bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hospitalization- and death-related financial and employment effects in parents of children with life-limiting conditions: a fixed-effects analysis
Authors: Mitterer Stefan , Zimmermann Karin , Fink Günther , Simon Michael , Gerber Anne-Kathrin , Bergsträsser Eva 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate out-of-pocket non-medical expenses and employment-related outcomes in families of children with life-limiting conditions, specifically, to quantify the financial and employment implications of two events: a child’s hospitalization and death. This cohort study used panel data collected prospectively for a larger study investigating the effectiveness of specialized pediatric palliative care. Participants were recruited by medical professionals between November 2019 and May 2022 at four Swiss children’s hospitals. The care follow-up and bereavement follow-up assessments were 330 and 300 days, respectively. We measured out-of-pocket non-medical expenses, individual full-time equivalent units, and personal income, as well as sick leave and vacation days taken. Analyses included descriptive statistics and two-way linear fixed-effects regressions. The analysis included 110 parents (mothers n = 59, fathers n = 51) of 61 children. Children were hospitalized for a median of 7 days (interquartile range 0–21, range 0–227). The fixed-effects models found a positive association between hospitalization, i.e., length of stay, and travel and accommodation expenses (coefficient 4.18, 95% confidence interval 2.20–6.16). On average, for each week of hospitalization, parents spent an additional 29 Swiss francs on travel and accommodation. During the 300-day bereavement follow-up, six (26%) of 23 parents increased their work commitments, while one reported a decrease.Conclusions: Families incur higher travel and accommodation expenses during hospitalization than during non-hospitalized periods. Instrumental support, e.g., parking vouchers, can help families minimize these costs. Future studies should investigate whether early return to work during bereavement is driven by economic considerations or a desire for distraction.Clinical trial registration: Data analyzed in this study were collected as part of a clinical trial, registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT04236180, 15 March 2019

What Is Known:• Families of children with life-limiting conditions are at risk of substantial financial burden from high out-of-pocket medical expenses.• It is also known that parents often have to incur out-of-pocket non-medical expenses and reduce their work commitments. Little is known about the economic consequences of losing a child to a life-limiting condition.What Is New:• We provide new longitudinal evidence on the hospitalization- and death-related financial and employment implications for families of children with life-limiting conditions.• Child hospitalizations add to families’ financial burden through increased travel and accommodation expenses. Work commitments rose during early bereavement.
Volcanic jets to commercial jets: synopsis and diagnosis
Authors: Aydar Erkan , Çubukçu H. Evren , Bal Çağatay , Cluzel Nicolas , Aladağ Çağdas Hakan , Ersoy Orkun , Laporte Didier 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAircraft encounters with volcanic ash have caused significant damage over the past 40 years, resulting in particular attention being given to the issue. We analyzed the volcanic ash-aircraft encounter database published by the USGS. We added new volcanic eruptions and parameters such as eruption types, and dry–wet. Then, we applied standard and advanced statistical methods.Over 130 encounters have been documented in the mentioned database, with volcanic ash causing severe abrasions to the windshield, airframe, wings, and engine components. In nine cases, aircraft engines failed. We applied the binary regression analysis and some laboratory melting experiments on volcanic ash. Besides phreatomagmatism, we use the term external water in this work to describe meteoric water that enters volcanic plumes through precipitation or melting ice on ice-capped volcanoes. We demonstrated that engine failure occurs when our regression analyses undergo dry-to-wet conditions. In other words, statistically, there is a positive correlation between wet ash encounters with aircraft and engine failure incidents. Moreover, experiments conducted at 900 °C and under 40 bar pressure showed increased sintering in the dry sample, while melting textures were more prevalent in hydrated samples. We concluded that despite the various eruptive dynamics of volcanic ash, the introduction of external water into the volcanic plumes, probably causing instantaneous hydration of volcanic ash, is a common factor in engine failure incidents. Thus, we have identified the reasons behind engine failures during encounters between aircraft and volcanic ash and the specific damage that can occur depending on the type of eruption involved.
