bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors of Pre-competition Anxiety in Amateur Sprinters: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Zheng Xin , Weike Zhao , Yuhang Liu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to identify the key factors that contribute to pre-competition anxiety in adolescent amateur sprinters and explore potential strategies to alleviate these anxieties.
Methods
A survey was conducted among 270 athletes from 16 sports schools and track and field clubs, resulting in a final sample of 124 valid questionnaires. Grey correlation analysis and Ridge regression analysis and other methodologies were employed to analyze the influencing factors of pre-competition anxiety.
Results
The findings reveal that the competition environment, individual self-efficacy, and excessive focus on outcomes are the primary factors contributing to pre-competition anxiety among young amateur sprinters.
Conclusions
This research provides tailored psychological intervention strategies for coaches, enabling them to assist athletes in regulating their mental state and ultimately enhancing their competitive performance. Additionally, the study serves as a valuable reference for future research, significantly contributing to the advancement of mental health among young sprinters.
DFT Study of the Influence of Cationic and Anionic Fragments on the Linear Optical Properties, First Hyperpolarizability, and Two-Photon Absorption of Benzoxazole Derivatives: A Perspective for OLEDs and Solar Cells Applications
Authors: Fernandez Edwin Smith Rivera , Ceballo Ronal Andres , Bueno Oscar Leon Neira , Salas Oriana Ines Avila , Rodriguez Ruben Dario Fonseca 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This theoretical study presents the linear optical properties of absorption and fluorescence, as well as the nonlinear properties of first hyperpolarizability and two-photon absorption (TPA), in pi-conjugated organic compounds. Four pi-conjugated organic compounds derived from Benzoxazole were examined in the gas phase, in methanol, and in toluene, within the framework of Computational Quantum Chemistry, employing Density Functional Theory (DFT) with the CAM-B3LYP functional and the 6-311 + + G(d,p) basis set. The results reveal notable variations in the absorption and fluorescence spectra of organic compounds in the gas phase and in solvents such as methanol and toluene. In the gas phase, UV-violet peaks are observed, whereas in solvents, these peaks shift towards longer wavelengths, highlighting the influence of the chemical environment. Toluene intensifies absorption peaks, while methanol enhances fluorescence peaks, especially in compounds with a push-pull effect, such as Compound 4. Additionally, a significant increase in dipole moment, polarizability, and static and dynamic first hyperpolarizability for 1064 nm is evidenced in solvents, suggesting a greater nonlinear optical response capability of the compounds. The compounds exhibit maximum two-photon absorption (2PA) cross-sections that increase in solvents, especially in methanol, where Compound 4 reaches approximately 150 GM. Finally, Compound 4 in methanol and toluene offers better optical characteristics for use in OLED devices.
MCDA-based Assessment of Industrial Practices for Groundwater Preservation and Pollution Reduction
Authors: Ghazouani Mouna , Baccouche Hatem , Mansouri Lobna , Mellah Thouraya , Ghrabi Ahmed , Akrout Hanene 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this study, the effects of industrial practices on groundwater sustainability and contamination in Grombalia watershed were assessed using a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). The analysis was carried out on three types of industrial wastewater using mainly electrochemical techniques. Criteria used are: wastewater discharge area, soil permeability, wastewater quality, removal efficiency, groundwater supplies, non-conventional water production, and groundwater quality and quantity. Both Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Weighted Sum Method (WSM) are combined in MCDA, to identify the best industrial wastewater treatment technology among several alternatives. Main results indicate that the sustainability of the newly developed remediation technologies showed the highest performance when compared to the on-site alternatives. The impressive decision index values, of the best practices to be adopted in each industry, were of 0.965, 0.875, and 0.763 compared to a decision index value related to the actual on-site practices of 0.263, 0. 425 and 0.305 for the textile, agrifood, and leather industries, respectively. The results underlined the importance of developing a remediation solution for highly contaminated wastewaters and reuse and/or recycling schemes, to guarantee water demand requirements and reduce pressure on conventional water sources, within a circular economy approach.
