bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of the serum uric acid-to-albumin ratio with all-cause, cancer specific, noncancer mortality in U.S. adults: a prospective study from the NHANES (1999--2018)
Authors: Ye Yongzhi , Chen Meiqiong , Ji Fada , Mi Suicai 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The serum uric acid-to-albumin ratio (UAR) is closely correlated with mortality in some diseases, but its correlation with all-cause and cancer specific death in the general population requires further research.
Methods
This prospective cohort study included 52,534 participants from the NHANES database (1999–2018). The inclusion criteria were as follows: 18 years of age and older, complete serum uric acid and albumin examinations and mortality follow-up. We used Cox models to evaluate the correlation between UAR and all-cause, cancer specific, and noncancer mortality. The nonlinear relationship was evaluated via restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis.
Results
Cox regression analysis revealed that an increased UAR was related to an increased risk of death after adjustment for confounding factors (HR (95% CI) for all-cause death = 1.49 (1.32, 1.68), HR (95% CI) for cancer = 1.69 (1.32, 2.17), HR (95% CI) for noncancer = 1.43 (1.24, 1.64)). Compared with those in UAR T1 individuals, the hazards of all-cause death and cancer-specific death were significantly greater in UAR T3 individuals, and the HRs (95% CIs) were 1.17 (1.03, 1.33) and 1.53 (1.13, 2.07), respectively. The trend test results were significant, and the P values were 0.0074 and 0.0027, respectively. The risk of noncancer death in UAR-T3 individuals was not statistically significant (HR (95% CI) = 1.10 (0.95, 1.26), p for trend = 0.1377). Tumor subgroup analysis suggested that the UAR was positively correlated with the risk of mortality for each tumor type. After adjusting for variables, it was found that the UAR had a more significant effect on the risk of death from urogenital and gynecological tumors, with an HR (95% CI) of 1.80 (1.28, 2.54). A restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a "U"-shaped nonlinear correlation between UAR and all-cause, cancer specific, noncancer death. Threshold effect analysis suggested that the turning points of all-cause, cancer-specific and noncancer death for UAR were 1.4, 0.8 and 1.5, respectively.
Conclusion
When the UAR was greater than the threshold effect, the hazard of mortality gradually increased, and cancer-specific death had the lowest threshold effect and a more significant impact, which may be used as a biomarker to predict survival prognosis.
The importance of climate change and sustainability in nursing education: A cross-sectional study of students’ perspectives
Authors: Aronsson Jennie , Elf Marie , Warwick Paul , LoMartire Riccardo , Anåker Anna 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
As climate change continues to challenge global health, nursing education must evolve to prepare future nurses for the impacts on care delivery and promote sustainable practices within the healthcare system which is itself a contributor to the climate crisis through emissions and waste. This study explores undergraduate nursing students' attitudes towards, and awareness of, climate change and sustainability, focusing on the inclusion of these topics within the nursing curriculum at a Swedish university.
Methods
In this cross-sectional descriptive research study, nursing students from six groups (semester 1–6) of a three-year BSc Nursing programme were asked to complete the SANS_2 questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to present mean scores for each item, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to identify differences in responses between different student groups. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement has been used to report this research.
Results
A total of 211 (32%) students completed the questionnaires. The findings showed that nursing students across the six semesters had relatively good awareness of, and positive attitudes towards, sustainability and climate change (no mean rating below 4 on a scale 1–7). Statistically significant differences between student groups were found in four out of nine items of the SANS_2 questionnaire, with students in their second semester consistently providing the highest ratings. This may be linked to integration of sustainability education at this stage of their curriculum, which covers the impacts of climate change and sustainability practices in nursing. Notably, the lowest ratings across these four items were provided by students in their last year of the programme. This indicates a gap in the effectiveness of sustainability education, particularly in its clinical application.