Adopting a systems-thinking approach to optimise dietary and exercise referral practices for cancer survivors
Authors: Joseph Ria , Hart Nicolas H. , Bradford Natalie , Crawford-Williams Fiona , Wallen Matthew P. , Knowles Reegan , Han Chad Y. , Milch Vivienne , Holland Justin J. , Chan Raymond J. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Service referrals are required for cancer survivors to access specialist dietary and exercise support. Many system-level factors influence referral practices within the healthcare system. Hence, the aim of this study was to identify system-level factors and their interconnectedness, as well as strategies for optimising dietary and exercise referral practices in Australia.

Methods
A full-day workshop involving national multidisciplinary key stakeholders explored system-level factors impacting dietary and exercise referral practices. Facilitated group discussions using the nominal group technique identified barriers and facilitators to referral practices based on the six World Health Organisation (WHO) building blocks. The systems-thinking approach generated six cognitive maps, each representing a building block. A causal loop diagram was developed to visualise factors that influence referral practices. Additionally, each group identified their top five strategies by leveraging facilitators and addressing barriers relevant to their WHO building block.

Results
Twenty-seven stakeholders participated in the workshop, including consumers (n = 2), cancer specialists (n = 4), nursing (n = 6) and allied health professionals (n = 10), and researchers, representatives of peak bodies, not-for-profit organisations, and government agencies (n = 5). Common system-level factors impacting on referral practices included funding, accessibility, knowledge and education, workforce capacity, and infrastructure. Fifteen system-level strategies were identified to improve referral practices.

Conclusion
This study identified system-level factors and strategies that can be applied to policy planning and practice in Australia.
Long-term efficacy of fractional microneedle radiofrequency versus botulinum toxin-A in primary axillary hyperhidrosis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eid Reem O. , Shaarawi Eman , Hegazy Rehab A. , Hafez Vanessa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Primary axillary hyperhidrosis is an idiopathic disorder that creates severe psycho-social burden due to excessive uncontrolled sweating. Various therapeutic agents have been described, but each has its own limitations. The use of fractional microneedling radiofrequency has emerged lately with promising results. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of fractional microneedle radiofrequency in comparison to Botulinum toxin-A (BT-A) in patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 20 patients (40 sides) were randomized to either fractional microneedle radiofrequency (4 sessions at 3-week intervals) or BT-A (single session), where each side received one of the treatment modalities. Efficacy was measured at 3, 6 and 12 months using Minor’s starch iodine test, HDSS score, Hqol questionnaire, and patient satisfaction. Fractional microneedle radiofrequency, although showed moderate efficacy, is inferior to BT-A regarding longitudinal efficacy at 12 months, as well as patients’ satisfaction. Both treatment modalities showed to be equally safe, but fractional microneedle radiofrequency procedure was substantially more painful. In conclusion, fractional microneedle radiofrequency does not offer a better substitute to BT-A in primary axillary hyperhidrosis. BT-A shows higher efficacy, is less painful, less expensive, and needs a smaller number of sessions.
The life care annuity: enhancing product features and refining pricing methods
Authors: Apicella Giovanna , Gaudenzi Marcellino , Molent Andrea 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe state-of-the-art proposes life care annuities, that have been recently designed as variable annuity contracts with Long-Term Care payouts and Guaranteed Lifelong Withdrawal Benefits. In this paper, we propose more general features for these insurance products and refine their pricing methods. We name our proposed product “GLWB-LTC”. In particular, as to the product features, we allow dynamic withdrawal strategies, including the surrender option. Furthermore, we consider stochastic interest rates, described by a Cox–Ingersoll–Ross process. As to the numerical methods, we solve the stochastic control problem involved by the selection of the optimal withdrawal strategy through a robust tree method, which outperforms the Monte Carlo approach. We name this method “Tree-LTC”, and we use it to estimate the fair price of the product, as some relevant parameters vary, such as, for instance, the entry age of the policyholder. Furthermore, our numerical results show how the optimal withdrawal strategy varies over time with the health status of the policyholder. Our findings stress the important advantage of flexible withdrawal strategies in relation to insurance policies offering protection from health risks. Indeed, the policyholder is given more choice about how much to save for protection from the possible disability states at future times.
