bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atom probe study of the composition of second-phase Zr(Fe,Cr) 2 and Zr 2 (Fe, Si) particles in Zircaloy-4
Authors: Huang Siyu , Tegg Levi , Yamini Sima Aminorroaya , Tuli Vidur , Burr Patrick , McCarroll Ingrid , Yang Limei , Moore Katie L. , Cairney Julie M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Zirconium (Zr) alloys, such as Zircaloy-4 (Zy-4), are widely used for cladding in nuclear applications. Zy-4 consists of an α-Zr matrix and various second phase particles (SPPs). These precipitates play a crucial role in determining the overall alloy performance, so understanding their composition is essential for the development of these advanced nuclear materials. We have studied two SPPs in this alloy, Zr(Fe,Cr)2 and Zr2(Si,Fe), using site-specific focused ion-beam lift-out and atom probe tomography, and measured the composition and distribution of alloying elements at the precipitate/matrix interface. Residual Cu and B segregated to the interfaces of both precipitates and the matrix while Sn only segregated to the interface in the Zr2(Fe,Si) precipitate. Hydrogen segregation was observed at the interface of Zr(Fe,Cr)2 and the matrix.
Nursing undergraduates’ perceptions of and readiness for online distance learning: A descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Mudiyanselage Prasanthi Sumudrika Ilankoon Ilankoon , Mudiyanselage Sujatha Kedara Seneviratne Seneviratne 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the usual/traditional/regular learning environments of undergraduates. Undergraduates’ perceptions of online distance learning, their online experience, and their perceptions of useful and challenging elements in learning online are important for understanding the potential value of online learning. This study aimed to assess the perceptions of nursing undergraduates regarding their experience with online distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 137 nursing undergraduates in Sri Lanka from May 2021 to December 2021. A pretested validated self-administered questionnaire Google Forms was used to collect the data. The data were analyzed via descriptive and multivariate analysis of variance.
Results
The response rate was 91.3% (n=137). The mean age of the undergraduates was 24.18 (±3.45 SD) years. Nearly half of the participants used a smartphone to log in for online classes (51.8%), and a majority (62.8%) used mobile data to access online classes. The main challenges and barriers identified by the undergraduates were mobility restrictions due to community lockdown (85.4%), a lack of motivation due to the absence of face-to-face contact with friends and lecturers (82.5%), heavy workloads(81%), the need to fulfil responsibilities at home (79.6%), and poor internet connections (78.8%).The mean total online learning readiness score (OLRS) was 13.95 (±4.90). Only the self-directed learning and motivation for learning dimensions had scores ranging from 3.44 to 3.63. The MANOVA tests revealed that female undergraduates had a significant difference in the OLRS (F ¼ 3.932, p < 0.04; Wilks’ Lambda¼ 0.955; partial eta squared ¼ 0.028), and computer internet self-efficacy had significant differences in academic years (F ¼ 6.015, p < 0.001; Wilks’ Lambda¼ 0.808; partial eta squared ¼ 0.119).
Conclusion:
The emergence of the transition to online distance learning has revealed that nursing undergraduate programs need to focus on reforming their curricula while considering undergraduates’ perceptions of different learning strategies and their use of technologies.
Accessibility of methadone treatment via public transit for syringe services program participants in Miami-Dade County, Florida
Authors: Plesons Marina , Malecki Eileen , Ciraldo Katrina , Ashbes Emilie , Suarez Edward , Tookes Hansel E. , Bartholomew Tyler S. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Methadone is an opioid receptor agonist medication used in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). Geographic distance to opioid treatment programs (OTPs) is a major barrier to treatment, given requirements for direct observation of dosing and periodic drug screens, and ‘methadone treatment deserts’ are defined as a public transit threshold of 30 minutes. The purpose of this study was to examine public transit access to methadone treatment for participants of a syringe services program (SSP) in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Public transit times were calculated using the R library r5r, which facilitates multi-modal transportation network routing. General Transit Feed Specification data was combined with street network data from OpenStreetMap for Miami-Dade County. Transit times were estimated from the population-weighted centroid of each zip code (n=79) with participants of Miami’s only SSP (n=1597) to the nearest OTP (n=4) using 10 departure windows aligned with OTP service hours. The mean one-way transit time from zip codes with SSP participants in Miami-Dade County to the nearest OTP was 80 minutes. 75 of the 79 (95%) zip codes with SSP participants in Miami-Dade County have a mean transit time to the closest OTP greater than 30 minutes. Transit times differ substantially between zip codes with different numbers of SSP participants, but not between departure windows. Nearly all zip codes with SSP participants in Miami-Dade County can be classified as ‘methadone treatment deserts’. Geographic isolation of methadone treatment from public transit routes represents a significant barrier to equitable OUD treatment.
