experience of 9.98 ± 7.76 years participated in the study. The majority were female (60.6%). According to the results of structural equation modeling, the mediating variables of professional values (T-values = 7.11) and self-efficacy (T-values = 4.46) had a statistically significant effect on the correlation between organizational justice and nurses' QWL. The results of the Sobel test and Variance Accounted For (VAF) statistics also confirmed the mediating role of professional values and self-efficacy in the relationship between organizational justice and QWL.
Conclusion: Organizational justice not only directly impacts QWL but also indirectly affects it through professional values and self-efficacy. Policymakers in the healthcare system and hospital managers can enhance QWL and promote a fairer work environment in operating rooms by increasing their self-efficacy levels and respecting nursing professional values.
Factors Influencing the Choices of Coffee Marketing Channels by Smallholder Farmers in Jimma Zone, Oromia Region, Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Asmare Zewdu Getachew , Kenee Fekadu Beyene , Mohamed Jema Haji , Tefera Tesfaye Lemma
Published: September 2024

Coffee is one of the most important agricultural commodities with significant contributions to the growth and well-functioning of Ethiopia’s economy, and the social stability of the country (Alemseged, 2012). Despite its importance, the performance of the sector has been unsatisfactory due to various production- and marketing-related factors. This study was thus conducted with the objective of identifying the factors influencing the choices of marketing channels for selling dry-processed or red coffee cherries. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 377 sample farmers selected from Gomma and Limmu Kossa districts of Jimma zone in southwestern Ethiopia through a multistage stratified simple random sampling technique. The data were collected from October 2019 to January 2020 after pretesting the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and a multivariate probit (MVP) econometric model were used to analyse the data. The results obtained from separate MVP regression model analyses reveal that sex, coffee land size and productivity, average dry-processed coffee selling price, frequency of visits by the DA, cooperative membership, access to credit, training, off- and non-farm income sources, and distance to cooperatives’ and private traders’ marketing centers influenced the choices of local consumers, traders or cooperatives for selling dry-processed or red coffee cherries. The findings suggest that farmers should be provided with coffee production- and productivity-enhancing technologies that could increase yield and productivity and the marketed supply of coffee. Moreover, farmers should be provided with information regarding the importance of cooperatives and training on ways to improve coffee production and productivity. Finally, cooperatives should incorporate credit schemes at peak coffee production and during the marketing season so that members prefer to supply their coffee to the cooperatives and earn better coffee income at the end.
Evaluation of Novel and Traditional Anthropometric Indices for Predicting Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Nepali Adult Population
Authors: Pokharel Daya Ram , Maskey Abhishek , Kafle Ramchandra , Kathayat Goma , Manandhar Binod , Manandhar Krishna Das
Published: September 2024

Background
Various anthropometric indices have been proposed to assess central obesity and predict metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, their predictive capabilities for MetS have not been evaluated in the Nepali adult population. This study aimed to compare the predictive potential of 12 anthropometric indices for MetS and its components among Nepali adults.
Methods
Baseline data were collected from 1116 adult residents (424 females, 792 males) of Gandaki Province, Nepal aged between 30–86 years. Twelve anthropometric indices viz. Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), Waist-Height Ratio (WHtR), Weight-Adjusted-Waist Index (WWI) A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Abdominal Volume Index (AVI), Body Adiposity Index (BAI), Body Roundness Index (BRI), Clinica Universidad de Navarra-Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE), Conicity Index (CI), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) were calculated. MetS was defined using modified National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was carried out to determine the predictive ability (AUCs, optimal cut-offs, Youden indices, sensitivities, and specificities) of these indices for MetS and its components. AUC differences between various index pairs were also calculated.
Results
VAI demonstrated the best performance in predicting MetS (AUC: 0.866 for females, 0.882 for males), followed by LAP (AUC: 0.839 for females, 0.869 for males). WHR showed good performance (AUC: 0.749 for females, 0.722 for males). WHtR and BRI performed similarly (AUCs: 0.687–0.697). Optimal cutoffs were as follows: VAI > 1.97 (females), > 2.16 (males); LAP > 53.4 (both sexes); WHR > 0.98 (both sexes); WHtR > 0.638 (females), > 0.56 (males); BRI > 5.76 (females), > 4.75 (males). ABSI and BAI exhibited the poorest diagnostic performance for MetS prediction in both sexes (AUC < 0.530).
Conclusion
Among Nepali adults, VAI and LAP outperformed traditional measures such as BMI, WHR and WHtR in predicting MetS and its components. These findings contribute to developing population-specific screening strategies for MetS in Nepal, potentially enhancing early detection and prevention of cardiometabolic disorders.
Proximate and mineral compositions of rice varieties from three (3) agro ecological zones in Nigeria
Authors: Enyi Chukwunwike Uchenna , Nwachukwu Chinwe Adaobi , Ogbedeagu Clara Obiageri , Okorie-Humphrey Chinasa
Published: September 2024

