bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expert System-Based Risk Zoning for Termite Infestation in Reservoirs
Authors: He Fangchan , Zhang Wenkai , Li Liqing , Bian Ke , LI Shiwei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Termite infestations are characterized by their concealment, recurrence, and long-term impact. Research on risk zoning of termite infestations in reservoirs is crucial for prioritizing termite control efforts and rationally allocating funds for treatment. Using termite-infested reservoirs in Nanyang City, Henan Province, as a case study, this research employed disaster risk theory and selected hazard degree indices for evaluation. The indices include surface activity characteristics, internal activity characteristics, and impacts on hydraulic structures. Additionally, hazard sensitivity indices were chosen, incorporating factors such as annual average temperature, annual precipitation, vegetation cover, topography, termite species, dam grade, management status, and treatment status. Based on these factors, an evaluation index system for termite infestation risk in reservoirs was established, along with models for hazard degree, sensitivity, and comprehensive evaluation. Utilizing ArcGIS for geographical processing and spatial analysis, a risk zoning map of termite infestation in the reservoirs of Nanyang City was generated. This map identified nine medium-sized reservoirs requiring urgent termite control, along with one large (Type I) reservoir and five medium-sized reservoirs that need enhanced inspections.
The burden of rheumatoid arthritis in China from 1990-2021: An analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Wu Qinglin , Wang Haiyang , Wu Ying , Tao Licheng , Wang Wuxia , Yin Shiyun , Tang Xiaohu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the leading cause of disability and functional limitations in middle-aged and older adults. However, there is a paucity of studies examining the burden of disease associated with RA in China. This study comprehensively describes the prevalence and health loss associated with RA in China from 1990 to 2021, utilizing demographic and geographic variables. The findings of this study can inform effective health policy, healthcare resource allocation, and the optimization of patient management programs.
Methods
We utilized extensive data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database to analyze the prevalence, mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of RA in China from 1990 to 2021. We conducted a disaggregated and comparative study by age, sex, and region. A comparison was subsequently made between the Chinese study results and global data, as well as data from Middle and High-middle Socio-demographic Index (SDI) countries with similar economic development to China.
Results
The age-standardized prevalence of RA in China increased by 17% from 1990 to 2021. Concurrently, there was a 22% reduction in mortality, a 33% decline in the YLL rate, a 17% increase in the YLD rate, and no change in the DALY rate. The majority of the burden associated with RA in China is attributable to disability. The YLL rate is higher than the global level and that observed in other Middle-SDI and High-middle SDI countries. There is a greater burden of disease in females across all indicators, and the DALY rate is higher in the middle-aged and older age groups, with a peak at 55–59 years of age. China's prevalence and DALY rates exceed the global average.
Conclusion
Systematic studies into the trends of RA burden, encompassing variations related to age and sex, are essential for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare providers in China. The early identification and management of RA, particularly among women and middle-aged to older adults, has the potential to significantly reduce the overall burden of the disease.
Predictive model of the surgical difficulty of robot-assisted total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: A multicenter, retrospective study
Authors: Han Mingyu , Guo Shihao , Ma Shuai , Zhou Quanbo , Zhang Weitao , Wang Jinbang , Zhuang Jing , Yao Hongwei , Yuan Weitang , Lian Yugui 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Rectal cancer robotic surgery is becoming more and more common, but evidence for predicting surgical difficulty is scarce. Our goal was to look at the elements that influence the complexity of robot-assisted total mesorectal excision (R-TME) in the medical care of middle and low rectal cancer as well as to establish and validate a predictive model on the basis of these factors.
Methods
Within this multicenter retrospective investigation, 166 consecutive patients receiving R-TME between January 2021 and December 2022 with middle and low rectal cancer were included and categorized according to the median operation time. A nomogram was created to forecast the procedure's complexity after variables that could affect its difficulty were found using logistic regression analysis.
Results
Using R software, a total of 166 patients were randomly split into two groups: a test group (48 patients) and a training group (118 patients) at a ratio of 7 to 3. The median operation time of all patients was 207.5 min; patients whose operation time was ≥ 207.5 min were allocated to the difficult surgery group (83 patients), and patients whose operation time was < 207.5 min were allocated to the nondifficult surgery group. Multivariate analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI), the gap between the tumour and the anal verge and the posterior rectal mesenteric thickness were independent predictors of surgical duration. A clinical predictive model was created and assessed employing the above independent predictors. The results of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed the adequate discriminative ability of the predictive model.
Conclusion
Our study revealed that it is feasible to predict surgical difficulty by obtaining clinical and magnetic resonance parameters for imaging (the gap between the anal verge and the tumour, and posterior mesorectal thickness), and these predictions could be useful in making clinical decisions.
