bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of ayurveda-based panchakarma and lifestyle modification on global longitudinal strain in cardiac disorder patients
Authors: Muramkar Priti S. , Kulthe Nilesh , Ghadigaonkar Pravin 
Published: October 2024

Background: The present sought to study the change in global longitudinal strain (GLS) after 90 days in known cases of cardiac disorders with Ayurveda based Panchakarma and lifestyle modification.
Methods: A retrospective, observational, single-centre study was conducted from July 2021 to April 2022 in Maharashtra, India. Patients aged 18 years and above, diagnosed with inducible ischemia on stress test who underwent the ischemia reversal program (IRP) included in this study. Follow-up was conducted at 90 days. Day 1 and day 90 data were compared.
Results: A total of 32 patients were assessed. Anthropometric variables such as weight (day1: 68.31±12.40 kg and day 90: 63.82±10.93 kg, p=0.00) and abdominal girth (day 1: 93.56±9.60 cm and day 90: 88.22±6.19 cm, p=0.00) improved at the 90-day follow-up. The lipid profile also improved for variables such as high-density lipoprotein (day 1: 27.66±2.69 mmol/l and day 90: 31.94±2.69 mmol/l, p=0.00), low-density lipoprotein (day 1: 146.88 ± 44.68 mmol/l and day 90: 102.00±9.10 mmol/l, p=0.00), and triglycerides (day 1: 206.03±43.41 mmol/l and day 90: 157.53±35.70 mmol/l, p=0.00). Vo2 max changed from 16.93 ± 7.87 ml/kg/min to 30.83±3.76 ml/kg/min, p=0.00). GLS improved from -14.08±3.79 to -16.35±3.26.
Conclusion: Panchakarma therapy and lifestyle modifications help in improving global longitudinal strain, reducing symptoms of chest pain, breathlessness, dyspnea on exertion, improved V02 peak and improved weight loss and ejection fraction.
Study of malleus as a prognostic indicator on hearing outcomes after tympanomastoid surgery: A prospective observational study
Authors: Ibji Mishal , Khairnar Poonam , Roy Kamalika Purkayastha , Mane Santosh 
Published: October 2024

Tympanomastoid surgery comprises a range of surgeries (cortical, radical, modified radical). Pre-operative auditory deficit in a patient with cholesteatoma may be correlated with ossicular chain status. The incus is often expected to be eroded, which may not be true for the malleus. The presence of malleus and it’s significance on the post-operative needs to be studied further. The purpose of our study is to determine the effect of intraoperative status of malleus on the post-operative hearing outcomes of patients undergoing canal wall-down mastoidectomy. A prospective observational study of 24 patients was conducted, where pre-operatively pure tone audiometry (PTA) was performed. Intraoperatively, the status of malleus was noted. Canal wall down mastoidectomy was done. Post-operative PTA was recorded after 3 months and both audiograms compared. An air bone gap (ABG) of less than 20dB post-operatively was considered significant functional improvement. In patients with a preserved malleus, mean improvement was 25.2dB (±9.8), whereas patients in whom malleus was remove had mean 16.8dB (±10.49) improvement. Similar results were found by Lu et al, Blom et al and Haberman et al. Haberman et al theorised the concentration of sound waves and preservation of middle ear volume as a contributing factor to the results. Hence it was concluded that relatively better post-operative audiological outcomes were obtained when malleus was present/preserved intraoperatively.
Topical application of beta-blockers accelerates epithelialization to mesh skin grafted full-thickness burn in sheep
Authors: Nakamoto Kan , Batsaikhan Tsend Ayush , Liu Naiyou , Fagg W. Samuel , Kakizaki Ryuichiro , Heathman Thomas , Enkhbaatar Perenlei 
Published: October 2024

Aim : Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers are conventionally used for the treatment of hypertension, tachycardia, and glaucoma. Research has shown that beta-blockers can accelerate wound epithelialization. In this study, we tested the efficacy of the beta-blocker timolol in an ovine model of grafted full-thickness burn wound healing, which closely mimics clinical scenarios.
Methods : Six full-thickness burn wounds were created on the sheep’s posterior surface. Twenty-four hours later, eschars were excised and meshed skin was grafted (Day0). The wounds in the treatment group received topical application of timolol. Blood flow was measured using a blood perfusion imager. Cardiovascular hemodynamics and blood glucose levels were recorded daily. The epithelialization rate on Day 14 was determined by planimetric assay and analyzed by paired t -test. The days that the epithelialization rate exceeded 85%, 90%, and 95% were analyzed by survival analysis. To assess the potential influence of TGFβ, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), or myofibroblast activation (MFA) on wound healing, the RNA abundance of gene products related to these pathways was measured by reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
Results : The epithelialization rate on Day 14 was significantly higher in the treatment group. The days that the epithelialization rate exceeded 85%, 90%, and 95% were significantly shorter in the treatment group. There was no significant difference in wound blood flow or RNA abundance related to TGFβ, EMT, or MFA-related pathways among the groups at any time point.
