bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reinforcement Learning Approaches for the Orienteering Problem with Stochastic and Dynamic Release Dates
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Archetti Claudia , Ljubić Ivana 
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we study a sequential decision-making problem faced by e-commerce carriers related to when to send out a vehicle from the central depot to serve customer requests and in which order to provide the service, under the assumption that the time at which parcels arrive at the depot is stochastic and dynamic. The objective is to maximize the expected number of parcels that can be delivered during service hours. We propose two reinforcement learning (RL) approaches for solving this problem. These approaches rely on a look-ahead strategy in which future release dates are sampled in a Monte Carlo fashion, and a batch approach is used to approximate future routes. Both RL approaches are based on value function approximation: One combines it with a consensus function (VFA-CF) and the other one with a two-stage stochastic integer linear programming model (VFA-2S). VFA-CF and VFA-2S do not need extensive training as they are based on very few hyperparameters and make good use of integer linear programming (ILP) and branch-and-cut–based exact methods to improve the quality of decisions. We also establish sufficient conditions for partial characterization of optimal policy and integrate them into VFA-CF/VFA-2S. In an empirical study, we conduct a competitive analysis using upper bounds with perfect information. We also show that VFA-CF and VFA-2S greatly outperform alternative approaches that (1) do not rely on future information (2) are based on point estimation of future information, (3) use heuristics rather than exact methods, or (4) use exact evaluations of future rewards. Funding: This work was supported by the CY Initiative of Excellence [ANR-16- IDEX-0008]. Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2022.0366 .
A cohort study of the effects of social support on cerebral cardiovascular disease in subjects with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Kim Sung-Kyung , Jeong Yong Whi , Kang Dae Ryong , Kim Jang Young , Lee Hunju , Koh Sang-baek 
Published: July 2024

Introduction
Previous studies have extensively examined the relationship between social support and various health outcomes. However, little is known about the distinct longitudinal associations between perceived social support and the development of cardiovascular events in patients with metabolic syndrome. In this cohort study, we investigated whether the levels of perceived social support in patients with metabolic syndrome were associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events.

Methods
The level of social support was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) in 2,721 individuals living in Wonju and Pyeongchang, South Korea. The presence of metabolic syndrome was determined by physical measurements and blood tests, and the occurrence of cerebral cardiovascular disease in relation to the presence of metabolic syndrome and the level of social support was analyzed using Cox proportional-hazards models.

Results
The median follow-up period was 2,345 days (2,192–2,618). Overall, in the group with metabolic syndrome and low social support, low social support was associated with an increased risk of later cerebral cardiovascular events; in this group, the hazard ratio after adjusting for confounding variables was 1.97 times (95% confidence interval, 1.01–3.85) higher than that in the group without metabolic syndrome and low social support.

Conclusion
This study shows, for the first time, that the level of social support is a risk factor for preventing cerebral cardiovascular disease in patients with metabolic syndrome and suggests that social support status should be incorporated into multifactorial risk assessment and intervention procedures to prevent metabolic syndrome and cerebral cardiovascular disease.
Association of birth weight, childhood obesity, and age at menarche with the risk of ovarian dysfunction: A mendelian randomization study
Authors: Dang Chunxiao , Li Jianjuan , Yu Xiao , Liu Jinxing , Liu Pengfei , Yang Xiaoling 
Published: July 2024

Background
Observational studies have revealed associations between birth weight, childhood obesity, age at menarche, and ovarian dysfunction. However, these studies are susceptible to unavoidable confounding factors, leading to ongoing debates regarding their conclusions and making causal relationships challenging to infer. In light of these challenges, Mendelian randomization was employed in this study to investigate the causal relationships between birth weight, childhood obesity, age at menarche, and ovarian dysfunction.

