bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proposed Routing Decision Making Methods for Reconfigurable Manufacturing System Production Planning
Authors: Shivdas Rutuja , Sapkal Sagar 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Production planning is the effective organization of resources, processes, and schedules in a manufacturing system to achieve optimal resource utilization and timely product delivery. Routing is an important part of production planning as it determines the best path or sequence of operations for a product as it progresses through manufacturing. A Reconfigurable Manufacturing System (RMS) consists of modular machines with basic and auxiliary modules which provides more flexibility allowing the structure and configuration of manufacturing facilities to be reconfigured quickly in response to changing production requirements. Routing of job addresses system-level design problems for RMS. Despite the importance of routing decisions in RMS, fewer research efforts have been directed at the selection methods for optimal routes. Optimal routing selection allows for quick reconfiguration of processes and resources to meet changing demands, and reduces cycle time, lead time, and production costs. This paper focuses on developing computational methods for routing selection, considering the availability of alternative process routes for job processing. Two computational approaches, Minimum Processing Time (MPT) and Minimum Module (MM), are introduced for RMS routing. These methodologies are implemented in a case study, followed by a comparative analysis to evaluate the impact of the proposed approaches on routing decisions.
Predictors of delay in the cervical cancer care cascade in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Swanson Megan , Ayadi Alison El , Nakalembe Miriam , Namugga Jane , Nakisige Carol , Chen Lee-may , Huchko Megan J 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women with significant global disparities in disease burden. In lower-resource settings, where routine screening is uncommon, delays in diagnosis and treatment contribute to morbidity and mortality. Understanding care delays may inform strategies to decrease time to treatment, improving patient outcomes.
Methods
We collected sociodemographic, reproductive health and care journey data from 268 Ugandan women newly diagnosed with cervical cancer. We explored the influence of patient, health provider, system, and disease factors on time to presentation (patient interval), diagnosis (diagnostic interval) and treatment (treatment interval) using survival analysis.
Results
Median patient, diagnostic and treatment intervals were 74 days (IQR 26–238), 83 days (IQR 34–229), and 34 days (IQR 18–58), respectively. Patient interval was delayed by belief that symptoms would resolve (aHR 0.37, 95% CI 0.24–0.57), confusion about where to seek care (aHR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47–0.88), and utilization of traditional care (aHR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51–0.96). Patient interval facilitators included perceiving symptoms as serious (aHR 2.14, 95% CI 1.43–3.19) and suspecting cancer (aHR 1.82, 95% CI 1.12–2.97). Diagnostic interval delays included symptomatic bleeding (aHR 055, 95% CI 0.35–0.85) and visiting > 2 clinics (aHR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49–0.97); facilitators included early-stage disease (aHR 1.41, 95% CI 1.03–1.95) and direct tertiary care presentation (aHR 2.13, 95% CI 1.20–3.79). Treatment interval delays included anticipating long waits (aHR 0.68, 95% CI 0.46–1.02) and requiring blood transfusions (aHR 0.63, 95% CI 0.37–1.07); no facilitators were identified.
Conclusions
We identified potentially modifiable barriers and facilitators along the cervical cancer care cascade. Interventions targeting these factors may improve care timeliness but are unlikely to significantly improve morbidity or mortality. Expanding cervical cancer screening and vaccination are of utmost importance.
