bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between nap time, nighttime sleep, and mild cognitive impairment in Chinese older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Song Yanliqing , Liu Haoqiang , Gu KeNan , Liu yue 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to investigate the relationship between midday nap time, nighttime sleep duration, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Chinese older adults and determine the recommended sleep duration to provide a scientific basis for preventing and managing MCI in this population.
Methods
Utilizing the 2020 China Health and Elderly Care Longitudinal Survey database, the demographic data, health status, and lifestyle information of the study participants were collected. A total of 5,314 valid samples were included in the analysis. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline plots were employed to explore the relationship between sleep patterns and MCI.
Results
In the cross-sectional analysis, a linear relationship was observed between midday nap duration and MCI among Chinese elderly. The probability of MCI was lowest among those who napped for less than 30 minutes at noon. Compared with individuals who napped for less than 30 minutes, those who did not nap were more likely to have MCI (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.08–1.81). Nighttime sleep duration exhibited a U-shaped relationship with MCI. Individuals with less than approximately 6.5 hours of nighttime sleep showed a gradual decrease in the probability of MCI with increasing sleep duration, whereas those with more than 6.5 hours demonstrated an increase in the probability of MCI with longer sleep duration. Older adults who slept less than 6 hours at night (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.05–1.48) or more than 8 hours (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.37–2.34) were at a higher risk of developing MCI compared with those who slept 6 to 8 hours.
Conclusion
After controlling for potential confounders, midday napping is beneficial in preventing MCI among older adults. Nighttime sleep duration exhibited a U-shaped relationship with MCI risk, with the optimal range for health benefits observed between 6 and 8 hours of sleep duration, approximately 6.5 hours.
Physical and Mental Well-being of the Elderly: Examining the Impact of Financial Support from Migrant Children on Indian Left-behind Parents
Authors: Mandal Sourav , Paul Manoj 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
This study aims to examine the impact of adult child migration on physical and mental health of elderly parents and further how received financial support (remittance) compensate the absence of adult child.
Methodology:
Using the 2011 Building a Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India (BKPAI) dataset, the current study (n=5122) employs bivariate statistics, logistic regression, and mediation analysis to address the objectives. Logistic regression determines the factors of self-rated health and depression, while mediation analysis is implied to understand the intermediate effect of financial support i.e. remittance on left behind elderly health.
Results:
The findings indicate that approximately 43 percent of the study population are left behind, meaning they have at least one migrant child. Notably, 20 percent of these left-behind elderly report poor health conditions, and 17 percent exhibit depressive symptoms, while the poor health and having depressive symptoms is lower among the non-left behind elderly i.e., 13 and 12 respectively. The mediation analysis indicate that the likelihood of good self-rated health increased 1.35 times due to the effect of adult child migration via remittance which contribute around 55 % of total effect of migration.
Conclusion:
The consistent inflow of remittances serves to alleviate the impact on household finances, ensure food security, and address medical expenses. However, it is crucial to recognize that while remittances contribute significantly to economic stability, they cannot replace the physical presence of adult children, especially in terms of caregiving. Consequently, the study highlights that emotional bonds between parents and children play a pivotal role in bridging the emotional gap caused by physical separation, offering vital emotional support and reassurance to elderly family members and ultimately contributing to their holistic well-being.
Shear Wave Velocity as a Measure of the Dynamic Properties of Confined Silty Soil
Authors: Kennedy Charles 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess how various confinement levels impacted the dynamic and mechanical characteristics of silt layers in different locations. Results showed a direct correlation between the level of confinement and the natural frequency of vibration in the silt layers. More specifically, confinement ranged from 11 to 225 kPa, with changes observed in resonance frequency, shear velocity, and maximum shear modulus (Gmax). For instance, as confinement increased, so did the shear velocity, which strengthened the forces connecting soil particles and improved stiffness. Additionally, the maximum shear modulus increased, showcasing the development of stronger inter-particle connections and a denser soil structure. These findings demonstrated the considerable impact of confining pressure on various aspects of geotechnical engineering. A deeper comprehension of the consequences of long-term confinement, including liquefaction and structural design, will be vital for successful engineering projects. Furthermore, the soil categorization based on shear wave velocities established in this study will help in decision-making regarding geotechnical engineering. Finally, this research established the relation between confinement and resistance to shear stresses, showing the importance of proper ground improvement techniques to reduce confinement pressure.
