bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple causes of death associated with dementia in Spain: educational differences and its impact on life expectancy
Authors: Spijker Jeroen , Renteria Elisenda , Calazans Julia Almeida , Trias-Llimós Sergi , Doblhammer Gabriele 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We examine dementia-related mortality in Spain during the period 2016–2021 from a multiple cause of death (MCOD) perspective, focusing on comorbidities associated with dementia-related mortality and the impact of dementia-related mortality on educational inequalities in life expectancy at age 60. We used mortality data from the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE) by level of education from 2016 to 2021 to analyse mortality from dementia-related diseases, both as underlying cause of death (UCOD) and as MCOD. We estimated age-standardized mortality rates and used life tables and demographic decomposition techniques to assess the impact of dementia-related diseases on educational differences in life expectancy at age 60. Results showed that in 2016-21 MCOD dementia-related deaths accounted for 17% of all deaths occurring after the age of 60 (men: 11%; women 21%). The difference in years lost to MCOD dementia-related diseases between the most and least educated was 0.13 years (8.4%) for men and 0.26 years (22.7%) for women. Educational gradients in dementia-related mortality in Spain highlights the importance of disentangling risk factors from a socioeconomic perspective. Moreover, the MCOD approach provides a more realistic estimate of the impact of dementia-related diseases on life expectancy, bringing insights into the burden of ageing-related diseases.
User Perspective of Misplaced PPIUCD and Factors resulting in PPIUCD Removal: Qualitative Pilot Study
Authors: A.G. Radhika , Gupta Rashmi , Kashyap Pooja 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective - The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of operative interventions for misplaced device among women who opted for PPIIUCD and the evaluation of reasons for PPIUCD removal within the follow up period of two years.
Design - A descriptive exploratory study was conducted over three months among fourteen PPIUCD acceptors at a tertiary care health facility in Delhi, India. Face-to-face & telephonic in-depth interviews were conducted with a selected sample of PPIUCD acceptors who had later opted for its removal.
Results Participants (n=14) aged 24–40 exhibited generally positive attitudes towards PPIUCDs indicating an indicate an understanding of the importance of PPIUCD in preventing unintended pregnancies. Menstrual disturbance and misplaced IUCD were major reasons for removal. despite their own experience necessitating the removal of IUCD, positive experience by other family members (mothers in law) in this study helped to keep the confidence on the contraceptive. Themes included (a) general experience of PPIUCD use (b) Health Facility accessed for removal of IUCD (c) Would she recommend it to others? (d) preferred contraceptive after removal of IUCD
Conclusion Misplaced IUCD, missing thread, menstrual irregularities, and pain are all associated with PPIUCD and are important reasons for dissatisfaction. Appropriate, timely and supportive individualized care that address knowledge gaps, societal perceptions, and healthcare system challenges would certainly help in reducing dissatisfaction due to PPIUCD and thereby the removal rates.
COVID-19 Mortality Through the Inequality Lens: The Impact of Obesity, Age, and Income Across Countries and Time
Authors: Barrera Emiliano Lopez , Barnor Kodjo , Miljkovic Dragan , Miljkovic Kristina 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study examines COVID-19 mortality inequalities among 171 countries, analyzing the impact of obesity, age, and income on mortality. We employ three temporal snapshots of COVID-19 attributable deaths: cumulative deaths until December 1, 2020, August 1, 2021, and February 1, 2022. Utilizing innovative metrics, such as the COVID-19 Mortality Inequality Curve, the COVID-19 Mortality Inequality Index (CMII), and the Theil Index, we offer comprehensive insights into the distribution of COVID-19-related deaths across different demographics and socioeconomic groups. Our findings reveal those countries with higher obesity rates and a larger elderly population face significantly higher COVID-19 mortality rates. Contrary to initial expectations, income-based disparities were relatively low at the outset and remained stable throughout the study period, underscoring the pandemic's complex and multifaceted nature. Obesity is identified as a crucial determinant of COVID-19 mortality inequalities. The results highlight the critical need for promoting and ensuring equitable vaccine distribution, particularly in regions vulnerable due to high rates of obesity and significant elderly populations. The study challenges previous assumptions about the role of income in influencing COVID-19 mortality outcomes at the international level, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions.
JEL Classification: I14, I18, Q18
Accessibility of Ontario pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccination by rurality, community material deprivation, and ethnic concentration : A repeated cross-sectional geospatial analysis
Authors: Alsabbagh Mhd Wasem , Pan Shayna , Wieland Markus , Waite Nancy , Houle Sherilyn , Grindrod Kelly 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Community pharmacies are largely recognized as geographically accessible; yet concerns arise regarding inequitable access to COVID-19 vaccination, especially during early vaccine availability.
Objectives
This study aims to investigate the accessibility of COVID-19 vaccination from Ontario's community pharmacies from April to December 2021 considering community-level rurality, material deprivation, and ethnic concentration.