The Role of Litterfall Production, Decomposition and Nutrient Dynamics under Land Use Influences: Implication to Agroecosystems Health in Aleta Chuko, Ethiopia
Authors: Shuite Zenebe , Demessie Ambachew , Abebe Tesfaye 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Investigating litterfall, decomposition rate and nutrient dynamics for tree species enlighten for predicting nutrient cycling and compost production. The study aimed to measure litterfall of seven woody species in Coffee-Enset agroforestry (CEA) and eucalyptus camaldulensis in woodlots, to determine the decomposition rate, nutrient contents and returns of leaf litter. Samples were taken over three transect lines with three replicates for each species litterfall and decomposition experiments for one year using litter traps and nylon-mesh litter bags, respectively. Monthly litterfall ranged from 40.9 for C. arabica to 79.7 g m-2 for O. kenyensis in CEA, and 54.8 g m-2 for E. camaldulensis. Litterfall was significantly different among the studied species (p < 0.05). Decay constants significantly differed among the species (p < 0.05), C. arabica was the fastest (2.4) while E. camaldulensis was the slowest (1.1). Nutrient concentrations, litter quality and land-use influences were controlling factors of litter decomposition. C. africana contributed significantly higher return of Phosphorus (1.05) and Potassium (11.72) g m-2 (p < 0.05). M. ferruginea (16.2) and O. kenyensis (14.1) g m-2 showed significantly higher nitrogen returns (p < 0.05), E. camaldulensis showed higher Sodium (.41 g m-2) return. There was a significant loss of initial litter Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium for all studied species during yearly decomposition (p < 0.05). Higher litterfall species (O. kenyensis, C. africana, and P. americana) are preferable for carbon returns. Fast decaying and higher NPK litters are useful for composting. Higher Sodium return of E. camaldulensis was detrimental to soil and plant.
Assessment of the Level of Financial Risk Associated with the Market Activity of a Public Company, with a Neutral Approach to Its Dividend Policy
Authors: Krylov Sergey 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to study the theoretical and practical aspects of assessing the level of financial risk of a public company associated with its activity on the stock market (market activity) depending on the main determining factors in the context of a neutral approach to dividend policy, by analyzing the sensitivity of key indicators of the activity of a public company on the stock market to these factors, allowing for the interests of all other stakeholders interested in the activities of the public company (including potential investors) to be taken into account in order to ensure its sustainable development, which involves approximately equal distribution of this financial risk between them, in the long term. The methodological basis of the study was the concept of a neutral approach to the dividend policy of a public company and the concept of sensitivity analysis. The motivation for the study is to ensure the development, justification and effective management of the financial risk of a public company associated with its market activity depending on the main determining factors in the context of a neutral approach to dividend policy, to ensure the interests of its main stakeholders by constructing elasticity models of key indicators of market activity by the main determining factors, allowing to assess the level of financial risk associated with these factors. The author concludes that the elasticity models of key indicators of a public company's activity on the stock market by the main determining factors developed by him are a fairly effective tool for assessing the level of financial risk caused by the degree of market activity of a public company under conditions of a neutral approach to the implementation of its dividend policy.
JEL codes: C15, G32, G34, G35
MSC codes: 91G50, 91G70, 91G80
Hamstring-quadriceps strength ratio at different movement velocities in healthy young adults
Authors: Turati Marco , Tosoni Davide , Benedettini Erik , Albanese Fabio , Alessandro Cristiano , Rossi Emanuela , Sugimoto Dai , Accadbled Franck , Zatti Giovanni , Crippa Marco , Bigoni Marco 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The aims of the study were: comparing the strength of the thigh muscles at 30°/s and 60°/s, comparing the hamstring to quadriceps ratio (H/Q) resulting from the two movement velocities, and calculating an optimum cut-off for H/Q at 30°/s.
Methods
The study was conducted on 29 healthy non-professional athletes aged from 20 to 30. Both legs of the participants were assessed at angular velocities of 30°/s and 60°/s. Participants underwent a three-phase protocol: 3-minute warm-up on an elliptical machine, 30-second of whole-body vibration and isokinetic test using Technogym’s REV 7000 dynamometer. Maximum concentric torques and H/Q were measured at 30°/s and then at 60°/s, with five repetitions per leg and a 60-second rest between phases.
Results
At 30°/s, quadriceps and hamstring forces were higher compared to 60°/s, but there was no significant difference in the resulting H/Q. We found a positive correlation between the H/Q ratios at the two speeds (R = 0.796, p < 0.001). Age, sex, BMI, dominant leg, or activity level didn’t influence this ratio at 30°/s and at 60°/s. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) models and agreement tests suggested an optimal cut-off value of 0.57 at 30°/s.
Conclusions
Operating at the 30°/s velocity generates higher peak torques, while it maintains H/Q comparable to that obtained at the 60°/s velocity. This lower speed may make the isokinetic test more feasible during rehabilitation after ACL-R surgery, especially for patients who struggle with a 60°/s test. However, when using 30°/s, the conventional H/Q cut-off should be set at 0.57.
