bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Post-Mastectomy Reconstruction Decisions: Understanding Their Significance
Authors: Soomro Rufina , Rizwan Sabiha , Fatima Nikhat , Rafiq Umaima 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Women undergoing mastectomy have two main choices: either wearing a prosthesis or reconstructive surgery. Despite its importance in physical and psychological recovery, patients and caregivers are still unaware of the various reconstruction options. This study explores factors influencing breast reconstruction decisions after mastectomy. Materials And Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 350 patients were recruited through purposive sampling from an outpatient breast clinic who underwent mastectomy at least a year ago in Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan. A questionnaire designed (both in English and Urdu) was distributed among the participants between Jan– April 2022. Written and verbal consent was obtained from all the participants. Results: Responses were analyzed from 350 patients who underwent mastectomy for breast malignancy at least a year before. Over half the participants were above 55 years and most were housewives. While 55.7% used prostheses, 41.4% didn't despite knowing about them, and 2.9% were unaware they existed. Only 48.2% of patients knew about reconstruction, and of those, 23% had no desire for it. Financial constraints (7.1%) and family issues (0.6%) were rarely cited as reasons for not wanting reconstruction. Surgeons (47.7%) and social media (43.1%) were the primary sources of information. The inclination towards breast reconstruction surgery was to gain confidence (305 [87%] women), enhance romantic relationships fulfill their spouses' desires (14 [4%]), and gain positive responses from others (31 [8.9%]). Reluctance to go for another surgery emerged as the primary reason for declining breast reconstruction. Conclusion: There is a combination of sociocultural, economic, and healthcare-related factors influencing Pakistani women's decisions about reconstruction following a mastectomy including a lack of awareness about reconstruction. We recommend that all patients should be counseled about the reconstructive options when their mastectomy is planned.
Teachers’ resilience and sense of professionalism: a narrative inquiry of ELT teachers’ struggle to step beyond survival
Authors: soleimani neda , Ghaslani Rozhin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The prevalence of COVID-19 and the sudden shift into online teaching created unprecedented challenges for ELT teachers. Yet, threatening challenges might turn into opportunities for growth. This study reports on the types of challenges that ELT teachers experienced during the pandemic of Covid-19 and the strategies they adopted to face these challenges and promote their sense of professionalism. Fifteen ELT teachers agreed to participate in semi-structured interview sessions and complete narrative frames. Relying on transactional model of stress and coping, data of this study were analyzed. Our findings indicated that teachers faced personal and professional problems during the pandemic of COVID-19 and adopted emotion and problem focused coping strategies to become resilient against the stress associated with the pandemic. This study discussed how teachers viewed COVID-19 as a chance to expand their professional horizons and achieve wider networks of collegial connection and updated professional knowledge.
Pricing and Financing Strategies in a Dual-Channel Low-Carbon Supply Chain for Bilateral Capital-Constrained Retailers
Authors: Du Limin , Zhang Yuhao , Lu Keping 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In the context of low-carbon economy, financial constraints are prevalent among both upstream and downstream enterprises, aggravated by the tendency of online retailers extending into offline physical stores. The present work firstly proposes and evaluates three financing combination models: "bank lending + advance payment," (in short, AF), "bank lending + delayed payment," (in short, DF), and "bilateral bank lending." (in short, TF). It then examines the retailer's dual-channel supply chain pricing and financing decision-making models under unified pricing strategy and independent self-pricing strategy respectively. The evaluation results indicate that among various financing models, the independent self-pricing strategy holds potential for enhancing the retailer's profitability, outperforming the unified pricing strategy. In addition, when channel preference is significant, the retailer should prioritize the independent self-pricing strategy. Comparison of the optimal decisions across the three financing combination models indicates that both the cost coefficient of carbon emission reduction and the loan interest rate exert a limiting influence on the decision-making and income of all supply chain parties. Furthermore, the DF model emerges as a financing equilibrium strategy within the supply chain. The shift to the AF model as a financing equilibrium strategy is considered only when the manufacturer's loan interest rate is relatively high.
Visual Non-Instrumental On-Site Detection of HSP70 Using a Modified Immune Affinity Gel-column Assay
Authors: Lin Hongjun , Liu Qiqi , Zhang Zheng , Zhang Jingxiang , Li Xiaoyan , Zhou Zhe 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

