bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Student Outcomes: The Role of Blockchain in Academic Performance Management
Authors: Batra Iti 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The integration of blockchain technology in academic performance management has the potential to significantly improve data security, transparency, and efficiency in educational institutions. This paper examines the impact of blockchain on managing academic records, emphasizing its role in reducing data security incidents, cutting administrative costs, and enhancing time efficiency. For instance, institutions that implemented blockchain saw an 83% reduction in data security incidents and a 40% decrease in administrative costs. Additionally, the time required for transcript verification dropped from an average of 5 days to instant verification, resulting in a 100% improvement in efficiency. Student satisfaction also rose by 25%, with accuracy in academic records improving from 95% to 99.9%. These findings suggest that blockchain technology can create a more secure, efficient, and student-centered academic environment, optimizing student outcomes and institutional operations.
Fiber optic characterization on the development law of water conducting fracture zones: An Experiment Study
Authors: Hu Tao , Song Chunhua , Che Jiancheng , Han Kaiqiang , Huo Taihu , Hu Tongxu , Li Bo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

To prevent coal mine disasters, it is not only necessary to predict the height of Water Conducting Fracture Zones (WCFZ), but also to grasp the development law of the WCFZ in time and space. Therefore, taking a working face as background, a similar simulation experiment was carried out using fiber optic sensing. Both five vertical optical fibers were evenly laid between the open-off cut and the stopping line, and four horizontal optical fibers with different heights were laid in the experiment model to characterize the spatiotemporal development of the WCFZ by the strain distribution variation. The results showed the optical fibers strain varies in a boss curve, the upper boundary of the boss in each vertical optical fiber keeps moving upwards while the right boundary of each horizontal fiber continuously shifts to the right, WCFZ presents an unequal trapezoidal shape development process. In this experiment, the height of the caving zone and WCFZ are 25.77m and 90.27m, the initial and final caving angle are 63°and 47.75°respectively. These results are consistence with those of Close-Range Photogrammetry and empirical formula. So, it is feasible to characterize WCFZ development by the horizontal and vertical optical fibers strain.
The epidemiological transition of years of life lost due to early death from common events in the northeast of Iran
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Nayereh , Bajestani Majid Jafari Nejad , Ghorbanzadeh HamidReza , Abdollahzadeh Hasan , Mohajeri Aazam 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aims: To measure the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on deaths and health systems by calculating Years of life lost (YLL)
Methods: The YLL from 2018-2022 for five common causes of mortality in subgroups of sex and age in northeast Iran was calculated based on WHO methods.
Results: YLL for men increased from 188006 years of life in 2018 to 268106 in 2022, and from 147750 to 214296 in women. Women's YLL was higher in the first year of the outbreak (2020), but in the second year, men's mortality was approximately 28 years sooner than expected and women's mortality was 10 years sooner in the first and 26 years sooner in the second year. In general, aging people (≥75 years old) were more vulnerable two years ago, especially women. Two years ago, the YLL for men aged 30-60 increased, while the YLL for women aged 40-60 increased. Cancer or neoplasm has a regular YLL (YLL=9), but infectious or parasitic diseases have increasingly become life-giving (YLL = 1.4 in 2018 to 25.7 in 2022). The first year of the outback saw a drastic reduction in respiratory disease deaths (YLL in 2021 = 3.8 compared to more than 5 in other years) due to a neglect of respiratory diseases.
Conclusions: A rise in YLL could be caused by conditions that require high levels of care but for which effective treatments remain elusive, potentially increasing healthcare costs.
Biomimetic intelligent nanoplatform with cascade amplification effect for tumor synergy therapy
Authors: Wang Ying , Ji Qing , Yan Chao , Ji Pang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Tumor heterogeneity, immune-suppressive microenvironment and the precise killing of tumor cells by drugs are important factors affecting tumor treatment. In this study, an environment-responsive therapeutic nanoplatform based on metal-organic frameworks (FM@IQ/PST&ZIF-8/DOX) is developed. Under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, it realizes the combined treatment of photothermal/immunotherapy/chemotherapy, compensating for the deficiencies of each single treatment and effectively achieving the cascade effect of tumor treatment. When it enters the blood circulation, the surface-modified erythrocyte cell membrane can disguise itself, effectively avoiding its elimination by body immune system. Moreover, the surface-modified folic acid molecules can specific binding with the folic acid receptors on the surface of tumor cells, increasing the uptake of tumor cells to them and thereby promoting its accumulation in tumor tissues. Under NIR irradiation, it induces apoptosis of tumor cells and releases tumor-associated antigen, effectively solving the problem of poor therapeutic effect caused by tumor heterogeneity. Subsequently, the slightly acidic tumor microenvironment can cause the framework of FM@IQ/PST&ZIF-8/DOX to collapse, achieving the precise release of imiquimod and doxorubicin. In this therapeutic platform, imiquimod, as a small molecule immune modulator, can effectively improve the immunosuppressive microenvironment, stimulate the body's anti-tumor immune response and inhibit the recurrence and metastasis of tumors. Therefore, the novel FM@IQ/PST&ZIF-8/DOX drug delivery system designed in this research can not only achieve controllable and precise drug release, but also improve the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. It is expected to become a promising new strategy for tumor treatment and provide corresponding inspiration for the later research and development of environment-responsive drugs.