Real-world data analysis of survival outcomes of patients with primary mediastinal large B- cell lymphoma treated with upfront consolidative radiation therapy following immunochemotherapy
Authors: Lee Yong-Pyo , Cho Junhun , Ko Young Hyeh , Oh Dongryul , Kim Seok Jin , Kim Won Seog , Yoon Sang Eun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is a rare subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. PMBCL predominantly affects young adults and survival outcomes are favorable. Radiation therapy (RT) has been included in the primary treatment option for PMBCL, but intensified immunochemotherapy has raised doubts about this strategy. This study aimed to explore the role of consolidative RT in the primary treatment of PMBCL.
Methods
This single-center study retrospectively analyzed the survival outcomes of 65 newly diagnosed PMBCL patients. All 65 patients received rituximab-containing therapy. Patients in this study were divided into three groups based on their primary treatment: (1) EPOCH-R (etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and rituximab) (n = 7), (2) R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) only (R-CHOP group, n = 31, and (3) R-CHOP with consolidative RT (R-CHOP + RT group, n = 27).
Results
The estimated objective response rates and complete remission rates for all patients were 86.2% and 63.1%, respectively. Median 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 72% and 81%, respectively. All patients in the R-CHOP + RT group achieved an objective response, with a complete remission rates of 59.3%. The R-CHOP + RT group demonstrated better PFS compared to those who did not receive consolidative RT (p = 0.028), although there was no significant difference in OS (p = 0.102). In particular, consolidative RT conferred a survival benefit to patients with initial bulky disease or those who had an insufficient end-of-treatment response. The predictive value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) in assessing treatment response in PMBCL was revalidated, showing that patients who achieved a negative end-of-treatment PET-CT had significantly better survival outcomes than those who did not. One-fourth of the patients experienced disease relapse, and only 30% achieved long-term lymphoma control. The immune checkpoint inhibitor exhibited modest efficacy in this study.
Conclusions
R-CHOP is a useful alternative regimen when intensified chemotherapy is not feasible and consolidative RT should be considered in cases of initial bulky disease and insufficient end-of-treatment response.
The application of Contrast-enhanced US in distinguishing adrenal neuroblastoma from adrenal hemorrhage in infants
Authors: Lin Yanbing , Tang Zijian , Lin Zhouqin , Liu Lei , Fan Shumin , Feng Xia , Chen Meixi , Zhou Wenying , Lin Zhou , Zhou Luyao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Neuroblastoma and hemorrhage are the two most frequently occurred in adrenal region in infants. However, their characterization and differentiation is challenging on baseline ultrasound (BUS). As an increasingly sophisticated tool, contrast-enhanced US(CEUS) is proposed for differentiating such lesions.
Objectives
To investigate the usefulness of CEUS in the differentiation of adrenal neuroblastoma and adrenal hemorrhage (AH) in infants less than 6 months old.
Materials and Methods
The imaging and medical records of 20 infants with adrenal lesions (including 11 neuroblastoma and AH in 9) were retrospectively reviewed. Four readers(two resident and two attending doctors) independently reviewed the images and the diagnostic performances were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The interobserver agreement was evaluated with κ value.
Results
There had differences between them on BUS and CEUS (all p < 0.05). CEUS yielded a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 0.571–0.995), specificity of 100% (95% CI 0.402–0.961), higher than BUS (sensitivity 81.8%, specificity 66.9%). The diagnostic performance of one resident and both attending doctors in terms of the area under the ROC curve (0.712 vs 0.995, 0.561 vs 0.884, and 0.621 vs 0.958, respectively), specificity and positive predictive value improved and sensitivity, negative predictive of all readers improved after CEUS (all p < 0.05). Indeterminate lesions reduced significantly (35.0% vs 25.0% in residents doctors, 25.0% vs 10.0% in attending physicians). The interobserver agreement increased from κ = 0.550 to κ = 0.824 after CEUS.
Conclusion
The diagnostic performance of CEUS in the differentiation of adrenal neuroblastoma from AH might be greatly improved compared with BUS.
