bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Wenner Modes Configurations for Resistivity-Based Moisture Monitoring in Compressed Earth Bricks
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Pham Minh Dung , Angellier Nicolas , Ulmet Laurent , Dubois Frédéric 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Compressed earth bricks (CEBs) are emerging as an eco-friendly construction material, although their properties are highly moisture-dependent. This study investigates the applicability of electrical resistivity techniques for non-destructive moisture assessment in CEBs and determines the optimal electrode configurations for small-scale CEB samples. Various Wenner array electrode configurations, including Wenner Alpha, Beta, and Gamma arrangements, are tested on the CEB specimens across a wide range of relative humidity levels. Numerical modelling using the finite element method is employed to simulate the current diffusion process in the CEB samples. A mathematical formulation is developed to calculate the true electrical resistivity of the specimens based on the measured resistance and the geometric factor obtained from the numerical model. The results show that the electrical resistivity of CEBs exhibits a logarithmic relationship with moisture content, with Wenner Alpha and Gamma configurations proving most suitable for small-scale samples. This approach demonstrates the potential for enabling continuous moisture monitoring to empower quality control and service life predictions for earthen construction materials.
Identifying Expert Opinions on the Challenges and Barriers Faced by Iraq's National Plan for Controlling Hepatitis B
Authors: Jalal Mohammed A. , Karami Manoochehr , Namdari Mahshid , Lami Faris , Taher Taqi Mohammed Jawad , Etemad Koorosh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
This study examined the difficulties and obstacles faced by healthcare professionals in implementing Iraq's National Plan for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Control. This research aims to offer valuable insights into the intricacies of HBV control efforts and identify key areas for improvement.
Methods
In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of ten physicians, representing diverse medical specialties and healthcare settings, including experts in the fields of medical sciences. Data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA software version 24 to identify recurring themes and gain insights into the challenges encountered during the implementation of the national plan.
Results
Ten physicians participated in the study, providing insights into challenges and barriers hindering the effective implementation of Iraq's National Plan for HBV Control. Consensus among participants highlighted challenges such as resource constraints, inadequate infrastructure, population ignorance, and vaccine refusal. Documentation challenges, including inaccuracies in reporting HBV-associated mortality, were also noted. Barriers to successful implementation included poor public awareness, inadequate education for healthcare providers, and funding shortages. Unmet needs highlighted the necessity for unified protocols, surveillance systems, and international training programs. The improvement strategies proposed by participants emphasized raising awareness, supporting primary healthcare centers, and enhancing funding allocation.
Conclusion
This study underscores significant challenges in implementing Iraq's national plan for HBV control, with barriers ranging from resource constraints to communication barriers. Healthcare professionals advocate for targeted interventions, collaborative efforts, and policy measures to address these challenges effectively. The findings contribute to the evidence base for enhancing HBV control efforts in Iraq and emphasize the importance of tailored approaches to public health interventions.
Identification of a Novel Prognostic Signature for Breast Cancer Derived from Post-translational Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-Like Modification-Related Genes
Authors: Zhou Nanyang , Kong Dejia , Lin Qiao , Yang Xiaojing , Zhou Dan , Lou Lihua , Lou Xiangming 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like (UUL) modifications play pleiotropic functions and are subject to fine regulatory mechanisms frequently altered in cancer. However, the comprehensive impact of UUL modification on breast cancer remains unclear.
Methods: Transcriptomic and clinical data of breast cancer were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. Molecular subtyping of breast cancer was conducted using the NMF and CIBERSORT algorithms. Prognostic genes were identified via univariate, lasso and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Clinical pathological features, immune cell infiltration, immune therapeutic response and chemotherapy drug sensitivity were compared between groups using the Wilcoxon test. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.
Results: In breast cancer, 63 UUL modification-related genes were differentially expressed, with 29 up-regulated and 34 down-regulated genes. These genes were used to generate two UUL modification patterns that exhibited significant differences in prognostic features and immune cell infiltration. The UUL modification patterns were associated with 2038 differentially expressed genes that were significantly enriched in nuclear division, chromosome segregation, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cell cycle, and other biological processes. Of these genes, 425 were associated with breast cancer prognosis, which enabled the classification of breast cancer into two clusters with significantly distinct prognoses. We developed a prognostic model, UULscore, which comprised nine genes and showed a significant correlation with partial immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, UULscore demonstrated potential predictive value in breast cancer overall survival prediction, immune therapeutic response, and chemotherapy drug sensitivity. UULscore, stage, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were identified as independent prognostic factors for breast cancer. Based on these factors, a nomogram model was constructed, which demonstrated exceptional prognostic predictive performance.
