bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
One-way reinforced concrete slab with Holedeck H-ONE formwork: case study
Authors: Carrera David García , García Alberto Alarcón , Cassany Marta Farrús , Centelles Xavier , Márquez Xiomara 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This article documents the design, calculation and commissioning process of an office building with one-way reinforced concrete floor slabs with perforated ribs, obtained using the 68 cm H-ONE system. This is the first project to use this type of formwork, designed by Holedeck and BIS structures. In the work carried out, this solution resulted in a saving of 0.214 m³/m² (50%) of concrete and 10.4 kg/m² (29%) of passive steel in the slab compared to a solution based on reinforced concrete slabs. This material saving resulted in a reduction in CO₂ emissions of 85 kgCO₂/m² (45%) according to the life cycle analysis of the building. When considering the entire structure, this reduction was 57% higher, as lightening the floor slab also reduces the size of the columns and foundations.
FMPA: Fragment Model Poisoning Attack in Federated Learning
Authors: Ren Zhiqiang , Chen Xuebin , Qu Changsheng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Federated learning is a distributed machine learning method that enables multiple participants to jointly train a machine learning model while preserving data privacy. However, its distributed nature makes federated learning vulnerable to Byzantine attacks, leading to degraded model performance or failure to converge. Existing model poisoning attacks primarily target all model parameter dimensions, which limits attackers in evading server defense methods and reduces the effectiveness of the attack. To address this, we propose a new fragment model poisoning attack method—FMPA. This method focuses on specific dimensions of model parameters, achieving a more concentrated attack to evade defense methods while significantly degrading model performance. Experimental results show that FMPA can effectively impair model performance even in the face of five different Byzantine robustness defense methods.
Clinical study on the distribution of acute respiratory pathogens after the unsealing of COVID-19
Authors: Cheng Bin , Tian Gang , Yang Jinlan , Liu Yanmei , Chen Chen , Qi Huaxin , Zhou Meifang , Xu Lingqing , Yin Weiguo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
To analyze the distribution characteristics of pathogen infection in patients with acute respiratory tract infection in our hospital, in order to understand the etiology and epidemiological traits of respiratory pathogen infection in Qingyuan area of Guangdong Province after the epidemic, and provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Methods
Data of multiple RT-PCR and capillary electrophoresis fragment analysis were collected from hospitalized children aged 0-6 years who were diagnosed and treated for acute respiratory tract infection in Qingyuan People's Hospital from December 2022 to December 2023, and the results were statistically analyzed by SPSS 17.0.
Results
The total positive rate of acute respiratory pathogen infection was 65.49% (2306/3521), and the highest positive rate was HRV (21.81%), followed by HRSV (14.23%, 501/3521) and InfA (8.26%, 291/3521). The positive rate of at least one pathogen in male children was 73.77% (1 640/2223), as in female children was 72.88% (946/1298). The positive rate of respiratory pathogens in preschool children group was 71.47%(987/1381),which was higher than in the early childhood group (694/985,70.46%) and in the babyhood group(625/1155,54.11%), and the difference was statistically significant(c2=98.760，P<0.001).The positive rate of respiratory pathogens was highest in April(80.71%,251/311),then were in December 2023 (78.66%,199/253) and in November(76.92%,210/273), and the difference was statistically significant(c2=423.944，P<0.05).
Conclusion
The main pathogens of acute respiratory tract infection in our hospital are HRV, HRSV and InfA. The positive rate of males is higher than that of females, and the positive rate of preschool children is higher. There is a high incidence of infection during the winter and spring changes.
The German version of the self-efficacy questionnaire (SE-12-G) in a sample of healthcare professionals: Translation and psychometric properties
Authors: Frerichs Wiebke , Johannsen Lene Marie , Inhestern Laura , Bergelt Corinna 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Effective and patient-oriented communication is essential for healthcare professionals (HCPs) to deliver high quality care. Assessing communication skills training effectiveness relies on validated measures, such as the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SE-12). Yet, a validated German version is lacking. Thus, we aimed to translate and adapt the SE-12 into German and assess its psychometric properties.