Understanding and Addressing Prejudices Faced by Mentally Ill Individuals: A Multidimensional Analysis
Authors: Khan Mohammad Irfan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Mental illness stigma is a pervasive issue that transcends cultural and national boundaries, presenting substantial impediments to successful treatment, reducing key life opportunities, and exacerbating poor outcomes beyond the direct effects of the illness itself. This research primarily investigated the prejudices associated with mental illness, focusing on their combined manifestation through explicit and implicit biases. It aimed to demonstrate how these prejudices contribute to discrimination, thereby aggravating the primary symptoms of mental disorders. Additionally, the study explored the most efficacious intervention strategies aimed at mitigating these biases. The assumption was that participants with priorly direct contact with mentally ill individual would demonstrate significant reduction in their prejudice level. The sample (n = 408) consisted of Nepalese individuals from diverse demographic backgrounds, aged between 18 and 60. They initially completed the Prejudice towards People with Mental Illness (PPMI) scale measuring explicit prejudice, and the mental illness Implicit Association Test (IAT) assessing implicit prejudice. Subsequently, they were randomly assigned to one of four distinct groups: direct contact, indirect contact, education empowerment, and a control group; each incorporating interventions except control group. After two weeks of corresponding exposures, both tests were readministered to evaluate changes in scores. The differences in both scores were calculated to determine the impact of interventions. A Kruskal-Wallis test for changes across groups indicated there was a significant difference, \(\:\chi\:2\:\left(3,\:\:408\right)=(362.849;\:341.135),\:p<0.001\) for PPMI and IAT scores respectively. Post-hoc comparisons using Dunn’s method with a Bonferroni correction for multiple tests indicated that the mean changes in PPMI and IAT for the group engaging in direct contact with mentally ill individual were significantly lower than other groups. This implies that stigma reduction programs should incorporate direct interaction with individuals who have experienced mental illness. Given the uncertain long-term effectiveness of these interventions, it is essential to conduct extended research to evaluate their sustained impact.
Advancing Accuracy in Radiation Dosimetry: FISH Unveils Unified Method for Multi-Marker Dose Assessments
Authors: Chaurasia Rajesh Kumar , Shirsath K.B. , Desai U.N. , Bhat N.N. , Khan Arshad , Sapra B.K. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Accurate dose assessment following radiation disasters or accidents is crucial for informed medical interventions. Cytogenetic biomarkers, such as dicentrics, translocations, and chromosomal fragments, are essential for radiation biodosimetry in various exposure scenarios. However, quantifying these markers using separate staining and detection methods presents challenges in efficiency and consistency. This study aimed to quantify multiple cytogenetic markers, including dicentrics, one- and two-way translocations, and chromosomal fragments, from the same metaphases using Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) method (unified method). By enabling multimarker dose estimation from a single sample, this approach minimizes inter-experimental variation and improves overall accuracy. Independent calibration curves were generated for each marker, enabling precise dose estimation with smaller class intervals, in accordance with IAEA and ISO guidelines. The method was validated by estimating doses for five blinded samples using both standard cytogenetic methods and protein biomarkers (γH2AX and 53BP1). The multimarker approach yielded dose closest estimates with 2-7% variation from true doses, providing the most accurate results among all cytogenetic techniques. This unified FISH-based approach enhances the precision of dose estimation for both recent and past radiation exposures, offering a more reliable tool for diverse biodosimetry applications.
Selecting Countermeasures against Fake News using Large Language Models for Performance Elicitation
Authors: Pereira Pedro Horta , Costa João Varela da , Silva Miguel Mira da , Vieira Ana C.L. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Fake News is a real-world concern that affects our society, these kinds of publications can have various effects like financial or reputational repercussions, being the most dangerous considered crimes with possible high impact. To mitigate those effects, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) must consider multiple factors to properly evaluate the investigation and choose the right countermeasures to enforce. A rapid response is also a concerning endeavor, as the publications that constitute a crime must be mitigated as fast as possible. However, the impact of those countermeasures in the different scenarios is not known exactly. Here we demonstrate through the usage of intriguing Large Language Models (LLMs) capabilities to collect evidence to support the investigation, aiding the decision-making process, and reducing the time needed to reach a consensus for performance elicitation. We show our results by developing a prototype that incorporates AI input and the LEAs' knowledge and experience with a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) model. Our solution is constructed to enable LEAs in new investigations to eliminate the dependency on stakeholders thus providing faster information in an automated way to mitigate this type of cybercrime.
Impact of irrigation with fipronil-contaminated waters on zucchini plants and their main insect pest, Aphis gossypii
Authors: Caccavo Vittoria , Brienza Monica , Semitsoglou Sofia , Buttiglieri Gianluigi , Rosamilia Roberto , Fanti Paolo , Battaglia Donatella , Trotta Vincenzo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Fipronil is a long-lasting, broad-spectrum insecticide with low residual activity and high efficacy at low concentrations. Due to its widespread use and long half-life, fipronil can persist during wastewater treatment and is found even in surface waters. When released into the environment, it can accumulate over time and can lead to concentrations in soil and plant tissues that are harmful to both target and non-target organisms. Effective removal of fipronil is crucial in agricultural settings. Prolonged environmental exposure to this insecticide may contribute to the development of pesticide resistance and cross-resistance to other insecticides used for pest control in agro-ecosystems. As the reuse of treated wastewater and sewage sludge presents challenges and opportunities for farmers, this study investigates the effects of irrigation with environmentally relevant doses of fipronil on zucchini plants and their main insect pest, Aphis gossypii. The fitness costs of A. gossypii reared on plants irrigated with fipronil and their resistance to higher doses of fipronil and to pyrethrins were investigated in the laboratory. Traces of fipronil were found in the zucchini leaves, but not in the flowers, after 35-days of cumulative exposure. A decrease in nymph-to-adult survival and a dose-dependent reduction in the fecundity of A. gossypii feeding on contaminated host plants was observed. Also, aphids that ingested fipronil from the host plant exhibited the same mortality rate as the control group when exposed to a sub-lethal dose of fipronil. However, when natural pyrethrins were used, there was a significant increase in resistance to this insecticide. Our results demonstrate the potential for fipronil to accumulate in plant tissues and highlight the risk of changes in insecticide susceptibility in insect pests. This suggests a need for a holistic approach to the complex dynamics of wastewater reuse in agriculture.