Conclusion: In conclusion, we identified two UUL modification-derived molecular subtypes in breast cancer, and have successfully constructed a risk scoring model that holds potential value in prognosis, immune infiltration, immune therapeutic response, and chemotherapy sensitivity.
Causal computations of supplementary motor area on spatial impulsivity
Authors: Carpio Alberto , Dreher Jean-Claude , Ferrera David , Galán Diego , Mercado Franciso , Obeso Ignacio 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Spatial location of stimuli often leads to impulsive behaviour. How we overcome impulsive tendencies is what determines behaviour to be adaptive. Here, we used virtual reality to investigate whether spatial proximity of stimuli is causally related to the supplementary motor area (SMA) functions. In two experiments, we set out to investigate these processes using a virtual environment that recreates close and distant spaces to test the causal contributions of the SMA in spatial impulsivity. In an online first experiment (N = 93) we validated and measured the influence of distant stimuli using a go/no-go task with close (21 cm) or distant stimuli (360 cm). In experiment 2 (N = 28), we applied transcranial static magnetic stimulation (tSMS) over the SMA (double-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design) to test its computations in controlling impulsive tendencies towards close vs distant stimuli. Close stimuli elicited faster responses compared to distant stimuli but also exhibited higher error rates, specifically in commission errors (experiment 1). SMA stimulation (both real and sham) slowed response latencies (experiment 2), marked by increased decision thresholds in real stimulation compared to sham. Although exploratory, analysis on the effects of real stimulation showed a decrease in commission errors for close stimuli but not for distant stimuli (compared with the effect of sham stimulation). The findings suggest that impulsivity to nearby objects engages hastened actions accompanied by higher error rates. Our study provides a first starting point on the role of the SMA in regulating spatial impulsivity.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Disulfidptosis Co-regulate Neuronal cell in Neuropathic Pain Based on Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Ge Hejia , Song Liuyi , Tao Yuqing , Hu Li , Zhou Hongmei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Neuropathic pain affects approximately 6.9-10% of the world's population and necessitates the development of novel treatments. Mitochondria are essential in the regulation of cell death. Neuroimmune mechanisms are implicated in various forms of cell death associated with neuropathic pain. However, the specific involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction and disulfidptosis in neuropathic pain remains uncertain. Further research is required to gain a better understanding of their combined contribution. Our comprehensive study employs a variety of bioinformatic analysis methods, including differential gene analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, machine learning, functional enrichment analysis, immune infiltration, sub-cluster analysis, single-cell dimensionality reduction and cell-cell communicationto gain insight into the molecular mechanisms behind these processes. Our study rationally defines a list of key gene sets for mitochondrial dysfunction and disulfidptosis. 6 hub mitochondrial genes and 3 disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) were found to be associated with NP. The key genes were predominantly expressed in neurons and were lowly expressed in the NP group compared to SHAM. In addition, our macrophages used the APP-CD74 pathway to interact with neurons. These results suggest that NP is interconnected with the mechanistic processes of mitochondrial dysfunction and disulfidptosis, which may contribute to clinically targeted therapies.
Assessing the effect of change in climate and land use has on groundwater recharge suitability in the Thiba River Sub Basin, Kenya
Authors: Omanga Abel Moturi , Sichangi Arthur. W. , Makokha Godfrey. O. , Waswa Ruth. N. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Groundwater recharge Suitability (GWRS) mapping is a critical step towards planning for groundwater management and development. This study sought to assess the influence of change in climate and land use on the spatial-temporal variability of groundwater recharge suitability areas in Thiba river sub basin. The study applied the multi-influencing factor (MIF) technique to delineate the GWRS zones in Thiba river sub basin in three instances, historical (1986), current (2020), and future (2050) period. Water availability for the various uses within Thiba river sub basin is uncertain in the dry season, attributed to resource degradation due to over-exploitation and limited investments. Over-reliance on surface water with poor development of groundwater that is allocated without detailed quantification and quality assessment causing resource degradation. Future climate projections were derived from the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) for the African region under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 4.5). Ground water recharge potential was assessed using a Multi-Influencing Factor (MIF) technique using Slope, Land use, Rainfall, lithology, landforms, Drainage density, Lineament density and soil as assessment parameters. Land cover images for the year 1986, 2003 and 2020 were classified into 6 land uses; bare, Built-up, cropland, forest, Grassland and Wetland areas and used to project land use in 2050 using the CA-Markov model. Results indicate that climate change will significantly impact water. Detailed study linking groundwater recharge and groundwater yields is recommended to better inform resource managers on the level of quantitative groundwater variability over space.
