bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ten minutes of oropharyngeal exercise improves the apnoea‒hypopnoea index values in patients with mild-to-moderate sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: Nagano Tatsuya , Hashimoto Masashi , Izumi Shintaro , Hata Yoshinori , Tsuji Miyako , Morota Kazuko , Hata Ayumi , Kobayashi Keiichi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Previously reported oropharyngeal exercises are long and difficult to perform. Therefore, we created a 10-minute daily oropharyngeal exercise program and conducted a study to confirm its effectiveness.
Methods
Twenty-five participants whose apnoea‒hypopnoea index (AHI) values were greater than 5 were enrolled. All of the participants performed 10 minutes of exercise per day for 12 weeks and were evaluated for AHI values, tongue pressure, lip closure pressure, snoring, and Mallampati scores before and after the exercise.
Results
Twenty-two participants (88% of all participants) completed the oropharyngeal exercise. Another patient was unable to attend the last evaluation session due to illness. The AHI value improved significantly from an average of 20.9 times/hour to 16.9 times/hour in patients with a pre-exercise AHI of 5 to 30 (P = 0.0317). The AHI improvement group included younger participants than did the AHI deterioration group (P = 0.0498). Although the tongue pressures in the AHI improvement group did not improve significantly (P = 0.354), the lip closure pressures tended to increase from a mean of 18.8 N to 20.7 N with oropharyngeal exercises (P = 0.0677).
Conclusion
This novel oropharyngeal exercise may be appropriate for younger SAS patients with an AHI less than 30.
MRI findings for the pretreatment diagnosis of small Meckel’s cave tumors: Comparison of meningiomas and schwannomas
Authors: Tu Yuan-Yu , Wu Hsin-Wei , Hsueh Fu-Sheng , Tai Wei-An , Yu Kai-Wei , Wu Chia-Hung , Lin Te-Ming , Yang Tsung-Han , Chen Shu-Ting , Chang Feng-Chi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Both meningiomas and schwannomas are the most common Meckel's cave (MC) tumors in terms of distinct imaging features. When they are small, they may present with similar imaging characteristics that make their diagnosis difficult. The aim of this study was to diagnose small meningiomas and schwannomas of the MC on the basis of their clinical and MRI findings.
Methods
The clinical data of 33 patients who were diagnosed with small MC tumors (SMCTs) (17 schwannomas, 16 meningiomas) between August 2002 and August 2023 were retrospectively evaluated. SMCTs were defined as MC tumors that were less than 3 cm in size. We analyzed their clinical and MRI findings, including demographic features, lesion morphologies and changes in adjacent structures.
Results
The rate of subtotal resection of meningiomas less than 3 cm in size was significantly lower than that of schwannomas less than 3 cm in size (43.8% vs. 100%, p = 0.032). The MRI features of meningiomas and schwannomas were as follows: 1) a prominent dura tail sign (8/16 [50%] vs. 0/17 [0%], p < 0.001); 2) few cystic components (0/16 [0%] vs. 9/17 [52.94%], p < 0.001); 3) lower minimum ADC (ADCmin) values (820.575 ± 302.545 [86.1–1144.4] vs. 1372.424 ± 561.337 [355.7–2616.6], p < 0.001); and 4) minimal ipsilateral masticatory muscle atrophy (-6.71% ± 22.43% [-85.71%~13.79%] vs. 11.24% ± 11.98% [-14%~38%], p < 0.001). Very small MC tumors (VSMCTs) were ≤ 2 cm in size, and the subgroup analysis of very small meningiomas and schwannomas revealed no differences in terms of ipsilateral masticatory muscle atrophy (p = 0.078), prominence of the dural tail (p = 0.236), or the presence of cystic components (p = 0. 364). However, the ADCmin values were significantly lower for very small meningiomas than for very small schwannomas (p = 0.009).
Conclusion
Meningiomas less than 3 cm in size can be differentiated from schwannomas of the same size on the basis of MRI features indicative of significant masticatory muscle atrophy such as a prominent dural tail appearance and the presence of cystic components. The ADC and DWI parameters provided additional critical insights, particularly for VSMCTs, thus facilitating preoperative diagnoses.