Methods
This study employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach using genetic variation as instrumental variables to investigate causal relationships. Genetic variation data were sourced from summary data of genome-wide association studies in European populations. Instrumental variables were selected based on the principles of Mendel’s three assumptions. The study utilized the inverse variance weighted method to assess the relationships between birth weight, childhood obesity, age at menarche, and ovarian dysfunction. Supplementary analyses were conducted using MR-Egger regression, the weighted median method, and the weighted median mode to complement the IVW results. Furthermore, the study conducted heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and sensitivity analyses to evaluate the robustness of the results.

Results
Based on the inverse variance weighted method, it was found that there exists a causal relationship between childhood obesity (OR = 1.378, 95% CI: 1.113∼1.705, p = 0.003), age at menarche (OR = 0.639, 95% CI: 0.468∼0.871, p = 0.005), and ovarian dysfunction, while no causal relationship was observed between birth weight and ovarian dysfunction. Heterogeneity tests, multiplicity tests, and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses did not detect any heterogeneity or multiplicity effects in the estimated impact of these three exposure factors on the risk of ovarian dysfunction.

Conclusions
This study represents the first evidence suggesting a potential causal relationship between childhood obesity, age at menarche, and ovarian dysfunction. Childhood obesity was found to increase the risk of ovarian dysfunction, while a later age at menarche was associated with a reduced risk of ovarian dysfunction.
Prevalence and help-seeking for infertility in a population with a low fertility rate
Authors: Lee Mei-Chuan , Chien Pei-Shan , Zhou Yue , Yu Tsung 
Published: July 2024

Background
In Taiwan there has been limited research of epidemiological surveys on prevalence of infertility. This study aimed to provide the updated prevalence of primary infertility and of help-seeking among residents in Taiwan.

Methods
Between February and March 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional population-based telephone survey of 1,297 men and women aged 20–49 years who were residing in Taiwan. We used computer-assisted telephone interviewing techniques to collect data regarding sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics. Using two approaches to defining infertility, we estimated the prevalence of infertility and the prevalence of help-seeking behaviors. Our analyses accounted for survey weighting.

Results
The response rate was 27.9%. Among 1,297 respondents, 829 (63.9%) were married or cohabiting, including 404 men and 425 women. The prevalence of primary infertility using definition 1 was 5.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.2% - 7.4%); the prevalence of primary infertility using definition 2 was 6.7% (5.1% - 8.6%). Regarding professional help-seeking, 11.1% (9.2%-13.5%) had ever consulted a doctor about getting pregnant; 9.9% (8.1%-12.2%) had ever received diagnostic tests/treatment to help with conceiving; 2.6% (1.6% - 4.0%) were currently receiving diagnostic tests/treatment to help with conceiving.

Conclusion
Our nationwide survey of the prevalence of primary infertility in Taiwan suggests that the prevalence was not as high as what is often seen in the news reports (about 14%). These findings also suggest there may be a gap between those who are currently experiencing infertility and those who are currently being treated; hence, we call for raising awareness of infertility and improving access to infertility healthcare.
Remote work transition amidst COVID-19: Impacts on presenteeism, absenteeism, and worker well-being—A scoping review
Authors: Nowrouzi-Kia Behdin , Haritos Alexia M. , Long Bao-Zhu Stephanie , Atikian Chantal , Fiorini Luke A. , Gohar Basem , Howe Aaron , Li Yiyan , Bani-Fatemi Ali 
Published: July 2024

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the transition to remote work, leading to increased attention on presenteeism and absenteeism among remote workers. Understanding the implications of these phenomena on worker health and productivity is crucial for optimizing remote work arrangements and developing policies to improve employee well-being.

Objectives
This scoping review aims to examine the occurrence of presenteeism and absenteeism among remote workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and the interrelated physical and mental health issues during these periods.

Methods
PsycINFO, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Eric, Business Source Premier, SCOPUS, and sociological abstracts were searched resulting in 1792 articles. Articles were included if the population of interest was 18+ (i.e., working age), engaged in full or part-time work, and the employees shifted from in-person to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All study designs, geographical areas, and papers written post-onset of the COVID-19 pandemic were included; however, systematic reviews were excluded. Data was charted into Microsoft Excel by 2 independent reviewers.

