bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the Influence of Social, Economic, and Demographic Factors in Texas on Breast Cancer Survival
Authors: Fofana Sidketa Ida , Oraby Tamer , Cobos Everado , Tripathi Manish K. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. Affected people are financially challenged due to the high out-of-pocket cost of breast cancer treatment, as it is the most expensive treatment. Using a 16-year cohort study of breast cancer survival data in Texas, we investigate the factors that might explain why some breast cancer patients live longer than others.
Methods
Performing a survival analysis consisting of the log-rank test, a survival time regression, and Cox proportional hazards regression, we explore the breast cancer survivors’ specific attributes to identify the main determinants of survival time.
Results
Analyses show that the factors: stage, grade, primary site of the cancer, number of cancers each patient has, histology of the cancer, age, race, and income are among the main variables that enlighten why some breast cancer survivors live much longer than others. For instance, compared to White non-Hispanics, Black non-Hispanics have a shorter length of survival with a hazard ratio of (1.282). The best prognostic for White non-Hispanics, Hispanics (all races), and Black non-Hispanics is a woman aged between 40 to 49 years old, diagnosed with localized stage and grade one with Axillary tail of breast as a primary site with only one cancer and with a household income of 75,000.00 and over.
Conclusion
Policymakers should promote early diagnosis and screening and better assist the older and the poor to improve the survival time for breast cancer patients.
Antimicrobial Lock Therapy: Is it a real savior in pediatric hematopoetic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients?
Authors: Kara Manolya , Sutcu Murat , Aksoy Basak Adakli , Ersoy Gizem Zengin , Oner Ozlem Basoglu , Yaman Ayhan , Ozbek Ahmet , Bozkurt Ceyhun , Fisgin Tunç 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Antimicrobial lock treatment (ALT), when utilized alongside systemic antibiotics, may be lifesaving when catheter removal (CR) is not feasible.
Methods
This retrospective study analyzed the clinical, laboratory, and microbiologic characteristics of CLABSI episodes of pediatric patients who underwent HSCT and applied ALT.
Results
There were 137 cases of CLABSI (63.5 male) who were given ALT. The median age was 48 (3-204) months. The most common causative microorganism was Gram-negative bacteria, encountered in 85 patients (62%). Forty-six patients (33.6%) had Gram-positive bacterial growth, whereas 6 had (4.4%) fungal infection. ALT was successful in 77.4% of the patients (n = 106). CR was required in 25 patients (18.2%). The CLABSI-related mortality rate was 12.4%. When the outcome of ALT was evaluated, post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) use, fungal growth, persistent bacteremia/fungemia, re-HSCT, inappropriate empirical antibiotic use, hypotension, and pediatric intensive care unit admission were significantly more common in the “unsuccessful” ALT group. The patients in the unsuccessful group had higher C-reactive protein [110.2 (1.10-323.5) mg/L] levels when compared to the successful ALT group [58 (0.2-450.3) mg/L] (p = 0.029). The presence of hypotension, HLA-mismatch transplantation, and persistent bacteremia/fungemia were independent risk factors for ALT failure.
Conclusion
ALT can be an effective catheter-saving strategy in HSCT pediatric patients. Nevertheless, patients should be monitored very closely during ALT, and the presence of certain risk factors should be taken into account.
Analyzing empirically and optimizing surface roughness and tool wear during turning aluminum matrix/Bio-ash composite
Authors: Igwe Nnamdi Chukwunenye , Ozoegwu Chigbogu G. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The effect of biomaterial that is rice husk ash (RHA while turning aluminum alloy (AlSi10Mg) was investigated in this study. Stir casting was the chosen fabrication technique. On the responses of tool wear and surface roughness, the combined effects of the following turning process parameters were examined: cutting speed (s), feed (f), depth of cut (d), and weight fraction of reinforcement (\({w}_{t}\)). Taguchi \({\text{L}}_{16}\) orthogonal array was adopted to determine the experimental runs. The results of the tool wear and surface roughness were documented. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the most important factors influencing each of the tool wear and surface roughness were the feed and the cutting speed respectively. Applying single objective optimization also affirmed feed and cutting speed as the most impacting parameters for the tool wear and surface roughness respectively. The predicted model for tool wear and surface roughness obtained from the regression equation shows good correlation with the experimental results. A correlation of 95% and 94% of tool wear and surface roughness was determined between the predicted and corresponding experimental results.