Methods
We translated the original SE-12 into German using the team translation protocol, adapted it to our context and added a subscale on importance of communication skills, resulting in the SE-12-G with two subscales (confidence and importance-scale). We conducted cognitive interviews with six HCPs to assess the comprehensibility of the SE-12-G. Afterwards, n = 152 HCPs completed the SE-12-G at two measurement time-points. We descriptively analyzed completion rate as indicator for acceptance, reliability (Cronbach’s α) and item characteristics (i.e., item difficulties, corrected item-total correlations, inter-item correlation). A confirmatory factor analysis was performed including three a priori hypothesized models including one that represents the factor structure performed by the authors of the original version of the SE-12.
Results
Translation and comprehensibility assessment of the German version of the SE-12-G showed high face and content validity through the cognitive interviews. Completion rate exceeded 98% for all items. Mean item difficulty across all items and subscales was 0.79, (ranging between 0.71 and 0.97), inter-item correlations ranged between 0.02 and 0.73 for the confidence-scale and between 0.044 and 0.533 for the importance-scale. Ceiling effects were present for half of the items on the confidence-scale, and for all items on the importance-scale. Internal consistency yielded a Cronbach’s α of 0.88 for the confidence-scale and 0.83 for the importance-scale. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a one-factor structure for both subscales of the SE-12-G.
Conclusion
The translated and adapted German version of the SE-12 shows good acceptance and reliability. Similarly to the original version, we found high ceiling effects in some items. Compared to the original factors structure, in our sample a one-factor structure was identified for both subscales. The SE-12-G should be evaluated in further studies and modification of some items should be considered.
Trial registration:
DRKS-00015794
Development of Multimodal Augmented Reality Application on the Flight Deck for Single-Pilot Operations: System Usability and User Interface Satisfaction
Authors: Li Wen-Chin , Zhang Jingyi , Blundell James , Court Samel , Sevillian Dujuan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Implementing augmented reality (AR) technologies has become a popular method of increasing operators' situation awareness by adding virtual information to the physical environment. In the current commercial two-pilot flight deck, the pilot-flying (PF) is responsible for flying the aircraft to an approved flight plan, and the pilot-monitoring (PM) focuses on communicating and monitoring PF’s operational behaviours. The driving factors behind single-pilot operations (SPO) are the foreseen pilot shortage and desire to reduce operating costs. Whilst SPO is expected to be enabled - in part - by advanced flight deck technologies. Forty participants attended simulator trials that involved interacting with multimodal AR apps (Hololens) which included voice and gesture command functionalities. Results revealed voice command scored higher than the gesture command on both the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Questionnaire for User Interface Satisfaction (QUIS). AR visualisation that blends the physical operation environment and a virtual holographic checklist with guiding cues can improve pilots’ monitoring performance and procedure compliance during the instrument landing trials. Furthermore, the AR voice command permits multiple sensory processing and response by integrating visual, auditory, and tactile inputs simultaneously, which provides the pilot with greater flexibility to meet task requirements. AR gesture command was regarded as an unnecessary burden to the pilot’s cognitive resources and limited hand movement while executing complicated operating procedures. Future research shall explore the implementation of AR voice command with artificial intelligence (AI) on the flight deck to support a single pilot performing both flying and monitoring tasks. This research paradigm needs to be assessed thoroughly for human-centred design to ensure broad acceptance by end users, manufacturers, airlines and regulators.
Using A RE-AIM Framework to Evaluate the Impact of Shared Medical Appointments for Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Wei , Mao Run , Liang Ziyun , Liang Zihui , Wang Ruixin , Wang Jiamin , Luo Xufei , Lyu Meng , Xu Dong (Roman) , Cai Yiyuan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Diabetes is a major global health concern and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Shared medical appointment (SMA), an integrated treatment and health management service, is effective in improving the clinical and behavioral outcomes of people with diabetes (PWD). Using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, this review aimed to evaluate the impact of SMA on PWD treatment and management to inform the feasibility, scalability, and equity of future SMA implementation.
