bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of surgical outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy performed by a single experienced surgeon according to two reconstruction methods, including single-layer and double-layer renorrhaphy
Authors: Takagi Toshio , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Fukuda Hironori , Kobari Yuki , Ishihara Hiroki , Iizuka Junpei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To compare surgical outcomes based on two reconstruction methods, including single-layer and double-layer renorrhaphy, in robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RAPN) performed by an experienced surgeon.
Methods: We included 655 patients who underwent RAPN between January 2019 and June 2023. Patients with multiple tumors or insufficient medical records were excluded; therefore, 554 patients were analyzed. Surgical outcomes were compared between single-layer renorrhaphy (outer cortical closure) and double-layer renorrhaphy (inner layer suture and outer cortical closure) after adjusting for the preoperative factors, such as sex, age, BMI, ASA score, preoperative eGFR, preoperative complications of diabetes or hypertension, surgical approach (transperitoneal or retroperitoneal), tumor size, and tumor complexity, using propensity score matching.
Results: Of 554 patients, 59 were classified into the single-layer group and 495 into the double-layer group. Before matching, more complicated and larger tumors were included in the double-layer group. After matching, 58 patients were included in each group. The single-layer group showed significantly shorter operative time (91 min vs. 100 min, P=0.0361), lower EBL (7.9 ml vs. 27 ml, p=0.021), and better preservation of the eGFR (-1.2% vs. -5.1%, p=0.0313). Other outcomes, such as perioperative complications and postoperative hospital stay, were not significantly different between the two groups.
Conclusions: This study revealed that single-layer reconstruction resulted in better surgical outcomes in terms of the operative time, EBL, and preservation of kidney function. Single-layer reconstruction may optimize RAPN in selected patients.
Could spontaneous interpersonal synchronization enhance athletes’ performance? A case report on the Japanese 100-m record race
Authors: Furukawa Hiroaki , Miyata Kohei , Richardson Michael J. , Varlet Manuel , Kudo Kazutoshi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Athletes’ performances are determined not only by individual abilities but also by environmental states, especially the behavior of competitors. Previous studies suggest that spontaneous interpersonal synchronization occurs when individuals can see/hear each other. Varlet and Richardson (2015) reported spontaneous interpersonal synchronization between Usain Bolt and Tyson Gay in the 100-m race in which Bolt broke the world record and Gay broke the US record. This report suggests that interpersonal synchronization may in some instances enhance an athlete’s performances. Here we report a new case of the potential positive effect of interpersonal synchronization on athletes’ performance. At the men’s 100-m final of the Fuse sprint held in Japan in 2021, the first-place sprinter, Yamagata, broke the Japanese 100-m record, and the second-place sprinter, Tada, set his new personal record. These two sprinters ran side-by-side throughout the race. To investigate whether interpersonal synchronization occurred between the two sprinters, we analyzed the video of the final race, which we compared to the chance level of synchronization determined from the preliminaries in which the sprinters ran in different races. Our results showed that the relative phase between the two sprinters was more consistently attracted towards inphase synchrony in the final race compared to the chance level synchronization determined from the preliminary races. This result supports the hypothesis that spontaneous interpersonal synchronization can occur between sprinters running next to each other. It is noteworthy that both world and Japanese 100-m records were set in races in which the first- and second-place sprinters synchronized their running movements. Our study provides further evidence that suggests interpersonal synchronization could enhance sprinters’ performance.