Inflation, income distribution nexus. A pathway to Nigeria's long term socioeconomic development. A chain rule effect
Authors: Abang Samuel Oweh , Ebi Bassey Okon , Eke Felix Awara 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study is aimed at analyzing income distribution as a pass through for the effect of inflation on socio-economic development in Nigeria. Annual time series data from 1981 to 2023 was utilized. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bounds testing procedures was used including pre and post-test to ensure the accuracy of this method. Additionally, the chain rule was equally used to determine the transmission mechanism (channel) and the interactive level of income distribution on socio-economic development. The results indicates the presence of a long-run relationship among inflation, income distribution, and socio-economic development, as confirmed by ARDL Bounds test. The result shows that inflation has a negative but significant impact on socio-economic development in Nigeria with income distribution serving as a transmission channel (mechanism). Based on these findings, it is suggested that the government should implement various strategies and policies, including redistribution policies, plans that will promote socio-economic development.
JEL classification: E31, D30, O11, C1
Design and Performance Evaluation of a Low-Profile 3 GHz Microstrip Patch Antenna with High Return Loss and Low VSWR
Authors: Nazari S.m. Jawwad , Islam Mehrin , Khan Lamima , Masud Rahman , Rahman Aminur 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The rapid spread of wireless services and technological progress have led to a surge in demand for wireless networks. Public and private sectors are heavily in need of low-profile, reasonably priced antennas that are easy to manufacture. Microstrip patch antennas are low-profile antennas that can be utilized for a variety of wireless applications because they are easy to design, cost effective and easy to fabricate. This study describes a novel 2.9 GHz narrowband antenna with nearly zero reflected power. The 2.9 GHz antenna with a return loss of -49.95 dB, and a VSWR below 1.01 in the operating band. This represents a good performance in the S-band applications such as satellite communication, weather radar, maritime radar, 5G etc. The antenna exhibits a directivity of 5.855 dBi, a gain of 5.080 dBi and a radiation efficiency of -0.7743 dB. By modifying the patch size, feedline in both fabricated and simulated antennas the impedance matching, return loss of this antenna structure has been optimized. FR4 material used as a substrate ensures a low-cost during manufacturing. In the study, an equivalent circuit model tuned to the novel antenna structure was also proposed and compared with the electromagnetic simulation result to validate the proposed circuit model.
Vertical Growth of Rhenium Disulfide on rGO Empowers Multi-Signal Amplification for Ultrasensitive MiRNA-21 Detection
Authors: Ouyang Ruizhuo , Huang Ying , Ma Yuanhui , Ye Tai , Liu Xi , Wang Ying , Zhao Yuefeng , Jiang Yuqin , Miao Yuqing , Liu Baolin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Unique rhenium disulfide/reduced graphene oxide (ReS2/rGO) nanoframeworks were synthesized with a hierarchical layered and porous structure for the ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of microRNA-21 (miRNA-21) by empowering multi-signal amplification strategy of catalytic hairpin self-assembly-hybridization chain reaction (CHA-HCR). The layered and porous nanostructures endowed ReS2/rGO with a larger specific surface area and more active sites through connecting vertical ReS2 with rGO which was preferable for promoting the electron transfer over electrode surface because of a conductive network. This nanoframework facilitated the loading of adequate gold nanoparticles to fix the capture probe via Au-S bond. In the presence of the target miRNA-21, the CHA-HCR double amplification reaction could be triggered to generate a long double strand with methylene blue (MB) embedded inside. The electrochemical sensing platform was thus empowered by the unique ReS2/rGO nanoframeworks to detect miRNA-21 in the range of 1 fM ~ 100 pM with the remarkably enhanced sensitivity through detecting the significantly amplified signal from the REDOX reaction of MB inside the long chain. The verification of the miRNA-21 detection in real blood samples further proved the great potential of this new method with the limit of detection reduced down to 0.057 fM and opens a new window for ReS2 in developing sensitive biosensors for early clinical cancer diagnosis.