bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Acid Mine Drainage for the Biooxidation of a High-Grade Refractory Sulfide Gold Ore
Authors: Nouhi Elaheh , Ahmadi Ali 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is one of the challenging environmental issues in sulfidic mines. These hazardous solutions generally contain a mixture of native iron- and sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms which could be used to a source for biotechnological aims. In this research, the ability of an AMD of a sulfide-bearing gold mine was investigated for the biooxidation of a high-grade pyritic gold ore and its efficiency was compared with iron- and sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms from a microbial culture bank. The experiments were conducted at 35 and 45 ̊C, initial pH values of 1.5 and 2 in a Norris culture medium prepared from deionized and saline local waters. The effects of some critical parameters including, initial pH, and the concentrations of ferrous or ferric sulfate were investigated on the efficiency of the biooxidation process and gold extraction. The results showed that the AMD microorganisms had a more ability to oxidize the sulfide ore than the microorganisms from the microbial bank. The addition of ferrous and ferric sulfates increased the biooxidation efficiency, while high concentrations of these ions caused the formation of inhibitory precipitates (jarosite) and decreased gold extraction. The results showed that biooxidation using the AMD medium in the saline local water increased the extraction of gold from 73–99%. It can be concluded that the application of AMD for the treatment of refractory gold sulfide ores could be an efficient solution for increasing gold extraction and reducing environmental problems.
The effect of post-annealing on the performance of the Cu2 ZnSnS4 solar cells
Authors: Gansukh Mungunshagai , Martinho Filipe , Espindola Moises , Engberg Sara , Schou Jørgen , Canulescu Stela 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) solar cells commonly undergo post-annealing treatments to enhance their performance. Yet, multiple concurrent effects, including Cu-Zn disorder, Na diffusion from the back contact, CZTS grain boundary passivation, and elemental inter-diffusion at the CdS/CZTS interface, can occur simultaneously during post-annealing, making it challenging to isolate their specific influence on device performance. To address this complexity, we have utilized fully Cu-Zn-disordered CZTS absorbers to eliminate the influence of Cu-Zn disorder in this work. Post-annealing experiments conducted at 120 to 300 0 C under nitrogen and air atmospheres aim to decouple and assess the impact of different annealing conditions on CZTS solar cell performance. Our findings suggest that the optimal post-annealing might be a combined effect of two distinct processes: CZTS absorber surface passivation occurring at 3250 C and CdS crystallization at 225 0 C. Hence, the improvement in device performance could result from multiple concurrent mechanisms occurring at different temperatures.
Identification and validation of genes involved in pyroptosis of LPS and D-GALN induced acute liver injury
Authors: Zuo Weixin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Pyroptosis plays an important role in the development of acute liver failure (ALF). In this study, we aimed to identify and validate important pyroptosis-related genes in ALF by bioinformatics analysis. The pyroptosis-related genes involved in the differential expression of ALF were identified using the gene expression comprehensive database (GEO) and the mRNA expression profile dataset GSE217659 provided by R software. The Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed for the differentially expressed related genes.Further screened the module genes by WGCNA and identified four genes (Gzmb, Mefv, Gbp 2 and Casp 4), which could be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers for ALF. Subsequently, the hub gene was modeled using nomogram to assess whether the model was good.
Optically generated droplet beams for improved optoacoustic imaging of choroid thickness in the ocular cavity: A biomarker for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Authors: Mavrakis Kostas G , Divaris Gerasimos , Tampakaki Maira , Khan Saba , Dholakia Kishan , Zacharakis Giannis 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Optoacoustic microscopy faces a restricted depth of field attributed to the tightly focused Gaussian beam excitation. This limitation poses challenges in capturing high-resolution images of samples with uneven surfaces or obtaining high-quality volumetric images without z-scanning. To address this issue, we propose the use of droplet illumination in optoacoustic microscopy, which extends the depth of field to approximately 80 times the Rayleigh length. The droplet beam is generated using a Mach-Zehnder-type interferometer, with each arm equipped with a lens of different optical power. We demonstrate the advantages of droplet beam illumination in microscopy by showing high contrast images on fluorescent beads with a 50% improvement compared to Bessel beam illumination and subsequently imaging the posterior cavity of mice eyes. This method introduces novel perspectives to medical sciences, allowing the measurement of the choroidal layer thickness, an early indicative biomarker for Alzheimer's disease.
A Comparative Study of Cultural Hallucination in Large Language Models on Culturally Specific Ethical Questions