Combining Untargeted and Targeted Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Principal Differences between Osteopenia, Osteoporosis and Healthy Controls
Authors: Tan Bing , Cheng Yan , Li Junfeng , Zheng Yuhao , Xiao Cong , Guo Haoning , Wang Bing , Ouyang Jianyuan , Wang Wenmin , Wang Jisheng 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Backgound: Osteopenia (ON) and osteoporosis (OP) are highly prevalent among postmenopausal women and poses a challenge for early diagnosis. Therefore, identifying reliable biomarkers for early prediction using metabolomics is critically important. Methods: Initially, non-targeted metabolomics was utilized to identify plasma metabolites in healthy controls (HC), ON, and OP groups, aiming to find differential metabolites among these groups. Subsequently, key metabolites were validated through targeted metabolomics in an external cohort. Results: Initially, the non-targeted metabolomic analysis revealed an increase in differential metabolites with the progression of the disease, showing abnormalities in lipid and organic acid metabolism in ON and OP patients. Several substances were found to correlate positively or negatively with bone mineral density (BMD), for example, N-undecanoylglycine, sphingomyelins, and phosphatidylinositols exhibited positive correlations with BMD, while acetic acid, phenylalanine, taurine, inosine, and pyruvic acid showed negative correlations with BMD. Subsequently, targeted validation of 37 amino acids and their metabolites revealed six amino acids related to ON and OP. Conclusion: Significant metabolomic features were identified between HC and patients with ON/OP, with multiple metabolites correlating positively or negatively with BMD. Integrating both targeted and non-targeted metabolomic results suggests that lipid, organic acid, and amino acid metabolism may represent important metabolomic characteristics of patients with OP, offering new insights into the development of metabolomic applications in OP.
Effect of welding heat input on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of welded joints of 1000MPa steel for hydropower engineering
Authors: Bu Qiuju , Wang Fan , Gao Xiuhua , Feng Guoqing , Chang Zhiyong , Chen Xincheng 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Gas metal arc welding experiments were carried out on 1000MPa hydropower steel with different welding heat inputs. The changing laws of microstructure, hardness, strength and toughness of welded joints of 1000MPa hydropower steel under different heat inputs were studied. The highest hardness of the experimental steel under different conditions was measured through the highest hardness experiment. The results show that with the increase of heat input and the preheating of the specimen at 100℃, the hardness of the heat affected zone decreases to some extent, and the width of the heat affected zone increases, which reduces the crack sensitivity. There are a large number of inclusions in the weld metal (WM), some of which are particles for heterogeneous nucleation of acicular ferrite (AF). With the increase of heat input, the AF of WM structure is coarse, the content of granular bainite (GB) increases, the proportion of high angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) in WM structure decreases gradually, and the kernel average misorientation (KAM) value decreases. Because of the high temperature, the microstructure in the coarse grain heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) is lath bainite (LB) and GB, and the recrystallization of GB in the fine grain heat-affected zone (FGHAZ) is beneficial to the refinement of the original austenite grains. The diffusion of alloying elements near the fusion zone (FZ) and the GB phase transformation of FGHAZ lead to the decrease of microhardness. The mechanical properties of welded joints all meet the requirements of 1000MPa steel for hydropower station.
