bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Chemicals on Compressive Strength of Concrete made with Pulverised High-Density Polyethylene as Admixtures
Authors: Anum Iorwuese , Williams Frank Ndanusa , Zakka Wyom Paul , Keftin Namala Amuga 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The use of plastic materials as admixtures in cementitious matrices has spurred studies in concrete with great potentials for sustainable concrete production. This research seeks to explore the impact of chemicals on the compressive behaviour of concrete incorporating pulverised High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) that has been chemically treated with 20% hydrogen peroxide. Concrete cubes were cast in 150mm3 steel moulds and the pulverised and treated HDPE was incorporated in percentages (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1%) by the weight of cement. Hydroplast-500 was utilised as superplasticiser while water - to- cement ratios of 0.4 and 0.36 were used for required workability, respectively for 25 and 50 grades concretes. The sample cubes were first cured in water for 28 days prior to being immersed in 10% concentration of tetraoxosulphate (vi) acid and 10% magnesium sulphate concentrations for 7, 28, and 90 days. The cubes were removed and properly rinsed in clean water before being tested for compressive strength. Mass loss and Strength Deterioration Factor (SDF) were then determined. Results obtained showed more deterioration of samples with increase in HDPE amount up to 76.69% when cured in acid for 90 days. However, it was observed that deterioration decreased up to 4.67% with the increase in HDPE content when cured in sulphate medium for 90 days. The study recommends the use of 1% HDPE by cement weight in the production of sustainable concrete for building and civil engineering infrastructure in sulphate-rich regions, while contributing to environmental sanitation.
When We Sit: Textile Electromyography Identifies Decreasing Muscle Activity and Implications for Metabolic Health
Authors: Brakenridge Christian J. , Lamberg Suvi , Rantalainen Timo , Finni Taija , Gao Ying , Dempsey Paddy C. , Wheeler Michael J. , Dunstan David W. , Healy Genevieve N. , Chastin Sebastien F. M. , Owen Neville , Pesola Arto J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Prolonged sitting is ubiquitous and increases risk of diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. A suspected mechanism behind the adverse cardiometabolic effects of prolonged sitting is high prevalence of muscle inactivity. Understanding muscle activity when we sit may be crucial for developing effective interventions. Using fabric-embedded wearable electrodes (electromyography; EMG), the activity of muscles can be directly examined when we sit. We examined muscle activity during 7,684 sitting bouts in daily living using EMG shorts in 84 adults from three separate cohorts (46% female; mean age (SD): 43.7yr (18.7yr). When we sit, thigh muscle activity decreases, but sitting bouts that are preceded by more-intense and longer-duration physical activity show more sustained persistence of muscle activity. More frequent and intense interruptions to sitting result in 5 extra minutes of muscle activity per hour of sitting time. These findings provide new insights into the metabolic health risks of prolonged sitting and suggest practical ways to counteract them.
Differences in Cancer-related Crowdfunding between Transgender or Gender Diverse and Cisgender LGBTQ+ Cancer Campaigns: A Mixed-Methods Analysis
Authors: Turner Cindy A , Waters Austin R , Ghazal Lauren V , Poquadeck Matt , Killela Mary , Cloyes Kristin G , Rains Stephen A , Kirchhoff Anne C , Warner Echo L 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (LGBTQ+) cancer survivors are at risk of financial hardship due to multilevel factors amplified by anti-LGBTQ+ stigma. Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) cancer survivors may experience greater financial hardship than cisgender lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals, but data on LGBTQ+ individuals is often reported in aggregate. We describe differences in crowdfunding experiences between TGD and LGB cancer crowdfunding campaigns to address this gap in TGD cancer-related financial hardship literature.
Methods: We used a mixed methods approach to evaluate LGBTQ+ cancer crowdfunding campaigns from GoFundMe’s website, coded as TGD or LGB. Campaign data (amount raised, funding goal, etc.) were compared using summary statistics and independent t-tests. Qualitative content analysis described campaign text. Quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated by theme.
Results: A total of N=538 LGBTQ+ cancer campaigns were included, of which 175 (32.5%) were TGD campaigns, 295 (54.8%) were LGB, and 68 (12.6%) used broad LGBTQ+ language and could not be classified into one category. TGD campaigns raised 61% of funds raised by LGB campaigns ($7,782 [$5,842 - $9,723] vs $12,724 [$10,525 - $14,924], p<0.0001). TGD campaigns had more mentions of perceived stigma in healthcare spaces and fewer mentions of caregiver support.
Conclusions: TGD cancer campaigns earned significantly less money than LGB campaigns, suggesting that TGD cancer survivors may face more challenges in using community-based financial support mechanisms to mitigate financial hardship. Structural stigma and transphobia may be impacting the amount of funds raised by TGD cancer survivors through crowdfunding.