Survey-based analysis of cybersecurity awareness of Turkish seafarers
Authors: Moen Ivar , Oruc Aybars , Amro Ahmed , Gkioulos Vasileios , Kavallieratos Georgios 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn recent years, vessels have become increasingly digitized, reflecting broader societal trends. As a result, maritime operations have become an attractive target for cyber threat actors. Despite the limited cybersecurity training seafarers receive, they are expected to operate within technologically advanced environments. The importance of cybersecurity awareness is evident, but the extent of seafarers’ knowledge in this area remains uncertain. This article investigates three primary aspects: (1) the current state of cybersecurity onboard cargo vessels, (2) seafarers’ cybersecurity awareness, and (3) potential improvements in seafarers’ cybersecurity awareness. To accomplish this, a literature review is conducted to collect and analyze current research, supplemented by a questionnaire survey targeting Turkish seafarers. Our findings support increased investment in awareness and training programs, including organizational-wide cybersecurity awareness efforts, more frequent training, mandatory training for all seafarers through the Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), and the appointment of a cybersecurity Officer (CySO) to ensure satisfactory cybersecurity levels onboard. Since this article focuses on high-level topics by assessing the general state of maritime cybersecurity and seafarers’ cybersecurity awareness, it does not delve into detailed considerations of awareness and training programs. Nevertheless, it lays the foundation for future research in this area.
The sensitivity of tidal asymmetry descriptors in the Ems estuary
Authors: Wünsche Anna , Becker Marius , Fritzsch Ralf , Kelln Jessica , Winter Christian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTidal asymmetry in estuaries and other tidally dominated coastal systems is commonly evaluated to assess system states or their development. Based on different methods, local states are classified as either flood or ebb dominant. An increasing number of descriptors for deriving tidal asymmetry in recent years calls for a comparison and discussion of their sensitivity on input data and its quality. We compared tidal asymmetry from water level and current velocity using various descriptors that deduce from harmonic, ratio, and skewness methods. Computed from one-year measurements at different stations along the Ems estuary, their comparability was enabled by a new approach of scaling. Our results on the variation of sampling intervals demonstrated a highly site-specific sensitivity of the descriptors that led up to changes in the asymmetry direction in tidal duration asymmetry and phase lag. The slack water asymmetry appeared most sensitive to the studied parameter settings. As expected, variability of tidal asymmetry reduced with an increasing number of analyzed tides. At the same time, uncertainty from the asymmetry during spring or neap phases compared to spring-neap periods remained in all analyzed descriptors. Hence, the characterization of the estuary in terms of flood- or ebb-dominance depends critically on the quality and extent of the input data. For all parameter settings, the impact of river discharge on tidal asymmetry was pronounced but varied depending on the location in the estuary. The actual characterization of the effect of asymmetry, e.g., on sediment transport, is not conducted in this study. We propose that this requires a more comprehensive dataset, such as depth and cross-sectional variability of currents and sediment concentrations.
Semilattice Base Hierarchy for Frames and Its Topological Ramifications
Authors: Bezhanishvili G. , Dashiell F. , Razafindrakoto A. , Walters-Wayland J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe develop a hierarchy of semilattice bases (S-bases) for frames. For a given (unbounded) meet-semilattice A, we analyze the interval in the coframe of sublocales of the frame of downsets of A formed by all frames with the S-base A. We study various degrees of completeness of A, which generalize the concepts of extremally disconnected and basically disconnected frames. We introduce the concepts of D-bases and L-bases, as well as their bounded counterparts, and show how our results specialize and sharpen in these cases. Classic examples that are covered by our approach include zero-dimensional, completely regular, and coherent frames, allowing us to provide a new perspective on these well-studied classes of frames, as well as their spatial counterparts.
