bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cybersecurity Awareness Among Radiography Teachers in Africa and Its Potential Impact in the Digital Age of Medicine
Authors: Anas Alyasaa , Nkubli Flavious B. , Ezeokeke Uchenna Onyebuchi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To survey the current state of cybersecurity awareness among radiography teachers in Africa and the existing challenges, and propose targeted interventions to enhance cybersecurity education, practices, and resilience within the radiography education sector
METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study design was employed, targeting radiography teachers across Africa. Data was collected using a self-administered 30-item questionnaire distributed during the Radiography Educators Conference of the International Society of Radiographers and Radiologic Technologists in Abuja, Nigeria. A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit 53 participants. Data analysis was conducted using Google Spreadsheets, generating descriptive statistics such as percentages.
RESULTS: This study on cybersecurity awareness among radiography teachers in Africa reveals a lack of training and awareness initiatives, with only 45.3% who indicated to have received cybersecurity training and 24.4% actively promoting its awareness. Furthermore, 86.3% lack cybersecurity insurance. Despite this, over 96% recognize the importance of addressing cybersecurity
concerns.
CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the urgent need for tailored training, increased awareness initiatives, and developing guidelines to fortify cybersecurity readiness among African radiography teachers. This is due to the low cybersecurity training and awareness profiles in this study.
Phenotypic diversity in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (l.) Moench] landraces in Tigray, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Welderufael Shushay , Abay Fetien , Ayana Amsalu , Amede Tilahun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In the present study, frequency distribution, Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H′), and multivariate methods were used to estimate and analyze the phenotypic diversity of 108 sorghum landraces growing in Tigray taking their districts of origin, geographical zones, and altitude classes into considerations. We discover that high and comparable trait distributions among the sorghum landraces. The H′ computed for individual traits varied from 0.33 for grain form to 0.99 for grain plumpness with a mean of 0.83, which reveals huge diversity within the landraces. The estimated H′ of each trait pooled over districts of origin, geographical zones, and altitude classes were high with an overall mean of 0.71, 0.74, and 0.70, respectively. The H′ pooled over traits within the districts of origin, geographical zones, and altitude classes were high with an overall mean of 0.71, 0.74, and 0.69, respectively. On the basis of district origin, the highest (0.84) and the lowest (0.46) H′ values were recorded for the Tahtay adyabo and Raya Azebo districts, respectively. When the geographical zones were considered, the highest (0.83) and the lowest (0.46) H′ values were recorded for the northwestern zone and southern zone, respectively. With respect to altitude classes, the highest (0.80) and the lowest (0.68) H′ value were recorded for 1001 m.a.s.l and > 1600 m.a.s.l, respectively. Disruptive selection is the most likely reason to maintain the huge diversity in the sorghum landraces. The treasure of diversity suggests the potential for exploitation in sorghum improvement and conservation programs.
Synergies and trade-offs between the sustainable development goals and reaching zero net greenhouse gas emissions in Sweden
Authors: Ahlbäck A. , Klingvall H. , Nordell E. , Eriksson K. M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The Swedish climate target to reach zero net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2045 implies large transformations of current industry, energy and transport sectors. Electric vehicles, wind and solar power, biomass, carbon capture and storage, climate neutral concrete and green hydrogen are all considered technological key components in transitioning away from fossil energy. The purpose of this study is to present synergies and trade-offs from large-scale implementation of these key components in Sweden, expressed as positive or negative impacts on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study used expert opinions elicited from thematic workshops as input, which were put through a qualitative analysis to construct causal relationships and further tested against published literature to gain empirical support.
Results
The results shows that 11 out of the 17 SDGs will be affected positively or negatively. In Sweden, 37 of the identified impacts were positive and 16 impacts were negative. For international spillover impacts, the pattern was reversed with 7 positive impacts and 28 negative impacts. A large-scale implementation of the key components brings synergies to economic growth and job creation as well as sustainable industrialization and innovation. There are, however, several trade-offs identified that concerns environmental issues mainly linked to mineral extraction, both domestically and as international spillovers.