Impact of COVID-19 on healthcare programs in Zimbabwe
Authors: Midzi Nicolas , Haruzivishe Clara , Gonese Elizabeth , Sembuche Senga , Mutsaka Masceline Jennifer , Ayebare Rodgers , Muwonge Tonny , Nakasendwa Suzan , Mateta Carl , Madanhire Tafadzwa , Chaibva Cynthia Nombulelo , Gwatiringa Calleta , Mutsaka Kudzai Elizabeth , Phiri Isaac , Abdulaziz Mohammed , Kabwe Patrice Chanda , Dube-Mawerewere Virgininia , Tajudeen Raji , Fallah Mosoka Papa , Dobbie Munyaradzi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare services. Understanding similar epidemic-related disruptions on a broader scope in our local setting is critical for effective planning of essential services.
Objective: The study was to analyse the impact of Coronavirus disease(COVID-19) on healthcare programmes in Zimbabwe.
Methods: A mixed-methods design compared healthcare service delivery trends from the Ministry of Health and Child-Care before and during the pandemic. It employed two methods of data-collection: Key-informant-interviews (KII) and secondary-data analysis from the Zimbabwe District Health Information Systems 2(DHIS2). Purposive sampling obtained key informants for interviews whilst 18 healthcare-service-indicators were identified from the national database. Statistical analysis consisted of an interrupted-time-series analysis of those indicators preceded by visualization to appreciate trend change. An inductive approach was used to code and identify basic themes which were then triangulated against DHIS2 findings.
Results: The study revealed that COVID-19 had a negative impact on health service delivery; increasing disruptions of critical healthcare services, maternal and child health, reproductive health issues, and other specialist services were prominent. The rise in maternal and child mortality cases and caesarean sections could be directly linked to the decline in service delivery during the pandemic. Mitigation strategies that were introduced during the pandemic included use of community-based services, outreach services, capacity building and de-congestion of public services.
Conclusions: The pandemic disrupted healthcare delivery, causing service usage decline due to lockdowns. Response strategies included community services, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement. Future readiness requires epidemic plans, enhanced resources, multisectoral approach, workforce training, and public education.
Socioeconomic Factors Predictive of Access Delays in Oncology
Authors: Chen Allen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To identify demographic and socioeconomic factors predictive of access delays in patients referred for radiation oncology services.
Methods and Materials: A prospective data registry of consecutive patients referred for initial consultation from October 2018 to April 2022 was reviewed. To evaluate access, the number of business days from referral to consultation was calculated. Demographic characteristics recorded included age, gender, race, language preference, and insurance status. Zip code data linked to a patient’s residential address was used to classify socioeconomic status (SES) based on publicly available data on median household income. Descriptive statistics were presented to identify factors predictive of delays in the time from referral to consultation.
Results: A total of 9,241 consecutive patients were referred and logged into the database during the 4-year period, of which 5,321 were scheduled, registered, and seen in the outpatient setting. Delays in access were associated with low SES and Black race (p<0.05, for both). Three hundred and seventeen of the 1,203 patients (26%) in the lowest SES quartile had their appointments scheduled greater than 21 days from the time of referral compared to 482 of the 4,118 patients (12%) in the non-lowest quartile SES group (p<0.001). Black patients were significantly less likely to have their appointments within 5 days compared to non-Black patients (17% versus 24%, p=0.01). On multivariate analysis, the only variable independently associated with higher odds of appointment delays was SES (low-SES quartile versus non-low-SES quartile (OR= 3.98, 95% CI [2.01-7.92], p<0.001).
Conclusions: SES factors related to geographical zip code predict for access delays in radiation oncology care. Targeted interventions are urgently warranted for low SES groups residing in underserved communities.
Paget’s disease of nipple with synchronous contralateral invasive ductal carcinoma in a 36-year-old female: An isolated or genetic coexistence !
Authors: Raj Saurabh , Halder Anindya , Mallik Dhiraj , Kannaujiya Vijay , Pal Banyeswar , Saha Bishal , Mahaldar Rudrakshi , Anjum Shafayat , Mandal Subinay , Vinesh B , Chopra Shreya , Das Niru 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Mammary Paget’s disease (MPD) is a rare eczematoid lesion of nipple and adjacent areola. It was first described by Sir James Paget, a pathologist and surgeon, in 1874. Similar disease process may also involve external genitals, perineum, perianal region of both sexes and termed as extra mammary Paget’s disease. Early clinical recognition is difficult as it mimics other inflammatory breast lesions. Definitive diagnosis by histopathological examination is necessary to rule out any underlying invasive breast cancer at the same time. Management varies from wide local excision, lumpectomy, mastectomy or modified radical mastectomy followed by reconstruction depending on the extent of lesion and invasiveness. Evidence of invasive breast carcinoma in ipsilateral breast is rare and in contralateral breast is rarest in literatures worldwide. Here, we are presenting one such rare case of a 36year old lady with a history of eczematous lesion in right nipple with invasive ductal carcinoma in left breast along with its management and literature review.