Interplay of the heart, spleen, and bone marrow in heart failure: the role of splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis
Authors: Hiraiwa Hiroaki , Yura Yoshimitsu , Okumura Takahiro , Murohara Toyoaki 
Published: July 2024

AbstractImprovements in therapies for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Although HFpEF is the predominant heart failure type among older individuals, its prognosis is often poor owing to the lack of effective therapies. The roles of the spleen and bone marrow are often overlooked in the context of HFpEF. Recent studies suggest that the spleen and bone marrow could play key roles in HFpEF, especially in relation to inflammation and immune responses. The bone marrow can increase production of certain immune cells that can migrate to the heart and contribute to disease. The spleen can contribute to immune responses that either protect or exacerbate heart failure. Extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen could play a crucial role in HFpEF. Increased metabolic activity in the spleen, immune cell production and mobilization to the heart, and concomitant cytokine production may occur in heart failure. This leads to systemic chronic inflammation, along with an imbalance of immune cells (macrophages) in the heart, resulting in chronic inflammation and progressive fibrosis, potentially leading to decreased cardiac function. The bone marrow and spleen are involved in altered iron metabolism and anemia, which also contribute to HFpEF. This review presents the concept of an interplay between the heart, spleen, and bone marrow in the setting of HFpEF, with a particular focus on extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen. The aim of this review is to discern whether the spleen can serve as a new therapeutic target for HFpEF.
Manipulation of a Complex Object Using Dual-Arm Robot with Mask R-CNN and Grasping Strategy
Authors: Kijdech Dumrongsak , Vongbunyong Supachai 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHot forging is one of the common manufacturing processes for producing brass workpieces. However forging produces flash which is a thin metal part around the desired part formed with an excessive material. Using robots with vision system to manipulate this workpiece has encountered several challenging issues, e.g. the uncertain shape of flash, color, reflection of brass surface, different lighting condition, and the uncertainty surrounding the position and orientation of the workpiece. In this research, Mask region-based convolutional neural network together with image processing is used to resolve these issues. The depth camera can provide images for visual detection. Machine learning Mask region-based convolutional neural network model was trained with color images and the position of the object is determined by the depth image. A dual arm 7 degree of freedom collaborative robot with proposed grasping strategy is used to grasp the workpiece that can be in inappropriate position and pose. Eventually, experiments were conducted to assess the visual detection process and the grasp planning of the robot.
Nutritional status and growth performance of Fijian non-descript local chickens and their crosses with broilers under different production systems
Authors: Berukilukilu Lorenzo T. , Bakare Archibold G. , Iji Paul A. , Zindove Titus J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe study compared nutrient intake and growth performance of local chickens to that of local x broiler crossbreds under scavenging and indoor conventional systems. A total of 48 male and 48 female chickens for each of the two chicken types were allocated to four outdoor free-range pens. The chickens were allowed to scavenge whilst being supplemented with sorghum plus kitchen waste and broiler growers from week 5 to week 13 of age. The same design was repeated using the indoor conventional system. Local chickens and their crosses with broilers had higher growth rates under the scavenging system than the indoor production system (P < 0.05). Local chickens and their crosses with broilers had the same growth rates when fed the same diet (P > 0.05). Crop and gizzard contents from local chickens had the same crude protein as their crosses with broilers under both systems (P > 0.05). The crude protein values of crop and gizzard contents ranged from 25.4 to 30.4%. Crop and gizzard contents from scavenging chickens had energy content ranging from 16.2 to 17.1 MJ/Kg which was lower (P < 0.05) than that from chickens under the indoor conventional system (20.3 to 25.8 kJ/Kg). Iron content ranged from 655.7 to 1619.4 mg/Kg in scavenging chickens and 156.1 to 621.4 mg/Kg in enclosed chickens. Chickens of the same type had higher iron content in their crop and gizzard contents under the scavenging system than the conventional system (P < 0.05). Crossbreds between local chickens and broilers matches the scavenging abilities of the local chickens but have lower growth rates under the scavenging system.