Innovative Prediction of VEGF Levels and Prognosis in Gastric Cancer through PET/CT-Based Radiomics
Authors: Feng Hao , Zhou Kangneng , Yuan Qingyu , Liu Zhiwei , Zhang Taojun , Chen Hao , Xu Benjamin , Sun Zepang , Han Zhen , Liu Hao , Yu Shitong , Chen Tao , Li Guoxin , Zhou Wenlan , Yu Jiang , Huang Weicai , Jiang Yuming 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Gastric cancer (GC) remains a major challenge in oncology due to its late diagnosis and poor prognosis. Predicting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels and survival outcomes accurately can significantly enhance therapeutic decision-making. This study introduces an innovative approach utilizing [18F] FDG PET/CT radiomics to predict VEGF status and survival outcomes, aiming to improve personalized treatment strategies in GC.
Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of gastric cancer patients who underwent [18F] FDG PET/CT scans. Radiomics features were extracted from these scans and subjected to Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression to develop a predictive Radiomics Score (RS). The effectiveness of RS in predicting VEGF status and survival was assessed using ROC curve analysis and Cox regression models, respectively.
Results
The RS demonstrated excellent predictive capabilities with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.861 in the training cohort and 0.857 in the validation cohort for VEGF status. It also significantly predicted overall survival, with patients having higher RS experiencing worse outcomes (Hazard Ratio = 5.063, p < 0.05).
Conclusion
This study successfully develops and validates a radiomics-based model using [18F] FDG PET/CT that predicts both VEGF levels and survival in gastric cancer patients. This model provides a foundation for non-invasive, precision oncology approaches that can significantly impact clinical practice by facilitating targeted treatment plans.
Robust geographic entity matching by maximizing the geometric and semantic similarity of feature arcs
Authors: Yan YuHan , Wu PengDa , Yin Yong , Guo PeiPei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Geographic entity matching is an important means for multi-source spatial data fusion and information association and sharing. Corresponding matching methods have been designed by existing studies for different types of entity data characteristics, such as line and area. However, these approaches are often limited in the generalization ability for matching heterogeneous data from multiple sources and the accuracy for complex pattern matching. To resolve these problems, a robust geographic entity matching method by maximizing the geometric and semantic similarity of feature arcs is proposed. First, the entire entity is segmented based on shape features, and the partitioned feature arcs are extracted as matching primitives; Second, feature arcs are grouped into patterns, encompassing three major categories and 14 subcategories; Following this, pattern matching is performed based on spatial similarity metric such as maximum projection distance, etc.; Finally, the spatial matches are detected and refined through semantic similarity calculation. The proposed method is tested using two datasets from a region in southeast China. The experimental results demonstrate that our method can be effectively applied to both area and line entity matching. Specifically, 9 different strategies for matching area entities and 6 for line entities are utilized, and the precision and recall are almost above 90%.
Investigation of Parents With High Risk Infant on Participation in Care, Depression, Quality of Life and Anxiety According to the Infant’s Severity of Neurologic Impact
Authors: ŞEN Müşerref Ebru , YAKUT Hatice 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The study aims to examine the psychological consequences such as anxiety level, quality of life, depression, and the level of participation in care for the parents of high risk infants with different levels of severity of neurologic impact.
Methods
Forty high risk infants and their mothers were included in the study. The pain was evaluated with the neonatal pain scale (NIPS). Infants were divided into 3 groups according to the Dubowitz neurologic assessment scale. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), Quality of Life Short Form 36 (SF-36) and the NICU Care Participation Scale were applied.
Results
While there was a difference in depression and quality of life according to the 5-minute Apgar score (p<0.001), there was no difference in the levels of state and trait anxiety (p=0.300). There was a difference in the mother's anxiety and depression levels (p<0.001) and many parameters of quality of life according to the presence of pain in the infant and the level of severity of neurologic impact. It was determined that the presence of pain and the level of severity of neurologic impact did not affect the participation in care of the mother (p>0.01).
Conclusion
It has been determined that mothers with infants with high severity of neurologic impact have more advanced anxiety and depression and more severe effects on the sub-dimensions of quality of life. It was concluded that the severity of the infant's neurological status did not affect the participation in care of mothers.