A Novel Reseach on Network Security Situation Prediction based on Iteratively Optimized RBF-NN
Authors: Wu Yuqin , Shen Congqi , Xiao Shungen , Feng Wei , Fan Yexian , Zhou Xiuzhuang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Network security situation (NSS) prediction has attracted a great attention in recent years, and gained promising results to avoid different types of network attacks in advance. However, current methods still suffer from several drawbacks. In this paper, we propose a novel iterative optimized RBF-NN method for NSS prediction. Our proposed method applies a resource allocation network (RAN) to determine the optimal number of neurons in the hidden layer. Moreover, it builds a cross-model method with a genetic algorithm to compute the optimal weights for the RBF-NN model. Specifically, we come up with a chaos search strategy during the iterative optimization process to prevent the RBF-NN model from falling into a local extreme point. Due to our opti-mization technique, compared with other optimization techniques, the proposed method could shorten training process by at most 29.2% and increase prediction accuracy by at most 86.6% with well generalization ability.
Effectiveness of preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with lung cancer combined with moderate to severe COPD: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Jia-Ying , Lv Lan , Ni Jun , Cheng Xiao-Ping 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer surgery is associated with a high incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), especially in high-risk patients, such as moderate to severe COPD, long-term smoking, and low cardiorespiratory endurance. Preliminary evidence suggests that pulmonary rehabilitation can reduces the incidence of PPCs, However, there is still no consensus on the specific methods of pulmonary rehabilitation. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with lung cancer combined with moderate to severe COPD through the improved pulmonary rehabilitation program,and to explore the influence of preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation on the surgical outcome of high-risk patients .
Methods: A randomized, prospective, single-blind (evaluator) clinical trial. Participants（n=70）will be randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group will receive 2 weeks preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation (inspiratory muscle training + aerobic exercise + preoperative rehabilitation education), the control group will only receive preoperative rehabilitation education. Both groups will routinely receive the guidance training (contains breathing exercises and early ambulation) after surgery. The primary outcome is incidence of PPCs defined with the Melbourne Group Scale diagnostic scoring tool. Secondary outcomes include pre- and post-operative hospital length of stay (LOS), pulmonary function, inspiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity ,cardiopulmonary endurance, grip strength, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), fatigue, the sleep quality ,anxiety and depression.
Discussion: This trial was designed to test the hypothesis that preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation can improve preoperative cardiopulmonary function of patients with lung cancer complicated with moderate and severe COPD, reduce the incidence of PPCs, shorten the length of hospitalization, Improve fatigue, quality of life and more.
Trial registration:ChiCTR,ChiCTR2400093829.Registered 12 December 2024,https://www.chictr.o
rg.cn/
An exact method to solve a multi-objective dynamic job shop scheduling problem: A case study on Impression Teinture Sahel company
Authors: SALAH Mohamed Essalah 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Solving a problem in an optimal way represents a main challenge for any decision maker. The realization of this research is registered in this context. In this paper, a literature review and motivation of this work are presented. An improvement and a reformulation of the presented literature model is made and tow corrects and equivalent models are obtained. An exact method is proposed to solve these models. This method is implemented in python language. An experimental result and some discussion points are presented. A dynamic job shop scheduling problem instances are generated to test the performance of our proposed exact method. The experimental result showed that our resolution method gives equivalent solutions (with the same values of the objective functions and the same values of the decision variables) for models 1 and 2 in each of the instances. We noticed that the two models have the same complexity (in terms of the number of constraints and decision variables) and there is a little variation in the solve time of the same instance of model 1 and 2. We showed that it is possible that this exact method does not have a well-defined path to find the optimal solution. Also, we noticed that for each instance, the solve time variation is small and does not exceed 0.05 seconds in most instances. A case study is presented on Impression Teinture Sahel (ITS) company.
Priorities and expectations of researchers, funders, patients and the public regarding equity in medical research and funding: Results from the PERSPECT qualitative study
Authors: Ramkumar Raksha , Betzner William B. , Cristall Nora , Drozdowska Bogna A. , Fladt Joachim , Jaroenngarmsamer Tanaporn , McDonough Rosalie , Goyal Mayank , Ganesh Aravind 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Considerations of equity in funding and conduct of medical research are receiving greater attention. However, perspectives of diverse stakeholder groups on this topic are poorly characterized. Our study aimed to further understand various stakeholder perspectives and associated priorities regarding perceived inequities in medical research.
Methods
We employed a qualitative descriptive methodology embedded in an interpretive grounded theory framework. This approach involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews with researchers, funders, patients, and members of the public. Participants were asked to discuss their perspectives on the current state of equity in medical research and funding. Collected data were analyzed using constant comparison, open-coding, and theme identification to generate a substantive theory.