Dietary supplementing South African indigenous rams with flaxseed oil and ascorbic acid improves cryopreserved semen quality and in vitro fertility
Authors: Ngcobo Jabulani Nkululeko , Nedambale Tshimangadzo Lucky , Nephawe Khathutshelo Agree , Sithole Sindisiwe Mbali , Chokoe Tlou Caswell , Ramukhithi Fhulufhelo Vincent 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate how ascorbic acid with dietary flaxseed oil affects the quality and fertility of cryopreserved ram sperm in South African indigenous rams. Treatment diets were supplemented 60 days before semen collection to afford proper spermatogenesis, adaptation to the feed formulated and fed throughout the study. Semen was collected with the use of artificial vagina following dietary supplementation with five treatment diets (neg. cont. – negative control, pos. cont. – positive control, FLO – 5% Flaxseed oil, ASA – 4% Ascorbic acid, and FLO + ASA). Semen was then extended using tris-based extender and cryopreserved using the programmable freezer (CBS Freezer 2100 series, Laboratory consumables & chemical suppliers, America). Ovaries were collected from a neighbouring slaughter house and conveyed to the lab in 0.9% saline at 37 °C. Data (sperm parameters and in vitro fertility) was then exposed to the GLM (General Linear Model) in Minitab 17. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was utilized to investigate the relationship between cryopreserved sperm quality and in vitro fertility. The student Least Significant Difference Test was used to separate the treatment means, and differences were accepted when the p-value was less than 0.05. The FLO + ASA group had higher (p < 0.05) progressive (36.33 ± 1.87), total (88.24 ± 2.24), rapid motility (27.52 ± 1.74), intact plasma membrane (75.67 ± 2.08), total fertilization (65.98 ± 7.39), and total cleavage (66.19 ± 6.50) when compared to other treatment groups. Total fertilization rate had a medium significant (p < 0.001) medium correlation with the progressive motility (r2 = 0.435), total motility (r2 = 0.447) and rapid motility (r2 = 0.409). In conclusion, dietary flaxseed and ascorbic acid (FLO + ASA) improves cryopreserved semen quality, in vitro fertilization rate, and the total cleavage rate. Noteworthy, the progressive, total and rapid motility play a crucial in the in vitro fertilization rate.
Sono-assisted Adsorption of Methyl Violet 2B Using a Magnetic Kaolin/TiO2/γ-Fe2O3 Nano Composite
Authors: Fındık Serap 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this study, the efficacy of sono-assisted adsorption for the removal of methyl violet 2B (MV-2B) was investigated. A magnetic adsorbent was synthesized using kaolin and TiO2, designated as KTF. Various analyses including scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were conducted to characterize the structure of KTF. The BET surface area and pore volume of KTF were determined to be 65.279 m2/g and 0.072 cm3/g, respectively. VSM analysis confirmed the superparamagnetic property of KTF. The effect of contact time, initial MV-2B concentration, KTF amount, temperature, ionic strength and initial pH of the solution on the sono-assisted adsorption of MV-2B was investigated. Sono-assisted removal of MV-2B was achieved at a rate of 85.6% under optimal conditions: original pH, KTF amount of 0.2 g/100 mL, initial MV-2B concentration of 20 mg/L, contact time of 15 min, and temperature of 22 °C. Conversely, lower removal efficiencies were observed with conventional adsorption methods employing shaking (37%) and stirring (60.5%). The kinetics of sono-assisted MV-2B removal followed a pseudo-second order model, while the Freundlich isotherm model exhibited a superior fit (R2 = 0.985) in describing the equilibrium behavior compared to Langmuir and Temkin models.