On the tail behavior for randomly weighted sums of dependent random variables with its applications to risk measures
Authors: Chen Zhangting , Cheng Dongya 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This paper considers the asymptotic behavior for the tail probability of randomly weighted sum Sθ 2 = θ1X1+θ2X2, where X1, X2, θ1, and θ2 are non-negative dependent random variables with distributions F1, F2, G1, and G2, respectively. We obtain the tail-equivalence of P Sθ 2 > x and P(θ1X1 > x)+P(θ2X2 > x) as x → ∞ and some closure properties of distribution classes in three cases: (i). θ1, θ2 are bounded and F1, F2 are subexponential; (ii). θ1, θ2 satisfy the condition of Theorem 2.1 of Tang (2006) [33] and F1, F2 are subexponential with positive lower Matuszewska indices; (iii). θ1, θ2 satisfy the condition of Theorem 3.3 (iii) of Cline and Samorodnitsky (1994) [12] and F1, F2 are long-tailed and dominatedlyvarying- tailed. Furthermore, when F1 and F2 are regularly-varying-tailed, a more transparent result is established and applied to obtain asymptotic results for risk measures. Some numerical studies are conducted to check the accuracy of the obtained results.
Incidental Finding of Congenital Unileaflet Mitral Valve in a Young Patient Presenting with Complete Atrioventricular Block
Authors: Antit Saoussen , Soumer Khedija , Abdelhedi Marwa , Zidi Oumayma , Zakhama Lilia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Singular leaflet mitral valve is rare and complex entity that has only been described in a few case reports. It is commonly observed in infancy and combined with symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR). In most asymptomatic individuals, it is mainly attributed to hypoplastic posterior mitral leaflet and is usually revealed in adulthood by a complication. We present the case of a 30-year-old man who presented with chest pain and dyspnea for two days. The electrocardiogram showed complete atrioventricular block with a beat rate of 30 bpm. Echocardiogram revealed an elongated anterior mitral valve leaflet and an almost completely absent posterior mitral valve leaflet with no MR. Our case is unusual presentation of unileaflet mitral valve which should be investigated even in adulthood as these patients are likely to be at risk of developing or worsening MR later in life, hence, the importance of performing periodic echocardiograms in these patients in order to detect the progression of MR early.
Depression Among Saudi International University Students and Its Associated Risk Factors.
Authors: ALNAIM MOHAMMED A. , AlGhamdi Abdullah H. , AlJawair Mohammed R. , AlHadi Faisal A. , AlOmair Abdullah M. , Alsaad Ali 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Depression disorders are one of the most widespread mental disorders among college students. In university students, depression has been associated with lower academic performance, worse work performance, and increased dropout risk. his study aims to assess the prevalence of depression and highlight risk factors among Saudi international university students (IUS) in the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and Australia.
Subject and methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi students who chose to study abroad. A self-administered online questionnaire was sent to the students using an online survey. The questionnaire includes socio-demographic data (e.g., age, gender, specialty, etc.), medical characteristics, social status, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) to assess the student's depression.
Results
Of the 401 students, 52.4% were younger (age 18 – 25 years), and more than half were males (53.9%). Most of the participants were studying in the US (46.6%), followed by the UK (40.6%) and Australia (12.7%). The rate of major depression among Saudi students studying abroad was 40.4%. In univariate analysis, major depression was influenced by age, marital status, specialty, personal and family history of mental illness, contact with family and friends, and feeling like a stranger. However, after conducting multivariate regression analysis, previous diagnoses of mental illness and feeling a stranger were identified as the significant independent risk factors for major depression.
Conclusion
This study provides insights into the prevalence and risk factors associated with depression among Saudi IUS. The prevalence of major depression among Saudi IUS was 40.4%. Previous history of mental illness and feeling like strangers were identified as the most prominent risk factors in this study. Identifying the prevalence and contributing factors of depression can guide academic institutions and governments in the development of effective interventions and support for IUS’s mental well-being. Future research could diversify the sample and employ longitudinal designs.
Influence of PTFE Reinforcement on the Tribological Characteristics of Acetal Polymer Composites
Authors: Andukuri Ravindra , Sankaranarayana K. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study examines the influence of PTFE reinforcement on the friction and wear properties of acetal polymer composites. The study investigates the influence of different factors that control wear, such as the specific rate of wear and friction coefficient, on the distance and velocity of sliding, the load applied, and the percentage of PTFE reinforcement by weight. This is done under dry sliding conditions using a pin-on-disc apparatus. The nanocomposites were formed by melting different weight percentages of PTFE (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt%) with acetal using a twin-screw extruder. The Taguchi technique was utilized to systematically collect data by implementing a design of experiments. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to assess the influence of process parameters on the friction coefficient and specific wear rate. The Taguchi method effectively identified the tribological properties and specifically identified the significant factors that influenced them. The results demonstrated that incorporating PTFE as a reinforcing agent in acetal composites leads to a substantial decrease in the friction coefficient and enhances the composites' resistance to wear. The findings of this study provide valuable knowledge for developing high-performance acetal polymer composites that have improved tribological properties.
