bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating the clinical and economic burden of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among adult patients in India using the CAP burden of illness questionnaire
Authors: Koul Parvaiz , Dhar Raja , Vora Agam , Hasan Ashfaq , Kumar Prasanna , K Supraja , Mahender Harish , Malalur Chaithanya , Taur Santosh 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), a prevalent lower respiratory tract infection, poses a significant health and economic burden. This study explores the clinical and economic implications of CAP among adults in diverse medical centers in India, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of its impact.
Methods
A cross-sectional multicenter survey, employing the CAP-Burden of Illness Questionnaire, was conducted among newly diagnosed severe CAP patients treated in seven participating medical centers. Both inpatient and outpatient cohorts were included, and data on symptoms, comorbidities, treatment patterns, and resource utilization were collected. The study involved 188 patients, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS® (version 22) statistical software.
Results
The CAP-Burden of Illness Questionnaire revealed the persistence of symptoms, impacting daily life and work productivity. Hospitalized patients faced longer recovery times and increased resource utilization. As per the pulmonologists, the hospitalized patients in a private setting had an average length of stay (LOS) of 9 days in the ICU and 5 days in the general ward, whereas at the government hospital, the average LOS in the ICU was an average of 30 days and 8.5 days in the general ward. Average inpatient costs were INR 2,10,862 per patient in private hospitals and INR 5,575 per patient in government hospitals. Non-hospitalized patients reported an average outpatient treatment cost of INR 4,121 per patient in private settings and INR 200 per patient in government hospitals.
Conclusion
The economic analysis sheds light on the disparities in treatment costs, emphasizing the importance of considering healthcare settings. Addressing the multifaceted challenges of CAP requires a holistic approach, encompassing preventive measures, early detection, and targeted management strategies.
Towards all-inorganic antimony sulphide semi-transparent solar cells
Authors: Pareek Alka , Katerski Atanas , Kriisa Merike , Spalatu Nicolae , Krunks Malle , Acik Ilona Oja 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

NiO, a wide band gap hole-transporting material (HTM), is gaining attention in photovoltaics due to its optical transparency, chemical stability, and favourable band alignment with absorber. This study uses NiOx nanoparticle-based HTM in semi-transparent Sb2S3 solar cells via a simple chemical precipitation method. We optimized NiOx layer by varying precursor solution concentration and studied its impact on optical and structural properties, composition of nanoparticles and subsequent effect on the performance of semi-transparent Sb2S3 solar cell. NiOx nanoparticles, deposited from nickel(II)nitrate hexahydrate (precursor solution concentrations of 0.2 M to 1.2 M), were thermally treated by two steps at 90°C for 6 h and 270°C for 3 h. Nanoparticles with crystallite sizes of 6–9 nm had band gaps (Eg) of ca 3.65–3.70 eV. Using 1.2 M concentration yielded the largest crystallites (9 nm), lowest Eg (3.65 eV) while retaining the most organic residues. The highest power conversion efficiency (2.65%) was achieved with NiOx from a 0.5 M precursor, a 60% improvement over HTM-free cells. The effect of precursor solution concentration on the solar cell parameters (efficiency, fill factor, open circuit voltage and short circuit current) are discussed. Present work paves a path toward stable, efficient, and cost-effective all-inorganic Sb2S3 solar cells using NiOx HTM instead of organic counterparts.