Conclusion : The results demonstrate that the beta-blocker timolol accelerates epithelialization of mesh skin grafted full-thickness burn wounds through a mechanism other than improving wound blood flow.
Comparative Analysis of Smart and Traditional Evacuation Strategies in Underground Mines Utilizing Virtual Reality Simulations
Authors: Gaab Simone , Moniri-Morad Amin , Harris Frederick C. , Sattarvand Javad 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Underground mining operations inherently involve significant risks, such as the collapse of surrounding rock or fires. While infrequent, the potentially catastrophic nature of these events highlights the essential need for swift and secure evacuation procedures, ensuring the safety and survival of mineworkers in such situations. The traditional static evacuation strategy, relying on exit signs or guidance markers, may become blocked or barely discernible in low-visibility circumstances resulting from smoke or dust. This paper investigates the feasibility of integrating smart evacuation technology into underground mine operations by examining its effectiveness compared to traditional practices. This procedure involves real-time evacuation guidance of individuals along optimized paths to egress, effectively avoiding danger zones. A virtual simulation environment was built based on the actual layout of a gold mine in Nevada. In this instance, the simulation process involved evacuating a group of participants employing both traditional practices and smart evacuation strategies equipped with live assistance. The findings revealed a notable contrast in the effectiveness of the total evacuation duration between the traditional and smart evacuation strategies. The smart method achieved the most substantial decrease in total evacuation time, almost a 40% reduction. Additionally, 83% of participants expressed a preference for the smart evacuation strategies compared to the traditional practices, with all participants agreeing that the smart evacuation strategy has the potential to improve mine safety.
Advancing community-based conservation in eastern Africa and the determinants of progress
Authors: Mwangi Evans Mungai 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Success in community-based conservation is pegged on benefits exceeding costs. A recent appraisal based on literature, field analysis and experience led to the realization that divergent interests, uncertainty over access and payback are constant concerns. Resource stewardship and governance are wanting, while the devolution of rights is still primordial. Public involvement is at a decisive point with major initiatives attributable to local actors. The rapid rise of wildlife conservancies marks a key milestone where they are now critical and irreplaceable in addressing biodiversity challenges. Sustained progress will require improved relationships among key stakeholders and strengthening of all local actors.
YOLOX-DW: A Fine-Grained Object Detection Algorithm for Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Gao Meijing , Yan Yonghao , Fan Xiangrui , Sun HuanYu , Chen Sibo , Chen Xu , Sun Bingzhou , Guan Ning 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Fine-grained aircraft target detection in remote sensing holds significant research value and practical applications, particularly in military defense and precision strikes. Given the complexity of remote sensing images, where targets are often small and similar within categories, detecting these fine-grained targets is challenging. To address this, we constructed a fine-grained dataset of remotely sensed airplanes; for the problems of remote sensing fine-grained targets with obvious head-to-tail distributions and large variations in target sizes, we proposed the YOLOX-DW fine-grained target detection and recognition algorithm. First, for the problem of unbalanced category distribution, we adopt an adaptive sampling strategy. In addition, we construct a deformable convolutional block and improve the decoupling head structure to improve the detection effect of the model on deformed targets. Then, we design a localization loss function, which is used to improve the model's localization ability for targets of different scales. The experimental results show that our algorithm improves the overall accuracy of the model by 4.1% compared to the baseline model, and improves the detection accuracy of small targets by 12.2%. The ablation and comparison experiments also prove the effectiveness of our algorithm.
Harvesting and agro-ecological zones effects on sustainability of Boswellia sacra in Oman.
Authors: Amri Mohsin Al , Shanfari Ahmed Al 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The frankincense tree (Boswellia sacra) is the most famous economic plant in Oman. Recently, tree populations have rapidly decreased because of incorrect tree-tapping practices. In Oman, the scientific knowledge of frankincense trees is still insufficient, especially in terms of tree yield at different agro-ecological zones, the effect of the resin extraction method and cutting frequency on yield, and plant regeneration. The present study was carried out in four different agro-ecological zones. A total of 180 healthy, non-harvested frankincense trees with four replications were studied. The maximum yield of olibanum from an individual tree was obtained at the fourth tapping pick. The average yields of resin in four locations were 650g, 620g, 360g, and 470g per tree per season in 10 picks. The study showed a positive correlation between olibanum yield and stem diameter, crown size, trunk size, and the number of tapping spots. Whereas, an inverse correlation was found with tree flowering and elevation. Sustainable harvesting of frankincense trees involved limiting cut depth in the phloem, ensuring not to reach hardwood, avoiding cutting in practical places in the tree bole, keeping a distance between cuts, using the traditional tapping method, and specifying periods of time in which tapping is prohibited.