Results
The literature search identified 10 studies (i.e., seven cross-sectional studies, two qualitative studies, and one observational study). Five major overarching themes were identified specifically (1) telework and mental health (2) telework and physical health (3) worker benefits (4) gender dynamics and (5) difficulty navigating the teleworking environment. While remote work offers flexibility in terms of saved commute time and flexible work schedules, it also exacerbates challenges related to presenteeism, absenteeism, and work-life balance. These challenges include experiencing psychological distress, depression, anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation, musculoskeletal pain, difficulties concentrating at work for both women and working parents, struggles disconnecting after hours, and the inability to delineate between the work and home environment.

Discussion
The findings suggest that remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic has both positive and negative implications for worker well-being and productivity. However, future research needs to incorporate the potential effects of telework frequency (full time vs. part time) on employee productivity and its role on presenteeism and absenteeism, to gain a more comprehensive understanding on remote work difficulties. Addressing these challenges requires proactive interventions and support mechanisms to promote worker health and productivity in remote settings.
Programes de millora genètica: de les pràctiques de selecció en animals a la impossibilitat de l’eugenèsia liberal.
Authors: Vidal Oriol 
Published: July 2024

Els objectius i els mètodes de l’eugenèsia humana són compartits amb la millora genètica animal. En animals domèstics es fan servir de manera habitual gairebé tots els mètodes disponibles per fer selecció, i aquesta connexió permet analitzar l’eugenèsia liberal posant el focus en l’aplicabilitat que puguin tenir les seves propostes. Les pràctiques eugèniques haurien de funcionar no només en teoria, sinó també tenint en compte les condicions reals en què s’han de desenvolupar: com s’hereten els caràcters fenotípics que es volen seleccionar, com és el material genètic i què implica garantir els postulats liberals. La gran majoria de caràcters d’interès són caràcters quantitatius, i la capacitat de seleccionar-los es veu restringida pel lligament, les correlacions genètiques i el context genòmic entre d’altres. Per superar les limitacions d’aquestes tres característiques cal seleccionar poblacions senceres, i això és incompatible amb l’elecció individual que s’hauria de produir en l’eugenèsia liberal. Tenint en compte tots aquest factors, només es pot arribar a la conclusió que l’eugenèsia liberal és impossible, o bé perquè no funciona (i per tant no és eugenèsia) o bé perquè no és liberal.
Pacjenci onkologiczni w środowisku pracy – reakcje i wsparcie ze strony współpracowników
Authors: Ulaniecka Natalia 
Published: July 2024

The article discusses the challenges cancer patients face in the workplace, with a focus on the reactions and support they receive from their colleagues. The study involved indepth interviews with cancer patients, employers representatives, and trade union representative. Specific examples of support and negative reactions were discussed - during treatment and in return-to-work process (RTW) after absence. The article also provides quotes from the respondents to highlight the diverse experiences of cancer patients in the workplace. The study revealed knowledge deficits among colleagues regarding the specificities of cancer, particularly in relation to long-term side effects. It also highlighted the persistent stereotypes and fears associated with cancer. Therefore, there is a need for social education to increase awareness about cancer and its long-term consequences, better communication among colleagues, and constructive support for cancer patients in the workplace.
Corrosion mechanism of K411 superalloy in sulfur-containing environment: sulfidation promoting internal nitridation
Authors: Yu Ren , Wang Yao , Wang Lei , Jiang Xiangwei , Dong Jiasheng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Corrosion exposure study was conducted on the commercial nickel-based K411 superalloy in a simulated gas turbine operating environment (air + 2 vol% SO2) at 900 °C up to 2000 h. The corrosion behavior of the alloy was quantificationally analyzed from both morphological and chemical points with SEM, XRD, EDS, and EPMA. The results show that the formation of fine TiN inside the oxide layer can be strongly accelerated with the introduction of SO2. Sulfide is assumed as diffusion channels for gas molecules that accelerate internal nitridation. Large-volume variation caused by the TiN formation leads to a stress gradient, which induces Cr and Ni elements from inside to the surface of the alloy. The oxide scales release the compressive stresses generated by internal nitridation through forming protrusions on the surface, which is a potential risk for alloy failure. The corrosion behavior of K411 superalloy is controlled by a combination of oxidation, sulfidation, and internal nitridation whereby the relevant corrosion mechanism has been given.
Alcohol promotes liver fibrosis in high fat diet induced diabetic rats
Authors: Gopinath Veena , Mariya Davis Aleena , Menon Thara K. , Raghavamenon Achuthan C. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and alcoholism are considered to be lifestyle-associated independent risk factors in fatty liver diseases (FLD) mediated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A combined effect of both these conditions may exacerbate the pathological changes and a pre-clinical exploration of this is expected to provide a mechanical detail of the pathophysiology. The present study aims to understand the effect of alcohol on pre- diabetic and type 2 diabetic female Wistar rats.

