bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“I would never have gone for screening if it hadn't arrived, this home kit”. Motivation, Capacity and Opportunities for Cervical Cancer Home-based Vaginal Self-sampling in Reunion Island: a qualitative study
Authors: POURETTE Dolorès , CRIPPS Amber , HASSINE Amir , OPIGEZ Eric , BARDOU Marc , DUMONT Alexandre 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: In 2022, RESISTE conducted a cluster-randomised trial to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of home delivery of HPV vaginal self-sampling kits. The trial targeted women living in deprived areas who were not up to date with their screening. This article presents the results of the post-intervention qualitative study conducted in Reunion Island. The study explores women's motivation and capacity to conduct home-based vaginal self-sampling and analyses the influence of providing a financial incentive (voucher upon return) and of returning the kit by post or to a health professional.
Method: A total of 35 semi-structured interviews were conducted with women respondents who returned the kit (16), non-respondents (13) and health professionals contacted by women during the trial (6).
Results: After receiving the kit, several women underwent screening either by self-sampling or by visiting a health professional. Ease of use, convenience and privacy were key factors in self-sampling uptake. Receiving the kit at home creates a sense of being targeted which reinforces the perceived relevance of screening and further encourages uptake. Relatives generally had a facilitating effect, encouraging self-sampling and follow-up. Amongst women respondents, a HPV positive result, was a strong motivator to undergo a follow-up smear test.
Nevertheless, a lack of prior knowledge of vaginal self-sampling, led to a lack of trust in the programme amongst women sometimes likened by women to a scam. This and the perceived complexity of the procedure were the main demotivating factors. The financial incentive did not reverse this trend. On the contrary, it contributed to doubts regarding authenticity. In addition, the health professionals contacted rarely encouraged women to self-sample.
Conclusions: Women appreciated receiving an HPV vaginal self-sampling kit at home. Motivation and capacity could however be improved by increasing prior communication – to both women and health professionals - on self-sampling in general, and more specifically on reliability, sample preservation and ease of use. User-friendliness could also be improved by providing HPV tests results more quickly. Providing the option of collecting and returning the kit to a health professional of women’s choice helps ensure they receive adapted information and support.
Trial Registration: 6 February 2020 - "Sud-Ouest et Outre-Mer II" ethics committee - Version 04 dated 29 July 2023 is currently in force - ID-RCB no.: 2020-A0002237 (File 2-20-006 id6698) 2°HPs.
Multi-scale Feature Fusion Enhancement for Underwater Object Detection
Authors: Xiao Zhanhao , Li Zhenpeng , Li Huihui , Li Mengting , Liu Xiaoyong , Kong Yinying 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Underwater object detection (UOD) is crucial for marine ecosystem protection, ocean resource exploration, and maritime security. While generic object detection methods have shown success in atmospheric conditions, they fall short in the underwater environment. The complicated underwater environment and the physical properties of light make it highly challenging to distinguish ambiguous objects from the background. Also, the common phenomenon in the wild that small aquatic creatures often congregate in large groups further complicates the UOD task. In this study, we tackle these challenges and propose Aqua-DETR, an end-to-end framework tailored for underwater object detection. Specifically, we design an Align-Split Network to reinforce multi-scale feature interaction and fusion for small object identification. We also present a distinction enhancement module based on different attention mechanisms to enhance the identification of ambiguous objects. The experimental results on four challenging datasets demonstrate the superiority of our method over most existing state-of-the-art methods in the UOD task. The code will be available at https://github.com/Calendula597/Aqua-DETR.
Dose-Efficient Cryo-Electron Microscopy for Thick Samples using Tilt-Corrected Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy, Demonstrated on Cells and Single Particles