Local Corner Smoothing Based on Deep Learning for CNC Machine Tools
Authors: Jiang Bai , Sun Rong , Li Ze-long , Xu Liang , Liao Huang , Teng Xiao-yan , Li Bing 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Most of toolpaths for machining is composed of series of short linear segments (G01 command), which limits the feedrate and machining quality. To generate a smooth machining path, a new optimization strategy is proposed to optimize the toolpath at the curvature level. First, the three essential components of optimization are introduced, and the local corner smoothness is converted into an optimization problem. The optimization challenge is then resolved by an intelligent optimization algorithm. Considering the influence of population size and computational resources on intelligent optimization algorithms, a deep learning algorithm, the Double-ResNet Local Smoothing (DRLS) algorithm, is proposed to further improve optimization efficiency. The First-Double-Local Smoothing (FDLS) algorithm is used to optimize the positions of NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline) control points, and the Second-Double-Local Smoothing (SDLS) algorithm is employed to optimize the NURBS weights to generate a smoother toolpath, thus allowing the cutting tool to pass through each local corner at a higher feedrate during the machining process. In order to ensure machining quality, geometric constraints, drive condition constraints, and contour error constraints are taken into account during the feedrate planning process. Finally, three simulations are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Optimal Stone Density for Ablation Lithotripsy with Vapor Tunnel Ho:YAG Pulse Modality
Authors: Rico Luis , Blas Leandro , Banda Lorena , Pizzarello Javier , Contreras Pablo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Vapor-Tunnel™ (VT) consists of a very long pulse that uses the minimum peak power, causing the energy to pass through a previously created vapor channel or tunnel. There are studies that have shown acceptable ablation lithotripsy efficiency. Nevertheless, there are no in-vivo studies that have compared the VT performance according to the stone density. Methods: A retrospective study of 152 patients who underwent RIRS using VT Ho:YAG laser was performed. We divided the patients according to the stone density (Group 1: <1000UH vs. Group 2: >1000UH). We assessed the lithotripsy efficiency (mm3/JJ) and the laser energy consumption (JJ/mm3). The stone-free rate (SFR) was defined as the absence of stone fragments in a non-contrast abdominal computed tomography 4-weeks after the procedure. Results: 93 patients were included in Group 1 and 59 in Group 2. Body mass index was higher in Group 1 and the median stone volume was higher in Group 2 (846 vs. 672mm3, p = 0.03). Total energy used (11.9 vs. 24 kj, p < 0.001), the laser emission time (19 vs. 30 min, p < 0.001), and the total operative time (60 vs. 85 min, p < 0.001) were lower in the Group 1. SFR was higher in Group 1 (96.7% vs. 57.6%, p < 0.001) with a global SFR of 81.6%. The ablation lithotripsy efficiency was higher in Group 1 (0.053 mm3/JJ vs. 0.035 mm3/JJ, p < 0.001). Conclusions: VT Ho:YAG was associated with decreased laser time, operative time and laser energy consumption in Group 1 than Group 2. Similarly, VT Ho:YAG increased lithotripsy efficiency and the SFR compared to hard stones with the same laser settings and pulse modality.
A Palette of Water Inventories Assembled across Nascent TRAPPIST-1 Analog Planets
Authors: Chen Howard , Clement Matthew , Wang Le , Gu Jesse 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Compact multiplanet systems such as TRAPPIST-1 are attractive candidates for planet detection and follow-up atmospheric characterization efforts. By examining the evolution and fates of the neighboring worlds, these systems offer exciting opportunities for comparative exoplanetology. From a planetary habitability standpoint, it is still unclear whether such planets can accrete large quantities of volatiles, grow to sufficent mass, and maintain robust atmospheres and hydrospheres. Previous work predicting the possible water contents in M-dwarf planetary systems used either population synthesis or atmospheric-interior evolution models, but excluded the combined importance of different impact histories and impact ablation of light species. Here, we account for the simultaneous effects of impact delivery, impact erosion, and mantle-atmosphere exchange during secular collision events that are crucial in setting the mass and composition of the growing parent body. Specifically, we use a suite of N-body accretion integrations and a volatile growth model to calculate the accretion timeseries of all seven TRAPPIST-1 planets and their respective gaseous reservoirs. In contrast to previous work that neglected planetesimal impacts, we find much lower surface water inventories for the outer planets (planet e, f, g, h analogs) for both relatively volatile-depleted materials (i.e., down to $10^{-3}-0.1\%$ water mass fraction) and volatile-enriched (i.e., up to 5\%). Interestingly, we find that not all inner planets (planet b, c, d analogs) would remain dry, as around 30\% accretion histories give rise to inner planets with at least 1-10\% of Earth's total oceanic water budget.