Methods
In this experimental study, 12 Wistar rats (180–220 g) were randomly assigned into three groups: Normal (fed normal rat chow), alcohol (20 %) fed diabetic (HFD + STZ), and pre-diabetic rats (HFD alone). After, two months of the experimental period, blood and liver tissues were collected lipid metabolic alteration, liver injury, and fibrosis were determined following biochemical and histological methods. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Dunnett’s Post Hoc test.

Results
Significant dyslipidemia was observed in the liver tissues of diabetic and pre-diabetic rats following alcohol ingestion. A significant (p<0.05) increase in lipid peroxidation status, and hepatic marker enzyme activities (p<0.0001) were observed in diabetic animals. In corroborating with these observations, hematoxylin and eosin staining of hepatic tissue revealed the presence of sinusoidal dilation along with heavily damaged hepatocytes and inflammatory cell infiltration. Further, significantly (p<0.001) increased hepatic hydroxyproline content and extended picrosirius red stained areas of collagen in liver tissue indicated initiation of fibrosis in alcohol-fed diabetic rats.

Conclusions
Overall, the results indicate that alcohol consumption in T2DM conditions is more deleterious than pre diabetic conditions in progressing to hepatic fibrosis.
Effect of wettability on paper literature deacidification by ultrasonic atomization
Authors: Ma Zhuoyao , Fan Huiming , Liao Yunfei , Yun Baihe , Wang Zehao , Wu Ting , Liu Jianan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Acidification is an important factor in the aging of paper literature. Since most of the paper is sized and the surface tension of water is high, it is usually difficult for aqueous phase deacidification agent to penetrate the paper resulting in uneven deacidification. The addition of surfactant can effectively reduce the liquid surface tension and enhance the effect of deacidification with wetting properties improvement. In this paper, polysorbate-80 and polyether-modified trisiloxane surfactants were added to sodium propionate aqueous deacidification agent separately, researching the effect of wettability on the paper literature deacidification by ultrasonic atomization. The results show that SP-TRSE is effective, the maximum enhancement of deacidification agent absorption after adding wetting additives is 238.20 %, the minimum standard deviation of water content and alkali reserve after treatment is 3.87 and 0.005 respectively, the maximum increase in the internal mass fraction of sodium is 0.29 %.
Linear instability of the vertical throughflow in a porous layer saturated by a power-law fluid with variable gravity effect
Authors: Challa Lakshmi Sireesha , Ragoju Ravi , Veerappampalayam Easwaramoorthy Sathishkumar , Cho Jaehyuk 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The present study investigates the thermal convection of a power-law fluid in a horizontal porous layer that is heated from below. The study of flow in a porous medium is important because of its applications in various fields such as agriculture, geothermal sciences, and engineering. Linear instability analysis is performed using the normal mode method to solve the governing equations after non-dimensionalization. The bvp4c routine in MATLAB R2020a has been used to solve the raised problem for linear instability. The impact of gravity parameter, Peclet number, and power-law index on linear instability has been investigated. Linear and quadratic variations of gravity field are considered. From the results, it is evident that the critical Rayleigh number exhibits a non-monotonic relationship with the Peclet number. Increasing the gravity variation parameter leads to a more stable system, particularly in the case of linear gravity variation.
Civil Monetary Penalties for EMTALA Violations Involving Minors, 2002–2023
Authors: Terp Sophie , Ahmed Sameer , Reichert Zach , Calero Kenneth , Sison Olivia , Axeen Sarah , Siddiqui Abeerah , Vontela Neha , Santillanes Genevieve 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) is intended to prevent inadequate, delayed, or denied treatment of emergent conditions by emergency departments (EDs). EMTALA requirements pertain to patients of all ages presenting to dedicated EDs regardless of whether facilities have dedicated pediatric specialty services. This study aims to describe EMTALA-related civil monetary penalty (CMP) settlements involving minors.