A modified immune affinity gel-column (IAGC) assay was developed for rapid detection biomarkers of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). The new method presets antibodies in a gel for rapid detection of the target antigen flowing through it. No special instruments and cumbersome processing steps were required throughout the entire process. The whole detection was completed within 10 min and a high-throughput could be achieved. Because the detection gel is in a transparent cylinder, color changes can be observed more sensitively. The detection limit (LOD) of the newly established method can be as low as 10 µg/L, which is significantly better than the existing lateral-flow strip method. In addition, the method is suitable for outdoor use, especially in laboratories with relatively simple conditions. In addition, the new detection method can also be designed into multiple detection layers in series or multiple detection columns in parallel to further improve the detection efficiency. Therefore, the new method is a fast, simple, high-throughput, qualitative and semi-quantitative detection platform, and a new idea for rapid detection.
Preferential pathways in catchments induce simple functioning but complex chemical transport
Authors: Zehe Erwin , Loritz Ralf , Kleidon Axel , Pfister Laurent , Berkowitz Brian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Preferential pathways are omnipresent on Earth. They play a key but often confusing role in hydrology, being seen either as a source of “simplicity” by catchment hydrologists, or of “complexity” by groundwater hydrologists. Here we use thermodynamic and information theoretical arguments in combination with field data to unravel this paradox. We show that preferential pathways reduce frictional dissipation and production thermal entropy. As this causes faster fluid flow, preferential pathways equally enlarge dissipation of head gradients and related production of mixing entropy. For the catchment water balance, we show that preferential pathways lead to a faster but also more spatially uniform dissipation of the head gradients controlling streamflow generation. This explains the success of simplified, aggregated models. Second, we show that this simplicity is only apparent: preferential pathways strongly broaden the spectrum of fluid velocities, implying that bulk water fluxes consist of a complex mixture of waters of variable ages. This complexity cannot manifest when considering the pure fluid but requires examination of chemicals to trace the travel time distribution of the water leaving the system. We conclude that preferential pathways generally increase the complexity of hydrological systems, while consideration of bulk streamflow enables a convenient but possibly misleading simplification.
Soil Quality and System Yield of Cotton-Maize as Influenced by Conservation Agricultural Practices under Semi-Arid Indian Environment
Authors: Nthebere Knight , TATA RAM PRAKASH , Bhimireddy Padmaja , Chandran Latha P. , Gudapati Jayasree , Admala Meena , Sinha Nishant Kumar , Thumma Srikanth B. , Kavuru Prasad 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Intensive agriculture is the chief cause of soil degradation particularly in regions with low status of soil organic carbon (SOC) as in the semi-arid of southern India. In the quest of attaining sustainable crop yield and improved soil quality, conservation agriculture (CA) is being advocated and adopted globally including India. In this present experiment, CA was implemented to investigate the synergetic impacts of different tillage and weed management practices on soil quality (SQ) and system yield (SY), and to identify remunerative treatment combination (tillage – weed management) which can sustain SY and enhance SQ. Three tillage practices (main plots); T1:CT(C)-CT(M)-fallow(NSr), T2:CT(C)-ZT(M)-ZT(Sr) and T3:ZT(C) + SrR-ZT(M) + CR-ZT(Sr) + MS and weed control tactics involved (sub plots); W1-Chemical weed control, W2-Herbicide rotation (in alternative year), W3- Integrated weed management (IWM) and W4-Single hand-weeded control with cotton-maize-Sesbania rostrata cropping system over 3 years. A total of 40 soil variables were analysed at 60 days after sowing (DAS) and after harvest of maize (5th cropping cycle) and subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) in SQI CAL software to choose variables, minimum data set (MDS) and obtain a soil quality index (SQI). The following soil properties; SOC, silt, available Zn, Fe, soil potassium, nitrogen, pH, EC, soil C: N and CEC were selected as indicators based on correlations, calculated PCA and adept opinions on the texture and lime concretions of the experimental soil. The SQI was improved (62.09%) by the adoption of T3 in combination with W4 (T3W4) followed by T3 and W3-IWM (T3W3) combination. The system cotton equivalent yield (CEY) was significantly higher (4453 kg ha− 1) under T3 and W3-IWM (T3W3), while significantly lower system CEY was observed under T3 with W4 combinations (T3W4). So, considering both the system CEY and soil quality, T3 and W3-IWM was considered as the best treatment combination among all others for sustenance of both the soil and crop productivity in semi-arid conditions of southern India.
New Approach to Perthiyl Radicals for the Synthesis of Unsymmetric Disulfides