Authors: Yu Yue , Spoth Katherine , Colletta Michael , Nguyen Kayla , Zeltmann Steven , Zhang Xiyue , Paraan Mohammadreza , Kopylov Mykailo , Dubbeldam Charlie , Serwas Daniel , Siems Hannah , Muller David , Kourkoutis Lena 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Cryo-EM is a powerful tool in structural biology, providing insights through techniques like single-particle analysis (SPA) and cryogenic electron tomography (cryo-ET). In thick specimens, challenges arise as an exponentially larger fraction of the transmitted electrons lose energy from inelastic scattering and can no longer be properly focused as a result of chromatic aberrations in the post-specimen optics. Rather than filtering out the inelastic scattering at the price of reducing potential signal, as is done in energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM), we show how a dose-efficient and unfiltered image can be rapidly obtained using tilt-corrected bright-field scanning-TEM (tcBF-STEM) data collected on a pixelated detector. Enhanced contrast and a 3-5x improvement in collection efficiency are observed for 2D images of intact bacterial cells and large organelles using tcBF-STEM compared to EFTEM for thicknesses beyond 500 nm. As a proof of concept for the technique’s performance in structural determination, we present an SPA map at subnanometer resolution for a highly symmetric virus-like particle (VLP) with 789 particles. These findings suggest applications for tcBF-STEM in cryo-EM of thicker cellular volumes where current approaches struggle.
WITHDRAWN: Contrasting effects of symbiont inoculation on soil microbiota functionalities in a rehabilitation programme of salt-affected lands
Authors: Djighaly Pape Ibrahima , Diagne Nathalie , Tournier Estelle , Ngom Mariama , Cissoko Maimouna , Tisseyre Pierre , Ngom Daouda , Hocher Valérie , Svistoonoff Sergio , Sanguin Hervé 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors while they make corrections to the work. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Impact of Digital Transformation on Organizational Culture within Saudi Enterprises: The Mediating Roles of Leadership Styles
Authors: Karawya Hassan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to investigate the impact of digital transformation on organizational culture and the roles played by leadership styles in mediating this impact. The researcher adopted the descriptive-analytical approach as the most suitable methodology for the study. The sample was selected using stratified random sampling from employees working in Saudi business organizations. The researcher used the questionnaire as the main instrument for data collection. The results of the study demonstrated a positive impact of digital transformation on organizational culture in various Saudi institutions. Furthermore, the research results showed an impact of digital transformation on organizational culture in light of leadership styles as mediating variables.
Fiscal and Monetary Responses to the Demographic Change in Germany
Authors: Dürmeier Stefan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The subject of the analysis is the impact of the demographic development in Germany on inflation with varying monetary as well as fiscal policy reactions. In order to account for both the diminishing population growth and an aging society, a heterogeneous agent model in a life-cycle economy is employed. Monetary policy is selected either by the response only to inflation or to both inflation and output in the Taylor Rule. In the fiscal policy sphere, a debt stabilizing tax rule is compared to an additional countercyclical response and to adherence to the Fiscal Theory of the Price Level (FTPL). Critical policy parameters are estimated from 1951 to 2019 using Bayesian estimation techniques. When data on the demographic trends from 2020 until 2080 are fed into the models for forecasting, both workers and retirees increase their saving efforts. Apart from the dynamics in the FTPL, it is entered a period of persistent inflation above target until around the year 2060, elevated real interest rate and real public debt. The model of the policy rule without the reaction to the output gap results in the highest paths of real output and inflation. In the model which incorporates the FTPL, the response is more subdued for the majority of macroeconomic aggregates after the initial fiscal adjustment.
JEL Codes: C630, E52, E62, J110
Streamlining Constrained Production Optimization Under Geological Uncertainty: An Integrated Framework Utilizing Automatically Differentiated Gradient from Deep-Learning-Based Reservoir Surrogates