Conclusions
This study highlights the multifaceted linkages between climate mitigation efforts and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To achieve a sustainable climate transition, a holistic view incorporating the SDGs needs to be employed. Next steps could include stakeholders in policy and industry to identify actions and initiate collaborative approaches to strengthen potential synergies and minimize trade-offs.
Caveats of the Isotopic Paleothermometer: Spatial and Temporal Isotope – Temperature Relationships
Authors: Casado Mathieu , Bailey Adriana , Santos Christophe Leroy Dos , Fourre Elise , Favier Vincent , Agosta Cécile , Kittel Christoph , Arnaud Laurent , Prié Frédéric , Akers Pete , Cauquoin Alexandre , Werner Martin , Janssen Leoni , Stenni Barbara , Dreossi Giuliano , Spolaor Andrea , Petteni Agnese , Savarino Joel , Landais Amaelle 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Water isotopes are a tracer of hydrological processes and a paleoclimate proxy from ice core records. The isotopic signal is acquired throughout the hydrological cycle, from evaporation over the ocean, during each precipitation event, and during post-depositional processes such as isotopic exchange between snow and atmospheric moisture. Due to these multiple contributions, the isotopic paleothermometer (i.e., the relationship between isotope ratios in ice and local temperature, on which past climatic reconstructions are based) is only empirically calibrated. Yet, different isotope-to-temperature relationships are obtained spatially in surface snow and temporally in precipitation. Here, we report the vapour isotopic composition monitored on a traverse across East Antarctica as well as at two fixed locations: the coastal site of Dumont D’Urville and the inland station of Concordia. We show that the isotope-to-temperature relationship is inherently different using vapour isotopic composition temporally and spatially across the East Antarctic Plateau due to fundamental differences in the variations of the rainout fraction across time and space. Since the Rayleigh distillation predicts parallel evolution of vapour and precipitation isotopic composition, our results can be directly transferred to the interpretation of the isotopic signal in ice core records.
There is no reliable evidence that providing authors with customized article templates including items from reporting guidelines improves completeness of reporting: The GoodReports Randomized Trial (GRReaT)
Authors: Struthers Caroline , Harwood James , de Beyer Jennifer Anne , Logullo Patricia , Collins Gary S 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Although medical journals endorse reporting guidelines, authors often struggle to find and use the right one for their study type and topic. The UK EQUATOR Centre developed the GoodReports website to direct authors to appropriate guidance. Pilot data suggested that authors did not improve their manuscripts when advised to use a particular reporting guideline by GoodReports.org at journal submission stage. User feedback suggested the checklist format of most reporting guidelines does not encourage use during manuscript writing. We tested whether providing customized reporting guidance within writing templates for use throughout the writing process resulted in clearer and more complete reporting than only giving advice on which reporting guideline to use.
Design and methods: GRReaT was a two-group parallel 1:1 randomized trial with a target sample size of 206. Participants were lead authors at an early stage of writing up a health-related study. Eligible study designs were cohort, cross-sectional, or case-control study, randomized trial, and systematic review. After randomization, the intervention group received an article template including items from the appropriate reporting guideline and links to explanations and examples. The control group received a reporting guideline recommendation and general advice on reporting. Participants sent their completed manuscripts to the GRReaT team before submitting for publication, for completeness of each item in the title, methods, and results section of the corresponding reporting guideline. The primary outcome was reporting completeness against the corresponding reporting guideline. Participants were not blinded to allocation. Assessors were blind to group allocation. As a recruitment incentive, all participants received a feedback report identifying missing or inadequately reported items in these three sections.
Results: Between 9 June 2021 and 30 June 2023, we randomized 130 participants and present findings from the assessment of reporting completeness for the 37 completed manuscripts we received. The mean reporting completeness ratio was 0.57 for the intervention group and 0.50 for the control group. The difference between the two groups was 0.069 in favour of the intervention (95% CI -0.046 to 0.184; p=0.231).