Performance Prediction of Flexible pavement against Rutting Using Finite Element Method. A Case of Nakamte to Gedo Road
Authors: Garoma Shiferaw , Fentahun Derartu , Kumar Sitesh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The major goal of this work was to forecast the rut depth on road pavements under various loading, material, and temperature conditions. It is believed that the pavement system consists of multiple elastic layers, each of which has a specific Resilient Modulus (MR) and Poisson ratio. The commonly used CBR and ERA/AASHTO design guide charts for evaluating the total required trial depth, sub-grade modulus, and other bound and unbound layers’ resilient modulus control the empirical data used for analysis in the software. Trial depths used in all models for analysis using finite elements were in line with the standardized minimum thickness for the pavement’s individual layers in practice. At the later stage of the research, predictive rutting distress for all models derived from finite element analysis were plotted to see how they react to the series of required data when varied (CBR of: sub grade (5–7%), sub base (20–45%), base course (50–80%) and asphaltic concrete layer (3100MPa to 3500MPa), axle load: single axle to tandem, depth of sub-base and base course were varied from 150 mm to 180 mm) and while some were kept constant (temperature 30oC). Predictive rutting calculated ranged from (1.989 to 4.51 x 10^-6) mm. To improve pavement resistance to rutting and other distresses, there must be a considerable increase in the resilient modulus of individual layers. From this research, an increase in pavement subgrade and subbase CBR gave a more positive result. High traffic loads could cause the road to rut faster. This was detected when the axle arrangement was changed from single to tandem axles. The results given were still valid, and they could be used to project the rutting depth for any number of loading repetitions using linear progression. Rutting depths derived were quite small due to the low load repetition modeled during simulation.
The ground calibration of the HERMES-Pathfinder payload flight models
Authors: Dilillo Giuseppe , Marchesini Ezequiel Joaquin , Baroni Giulia , Casa Giovanni Della , Campana Riccardo , Evangelista Yuri , Guzman Alejandro , Hedderman Paul , Bellutti Pierluigi , Bertuccio Giuseppe , Ceraudo Francesco , Citossi Marco , Cirrincione Daniela , Dedolli Irisa , Demenev Evgeny , Feroci Marco , Ficorella Francesco , Fiorini Mauro , Gandola Massimo , Grassi Marco , Rosa Giovanni La , Lombardi Giovanni , Malcovati Piero , Mele Filippo , Nogara Paolo , Nuti Alessio , Perri Matteo , Pirrotta Simone , Puccetti Simonetta , Rashevskaya Irina , Russo Francesco , Sottile Giuseppe , Trenti Michele , Trevisan Sara , Vacchi Andrea , Zampa Gianluigi , Zampa Nicola , Fiore Fabrizio 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

HERMES-Pathfinder is a space-borne mission based on a constellation of six nano-satellites flying in a low-Earth orbit. The 3U CubeSats, to be launched in early 2025, host miniaturized instruments with a hybrid Silicon Drift Detector/scintillator photodetector system, sensitive to both X-rays and gamma-rays. A seventh payload unit is installed onboard SpIRIT, an Australian-Italian nano-satellite developed by a consortium led by the University of Melbourne and launched in December 2023. The project aims at demonstrating the feasibility of Gamma-Ray Burst detection and localization using miniaturized instruments onboard nano-satellites.
