bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Plant design and Economic Analysis for Conversion of Human Hair Waste to Organic Fertiliser
Authors: Shahbaz Laiba , Abdullah Muhammad , Farzain Muhammad , Batool Aliza , Waheed Khalid 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The disposal of human hair waste is becoming a global nuisance, leading to a range of environmental problems. One solution to this challenge is to convert this human hair waste to an organic amino acid-based fertilizer after pre-processing. This paper provides a preliminary plant design for production of one tonne of organic amino acid-based fertilizer from human hair waste, based on existing experimental lab-scale methodologies. The raw materials include waste human hair, potassium hydroxide (KOH), water and phosphoric acid (H3PO4). The plant design is based on optimal production conditions, using specialised equipment with detailed equipment sizing to ensure product quality and efficiency. Results from an economic analysis suggest an approximate total generated revenue of PKR 300 million, with an annual production cost of PKR 180 million. An annual profit of PKR 90 million is expected after tax deductions, with a payback period of 3.5 months. Thus, the plant is economically and technologically feasible while being sustainable and environmentally friendly.
LiDAR-Camera Range-View fusion for 3D Object Detection in Autonomous Driving
Authors: Hu Xuzhong , Duan Zaipeng , An Pei , Zhang Jun , Ma Jie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In recent years, LiDAR-Camera fusion for 3D object detection has emerged as a research hotspot, owing to its superior performance compared to single-sensor approaches. However, the vast majority of methods adopt fusion in the point, voxel, or BEV domains. The distinct representations of LiDAR-Camera data lead to domain discrepancies and misalignment of their features, resulting in suboptimal detection accuracy and slow inference speeds. In contrast, this paper introduces a novel range-view fusion strategy, leveraging its unique advantages --- data homogeneity, accurate feature alignment, and high efficiency --- over other methods. We propose the Range-view Pyramidal Fusion network (RPfusion), in which two modules are specifically designed to address the inherent problems of range-view fusion: the significant scale variations of objects and the feature vanishment of occluded objects. First, Appearance Feature Fusion (AFF) module adaptively integrates complementary geometric and semantic information across different scales using dilated cross-attention. Next, a Range-Guided Cross-Layer Modulation (RGCLM) module is proposed to extract rich contextual information for comprehensive perception and enhance features of occluded targets. The output features can globally decorate raw point cloud, serving as input to any LiDAR-based detectors. Additionally, we propose RPfusion-Det, which employs a RoIfusion module with grid-wise self-attention for local fusion, leading to more precise box refinement. Extensive experiments on the KITTI and NuScenes datasets demonstrate that RPfusion can consistently enhance various detection models. Meanwhile, RPfusion-Det achieves superior accuracy while maintaining efficient inference.
Dual-branch Feature Fusion Network for image denoising