Methods
Eight electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials, non-randomized grouped controlled trials, pre/post studies, and interrupted time series model studies published in English and Chinese up to February 2024. We performed meta-analyses for all RCTs using a random-effects model and presented Forrest plots and test statistics (Cochran's Q and I2) for heterogeneity analysis. Other results that did not lend themselves to quantitative analysis were summarized qualitatively.
Results
Forty-seven studies were included in the review. The SAM was a highly resource-demanded and complex intervention package. The studies were evaluated according to the RE-AIM framework, and most studies reported effectiveness well, while all other dimensions were poorly reported. Most studies demonstrated that SMA effectively improved patients’ HbA1c and SBP levels and reduced healthcare costs.
Discussion
The available evidence suggests that the SMA was beneficial in improving PWD management and health outcomes among PWD. However, its complexity would constrain its feasibility and scalability. Future research should assess the effect size of each intervention component and evaluate the implementation process, costs, and sustainability of SMA intervention, especially in resource-limited settings, to improve its scalability and equity.
Trial registration
PROSPERO CRD42019134273
RETRACTED: Determine Soil Loss Response to Agroforestry Land Use Change (ALUC) Using RUSLE Based GIS and RS in Gilgel Gibe I Catchment, Southwestern, Ethiopia
Authors: Jiru Endale , Abera Girma , Temesgen Habtamu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The Chinese Adaptation of the Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale in Early Childhood Pre-service Teachers: Validity, Measurement Invariance, and Reliability
Authors: Shao Mingxing , Muhamad Mohd Mokhtar , Razali Fazilah , Nasiruddin Nasnoor Juzaily Mohd , Sha Xinchong , Yin Guoqiang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Teachers’ sense of efficacy (TSE) is a crucial construct for evaluating the quality of pre-service teachers. While the Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES) is the most widely used and promising instrument for measuring TSE, there is no existing literature assessing the appropriateness of the TSES for early childhood pre-service teachers in China. This study aimed to translate the English version of the TSES into Chinese and test its factor structure, validity, measurement invariance across gender, age, and college year, as well as reliability.
Methods
This study used a cross-sectional design. The sample included 402 participants in China. The TSES was translated into Chinese using the standard back-to-back translation method. The psychometric properties of the TSES, including construct validity, concurrent validity, convergent validity, criterion-related validity, measurement invariance, internal consistency reliability, and composite reliability, were examined.
Results
CFA results indicated that the TSES is best represented by a modified three-factor model, demonstrating strong preliminary, overall, and internal structure fit. The concurrent validity, convergent validity, criterion-related validity, internal consistency reliability, and composite reliability of the Chinese version TSES were robust. The measurement invariance across gender, age, and college year was also confirmed.
Conclusions
This study addresses a gap in the literature by providing robust empirical evidence on the factor structure, validity, measurement invariance, and reliability of the Chinese version of the TSES for early childhood pre-service teachers, thereby enhancing understanding of TSE in Chinese-speaking context.
Intra and inter-operator reliability of an ultrasonographic automated software for the assessment of endometrial receptivity assessment
Authors: Saleh Shahenda , Kamel Rasha , Dayem Tamer Abdel , Attia Rana , Negm Sherif , Elgammal Hisham 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Endometrial receptivity assessment (ERA) is considered one of the main indicators of success in assisted conception. This was a multi-centre, prospective observational study conducted in 3 university affiliated tertiary referral units. The study population comprised non-pregnant participants between 18 and 45 years of age attending the gynaecology outpatient department for a gynaecological ultrasound scan.
The objectives of this study were to assess the intra-operator and inter-operator reliability of a three dimensional-ultrasound automated software (Smart ERA™) in assessing endometrial thickness (ET), endometrial volume (EV), vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI).