Conclusion: As the dropout rate was higher than expected, we did not reach the recruitment target, and the difference between groups was not statistically significant. We therefore found no evidence that providing authors with customized article templates including items from reporting guidelines, increases reporting completeness. We discuss the challenges faced when conducting the trial, and suggest how future research testing innovative ways of improving reporting could be designed to improve recruitment and reduce dropouts.
NUDT15 genotype and erythrocyte thioguanosine levels affect thiopurine metabolite levels into DNA of Japanese children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Tanaka Yoichi , Ono Rintaro , Ashiarai Miho , Sakurai Ayako , Watanabe Atsushi , Tsuchimochi Taichiro , Hosoya Yosuke , Hanajiri Ruri , Inukai Takeshi , Hasegawa Daisuke 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to measure thiopurine metabolites—such as deoxythioguanosine incorporated into DNA (DNA-TG)—and erythrocyte thioguanine nucleotides (TGNs) and methyl mercaptopurine (MMPN) levels in Japanese children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study also evaluated the factors that elevate thiopurine metabolites incorporated into the DNA.
Methods
DNA-TG, erythrocyte TGNs, and MMPN levels were measured on consecutive clinical visits in 20 Japanese patients with childhood ALL (171 sampling points) using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15) was genotyped using Sanger sequencing.
Results
Of the 20 patients, three had the NUDT15 intermediate activity genotype (*1/*2 or *1/*3), and two had a low activity genotype (*3/*3). The median DNA-TG level was 318 fmol/µg DNA. Erythrocyte TGNs and MMPN levels were 341.4 and 14,136 pmol/8 × 108 red blood cells, respectively. The ratio of DNA-TG/TGNs—which is the active thiopurine metabolite ratio in DNA—was higher in patients with the NUDT15 variant than in the wild type. The DNA-TG/TGNs ratio was inversely correlated with the TGNs level. Erythrocyte TGNs levels were significantly correlated with white blood cell and lymphocyte counts (p = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively), and MMPN levels were significantly correlated with lymphocyte count and aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels (p = 0.005, 0.0004, and 0.007, respectively).
Conclusion
The DNA-TG/TGNs ratio differed in each patient. The NUDT15 genotype and erythrocyte TGNs level were affected and elevated the DNA-TG level in Japanese patients with ALL.
Automatic WSTS-based Repair and Deadlock Detection of Parameterized Systems
Authors: Baumeister Tom , Jacobs Swen , Sakr Mouhammad , Völp Marcus 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We present an algorithm for the repair of parameterized systems that can be represented as well-structured transition systems. The repair problem is, for a given process implementation, to find a refinement such that a given safety property is satisfied by the resulting parameterized system,and deadlocks are avoided. Our algorithm uses a parameterized model checker to determine the correctness of candidate solutions and employs a constraint system to rule out candidates. Parameterized systems that fall into our class include disjunctive systems, pairwise rendezvous systems, broadcast protocols, and certain global synchronization protocols. Moreover, we show that parameterized deadlock detection and similar global properties can be decided in EXPTIME for disjunctive systems, and that deadlock detection is in general undecidable for broadcast protocols.
Modelling and Investigating Logistics Transport Drivers' Willingness to Use Partial and Fully Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Liu Zhoufan , Zeng Junxian , Zhou Xingchi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Autonomous vehicle (AV) is a promising technology with the potential to reduce traffic accidents and enhance transportation efficiency within the logistics transportation field. However, the varying levels of AV capabilities face distinct challenges, and the willingness of logistics transport drivers to adopt this technology remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the predictive factors influencing logistics transport drivers’ willingness to use Partial Autonomous Vehicles (PAVs) and Fully Autonomous Vehicles (FAVs). Data was collected from 304 participants through online and on-site surveys among logistics transport drivers. An extended TAM was constructed by incorporating five psychological factors of Perceived Ease of Use (PE), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Trust (TR), Perceived Risk (PR), Job Satisfaction (JS) as endogenous variables and four individual factors of monthly income, time in occupation, knowledge of AVs, daily working hours as exogenous variables. The results indicate that logistics transport drivers exhibit a positive willingness to use both PAVs and FAVs, with a stronger inclination towards PAVs. Specifically, PE, PU, and TR are found to positively influence willingness to use both types of AVs, whereas JS and PR show negative impact. Moreover, time in occupation and knowledge of AVs emerge as significant individual predictive factors. Addressing these factors enables automotive stakeholders to develop effective strategies for the successful integration of AVs into the logistics transportation field, thereby improving safety and efficiency.