Authors: Adeyemi Ahmed , Nguyen Quang , Onur Mustafa 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Life-cycle production optimization in reservoir engineering poses computational challenges, especially under geological uncertainty and complex models. This study introduces a novel approach to enhance optimization accuracy and efficiency by integrating automatic gradient computation from a deep-learning-based reservoir surrogate into the optimization process. Departing from conventional techniques, we aim to leverage the inherent automatic differentiation (AD) capabilities of deep-learning platforms to compute gradients seamlessly within the optimization framework. Our method builds upon the Embed-to-control Observe (E2CO) deep-learning proxy model, featuring an architecture comprising encoder, transition, transition output, and decoder blocks. The transition output block enables direct prediction of reservoir system outputs from input state variables without using any explicit well-model equations. Coupled with a gradient-based line-search sequential quadratic programming (LSSQP) workflow, our approach, enhanced by the novel integration of automatic gradient computation from the deep-learning proxy, adeptly manages robust production optimization under nonlinear state constraints. Performance evaluations are conducted using a portion of the SPE10 benchmark reservoir model, demonstrating the efficacy of the proposed approach compared to conventional methods. Our findings reveal that the integration of automatic gradient computation from the deep-learning-based reservoir surrogate significantly enhances optimization efficiency. The trained and cross-validated multi-model E2CO surrogate accurately predicts state variables and well outputs under geological uncertainty. Utilizing the AD-based gradients derived from the deep-learning proxy for the gradient-based LSSQP workflow, our approach achieves optimal solutions comparable to the stochastic gradient approach and the direct optimization using high-fidelity reservoir simulators. Moreover, the proposed optimization workflow demonstrates superior time efficiency compared to conventional approaches directly coupled with reservoir simulators.
Indications and Outcome of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection in a Community Eye Hospital, Nepal
Authors: Thakali Sunil , Shrestha Mohini , Gauchan Aleena , Gurung Hom Bahadur 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine indication and the treatment outcome of Intravitreal Bevacizumab (IVB) Injection in retinal diseases in a community eye hospital in Nepal. This was a retrospective study of the patients with retinal diseases following Intravitreal Bevacizumab injections at Hetauda Community Eye Hospital from 2019 to 2022. We evaluated the data of 247 patients with 260 eyes treated with IVB to assess the effectiveness in the management of diabetic retinopathy(DR), neovascular age-related macular degeneration(nAMD), and branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO), among other retinal conditions. The patients' average age was 64.4 years, with a male predominance of 56.1%. DR was the most frequent indication for IVB, followed by nAMD and BRVO. Central macular thickness(CMT) in BRVO and visual acuities in DR, nAMD, and BRVO considerably improved after IVB treatment. The findings emphasize the efficacy of IVB as a cost-effective treatment for retinal diseases at both visual and quality-of-life levels for resource-constrained settings. It is, therefore, an option that strongly needs to be considered as a form of treatment in such settings.
The evolution of long-range hunting with stone-tipped weapons during the Afrotropic Middle Stone Age
Authors: Sahle Yonatan , Lombard Marlize 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In the Afrotropic biogeographic realm, with its high-density and diverse mammal population, early humans may have been hunting with stone-tipped weapons since ~500 000 years ago. Being able to hunt effectively from a distance has several important adaptive advantages. Yet, until now, African long-range javelin hunting remained unexplored as intermediate between short/medium-range, hand-delivered and long-range, mechanically projected weapons. Insights gained from a new Afrotropic comparative dataset with 950 weapon tips of known use – including several javelin types – provide a contextually appropriate middle-range tool for assessing the probable effective hunting ranges of Middle Stone Age points. We use a novel application of the ballistically relevant tip cross-sectional area (TCSA) statistic to define contact, short-, medium-, long- and maximum-range hunting and discuss the adaptive advantages for each. The approach is applied to assess developments and variations in the best-fit hunting ranges of 5597 stone points from 62 Middle Stone Age Afrotropic assemblages. By aligning our results with the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) record we found that long-range hunting with stone-tipped weapons at ~20-30 m was probably not practiced by ≥MIS 8, and that experimentation with long-range javelins – similar to those used by contemporary Ethiopian hunters – over this distance may have started during MIS 6, becoming part of the everyday Afrotropic hunting arsenal by the end of MIS 5.
Financial Technology Strategy for Islamic Banking Competitiveness
Authors: Hakim Muhammad Luqman 
Published: August 2024