This study aims to evaluate the proximate and mineral compositions of rice varieties from three agro ecological zones in Nigeria. Kano. Rice varieties: Faros 44, 52 and 60 were purchased directly from the Agricultural development centers from these ecological zones, and subjected to evaluation of proximate and mineral compositions. The research findings indicate that moisture contents ranged from 10.80 (Faro 52 from Kano) to 13.33% (Faros 44, 52 and 60 from Ebonyi). Low fat content was observed in Faro 44 from Niger (0.28%) while Faros 52 from Ebonyi recorded the highest fat content of 0.65%. Protein ranged from 10.4% (Faro 44 from Ebonyi) to 15.9% (Faro 44 from Kano); ash from 0.66% (Faro 52 from Ebonyi) to 2.04% (faro 44 and 60 from Ebonyi and faro 60 from Niger); fiber from 0.7% (Faro 44 from Kano) to 5.5% (Faro 60 from Ebonyi); carbohydrate from 64.12 (Faro 60 from Ebonyi) to 73.07% (Faro 52 from Niger). Calcium ranged from 1.04 to 1.87 mg/100g. Faro 60 from Ebonyi recorded the highest while Faro 52 from Niger recorded the lowest. Zinc ranged from 1.24 to 3.88 mg/100g. Faro 44 from Ebonyi recorded the highest while Faro 44 from Kano recorded the lowest. Magnesium ranged from 0.008 to 0.26 mg/100g. Faro 44 from Niger recorded the highest while Faro 60 from Ebonyi recorded the lowest. Analysis of variance revealed that zone, variety, and interactive effect of zone and variety, had significant (P < 0.05) effect on the proximate and mineral compositions of the parameters evaluated.
Characterization of the complete genome of a novel allexivirus infecting Sauropus androgynus in China
Authors: Zhu Li-Juan , Su Lan-Yi , Sen Xing , Pan Shifang , Xia Fagang , Han Yan-Hong , Xu Zhongtian , Xu Qian
Published: September 2024

A new virus was found in S. androgynus with curled and yellow leaves in China, andtentatively named as sauropus androgynus virus(SaV). The complete genome of SaV is an 8,007 nucleotides (+) single-stranded RNA excluding a 3’-poly(A) tail, and contains six open reading frames (ORFs). Both pairwise comparisons and phylogenetic analyseswith putative replicase or coat protein show that SaV shares high homology with allexiviruses in the family Alphaflexiviridae. SaV should be the first allexivirus reported in S. androgynus.
Postgraduate GPs’ experience of attending Medical Uncertainty Training during the Standardised Training of Residents: A qualitative process evaluation
Authors: Liu Zhihui , Zhao Yingshuai , Shi Weili , Wang Liuyi
Published: September 2024

Background
Uncertainty is a pervasive aspect of primary healthcare, significantly impacting clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Medical Uncertainty Training (MUT) courses aim to equip healthcare providers with the skills needed to manage this uncertainty effectively.
Objective
To explore post-graduate General Practitioners' (GPs) experiences and perspectives on attending MUT courses during standardized residency training in China, focusing on the potential mechanism of such courses in handling uncertainty and identified areas for improvement.
Methods
A qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews was conducted with 15 post-graduate GPs, selected through purposive sampling from January 2024 to March 2024. Data were collected through in-depth interviews conducted face-to-face or via video conferencing, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using NVivo14 software. Themes related to the course's structure, process, and outcomes were identified.
Results
Three principal themes emerged from the process evaluation interviews, categorized according to the Donabedian structure-process-outcome framework as teaching structure, teaching process, and teaching outcome. These themes were further subdivided into specific sub-themes including necessity of the course, comprehensive curriculum design, cognitive, emotional and behavioral education, flexibility and accessibility, interactive learning methods, continuous feedback and reflection, enhanced clinical judgment, increased resilience and confidence, Real-World application challenges.
Conclusion
The process evaluation findings provided more information on GPs' perceptions and experiences of attending MUT. Compared to increasing tolerance for uncertainty, medical students are more concerned with improving their personal competence in uncertain situations. By integrating cognitive, emotional, and behavioral education, the course builds GPs' confidence and skills in handling complex medical cases. Future research should validate these results across diverse settings and assess the long-term impact on clinical practice and professional development.
Low knowledge levels and high willingness to use oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) among Key Populations in Kampala, Uganda: Implications for targeted educational interventions
Authors: Ssuna Bashir , Armstrong-Hough Mari , Ngaybe Maiya G Block , Kalibbala Dennis , Kalyango Joan N , Kiweewa Flavia Matovu
Published: September 2024