METHODS
Descriptions of all EMTALA-related CMPs occurring between 2002 and 2023 were obtained from the Office of the Inspector General web site and reviewed for involvement of minors (&lt;18 years of age) using keywords in settlement summaries. Characteristics of settlements involving minors were described and compared with settlements not involving minors.

RESULTS
Of 260 EMTALA-related CMPs, 38 (14.6%) involved minors. Most involved failure to provide a medical screening exam (MSE) (86.8%) and/or stabilizing treatment (52.6%). Seven (18.4%) involved pregnant minors. Eleven (28.9%) involved ED staff directing a patient (or guardian) to another facility, typically by private vehicle, and another involved 2 patients referred to on-campus outpatient clinics without an MSE.

CONCLUSIONS
One in 7 CMPs related to EMTALA violations involved minors, and 1 in 5 of these minors was pregnant. One-third of CMPs involving minors included ED staff directing patients to proceed to another facility or on-campus clinic without MSE or stabilization. Findings suggest a need for providers to understand EMTALA-specific requirements for appropriate MSE, stabilization, and transfer, and for EDs at hospitals with limited pediatric services to implement policies for the evaluation of minors and protocols for transfer when indicated.
La epidemiología en la formulación de políticas, planificación y administración de los servicios de salud
Authors: Terris Milton 
Published: July 2024

La epidemiología fue definida por Morgan en 1937(?), como la ciencia que estudia los fenómenos relativos a las enfermedades infecciosas. Se empezó a estudiar la epidedmiología de la diabetes, la gastritis, la úlcera, el cáncer, la hipertensión, las enfermedades bucales, los efectos de la contaminación ambiental, entre otros.
Proyecto de Municipios Centinela: Evaluación del Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud. Colombia 1995-1998
Authors: Fernández M Sara Yaneth , Pastor D María del Pilar 
Published: July 2024

El proyecto Municipios Centinela, coordinado por el Ministerio de Salud a través de Programa Sistemas Municipales y financiado con los recursos de crédito del Banco Interamericano de desarrollo, es una fase más desagregada del Plan de Evaluación, el cual pretende ofrecer una guía para construir un sistema de información flexible y eficiente y dar respuesta en el corto y mediano plazo a las necesidades de información para la toma de decisiones en diferentes sectores del desarrollo. La presente investigación tuvo como propósito una rápida evaluación de los resultados de Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud (SGSSS), en el período comprendido entre 1995 y 1998, en localidades concretas con características similares al conjunto de los municipios colombianos clasificados en categorías 5 y 6, en lo que hace referencia a condiciones socioeconómicas, geográficas, demográficas e institucionales y de con un grado importante de marginación social. En el estudio se realizo la metodología de observatorios municipales, previa selección de municipios considerados centinela, articulándola a la metodología de marco lógico que incluye análisis de factores; todo el proceso fue enriquecido con el apoyo d e métodos de investigación cualitativa. El estudio se realizó simultáneamente en 14 municipios del país, ubicados en los departamentos de Antioquia, Atlántico, Boyacá, Caldas, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Huila, Nariño y Sucre.