Results
We conducted 41 interviews involving 11 researchers, 10 funders, 10 patients, and 10 members of the public. Participants perceived several inequities within research participation, funding opportunities, topic prioritization, and lack of international collaborations inclusive of low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Potential strategies to address these inequities were also identified. Through participants’ perspectives, we developed a central theory that addressing inequities in medical research and funding can promote collaborative spaces and produce greater research impact for society, regardless of demographics, socioeconomic status, and geographical residence. While we gained diverse perspectives from four distinct stakeholder groups, our primary limitation was that participants in our study were predominantly from Canada and the United States.
Conclusions
Participants perceived various inequities in the funding and conduct of medical research. However, based on the insights into potential solutions that we gained from their diverse perspectives, we are optimistic that addressing these inequities will help accelerate and broaden the societal impact of medical research, including in LMICs.
Coordinating a Three-Echelon Fresh Product Supply Chain with Freshness-keeping Effort under a Wholesale and Maintenance Price Agreement
Authors: Shayesteh Abolfazl , Dolat-Abadi Hossein Mohammadi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This paper investigates a three-echelon fresh product supply chain (FPSC) that includes the retailer, supplier, and logistics service provider in two decision-making structures including decentralized and centralized with an integrated sales approach and considering changes in consumer buying behavior allowing products to be sold through online and offline channels. In a decentralized decision-making approach, FPSC members individually and independently optimize their decision variables (retailer’s selling price and sales effort level, the supplier’s wholesale price, and the service price and freshness-keeping effort offered by the logistics service provider), while in a centralized approach, the FPSC decision variables are optimized from an overall and holistic perspective. To move from a decentralized to a centralized decision-making structure, this paper proposes a new coordination approach using wholesale and maintenance price agreements to coordinate decision variables in the investigated FPSC. After, numerical results for decision variables of the proposed FPSC members and the overall profit in two decision-making structures, decentralized and centralized decision-making, are examined and compared to analyze the performance of the models. The results show that the proposed mechanism for achieving the coordinated model not only improves the overall profit of the FPSC but also improves the service level, freshness level of products, and profit of the FPSC members. Sensitivity results show that reducing storage and supply prices for fresh products increases the attractiveness of the retail sector for investment, leading to the adoption of broader product sales policies and boosting overall FPSC profitability.
Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic in Spine Surgery: A Global Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends and Influences
Authors: Wu Xingyuan , Pan Huilong , Wang Hangchi , Wang Jun , Lin Yile , Musaev Elmar , Huang Ruiyuan , Li Shu , Zhang Jin , Wu Haixiao , Zhang Chao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) technique is increasingly utilized in spine surgery, offering minimally invasive solutions with promising outcomes. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research trends and key influences in UBE application.
Methods
A systematic search in the Web of Science Core Collection was performed on June 9, 2024, focusing on English publications related to UBE and spine surgery. Bibliographic data were analyzed using R and VOSviewer to visualize trends, collaborations, and citation networks.
Results
A total of 231 articles from 59 sources were identified, with World Neurosurgery being the most prolific journal. Publications peaked in 2023, with South Korea and China leading the field through significant collaborations. HEO DH emerged as the most productive and cited author. Key research focuses included "decompression," "surgery," and "discectomy."
Conclusion
The analysis highlights increasing research interest in UBE, with key contributors and collaborations shaping advancements. It provides insights into research trends, main areas of focus, and emerging topics, guiding future UBE research and applications.
Effect of Phototherapy on Serum Levels of Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D in Infants With Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Agrawal Pulak , Dubey Risabh , Thakur Prakash , Punj Ajay 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NH) is a common neonatal condition, affecting 60% of full-term and 80% of preterm infants, especially in regions with limited healthcare resources. Phototherapy is the standard treatment for NH, utilizing blue-green light to convert bilirubin into excretable isomers. However, phototherapy has been associated with side effects, including alterations in serum levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, which are critical for bone metabolism and neonatal health. This study aimed to assess the impact of phototherapy on these biochemical parameters in neonates with NH.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Nursery Ward, tertiary medical hospital of north India, from September 2022 to March 2024. Sixty neonates with NH requiring phototherapy were included, following ethical approval and informed consent. Serum levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin D were measured at baseline and after 48 hours of phototherapy using chemiluminescence and enzymatic methods. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests to determine significant changes.
Results: Phototherapy significantly reduced calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D levels in the 3rd samples compared to baseline (P < 0.05), with stabilization by the 4th sample (P > 0.05). Phosphorus levels showed similar trends. Weak correlations were observed between these parameters, neonatal weight, and gestational age.
Conclusion: Phototherapy transiently affects serum calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels. Routine monitoring and early supplementation may mitigate potential risks and optimize neonatal care.