Background: Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces new human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) infections by up to 96% and is recommended for key populations by the World Health Organization. Understanding the knowledge and willingness to use PrEP is essential for effective implementation. This study assessed these factors and identifiedcharacteristics associated with differences in knowledge among key populations in Kampala, Uganda.
Methods: We administered a cross-sectional survey to a systematic sample of 497 participants from fisherfolk (283, 56.9%), men who have sex with men (MSM) (93, 18.7%), and female sex worker (FSW) (121, 24.4%) communities in Kampala Central, where PrEP had not yet been rolled out. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, PrEP awareness, and HIV-related behavioralfactors were collected. Knowledge about PrEP was measured using an adopted questionnaire comprising five key questions about PrEP knowledge, graded as no knowledge, some knowledge and good knowledge. Ordered probit regression models were used to analyze the associations of independent factors with PrEP knowledge levels.
Results: Participants had a mean age of 29±7.6 years. Ofthese, 257 (51.7%) reported having sex with women, 157 (31.6%) with men and 83 (16.7%) with both men and women. Self-reported HIV-positive status was 6.4% in fisherfolk, 11.8% in MSM and 27.3% in FSW. PrEP awareness stood at 62.4% overall, with the highest awareness in FSW (73.6%) and the lowest in fisherfolk (54.1%). Willingness to use PrEP was high across all groups (77.7%), although it was lower among FSW (66.9%). Multivariate probit analysis highlighted key independent factors associated with PrEP knowledge among fisherfolks and HIV-related concerns (Adj. Coeff = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.97) and lack of PrEP awareness (Adj. Coeff = -0.99, 95% CI:-1.28, -0.70); among MSM, lack of PrEP awareness (Adj. Coeff = -1.74, 95% CI:-2.38, -1.10); and in FSW, tertiary education (Adj. Coeff = 1.53, 95% CI: 0.07, 2.99) and marital status (Adj. Coeff = 0.57, 95% CI=0.09, 1.05). MEshighlighted the influence of these independent factors at each knowledge level.
Conclusions and Recommendations: Despite the high willingness to use PrEP, significant knowledge gaps exist, particularly concerning dosage and use duration, which are influenced by factors such as HIV concern and educational attainment. Tailored educational initiatives may bridge these gaps and enhance willingness to use PrEP.
Point-of-Care No-Specimen Diagnostic Platform using Machine Learning and Raman Spectroscopy: Proof-of-Concept Studies for Both COVID-19 and Blood Glucose
Authors: Chefitz Allen , Singh Rohit , Birch Thomas , Yang Yongwu , Hussain Arib , Chefitz Gabriella
Published: September 2024

Significance
We describe a novel, specimen-free diagnostic platform that can immediately detect both a metabolite (glucose) or an infection (COVID-19), by non-invasively using Raman spectroscopy and machine learning.
Aim
Current diagnostic testing for infections and glucose monitoring requires specimens, disease specific reagents, processing, and increases environmental waste. We propose a new hardware-software paradigm by designing and constructing a finger-scanning, hardware device to acquire Raman spectroscopy readouts and, by varying a machine learning algorithm to interpret the data, allows for diverse diagnoses.
Approach
455 patients were enrolled prospectively in the COVID-19 study. 148 tested positive and 307 tested negative on nasal PCR testing done concurrently with testing using our viral detector. The tests were performed on both outpatients (N=382) and inpatients (N= 73) at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, NJ between June 2021 and August 2022. Patients’ fingers were scanned using an 830nm Raman System and then, using machine learning, processed to provide an immediate result.
In a separate study between April 2023 and August 2023, measurements using the same device and scanning a finger were used to detect blood glucose levels. Using a Dexcom sensor and an Accu-Chek device as references, a cross- validation based regression of 205 observations of blood glucose was performed with a machine learning algorithm.
Results
In a five-fold cross-validation analysis (including asymptomatic patients), a machine learning classifier using the Raman spectra as input achieved a specificity for COVID-19 of 0.837 at a sensitivity of 0.80 and an area under receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.896). However, when the data were split by time, with training data consisting of observations before 1 July 2022 and test data consisting of observations after it, the model achieved an AUROC of 0.67, with 0.863 sensitivity at a specificity of 0.517. This decrease in AUROC may be due to substantial domain shift as the virus evolves. A similar five-fold cross validation analysis of Raman glucose detection produces an area under precision-recall curve (AUPR) of 0.58.
Conclusion
The combination of Raman spectroscopy, AI/ML, and our patient-interface admitting only a patient’s finger and using no specimen, offers unprecedented flexibility in introducing new diagnostic tests or adapting existing ones. As the ML algorithm can be iteratively retrained with new data and the software deployed to field devices remotely, it promises to be a valuable tool for detecting rapidly emerging infectious outbreaks, as well as disease specific biomarkers, such as glucose.
Exploring Nutrient Supplements for Enhanced Growth and Quality of Devaleraea mollis and Palmaria hecatensis
Authors: Jung Jae Woo , Dittrich Muriel , Kim Jang K. , Umanzor Schery
Published: September 2024