Authors: Gao Lijun , Jin Xiao , Zhang Youzhi , Wang Suran , Sun Zeyang , Wu Jiehong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The goal of image denoising is to reduce or eliminate noise in images, thereby restoring and enhancing the true details and quality of the images. This process is essential for improving the accuracy of image analysis, enhancing image recognition, and optimizing visual effects. Despite the widespread application and notable success of deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in image denoising tasks, existing methods often encounter challenges such as overfitting and limited flexibility. To address these issues, this paper proposes a Dual-Branch Denoising Network (DFFNet) designed to enhance feature extraction capabilities and improve adaptability to noise. Specifically, the proposed DFFNet comprises two distinct parallel branches. In the first branch, a novel Multi-Scale Convolutional Block (MCB) is introduced, which significantly increases the receptive field while simultaneously preserving local details and the overall structure of the image. In the second branch, a Flexible Pooling Attention mechanism (FCA) is designed to reduce computational complexity while enhancing the effectiveness of feature representation. The two branches are then weighted and fused, achieving the dual objectives of noise removal and the preservation of critical image details, thereby improving overall image quality. Extensive experiments on multiple datasets demonstrate that the proposed DFFNet achieves superior denoising performance.
Hospital prevalence of colorectal cancer in Butembo: a retrospective study at Matanda Hospital
Authors: Muyisa Roland , Watumwa Emile , Munzombo Maxime 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a significant global health burden, ranking as the third most common cancer diagnosed worldwide and the second leading cause of mortality. This study seeks to address this knowledge gap by examining the demographic and clinical characteristics of CRC patients treated at Matanda Hospital, in Butembo, Est DR Congo.
Methods
this was a retrospective study of medical records of patients diagnosed with CRC at Matanda Hospital between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022.
Results
The data obtained from Matanda Hospital for the years 2020 to 2022 indicates that out of 4079 patients who sought consultation in the surgery department, 30 were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, constituting 0.74% of the total patients. The majority of the affected individuals were male, aged 30 and above, and a significant proportion were farmers with a primary school education. Most patients with colorectal cancer presented with abdominal pain, with the sigmoid colon being the most commonly affected organ. Chemotherapy was administered in 30% of cases, while excision and stomas were performed in 53.33% and 46.67% of cases, respectively. A majority of patients (76.67%) had a hospitalization duration of less than 1 month, and 63.33% showed improvement in their condition whereas 10.0% died.
Conclusion
The concern of colorectal cancer persists in Butembo. Further research is necessary to determine the true epidemiology of the disease in the town.
High-temperature Raman spectroscopy of K2Ca(CO3)2 bütschliite and Na2Ca2(CO3)3 shortite
Authors: Zeff Garrett , Williams Quentin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Raman spectra of Na2Ca2(CO3)3 shortite and K2Ca(CO3)2 bütschliite were measured to 715°C and 740°C respectively, under vacuum. The vibrational spectra demonstrate that shortite converts to nyerereite (Na2Ca(CO3)2) and calcite at 535°C. This assemblage is stable to ∼700°C, where nyerereite begins to decompose. Bütschliite converts to the isochemical phase fairchildite at 570°C, which is stable to 665°C, where it decomposes to an assemblage of K2CO3 and CaO. The variation of anharmonicity between different vibrational modes of each of the low temperature phases is assessed, and these yield insights into inter-carbonate group couplings. Both fairchildite and nyerereite exhibit spectral features consistent with extensive disordering.
A Novel Effective Models for Identifying BRCA Patients and Optimizing Clinical Treatments
Authors: Luo Yi , Liu Li , Hou Zeyu , Xiong Daigang , Chen Rui 
Published: December 2024