The HERMES flight model payloads were exposed to multiple well-known radioactive sources for spectroscopic calibration under controlled laboratory conditions. The analysis of the calibration data allows both to determine the detector parameters, necessary to map instrumental units to accurate energy measurements, and to assess the performance of the instruments. We report on these efforts and quantify features such as spectroscopic resolution and energy thresholds, at different temperatures and for all payloads of the constellation. Finally we review the performance of the HERMES payload as a photon counter, and discuss the strengths and the limitations of the architecture.
The Development and Evaluation of 9 Obesity-Based Index for Gallstones in U.S. Adults
Authors: wu xiaodong , Song Yanhong , Wang Xiaoning , Wu Shuodong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective: Gallstones have gradually become a highly prevalent digestive disease worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the association of nine different obesity-related indicators (BRI, WWI, BMI, WC, LAP, CMI, VAI, AIP, TyG) with gallstones and to compare their predictive properties for screening gallstones.
Methods: Data for this study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the 2017-2020 cycle, and weighted logistic regression analyses with multi-model adjustment were conducted to explore the association of the 9 indicators with gallstones. Subject working curves were analyzed to assess the screening ability of the 9 indicators. In addition, variation in the relationship between the two indicators with the most predictive power and gallstones was described by restricted cubic spline.
Results: In total, 3698 participants were involved in the final analysis and 392 (10.6%) carried gallstones. The results of weighted multifactorial logistic regression analysis indicated that BRI, WWI, BMI, WC, LAP, and CMI were independent risk factors for gallstones. The ORs and confidence intervals for the highest quartile were 3.21 (1.55-6.28) for BRI, 2.26 (1.01-5.05) for WWI, 2.83 (1.48-5.39) for BMI, 2.83 (1.54-5.22) for WC, 2.39 (1.22-4.69) for LAP, 2.03 (1.19-3.46) for CMI. The area under the ROC curve for BRI was 0.67. The Delong test compared the performance of different ROCs and revealed that the difference between the area under the curve of BRI and the other metrics was significant (P<0.05), except for WWI.
Conclusion: BRI, WWI, BMI, WC, LAP, and CMI were essential indicators for recognizing gallstones. By comparison, we realized that BRI was a better predictor of gallstones.
The therapeutic effect of 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol on chemically induced atopic dermatitis
Authors: Shin Su-Hyun , Kim Yu Jin , Kim Su-Jin , Kim Guen Tae , Lee Hyowon , Kim Eun Young , Lee Se Hee , Kim Jae Wha , Lee Jae Sam 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease worldwide. However, it is still urgent to develop innovative treatments that can effectively manage refractory patients with unpredictable chronic disease courses. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol (PLAG) as a novel agent for AD treatment using a human-like mouse model of AD. PLAG significantly improved 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD skin lesions compared to those in mice treated with DNCB alone. PLAG substantially modulated the AD-induced infiltration of monocytes and eosinophils into skin lesions and humoral systemic responses involving immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-13, restoring them to a normal state. Next, we compared the therapeutic efficacy of PLAG and abrocitinib for severe AD treatment. PLAG exhibited a significant therapeutic effect on AD skin lesions compared to abrocitinib. Unlike abrocitinib, PLAG significantly reduced AD-induced eosinophil infiltration to a level similar to that observed in untreated negative controls. Notably, both PLAG and abrocitinib downregulated IgE, IL-4, and IL-13 in a similar pattern, reaching levels similar to those in the untreated negative controls. Our findings strongly suggest that PLAG may serve as a therapeutic agent for AD with an efficacy comparable to that of abrocitinib.