Conclusions
This study found that whilst students initially felt equipped to address sustainability issues and climate change in practice, this confidence appears to diminish by the programme's end, raising concerns about the preparedness of the future workforce. This underscores the urgency and importance of continuous reinforcement of sustainability concepts in nursing education, aligning with a spiral curriculum approach which advocates for reiterating themes throughout the curriculum to deepen understanding.
Clinical trial number: Not applicable.
Green Synthesis of Ag/SiO2 Catalyst for its Application in CO-Oxidation
Authors: Pati Subhasis , Jangam Ashok 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles are highly active for low-temperature CO oxidation reactions. Herein, we report the synthesis of Ag nano particles dispersed over mesoporous SiO2 via a green approach. The Ag-nano particles were dispersed over mesoporous silica using bay leaf extract to prepare a 2% Ag/SiO2 catalyst. The formation of the catalyst was confirmed by UV-VIS spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis. The activity of the 2%-Ag/SiO2 catalyst was tested for CO oxidation reaction in a packed bed reactor. The catalyst showed excellent activity for low-temperature CO oxidation, and ∼100% conversion was achieved at 125 oC. The higher conversion and stable activity for 100 hours is ascribed to the strong metal support interaction, homogenous dispersion of nano-particles and formation of easily reducible metal oxides. The strong metal support interaction is confirmed by temperature programmed reduction analysis.
Meta-analysis shows a malleable rightward bias in the expectations of objects in space
Authors: Zhao Zhiran , Pike Emma , Deouell Leon , Lin Chin-Hsuan , Garrido Marta 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Pseudoneglect, considered the archetype of spatial attentional assymetries among neurologically healthy individuals, is traditionally described as a consistent leftward error in visuo-spatial tasks.. Here we challenge this notion by revealing a consistent rightward “internal” bias in a task where participants’ representational encoding of visuo-spatial information is captured. Our meta-analysis across seven experiments in 1750 neurotypical individuals robustly demonstrates a rightward internal bias in the expectations of objects in space. Moreover, we show that this bias is malleable, with a simple behavioural intervention that manipulates prior expectations, albeit with limited generalisability. By successfully recalibrating a spatial bias, our research highlights the potential for cognitive adjustments in addressing spatial cognition challenges such as those in unilateral spatial neglect after stroke.
Eco-product Accounting and Enhancement for Rehabilitated Land in Mining Area: Methodologies and Policies for Sustainable Development
Authors: Wu Dawei , Wang Jinman , Feng Yu , Zhang Jianing , Ye Tiantian , Jia Mengxuan , Gao Tingyu , Liu Yue 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Currently, mining is one of the largest organized human activities that change land use patterns and damage terrestrial ecosystems, resulting in many ecological and environmental problems. To address these issues, it is crucial to restore the original ecological balance of the mining area. This requires us to attach great importance to the improvement of ecosystem service functions while promoting physical restoration in mining areas, that is, to deeply explore and enhance the value of ecological products. Currently, the relevant research is insufficient in quantifying the value of intangible ecological products; moreover, it is lacking in the standardization of evaluation methods and marketization mechanisms. Therefore, this study aims to develop scientific value accounting methods and discuss value realization mechanisms. This study focused on the rehabilitated land in the Pingshuo mining area in Shanxi Province of China, and improves the connotation and concept of ecological products of rehabilitated land in mining areas. In this study, the replacement market method was used to value the various services and products provided by the ecosystem. The value of ecological products in the study area was conducted a spatiotemporal dynamic evaluation using the Mann-Kendall non-parametric test. Moreover, the application of the results of ecological products accounting in the ecological environment construction of mining area was evaluated, and the mechanism for realizing the value of ecological products in mining areas was explored. From 2000 to 2019, the value of ecological products in the Pingshuo mining area rose