Assessment of Pulmonary Arterial Vessels With Newer Ct Examination Protocols With the Aim of Achieving a Ct-x-ray Dose and Cm-dosage Reduction
Authors: Sun Lv , Jin Kaiyuan , Luo Xianli , Wang Feng , Li Bangguo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We compared the effect of varying iodine contrast medium (CM) dosage on image quality and radiation dose in low-tube voltage dual source computed tomography (DSCT) pulmonary artery imaging was compared by sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) combined with non linear blending (NLB), and optimization of pulmonary artery imaging protocol. A total of 166 patients were divided into groups A, B, C, and D based on the amount of CM used and tube voltage. The voltage of group A tube was 120kV, and CM dosage was 50ml, filtered back projection combined with linear blending post-treatment technology was adopted, In contrast, the voltage of group B, C and D tubes was 80kV/Sn140kV, the dosage of CM was 20ml, 30ml, 50ml, respectively, and SAFIRE combined with NLB was adopted. The CT values were highest in group D and lowest in group A, with groups C and D exhibiting values significantly greater than those in groups A and B (P<0.05). The background noise of groups A and B were significantly higher than groups C and D (P<0.05). contrast to noise ratio and signal to noise ratio of pulmonary arteries at all levels in group C and D were higher than those in group A and group B (P<0.05). pulmonary arteries and their branches in the groups A, B, C and D showed well, and the pulmonary artery emboli could be clearly displayed, with good inter observer consistency. The CT dose index volume, dose length product, and effective dose of group A were significantly higher than those of groups B, C, and D (P<0.05). This application of SAFIRE combined with NLB in DSCT enhances image quality while concurrently reducing contrast medium (iodine) dosage and radiation exposure.
Causality of genetically determined metabolites and metabolic pathways on stroke: a two-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: He Zilong , Zhou Ping , Lu Na , Cui Fang , Huang Zhenjun , Zhao Dan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. While extensive research has been conducted on stroke risk factors, the underlying biological mechanism remains not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the causal effect of circulation metabolites on stroke risk. Methods A two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to assess the causality of circulation metabolites on stroke. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 486 metabolites served as the exposure, with 5 different stroke phenotypes as outcomes, including ischemic stroke with cardioembolic, ischemic stroke with large artery atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke, small vessel ischemic stroke, and lacunar stroke. Causal estimates were calculated using Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, with sensitivity analyses using methods such as weight mode, weight median, MR-egger, and simple mode. Metabolic pathway analysis was performed using the web-based metaboanalyst 6.0. All statistical analyses were conducted in R software. Results The MR analysis revealed a total of 82 causative associations between metabolites and different stroke phenotypes. 14 significant metabolic pathways were identified, with the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway showing correlation with stroke of multiple phenotypes. Conclusion The findings suggest that the identified metabolites and metabolic pathways could serve as useful circulating metabolic biomarkers for stroke screening and prevention in clinical practice. They may also be considered as candidate molecules for future exploration of mechanisms and selection of drug targets.
Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic central hepatectomy: A comparison with open surgery
Authors: Masuda Takashi , Endo Yuichi , Nakamura Shun , Miyoshino Wataru , Nagasawa Yuiko , Orimoto Hiroki , Kawamura Masahiro , Fujinaga Atsuro , Takayama Hiroomi , Kawano Yoko , Hirashita Teijiro , Inomata Masafumi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose Laparoscopic central hepatectomy (CH) remains challenging, with safety and efficacy unclear. This study retrospectively evaluated short-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open CH and assessed safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery.
Methods CH included anterior sectionectomy (AS) and central bisectionectomy (CBS) (excluding cases with biliary reconstruction). The study comprised 38 patients receiving CH in our department from January 2010 to November 2023.