Novel hot and cold spots of mental hospital deserts across China using 2019-2022 antidepressant procurement data
Authors: Xue Qingyuan , Xue Aoming , Zhang Qi , Fan Keye , Chen Weiqi , Zhao Yang , Kuang Yuanyuan , Chen Yingsong , Zhou Jifang , Jiang Bin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Depression imposes a significant disease burden globally, being considered the second leading cause of disability in China. Therefore, it is worth noting whether patients with depression have sufficient opportunities to access treatment during travel. The minimum-cost path analysis method was employed to calculate travel times from population points to the nearest hospitals providing psychiatric medications, and to distinguish population points as either within or outside hospital deserts. Lastly, Poisson spatial scan analysis was used to identify hot spots and cold spots of hospital deserts. This study elucidates the limited and unequal access to antidepressant medications in China, providing policymakers and stakeholders with valuable insights to formulate effective strategies.
Plaque-type syringoma of the ear and scalp: Case report
Authors: Ali Rajiv Yussuf , Zuriel Daniel , Njambi Stephanie 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Syringomas are benign adnexal tumors derived from eccrine sweat glands that typically present as small, skin-colored dome-shaped papules. They are commonly found in women and typically affect the periorbital area but can also occur in other areas of the face and body. The plaque type is a rare type of syringoma, and only 14 cases have been reported to date with syringomas of the scalp and ear being even rarer.
Case presentation
We report the case of a 36-year-old Kenyan male who was referred to our dermatopathology department for biopsy and histopathological evaluation, and presented with a plaque lesion on the right temporal aspect of the scalp. Microscopic examination revealed a tumor arising from eccrine coils, forming cysts and coma-shaped ducts. The tumor extended deep into the reticular dermis, with extensive fibrosis surrounding the lesion, confirming the diagnosis of plaque-type syringoma.
Conclusion
Plaque-type syringoma is uncommon, and its presentation as discrete flat plaques on the scalp is even rarer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a plaque-type syringoma presenting as flat, dusky, discrete plaques on the scalp and ears. Therefore, clinicians should consider the differential diagnosis of plaque-type syringoma to avoid unnecessary exposure of patients to surgical procedures. Because the lesion is benign, careful observation and monitoring may be a reasonable management strategy in many cases. Treatment decisions are usually based on the patient's symptoms, lesion characteristics, and aesthetic concerns.
‘Super’-ior Scheduling: A Novel Model for an Inpatient Internal Medicine Resident Service
Authors: Kunnath Paul V. , Sr Maria , Fritz Adam , Lunt Jason , Ahmed Zarir , Vaidyan Philip , Buckhold Fred 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Residency programs have adopted blocked scheduling to improve the learning climate yet more intensive rotations still impact resident wellness. The effect of changing the alignment of inpatient resident teams on patient care opportunities is not well known. We sought to evaluate the association of new daily schedule (dubbed ‘Mariokart’) compared to a traditional schedule on patient care opportunities, days off, and duty-hour violations.
Methods
A non-randomized pre - and post-intervention study examining the daily patient census for residents covering a general internal medicine inpatient service within an internal medicine residency program at a single academic medical center from July 2018 to June 2021. The main outcome was the median daily patient census per resident inpatient team before and after the implementation of the ‘Mariokart’ schedule. Secondary outcomes included days off in a 28-day cycle, patient-care opportunities, and resident-reported duty-hour violations. A two-sided t-test was used to determine differences between the groups.
Results
In comparing 20 months prior to implementation of the ‘Mariokart’ schedule to 15 months post-implementation, the median census of the resident service was 60 patients (IQR 53.0–67.0) for the traditional model and 54 (IQR 49.0–59.0) for the MarioKart model. The median census per team was 12 (IQR 10.0–15.0) for the traditional model and 13.5 (IQR 12.25–14.75) for the MarioKart model. Total patient days per team were 288 (IQR 254.4-321.6) for the traditional model and 303.8 (275.6-331.9) for the MarioKart model (p < 0.001). Under the MarioKart model, residents had an extra 1.5 days off per 28 days compared to the traditional model. Short break violations for the entire program and for the general inpatient service were significantly reduced.