from ¥351.03 million to ¥508.56 million, exceeding local GDP. Water retention (WR) and climate regulation (CR) ecological products were the most prominent contributors, and the overall value of ecological products in the mining area consistently demonstrated a growth trend. Nevertheless, the values of carbon sequestration (CS), oxygen release (OR), and CR experienced fluctuations in certain years. This study underscores the need to establish a theoretical framework and standardized accounting method for ecological products, and integrate their value into national economic statistics. Additionally, it highlights the importance of creating a new performance evaluation mechanism centered on ecological products and exploring value realization mechanisms. These efforts aim to enhance the ecological health and sustainability of the mining area.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)-induced biomass, yield and antioxidant potential of Bittergourd in water-deficit condition
Authors: Razzaq Ammara , Ali Naila , Iftikhar Muhammad , Shah Anis Ali , . Zaib-un-Nisa , Ashraf Muhammad Yasin , Fatima Tatheer , Raja Vaseem , El-Sheikh Mohamed A. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Drought is an abiotic stress for many species that live in soil. Although many plants have been studied for drought-adaptive processes, but a little is known about Bittergourd (Momordica charantia L.). Antioxidants are especially important because desiccation causes an increase in the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is one antioxidant that influences plant drought tolerance. It causes plants to produce reactive oxygen species(ROS) when exposed to light, is an excellent photosensitizer for biocidal reactions. This study explores the possible protective role of riboflavin (0, 25, 50, 100 ppm) foliar application against drought stress (i.e., 60% and 100% field capacity) in bitter gourd plants. A pot experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replicates during spring season of 2021 at the field area of University of Lahore. Results indicated that the foliar applications of riboflavin (RF) improved morphological and physiological attributes in plants as compared to control plants when grown under drought. Although with increasing concentration of riboflavin all the parameters gradually increased. Fruit count (44%), weight (20%), diameter (22%) and volume (43%) also increased with foliar application. Photosynthetic pigments (Chlorophyll a by 29%, Chlorophyll b by 48%, Total chlorophyll by 34% and Carotenoid by 16%) and metabolites (Total free amino acids by 41% and Total soluble proteins by 37%) increased under the influence of riboflavin. Moreover, Phenolic contents and antioxidant activities (Catalase, Peroxidase and DPPH) of bitter gourd were highlighted showing significant increase in stress which further enhanced under the effect of riboflavin by 23%, 42%, 36% and 56%, respectively to determine the specific direction to be taken for future plant antioxidant research.
Impact of Autophagy and Proteasome inhibition on denervation-induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy
Authors: Singh Ajay , Dabur Rajesh 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Skeletal muscle (SkM) mass loss is directly related to increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle protein degradation mediated by proteolytic systems. Growing evidence suggests the interdependency of autophagy and UPS in the progression of SkM atrophy. Hence, the current study was performed to understand the interdependency of autophagy and UPS and their impact on SkM atrophy. 6-week-old male Wister rats undergone denervation were randomized into different treated groups for one week alone and in conjunction with UPS and autophagy inhibitors. Further assessments were achieved by morphological aberration (via histopathology), mRNA (via RT-qPCR), protein expression of muscle-specific markers (via western blotting), calpain activity (via Zymography) and biochemical alteration. In denervated rats, treatment mainly with chloroquine and somehow with velcade tried to normalize the activity of mitochondrial complex I and IV, calpains activity, levels of ROS, pro-atrophic markers TWEAK, FoxO3, NFkB, Smad3/4, UPS promoting E3 ligases; Atrogin1, MuRF1, autophagy promoting factors; LC3β, Atg5, p62, LAMP2A, PINK1 and myosin heavy chain. In denervated skeletal muscles, inhibition of autophagy affects the activity of proteasome and vice versa. Hence, autophagy and UPS both are interdependent systems in SkM atrophy. Autophagy inhibition attenuates muscle atrophy more precisely than proteasomal and both systems inhibitions.