Results
A total of 226 patients were recruited into the study between December 2022 and March 2023. The mean age and BMI were 34.11 (8.71) years and 29.10 (5.15) respectively. When assessing the intra-operator relationship between the two observations using Pearson’s coefficient, ET (.93; p<.0001) and EV (.90; p<.0001) had very high correlation. The correlations for FI (.71; p<.0001), VFI (.57; p<.0001) and VI (.40; p<.0001) were high, moderate and low respectively. For the inter-operator correlation, it was high for ET (.84; p<.0001), moderate for EV (.65; p<.0001) and low for VI (.41; p<.0001), FI (.31; p<.0001) and VFI (.49; p<.0001). The inter-operator reliability was excellent for ET (0.91), substantial for EV (0.78) and VFI (0.82), moderate for VI (0.72) and low for FI (0.38).
Conclusions
The intra-operator and inter-operator agreement and reliability of ET and EV assessments using Smart ERA™ ranged from substantial to excellent. Similarly, the inter-operator reliability for VFI was substantial. However, the volume and flow indices had moderate to low inter-operator reliability.
Association between hysterectomy status and hypertension: Results from NHANES 2007– 2018 and two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yan Weiren , Wang Jiahui , Xu Ke , Liu Xianglin , Li Xinsheng , Lv Haichen 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Previous observational studies have shown an association between hysterectomy status and the risk of developing hypertension, but the exact relationship between the two is unclear. The aim of our study was to conduct an observational analysis of this relationship and to determine the causality of that relationship through a Mendelian randomization (MR) study.
Methods
This study included 12,628 participants from the 2007–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and used weighted logistic regression to analyze the association between hysterectomy status and the risk of developing hypertension, followed by a subgroup analysis and restricted cubic splines (RCS) to further explore the associations. A two-sample MR study was conducted to determine the causal relationships between hysterectomy status and the risk of developing hypertension and increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Results
Adjusted-weighted logistic regression revealed a significant association between hysterectomy status and the risk of developing hypertension (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04-1.52). Both subgroup and RCS analyses revealed that a younger age at hysterectomy was associated with a greater risk of hypertension. MR showed a causal association between genetically predicted hysterectomy status and the risk of developing hypertension (OR=1.205, 95% CI: 1.043-1.392), increased systolic blood pressure (beta =9.642, 95% CI: 2.125-17.159) and increased diastolic blood pressure (beta =6.695, 95% CI: 2.173-11.217).
Conclusions
Our study revealed that hysterectomy increases the risk of hypertension. Moreover, hysterectomy at an early age is associated with an increased prevalence of hypertension. Therefore, there is an urgent need to manage and monitor blood pressure in post hysterectomy patients.
Rapid phenotypic and genotypic change in a laboratory schistosome population
Authors: JUTZELER Kathrin S. , PLATT Roy N. , LI Xue , MORALES Madison , DIAZ Robbie , CLEC’H Winka LE , CHEVALIER Frédéric D. , ANDERSON Timothy J.C. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Genomic analysis has revealed extensive contamination among laboratory-maintained microbes including malaria parasites, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Salmonella spp. Here, we provide direct evidence for recent contamination of a laboratory schistosome parasite population, and we investigate its genomic consequences. The Brazilian Schistosoma mansoni population SmBRE has several distinctive phenotypes, showing poor infectivity, reduced sporocysts number, low levels of cercarial shedding and low virulence in the intermediate snail host, and low worm burden and low fecundity in the vertebrate rodent host. In 2021 we observed a rapid change in SmBRE parasite phenotypes, with a ~ 10x increase in cercarial production and ~ 4x increase in worm burden.
Methods
To determine the underlying genomic cause of these changes, we sequenced pools of SmBRE adults collected during parasite maintenance between 2015 and 2023. We also sequenced another parasite population (SmLE) maintained alongside SmBRE without phenotypic changes.