Exploring the Impact of METO Factors with Data Privacy Changes at IoT Systems: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Alshehri Jawaher , Rahman M M Hafizur 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The rapid evolution of technology across various sectors, including individual, governmental, and nongovernmental IoT solutions, has resulted in significant shifts in data privacy requirements. These changes in regulations, policies, and procedures regarding data privacy have adversely affected security concerns, encompassing regulatory compliance, privacy protection, and security measures within In-house IoT software development companies. Therefore, the study aims to explore IoT privacy issues from the perspectives of in-house IoT software development companies and security, involving the collection of privacy concerns to gain new insights into challenges from various perspectives. To achieve this, we conduct a systematic review following the PRISMA approach to identify, evaluate, and interpret IoT privacy issues. We applied inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on accepting research papers for investigation published between 2015 and 2024. Out of 720 papers, 38 peer-reviewed articles were accepted. The primary classification of IoT privacy issues was as follows: 54% were related to management, 8% to organizational factors, 14% to environmental concerns, and 24% to technological aspects, MOTE Factors. Besides, we illustrate the associations between MOTE factors and security factors to avoid key conflicts at in-house IoT software development companies. Most explored articles were published between 2018 and 2024, illustrating an increasing interest among researchers in contributing to IoT privacy issues.
Plan-Do-Check-Act-theory-based job satisfaction and countermeasures among public health postgraduates
Authors: Wang Tianjiao , Zhu Qingheng , Huang Liang , Pang Mengtao , Guo Yujie , Zhang Baodan , Zhang Fu , Chen Boyan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Given the current global public health challenges and the potential outbreak of a pandemic in the future, the career choice of postgraduates majoring in public health is of great significance to public health development in society. The existing research mainly focuses on the analysis of the current situation and training mode of postgraduates. This study aimed to analyze the employment status of postgraduates majoring in public health in the Yangtze River Delta region of China using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle model and propose suggestions for improvement.
Methods: Postgraduates majoring in public health from universities in Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui were selected as research participants through a questionnaire survey. The survey content included information on socio-demographic characteristics, practice and employment intentions, employment cognition, and satisfaction. A chi-square test was used to analyze differences in the distribution of industry cognition under different baseline characteristics, and a multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing the distribution of industry cognition.
Results: Overall, 290 individuals were included in the analysis (average age: 26.16±2.21 years). Regarding public health industry awareness, 193 individuals (66.6%) were in the low-score group, and 97 (33.4%) were in the high-score group. The results of multi-factorial logistic regression analysis showed that study participants with a higher annual household income had a poorer perception of the public health industry (odds ratio [OR]=0.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.503–0.973), graduated in 2021 and later (OR=5.231, 95% CI: 1.906–14.358), and specialized in the five major health professions (OR=2.199, 95% CI: 1.223–3.954). Study participants with lower annual household income had a higher perception of the public health profession. Graduate students in public health have a negative attitude towards the current situation and employment situation in the public health industry and believe that the epidemic has had a negative impact on employment. They face problems such as an insufficient match between internships and employment and increased employment pressure.
Conclusions: Based on our findings, we propose strengthening the connection between internship and employment, providing career planning courses and psychological counseling services, and increasing practice and internship opportunities.
Luminescent Organogermane Emitter with Folded Conformation for Operationally Stable Blue Organic Light-Emitting Diode
Authors: Tang Man-Chung , Li Si-Jie , Tang Xiongkai , Ng Chiu Hwi , Lim Jia Yang , Tang Wai Kit , Chen Wen-Cheng , Huo Yanping , Ng Maggie , Chen Season Si 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The exploration of heavy atom effect in organic semiconductors for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) applications has attracted much attention recently. While such effect has been extensively investigated in those incorporated with selenium, copper, silver and gold, there are only few studies on the role of germanium (Ge) on the luminescence and structural properties of emitters. Herein, we reveal the importance of the incorporation of Ge in multi-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters that show improved luminescence properties than its carbon and silicon counterparts. We present the distinct single crystal structures of the two conformers of the organogermane emitter that co-exist in the solid state. We describe their conformational changes from open to folded geometries upon thermal stimulation under vacuum, as supported by variable-temperature single crystal diffraction analysis and theoretical calculations. From molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the folded form prevents a close proximity to the sensitizer in solid-state packing, thereby reducing Dexter energy transfer and facilitating efficient Förster energy transfer. Together with the spin-vibronic coupling and heavy atom effect, organogermane emitter shows an accelerated spin-flip process than its carbon and silicon counterparts. Based on the Ge emitter, we achieve a blue emission peaking at 479 nm with a narrow spectral full-width-at-half-maximum of 25 nm and a maximum external quantum efficiency of 38.4%. More importantly, we report the LT90 (90% of the initial luminance at 1000 cd m-2) of 2.2 h for Ge-based OLEDs, unlocking the full potential of organogermane emitters for operationally stable OLEDs. We anticipate our study provides insights into the design of organogermane compounds for optoelectronics applications.