Authors: Lian Zhong , Zhou Fei , He Xiaochun , Zhou Mi , Li Na , Wang Qingqing , Zhang Xuemei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Unsymmetric disulfides are prevalent in natural products and are essential in medicinal chemistry and materials science, but their robust synthesis poses significant challenges. In this paper, we report a novel transition-metal-free methodology for synthesizing unsymmetric disulfides through the addition of perthiyl radicals to alkenes. This study marks the inaugural use of generating perthiyl radicals by reacting SO2 with unactivated alkyl (pseudo)halides (Cl/Br/I/OTs). Various primary, secondary and tertiary alkyl (pseudo)halides substituted with different functional groups successfully function as suitable reactants. The formation of perthiyl radicals and their involvement in the reaction process were verified through mechanistic studies and DFT calculations. Overall, this method leverages readily available alkyl electrophiles and alkenes alongside SO2 in a single reaction setup to efficiently form both carbon-sulfur and sulfur-sulfur bonds simultaneously.
Enhanced energy storage density and efficiency in NBT-based MLCCs via a cooperative optimization of polarization and grain alignment
Authors: Li Fei , Li Yang , Fan Ningbo , Wu Jie , Xu Bin , Li Xuexin , Liu Xuechen , Xiao Yizhou , Hou Dingwei , Feng Xinya , Zhang Jinjing , Zhang Shujun , Li Jinglei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Dielectric ceramics possess a unique competitive advantage in electronic systems due to their high-power density and excellent reliability. Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT)-based ceramics, one type of extensively studied energy storage dielectric, however, often experience A-site element volatilization and Ti4+ reduction during high-temperature sintering. These issues may result in increased energy loss, reduced polarization and low dielectric breakdown electric field (EB), ultimately making it challenging to achieve both high energy storage density (Wrec) and efficiency (η). To address these issues, we introduce a synergistic optimization strategy that combine polarization engineering and grain alignment engineering. First principles calculations and experimental analyses show that the doping of Mn2+ can suppress the reduction of Ti4+ in NBT-based ceramics and enhance ion off-centering displacements, thereby reducing energy loss and improving polarization. In addition, we prepared multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) with grains oriented along the <111> direction using the template grain growth method. This approach effectively reduces electric-field-induced strain by 37% and markedly enhances EB by 42% when compared with nontextured counterpart. As a result of this comprehensive strategy, <111>-textured NBT-based MLCCs achieve an ultra-high energy density of 15.7 J·cm-3 and an excellent η beyond 95% at 850 kV·cm-1, exhibiting a superior overall energy storage performance.
Foreign direct investment and economic growth in Arab countries: do institutions, financial development and human capital matter?
Authors: Ochi Anis , Haous Amine , Saidi Anis 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study examines the effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth, with emphasis on the role of institutional quality, human capital and financial development for Arab countries over the period 2002-2019. We found that the nexus between FDI and growth is nonlinear. By using a dynamic panel threshold model, the results show that there is a statistically positive relationship between FDI and growth above thresholds of 1.8 for human capital, -0.44 for institutional quality and 0.29 for financial development, above which FDI increases economic growth in Arab countries. Based on the results, this research proposes several policy recommendations.
JEL Classification numbers : F21, F43, G34, J24, C24
University Students’ knowledge and attitudes towards Premarital Screening Program (PMS) in Damascus, Syria – cross sectional study.
Authors: Tassabehji Omar , Alothman Mohamad Yaman , Almoazen Samar 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Arab populations have ana elevated rate in hereditary and genetic diseases and also are known for high rates of Consanguinity which is related to high incidence rates of the previous diseases. Premarital screening Is one of the most effective primary care systems implemented worldwide by countries improving primary prevention for many Genetic Disorders and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
Aim: to assess the knowledge and attitude of university students in Damascus, Syria regarding PMS.
Materials and Methods: Using our pilot questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was conducted through Aprile-June on a random sample of university students in Damascus. It was administered electronically and primarily distributed through social media.
conclusion: University students’ in Damascus Syria knowledge and attitudes towards premarital testing PMS reveals their awareness of its importance in prevention of inherited & STDs and also in marriages stability. The study results revealed that participants had high knowledge, positive attitudes towards PMS in most aspect, but also in some aspects they do not. targeted educational programs about the importance of PMS are strongly recommended to improve public health and the well-being of our future generations
Groundwater perspective zone mapping coupled with remote sensing, GIS, AHP, and MIF models: a case study of the Gorezen watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: Mulu Gashaw Adugna , Kerebih Mulu Sewinet , Hailu Dawit Asregedew 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