Results The laparoscopic group included 14 cases and the open group 24. AS/CBS was performed in 14/10 open group cases and 6/8 laparoscopic group cases. Short-term surgical outcomes showed no significant between-group difference in operative time, but the laparoscopic group lost significantly less blood (250 vs. 985 mL; p=0.001) and the transfusion rate was lower (14% vs. 46%; p=0.004). Among postoperative outcomes, incidence of bile leakage was not significantly different (33% vs. 42%; p=0.42), but the laparoscopic group had significantly less postoperative ascites (0% vs. 17%; p=0.047), fewer surgical site infections (SSI) (0% vs. 21%; p=0.02), and shorter postoperative hospital stay (14 vs. 30 days; p=0.03). The risk factor for bile leakage in CH by univariate and multivariate analysis was tumor proximity to the right anterior Glissonean pedicle (OR=6.84; 95% CI=1.67-32.7; p=0.01).
Conclusion Laparoscopic CH could be performed safely. Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic CH was effective in reducing blood loss, postoperative ascites, SSIs, and shortening postoperative hospital stay. However, tumors close to the root of the right anterior Glissonean pedicle were considered a risk factor for postoperative bile leakage and require caution.
In-depth investigation of emission homogeneity of InGaAs multiple quantum wells using spatially resolved spectroscopy
Authors: Zelioli Andrea , Špokas Aivaras , Čechavičius Bronislovas , Talaikis Martynas , Stanionytė Sandra , Vaitkevičius Augustas , Čerškus Aurimas , Dudutienė Evelina , Butkutė Renata 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this study the emission homogeneity of InGaAs multiple quantum wells (MQW) was investigated. Two sets of samples grown by molecular beam epitaxy, with varying In content and QW thickness as well as barrier thickness, were mapped using room temperature photoluminescence and micro-photoluminescence. The result showed that increasing In content leads to a denser net of lattice mismatch dislocations in the QW layer. Samples with optimized barrier design exhibit uniform emission intensity.
Killing effect of antibacterial photodynamic therapy - aPDT with long-term exposure against young and old Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in dentin
Authors: Du Tianfeng , Wang Yiting , Liu Xiaoke , Yang Bowen , Gan Kang , Zhu Juanfang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Antibacterial photodynamic therapy - aPDT is a medical method that utilizes the activation of a nontoxic photoactive agent or photosensitizer by exposure to visible light of a specific wave-length in the presence of oxygen. The present study aimed to evaluate the killing in vitro effect of aPDT with 0.01% methylene blue (MB) against young and old Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) biofilms in bovine dentin with the long-term exposure using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).
Methods: Semicylindrical bovine dentin blocks were inoculated with E. faecalis and incubated in air to form 1- and 3-week-old biofilms. The biofilms in dentin were subjected to aPDT with 0.01% MB, 5% NaOCl and saline with the exposure of 3, 12 and 30 minutes. The dead portions of bacterial cells in E. faecalis biofilms were analyzed with using LIVE/DEAD bacteria viability staining and CLSM.
Results: The visible changes in dentin structure caused by aPDT were verified with scanning electron microscopy. Significantly more bacteria were dead when aPDT with MB and 5% NaOCl were used with the long exposure time (12 and 30 minutes) than with 3 minutes (P < 0.05). The speed of killing was fastest during the first 3 minutes, and few more bacterial cells were killed after 12 minutes in the disinfection groups. Five percent NaOCl exhibited the highest effectiveness of bacterial killing in dentin at each time point than aPDT with MB groups (P < 0.05). The proportion of killed bacteria was higher in young biofilms than in mature biofilms in aPDT with MB and NaOCl groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, there were no clearly visible changes in structure of dentin surfaces subjected to aPDT with MB for 30 minutes.
Conclusion: aPDT with 0.01% MB has the capability to kill bacterial cells in E. faecalis biofilms on bovine dentin, and does not result in visible changes of dentin structures. The antibacterial effect was time-dependent, but little additional killing was obtained after the first 12 minutes of exposure.