Wanting what hurts: D1 dopamine receptor neuronal stimulation in central nucleus of amygdala is sufficient to induce maladaptive attraction to a shock rod
Authors: Nguyen David , Berridge Kent 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Maladaptive desires, such as addictions, can arise and persist despite not being justified by their outcome value. A laboratory prototype of a maladaptive desire that is unjustified by outcome is ‘wanting what hurts’: appetitive attraction to a noxious ‘shock rod’, produced in rats by pairing optogenetic channelrhodopsin (ChR2) stimulation of neurons in central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) with voluntary encounters of the electrified shock rod. However, which particular CeA neuronal types are responsible for inducing this maladaptive attraction remains unknown. Here we used Cre targeted optogenetic stimulation to assess relative contributions of CeA neuronal subtypes expressing either D1 dopamine receptors, or D2 dopamine receptors, or CRF neurotransmitter, compared to the hSyn-targeted stimulation of all types of CeA neurons as used in previous studies. We report that selective stimulation of D1-expressing CeA neurons is sufficient to induce maladaptive shock rod attraction similar to hSyn-targeted stimulation of general neuronal population: both produced similar levels of attraction and self-administered shocks. CeA D1 rats and CeA hSyn rats were also sufficiently motivated to appetitively overcome a barrier to reach the shock rod, and to seek out Pavlovian cues associated with shocks from the shock rod, indicating their attraction was mediated by incentive motivation usually reserved for rewards. Our results reveal a special role for D1-expressing CeA neurons in recruiting mesocorticolimbic incentive motivation circuitry to generate maladaptive ‘wanting what hurts’.
Residential Radon Exposure in the United States: a Scoping Review
Authors: Ksir Kawther Al , Stanifer Stacy , Mamudu Hadii M. , Quinn Megan , Slawson Deborah 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Radon, a naturally occurring gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States (U.S.), contributing to 21000 deaths and $2 billion in economic costs. Despite decades of research, epidemiological studies on residential radon exposure and lung cancer outcomes have yielded inconsistent results, which provides justification for this study.
Methods:
This scoping review systematically examined the national literature on residential radon exposure and radon-induced lung cancer in the U.S. A comprehensive search strategy was employed across four databases, including 13 relevant studies. These studies, conducted across various states, employed diverse methodologies and radon detection techniques.
Results:
The dominant factors in radon exposure and its correlation with lung cancer risk included variations in radon levels in homes and their correlation with water supply radon levels. Elevated radon concentrations near certain geological formations, like Reading Prong granites, are linked to increased lung cancer mortality. Despite some paradoxical associations, there's a general trend of increased lung cancer mortality with higher radon exposure, especially above values recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Discussion:
Challenges such as methodological variability and potential biases were identified, highlighting the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and guide targeted interventions.
Conclusion:
The broad variation in radon exposure levels between states and the observed association in specific regions highlights the importance of continued targeted research by state and public health initiatives to minimize radon exposure. Radon disparities and potential confounding factors by state highlight the need for more focused research to include the state radon profile and other geographical variations.
A Reproducible Study and Performance Analysis of GPU Programming Paradigms: OpenACC vs. CUDA in Key Linear Algebra Computations
Authors: Krishnasamy Ezhilmathi , Bouvry Pascal 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Scientific and engineering problems are frequently governed by partial differential equations; however, the analytical solutions of these equations are often impractical, thereby forcing the adoption of numerical methods. Basic Linear Algebra Subprograms (BLAS) operations constitute a fundamental component of these numerical approaches, incorporating essential tasks such as Level 1 operations (dot products and vector addition), Level 2 operations (matrix-vector multiplication), and Level 3 operations (matrix-matrix multiplication). Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), particularly those produced by NVIDIA, have gained significant computational power and are extensively employed to tackle a variety of numerical challenges. Nevertheless, substantial obstacles remain in targeting diverse GPU architectures, particularly concerning portability, the reduction of workarounds, and the enhancement of performance. This study utilizes directive-based programming languages, such as OpenACC, to effectively exploit GPU capabilities. We undertake a comprehensive comparative study and performance evaluation of the OpenACC programming model in comparison to CUDA in executing essential BLAS routines.