Devaleraea mollis and Palmaria hecatensis have emerged as potential species for land-based cultivation of red seaweeds in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Land-based cultivation has the advantage of customization of high-quality biomass production. However, the high material and preparation costs of the von Stosch enrichment medium (VSE) are a limitation of land-based cultivation of D. mollis and P. hecatensis. This study aims to reduce operational and management costs associated with controlling the culturing conditions of D. mollis and P. hecatensis without compromising biomass growth and quality in land-based tank cultivation systems. Five experimental treatments, 1) ambient seawater (AS); 2) VSE; 3) Guillard's f/2 medium (f/2); 4) commercial fertilizer, Jack's Special (JS); 5) JS with vitamin (JSV), were used in the present study. The growth, pigment, and protein content of D. mollis and P. hecatensis were measured. Except for AS, Palmaria hecatensis showed similar growth, pigment, and protein content at all experimental treatments. The growth and protein content of D. mollisexposed to VSE were decreased by nitrogen limitation. However, the protein content of D. mollis exposed to JS and JSV significantly increased without a decrease in growth. Therefore, the commercial fertilizer, Jack's Special (25-5-15), can replace the VSE for D. mollis and P. hecatensis, reducing operational and management costs link to nutrient supplementation.
A qualitative study of patient competence for patient engagement in their safety——from the perspective of nurses and patients
Authors: Lu Ying , Zhang Jin Jin , Liu Xue , Zhou Yao Ling , Zhang Han Qin , Yan Qiao Yuan , Zeng Na
Published: September 2024

Objectives: To elucidate the essential competencies required for patient engagement in their own safety.
Method: We adopted a phenomenological approach in qualitative research to conduct semi-structured interviews with nurses (n=14) and adult patients (n=13) from different departments. By deeply exploring their experiences and feelings about patient participation in patient safety, we sought to understand their views on the qualities that patients need to possess in order to participate in their own safety.
Results：From the interviews，we identified seven major themes, including competence of information sharing, competence of taking patient engagement as responsibility and right, competence of making equal communication, competence of maintaining trust relationship with health personnels, competence of accepting non-punitive safety culture, need of resource support, need of channels to provide accurate health information, five of them showed essential competences for patients and two of them showed patients’ need for promoting their engagement.
Conclusion：The findings of this study show necessary competence and needs in patient engagement process of patient, offer a foundational reference for constructing a measurement tool for patient engagement in patient safety competence in the future, so that medical staff and patients can provide reference for the future targeted construction of patient competence improvement programs. At the same time, improving patient competence and engagement to better achieve safety goals requires the joint efforts of patients, medical staff, medical institutions, the government, and society.
Patient Self Rated Pain: Headache Versus Migraine a Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Toigo Elizabeth , Pellot Erin , Lyons Hannah , McAllister Peter , Taylor Martin
Published: September 2024