Noninvasive focused ultrasound non-specifically activating spleen immunological function to suppress tumor proliferation: a new strategy for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Dong Wei , Wang Guihu , Li Senyang , Wang Qian , Li Wenjuan , Liu Heyuan , Liang Yingxue , Zhou Zhe , He Xinrui , Guo Wenlei , Yuan Jianing , Chai Yichao , Geng Jing , Li Zongfang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Splenic immunomodulation triggered by ultrasound shows a significant anti-inflammatory effect against various inflammatory diseases, whose mechanism is mainly attributable to the activation of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP). However, the potential role and underlying mechanism of splenic ultrasound stimulation in cancer management have been rarely reported and superficially defined. This study first assessed the universal therapeutic effect of focused ultrasound precisely stimulating spleen (FUS sti. spleen) on various tumors under specific ultrasonic dose. It fully demonstrated that FUS directly stimulated splenic immune cell proliferation and activation (especially NK and CD8 T cells) rather than CAP excitation to modulate splenic immune function. Particularly, NK cells are much more indispensable and important in responding to FUS stimulation for cancer suppression than CD8 T cells. RNA sequencing of NK and CD8 T cells, as well as in vitro experiments revealed that FUS firstly regulated calcium-related signaling pathways to further modulate other signaling pathways, such as ECM-receptor interaction, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway and Hippo signaling pathway to promote immune cell proliferation, migration and activation to suppress cancer cell deterioration. Particularly, FUS sti. spleen and FUS intervention on the tumor synergistically induced the best tumor suppression than each of the two taken individually.
Flexible DC distribution network fault detection method based on MTF-EfficientNetV2 algorithm
Authors: Zeng Zhi-hui , Li Jia-yin , Wei Yan-fang , Wang Xiao-wei , Zheng Ying-ying , Zhang Yu-hai 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Given the swift advancement of clean energy, flexible DC distribution network has become a research hotspot for future power grids. Existing DC line fault detection methods have problems such as low detection precision and vulnerability to resistance. For this reason, a fault detection method built on the upgraded EfficientNetV2 algorithm is proposed. Primarily, the fault transient voltage time-domain data are gathered. To enhance the variability of fault features, the data are transformed to a two-dimensional image by Markov variation field. Then, a dual-channel attention mechanism is used to shortlist and fuse the features with channel and spatial features, respectively. Finally, the fused features are fed into EfficientNetV2 for training. And the detection results are obtained by testing the model under different working conditions. The findings demonstrate the excellent detection accuracy of the approach. The average accuracy can reach 98.95%.
Feasibility study of an interconnection of electrical energy transmission networks: Case study of 4 countries in Central Africa and Nigeria
Authors: KUEDA Romain Platinie , André YOUMSSI 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

With the current trend and progress in science, the production of electrical energy can be done in one country and consumed in another. Central Africa is experiencing a paradoxical situation characterized, among other things, by low hydroelectric production, an electrification rate of 13% compared to 90% in North Africa and a very low level of interconnection of its electricity networks. Thus, the interconnection of the networks of the countries of Central Africa and Nigeria will aim not only to facilitate the energy integration of the sub-region but also to reduce the inconvenience caused to the populations of the sub-region. This study focuses on the feasibility of an interconnection between 4 countries in Central Africa (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, DRC) and Nigeria by proposing a multi-terminal high voltage direct current transmission system that we simulated under MATLAB/Simulink software .