Interactive Toolkit for Classifying Digital Health Interventions, Services, and Applications Based on the WHO Framework
Authors: Liyanage Anuradha , Wurhofer Daniela , Sareban Mahdi , Treff Gunnar , Niebauer Josef , Hussein Rada 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The rapidly advancing digital health requires a standardized approach to classifying Digital Health Interventions (DHIs) for better planning, monitoring, and resource distribution. The World Health Organisation (WHO) developed a Classification for Digital Health Interventions, Services, and Applications in Health (CDISAH) in response to this need. This document is rather comprehensive, but it is not very user-friendly, which would be desirable to have. The purpose of this study was to develop an interactive, user-friendly toolkit based on WHO's CDISAH to help effectively classify the DHIs services and applications.
Methods
We used a descriptive approach with a seven-step iterative process to create the toolkit. The process began with a review of best practices for converting framework into toolkit, followed by drafting an initial toolkit structure, which was refined through team discussions. The content was based on WHO CDISAH. Expert feedback was incorporated, and quality assurance was conducted through internal and external reviews. The toolkit’s functionality and usability were evaluated through pilot testing on a sample of DHIs, services, and applications.
Results
Toolkit for WHO CDISAH has a structured interface with clear definitions, practical examples, and intuitive navigation across three main axes: health system challenges, digital health interventions, and digital health applications and services. Pilot testing improved its usability and functionality for accurate classification, with areas highlighted for refinement.
Conclusion
The developed toolkit provides a standardised, portable platform for classifying the multimodal DHIs that align with the framework presented by WHO.
Future Trajectories of Soil Erosion in Canadian Agricultural Lands: Runoff-Induced Impacts and Sustainability
Authors: Bonakdari Hossein , Amiri Afshin , Ebtehaj Isa , Soltani Keyvan , Gumiere Silvio 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Human activities have significantly altered agricultural regions, leading to critical issues such as reduced soil fertility, biodiversity loss, and accelerated soil erosion. Despite its importance, reliable erosion maps for Canadian croplands remain scarce, hindering effective mitigation strategies. Here, we aimed to map erosion-prone areas in Canada by combining remote sensing and artificial intelligence methods under current and future climate scenarios from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). Our results revealed that soil erosion in Canada, on a national average, ranges from 4.72 to 6.64 t/ha/yr. All the scenarios indicate an increase in soil erosion over time. Soil degradation could become a more severe problem in the future. Our findings revealed that in 2030, 81,038 km² of agricultural land will exhibit high and severe erosion risks, indicating a significant 53.9% increase compared with that in 2020. The development of accurate soil erosion risk maps will not only enhance targeted conservation efforts but also serve as a critical tool for policymakers to implement effective soil management strategies, contributing to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience on a broader scale.
Analysis and Experimental Determination of Fluid Dynamics Within a Sphere for the Development of Multi Degree of Freedom Attitude Control Actuator
Authors: Vu Huu Quan , Stoll Enrico 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In the contemporary landscape of spacecraft engineering, reaction wheels, control moment gyros, and momentum wheels are standard tools for precise attitude control, functioning by exchanging angular momentum through the rotation of a solid mass around its major axis.
The VEKTOR-FDA (Vector Fluid Dynamic Actuator) proposed in this paper offers an alternative by utilizing the principle of rotating liquid to generate angular momentum instead of relying on a solid body. Electromagnetic pumps drive and circulate the fluid, connecting to a hollow sphere via inlet and outlet channels. The fluid within the sphere is drawn into the pump through the outlet channel and reintroduced through the inlet channel. This circulation, combined with the spherical shape, generates a rotational fluid flow inside the hollow sphere, creating a rotating fluid volume and an angular momentum vector aligned with the rotation axis.
By utilizing at least three pumps arranged orthogonally, simultaneous operation allows flow mixing, which can be precisely controlled by adjusting the individual flow velocities of each pump. This setup enables the rotation axis of the fluid flow to be directed in any desired orientation, allowing the rotating fluid volume and its angular momentum vector to be spatially aligned as needed. As a result, a single VEKTOR-FDA actuator can manage attitude control across all three axes of the spacecraft, effectively functioning as a multiple-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) actuator.