High-concentration electrolytes for lithium metal batteries operating at high temperatures
Authors: Luo Lufang , He Jinzuo , Yan Xiao , Qiu Haodong , Zhang Lijiuan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Commercialized electrolytes for lithium-metal batteries have a maximum temperature restriction of 60°C, which significantly restricts the use of these batteries in situations with greater temperatures. In this paper, we study the construction of a high-temperature electrolyte system for lithium metal batteries, using 0.5 M LiODFB-EC/EMC (3:7) as the basic electrolyte system, and 1, 2, and 3M LiTFSI were added to form electrolytes with different concentrations, to investigate the effect of LiTFSI concentration on lithium-metal batteries. The mixed lithium salts used in this system are lithium bis(trifluorosulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) and lithium difluoro-oxalate-borate (LiODFB), with ethylene carbonate (EC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) as the mixed solvent systems. Additionally, we study the electrochemical performance at 45°C and 70°C. The best battery performance was achieved with batteries built with 3.0M LiTFSI/0.5M LiODFB electrolyte. The LiCoO2/Li discharge performance After 500 cycles, the battery's discharge-specific capacity was 117.8 mAh/g, and its capacity retention rate was 82.8%. Better than previous concentration electrolyte systems, the battery constructed with this electrolyte has a greater discharge-specific capacity and cycle stability at 70°C.
Factors associated with interfacility transfer and follow up of adult HIV positive clients in South Western Uganda
Authors: Karungi Syson , Babeho Shibah , Katushabe Eve , Nakidde Gladys , Nduhukire Timothy , Kabami Jane , Luwaga Rachel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is still a significant public health problem with a prevalence of 37.7 million worldwide. In Uganda, awareness of HIV status among adults is at 80.9%, 96.1% of People living with HIV are on ART treatment and 92.2% having viral load suppression as of 2021. Proper linkage, follow up and retention in care are key to successful treatment of people living with HIV. Guidelines for Inter-facility transfer of HIV clients stipulate officially documented transfer of clients to ease access to ART and client follow up. These guidelines though existent, translation into practice is unclear with evidence of self-transfers and registration of transferred clients as ‘ART naïve’ in the new facilities. We therefore sought to assess the prevalence of transferred clients, factors associated with the transfer and follow up of transferred HIV clients in Kabale District in South Western Uganda.
Methods
A concurrent mixed methods study design was employed. Quantitative data was collected among 183 consecutively sampled adult HIV positive clients who had transferred into the selected facilities using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS 16. A total of 4 counsellors and 2 expert clients that were purposively selected and subjected to in-depth interviews regarding challenges in transferring of clients. The data obtained was thematically analyzed.
Results
A total 183 transferred in clients were interviewed, 69.9% were documented transfers and 30.1% were self-transfers. Psychosocial factors were significantly associated with being officially transferred (Chi square value 5.471, df- 1, p value − 0.02) while majority of the clients who self-transferred had structural factors as reasons for transfer. Only 32.8% of the transferred clients had been followed up after transfer contributing to a follow up rate of only 17.9%. Mis-identification of the self-transferred clients and poor interfacility communication emerged as the major challenges to follow up.
Conclusion
The high prevalence of self-transferred clients and lack of follow up create a great challenge in linkage and retention into care of people living with HIV. Therefore rigorous mechanisms for official transfers and follow up of clients at all levels are necessary to improve client retention in care.
Comparing 2D SLAM Algorithms: A Novel Benchmarking Framework for Map Quality Assessment
Authors: Dhaoui Riadh , Ahmed Zuhair A. , Houda Taha , Dhaoui Chaher 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Evaluating SLAM algorithms is critical in determining their performance and suitability for specific applications. This paper introduces a novel benchmark framework for quantitatively assessing 2D SLAM map quality through two stages: preprocessing and evaluation. The preprocessing stage focuses on correcting the SLAM map according to the ground truth map to ensure comparability. This consists of image registration and thinning operation. In the evaluation stage, the resulting SLAM map is compared with the ground truth using various methods: Map Similarity, Geometric Distance Measurement, and Correspondence Matching. To aid in environment selection, we introduce the Environment Complexity Matrix (EnviCM), which categorizes environments into simple, complicated, and complex based on coverage area and feature density. EnviCM assists researchers and developers in making informed decisions regarding SLAM algorithm suitability for the chosen environment, leveraging outcomes from the evaluation stage. The evaluated SLAM algorithms are the widely used Gmapping, Hector SLAM, and Cartographer.