Conceptual Analysis of Brand Image and Perceived Value: Assessing Its Impact on Brand Loyalty
Authors: Kumari Smitee , Chawla Prof. (Dr). Amit , Rai Shivendu Kumar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This research tries to establish an understanding between the customer perception and loyalty towards a brand. The primary issues this study tries to explore are does brand image, perceived risk, perceived price, and perceived quality affect the perceived value for cosmetic products and does perceive value lead towards brand loyalty in the cosmetic product category. Data has been collected from 532 Indian female respondents who have recently shopped for cosmetic products. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out in SPSS (24), followed by CFA and path analysis to validate the results. It has been found that brand image is significantly related to the perceived value. Perceived risk and perceived price are negatively associated with the perceived value. Perceived quality significantly affects the perceived value. Finally, perceived value is positively associated with brand loyalty. Limitations and scope for further research is also discussed in this study.
Causality between Crohn's disease and Alzheimer's disease: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Zhen , Li Qing , Han Min 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Crohn's disease has been associated with the formation of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we investigated the bidirectional causal relationship between Crohn's disease and Alzheimer's disease using a Mendelian randomization analysis.
Methods: A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis between Crohn's disease and Alzheimer's disease was performed using MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, and inverse variance weighted regression algorithms. We focused on theinverse variance weighted analytical method. Subsequent sensitivity analyses were performed via a heterogeneity test, a pleiotropy test, and the leave-one-out method.
Results: The forward Mendelian randomization results revealed that Crohn's disease was causallyrelated to Alzheimer's disease (p = 0.0194), and Crohn's disease was a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (b = 0.0109). There was no causal relationship between Alzheimer's disease and Crohn's disease based on the inverse variance weighted method applied to a reverse Mendelian randomization analysis, nor with the remaining four methods. The reliability of the results was confirmed the by the sensitivity analysis.
Conclusion: Our study supported a causal relationship between Crohn's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Crohn's disease was a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease without the influence of reverse causality. This study provides new ideas for further exploring the relationship between Crohn's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The information is relevant to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
Active HIV infection and current effectiveness rate of dolutegravir-based treatment among people living with HIV in Gabon
Authors: Mangala Christian , Maulot-Bangola Denis , Assembe-Tome Elias Feroll , Yenze-Mouelé Darly , Kengue Roselyne Raïssa 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Antiretroviral therapy continues to make an enormous contribution to improving the well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS globally. In Gabon, dolutegravir is administered to PLHIV from first-line treatment. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of active HIV infection and current effectiveness rate of dolutegravir-based treatment among PLHIV in the Gabon. This study was conducted at National Public Health Laboratory from January to December 2023 among 361 PLHIV under treatment based-dolutegravir or treatment-naive. RNA extraction was carried out on the GXT extractor. HIV viral load and CD4+ count were determined using QuantStudioTM5 and BD FACS PrestoTM, respectively. A total of 361 PLHIV were included in the study. The overall prevalence of active infection among PLHIV was 21.1%. The effectiveness rate of DTG-based treatment was 85.01%. Among the 76 PLHIV with an active infection, 64.5% were on DTG-based treatment. Among PLHIV with a CD4+ count greater than 200 cel/mm3, 97.8% were PLHIV receiving DTG-based treatment. PLHIV with a CD4+ count below 200cel/mm3, singles and treatment-naive PLHIV were likely to develop an active infection (P=0.0001). The prevalence of active infection is worrying among people living with HIV/AIDS, but treatment with dolutegravir still remains effective among PLHIV in the Gabonese context.
Cost-sharing policy and its long-term impact on quantity–quality tradeoff: Evidence from Kenya
Authors: Wakano Ayako , Yamada Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The Republic of Kenya implemented its first Free Primary Education program in 1974 for grades 1–4 but the program was suddenly terminated and changed to a cost-sharing system in 1988. The policy change from free primary education to cost-sharing system led to a 1.3-year reduction in the length of female education. Taking this sudden policy change as a quasi-experiment, our paper attempts to identify the long-term impacts of female education on the quality–quantity trade-off. Using the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, we investigate the impact of female education on total fertility as well as child quality. Our results show that one additional year of female education reduces total fertility by 0.25 and 0.44 by the ages of 26 and 37 years, respectively, and also increases educational investment in their children. As for the mechanism of these changes, we examine three possible pathways: labor participation, knowledge of contraception, and assortative mating. We found that the women affected by the termination of free education were largely vulnerable and seemed to withdraw from education. Furthermore, their total fertility increased, while the educational quality of their children decreased. Our paper infers that the universal primary education policies implemented in many countries today could serve to both contain rapid increases in population and exert long-lasting effects on subsequent generations.