Fuzzy adaptive fractional order PD permanent magnet synchronous motor speed control based on torque compensation
Authors: Liu Deijun , Han Junjie , Chen Guangda , Cheng Yanming , Liang Xinyue , Song Chao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) control system is a nonlinear, strongly coupled complex system, and in order to improve the overall control performance of the PMSM, an Fuzzy adaptive fractional order PD(FFPD) control strategy based on torque observation(TO) compensation is proposed. The parameters of the fractional-order PD controller are optimized online using fuzzy logic reasoning, and a graphical design method of the fractional-order PD controller parameters based on frequency domain performance indicators is proposed to obtain the initial values of the fuzzy adaptive fractional-order PD controller parameters graphically and intuitively. A load torque observer is designed to improve the anti-interference capability of the system by converting the observed load torque into compensation current in equal proportion. Simulation and experimental results show that the strategy proposed in this paper has good dynamic and static performance and robustness.
Digital Twin-Assisted Graph Matching Multi-Task Object Detection Method in Complex Traffic Scenarios
Authors: Li Mi , Liu Chuhui , Pan Xiaolong , Li Ziyue 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Addressing the challenges of time-consuming and labor-intensive traffic data collection and annotation, along with the limitations of current deep learning models in practical applications, this paper proposes a cross-domain object detection transfer method based on digital twins. A digital twin traffic scenario is constructed using a simulation platform, generating a virtual traffic dataset. To address distributional discrepancies between virtual and real datasets, a multi-task object detection algorithm based on graph matching is introduced. The algorithm employs a graph matching module to align the feature distributions of the source and target domains, followed by a multi-task network for object detection. An attention mechanism is then applied for instance segmentation, with the two tasks exhibiting different noise patterns that mutually enhance the robustness of the learned representations. Additionally, a multi-level discriminator is designed, leveraging both low- and high-level features for adversarial training, thus enabling tasks to share useful information, which improves the performance of the proposed method in object detection tasks.
What underlying priority criteria influence which nursing activities get left unfinished? Findings from a national mixed methods study
Authors: Bassi Erika , Jones Terry L. , Chiappinotto Stefania , Tartaglini Daniela , Molin Alberto Dal , Palese Alvisa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Priority setting is the act of classifying immediate actions versus what can be delayed until a later time; thus, some activities get left unfinished. Although several factors that increase or minimize the occurrence of unfinished nursing care (UNC) have been documented, the reasons why nurses decide to provide one intervention instead of another are still under-investigated. Expanding the knowledge regarding priority criteria adopted by nurses may help nurse managers provide support to clinical nurses and address and develop their competencies to set priorities, with the ultimate intent to minimize UNC episodes.
Methods: A mixed methods sequential explanatory design according to the Good Reporting of A Mixed Methods Study was conducted. The quantitative phase consisted of a national survey of 15 hospitals, 110 units, and 1,977 nurses invited to fill in the Unfinished Nursing Care Survey (from 1 ‘never unfinished’ to 5 ‘always unfinished’). A subsequent qualitative phase involved focus groups with nurses identified from hospitals with high, medium, and low UNC occurrence, which were revealed in the quantitative phase. A joint technique displayed where qualitative findings were used to explain which UNC patterns were adopted.
Results: A total of 1,400 nurses (70.8%) reported UNC ranging from 1.92 out of 5 (SD = 0.31) to 2.48 (SD = 0.32). Four priority criteria emerged: (1) “addressing biomedical needs”; (2) “physician expectations come first”; (3) “signing for/audited activities”; and (4) “it depends; there are absolute and relative priorities”. Data integration showed a thematic association that confirmed prioritization criteria underlying the pattern of UNC coherent with the elements of care mostly withheld in daily practice by nurses.
Conclusions: Overall, two priority criteria were based on biomedical patient needs and physician-centric workflow expectations: one pertained to organizational expectations and rules, and only one pertained to nursing as a discipline. Nurse managers are in the best position to foster organizational excellence not only by addressing the underlying causes of time scarcity and UNC, but also by creating supportive work environments that empower nurses to prioritize activities linked with the scope of their discipline.