MFADU-Net: Multi-Level Feature Fusion and Atrous Decoder Enhancements in DoubleU-Net for Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Zhao Yongpeng , Zhang Guangyuan , Li Kefeng , Zhu Zhenfang , Li Xiaotong , Zhang Yongshuo , Fan Zhiming 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In medical image processing, different adaptations based on the U-Net framework like DoubleU-Net are widely used and have been considered as fundamental models. Although DoubleU-Net enhances feature extraction and context comprehension by adding extra layers to U-Net, there are still some challenges to be solved. Multi-scale regions of interest (ROIs) might cause performance decline and information loss; complex contextual information may lead to inaccuracies in capturing environment details, affecting segmentation outcomes; unclear lesion or anatomical structure boundaries result in uncertain segmentations. To tackle these issues, We introduced an improved version of DoubleU-Net, named MFADU-Net, which incorporates multi-level feature fusion and an atrous decoder for more advanced segmentation of complex medical images. Firstly, the Multi- Level Feature Fusion Block leverages feature extraction and addresses multi-scale ROI challenges through a dual attention mechanism, excelling in detail capture and contextual understanding. Secondly, the dynamic atrous decoder offers outstanding flexibility and accuracy, further enhanced by a gated attention module for key area identification. Experimental results on CVC-ClinicDB and ISIC2018 datasets demonstrate that MFADU-Net outperforms current main methods, achieving segmentation precision of 89.3% and 93.1%, respectively.The code is available at https://github.com/Zhao-Yp/MFADU-Net.
Collagen Fleece Grafting for Surgical Treatment of Patients with Mild to Severe Peyronie’s Curvatures
Authors: Garaz Radion , Amend Bastian , Stenzl Arnulf , Bedke Jens , Hennenlotter Jörg , Rausch Steffen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Collagen Fleece Grafting (CFG) for Peyronie’s Disease (PD) is a recommended treatment option for severe curvature > 60 degrees. However, little is known about its utility in mild curvatures. A subgroup of patients with a significant risk of penile shortening or symptomatic plaques might benefit from the approach in mild curvatures < 60°. We aimed to analyze the treatment indications, surgical technique, and early postoperative results of CGF in this scenario. We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing surgical treatment for PD using partial plaque excision or incision and CFG. Patients were referred for surgery when the duration of PD was at least 9 months and previous conservative therapies had failed. Clinical parameters and complications were reviewed. Subgroup analysis was performed in patients with curvatures of > 60° and mild curvatures ≤ 60.
Results
A total of 89 patients were identified. Median (range) age was 59 (38–73) years, and median (range) curvature was 70 (20–90)°. Curvature was dorsal in 66% of cases, ventral in 8%, lateral in 16%, and complex in 10% of cases. Partial plaque excision was performed in 87 (98%) patients. The mean (SD) surface area of grafting was 2.1 (1.9) cm2. The number of penile plaques was only one in 63 (71%) patients and 2 or more in 26 (29%) patients. There was no difference between the two groups (Curvature ≤ 60 vs. >60) regarding mean operation time (86.3 vs. 94.4 min, p = 0.13) or mean hospital stay (5 vs. 5 days, p = 0.77). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the incidence of post-operative glans necrosis nor glans hypoesthesia, ecchymosis, bleeding, hematoma, infection, residual curvature, revision surgery, or pain.
Conclusions
In patients with mild and severe PD deformities, early post-operative outcomes and complications after partial plaque incision or excision and grafting with CFG seemed similar. The technique may be safely applied in select patients with mild penile curvature.