Conclusions
In this nonrandomized study of an alternate day-to-day schedule that reduced days worked for residents in a general medicine inpatient service, there was no decline in patient-care opportunities. This alternate organization of residents suggests that residency programs can innovate at a systems level to adjust resident schedules to provide more time off without a detriment to patient care opportunities.
Immobilization of lipase on graphene oxide: A biocatalyst for Esterification of oleic acid
Authors: Kanimozhi S. , Nagarani S. , Chang Jih-Hsing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Graphene Oxide (GO) provides excellent support for lipase enzyme immobilization due to its oxygen-containing functional groups and large surface area. In this work, we synthesized Candida rugosa lipase-immobilized GO and used it as a catalyst for the esterification process of oleic acid for biodiesel production. Different concentrations of (50–200 mg) Candida rugosa lipase enzyme immobilized on GO were used as catalysts. Physicochemical methods like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and DRS-UV visible spectroscopy were used to describe the catalysts. HR-TEM studies have examined the surface morphology of GO and Candida rugosa lipase-immobilized GO. The catalytic activity was determined by esterifying oleic acid with ethanol to produce ethyl oleate. Gas Chromatography was used to identify the compounds using an internal standard. The various reaction conditions were altered to achieve the highest yield of ethyl oleate by varying the reaction process temperature, reaction duration, different concentrations of Candida rugosa lipase immobilized in GO, and the quantity of catalyst. A maximum oleic acid conversion of 89% was achieved using 150 mg of Candida rugosa lipase-immobilized GO (150 CR/GO). Hence, Candida rugosa lipases immobilized in GO were a good choice for biodiesel production.
Analysis of droplet evaporation dynamics using computational singular perturbation and tangential stretching rate
Authors: Angelilli Lorenzo , Galassi Riccardo Malpica , Ciottoli Pietro Paolo , Hernandez-Perez Francisco E. , Valorani Mauro , Im Hong G. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Computational singular perturbation (CSP) has been successfully used in the analysis of complex chemically reacting flows by systematically identifying the intrinsic timescales and slow invariant manifolds that capture the essential subprocesses driving the dynamics of the system. In this article, the analytical and computational framework is applied for the first time to analyze the Lagrangian droplets undergoing evaporation and dispersion in the surrounding gases. First, a rigorous mathematical formulation is derived to adapt the CSP tools into the droplet dynamics equations, including the formal definition of the tangential stretching rate (TSR) that represents the explosive/dissipative nature of the system. A steady ammonia and a falling water droplet studies are then conducted to demonstrate the utility of the CSP methodology in identifying various physical mechanisms driving the evolution of the system, such as the distinction of thermal-driven and mass-driven regimes. Various definitions of the importance indices are also examined to provide in-depth analysis of different subprocesses and their interactions in modifying the droplet dynamics.
Synthesis of ZnO/MoS2 nanocomposite for photodegradation of Methylene blue
Authors: Moein Hossein Karimi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

An effective way to boost ZnO's photocatalytic activity is to decorate it with MoS2 nanosheets, a transition metal dichalcogenide with a narrow band gap. Fewer studies, nevertheless, demonstrate how multilayers of MoS2 nanosheets affect ZnO/MoS2 photocatalytic activity. ZnO nanorods were adorned in this study with low-layer and multilayer MoS2 nanosheets (about 11 and 3 atomic layers), which were annealed for 4 and 8 hours, respectively. The breakdown of methyl blue was subsequently explained using this kind of heterostructure. Our findings demonstrate that the ZnO/MoS2 photocatalytic efficiency is not only less than that of pure ZnO but also declines by 11% as the length and number of MoS2 nanosheet layers increase. The reduction in adsorption capacity could be the cause of this effect. of the ZnO/MoS2 system's water molecules as the contact angle rises from 17o–23o to 73o–76o. Because the planar surface of the 2H-MoS2 phase is hydrophobic, or an inactive catalytic site, there is an increased contact angle for ZnO/MoS2.