The electromagnetic pump drive in the VEKTOR-FDA actuator provides self-lubrication and eliminates the need for moving mechanical parts, minimizing potential damage from mechanical loads like shocks during launch. Its simple design also enables the use of commercial off-the-shelf components, ensuring cost-effective implementation.
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the motivation and concept behind the VEKTOR-FDA actuator. Additionally, this paper presents analyses and experimental results that investigate how rotating fluid flow can be generated within the sphere and examines its behavior. The study evaluates various factors influencing fluid flow inside the sphere, including configurations with variable cross-sectional shapes of the inlet and outlet channels. Furthermore, it determines the optimal positioning and arrangement of these channels to achieve efficient fluid flow volume, which is essential for maximizing angular momentum output.
The effect of Self-Directed Learning Readiness on Thai medical students’ self-reported National Licensing Examination Step 1 score
Authors: Siriwong Khemmawit , Pattanaprateeb Thitipat , Sawetratanasatien Ramon , Imwattana Korakrit 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Self-directed learning (SDL) is essential for medical students to adapt to continuous learning demands in clinical practice. Problem-based learning (PBL) has been widely used in Thailand’s medical education to foster SDL skills. Yet, limited research exists on how specific SDL components relate to academic success, particularly performance on the National Licensing Examination Step 1 (NLE1). This study examines associations between SDL readiness and self-reported NLE1 scores among Thai medical students.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 108 fourth- and fifth-year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, completed the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS), assessing components such as self-management, willingness to learn, and self-control. Additionally, students completed the Time Management Questionnaire (TMQ). Self-reported NLE1 scores were collected as a measure of academic performance. Multiple linear regression was conducted to explore associations between SDL components and NLE1 scores, and Cohen’s Kappa was used to assess alignment between perceived and actual SDL readiness.
Results
Among the SDL components, only self-management skills were significantly associated with higher self-reported NLE1 scores (p = 0.005). Moderate agreement (Cohen’s Kappa = 0.41) was found between students’ perceived SDL readiness and actual SDL readiness scores, indicating that those perceiving themselves as SDL-ready tended to perform better on the NLE1. Although time management was common among SDL-ready students, it did not directly correlate with NLE1 scores.
Discussion
Our findings highlight self-management as the SDL component most closely associated with academic performance in medical students. This suggests that fostering self-management skills, including decision-making, resource utilization, and action planning, could enhance students’ academic competencies. The moderate agreement between perceived and actual SDL readiness also suggests that self-awareness plays a role in SDL effectiveness. Encouraging self-reflective practices and providing feedback on students' self-assessments could help bridge the gap between perception and reality. Future research might examine these relationships longitudinally or across diverse educational settings to clarify SDL’s broader impacts on academic outcomes.
Innovative Approaches in Image Processing: Enhancing Feature Extraction and Recognition Capabilities
Authors: Yang Zhaozhao , Yu Yuhai , Huang Yongdong , Meng Jiana 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This paper presents novel methods to improve feature extraction and recognition capabilities in handwritten mathematical expression recognition (HMER). By introducing a Multi-Scale Residual (MSR) module within a DenseNet encoder, we effectively capture detailed and global features across different scales, thus overcoming feature loss problems commonly encountered in HMER tasks. In addition, we propose a data augmentation strategy based on spatial transformations to increase feature diversity without additional data. Our methodology is extensively evaluated on the CROHME 2014, 2016, and 2019 datasets, achieving recognition accuracies of 56.75%, 53.79%, and 56.13%, respectively, demonstrating consistent improvements in accuracy and robustness over traditional methods. This approach further optimises the overall performance of the model, making it well-suited for real-world applications requiring high accuracy in the recognition of handwritten mathematical expressions. All source code and datasets are accessible at https://github.com/freedompuls/MsMER, facilitating reproducibility. This work advances the state of the art in HMER and provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in image processing and pattern recognition.