Long-Term Chronicity of Work Addiction: The Role of Personality and Work Motivations
Authors: Kun Bernadette , Kökönyei Gyöngyi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The current comprehensive study investigated the relationship between work addiction (WA), personality traits, and motivations, focusing on their roles in WA persistence and recovery. The objective was to explore the capacity of personality dimensions and work motivation to predict the chronicity of WA, symptom variation, and gender differences. Over a four-year study of 586 participants (51.4% female), the Bergen Work Addiction Scale was used to assess WA at two time points. Personality and motivation were assessed by Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire, Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, short Brief Symptom Inventory, Ruminative Response Scale, and Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale at Time 1. Latent class analysis identified two primary groups in the entire sample: individuals with persistent WA and those without. While females aligned with these groups, males exhibited five distinct latent classes. In females, chronic WA was associated with lower self-esteem, higher self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism, rumination, psychological distress, and increased extrinsic motivation. In males, the chronic WA group exhibited heightened levels of perfectionism, rumination, psychopathological distress, lower self-esteem, and elevated extrinsic and introjected regulations compared to the other WA groups. These findings emphasize the possibility of WA persisting over an extended period, with personality traits and motivations playing a significant role in this endurance. These results not only advance our understanding of WA but also provide valuable insights for future research on protective factors against WA. Furthermore, the findings have significant practical implications, including addressing excessive perfectionism in work environments and offering avenues for future research.
The Ceiling Rate Policy: Redefining Monetary Stability and Consumer Protection in Modern Economies
Authors: Oorkolil By Vijimon 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This paper presents the Ceiling Rate Policy, a transformative approach to monetary policy that caps borrowing rates while maintaining a fixed interest rate spread for banks. Aimed at bolstering economic stability, safeguarding consumers, and fostering a predictable lending environment, this policy offers a viable alternative to traditional interest rate mechanisms. Through a thorough analysis of its theoretical foundation, practical application, and anticipated effects, we demonstrate how the Ceiling Rate Policy addresses critical issues in credit supply, inflation control, interest rate swaps and economic inequality. This research lays the groundwork for rethinking monetary policy in contemporary economies.
JEL CODES: E42, E52, E58, E63, G21, G28, E31, E51, E61
Impact of feeding strategies on serum vitamin A levels in preterm infants aged 3-6 months
Authors: Li Boyu , Cao Wei , Chen Wen , Wu Feng , Lv Qian , Ding Bilan , Lin Luanxun , Ma Liya , Chen Ruoqing 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Limited data are available about the association between feeding strategies and nutritional status of vitamin A (VA) among preterm infants. We aimed to investigate the nutritional status of VA and its association with different feeding strategies among preterm infants aged 3-6 months, and to explore the potential modifying effect of neonatal complications and VA supplementation on the studied association.
Methods We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study including 483 preterm infants. Data on feeding strategies, demographic and clinical characteristics were collected from hospital records or through interviews with parents, and serum VA levels were tested among infants aged 3-6 months. Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression were used to evaluate the association of feeding strategies with VA levels and VA deficiency (VAD).
Results The serum VA level (mean±standard deviation [SD]) was 0.25±0.07 mg/L, and the prevalence of VAD was 24.84% among the infants. Compared with exclusive breastfeeding, breast milk plus human milk fortifier, formula, mixed feeding, as well as mixed feeding plus human milk fortifier were respectively associated with a SD increase of VA level in serum (β and 95% confidence interval (CI):1.05 (0.62-1.47), 1.17 (0.99-1.36), 0.52 (0.32-0.72), and 0.97 (0.44-1.49), respectively), and a lower risk of VAD (odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI: 0.14 (0.04-0.47), 0.12 (0.06-0.24), 0.34 (0.19-0.63), and 0.21 (0.05-0.92), respectively). Compared with no formula, term formula, post-discharge preterm formula, and special formula were associated with a SD increase of VA level in serum (β and 95% CI: 0.86 (0.68-1.04), 0.48 (0.21-0.75), and 0.74 (0.42-1.06), respectively) and a lower risk of VAD (OR and 95% CI: 0.20 (0.11-0.36), 0.47 (0.23-0.96), and 0.39 (0.16-0.96), respectively). Neonatal complications modified the associations of feeding regimens or types of formula with VA levels.
Conclusions Feeding with formula and human milk fortifier are associated with better VA status among preterm infants. Healthcare professionals need to be aware of the risk of VAD among preterm infants and the potential for risk reduction through administering formula and human milk fortifier.
Synergistic Effects of Fructose and Food Preservatives on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: From Gut Microbiome Alterations to Hepatic Gene Expression
Authors: Hrncir Tomas , Trckova Eva , Hrncirova Lucia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing global health problem closely linked to dietary habits, particularly high fructose consumption. This study investigates the combined effects of fructose and common food preservatives (sodium benzoate, sodium nitrite, and potassium sorbate) on the development and progression of NAFLD in a human-microbiota-associated mouse model.