Background: The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) uses moderate or severe pain intensity in the diagnostic criterion for migraine. However, few studies have analyzed pain rating on a visual analog scale to identify the numerical intensity that correlates with migraine.
Objective To evaluate the impact of daily self-rated headache pain among patients with either episodic or chronic migraine. This study specifically aims to evaluate the probability of patients labeling their head pain as a headache vs migraine based on the pain level reported.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients with a clinical diagnosis of migraine from July 1, 2014, to July 1, 2019.
Results: Data of 114 subjects (57 episodic migraine and 57 chronic migraine) were used for analysis. Patients with episodic migraine on average rated a migraine more severe than a headache (4.1 VS 6.4; p<0.001). Patients with chronic migraine on average also rated migraine more severe than a headache (4.3 vs 6.8; p=0.0054). Chronic migraine patients transitioned from calling head pain a headache to a migraine significantly later than episodic migraine patients (4.5 vs 6.8; p<0.05).
Conclusion: Migraine is perceived as having higher pain intensity than a headache in patients with both episodic and chronic migraine. Patients with chronic migraine have a higher pain threshold when reported a migraine.
Clock gene Bmal1 influences the cell cycle of chondrocytes in osteoarthritis
Authors: Yang Chunsheng , Chen Mi , Aletengbieke Zulifeiya , Wang Baolan
Published: September 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease caused by multiple factors. This study used in vitro and animal models to investigate the connection between the biological clock and cell cycle in osteoarthritic cartilage. The results indicate that the transcription levels of the circadian clock gene Bmal1 exhibit a negative correlation with Mmp13 and positive correlation with Wee1. Thus, increased expression of Bmal1 and Wee1 may be a potential protective factor in osteoarthritis, while high expression of Per1, Cdk1, Ccnb1, and Mmp13 may be a risk factor. By controlling the cell cycle and contributing to the pathophysiology of OA, the biological clock may impact the apoptosis of chondrocytes.
Optimization of Shunt Reactor Design Using Evolutionary Algorithms: PSO and DE
Authors: Ascencion-Mestiza Hector , Maximov Serguei , Olivares-Galvan Juan C. , Ocon-Valdez Rodrigo , Mezura-Montes Efrén , Escarela-Perez Rafael
Published: September 2024

This study proposes the use of stochastic evolutionary algorithms, specifically Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Differential Evolution (DE), for optimizing the design of an extra high voltage 400/ √ 3 kV, 50 MVAr, 60 Hz core type shunt reactor. The goal is to minimize material costs and consider the evaluated loss cost to maximize efficiency while meeting relevant specifications and regulations. All key optimization variables are considered, including the number of turns, the diameter and number of core magnetic packages, the length of air gaps, and the cross-sectional area of the coil conductor. The main calculation formulas are described, and a Python program is developed using PSO and DE algorithms. The results show a total ownership cost (TOC) reduction of 3.34% 1 and 5.55% using PSO and DE respectively, compared to the actual design built and tested in the laboratory by a national manufacturer, which was designed using trial and error method. Finally, the program is evaluated by performing different designs based on the evaluated cost of losses (USD/kW). It is concluded that the application of PSO and DE algorithms in shunt reactor design offers promising results, yielding more efficient solutions in terms of cost and time, ensuring compliance with current standards, and providing flexibility to optimize the design considering the specific efficiency requirements of the electrical grid based on the evaluated cost of losses.
Quantum Long Short-Term Memory for Drug Discovery
Authors: Zhang Liang , Xu Yin , Wu Mohan , Wang Liang , Xu Hua
Published: September 2024

Quantum computing combined with machine learning (ML) is an extremely promising research area, with numerous studies demonstrating that quantum machine learning (QML) is expected to solve scientific problems more effectively than classical ML. In this work, we successfully apply QML to drug discovery, showing that QML can significantly improve model performance and achieve faster convergence compared to classical ML. Moreover, we demonstrate that the model accuracy of the QML improves as the number of qubits increases. We alsointroduce noise to our model and find that it has littleeffect on experimental conclusions, illustrating the high robustness of the QML model. This work highlights the potential application of quantum computing to yield significant benefits for scientific advancement as the qubit quantity increase and quality improvement in the future.
Compressive Behavior of Wood Contact with Mortar and Epoxy Resin Adhesives
Authors: Kosugi Shun , Totsuka Marina , Nakashima Hiroki , Ikeda Masakazu , Aoki Kenji
Published: September 2024