DNA Quantification in Ecklonia maxima seaweed extracts
Authors: Majeke Bongo , Naicker Dunesha , Edwards Alec 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

DNA quantification is essential for product identification, quality assessment, and concentration verification in seaweed extracts. With numerous extracts making varied claims, this study investigates whether DNA analysis could serve as a valuable tool for regulatory bodies to confirm the authenticity and origins of these extracts. DNA quantification was performed in commercial Afrikelp biostimulant formulations and a competitor Ecklonia maxima product using NanoDrop, Qubit, and gene-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) for enhanced precision. The qPCR targeted rbcL and COX genes, enabling quantification of DNA directly associated with the seaweed content in the formulations. Additionally, the study compared a cold micronization process (CMP) of E. maxima to the cell burst method, with results showing that the Afrikelp CMP yielded significantly (p<0.05) higher DNA copy numbers than the cell burst extraction of the same seaweed. These findings establish a foundation for analysing sensitive active compounds using qPCR, emphasising the importance of preserving these compounds during extraction to ensure the efficacy of biostimulants in agricultural applications.
Should Egypt be afraid of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam? The consequences of adversarial water policy on the Blue Nile
Authors: Whittington Dale , Hall Jim , Murgatroyd Anna , Wheeler Kevin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Although large dams can provide multiple benefits, they may negatively impact downstream riparians, and could be used to cause harm by withholding water. Concern about deliberately adversarial operation of the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam (GERD) is mounting in Egypt and overshadows the regional negotiations around water resources. We simulate a range of operational policies for the GERD, including an adversarial operation policy, which could reduce annual water releases from the High Aswan Dam (HAD) by 2.72 billion cubic meters (annual exceedance probability of 0.02) compared to operations that seek to reduce downstream water shortages. However, such a policy would reduce annual GERD hydropower generation by 1 TWh, which is equivalent to 7% of the GERD's annual electricity generation. The threat of Ethiopia withholding water is only occasionally credible, as it requires the reservoirs at the GERD and the HAD to both be unusually low, which we show will rarely occur.
Skeletal Muscle Mass Loss and Physical Function in Young to Middle-Aged Adult Patients With Diabetes: Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Naruse Aki , Yamada Yuka , Miyamoto Takeshi 
Published: December 2024

Background
Recently, it has been reported that older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have lower skeletal muscle mass than healthy individuals. Although skeletal muscle mass in older adults with diabetes is occasionally reported, similar reports on young to middle-aged adults are limited.

Objective
This study aims to assess the prevalence of skeletal muscle loss in young to middle-aged adults with diabetes, examine the relationship between skeletal muscle loss and physical function in these patients, and examine whether there are differences in these characteristics between men and women.

Methods
This cross-sectional, observational study included patients younger than 65 years with T2DM who were admitted to our hospital between 2014 and 2022 for educational admission for glycemic control and requested rehabilitation by the Department of Metabolic Medicine. The control group consisted of patients who received rehabilitation during their hospitalization at our hospital and did not have diabetes. The main parameters included skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, physical function, and activities of daily living.

Results
The prevalence of skeletal muscle mass loss in this study was 18.2% (10/55) in men and 7.7% (4/52) in women. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was 7.7 (SD 0.8) and 8.4 (SD 0.5) for men in the T2DM and control groups, respectively, and 7.0 (SD 0.9) and 6.8 (SD 0.7) for women in the T2DM and control groups, respectively. Therefore, compared with the nondiabetes group, a significant difference was observed in men but not in women (men: P<.001, women: P=.35). Nonetheless, the diabetes group exhibited significantly lower physical functions, such as a walking speed of 1.3 (SD 0.2) m/s and 1.2 (SD 0.43) m/s for men and women in the T2DM group and 1.6 (SD 0.2) m/s and 1.5 (SD 0.1) m/s for men and women in the control group, respectively (men: P<.001, women: P<.001). One-leg standing time was measured as 30.7 (SD 26.9) seconds and 29.4 (SD 25.5) seconds for men and women in the T2DM group, compared with 100.5 (SD 30.6) seconds and 82.5 (SD 39.8) seconds for men and women in the control group, respectively, with the T2DM group’s times being significantly lower (men: P<.001, women: P<.001). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that SMI was significantly associated with age, BMI, and peripheral neuropathy (all P≤.002). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that BMI exhibited the strongest association (odds ratio 1.15, 95% CI 1.07-1.23; P<.001), and peripheral neuropathy was also significantly associated with SMI (P=.009).