Objective:
This study aimed to develop an effective model that identifies high-risk breast cancer
(BRCA) patients and optimizes clinical treatments.

Methods:
This study includes five public datasets, TCGA-BRCA as the training dataset and other cohorts as the
validation datasets. Machine learning algorithms for finding key tumor-associated immune gene pairs (TAIGPs).
These TAIGPs were used to construct tumor-associated immune gene pair index (TAIGPI) by multivariate analysis
and further validated on the validation datasets. In addition, the differences in clinical prognosis, biological
characteristics, and treatment benefits between high and low TAIGPI groups were further analyzed.

Results:
The TAIGPI was established by 36 TAIGPs. Better clinical outcomes in the low TAIGPI patients, with
consistent results, were also obtained in the validation datasets. The study showed that patients in the low TAIGPI
group had a high infiltration of immune cells and low proliferative activity of tumor cells. In contrast, patients in
the high TAIGPI group exhibited low infiltration of immune cells and high proliferative activity of tumor cells. In
addition, patients in the low TAIGPI group are more likely to benefit from chemotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy,
or immunotherapy.

Conclusions:
The TAIGPI can be an effective predictive strategy for the clinical prognosis of breast cancer patients,
providing new insights into personalized treatment options for breast cancer patients.
Phytochemicals as Therapeutic Agents for ESKAPE Pathogens
Authors: Ghosh Indrani , Khanra Moumita , Banerjee Tanmoy , Sar Shuvam , Chakraverty Raja , Halder Amit Kumar , Chaki Rituparna , Ghosh Nilanjan 
Published: December 2024

Background:
The worldwide increase of antimicrobial resistance in ESKAPE pathogens, which includes Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus,
Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter sp., constitutes a substantial public health hazard,
constraining treatment alternatives and elevating morbidity and mortality rates. As traditional antibiotics diminish in efficacy, phytochemicals are
capturing interest due to their varied antibacterial characteristics and decreased susceptibility to developing antibiotic resistance. Phytochemicals,
such as alkaloids, terpenes, phenolics, flavonoids, and organosulfur compounds, have multi-target processes that might provide innovative
strategies for addressing infections caused by ESKAPE pathogens.

Objective:
The investigation sought to evaluate the effectiveness and mechanisms via which different phytochemicals could hinder and destroy the resistance
pathways of ESKAPE bacteria, emphasizing their potential to serve as therapeutic agents in combating antimicrobial resistance.

Results:
Investigation demonstrates that some phytochemicals may disrupt many bacterial functions, such as cell wall production, membrane integrity,
quorum sensing, and biofilm development in ESKAPE pathogens. For example, carvacrol from essential oils has shown efficacy against S. aureus
by reducing staphyloxanthin synthesis and altering regulatory proteins, including SarA. Furthermore, conessine has altered resistance in A.
baumannii by inhibiting the AdeIJK efflux pump. Flavonoids like resveratrol and curcumin have shown synergistic benefits with conventional
antibiotics by improving their effectiveness while minimizing toxicity. These chemicals address several resistance pathways, impairing the ability
of infections to build resistance.

Conclusion:
Phytochemicals provide an opportunity to facilitate the development of novel therapies targeting antimicrobial resistance in ESKAPE bacteria.
Extensive efficacy and distinctive multi-target mechanisms of phytochemicals provide them promising candidates for combination therapy,
possibly reinstating antibiotic effectiveness and decelerating the development of resistance. Additional investigation into the increase of
bioavailability and clinical usage is essential to fully exploring the medicinal potential of phytochemicals.
Metaphor Diffusion in Online Health Communities: Infodemiology Study in a Stroke Online Health Community
Authors: Khoshnaw Sara , Panzarasa Pietro , De Simoni Anna 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Online health communities (OHCs) enable patients to create social ties with people with similar health conditions outside their existing social networks. Harnessing mechanisms of information diffusion in OHCs has attracted attention for its ability to improve illness self-management without the use of health care resources.

Objective
We aimed to analyze the novelty of a metaphor used for the first time in an OHC, assess how it can facilitate self-management of post-stroke symptoms, describe its appearance over time, and classify its diffusion mechanisms.

Methods
We conducted a passive analysis of posts written by UK stroke survivors and their family members in an online stroke community between 2004 and 2011. Posts including the term “legacy of stroke” were identified. Information diffusion was classified according to self-promotion or viral spread mechanisms and diffusion depth (the number of users the information spreads out to). Linguistic analysis was performed through the British National Corpus and the Google search engine.

Results
Post-stroke symptoms were referred to as “legacy of stroke.” This metaphor was novel and appeared for the first time in the OHC in the second out of a total of 3459 threads. The metaphor was written by user A, who attributed it to a stroke consultant explaining post-stroke fatigue. This user was a “superuser” (ie, a user with high posting activity) and self-promoted the metaphor throughout the years in response to posts written by other users, in 51 separate threads. In total, 7 users subsequently used the metaphor, contributing to its viral diffusion, of which 3 were superusers themselves. Superusers achieved the higher diffusion depths (maximum of 3). Of the 7 users, 3 had been part of threads where user A mentioned the metaphor, while 2 users had been part of discussion threads in unrelated conversations. In total, 2 users had not been part of threads with any of the other users, suggesting that the metaphor was acquired through prior lurking activity.