More generally, our multi-stage modeling framework for tracking volatile accretion can be used to inform exoplanet interior models and to set the initial compositions of exoplanet atmosphere models. Our results, in conjunction with near-term observations of TRAPPIST-1 planets, may be able to help decipher the makeup and formation histories of their supposed planetary building blocks.
The study of inorganic absorber layers in perovskite solar cells: The influence of CdTe and CIGS incorporation
Authors: Santos Isaac Montoya de Los , Piedrahita Maykel Courel , Oliva Víctor Iván Moreno , Reyes Efraín Dueñas , Cruz Evelyn Díaz , Martínez Miguel Ojeda , Pérez Laura M. , Laroze David 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The perovskite solar cell has been the subject of intense breakdown lately because of its exceptional efficiency. Nevertheless, they confront a significant challenge due to the absorber layer's (perovskite) sensitivity to oxygen and water, which can cause rapid material degradation and adversely affect the solar cell's performance. The commonly used organic hole transport layer (HTL), Spiro-OMeTAD, tends to degrade over time, exacerbating the issue. To address this challenge, two-stage research was conducted. Initially, the CH3NH3PbI3 thin film was experimentally prepared, and XRD analysis confirmed the material's satisfactory crystalline phase (tetragonal), with a crystal size of 73.9 nm. An energy band gap of 1.55 eV was obtained experimentally, demonstrating good correspondence with the literature. Then, perovskites with different crystal structures (cubic, tetragonal, and orthorhombic) were calculated by DFT. These calculations obtained energy band gaps with values of 1.5 eV for the cubic, 1.7 eV for the tetragonal, and 3.9 eV for the orthorhombic. Subsequently, a numerical simulation study using SCAPS was carried out to validate the theoretical performance of an experimental solar cell with Spiro-OMeTAD as the HTL. Also, a simulation without HTL was performed to highlight its importance. Finally, comparative studies were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using CdTe and CIGS as inorganic absorbing layers to replace Spiro-OMeTAD. The study found that the CIGS absorbent layer outperformed Spiro-OMeTAD and CdTe, achieving an efficiency of 15.67%. Additionally, a CIGS absorbent layer optimization study was conducted, returning various output parameter values, including an efficiency of 28.32%. This study recommends implementing a CIGS absorbent layer as HTL to replace Spiro-OMeTAD due to its superior performance and inorganic nature. This research represents a significant advancement in developing stable and efficient perovskite solar cells.
Human Moderation Behavior in the Use of Natural Resources and the Environment: Systematic Review
Authors: Salas-Zapata Walter , Mejía-Durango Diana 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Rationality is one of the fundamental assumptions of economics. Under this assumption, there would not be reasons to assume that individuals will moderate the use of a natural resource or an ecosystem when access to them is free, so that the outcome is their depletion or deterioration. However, the economic literature also reports that people make decisions influenced by criteria that deviate from this assumption, although there are few references to the temperance or moderation in the use of nature or the environment. This systematic review describes the individual processes that lead people to moderate their use of nature or the environment when there are no access restrictions. We find thirteen studies on moderation behavior, where participants could use the environment or natural resources without restrictions. The results indicate that people may adopt moderation behavior under considerations other than utility maximization. Individuals may moderate the use of nature, or the environment driven by feelings of responsibility, ecological attitude, frugality, and self-efficacy, but also influenced by reference points such as goals, the actions of others, the state of the resource or ecosystem, and future consequences of their own actions. However, the relationship between this behavior and actual changes in consumption, resource status, or availability has been poorly studied.