Assessing the Sustainable Blockchain-Metaverse-IoT Platform in the Healthcare Industry: An Intelligent Decision Support Model
Authors: Hezam Ibrahim M. , Ali Ahmed M. , Hameed Ibrahim A. , Sallam Karam , Abdel-Basset Mohamed 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Healthcare services must fulfill patients’ desires for secure data sharing and high accessibility. Blockchain technology, through blockchain platforms (BPs), can overcome healthcare challenges. This study develops a decision-making methodology for selecting the best BP, by integrating blockchain with IoT and Metaverse, the proposed approach ensures data integrity, quality, privacy and security, secure data sharing, and interoperability. The decision-making methodology uses the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology to handle conflicting criteria. Two MCDM methods are used in this study: CRiteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) for weight computation, and Ranking of Alternatives with Weights of Criterion (RAWEC) for alternative ranking. To deal with uncertainty, the concept of spherical fuzzy sets (SFSs) is utilized, The RAWEC method is extended under the SFSs for the first time. The proposed methodology is applied to a healthcare case study in a new town in Egypt, considering twenty-two criteria and fifteen alternatives. The results show that the performance criterion has the highest weight, and the latency criterion has the lowest. The sensitivity analysis was conducted to show the stability of the rank. A comparative study was performed to show the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Use of a portable field-adapted liquid chromatographic system (C-Vue machine) to estimate the quantity of deltamethrin on insecticide-treated nets paired with WHO cone bioassays to determine ITN bioefficacy as part of three-year durability monitoring in Mali
Authors: Cisse Moussa BM , Troare Ibrahim , Sow Mamadou , Dansoko Yacouba , Dembele Alice , Konate Lazeni , Sanou Jean Marie , Diarra Youssouf , Sissoko Samah , Dicko Abdourhamane , Magassa Mahamadou , Sangare Lansana , Kouambeng Celestin , Mihigo Jules , Mutwa Phillipe , Awolola Taiwo Samson , Marcet Paula , Koita Ousmane 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Monitoring insecticide levels and physical integrity over time is essential for assessing the durability of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), which largely depends on the net handling habits of users. This study aimed to determine the insecticide content and effectiveness of ITNs (Yorkool and PermaNet 2.0) at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after mass distribution in Mali.
Methods
At 12, 24 and 36 months postdistribution from 2018 to 2020, 30 nets were randomly collected from households in the districts of Kenieba and Kita in the southern part of Mali, together with information about ITN use and washing practices. The insecticidal effectiveness of the ITNs was assessed with the World Health Organization (WHO) cone test using a laboratory-reared susceptible colony of Anopheles coluzzii. The residual insecticide content was measured by a nondestructive sampling technique with a portable field-adapted liquid chromatographic system (C-Vue®) validated by running samples in parallel with standardized WHO HPLC methods.
Results
At each time point, nets were washed an average of three times over the previous 6 months, most commonly using detergent or bleach. For Yorkool nets, the average deltamethrin concentration was 55 mg/m2 at 6 months and gradually decreased to 14 mg/m2 at 36 months. The values for the PermaNet 2.0 nets were 45 mg/m2 at 6 months and 6 mg/m2 at 36 months. Until the 24-month evaluation, the proportion of nets with minimal effectiveness (at least 75% Knock Down "K.D." or 50% 24 h mortality) was greater than 80% for both net types and sites. According to the WHO criteria, the proportion of net who met the WHO optimal effectiveness criteria (at least 95% K.D. or 80% mortality) was less than 80%. The WHO standardized cone test and C-Vue evaluation demonstrated that net type effectiveness and insecticide content were consistently lower than expected at 3 years.
Conclusion
The nets did not meet the WHO criteria of optimal effectiveness for the efficacy of ITNs in this 3-year survey, and users washed nets with local soap containing detergent or bleach. The C-Vue portable chromatographic device was used successfully for the first time in Mali to measure the insecticide concentration of ITNs. These results were consistent with those of cone bioassays.