Conclusions
Metaphors that are considered helpful by patients with stroke to come to terms with their symptoms can diffuse in OHCs through both self-promotion and social (or viral) spreading, with the main driver of diffusion being the superuser trait. Lurking activity (the most common behavior in OHCs) contributed to the diffusion of information. As an increasing number of patients with long-term conditions join OHCs to find others with similar health-related concerns, improving clinicians’ and researchers’ awareness of the diffusion of metaphors that facilitate self-management in health social media may be beneficial beyond the individual patient.
Dimensions and Subcategories of Digital Maturity in General Practice: Qualitative Study
Authors: Neunaber Timo , Mortsiefer Achim , Meister Sven 
Published: December 2024

Background
The status of the digitalization of companies and institutions is usually measured using maturity models. However, the concept of maturity in general practice is currently unclear, and herewith we examine the question of how maturity can be measured. There is a lack of empirical work on the dimensions and subcategories of digital maturity that provide information on the assessment framework.

Objective
The aim of the study was to answer the question of how many and which dimensions and subcategories describe digital maturity in general practice.

Methods
An explorative, qualitative research design based on semistructured expert interviews was used to investigate the dimensions of digital maturity. Twenty experts from various areas of the health care sector (care providers, interest groups, health care industry, and patient organizations) were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed based on a content-structuring analysis according to Kuckartz and Rädiker using MAXQDA software (VERBI GmbH).

Results
In total, 6 dimensions with a total of 26 subcategories were identified. Of these, 4 dimensions with a total of 16 subcategories (1) digitally supported processes, (2) practice staff, (3) organizational structures and rules, and (4) technical infrastructure and were deductively linked to digital maturity. In addition to the use of digital solutions, digital maturity included, for example, individual, organizational, and technical capabilities and resources of the medical practice. The 2 further dimensions, (5) benefits and outcomes and (6) external framework conditions of the medical practice, were identified inductively with a total of 10 subcategories. Digital maturity was associated with the beneficial use of digitalization, for example, with efficiency benefits for the practice, and external framework conditions were associated with influencing factors such as the local patient situation in the medical practice.

Conclusions
The results indicate that digital maturity is a multidimensional construct that is associated with many dimensions and variables. It is a holistic approach with human, organizational, and technical factors and concerns the way digitalization is used to shape patient care and processes. Furthermore, it is related to the maturity of the organizational environment as well as the benefits of a digitalized medical practice; however, this still needs to be confirmed. To measure the level of digital maturity in outpatient care as accurately as possible, maturity models should therefore be multilayered and take external influencing factors into account. Future research should statistically validate the identified dimensions. At the same time, correlations and dependencies between the measurement dimensions and their subcategories should be analyzed.
A user-experience study of an online parenting program for rural and Appalachian caregivers of young childhood cancer survivors (Preprint)
Authors: Moscato Emily L. , Darow Eva , Quach Jessica , Winning Adrien , Schmidt Matthew , Wade Shari L. , Wade Shari L. , Gerhardt Cynthia A. , Sezgin Emre 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Young childhood cancer survivors (YCCS) diagnosed and treated before age 7 are at heightened risk of developmental difficulties. As a result, their caregivers may experience stress as they navigate various educational and hospital systems, and advocate for their child’s needs. To our knowledge, there are no tailored early intervention or support programs to address the unique and multifaceted needs of YCCS and their caregivers. Digital platforms can provide anticipatory guidance and developmental resources, which may be especially impactful for families at increased risk for health and educational disparities, particularly in underserved rural and Appalachian areas.

OBJECTIVE

Thus, this study describes the development and usability testing of an online responsive parenting program for caregivers of YCCS, called the Preparing for Life and Academics for Young cancer survivors (PLAY) program.