Investigating genetic overlap between Alzheimer's disease, lipids, and coronary artery disease: a large-scale genome-wide cross trait analysis
Authors: Kirby Artika , Porter Tenielle , Adewuyi Emmanuel O. , Laws Simon M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

There is evidence to support a link between abnormal lipid metabolism and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. Similarly, observational studies suggest a comorbid relationship between AD and coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the intricate biological mechanisms of AD are poorly understood, and its relationship with lipids and CAD traits remains unresolved, underscoring the ongoing investigation into this research area. Here, we systematically assess the cross-trait genetic overlap of AD with 13 representative lipids (from eight classes) and seven CAD traits, leveraging robust analytical methods, well-powered large-scale genetic data, and rigorous replication testing. Our main analysis demonstrates a significant positive global genetic correlation of AD with triglycerides and all seven CAD traits assessed—angina pectoris, cardiac dysrhythmias, coronary arteriosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, non-specific chest pain, and coronary artery disease. Gene-level analyses largely reinforce these findings and highlight the genetic overlap between AD and three additional lipids: high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and total cholesterol. Mendelian randomisation analysis found no evidence of a significant causal relationship between AD, lipids, and CAD traits. However, local genetic correlation analysis identifies several local pleiotropic hotspots contributing to the relationship of AD with lipids and CAD traits across chromosomes 6, 8, 17, and 19. Completing a three-way analysis, we confirm a strong genetic correlation between lipids and CAD traits, with HDL and sphingomyelin demonstrating negative correlations. These findings support genetic overlap between AD, specific lipids, and CAD traits, implicating shared but non-causal genetic susceptibility. The identified pleiotropic hotspots are valuable targets for further investigation into AD and, potentially, its comorbidity with CAD traits.
Variable-based Probablistic Calibration with Binary Outcome
Authors: Seto Hiroe , Kitora Shuji , Oyama Asuka , Toki Hiroshi , Yamamoto Ryohei , Yamamoto Micho 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In developing risk prediction models for specific diseases, it is essential to evaluate the calibration performance of the prediction model. Various methods have been proposed to assess the calibra- tion of prediction models, but it has been pointed out that conventional methods based on the predicted probability of the model are insufficient to detect miscalibration. Another problem is the inability to assess calibration for variables of interest, such as covariate of high importance in prediction. We therefore propose two methods to evaluate the calibration of the variable of in- terest: the variable-based probabilistic calibration plot (VPC-Plot), which is a visual assessment, and the variable-based probabilistic calibration error (VPCE), which is a corresponding evalua- tion metric. We conducted theoretical and simulation studies to investigate the properties and effectiveness of the proposed method. Theoretical and simulation studies demonstrated that the proposed methods can detect miscalibration by evaluating the calibration based on the variable of interest, even when conventional methods fail to detect miscalibration. To show the usefulness in the real-world data analysis, we evaluated diabetes prediction models developed using the na- tional health insurance database for Osaka, Japan. The proposed methods revealed the advantage of machine learning model over logistic regression models with regard to the calibration based on key covariate in diabetes prediction.
Has the construction of digital infrastructure improved the efficiency of environmental governance? — Evidence from 235 cities in China
Authors: liu lunwu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Since its reform and opening up, China's economy has undergone rapid development, but thishas also led to serious environmental pollution. Environmental governance has become a major important task in economic development. Can the construction of digital infrastructure promote the application of digital technology and improve the efficiency of environmental governance? This article uses panel data from 235 cities in China to empirically verify the significant positive relationship between digital infrastructure construction and environmental governance efficiency. The level of technological innovation and public environmental attention have a mediating effect, while the upgrading of industrial structure has a positive regulatory effect.The positive effect of digital infrastructure on environmental governance efficiency shows heterogeneity, with economically developed cities being smaller than economically underdeveloped cities and environmentally friendly key cities being smaller than non-environmentally friendly key cities. Therefore, to improve the efficiency of environmental governance, it is necessary to increase investment, build scientific and technological innovation infrastructure and an environmental information network public platform, build a modern digital infrastructure system, and promote scientific and technological innovation and industrial upgrading.