Identifying smallholder farming system typologies in southcentral Uganda: implications for food security
Authors: Apanovich Nataliya , Nyairo Risper 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Smallholder farmers produce most of the food in Uganda, yet they are some of the world’s most food insecure. To better understand the heterogeneity among smallholders and promote contextualized sustainable development policies that address food insecurity, this study created farming typologies for 150 farming households in southcentral Uganda. The cross-sectional survey was administered in Masaka District and collected data on farm (production) and farmer (socio-economic) characteristics. By combining Factor Analysis on Mixed Data (FAMD) and Hierarchical Clustering on Principal Components (HCPC), we developed three distinct farm typologies. Half of the households in Typology 1 grew coffee; all of the households in Typology 2 grew bananas; and all of the households in Typology 3 specialized in banana-coffee production. The typologies that grew bananas experienced less fluctuations in seasonal food security than those that did not, and Typology 3 was identified as the most resilient to food insecurity. The greatest differences between typologies were in how land was acquired (Typology 1 and 2 vs. Typology 3), walking time to the land (Typology 1 and 2 vs. Typology 3) and inorganic fertilizer use in coffee (Typology 1 vs. Typology 3). We concluded that households in southcentral Uganda decide on a cropping system based on their land rights (i.e. how the land was acquired) and resource endowment, specifically availability of labor and capital. Dedicating even a small proportion of land to perennials and adopting active field management was associated with reduced food insecurity. Agricultural development policies should therefore be geared towards addressing these issues.
Ferroelectricity in Hafnia: The Origin of Nanoscale Stabilization
Authors: Xu Xiaoshan , Li Xin , Ren Guodong , Lu Haidong , Samanta Kartik , Shah Amit , Omprakash Pravan , Yun Yu , Buragohain Pratyush , Cao Huibo , Hachtel Jordan , Lupini Andrew , Chi Miaofang , Tsymbal Evgeny , Gruverman Alexei , Mishra Rohan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The discovery of ferroelectric properties in hafnia-based materials have boosted the potential of incorporating ferroelectricity in advanced electronics, thanks to their compatibility with silicon technology. However, comprehending why these materials defy the common trend of reduced ferroelectric ordering at the nanoscale, and the mechanism that stabilizes the ferroelectric phase—which is absent in hafnia’s phase diagram—presents significant challenges to our traditional knowledge of ferroelectricity. In this work, we show that the formation of the orthorhombic ferroelectric phase (o-FE, space group Pca21) of the single-crystalline epitaxial films of 10% La-doped HfO2 (LHO) on (111)-oriented yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) relies on the stability of the orthorhombic antiferroelectric phase (o-AFE, space group Pbca) that is present in the high-pressure region of the phase diagram of hafnia. Our detailed x-ray diffraction studies, electron microscopy, and neutron diffraction measurements demonstrate that as-grown LHO films structurally represent an orthorhombic phase that is largely composed of the o-AFE phase being thermodynamically stabilized by the compressive strain imposed by the substrate on the lattice of hafnia stretched by La doping. As follows from our Kelvin probe force microscopy studies, under mechanical poling, the o-AFE phase is converted to the o-FE phase which remains stable under ambient conditions. We find that the orthorhombic phase stability is enhanced with decreasing film thickness down to one unit cell¾a trend that is unknown in any other ultrathin ferroelectric films. This is due to the vanishing depolarization field of the o-AFE phase and the isomorphic LHO/YSZ interface, supporting strain-enhanced ferroelectricity in the ultrathin films down to the single-unit-cell thickness, as evident from our electron microscopy and reflection high energy electron diffraction studies. This results in an unprecedented increase of the Curie temperature up to 850 °C—the highest reported for sub-nanometer-thick ferroelectrics. Overall, our findings unveil two long-standing mysteries of ferroelectric hafnia—the stability of the o-FE phase and its enhancement at the nanoscale, opening the way for advanced engineering of hafnia-based materials for ferroelectric applications and heralding a new frontier of high-temperature ferroelectrics at the two-dimensional limit.