This study aims to identify groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) utilizing multi-influencing factor, geographical information system (GIS)-based analytical hierarchy processes (AHPs), and remote sensing in the Gorezen watershed, Ethiopia. Weighted overlay analysis was used in this study to integrate nine thematic layers. The Gorezen watershed is primarily covered by regions with roughly low groundwater potential, according to the results, which were linked to the kinds of geology and geomorphological settings. Receiver operating characteristic curves and samples of observed groundwater well-yielded data were used to validate the GWPZ map. Additionally, field observations confirmed that a high degree of agreement was obtained. The cross-validation results show that AHP is a lot more successful approach (accuracy 0.87) for obtaining groundwater potential maps. Thus, it is acceptable to identify the GWPZs utilizing integrated methodologies that combine two multi-criteria decision analysis techniques with the aid of a GIS environment.
The Prospect of Probiotics to Treat Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Ramadhan Andika Yusuf , Rosdiana Dewi Selvina 
Published: July 2024

Metabolic syndrome remains as a major health problem in the world today, with a prevalence of 23.4% in people aged 26-82 years. A high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet and lack of physical activity are considered as one of the triggers for metabolic syndrome. Dysbiosis is a condition where there is an imbalance between pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria in the human gut. Currently, an association has been found between dysbiosis and metabolic syndrome. Dysbiosis causes the generation of fermentation products in the form of active metabolites that can modulate hormones and other physiological functions. In metabolic syndrome, low-grade inflammation, energy metabolism, and disruption of the gut brain axis are thought to be the main mechanisms of the development of metabolic syndrome due to dysbiosis. Probiotics may be a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of metabolic syndrome, by improving dysbiosis to eubiosis. Based on previously conducted clinical trials, it is currently known that probiotics can improve lipid profiles, fasting blood glucose, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and body mass index (BMI). However, the results found are still varied, so a dose ranging study is needed to determine the duration, bacterial composition and dose of probiotics as a therapeutic agent for metabolic syndrome. Keywords: insulin resistance, dysbiosis, gut-brain axis
Surgical technique for preventing lymphatic complications during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Skrupskiy K. S. , Kolontarev K. B. , Govorov A. V. , Dyakov V. V. , Sarukhanian A. L. , Gritskov I. O. , Pushkar D. Yu. 
Published: July 2024

Introduction. Radical prostatectomy (RP) stands the gold standard method of treatment for localised prostate cancer. Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is a common surgical procedure that can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Lymphocele is the most common complication after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and PLND.Objective. To develop a surgical technique aimed at reducing the incidence of lymphocele in patients who underwent RARP with TL and to evaluate its efficacy and safety.Materials & methods. The study included 49 patients who underwent RARP and PLND. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 — patients with free peritoneal flap fixed to the pubic bone after RARP and PLND (n = 25) and group 2 — control group «without peritoneal flap fixation» (n = 24). The average follow-up period was 3 months.Results. No significant differences in clinical parameters were observed between the groups in perioperative period. In postoperative period lymphocele was diagnosed in 5 (10.2%) patients: group 1 — 1 (4%) patients, group 2 — 4 (16.7%). There were no significant differences in lymphocele volume between the groups. In group 1 lymphocele had no clinical manifestation. Symptomatic lymphocele was diagnosed in 1 patient (4.2%) from the control group.Conclusion. The surgical technique of a free peritoneal flap fixation to the pubic bone combined with PLND after RARP may reduce the incidence of lymphocele if compared to the standard technique.
Social Media Authentication and Users’ Assessments of Health Information: Random Assignment Survey Experiment
Authors: Neely Stephen , Witkowski Kaila 
Published: July 2024

Background
In an effort to signal the authenticity of user accounts, social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, use visual heuristics (blue checkmarks) to signify whether accounts are verified. While these verification badges are generally well recognized (and often coveted) by SNS users, relatively little is known about how they affect users’ perceptions of accuracy or their likelihood of engaging with web-based information. This is particularly true in the case of information posted by medical experts and health care professionals.

Objective
This study aims to use an experimental survey design to assess the effect of these verification badges on SNS users’ assessments of information accuracy as well as their proclivity to recirculate health information or follow verified medical experts in their social network.

Methods
A survey experiment using random assignment was conducted on a representative sample of 534 adult SNS users in Florida, United States. A total of 2 separate experimental scenarios exposed users to vaccine-related posts from verified medical experts on X. In each case, the original post contained a platform-issued verification badge (treatment group), which was subsequently edited out of the image as an experimental control. For each scenario, respondents were randomly assigned to either the treatment or control group, and responses to 3 follow-up questions were assessed through a series of chi-square analyses and 2 logit regression models. Responses were fielded using a stratified quota sampling approach to ensure representativeness of the state’s population based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, and political affiliation.

Results
Users’ assessments of information accuracy were not significantly impacted by the presence or absence of verification badges, and users exposed to the experimental treatment (verification badge) were not any more likely to repost the message or follow the author. While verification badges did not influence users’ assessments or subsequent behaviors, reliance on social media for health-related information and political affiliation were substantial predictors of accuracy assessments in both experimental scenarios. In scenario 1, which included a post addressing COVID-19 vaccine efficacy, users who relied on social media “a great deal” for health information were 2 times more likely to assess the post as accurate (odds ratio 2.033, 95% CI 1.129-3.661; P=.01). In scenario 2, which included a post about measles vaccines, registered Republicans were nearly 6 times less likely to assess the post as accurate (odds ratio 0.171, 95% CI 0.097-0.299; P<.001).

Conclusions
For health professionals and medical experts wishing to leverage social networks to combat misinformation and spread reliable health-related content, account verification appears to offer little by way of added value. On the basis of prior research, other heuristics and communication strategies are likely to yield better results.