Methods
Data from the Ontario Ministry of Health website COVID-19 vaccination pharmacies were analyzed. Pharmacy addresses were geocoded using Environics Analytics Business Data and the Postal Code Conversion File (PCCF+). Material deprivation and ethnic concentration at the Dissemination Area (DA) level were based on Public Health Ontario's marginalization data and organized into quintiles. Mean accessibility was calculated for each quintile using the 2-Step Floating Catchment Area method using service areas of 1000, 1500, or 3000 metres for urban DAs and 10000 m for rural DAs. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare mean accessibility across eight selected dates reflecting vaccine eligibility and availability changes.
Results
Of 15,174 pharmacies identified, 92.9% were successfully linked to geographic coordinates. Three eras of vaccine availability were identified: (1) Intermediate; (2) Scarcity (May 2021); and (3) Abundance (November and December 2021). During vaccine shortages, more deprived and ethnically concentrated urban areas had greater vaccine accessibility than less deprived areas, while rural areas had no access. During other periods, more deprived urban areas either showed higher accessibility or no significant difference compared to less deprived areas; however, rural deprived areas generally had lower accessibility than urban areas.
Conclusions
During COVID-19 vaccine scarcity or abundance, deprived and ethnically concentrated urban areas had similar or enhanced access compared to less deprived areas. However, rural deprived areas experienced lower accessibility. Access to pharmacies can be enhanced in rural deprived areas by incentivization and outreach. Further research examining whether this accessibility variance influenced vaccine uptake and infection rates.
Kindness is lesser preferable than happiness: Investigating interest in different effects of the Loving-kindness and Compassion Meditations
Authors: DENG Yanhe , WANG Wen , DU Taoyuan , ZENG Xianglong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The primary purpose of the Loving-kindness and Compassion Meditations (LKCM) in Buddhism was the cultivation of kindness, but many modern LKCM trainings focused on happiness, and even used the “kindness for happiness” strategy that advocate cultivation of kindness for the benefit of happiness. This study investigated whether cultivating kindness was lesser desired than enhancing happiness for potential trainees, and it impacts on LKCM training. Study 1 recruited 583 university students, study 2 involved 1075 participants from a 4-week online LKCM training. The measures included interest in meditation trainings that focused on emotional happiness, kind attitudes and other effects. Two studies cohesively supported kind attitudes were the least desired effects, and study 2 showed that higher interest in meditations on Emotional Well-being predicted increases in personal happiness. In summary, this study provided first evidence that trainees’ preference on potential effects of LKCM existed and linked with effects of training. It suggested the hedonic bias in modern positive psychology is facilitated by trainees, and encouraged further attention in the philosophical and ethical issues in the trainings. The intervention program has been retrospectively registered with the PRS on May 17, 2024, under registration number NCT06424951.
Developing of tunable attenuatter of laser beam via ZnSe thin films
Authors: Mahdi Suroor , Ali Huda Saadi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Zinc selenide thin films (ZnSe) were prepared using (ZnCl2 & Na2SeO3) compounds by deposited by spray pyrolysis technique on glass substrates under the temperature of( 200 C°), with different molar concentrations (0.05-0.075-0.1) mol/L and then annealed at a temperature of (450 C°), where it is observed that when the molar concentration increases, the thickness increases and also when the temperature increases, The results of (FE-SEM) that the surface composition has changed from a spherical Particles shape of thin films before annealing to regular, more compact spherical shapes within the Nanoscale range and smaller size. As for the results of the optical properties, it noted that the value of absorbance increases with increasing molar concentration at the point of absorption in the wavelength (320nm) before and after annealing, the results of the Photoluminescence (PL) examination Approached the visible when the violet color before annealing, after annealing, it approached more to the ultraviolet area, as well as the intensity increased, but when the concentration increased, we get the excitement of higher intensity and it was found that the band gap increases with increasing concentration (3.52- 3.70)eV and also increases after annealing (3.60 – 3.76)eV. The Laser (PSU-H-FDA) with a wavelength (473nm) and pulse laser device of the type (Fiber Laser-1064nm-100W), the input power (130 mW),(34W) respectively for all thin films it was found that the highest attenuation of laser radiation was at the higher concentration(0.1mol/L) the lower the Power transmittance(25mW) and (11W) as well as after annealing.
Climatology and trends of Atmospheric Water Vapour Transport in New Zealand
Authors: Krishna Nithin , Kingston Daniel , Mager Sarah 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Atmospheric moisture transport is crucial for understanding New Zealand's climate dynamics, particularly in influencing extreme precipitation events. While the majority of previous studies have focussed on Atmospheric Rivers (ARs), this study examines the entire spectrum of water vapour transport and its link to extreme precipitation using 40 years (1981–2020) of Integrated Water Vapour Transport (IVT) data over the region. Although ARs are important drivers of extreme precipitation, they are infrequent as they only account for less than 10% of total moisture transport at most coastal locations. Extreme water vapour transport (defined by the 90th percentile IVT threshold) corresponds more closely with precipitation extremes than ARs alone, even using an expanded AR detection range. Here, IVT is classified into strength categories from weak to strong. Over the study period, all but the weakest category of IVT has increased in frequency of occurrence over most of South Island, while decreasing in northern North Island. Similarly, monthly IVT anomaly trends show a positive trend in the South Island and negative trend in the northern North Island during warmer months. Separate analysis of windspeed and total column water (TCW) reveals the driving factors underpinning these IVT trends: TCW has increased universally across New Zealand, while windspeed has decreased in more northern regions. Correspondingly, these findings indicate the importance of analysis both dynamic and thermodynamic factors in seeking to understand hydrometeorological variation and when investigating the responses to climate change.