Results
While SmLE allele frequencies remained stable over the eight-year period, we observed sudden changes in allele frequency across the genome in SmBRE between July 2021 and February 2023, consistent with expectations of laboratory contamination. (i) SmLE-specific alleles rose in the SmBRE population from 0 to 41–46% across the genome between September and October 2021, documenting the timing and magnitude of the contamination event. (ii) After contamination, strong selection (s = ~ 0.23) drove replacement of low fitness SmBRE with high fitness SmLE alleles. (iii) Allele frequency changed rapidly across the whole genome, except for a region on chromosome 4 where SmBRE alleles remained at high frequency.
Conclusions
We were able to detect contamination in this case because SmBRE shows distinctive phenotypes. However, this would likely have been missed with phenotypically similar parasites. These results provide a cautionary tale about the importance of tracking the identity of parasite populations, but also showcase a simple approach to monitor changes within populations using molecular profiling of pooled population samples to characterize fixed single nucleotide polymorphisms. We also show that genetic drift results in continuous change even in the absence of contamination, causing parasites maintained in different labs (or sampled from the same lab at different times) to diverge.
Association of Kawasaki disease with intellectual disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hsu Chih-Wei , Lin Yu-Wei , Chen Yang-Chieh Brian , Wang Liang-Jen , Kuo Ho-Chang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: The relationship between Kawasaki disease (KD) and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) remains unclear. This study aims to explore the association between them.
Method: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Embase databases from inception to May 1, 2024 (INPLASY202450017). We included case-control or cohort studies comparing KD patients to healthy controls in assessing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability (ID). The meta-analysis employed a random-effects model to calculate effect sizes using hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the disease occurrence. Moreover, mean differences (MDs) were used to calculate intelligence quotient (IQ).
Results: Four eligible studies, including 1,454,499 participants, were analyzed for ADHD, ASD, and ID. Additionally, three studies with 365 participants were analyzed for IQ. The risk of ADHD in KD patients was higher than in healthy controls (HR[95%CI]=1.76[1.21–2.57]). However, the risks of ASD (HR[95%CI]=1.68[0.47–5.94]) and ID (HR[95%CI]=1.39[0.52–2.63]) were not significantly different between KD and controls. IQ comparisons showed no significant differences in full IQ (MD[95%CI]=-0.01[-2.44–2.42]), verbal IQ (MD[95%CI]=-1.05[-4.42–2.33]), and performance IQ (MD[95%CI]=-0.08[-2.75–2.59]).
Conclusion: This study indicates that individuals with KD have a higher risk for ADHD but not for ASD or ID.
Trial registration: INPLASY202450017
Cytochrome c oxidase dependent respiration is essential for T cell activation, proliferation and memory formation
Authors: McGuire Peter , Tarasenko Tatiana , Warren Emily , Fuchs Amanda , Singh Bharati , Marin Jose , Szibor Marten 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

T cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation are fundamentally driven by shifts in cellular metabolism, with mitochondria playing a central role. Cytochrome c oxidase (COX, complex IV) is a key player in this process, as its activity is crucial for apoptosis, mtDNA maintenance, mitochondrial transcription, and mitochondrial respiration (MR), all of which influence T cell fate and function. Despite its known roles, the specific functions of COX required for T cell activity in vivo remain unclear. To isolate the role of MR in T cell function, we reintroduced this capability in COX-deficient T cells using an alternative oxidase (AOX) from Ciona intestinalis. Our findings demonstrate that MR is vital for maintaining metabolic balance during T cell activation by alleviating electron pressure from metabolic reprogramming and preserving redox homeostasis. We further showed that AOX mitigates apoptosis, prevents metabolic disruptions in glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and improves mtDNA maintenance and transcription, indicating that these disturbances are secondary to impaired MR in the absence of COX. Most importantly, the introduction of AOX restored robust effector and memory T cell generation and function in COX-deficient cells. These results highlight the essential role of COX-dependent MR in ensuring cellular health and underscore its pivotal role in T cell proliferation and differentiation.