Authors: Zhao Jiajing , Huang Cheng , Li Xian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Rapid advancements in natural language processing have led to the development of highly sophisticated models capable of generating human-like text, yet challenges remain in ensuring that these models produce culturally accurate and ethically consistent responses. The novel concept of this study lies in the comprehensive evaluation of ChatGPT 4o and Gemini 1.5 Flash on culturally specific ethical questions, providing a detailed comparison of their performance across diverse cultural contexts. Automated evaluation metrics, including semantic similarity, cultural relevance, and ethical consistency, were employed to assess the models' capabilities, revealing significant insights into their strengths and limitations. The results indicated that while both models exhibit high cultural relevance and ethical consistency, notable differences in their performance across various regions suggest areas for further improvement. Statistical analysis confirmed the significance of these differences, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing refinement of training methodologies. The study demonstrates the importance of integrating deeper cultural insights and ethical frameworks into model development, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of AI ethics and cultural competence.
Research on low-energy consumption automatic real-time regulation of cascade gates and pumps in open-canal based on reinforcement learning
Authors: Gan Tian , Jiang Yunzhong , Zhao Hongli , He Junyan , Duan Hao 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Cascade gates and pumps are common hydraulic structures in the open-canal section of water transfer projects, characterized by high energy consumption and substantial costs, making it challenging to regulate. By implementing cascade gates regulation to control the hydraulic process, lift distribution of pump stations can be optimized, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing energy consumption. However, the selection of control models and parameter optimization is difficult because hydraulic processes are nonlinear, high-dimensional, large hysteresis, strong coupling, and time-varying. This study considers minimum energy consumption of pump stations as the regulation objective and employs the reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm for optimization regulation (OR) within a typical canal section of the Jiaodong Water Transfer Project. Our results demonstrate that after regulating, OR can precisely control the water level to achieve the high efficiency lift interval of pump station, enhancing efficiency by 4.12–6.02% compared to previous operation. Moreover, using optimized hyperparameters group, the RL model proves robust under different work conditions. The proposed method is suitable for complex hydraulic processes, highlighting its potential to support more effective decision-making in water resources regulation.
Watching the guards: A data-driven method to trigger warnings in national wastewater surveillance networks
Authors: Bosch Lluís M. , Pueyo-Ros Josep , Comas-Cufí Marc , Saldaña Joan , Ripoll Jordi , Calle Eusebi , Fonseca i Casas Pau , Garcia i Subirana Joan , Borrego Carles M. , Corominas Lluís 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Surveillance networks have been established in many countries worldwide to monitor SARS-CoV-2 in sewage and to estimate the communal prevalence of COVID-19 cases. Despite their popularity, gaining a rapid understanding of how infectious diseases spread across the territory covered by a network is difficult because of the many factors involved. To improve the detection of warning signals within the territory, we propose to apply principal component analysis (PCA) to screen time-series data generated from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) under surveillance. Our analysis allows us to identify single WWTPs deviating from the normal behavior as well as deviations of a cluster of WWTPs (indicative of an intermunicipal outbreak). Our approach is illustrated through the analysis of the dataset generated by the Catalan Surveillance Network of SARS-CoV-2 in Sewage (SARSAIGUA). Using 10 principal components, we captured 78.6% of the variance in the original dataset of 51 variables (WWTPs). Our analysis identified exceedance of the Q-statistic threshold as evidence of anomalous performance of a single WWTP, and exceedance of the T2-statistic as a sign of an intermunicipal outbreak. Our approach provides a comprehensive picture of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling decision-makers to make informed decisions and better manage future pandemics.
Effect of biochar addition on the anaerobic digestion of food waste: microbial community structure and methanogenic pathways
Authors: Pei Siyao , Fan Xiaodan , Qiu Chunsheng , Liu Nannan , Li Fei , Li Jiakang , Qi Li , Wang Shaopo 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the effects of the addition of biochar prepared at 700 °C with different dosages on the anaerobic digestion of food waste. The biochar addition at a concentration of 10.0 g/L increased the cumulative methane yield by 128%, and daily methane production was also significantly promoted. The addition of biochar derived from poplar sawdust significantly increased the relative abundance of dominant bacteria for anaerobic digestion by 85.54–2530% and promoted the degradation of refractory organic matter and the transfer of materials between the hydrolysis and acid production stages. Further analysis has demonstrated that Bathyarchaeia and hydrogenotrophic methanogens were enriched by the biochar addition. Meanwhile, the relative abundances of functional genes, including C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism, and pyruvate metabolism, were increased by 11.38–26.27%. The relative abundances of genes related to major amino acid metabolism, including histidine metabolism, lysine biosynthesis, and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, were increased by 11.96–15.71%. Furthermore, the relative abundances of genes involved in major replication and repair were increased by 14.76–22.76%, and the major folding, sorting, degradation, and translation were increased by 14.47–19.95%, respectively. The relative abundances of genes related to major membrane transport and cell motility were increased by 10.02 and 83.09%, respectively.
Barriers to and Facilitators of Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Health Care: Scoping Review
Authors: Hassan Masooma , Kushniruk Andre , Borycki Elizabeth 
Published: June 2024