Maximizing the clinical utility and performance of cytology samples for comprehensive genetic profiling – A report on the impact of process optimization through the analysis of 4,871 cytology samples profiled by MSK-IMPACT
Authors: Kim David , Vanderbilt Chad , Yang Soo-Ryum , Nandakumar Subhiksha , Nafa Khedoudja , Feratovic Rusmir , Rekhtman Natasha , Rijo Ivelise , Casanova Jacklyn , Yun Anita , Brannon Angela Rose , Berger Michael , Ladanyi Marc , Lin Oscar , Arcila Maria 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Comprehensive molecular profiling by next generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized tumor classification and biomarker evaluation. However, routine implementation is challenged by the scant nature of diagnostic material obtained through minimally invasive procedures. Here, we describe our long-term experience in profiling cytology samples with an in-depth assessment of the performance, quality metrics, biomarker identification capabilities, and potential pitfalls. We highlight the impact of several optimization strategies to maximize performance with 4,871 prospectively sequenced clinical cytology samples tested by MSK-IMPACT™. Special emphasis is given to the use of residual supernatant cell free DNA (ScfDNA) as a valuable source of tumor DNA. Overall, cytology samples were similar in performance to surgical samples in identifying clinically relevant genomic alterations, achieving success rates up to 93% with full optimization. While cell block (CB) samples had excellent performance overall, low-level cross-contamination was identified in a small proportion of cases (4.7%), a common pitfall intrinsic to the processing of paraffin blocks, suggesting that more stringent precautions and processing modifications should be considered in quality control initiatives. By contrast ScfDNA samples had negligible contamination. Finally, ScfDNA testing exclusively used as a rescue strategy delivered successful results in 71% of cases where tumor tissue from CB was depleted.
The relationship between body mass index and menstrual cycle disorder
Authors: Salem Rola , alghazzawi Sulaf , Hammoud Taghrid 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective: The research aims to study the prevalence of menstrual disorders and their relationship with body mass index
Methods and materials: A cross-sectional descriptive study that included 392 female patients from the outpatient clinic at Al-Zahrawi Hospital. They met the inclusion criteria and included women aged (20) - (40) years who had no known causes for menstrual irregularity, a detailed clinical history was taken, and a clinical examination was performed that included measuring weight and height. To determine the body mass index using a tape measure and an electronic weight scale and dividing according to the values ​​into four groups, a menstrual history was taken (puberty, date of last menstrual period, regularity of the menstrual cycle). The patients were then divided according to possible patterns of menstrual disorders. An echographic evaluation of the reproductive system was conducted for a period of 3 months, from April 2024 to May 2024.
Results: The current study showed that 6.9% of the sample were underweight, 39.3% were normal weight, 32.9% were overweight, 20.9% were obese, 21.2% had normal menstruation, and 78.8% had a menstrual irregularity. We found that there is a statistically significant relationship (P=0.005) between the high incidence of menstrual irregularity with abnormal BMI values, and the percentage of amenorrhea and polymenorrhea was highest among obese women, followed by underweight women. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (P=0.04), (P=0.02), Oligomenorrhea was seen and was higher among overweight women, followed by obese women, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P=0.001). The percentage of menorrhagia was higher among obese women, followed by overweight women, then underweight women, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P=0.04). Dysmenorrhea was higher among underweight women. Weight, followed by obese, in equal proportion among overweight and normal weight women, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for Hypomenorrhea (P=0.5), intermenstrual bleeding (P=0.1), and menorrhagia (P=0.09).
Conclusion: Menstrual disorders are common in women of reproductive age. Body mass index plays a very important vital role in the regularity of the menstrual cycle, and weight control is important to improve a woman's quality of life during her reproductive years.
Applying an Equity Lens to Evidence-Based Preventive Interventions: A Systematic Review of Subgroup Findings from Experimental Evaluations
Authors: Buckley Pamela R. , Gust Charleen J. , Coffin Sarah Gonzalez , Aikawa Sheba M. , Steeger Christine M. , Pampel Fred C. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective. As racial and ethnic minoritized groups carry the unique burden of structural and systemic racism, they are especially susceptible to adverse outcomes that are in large part due to their social determinants of health. Evidence-based preventive interventions (EBPIs) focused on equity are interventions that are grounded in science derived from high-quality experimental studies shown to: (1) effectively intervene before problems occur or escalate, and (2) reduce disparities. This review explored the prevalence of equity-promoting EBPIs.