JEL Classification Q01 Q20 Q57
Clinical and genomic profiling of a patient with a de novo ring chromosome 18: A case report highlighting autoimmune and neurological implications
Authors: Montanari Annalaura , Caforio Paola , Paparella Annalisa , Casieri Paola , Nuzzi Maria Cristina , Antonucci Maria Fatima , Catacchio Claudia Rita , Tampoia Marilina , Gentile Mattia , Bucci Roberta , Cecinati Valerio , Cellamare Angelo , Antonacci Francesca 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Ring chromosome 18 (r(18)) is a rare chromosomal abnormality characterized by the circular rearrangement of chromosome 18, which presents significant challenges in genotype-phenotype correlations due to the variability in deletions across the 18p and 18q arms. We report the case of a pediatric patient with a de novo ring chromosome 18, diagnosed through karyotype and confirmed by high-resolution SNP array analysis. The patient exhibited pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs) in the 18p11.32p11.22 and 18q23 regions, involving 36 and 10 OMIM genes, respectively. Clinically, the patient presented with hypothyroidism secondary to autoimmune thyroiditis, autoimmune hepatitis type II, and genetic predisposition to celiac disease and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) along with evident dysmorphic features. The 18q microdeletion encompasses the MBP gene, involved in the development and functionality of the nervous system, as supported by hypotonia and gliosis shown by the MRI. This case highlights the complex interplay between genetic imbalances on chromosome 18 and autoimmune phenotypes, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to elucidate underlying mechanisms and optimize clinical management for individuals with r(18).
Assessment of Occupational Hazards in midwifery setting and Factors Related to the Midwives' Quality of Work-Life: Multicenter Study in IRAN
Authors: Sharifi Nasibe , Fathnezhad-Kazemi Azita , Rezaei Nazanin , Yaralizadeh Masoumeh , PourMohammad Zahra 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Midwifery is one of the key professions in maintaining community health and is important in providing maternal and child healthcare. As a high-risk profession, it involves numerous occupational hazards and challenges that can affect the quality of work life. This study investigated the occupational hazards and factors related to midwives' quality of work life.
Method
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 in Iran, involving midwives working in hospitals (teaching and non-teaching) and health centers. Sampling was done in multiple stages in two large cities, Tabriz and Ahvaz. All midwifery staff meeting the inclusion criteria participated in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire, and the analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.
Results
Finally, the information of 580 participants was analyzed. The mean (± SD) age was 39.21 (± 9.09), with 83% of participants holding a bachelor's degree in midwifery, and the majority were hospital employees. The mean (± SD) occupational hazard score was 3.76 (± 0.87), with ergonomic and biological hazards having the highest mean scores, 4.22 and 4.10, respectively, making them the most significant occupational hazards. Preliminary results showed that the mean scores for job stress, job satisfaction, and quality of work life were 232.35 (high), 41.09 (moderate), and 95.34, respectively. In the regression model, job satisfaction, age, and work experience were significantly associated with quality of work life, with job satisfaction having the strongest influence (β = 0.376, P < 0.0013). As job satisfaction increased, the quality of work life also improved. However, work experience had a negative impact, indicating that as work experience increased, quality of work life decreased (β=-0.296, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Regular assessment of working conditions and the quality of work life is essential, and special attention should be paid to reducing occupational hazards. Given the high levels of job stress and dissatisfaction, there is a need for planning and policy-making to provide psychological support to manage stress, increase professional support, optimize the work environment, and manage physical demands.
Improving Social Media Sentiment Analysis with Swarm Intelligence Feature Selection and Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Singh Parminder , Dhyani Saurabh 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving digital age, sentiment analysis is crucial for understanding consumer behavior on social media platforms. Advanced sentiment analysis techniques integrate swarm based feature selection strategy with deep learning approaches, enhancing emotion classification accuracy and contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Infrastructure Innovation. In order to evaluate social media postings and movie reviews, the suggested ensemble model integrates advance strategy of feature selection with deep neural network architecture, making use of swarm-based feature selection and Long-Short Term memory Network (LSTM). Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) greatly increases the accuracy of emotion prediction by using it for feature selection. Rigorous evaluations validate the hybrid model, demonstrating significant improvements over traditional methods and achieving an impressive accuracy of 93.5%. This highlights its robustness in handling data challenges like sarcasm and ambiguity. The implementation advances sentiment analysis, offering comprehensive solutions that support economic and industrial growth, making it a valuable tool for modern data-driven decision-making.