In recent years, researchers and engineers have developed a wide range of connection systems between wood and other materials, such as concrete and steel. However, the mechanical behavior of the surfaces where wood meets these materials is yet to be understood. In wood, low-stiffness areas called damage zones form near end grains, when compressed parallel to the grain. These low-stiffness areas may come in contact with various materials; therefore, understanding the behavior of the damage zones with various materials. This paper describes the results and analysis of experimental tests conducted on 130 specimens compressed parallel to the grain, to examine the compression behavior when the low-stiffness areas of glulam (Japanese cedar and Japanese larch) come in contact with mortar, epoxy adhesives, and steel. Compared with specimens joined with steels, the specimens joined with mortar had lower strength and stiffness, whereas those with epoxy structural adhesives had higher or almost equivalent strength and stiffness. Additionally, the specimens joined with mortar had the most significant strain in the damage zone, followed by those with steel loading plates and those with epoxy structural adhesives. These results suggest that using mortar as a contact material has a detrimental effect on the strength and stiffness of glulam. In contrast, the use of epoxy structural adhesives can improve the stiffness of glulam by mitigating the effects of the damage zone.
Fetal Chondrodysplasia Punctata: A Clinical Study of Five Cases
Authors: Deng Qian , Wang Wen , Wang Meili , Wu Yanmei , Jin Yuanyuan , Zhou Xiaoshu , Lu Yaping , Wang Xiaohu
Published: September 2024

Background
To explore prenatal ultrasonic manifestations, genetic etiology and pregnancy outcomes of fetal chondrodysplasia punctata (CDP).
Methods
Five fetuses from three families diagnosed with CDP by prenatal ultrasound were retrospectively analysed, and the clinical features, genetic testing results and pregnancy outcomes of CDP cases were analysed.
Results
(1)Prenatal ultrasound showed punctate strong echogenicity of long diaphyseal epiphysis(mainly at femur,tibia,humerus) in all five fetuses. Four fetuses (4/5,80%) were complicated with short long bones. Three fetuses (3/5,60%) were complicated with spinal anomalies and one case(1/5,20%) were complicated with Binder syndrome. Cataracts were presented in 2 fetuses(2/5,40%). (2) Genetic testing was performed in all five fetuses. There were no abnormalities in chromosome karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis(CMA). However some regional gene pathogenic variations were found in whole exome sequencing(WES). (3)Induced labour was performed in four fetuses. Only one fetus was delivered at 39 weeks of gestation and transferred to the department of pediatrics for respiratory support due to dyspnea after birth, and had the good prognosis with follow-up.
Conclusion
The fetuses diagnosed with CDP mostly have genetic abnormalities and adverse neonatal outcomes. For fetuses with punctate strong echogenicity of long diaphyseal epiphysis and short long bones detected by ultrasound, it is necessary to comprehensively screen for other systemic malformations, especially spinal dysplasia and facial malformations. Genetic testing is recommended.
JAYA Optimization Inherited Self-Organizing Fuzzy Sliding-Mode Controller for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Kumara Varuna , Ganesan Ezhilarasan
Published: September 2024

Background: Due to the rising demand for water, wastewater treatment processes (WWTPs) gain huge attention. However, operating WWTPs is complex due to the physical, chemical, and biological processes involved, and they often face issues like nonlinearity, unpredictability, and disruptions, which can impair control performance and cause instability.
Objective: To address these challenges, a fuzzy-based sliding-mode controller (FSMC) is proposed to improve control performance and stability.
Methods: To suppress the disturbances and uncertainties on controlling WWTP, fuzzy logic is incorporated with SMC. The FSMC parameters are optimally tuned by means of a JAYA optimization Algorithm depending on the tracking error and structure complexities. The proposed controller reduce disruptions and unpredictability by controlling the bioreactor, eases computational burdens by updating parameter values, and enhances control performance while minimizing chattering through the JAYA optimization technique.
Results: The performance analysis is done by comparing the proposed method with standard approaches. The investigation is conducted on WWTP with five pH reactors, pH underflow, pH overflow, and pH influent conditions. Error analysis shows that the FSMC has achieved the RMSE error of 0.23641, which is better than existing MAHPFSMC, WFSMC, GFSMC, SSFSMC, IBFSMC, IMBFSMC, OFSMC, WO, and SOSMC methods.
Novel clustered federated learning based on local loss
Authors: Gu Endong , Chen Yongxin , Wen Hao , Cai Xingju , Han Deren
Published: September 2024

This paper proposes LCFL, a novel clustering metric for evaluating clients' data distributions in federated learning. LCFL aligns with federated learning requirements, accurately assessing client-to-client variations in data distribution. It offers advantages over existing clustered federated learning methods, addressing privacy concerns, improving applicability to non-convex models, and providing more accurate classification results. LCFL does not require prior knowledge of clients' data distributions. We provide a rigorous mathematical analysis, demonstrating the correctness and feasibility of our framework. Numerical experiments with neural network instances highlight the superior performance of LCFL over baselines on several clustered federated learning benchmarks.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) MSC code1 · MSC code2 · more
The Effect of Surgical and Non-surgical Periodontal Treatment on the Quality of Life in Patients With Periodontitis
Authors: Gerzile Aliye , Naziker Yonca , Özer Ece , Ertuğrul Abdullah Seçkin
Published: September 2024