Fear of Violence and Brain Drain Analysis among Healthcare Workers in Turkey
Authors: Mutlu Hatice , Bozkurt Gözde , Öngel Gökten 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the relationship between brain drain intention and exposure to violence among healthcare professionals in Turkey. It aims to explore how healthcare professionals' attitudes towards brain drain are influenced by their fear of violence, education level, professional experience, and income.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing a quantile regression model to analyze the variation in brain drain attitudes across different percentiles. The model specifically examines how fear of violence affects these attitudes at various levels.
Results: The analysis reveals that the intention to engage in brain drain increases with higher levels of education and professional experience. Conversely, a high fear of violence is associated with a reduced tendency to emigrate. Additionally, the findings indicate that as income increases, attitude scores towards brain drain decrease.
Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of factors such as fear of violence, income level, and professional experience in shaping healthcare professionals' decisions regarding brain drain. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics influencing brain drain. Future research could further investigate these variables, providing valuable insights for policymakers to develop strategies to prevent or manage brain drain, particularly by examining the impact of employment and security policies on individuals' decisions to stay or leave.
Design and dispensing volume estimation of a single piezo-driven dispenser with rigid-flexible combined transmission mechanism
Authors: Wu Min , Zheng Jun-Jie , Zhao Run-Mao , Chen Jian-Neng , Wang Qi-Cheng , Wei Yi-Kun , Pan Shao-Fei 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

To solve the problems of entire replacement due to fatigue of the flexible part, the preload structure is easy to loosen or the preloading force cannot be adjusted, and the volume of adhesive droplets is difficult to estimate. A rigid-flexible combined mechanism with a unilateral preloading feature was introduced, and a droplet volume estimation method was proposed. Firstly, the principle of the single piezo-driven dispenser was analyzed, a static model of the displacement transmission mechanism was established, and the transmission ratio was designed. Secondly, based on the limiting method and the curtain area assumption, a linearized dispensing volume estimation model was proposed, then the fluid simulation model was established and the localized high-pressure of the chamber was simulated to verify the theoretical model. Lastly, a dispenser prototype was manufactured and tested. The results show that the designed dispenser worked stably, with a droplet consistency of diameter within 4.22%. The relative error average (REA) of localized high pressure between the simulation and theory was within 6.5%, and the trend of the measured droplet volume is consistent with the theory under different control parameters, which has a REA of within 5.3%, verifying the feasibility of the proposed droplet volume estimation model. When the dispensing frequency reached 400 Hz, the minimum diameter and volume were 0.43 mm and 0.092 ul, respectively. Experiments show that the designed structure and theoretical model are reliable.
The influence of surface-groundwater interactions on nutrient dynamics in urban in-channel treatment systems
Authors: Silveira Fabio C. , Cochrane Thomas A. , Bello-Mendoza Ricardo , Charters Frances 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In-channel water treatment systems remove excess nutrients through biological, chemical, and physical processes associated with the hyporheic zone. However, the impact of surface and groundwater interactions on these treatment processes is poorly understood. This research aims to assess the influence of varying groundwater conditions (neutral, drainage, and seepage) and different bed sediment hydraulic conductivities on nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in in-channel treatment systems. A flume containing bed sediment was used to study changes in surface water quality under different groundwater and bed sediment conditions. Results show that groundwater interactions influence nutrient concentrations in the surface water. An elevation in dissolved reactive phosphorus and ammoniacal nitrogen and a decrease in nitrate concentrations in the surface water under seepage groundwater conditions was evident. In addition, low hydraulic conductivity sediment led to greater changes in nutrients concentration while high hydraulic conductivity sediment led to greater variations in pH and Eh values. Water-saturated bed sediment promoted a reduction of nitrate concentrations in the surface water. The findings could assist the design and monitoring of in-channel treatment systems where groundwater and surface water interact.