Background
Artificial intelligence (AI) use cases in health care are on the rise, with the potential to improve operational efficiency and care outcomes. However, the translation of AI into practical, everyday use has been limited, as its effectiveness relies on successful implementation and adoption by clinicians, patients, and other health care stakeholders.

Objective
As adoption is a key factor in the successful proliferation of an innovation, this scoping review aimed at presenting an overview of the barriers to and facilitators of AI adoption in health care.

Methods
A scoping review was conducted using the guidance provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute and the framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. MEDLINE, IEEE Xplore, and ScienceDirect databases were searched to identify publications in English that reported on the barriers to or facilitators of AI adoption in health care. This review focused on articles published between January 2011 and December 2023. The review did not have any limitations regarding the health care setting (hospital or community) or the population (patients, clinicians, physicians, or health care administrators). A thematic analysis was conducted on the selected articles to map factors associated with the barriers to and facilitators of AI adoption in health care.

Results
A total of 2514 articles were identified in the initial search. After title and abstract reviews, 50 (1.99%) articles were included in the final analysis. These articles were reviewed for the barriers to and facilitators of AI adoption in health care. Most articles were empirical studies, literature reviews, reports, and thought articles. Approximately 18 categories of barriers and facilitators were identified. These were organized sequentially to provide considerations for AI development, implementation, and the overall structure needed to facilitate adoption.

Conclusions
The literature review revealed that trust is a significant catalyst of adoption, and it was found to be impacted by several barriers identified in this review. A governance structure can be a key facilitator, among others, in ensuring all the elements identified as barriers are addressed appropriately. The findings demonstrate that the implementation of AI in health care is still, in many ways, dependent on the establishment of regulatory and legal frameworks. Further research into a combination of governance and implementation frameworks, models, or theories to enhance trust that would specifically enable adoption is needed to provide the necessary guidance to those translating AI research into practice. Future research could also be expanded to include attempts at understanding patients’ perspectives on complex, high-risk AI use cases and how the use of AI applications affects clinical practice and patient care, including sociotechnical considerations, as more algorithms are implemented in actual clinical environments.
Sex Differences in Pain Sensitivity in a Dutch Cohort: Cross-Sectional and Web-Based Multidimensional Study
Authors: Smits Rachel J H , van der Wal Selina E I , van Boekel Regina L M , Timmerman Hans , Bronkhorst Ewald M , Abrar Diana , Vissers Kris C P , Blaney Davidson Esmeralda N , Steegers Monique A H 
Published: June 2024

Background
Sex is an important factor influencing the development and treatment of chronic pain, but the extent of its influence is still unclear. Other demographic factors as well as nonpharmacological interventions might influence pain sensitivity differently in men and women.

Objective
In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of sex and other demographic, lifestyle, behavioral, clinical, and environmental factors on pain sensitivity in the Dutch population. Different films were used to investigate how they would impact pain sensitivity and what influence sex and other variables have on the effect of this simple intervention.

Methods
We performed a study consisting of 2 parts: (1) a cross-sectional research to investigate pain sensitivity differences between men and women and the influence of other demographic variables on the pain sensitivity in a Dutch cohort and (2) an internet intervention study to determine whether a short film could skew pain sensitivity.

Results
All respondents filled in a web-based demographic questionnaire and were randomized into 4 groups. The control group filled in the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire without watching a preliminary film. A cross-sectional analysis was performed in the control group (n=1746). The other 3 groups watched short films: one group watched a film with scenes of nature (n=2650), another group watched a film on laughing people (n=2735), and the last group watched a film on physically painful events (n=2708). Immediately after the film viewing, participants were directed to the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire to measure their pain sensitivity. The Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire score was stated as a mean per question on the numeric rating scale from 0-1. The cross-sectional study revealed no significant differences between men and women but showed male-female differences in the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire when specific background factors were present. Watching a short film had a positive impact on the pain sensitivity of the respondents who had chronic pain, with a higher effect observed in female respondents.

Conclusions
Scientists performing pain research need to account for factors that can influence the outcome of their study and be aware that these factors can be sex-dependent, and pain sensitivity should be analyzed accordingly. Even relatively small interventions such as watching a film can impact pain sensitivity, especially in respondents with current chronic pain. This effect can vary as well when different background factors are present. Our findings warrant further explorations of the possibilities that simple interventions bring for patients in personalized medicine.