Results
Our comprehensive analysis reveals that fructose and potassium sorbate synergistically increase liver damage, inflammation, and fibrosis, while altering liver function, lipid profiles, and intestinal permeability. Significant changes were observed in the composition of gut bacterial and fungal communities, accompanied by the induction of predominantly pro-inflammatory immune responses, particularly in the mesenteric lymph nodes. Gene expression analysis in the liver uncovered extensive transcriptional changes induced by fructose and modulated by preservatives, affecting key genes involved in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses.
Conclusions
Our findings highlight the complex interplay between dietary components, gut microbiota, and host metabolism in the development of NAFLD. The study suggests potential risks associated with combined fructose and preservative consumption, particularly potassium sorbate. These results open new avenues for understanding and treating NAFLD through dietary intervention and microbiome modulation, emphasizing the need for further investigation into the impact of food additives on liver health.
Association of metabolic syndrome and its components with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bagheri-Hosseinabadi Zahra , Pourmirafzali Sahar Sadat , kafi Mehdi , Lotfi Mohammad Amin , Abbasifard Mitra 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients might manifest an increased prevalence of Metabolic syndrome (MetS) components like insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Here we aimed to assess the interconnection between MetS components and SLE and attempted to divulge the potential contribution of MetS on SLE development.
Methods
We enrolled 200 cases with SLE whose diagnosis was accomplished by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. MetS diagnosed was accomplished through the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria.
Results
The frequency of MetS among the SLE population was 28.5%. SLEDAI was not significantly different between SLE cases with and without MetS (P = 0.3519). CRP level was significantly higher in the SLE cases with MetS compared to those without MetS (P = 0.0412). BMI, FBS, WC (both in males and females), total cholesterol, TG, and LDL were significantly higher in SLE subjects with MetS compared to those without MetS. However, in both males and females, HDL level was significantly lower in SLE subjects with MetS compared to those without MetS. Obesity, CVD, T2D, dyslipidemia, and hypertension were more prevalent in MetS cases among the SLE population. Treatment with metformin (OR = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.21–0.96, P = 0.0398) and atorvastatin (OR = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.23–0.92, P = 0.0287) was associated significantly with a decreased risk of MetS in SLE patients
Conclusions
An increased prevalence of MetS in the SLE population was observed, while these patients did not have worsen disease severity. All conventional components of MetS were associated with MetS development in the SLE population.
A New Traveling Wave-based Methodology to Optimally Detect Faults in HVDC Systems
Authors: de Lima Harrison Batista , Júnior Damásio Fernandes , Neves Washington Luís Araújo , Reis Raphael Leite de Andrade 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

A new traveling wave (TW) based methodology to optimally detect faults in HVDC transmission lines is proposed in this paper. Basically, an optimal digital filter is defined using techniques that minimize the fault location error. The proposed solution is validated through several short-circuit simulations carried out in a bipolar direct current network, being the fault parameters varied in each simulation, such as type, location and resistance. The performance of the proposed methodology is compared against other traditional methods reported in the literature. From the obtained results, the proposed technique has shown to be more accurate due to an optimization technique being applied to find an optimal solution to detect faults, resulting in a customized traveling wave-based fault detector solution for each considered power grid.
Ivermectin mobility in Delta del Paraná wetlands: influence of topography and soil geochemical features
Authors: García-Boloquy Jonathan , Calfayan Laura M. , Suarez-Cantero Olivia , Fernandez Mariela A. , Montes M. Luciana , Salduondo Joaquin , Pierro-Reboiras Juan , Quintana Ruben , Olivelli Melisa Soledad 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Grazing activities in wetlands ecosystems lead to the alteration of nutrients dynamics and the contamination of soils and waters with veterinary products, among other negative impacts. The objective of this work was to determine the presence and mobility of Ivermectin (IVM), an antiparasite compound used in livestock, in soils from three cattle fields located in the lower Delta del Paraná. Its mobility was correlated with the content of iron, different fractions of organic matter (OM) and clays. Results indicated that upper and middle zones of fields contained the highest content of clays and hematite (1.51 and 0.35 g/kg, respectively) and presented the highest amount of labile OM (3.70 and 2.93%, respectively), with 23.50 and 14.25 ppm of IVM, respectively. The low and anaerobic zone with high iron content (25 g/kg) and no hematite, presented 16 ppm of labile OM and 16.06 ppm of IVM. Results suggested a high mobility of IVM from upper to lower zones; and a high concentration of soluble IVM in the lower zones (2.87 ppm) compared to the upper topographies (0.45 and 1 ppm). The presence of this drug was strongly influenced by its interaction with the type of OM and the mineralogical composition of soils. This is the first time that IVM was reported to be associated to a mobile and soluble fraction of organic matter, representing a threatening situation to water courses. This study allowed to explain the occurrence and fate of the contaminant in wetlands accordingly to the physicochemical characterization of soils.