Purpose - Analyze the development of Financial Technology and Islamic banking financial data to have implemented financial technology for customers and the profits achieved.Method - This research is qualitative with a literature study connected with the phenomena in Islamic banking to implementing financial technology.Result - Show that the level of service and financial technology is valid, practical and efficient for customers and benefits for Islamic banking. Implication - Technological developments can have benefits for users according to their needs. One of the benefits is related to efficiency in use. Financial institutions use technology to make easier for their customers in digital-based financial transactions. Originality- This research studies the development of Islamic bank performance, the development of Islamic bank financing from the number of ATMs, one form of Islamic banking financial technology in Indonesia.
The Effect of CD31 on Coronary Collateral Development
Authors: Akcali Huseyin , Tascanov Mustafa Begenc , Toprak Kenan , Fedai Halil , Bicer Asuman , Altiparmak İbrahim Halil , Tanriverdi Zulkif , Demirbag Recep , Koyuncu Ismail 
Published: August 2024

Background:
Coronary collaterals are the feeding bridges between the main epicardial
arteries, and research has shown that this collateral development plays a crucial role in myocardial
performance, especially in patients with coronary artery disease. However, the evolution of these
collaterals has not been fully explained.

Objective:
In this study, we aimed to reveal the effect of CD31 on coronary collateral development.

Methods:
As a result of coronary angiography performed in our clinic, 89 patients with coronary
artery disease and 90 patients with normal coronary arteries were included in the study. Collateral
development degrees were recorded from the angiographic images of the subjects. CD31 values
were compared between the group with coronary artery disease and the control group. In addition,
the coronary artery disease group was divided into subgroups according to the collateral development
in terms of good collateral development and poor collateral development, and the factors
that may affect the collateral development were tried to be determined.

Results:
CD31 levels were significantly higher in the group with coronary artery disease compared
to the control group (p <0.001). In addition, CD31 levels in the subgroup with good collateral
were significantly higher than in the group with weak collateral (p <0.001). In the correlation
analysis, a significant positive correlation was found between serum CD31 level and SYNTAX
score, age, glucose, and rentrop grade. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed CD31 to
be an independent predictor of good coronary collateral development.

result:
: CD31 levels were significantly higher in the group with coronary artery disease compared to the control group (p<0.001). In addition, CD31 levels in the subgroup with good collateral were significantly higher than the group with weak collateral (p<0.001). In the correlation analysis, a significant positive correlation was found between serum CD31 level and SYNTAX score, age, glucose, and rentrop grade. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed CD31 to be independent predictors of good coronary collateral development.

Conclusion:
CD31, a marker of angiogenesis, may be involved in coronary collateral development.
Synthesis of Graphene@C3N4-Cu Beads Nanocomposites and their Antimicrobial Efficacy Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria and Fungi
Authors: Khan Mohd Sajjad Ahmad 
Published: August 2024

Background:
Increased intake of drugs worldwide and the subsequent advent of resistance
to existing antibiotics have globally threatened health organizations. To combat the problem
of these drug-resistant infections, as an alternative approach, graphene (GN)-related nanomaterials
have attracted significant interest because of their effective anti-microbial potential. The present
study shows the synthesis and characterization of nanocomposite of GN with carbon nitride viz. g-
C3N4, g-C3N4-Cu, and GN@g-C3N4-Cu. Further, we investigated the anti-microbial potential of these
nanocomposites against strains of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, viz., a multidrug-
resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPA), a methicillin-resistant strain of Staphylococcus
aureus ATCC33593 (MRSA), and an azole-sensitive fungal strain (Candida albicans
ATCC14053).

Methods:
The morphological characterization of GN@g-C3N4-Cu nanocomposite was executed
by scanning electron microscopy, whereas the elemental analysis and their distribution were
studied by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and elemental mapping methods. Furthermore,
the anti-microbial and antibiofilm efficacies of g-C3N4, g-C3N4-Cu, and GN@g-C3N4-Cu nanocomposites
were evaluated by disc diffusion, two-fold serial micro broth dilution, and 96 well microtiter
plate methods.