METHODS

Twelve caregivers of YCCS (9 biological parents, 2 grandfathers, 1 adoptive parent; 33% rural; 33% Appalachian; 83% White) participated in a virtual usability session utilizing a task-based think-aloud method. This session was followed by completion of the System Usability Scale (SUS), responses to reaction cards to describe their experiences with the platform and a semi-structured interview. Two trained coders used rapid analysis and consensus methods to identify themes.

RESULTS

Overall, caregivers found the platform easy to use (92% SUS>68; M = 82.2, SD= 14.45). Most caregivers provided positive feedback in response to reaction cards (e.g., useful, appealing, valuable) to describe the platform. Qualitative findings highlighted that most caregivers perceived the platform as easy to use, and several participants described it as a helpful educational tool. Participants noted potential platform improvements should include accessibility features (e.g., closed captioning for videos), content, and usability on mobile devices.

CONCLUSIONS

With further improvements, digital platforms such as PLAY may be a promising avenue to bridge access to care for high-need groups and ultimately, to improve child neurodevelopmental outcomes.

CLINICALTRIAL

N/A
The Effects of Relative Performance Information and Work-Training Tradeoff on Employees’ Skill Development: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Arnold Markus C. , Shi Bei , Tafkov Ivo D. , Voermans Elien 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Employees’ skill development is key to organizations’ competitiveness in a global, knowledge-based economy. Prior research in accounting, however, has mainly focused on motivating the provision of transitory effort. This study investigates how relative performance information (RPI) as a management control influences employees’ willingness to engage in skill development and whether the effect of RPI depends on whether employees face a tradeoff between training and current work performance. We predict and find that RPI increases the likelihood of taking training when a work-training tradeoff is absent but decreases it when a work-training tradeoff is present. We also predict and find RPI increases employee performance when a work-training tradeoff is absent and the effect is less positive (and directionally negative) when a work-training tradeoff is present. Our paper is an important first step in investigating how management controls interfere with employees’ investment in skill development and its tradeoff with transitory effort provision.
Data Availability: Data are available upon request.
JEL Classifications: M21; M41; M52.
Aplicación de instrumentos para la detección temprana de trastornos afectivos como una estrategia innovadora en salud mental: el caso SRQ y ASSIST en la Plataforma de Salud Digital CSS- SENA
Authors: Arcila Echavarría Diana Catalina , Palacio Tobón Eliana Patricia , Tejada Llano Jaime Hernán 
Published: December 2024

Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 evidenció un aumento del 25% en trastornos como la depresión y ansiedad durante su primer año. En Colombia, se estima que el 40% de la población enfrentará un trastorno mental en su vida, destacando la necesidad de implementar herramientas para la detección temprana de riesgos en salud mental.
Objetivo: Desarrollar herramientas digitales para la detección temprana de riesgos en salud mental utilizando los instrumentos SRQ (Self-Report Questionnaire) y ASSIST, en una población de aprendices del SENA.
Metodología: Se siguió una metodología de desarrollo de software para crear las herramientas digitales, las cuales fueron validadas mediante tamizajes autoaplicados a una muestra representativa de aprendices. El SRQ fue usado para detectar trastornos como depresión y ansiedad, mientras que el ASSIST se centró en el riesgo por consumo de sustancias.
Resultados: Se aplicaron 361 tamizajes con el SRQ, de los cuales el 76% correspondió a mujeres y el 23% a hombres. Además, 276 tamizajes se realizaron con el instrumento ASSIST, aplicado a personas mayores de 18 años. De estos, el 74,6% fueron mujeres, el 23,6% hombres y el 1,8% no binarios. Los resultados mostraron un riesgo moderado en el consumo de sustancias en el 22% de los participantes.
Conclusiones: La digitalización de instrumentos como el SRQ y ASSIST se mostró eficaz para identificar riesgos en salud mental. La integración de estas herramientas facilita intervenciones oportunas y un enfoque preventivo, beneficiando la salud mental en contextos educativos.