Maternal Healthcare-seeking Behaviour and Timely Childhood Vaccination in Low- Resource Agricultural Areas of Nigeria
Authors: Adejoorin Mobolaji Victoria , Salman Kabir Kayode , Salawu Mutiat Bukola 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Maternal healthcare-seeking behavior is a key determinant of childhood vaccination rates. Understanding this behavior among mothers makes improving vaccination rates and reducing preventable disease incidence possible. Maternal Healthcare-seeking Behavior (MHB) in rural Nigeria is low, with high maternal mortality. Empirical evidence linking MHB to the vaccination of children is limited; therefore, the effect of maternal health-care-seeking behaviour on the timely immunization of children in low-resource agricultural areas in Nigeria was investigated.
Method
Secondary data sourced from the 2018 National Demographic Health Survey were utilized in this study. Information on vaccines collected by the children, prenatal care, timing of first ante-natal, number of ante-natal visits during pregnancy, assisted by a skilled attendant, and post-natal care by mothers was extracted from 2,751 women with under-five children. It was analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple correspondence analysis, and an extended ordered logit model.
Results
Women in rural Nigeria seek the use of maternal healthcare facilities moderately with a mean value of 0.54 while most (55.85%) of the children are unimmunized. The MHB and husband’s education improved partial vaccination in children, while the husband’s education and mother's full employment in agriculture improved the child’s full vaccination status.
Conclusion
It was concluded that MHB improved child vaccination status in low-resource areas in Nigeria. Therefore, policies to facilitate better use of maternal healthcare facilities should be formulated and upheld. The government should also try to create mini health centers in major markets across states where pregnant mothers can have their antenatal care and vaccines can as well be administered to children. Also, implementing programs and policies to improve child vaccination in low-resource areas in Nigeria should be considered.
A Robust Underwater Image Enhancement Algorithm
Authors: Hu Kuo-Jui , Pan Yi-Tsung , Jiang Li-Wei , Lee Sin-Der , Kao Sheng-Long 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Capturing clear images in underwater environments is a major challenge in marine engineering. There are many issues to consider in obtaining clear underwater images. Such as climate, environment and human factors. The most important reasons are the atomization effect caused by dispersion and the color cast caused by inconsistent energy attenuation of each wavelength when light propagates in water. We propose a deep learning model for inferring a degradation model to further improve image dynamic range through a network-guided underwater image enhancement network architecture with multicolor space embedding and convolutional media transfer. Fixed an issue with limited dynamic range and brightness in underwater images. Quantitative and qualitative results show that our network performs relatively well in the Underwater Image Enhancement Benchmark (UIEB) dataset compared to other recent methods, and is expected to be applied to different types of underwater work and environments in the future. Image enhancement. And reduce the degradation problems that often occur with underwater images.
Experience-guided, Mixed-precision Matrix Multiplication with Apache TVM for ARM processors
Authors: Castelló Adrián , Martínez Héctor , Catalán Sandra , Igual Francisco D. , Quintana-Ortí Enrique S. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Deep learning (DL) generates new computational tasks that are different from those encountered in classical scientific applications. In particular, DL training and inference require general matrix multiplications (gemm) with matrix operands that are far from large and square as in other scientific fields. In addition, DL models gain arithmetic/storage complexity, and as a result, reduced precision via quantization is now mainstream for inferring DL models in edge devices. Automatic code generation addresses these new types of gemm by 1) improving portability between different hardware with only one base code; 2) supporting mixed and reduced precision; and 3) enabling autotuning methods that, given a base operation, perform a (costly) optimization search for the best schedule.
In this paper, we rely on Apache TVM to generate an experience-guided gemm that provides performance competitive with the TVM Auto-scheduler, while reducing tuning time by a factor of 48×.