A Prototype Modeling of a Smart Agriculture Monitoring System using IOT Based Drones for Spraying Pesticides
Authors: Karmakar Rahul , Paul Tanaya , Mandal Aditi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Due to the health complications arising from the use of pesticides and insecticides, a considerable number of farmers in the agricultural sector are facing significant health challenges. The conventional practice of manually applying pesticides to crop fields through traditional irrigation systems has adverse effects on health. An optimistic alternative to this manual approach involves the integration of drones for pesticide application. This substitution not only lessens the physical burden on farmers but also accelerates task completion, as drones can efficiently carry and spray insecticides across the entire farm. The two indispensable agricultural processes crucial for achieving optimal crop production include fertilizer application and pesticide use. Farmers can easily navigate the user-friendly design of this application, enhancing their ability to carry out agricultural tasks with efficiency. A quadcopter, commonly known as a drone, is employed for agricultural purposes to uniformly distribute pesticides across a field, thereby significantly reducing the labor required by farmers. Through an Android app, the farmer gains control over the drone, establishing a seamless connection with the device via the drone's Wi-Fi module. The drone is capable of precisely navigating the farmer's land, efficiently spraying pesticides across the entire area, regardless of crop variety or field shape. Addressing the need for a comprehensive model to enhance yields, especially in large irrigation areas with diverse crops, seasons, and influencing factors, a formal model of a drone-based smart irrigation system prototype is presented in this study. The developed model utilizes the Event-B methodology, and its validity is verified through the support of the RODIN tool. This approach ensures a robust and reliable foundation for the implementation of an advanced agricultural irrigation system, taking into account various parameters that contribute to successful and efficient crop management.
Effects of circuit resistance training on serum myokine METRNL, cytokines, insulin resistance, body composition, and lipid profile in overweight participants: A 6-week intervention study
Authors: Alizadeh Hamid , Safarzade Alireza 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of circuit resistance training (CRT) on Meteorin-like protein (METRNL), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-13 (IL-13), and metabolic health markers in overweight individuals.
Methods: Thirty overweight male university students (BMI 25-30 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to a 6-week CRT intervention group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). The CRT program comprised three weekly 45-minute sessions at 60-70% of one-repetition maximum. Serum METRNL, IL-4, IL-13, insulin resistance index, body composition, and lipid profile were measured pre-and post-intervention.
Results: The CRT group showed significant improvements compared to controls. Body mass index and body fat percentage decreased, while serum METRNL, IL-4, and IL-13 levels increased significantly (p<0.05). Metabolic health markers improved, with reductions in fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C, and increased HDL-C (p<0.05). Lean body mass remained unchanged between groups.
Conclusions: CRT effectively enhances METRNL secretion, potentially contributing to improved immune and metabolic functions in overweight individuals. This suggests its potential as a therapeutic strategy for managing obesity-related immunometabolic disorders, warranting further investigation.
Multi-channel Correlated Diffusion for Text-Driven Artistic Style Transfer
Authors: Jiang Guoquan , Wang Canyu , Huo Zhanqiang , Xu Huan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Text-driven image style transfer methods offer users intuitive control over artistic style, bypassing the need for reference style images. However, traditional approaches face challenges in maintaining content structure and achieving realistic stylization. In this paper, we present a novel multi-channel correlated diffusion model for text-driven artistic style transfer. By leveraging the CLIP model to guide the generation of learnable noise and introducing multi-channel correlation diffusion, along with refining the channels to filter out redundant information produced by the multi-channel calculation, we overcome the disruptive effect of noise on image texture during diffusion. Furthermore, we design a threshold-constrained contrastive balance text-image matching loss to ensure a strong correlation between textual descriptions and stylized images. Experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms state-of-the-art models, achieving outstanding image stylization while maintaining content structure and adhering closely to text style descriptions. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations confirm the effectiveness of our approach. The relevant code is available at https://github.com/shehuiyao-a11y/mccstyler.
Larval habitat diversity, physicochemical characterization and their effect on the density of larval malaria vectors in the city of Accra, Ghana
Authors: Sabtiu Abdul Rahim Mohammed , Hinne Isaac Amankona , Sr Isaac Kwame , Doe Richard Tettey , Attah Simon Kwaku , Aboagye-Antwi Fred , Afrane Yaw Asare 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Malaria is more prevalent in rural areas due to fewer mosquito breeding habitats in urban settings. However, urban factors such as irrigated farming, open sewers, and discarded containers create mosquito breeding sites. This study investigates the diversity and distribution of larval habitats and the impact of physicochemical characteristics on the presence and density of Anopheles gambiae s.l. larvae in Accra, Ghana.
Methods
Larval surveys and collections were conducted at fifteen locations in Accra, divided into five categories: Irrigated Urban Farming (IUF), Lower Socioeconomic Status (LS), Middle Socioeconomic Status (MS), High Socioeconomic Status (HS), and Peri-urban (PU) areas. Physicochemical parameters were measured, and species identification was performed using morphological and molecular methods.