Results:
The ternary g-C3N4-Cu@GN, apart from the structures of g-C3N4-Cu, showed big sheets
of GN. The observance of C, N, O, and Cu in the elemental analysis, as well as their uniform distribution
in the mapping, indicated the successful fabrication of g-C3N4-Cu@GN. GN@g-C3N4-Cu
followed by g-C3N4-Cu and (g-C3N4) exhibited significantly higher antimicrobial activity (zone of
inhibition from 14.33 to 49.33 mm) against both the drug-resistant bacterial strains and azole-sensitive
C. albicans. MICs of nanocomposites ranged from 32 -256 μg/ml against the tested strains.
Whereas all three nanocomposites at sub-MICs (0.25 A- and 0.5 A- MICs) showed concentration-
dependent inhibition of biofilm formation in MDRPA, MRSA, and C. albicans by allowing
11.35% to 32.59% biofilm formation.

Conclusion:
Our study highlights the enhanced efficiency of GN@g-C3N4-Cu nanocomposites as
potential anti-microbial and antibiofilm agents to overcome the challenges of multi-drug-resistant
bacteria and azole-sensitive fungi. Such kind of nanocomposites could be used to prevent nosocomial
infections if coated on medical devices and food manufacturing instruments.
ANALISIS FAKTOR – FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PREFERENSI KONSUMEN DALAM PEMBELIAN PRODUK FOOD AND BEVERAGE DI SHOPEE
Authors: Minerva Maharani Azzahra  , Ajeng Kartika Galuh  
Published: August 2024

The existence of the COVID-19 virus prompted the government to issue an Emergency Community Activities Restrictions Enforcement (PPKM) policy that aimed to suppress positive cases, yet, on the other hand, detrimental to the community since they could not carry out transactions directly to meet their needs. However, the existence of e-commerce can help people to fulfill their needs by making transactions online. Each individual in the community has different preferences in making purchasing decisions. As Muslims, we are obligated to consume halal products, other than that, product quality and prices can also influence consumer preferences in purchasing decisions. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the influence of halal labels, product quality, and product price perceptions on consumer preferences in purchasing food and beverage products at Shopee. The approach used in this study is a quantitative approach through logistic regression analysis. The results showed that the variables of halal labels and price perceptions significantly affected consumer preferences in purchasing decisions. Meanwhile, the product quality variable has no significant effect on consumer preferences in purchasing decisions.
ADOPSI PEMBAYARAN DIGITAL QRIS PADA UMKM BERDASARKAN TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL
Authors: Niken Widowati  , Khusaini Mochammad 
Published: August 2024

Dalam beberapa waktu terakhir, perkembangan teknologi digital terjadi sangat pesat termasuk dalam sistem pembayaran. Masyarakat sebagai konsumen mulai terbiasa menggunakan pembayaran digital. Para pelaku usaha dengan ini dituntut untuk mampu memfasilitasi proses transaksi tersebut. Namun, tidak semua pelaku usaha dapat secara cepat mengikuti trend penggunaan pembayaran digital. Usaha Mikro Kecil Menengah (UMKM) yang menjadi tulang punggung dan bantal perekonomian tidak jarang memiliki kendala dan keterbatasan dalam mengadopsi suatu teknologi karena kurangnya pengetahuan dan sumber daya. Oleh karena itu, tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis determinan faktor atas adopsi teknologi pembayaran digital dalam hal ini QR Code Indonesian Standard pada UMKM, khususnya di wilayah Malang Raya. Dengan menggunakan kerangka teoritis Technology Acceptance Model yang diperluas, sebanyak 164 data dari hasil survey dimanfaatkan dan diolah untuk menguji hipotesis yang diajukan dengan metode Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). Temuan penelitian mengungkapkan bahwa Intensi atau Niat para pelaku UMKM untuk menggunakan pembayaran digital QRIS ditentukan oleh persepsi Kemudahan Penggunaan, persepsi Kegunaan, Kepercayaan, dan Sikap positif terhadap penggunaan QRIS sementara faktor Kompatibilitas ditemukan tidak memiliki pengaruh. Penelitian ini memberikan informasi bagi pembuat kebijakan dan lembaga keuangan seperti bank atau penyedia layanan pembayaran digital dalam memahami variabel penting yang mendorong implementasi dan perluasan penerimaan sistem pembayaran digital terutama QRIS.