A Single Multi-Task Deep Neural Network with a Multi-Scale Feature Aggregation Mechanism for Manipulation Relationship Reasoning in Robotic Grasping
Authors: Dong Mingshuai , Bai Yuxuan , Yu Xiuli 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In stacked object scenes, effectively perceiving the positional relationships between objects is crucial for enabling robots to grasp safely. However, most existing methods rely on single-scale features with limited representational capability, ignoring the benefits of multi-scale features. In this paper, we propose a multi-task grasp detection model for stacked object scenes based on multi-scale feature fusion. We design a Multi-Scale Feature Aggregation (MSFA) module to fuse features, enhancing the feature maps' ability to represent objects of varying sizes. Additionally, we leverage features from multiple views to predict object positional relationships. In particular, the local Intersection Region Feature (IRF) significantly enhances the model's capability to identify positional relationships between objects while improving computational efficiency. Experimental results on the Visual Manipulation Relationship Dataset (VMRD) demonstrate that our model surpasses current state-of-the-art methods. Furthermore, we conducted grasping experiments in real-world stacking scenarios, which verified the model's effectiveness and generalization capability.
Combining multiple sources of relationships in a network to advance understanding of physicians' beliefs regarding peer-effects
Authors: Zhao Yifan , Bobak Carly , Murphy Megan , Sacks Olivia , Liu Lili , Ray Natasha , Barnato Amber , O'Malley Alistair James 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Patient-sharing physician networks are increasingly recognized as valuable tools for examining physician relationships in healthcare research. However, very few studies have examined the reliability of such networks and summary measures derived from them in relation to directly measured physician relationships. In this study, we evaluate the level of congruence between a survey-based network derived from survey responses to specific name-generator questions and a patient-sharing network derived from claims data. We also examine the association of summary measures derived from either network with physicians' beliefs about peer influence in medical practice. Statistical models with hierarchical and multiple-membership structures were used to estimate the strength of the associations. We found that a survey measure indicating whether a physician was nominated by others was significantly associated with their survey reported beliefs about peer influence. We also observed significant associations between the physicians' structural importance in the network reflected in their eigenvector and betweenness centrality in the patient-sharing network and their beliefs about peer influence. This study of multi-source network relational information advances our understanding of physician survey responses and yields more precise predictions of physician beliefs toward peer-influence than either data source alone. Overall, we found that patient-sharing networks are an important alternative to directly measured survey-based name-generator questions in health services research and other applications. While patient-sharing networks recover some of the information in directly measured peer physician nominations, they also contain distinct information that is helpful for interpreting healthcare insights.
Examining Factors Associated with Experiencing Cardiac Arrhythmias in Black and White Breast Cancer Survivors Who Received Anthracyclines or Trastuzumab
Authors: Sutton Arnethea , Zhao Jinlei , He Jian , Tossas Katherine , Bottinor Wendy , Sheppard Vanessa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Racial disparities exist regarding cardiovascular (CV) toxicities following breast cancer treatment; however, studies on racial differences in cardiac arrhythmias are lacking. This study examined associations between demographic and clinical factors and arrhythmia diagnosis in Black and White breast cancer survivors.
Methods: This study included a retrospective cohort of Black and White women who were diagnosed with breast cancer and who received potentially cardiotoxic treatment. Cardiac arrhythmia data were captured via International Classification of Diseases, Tenth and Ninth Versions (ICD-10 and ICD-9). Experiences with cardiac arrhythmias were compared across racial groups. The associations of demographic and clinical factors with cardiac arrhythmias were evaluated using logistic regression for all women and in race-stratified models.
Results: Cardiac arrhythmias were experienced by 33% of the total 860 women (mean (SD) age 50.3 [10.7] years). In bivariate analyses, Black women were more likely to experience arrhythmias when compared to White women (p=0.006). In race-stratified multivariable analysis, controlling for age and treatment, Black women >50 years were less likely to experience arrhythmias when compared to Black women <50 (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29, 0.87) years. Black women with hypertension were 2.7 times more likely to experience arrhythmias than Black women without hypertension [95% CI: 1.52, 4.82]. White women with obesity were more likely to experience arrhythmias than White women with normal/underweight (OR: 1.97: [1.18, 3.28]).