JEL Classification Codes: I25, I28, O12, J13
Functional Food Development using Ulva fasciata and Its Acute &amp; Chronic Toxicity on Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Jain Pratishtha , R Hari Ramanan , B Hari Priya , Soundararajan Vishalakshi , S Mohan Kumar , Sarvepalli Kavitha Rao , Ravi Lokesh 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The aim of this investigation is to develop functional food recipes that combines millets and edible seaweed (Ulva fasciata), to help maintain blood sugar levels in diabetes mellitus patients. The U. fasciata sample was procured from Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu, and botanically authenticated at CSMCRI, Rameswaram. The U. fasciata thallus was subjected for Drosophila melanogaster toxicity studies, to assess the effect on mortality, fecundity, negative geotaxis and feeding behaviors for both acute and chronic durations. It was concluded that the procured U. fasciata sample is non-toxic and it improves the physiological functioning of the flies such as neural, muscular, digestive function and feeding potential of the flies. Further, the seaweed was infused into three unique functional food recipes i.e., Ragi Soup, Sorghum Ice Cream and Foxtail Millet Dosa (each infused with 1% dry U. fasciata). The functional foods were developed based on trial-and-error method, coupled with sensory panel analysis (semi-trained) to improve the palatability and acceptability. Proximate analysis was performed for all the three food products and fresh U. fasciata thallus, to understand their nutritional composition. The developed products contain a good balanced source of nutrients and rich source of minerals, that could help improve the metabolic process of diabetic patients. The optimized functional foods were lyophilized to convert these products into ready-to-eat commercial recipes. To the best of knowledge, this is the first report on developing functional foods that combines millets and edible seaweeds for their anti-diabetic applications.
Deep reinforcement learning for active flow control in a turbulent separation bubble
Authors: Font Bernat , Alcántara-Ávila Francisco , Rabault Jean , Vinuesa Ricardo , Lehmkuhl Oriol 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The control efficacy of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) compared with classical periodic forcing is assessed for a turbulent separation bubble (TSB) reaching a friction Reynolds number of Re𝝉=750. The TSB is a simplified representation of the separation phenomenon naturally arising in wings, and a successful reduction of the TSB has practical implications in the reduction of the aviation carbon footprint. We use two different grid resolutions so that the DRL training is run on the coarse grid for computational simplicity. Since this coarse grid captures the most important features of the flow, the obtained strategy can be directly applied on the fine grid, reaching a very good performance. While the classical zero-net-mass-flux (ZNMF) periodic control is able to reduce the TSB length by a 6.8%, the DRL-based control achieves 8.9% reduction. Furthermore, DRL control provides a smoother control strategy while also being ZNMF. To the best of our knowledge, the current test case is the highest Reynolds-number flow that has been successfully controlled using DRL to this date. Last, we provide details of our open-source computational framework suited for the next generation of exascale computing machines.
Validation of Sampling Points for Airborne Radioactivity in Particulate-Generating Operations
Authors: Chakraborty Abinash , Parashar Neeraj , Pandey Dhananjay Kumar , Kumar Pankaj , Deokar U.V. , Pandey J.P.N. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study introduces an approach to validate sampling points for air monitoring in environments where operations generate significant airborne particulate radioactivity. A case study of repair works in a nuclear spent fuel reprocessing facility is used to synthesis and demonstrate the methodology. We use the probability distribution of air activity measurements and the correlation between two sampling points near high particulate generating operations and the ventilation ducts. The methodology developed in this paper can be applied in task-related air monitoring scenarios for validation of sampling points. This will augment internal exposure control measures during works involving physical entries in areas with high potential of escalation of air activity (e.g., during major repairs, during decommissioning of nuclear facilities etc.) and to evaluate the sufficiency of respiratory protection.
Flexible Self-rectifying Synapse Array for Energy-efficient Edge Multiplication in Electrocardiogram Diagnosis
Authors: Kim Kyung Min , Lee Younghyun , Rhee Hakseung , Kim Geun Young , Cheong Woon Hyung , Kim Do Hoon , Song Hanchan , Kay Sooyeon Narie , Lee Jongwon 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Edge computing devices, which generate, collect, process, and analyze data near the source, enhance the data processing efficiency and improve the responsiveness in real-time applications or unstable network environments. To be utilized in wearable and skin-attached electronics, these edge devices must be compact, energy efficient for use in low-power environments, and fabricable on soft substrates. Here, we propose a flexible memristive dot product engine (f-MDPE) designed for edge use and demonstrate its feasibility in a real-time electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system. The f-MDPE comprises a 32×32 crossbar array embodying a low-temperature processed self-rectifying charge trap memristor on a flexible polyimide substrate and exhibits high uniformity and robust electrical and mechanical stability even under 5-mm bending conditions. Then, we design a neural network training algorithm through hardware-aware approaches and conduct real-time edge ECG diagnosis. This approach achieved an ECG classification accuracy of 93.5%, while consuming only 0.3% of the energy compared to digital approaches. Furthermore, our simulations indicated that the energy reduction could be further reduced to 0.001% through device scaling to a 100-nm-line width, highlighting the strong potential of this approach for emerging edge neuromorphic hardware.