Background: The purpose of the present research is evaluating the status of periodontitis patients and changes in their quality of life after non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment using OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile), OHRQoL-UK (Oral Health Related Quality of Life United Kingdom) questionnaires, and VAS (Visual Analogue Scale).
Methods: A total of 50 people, classified as periodontitis patients, participated in this study, 27 of whom received non-surgical treatment and 23 of whom received surgical treatment in addition to non-surgical treatment. OHIP-14, OHRQoL-UK questionnaires and VAS were administered to these patients before and after their periodontal treatments.
Results: OHRQoL-UK results found that there was a statistically significant increase in the 3rd month control values ​​after the flap operation compared to the initial session (p<0.05). Compared to non-surgical periodontal treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in quality of life in all categories except the pain/discomfort category (p>0.05). Although OHIP-14 results showed a statistically significant difference in all categories (p<0.05) compared to the initial (T1) values ​​of non-surgical treatment (T2) and surgical periodontal treatment (T3), no significant difference was found between T2 and T3 treatment. (p>0.05). After surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatment, an increase in some values ​​was observed in VAS results compared to the initial session, but no significant difference was found. (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Compared to T1 values, a significant difference was observed in T2 and T3, but when the values after T2 and T3 were compared; there was no significant difference in the quality of life of patients with periodontitis.
Research on fracture propagation process of coal seam hydraulic fracturing based on simulation analysis and microseismic monitoring
Authors: Jing Tongling , Tao Chuanqi , Liu Du , Li Yong , Han Wenlong , Miao Huan , Fu Haiyang
Published: September 2024

Coal structures significantly influence the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing, which is vital for enhancing coalbed methane production. Experiments, models, and microseismic monitoring show how coal structures affect fracture propagation: (1) Different structural combinations affect the initiation pressure and time, with variations in the way cracks expand depending on the structure. (2) An increase in the thickness of clastic coal leads to fracture extension towards it, while the native coal structure facilitates fracture expansion. Cracks propagate along the largest horizontal principal stress direction due to the increased bonding and flexibility of clump coal when exposed to fracturing fluid. (3) In the "two hards sandwiching one soft" structural combination, where hard coal is thick and soft coal is thin, cracks propagate through the soft coal. The hard coal provides effective crack generation, yet the presence of soft coal notably increases fracturing fluid loss.
Constitutive expression of the deubiquitinating enzyme CYLD does not affect microglia phenotype or function in homeostasis and neuroinflammation
Authors: Schramm Eva , Becker Vanessa , Palagi Ilaria , Müller Melanie , Rösler Thomas , Durak Feyza , Ebering Anna , Karram Khalad , von Stebut Esther , Schmeisser Michael J. , Waisman Ari
Published: September 2024

The deubiquitinating enzyme CYLD negatively regulates NF-κB signaling by removing activating ubiquitin chains from several members of the NF-κB pathway. Thereby, CYLD is critical for the maintenance and differentiation of various immune cells. Despite the importance of the NF-κB pathway in microglia regulation, the role of CYLD in microglia has not been investigated so far. In this study, we investigated whether CYLD in microglia can protect against neuroinflammation using a newly generated conditional mouse strain (Rosa26-Cyld-tdTomato) that allows cell type-specific CYLD overexpression. Here, we show that overexpression of CYLD in microglia did not alter microglia numbers or microglia morphology in different brain regions. Additionally, CYLD overexpression did not modify the microglial response to LPS-induced neuroinflammation or the disease severity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Finally, also immune cell infiltration into the CNS during EAE and under steady state conditions remained unaffected by microglial CYLD overexpression. Our findings suggest that CYLD overexpression does not alter microglial function, and thus does not represent a viable therapeutic strategy in neuroinflammatory conditions. This study highlights the complexity of ubiquitin-mediated signaling in neuroinflammation and the need for cell-type-specific investigations. The Rosa26-Cyld-tdTomato mouse model offers a valuable tool for studying CYLD’s role across various tissues and cell types.
SP-LID:Subtle Perturbation Sensitive Adversarial Example Detection Method Based on Local Intrinsic Dimension
Authors: Ge JiaWei , Wang Juan , Yu Yue , Chen Ran
Published: September 2024