Results
A total of 727 breeding habitats were identified, with 65.34% (475/727) positive for Anopheles larvae. Drainage ditches were the most common habitat type (48.21%, 229/475). The highest abundance of An. gambiae s.l. was found in IUF sites (6,244/22,919), especially during the rainy season (77.01%, 17,650/22,919; R² = 3.46, P = 0.000). Polluted habitats, including household effluents, had higher ammonium levels (3.4 mg/L NH₄-N) compared to unpolluted ones (1.3 mg/L NH₄-N). Other distinguishing parameters included dissolved oxygen (34% vs 52.9%), conductivity (5106 µS/cm vs 2049 µS/cm), and total dissolved solids (3181 mg/L vs 1255 mg/L). The predominant malaria vector was An. coluzzii (54.4%, 368/677). Additionally, the invasive An. stephensi, previously unreported in Ghana, was detected.
Conclusion
Malaria vectors breed in diverse and often polluted urban habitats, with high larval densities in urban agricultural areas. The detection of the invasive An. stephensi highlights the need for continuous monitoring and vector control strategies in urban settings.
Humid heatwaves are controlled by daily rainfall variability
Authors: Jackson Lawrence , Birch Cathryn , Chagnaud Guillaume , Marsham John , Taylor Christopher 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Humid heatwaves are a growing risk to human and animal health, especially in tropical regions. While there is established research on dry-bulb temperature heatwaves, greater understanding of the meteorological drivers is urgently needed. In this study, we find that recent rainfall is a key control on the occurrence of humid heatwaves and its effect is regulated by the energy- or moisture-limited state of the land surface. In moisture-limited environments, heatwaves are likely during, or immediately after, enhanced rainfall. In energy-limited environments, heatwaves are likely after suppression of rainfall for two days or longer. The nature of the threat to health from heat stress varies by environment. It depends on local adaptation to temperature or humidity extremes, as well as vulnerability to absolute or anomalous extremes. Adaptation and early warning will benefit from this new understanding of humid heatwave drivers, which shows the possibility of predicting events using satellite-derived rainfall and surface moisture data.
Prevalence and socio-demographic aspect of gender-based violence at the Zinder holistic care centre (Niger) : A cross-sectional study
Authors: Salifou Zalika Lankoande , Diaouga Hamidou Soumana , Garba Souleymane Oumarou , Salissou Z , Yacouba Hassane , Nassirou Souley Aboua , Garba Rahamatou Madeleine , Nayama Madi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Gender-based violence is an important public health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence, the socio-demographic profile of patients (survivors and perpetrators) and the different types of gender-based violence treated at the Zinder holistic care centre in the Republic of Niger.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of cases of gender-based violence recorded and managed at the holistic gender-based violence management centre in Zinder (Niger) over the period from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023. The data collected were analysed using EPI infos version 7.1 software.
Results: During the study period, 515 cases of gender-based violence were recorded. Most of the victims were women and girls (95.15%). Minors accounted for 42.28% of cases. The victims were aged 18 and over in 57.67% (297 cases). Single people accounted for 39.22% of cases. Students accounted for 41.36% of cases. As regards the perpetrators of gender-based violence, men accounted for almost all the cases (95.53%). In 45.44% of cases it was the sexual partner, and in 36.12% of cases the assault took place in the victim's home. Five types of gender-based violence were observed: physical violence (121 cases, 23.5%), denial of resources, opportunities or services (148 cases, 28%), rape (117 cases, 22.7%), sexual abuse (64 cases, 12.4%), forced marriage (42 cases, 8%) and psychological/emotional abuse (28 cases, 5.4%).
Conclusion: Gender-based violence is common in Niger. The victims were young women, pupils or students, single and unemployed. Efforts still need to be made to increase the reporting of cases of GBV, involve community leaders and provide optimal medical, legal and socio-professional care.
Effects of nursing care delivery models on nurses’ fatigue: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kisanuki Naomi , Oriyama Sanae 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

A new nursing care delivery model has been developed in Japan in which all nurses, including experienced nurses, work in pairs to provide daily nursing care for multiple patients. This study aimed to confirm the effectiveness of the paired system by comparing physical changes and mental fatigue before and after work with the conventional system in which one nurse is responsible for several patients. Physical and mental fatigue levels were measured before and after for 675 nurses working at two hospitals with >400 beds. Repeated measures of two-way analysis of variance for changes over time before and after work revealed no interaction. In the paired system, self-negativity was significantly decreased after than before work. This is because, in the paired system, two workers always communicate and consult with each other while performing their work; thus, emotional stress may less accumulate. The system remains not fully established because it has only been implemented for a short time. Strengthening pair relationships was considered an innovative model.