Knowledge and management practices for disposable baby diapers among child caregivers in informal urban settlements in Uganda
Authors: Ssembuusi Allan , Wafula Solomon Tsebeni , Musoke David , Kasasa Simon 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Proper handling of child faeces is essential in reducing exposure to pathogens in homes and the environment. The exponential rise in usage of disposable baby diapers requires understanding of caregivers' knowledge and management practices of disposable diapers. We interviewed 230 caregivers of under-five children in an informal settlement in Uganda about their knowledge and practices on used disposable baby diaper management and used logistic regression to assess factors associated with proper management of used diapers. Only 36.5% (84) of caregivers had high knowledge of proper used diaper management practices, and this was associated with having a child ≤12 months [Prevalence Ratio, PR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.04-3.01] and having tertiary education [PR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.12-3.92]. Most caregivers (63.5%, 146) indicated that diapers can be mixed with other general waste. Among the 173 who stored diapers before disposal, 83.2% (144) used polythene bags for storage. Overall, only 49.1% (113) caregivers had proper diaper waste management practices, which was inversely associated with having a young child (≤12 months) [PR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.48–0.95]. Findings highlight deficiencies in knowledge and diaper management practices and underscore the need to intensify awareness and education programmes on the best used diaper management practices.
Current research progress in the biological removal of emerging contaminants from the water environment
Authors: Senthil Rathi B. , Senthil Kumar P. , Parthasarathy V. , Gokul R. , Dharani R. , Lavanya R. , Rangasamy Gayathri 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Hazardous pollutants include a variety of pollutants, including emerging contaminants (ECs), organic pollutants, inorganic pollutants, and heavy metals. Scientists have lately become interested in ECs in effluent because they represent serious hazards to both biodiversity and human health even at low concentrations. For the elimination of different ECs, several treatment technologies, including chemical-based, physical-based, and biological-based methods, have been developed. Nonetheless, no one technique can presently efficiently eradicate ECs; biological treatments are frequently found to be more beneficial. This review aims to give a brief analysis of the sources, kinds, impacts, and monitoring and detection techniques for ECs. This review provides information on such biological processes for the quick and eco-friendly removal methods of ECs from effluent. The article highlights the methodology used by the hybrid system to eliminate distinct EC types. The hybrid structure of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) accompanied by filtrations using membrane successfully got rid of a bunch of ECs. For the biosorptive elimination of pharmaceuticals various hybrid structures comprising constructed wetlands (CWs) and waste stabilization ponds demonstrated amazing possibilities. Future directions of study for the elimination of ECs using green, sustainable technologies and hybrid techniques have been proposed.
Expanding Arsenal against Ocular Diseases through Nanoemulsion:
Success So Far and the Road Ahead
Authors: Vikash Bala , Shashi  , Pandey Narendra Kumar , Kumar Bimlesh , Wadhwa Sheetu , Gupta Ritu , Goutam Umesh , Mittal Amit , Baghel Dileep Singh , Singh Sachin Kumar , Singh Saurabh 
Published: July 2024

Abstract:
The eye is the most delicate organ protected by several complex biological barriers that
are static and dynamic. The presence of these ocular barriers retards drug absorption from topically applied dosage forms at the conjunctival sac. The efficient topical delivery of the drug into the
globe is more difficult to achieve, and there is a need to develop a topical formulation that may reduce the use of injections and increase patient compliance with decreased frequency of administration. With the advancements of research in nanotechnology, nanoemulsions can be used as biocompatible carriers to deliver the drug to the ocular cavity. The lipophilic globules can increase
the solubility of hydrophobic cargos, which provide increased permeation ability and ocular bioavailability, which can sustain drug release and corneal retention. Because of their small size, these
formulations do not cause blurring of vision. Over the past decade, Nanoemulsions (NEs) have
been used to treat several ocular diseases in the anterior eye segment. This review contains the
global economic burden of ocular diseases, challenges in formulating ocular formulations, and recent advances of these NEs as effective carriers for ocular drug delivery, highlighting their performance in pre-clinical studies.