Computer vision models based on deep learning technology are vulnerable to adversarial examples. By adding some subtle perturbations to the examples, the attacker can make the deep learning model make mistakes, which will lead to serious consequences. In order to better defend against this attack, one of the methods is to detect and cull the adversarial examples. Compared with the original local intrinsic dimension detection method, this paper proposes an optimized local intrinsic dimension detection method to characterize the dimensional properties of adversarial examples. This method not only detects the distance distribution of a example to its neighbors, but also evaluates the sensitivity of a example to perturbations to determine whether it is an adversarial example. Four different adversarial attack strategies were used to evaluate the defense effect of the proposed method. The experimental results show that the improved local intrinsic dimension detection method is more effective than other defense methods, and plays a significant role in different data sets.
Customer Acceptance of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: A Systematic Literature Review and Proposition of Conceptual Framework for Future Research
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Ku Daruri Venkata Srinivas , Sinha Pankhuri , Megha R U
Published: September 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the healthcare sector worldwide. AI solutions are improving healthcare by complementing workforce requirements and enhancing the quality of care through early diagnosis, robot-assisted surgery, remote patient monitoring, electronic healthcare record keeping, etc. Customer adoption is crucial for the successful implementation of AI in healthcare. There has been an increase in academic research on customer adoption of AI in healthcare. Through a systematic literature review, this study tries to determine the state of the art of customer acceptance of AI in healthcare along with factors affecting customer adoption of AI in healthcare. The authors appliedthe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method for article search and selection for the review. A total of 3732 articles were identified for the screening after removing duplicates, and one hundred and twenty-six articles fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selected articles were analyzed using the Theory, Characteristics, Contexts, and Methods (TCCM) framework. Among the articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria in the study, the most commonly used methodology and theoretical foundation were the survey method and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), respectively. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, privacy concerns, etc., are some of the key factors affecting customer adoption of AI in healthcare. This review leads to a conceptual research framework of Antecedents, Service encounters, and outcomes (A-S-O) for future research on customer acceptance of AI in healthcare.
Improvement of paper moisture permeability with hydrophobic modified nanocellulose/poly (lactic acid) composites
Authors: XU Xiaoguang , Chu Hongzhe , Chen Zeyan , Liu Yang , Huang Jifeng , Yang Yujie
Published: September 2024

Polylactic acid (PLA) and nanocellulose fibers (CNF) are promising biodegradable materials that exhibit great potential in healthcare and packaging applications. In this study, dissolved CNF (DMCNF) was obtained through the AlCl3/ZnCl2 solution system and subsequently grafted with γ-methylacryloxy propyl trimethoxy-silane (KH-570), and PLA/DMCNF coated paper was fabricated by the coating process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis, water permeability, water contact angle, and tensile testing were employed to characterize the prepared coated paper. The results indicate that the dissolution of AlCl3/ZnCl2 can significantly facilitate the modification of CNF, and the addition of DMCNF has a crucial impact on the overall properties of polylactic acid coated paper. The increase of DMCNF can enhance the moisture permeability, hydrophobicity, and tensile properties of PLA-based coated paper. Notably, the moisture permeability of PLA/DMCNF coated paper was reduced by 72.6% compared to the base paper. Therefore, this research provides an effective approach for the enhancement of PLA-based coated paper.
Socio-Environmental Vulnerability Assessment in a Multi-Source Polluted Region: A Case Study of Mezquital Valley, Central Mexico
Authors: Hernandez-Flores Maria de la Luz , Nieto-Pérez Itzel , Osorno-Baños Evelin , Galeana-Pizaña Jose Mauricio , Otazo-Sánchez Elena Maria , Gonzalez-Reyes Jose Roberto
Published: September 2024

The conjunction of intensive agricultural and industrial activities has resulted in high accumulations of pollutants in the most exposed geographical areas worldwide. An integrated approach is proposed for the case study of Mezquital Valley, Mexico, a region affected by several sources of pollution. The spatial assessment of concentration levels of pollutants was done by a) grouping them by clusters, b) exploring the geographic accessibility to each group of pollution sources, c) analyzing vulnerability to pollution based on the social point of view, d) estimating the citizen perception of the pollution effects. The following highlights were found: a) The highest contamination levels were found in the group of heavy metals. b) Among the pollution clusters or components that reach a higher geographic incidence, the component related to the processing of oils, lubricants, and products for the automotive industry was the most accessible to the population in a range of 2115.5 km². c) Vulnerability indexes are higher in the northern area, with levels of up to 4.9, while the average value is 0.002. d) 41 localities were found with high socio-environmental vulnerability according to metrics on vulnerability, \(\:P{I}_{i}\), \(\:PI\)n, and HM.