Conclusion: Survivors with chronic conditions like hypertension and obesity may require enhanced cardiac surveillance. Further investigation into hypertension management in Black survivors may shed light on its impact on CV toxicities in this group.
Floatable Artificial Leaf to Couple Oxygen-Tolerant CO2 Conversion with Water-Purification
Authors: Sheng Hua , Zhang Zhiyong , Wang Yang , Xie Yangen , Takemoto Toru , Zhao Qi , Huang Qing , Huang Xingmiao , Zhang Boyang , Song Wenjing , Chen Chuncheng , Zhao Jincai 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

To enable open-environment application of artificial photosynthesis, the direct utilization of environmental CO2 via an oxygen-tolerant reductive procedure is necessary. Herein, we introduce an in-situ growth strategy for fabricating two-dimensional heterojunctions between indium porphyrin metal-organic framework (In-MOF) and single-layer graphene oxide (GO). Upon illumination, the In-MOF/GO heterostructure facilitates a tandem CO2 capture and photocatalytic reduction on its hydroxylated In-node, prioritizing the reduction of dilute CO2 even in the presence of air-level O2. The In-MOF/GO heterostructure photocatalyst was integrated with a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane to construct a floatable artificial leaf. Through a triphase photocatalytic reaction, the floatable artificial leaf can remove aqueous contaminants from real water while efficiently reducing CO2 at low concentrations (10%, approximately the CO2 concentration in combustion flue gases) upon air-level O2. This study provides a scalable approach for the construction of photocatalytic devices for CO2 conversion in open environments.
Monoterpenes in Your Beverage: A Flavoring Catalyst for Faster Aging?
Authors: Zhao Anda , Li Zhen , Gao Xiang , Wu Jiang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Aging is characterized by the progressive deterioration of tissue structure and physiological functions. While the impact of sugar and artificial sweeteners in beverages on biological aging, mediated through increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity, has been well-documented, the potential effects of other food additives, particularly monoterpenes, have not been thoroughly explored. This study aimed to investigate the association between high exposure to monoterpenes in beverages and biological age acceleration.
Methods
Included in the current study were 1,217 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2013–2014. Beverage intake was assessed through the 24-hour dietary recall. Serum levels of three monoterpenes—limonene, α-pinene, and β-pinene were used to estimate monoterpene exposure. Biological age was assessed using phenotypic age (PA), with acceleration calculated as the difference from chronological age. Multiple statistical approaches, including linear regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS) models, quantile g-computation (Qgcomp), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), were employed to analyze associations between beverage intake, monoterpene exposure and biological aging. Furthermore, mediation analyses were conducted to explore the mediated effects of monoterpenes and BMI on the association of beverage intake with PA acceleration.
Results
High beverage intake (β = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.26, 1.62) and increased exposure to monoterpenes, particularly limonene (β = 1.65, 95% CI: 0.55, 2.76) and β-pinene (β = 1.35, 95% CI: 0.53, 2.18), were associated with accelerated PA. In the RCS analyses, the effects of limonene and β-pinene on PA acceleration exhibited both linear and nonlinear. In the Qgcomp model, the mixed exposure of three monoterpenes had a significant positive relationship with PA acceleration (β = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.37). Moreover, we observed antagonistic effects between limonene and each of α-pinene and β-pinene concerning the acceleration of biological aging in the BKMR model. Additionally, limonene and BMI were identified as parallel mediators of the relationship between beverage intake and PA acceleration.
Conclusion
The study provides novel insights into the detrimental effects of high monoterpene exposures in beverages on biological aging. These findings highlight the importance of considering a broader range of food additives in public health guidelines, as their impact on long-term health outcomes may be significant.