How childhood allowance affects financial literacy in adulthood: A gender perspective study from Japan
Authors: Yamane Chisako , Aman Hiroyuki , Motonishi Taizo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the long-term associations between a childhood allowance and financial literacy, monetary attitudes, and time discounting preferences in adulthood, with a specific focus on gender differences, using survey data from Japan. Gender factor analyses were conducted to identify common factors in psychological attitudes toward money. Subsequently, using reduced-form estimation, we estimated the relationship between childhood allowance and these factors, as well as the time discounting preference and financial literacy by gender. Our findings reveal that regular monthly allowances are associated with good budgeting habits among males, whereas females receiving any form of allowance tend to have less-negative attitudes toward money. Furthermore, the relationship between a childhood allowance and time-discounting preferences varies by gender, with females being more affected by the allowance. Additionally, the impact of financial literacy differs between males and females depending on how the child allowance is received. Overall, this study underscores the importance of considering childhood financial experiences to understand financial behaviors and attitudes.
The expression patterns of different cell types and their interactions in the tumor microenvironment are predictive of breast cancer patient response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Ruppin Eytan , Dhruba Saugato Rahman , Sahni Sahil , Wang Binbin , Wu Di , Rajagopal Padma , Gurevich-Schmidt Yael , Shulman Eldad , Sinha Sanju , Sammut Stephen-John , Caldas Carlos , Wang Kun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem of diverse cell types whose interactions govern tumor growth and clinical outcome. While the TME’s impact on immunotherapy has been extensively studied, its role in chemotherapy response remains less explored. To address this, we developed DECODEM (DEcoupling Cell-type-specific Outcomes using DEconvolution and Machine learning), a generic computational framework leveraging cellular deconvolution of bulk transcriptomics to associate the gene expression of individual cell types in the TME with clinical response. Employing DECODEM to analyze the gene expression of breast cancer (BC) patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, we find that the gene expression of specific immune cells (myeloid, plasmablasts, B-cells) and stromal cells (endothelial, normal epithelial, CAFs) are highly predictive of chemotherapy response, going beyond that of the malignant cells. These findings are further tested and validated in a single-cell cohort of triple negative breast cancer. To investigate the possible role of immune cell-cell interactions (CCIs) in mediating chemotherapy response, we extended DECODEM to DECODEMi to identify such CCIs, validated in single-cell data. Our findings highlight the importance of active pre-treatment immune infiltration for chemotherapy success. The tools developed here are made publicly available and are applicable for studying the role of the TME in mediating response from readily available bulk tumor expression in a wide range of cancer treatments and indications.
Does Economic Complexity Promote Inclusive Green Growth?
Authors: Gbolonyo Emmanuel Y. , Ofori Isaac K. , Ojong Nathanael 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Despite the growing scholarly attention concerning the effect of economic complexity (ECI) on inclusive growth and the environment, there remain some pertinent gaps in the literature. First, previous studies have not explored the effect of ECI on inclusive green growth (IGG). Second, prior contributions have not assessed the role of energy consumption (disaggregated into renewable and non-renewable) in the relationship between ECI and IGG. This study addresses these gaps by using macro data for 22 selected African countries. Robust evidence based on the dynamic system GMM and the Driscoll-Kraay standard errors estimators reveal that economic complexity promotes IGG. Additionally, the contingency analysis reveals that non-renewable energy diminishes the IGG-enhancing effect of ECI, whereas renewable energy amplifies it. Finally, when we decompose IGG into environmental and socioeconomic sustainability, we find that the ECI-energy consumption interaction has a greater effect on the latter rather than the former. We conclude that investments for boosting Africa's productive knowledge and renewable energy capacities are crucial for IGG.
JEL Code: O44; O55; Q01; Q43; Q56
Coherent design of chromium oxide nanoparticles immobilized on layered double hydroxide as competent nanocatalyst for the oxidation of cyclohexane to KA oil
Authors: Kirar Jagat Singh 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Transition metals are commonly used in the oxidation of cyclohexane, but their robust reaction conditions and lack of efficiency make further use challenging. This work aimed to improve the efficiency of the reaction further, a heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidation of cyclohexane was developed using chromium oxide nanoparticles immobilized on layered double hydroxide (Cr2O3/LDH). Various spectroscopy methods were used to identify the synthesized catalysts. The synthesized Cr2O3/LDH nanocatalyst was used for the selective oxidation of cyclohexane in the liquid phase without solvent. The structural characterization showed that the Cr2O3-NPs were well anchored on the LDH layers, resulting in a fine dispersion. The Cr2O3/LDH hybrid significantly increased conversion and selectivity, achieving a maximum conversion of 34.73% cyclohexane and 97.85% selectivity to K/A oil. The leaching experiment revealed that the Cr2O3/LDH exhibited the properties of a heterogeneous nanocatalyst, which could be reused for at least six cycles without affecting its catalytic efficiency.