Conclusions
Patients with diabetes, even those who are not older adults, face an elevated rate of skeletal muscle mass loss, muscle weakness, and a decline in physical function; moreover, they are susceptible to dynapenia and presarcopenia. Therefore, early intervention focusing on muscle evaluation and exercise is crucial.
FECHAMENTO DE COMUNICAÇÃO BUCOSSINUSAL COM RETALHO DE CORPO ADIPOSO DE BOCHECHA: RELATO DE CASO CLÍNICO
Authors: Macêdo da Cruz Kettelyn , Barbosa Luandson Nunes dos Santos 
Published: December 2024

A comunicação bucossinusal (CBS) é uma complicação relativamente frequente na prática odontológica que ocorre em procedimentos cirúrgicos, principalmente, exodontias dos molares superiores. O diagnóstico dessa comunicação é feito através de exames clínicos intraorais, empregando a manobra de Valsava, e para a confirmação do diagnóstico, utiliza-se exame radiográfico. A literatura cita inúmeros métodos de tratamento, entretanto não evidenciam a técnica específica para cada caso, entre esses métodos existe o retalho com o corpo adiposo da bochecha, que apresenta alto índice de sucesso no fechamento das CBS. Quando a CBS é fechada incorretamente ou de forma tardia o paciente fica propício a desenvolver quadros de sinusite crônica ou aguda, além de fístulas bucossinusais. Portanto, deve-se identificar e tratar essa comunicação de imediato para evitar o desenvolvimento de outras complicações. O objetivo do presente trabalho é apresentar um caso clínico de um paciente com comunicação bucossinusal atendido na clínica odontológica da Unidade de Ensino Superior de Feira de Santana (UNEF), com a finalidade de demostrar a técnica cirúrgica utilizando a rotação do corpo adiposo da bochecha (Bola de Bichat).
Palavras-chaves: Comunicação Bucossinusal; Fístula Bucoantral; Fístula Bucossinusal; Seio maxilar; Corpo adiposo bucal.
RAÇA E CLASSE EM JOSÉ CARLOS MARIÁTEGUI E FLORESTAN FERNANDES
Authors: Barros Matheus de Carvalho 
Published: December 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é elaborar uma sucinta comparação entre as obras do jornalista peruano José Carlos Mariátegui e do sociólogo brasileiro Florestan Fernandes. Mariátegui e Fernandes analisaram questões similares tais como: o colonialismo enraizado na América Latina, a configuração da dependência e o caráter complementar das modalidades de dominação étnico-racial e de classes. Nesse sentido, o objetivo fundamental do trabalho é perseguir a forma como esses autores articularam raça e classe, identificando os sujeitos racializados como protagonistas das transformações radicais.
Palavras-chaves: Mariátegui; Florestan Fernandes; Raça; Classe; Marxismo
À PROCURA DE GALÁPAGOS: AS HIPÓTESES DE MARX EM “ FRAGMENTOS SOBRE AS MÁQUINAS”
Authors: Romero Daniel 
Published: December 2024

Se pudéssemos escutar os pensamentos de Marx em tempo real, o que ouviríamos? Assim como qualquer pessoa, Marx seguramente pensava em voz alta quando estava imerso em suas pesquisas. Se estivéssemos ao seu lado, o que teríamos a oportunidade de escutar deste Marx sem filtros? Quais ideias teriam surgido, mas abandonadas? Quais teriam sido apenas delineadas e guardadas para mais tarde e, finalmente, quais teriam criado raízes e se tornado, posteriormente, elementos chaves de seu pensamento?
O texto ora publicado pela Revista Trabalho Necessário é o mais próximo que podemos chegar de uma experiência como esta. Em Fragmentos sobre as Máquinas (ver anexo), Marx está conversando consigo mesmo, em altíssima voz, levantando uma série de hipóteses, botando-as no papel para organizar seus próprios pensamentos e avaliar até onde elas podem ir.