Association between the use of proton pump inhibitors and osteoporosis/fracture: nested case-control studies using a national health screening cohort
Authors: Youk Hyun , Lee Hee Young , Lee Eun Young , Kim Yoon Ji , Park Ji Yeong , Choi Hyo Geun , Kim Hyun Sik , Lee Jung Woo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used to treat acid-related disorders. However, PPI use may be associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between PPI use and the risk of osteoporosis and fractures using national data. Two nested case-control studies were conducted using nationwide population cohort data. The first study included patients with osteoporosis and controls while the second included patients with fractures and controls. Associations between PPI use and the risk of osteoporosis and fractures were analyzed using propensity score overlap-weighted odds ratios (ORs). The results showed that current PPI use was associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis than non-use (overlap-weighted OR = 37.4, 95% confidence interval: 33.3–42.1, P < 0.001). This association was stronger with a longer duration of PPI use. Similar associations were observed for distal radius, hip, and spinal fractures in the patient group. However, no significant associations were observed between PPI use and fractures in the PPI-treated group. Here, PPI use was associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures, particularly with a longer duration of use. Therefore, clinicians should consider the potential risks associated with PPIs when prescribing them to patients with acid-related disorders.
Cytochromes b5 Occurrence in Viruses Belonging to the Order Megavirales
Authors: Lamb David Christopher , Goldstone Jared , Belhaouari Djamal Brahim , Andréani Julien , Farooqi Ayesha , Allen Michael , Kelly Steven , Scola Bernard La , Stegeman John 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Cytochrome b5 is a small electron transport protein that is found in animals, plants, fungi and photosynthetic proteobacteria where it plays key metabolic roles in energy production, lipid and sterol biosynthesis and cytochrome P450 biochemistry. Previously it was shown that a gene encoding a soluble and functional cytochrome b5 protein was encoded in the large double stranded DNA virus OtV2 that infects the unicellular marine green alga Ostreococcus tauri, the smallest free-living eukaryote described to-date. This single gene represented a unique finding in the virosphere. We now report that genes for soluble and membrane-bound cytochromes b5 also occur in giant viruses in the proposed order Megavirales, particularly the AT-rich Mimiviridae and Tupanviruses. Conversely, other members of the Megaviralestaxa such as the GC-rich Pandoraviridae have not been found to encode cytochrome b5 as yet. Megaviruses encoding cytochrome b5 have been isolated from the deep ocean, from freshwater and terrestrial sources, as well as from human patients. Giant virus cytochrome b5 proteins share high sequence identity with one another (45-95% depending on group) but no more than 25% identity with the cytochrome b5 gene product we identified in Acanthamoeba castellanii, an amoeba host for many giant viruses. Thus, the origin of the unique cytochrome b5 genes in giant viruses remainsunknown. Examination of viral cytochrome b5 primary amino acid sequences revealed that some have either a N- or C-terminal transmembrane anchor, whilst others lack a membrane anchor and are thus predicted to be soluble proteins. This cytochrome b5 topography suggests adapted biochemical functions in those viruses. Our findings raise questions regarding the evolution and diversity of cytochrome b5 proteins in nature, adding to questions about the origin of viral haemoproteins in general.
Predictive Model of Sleep Disorders in Pregnant Women Using Machine Learning and SHAP Analysis
Authors: Liu Can , Lin Yuan , Wang Lu , Li Hongyu , Li Ye , Yang Deguang , Wang Chunyan , Yu Zexin , Wang Hao , Du Yunyun , Guan Suzhen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Sleep disorders in pregnant women are common and can adversely affect maternal and infant health. We aimed to develop a reliable machine learning (ML) model for early prediction of sleep disorders during pregnancy to inform interventions.
Methods
We analyzed data from 1,681 pregnant women in western China. Logistic regression and LASSO regression were used to identify key predictors of sleep disorders. Eight ML algorithms were compared, with LightGBM selected for its superior predictive performance. SHAP analysis was employed to interpret the model and assess the impact of risk factors.
Results
Seven significant predictors were identified: age, morning sickness, pregnancy intention, pre-pregnancy health, underlying diseases, anxiety, and depression. LightGBM demonstrated the best performance with an AUC of 0.687, accuracy of 0.670, and specificity of 0.764. The SHAP values revealed that these factors are associated with a positive influence on the model's risk score predictions.
Conclusion
Our LightGBM model, with its high accuracy and interpretability, can effectively predict sleep disorders in pregnant women, potentially aiding in the development of targeted interventions to improve maternal and infant health.
Research on dynamic distributed flow shop dynamic scheduling based on LSTM-PPO
Authors: Rao Chuchu , LI Renwang , Lan Yeshen , Chen Junxian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aiming at the Dynamic Distributed Flow Shop Scheduling Problem (DDFSP), a scheduling solution method combining a Long short-term memory (LSTM) network with a Proximal Policy Optimization(PPO) algorithm is proposed. To solve the scheduling confusion caused by many uncertain factors in the scheduling process. By learning and analyzing a large amount of data in the dynamic distributed workshop system, the approximate optimal solution is obtained by integrating the time sequence feature extraction capability of the LSTM network and the optimization efficiency of the PPO algorithm, to realize more intelligent and flexible scheduling decision-making, improve production efficiency and process optimization level, and verified by experiment and simulation. The results show that this method can improve production efficiency and resource utilization, and has the potential for cost control.