Methods. We synthesized findings from 292 experimental evaluations of EBPIs published between 2010-2023 (240 conducted in the U.S.) and performed a descriptive analysis to assess: (1) the prevalence of culturally-tailored EBPIs (i.e., interventions designed with consideration of the strengths and experiences of the target population to enhance effectiveness); (2) how frequent tests for subgroup effects were in EBPI evaluations; and (3) whether subgroup findings from EBPIs indicate differential benefits for minoritized groups.
Results. We found few culturally-tailored interventions (31%), with 4% evaluating EBPIs developed for African American or Black populations and 1% for Hispanic or Latino youth. In addition, 25% and 15% tested for subgroup effects by race and ethnicity, respectively, with slightly higher frequencies when counting reports that used mixed and non-specified categories such as “non-White” or “minority.” There were also some encouraging findings: (1) EBPIs more often benefited racial and ethnic minoritized groups, and (2) an upward trend was detected in reporting subgroup tests across time. Still, few studies preregistered subgroup tests, causing concerns over cherry-picking results.
Conclusions. Currently, limited evidence shows the potential of EBPIs to reduce behavioral health disparities. Investments are needed in community-driven etiological and intervention research addressing behavioral health equity and trials of EBPIs that investigate mitigating disparities.
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Implications, Challenges, and Future Prospects
Authors: Afzal Saira , Siddiqui Meha 
Published: July 2024

Artificial intelligence is a technology that enables machines, especially computer systems, to mimic human intelligence and problem-solving abilities. This technology is being used nowadays in many areas of the healthcare industry, from scheduling online appointments to robot-assisted, safer surgeries with better patient outcomes. Just like a physician, AI can record a patient's history, signs and symptoms, and lab results, leading to an accurate diagnosis and a proper treatment plan, but in no time. This is just a small example of the implications of AI in the sector. Other areas of medicine are also being benefited by this innovation, like gastroentology, radiology, surgery, and preventive medicine. The development of advanced algorithms has reduced the burden on radiologists by helping them identify abnormal images and pick up malignant lesions with minimal diagnostic errors. Similarly, AI-assisted colonoscopy can help identify malignant and benign polyps. AI-powered systems, like Google's DeepMind Health, may identify malignant growth in mammograms and diabetic retinopathy, which can aid in early detection and treatment.
Low-cost, reliable, and highly efficient removal of COD and total nitrogen from sewage using a sponge-filled trickling filter
Authors: Kachhadiya Navneet , Patel Upendra D. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Development of low-cost and reliable reactors demanding minimal supervision is a need-of-the-hour for sewage treatment in rural areas. This study explores the performance of a multi-stage sponge-filled trickling filter (SPTF) for sewage treatment, employing polyethylene (PE) and polyurethane (PU) media. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nitrogen transformation were evaluated at hydraulic loading rates (HLRs) ranging from 2 to 6 m/d using synthetic sewage as influent. At influent COD of ∼350 mg/L, PU-SPTF and PE-SPTF achieved a COD removal of 97% across all HLRs with most of the removal occurring in the first segments. Operation of PE-SPTF at an HLR of 6 m/d caused substantial wash-out of biomass, while PU-SPTF retained biomass and achieved effluent COD &lt; 10 mg/L even at HLR of 8–10 m/d. The maximum Total Nitrogen removal by PE-SPTF and PU-SPTF reactors was 93.56 ± 1.36 and 92.24 ± 0.66%, respectively, at an HLR of 6 m/d. Simultaneous removal of ammonia and nitrate was observed at all the HLRs in the first segment of both SPTFs indicating ANAMMOX activity. COD removal data, media depth, and HLRs were fitted (R2 &gt; 0.99) to a first-order kinetic relationship. For a comparable COD removal, CO2 emission by PU-SPTF was 3.5% of that of an activated sludge system.