Trial Registration
Landelijk Trial Register NTR-new NL8182; https://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en/trial/29537
Behavioral Weight Loss Programs for Cancer Survivors Throughout Maryland: Protocol for a Pragmatic Trial and Participant Characteristics
Authors: Jerome Gerald J , Appel Lawrence J , Bunyard Linda , Dalcin Arlene T , Durkin Nowella , Charleston Jeanne B , Kanarek Norma F , Carducci Michael A , Wang Nae-Yuh , Yeh Hsin-Chieh 
Published: June 2024

Background
Clinical trials examining lifestyle interventions for weight loss in cancer survivors have been demonstrated to be safe, feasible, and effective. However, scalable weight loss programs are needed to support their widespread implementation. The ASPIRE trial was designed to evaluate real-world, lifestyle-based, weight loss programs for cancer survivors throughout Maryland.

Objective
The objectives of this protocol paper are to describe the design of a nonrandomized pragmatic trial, study recruitment, and baseline characteristics of participants.

Methods
Participants were aged ≥18 years, residing in Maryland, with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2, who reported a diagnosis of a malignant solid tumor, completed curative treatment, and had no ongoing or planned cancer treatment. Enrollment criteria were minimized to increase generalizability. The primary recruitment source was the Johns Hopkins Health System electronic health records (EHRs). Participants selected 1 of 3 remotely delivered weight loss programs: self-directed, app-supported, or coach-supported program.

Results
Participants were recruited across all 5 geographic regions of Maryland. Targeted invitations using EHRs accounted for 287 (84.4%) of the 340 participants enrolled. Of the 5644 patients invited through EHR, 5.1% (287/5644) enrolled. Participants had a mean age of 60.7 (SD 10.8) years, 74.7% (254/340) were female, 55.9% (190/340) identified as non-Hispanic Black, 58.5% (199/340) had a bachelor’s degree, and the average BMI was 34.1 kg/m2 (SD 5.9 kg/m2). The most common types of cancers were breast (168/340, 49.4%), prostate (72/340, 21.2%), and thyroid (39/340, 8.5%). The self-directed weight loss program (n=91) included 25 participants who agreed to provide weights through a study scale; the app-supported program (n=142) included 108 individuals who agreed to provide their weight measurements; and the coach-supported weight loss program included 107 participants. We anticipate final analysis will take place in the fall of 2024.

Conclusions
Using EHR-based recruitment efforts, this study took a pragmatic approach to reach and enroll cancer survivors into remotely delivered weight loss programs.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04534309; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04534309

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
DERR1-10.2196/54126
Synergistic effects of ursodeoxycholic acid, and quercetin on liver function and systemic inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and atrial fibrillation patients
Authors: Teslenko O.B. , Fedorov S.V. , Bielinskyi M.V. , Herashchenko A.S. , Nyshchuk-Oliinyk N.B. 
Published: June 2024

Background. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) co-occur with signifi­cant clinical implications, necessitating therapeutic strategies that address the multifaceted nature of these conditions. This study evaluated the efficacy of standard treatment alone versus combined treatments with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and quercetin in patients with NAFLD and AF, focusing on improvements in liver function, lipid profile, systemic inflammation, and fibrosis markers. Aim: to evaluate and compare the efficacy of standard treatment alone versus standard treatment combined with ursodeoxycholic acid with and without quercetin in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and concurrent atrial fibrillation. Materials and methods. In a prospective, randomi­zed, controlled trial, 127 patients with diagnosed NAFLD and concurrent AF were enrolled. They were divided into three groups: group 1 — standard treatment (n = 42), group 2 — standard treatment plus UDCA (n = 44), and group 3 — standard treatment plus UDCA and quercetin (n = 41). The primary outcomes included changes in liver function tests (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase), lipid profile (total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides), and non-invasive liver fibrosis scores (NFS, FIB-4). Secondary outcomes focused on systemic inflammation markers (C-reactive protein, galectin-3, soluble ST2) and fibronectin levels. Results. All treatment groups showed significant improvements in liver function tests and lipid profiles. Group 3 exhibited the most substantial reductions in ALT, AST, and improvements in HDL-C, indicating enhanced hepatoprotective and lipid-modulating effects. Systemic inflammation markers and fibronectin levels decreased significantly in groups receiving UDCA and quercetin, with the most pronounced effects observed in group 3, suggesting potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic action. Additionally, significant improvements in NFS and FIB-4 scores in group 3 highlight the anti-fibrotic potential of combining UDCA and quercetin with standard treatment. Conclusions. The addition of UDCA and quercetin to standard treatment for patients with NAFLD and AF significantly improves liver function, lipid metabolism, and reduces systemic inflammation and fibrosis, compared to standard treatment alone. These findings suggest a synergistic effect of UDCA and quercetin, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for managing the complex interplay between NAFLD and AF.