Vortex force map method to estimate unsteady forces from snapshot flowfield measurements
Authors: Otomo Shuji , Gehlert Pascal , Babinsky Holger , Li Juan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

An accurate non-intrusive force measurement is challenging in many situations especially those involving animals and vehicles. This paper reports a non-intrusive technique based on the vortex force map (VFM) method, which computes forces from snapshot velocity and vorticity fields obtained from the particle image velocimetry (PIV) flow measurement. This study is the first application of the VFM method to PIV velocity data. The VFM method is applied to three different kinematic families for surging flat plates and pitching NACA~0018 aerofoils at Reynolds numbers of O(104), where flowfields are characterised by a massive flow separation with the shedding of the coherent leading-edge vortex and trailing-edge vortex. In all three cases, we observe a remarkable agreement between the direct force measurements and the VFM method even if a relatively small region around aerofoils is captured for PIV. Moreover, physical explanations of the linkage between the forces and vortical structures are provided based on the visualised force contribution of each vortex. The VFM method is highly robust to noise (a significant feature in experimental fluid mechanics) and can be applied to snapshot data.
Cross Comparison of Traditional and Innovative Trend Methodologies to Understand Climate Change Process
Authors: Tuncer Gamze , Sönmez Osman , Dabanli Ismail 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The impacts of climate change have been markedly observed worldwide, particularly since the 1990s. To understand, adapt to, and prepare for the adverse consequences of climate change, it is necessary to analyze hydroclimatic parameters such as precipitation, temperature, and humidity. Assessing the average characteristics of these parameters is essential for future measures and adaptation strategies. Addressing climate change involves two main approaches: analysis of past events and generation of future projections. Trend analysis serves as a method for understanding past records. A comparative examination of well-established and recent innovative methodologies offers new insights into the dynamics of change. For this purpose, the Mann-Kendall test, Innovative Sen (ITA), and Innovative Polygon Method (IPTA) are applied, and their outcomes are compared by evaluating the record period spanning from 1966 to 2022. While the Mann-Kendall trend test generally does not imply a significant trend, the ITA approach provides outputs that should be considered for future flood and drought studies. A decreasing trend in precipitation alongside increasing trends in temperature and humidity are observed throughout the studied basin. The ITA method detected both increasing and decreasing trends in almost all of the data whereas no trend was observed according to the Mann-Kendall test. Moreover, the IPTA method provides a more detailed analysis of the time series. Consequently, it is inferred that the IPTA and ITA approaches exhibit greater sensitivity compared to the Mann-Kendall test in detecting trends.
Data-driven optimal control with neural network modeling of gradient flows
Authors: TIAN XUPING , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Liu Hailiang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Extracting physical laws from observation data is a central challenge in many diverse areas of science and engineering. We propose Optimal Control Neural Networks (OCN) to learn the laws of vector fields in dynamical systems, with no assumption on their analytical form, given data consisting of sampled trajectories. The OCN framework consists of a neural network representation and an optimal control formulation. We provide error bounds for both the solution and the vector field. The bounds are shown to depend on both the training error and the time step between the observation data. We also demonstrate the effectiveness of OCN, as well as its generalization ability, by testing on several canonical systems, including the chaotic Lorenz system.
The D’Oignies Herbarium: Contents and Origins of an early 18th Century Dutch Plant Collection in the Netherlands
Authors: Offerhaus Aleida , Andel Tinde van , Stefanaki Anastasia , Porck Henk , Kardinaal Adriaan , Bertin Alice 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

A little over 200 years ago an anonymous 18th-century herbarium was bought at auction by the National Library in The Hague. Until recently, not only did nobody know where this herbarium originated, its mystery was also surrounded by its content, beautifully dried plant specimens accompanied by garbled names. In 1868 it was handed over to the National Herbarium in Leiden (later incorporated in Naturalis Biodiversity Centre). The lack of scientific attention seemed at odds with the beauty and the possible historic relevance of this herbarium. We studied 796 digitised specimens, identifying 618 unique plant species in the process. Remarkable was the high number of exotic-, and non-medicinal, indigenous species. By determining their native range, comparing the herbarium with other, contemporary herbaria, studying paper and bindings, retracing the identity of one-time owner Simone D’Oignies, and in particular tracing the origin of the names, we were able to assess when it was made and what the scientific and societal value was. Our initial impression - that the D’Oignies herbarium was a garden herbarium - was eventually confirmed by information that upon his death, Jakob Ligtvoet (1686-1752), head gardener of the Leiden botanical garden, owned a herbarium with all the characteristics of this herbarium. Comparison with its twin herbarium, the Zierikee herbarium, convinced us that – contrary to earlier research by the author - it was the D’Oignies herbarium that matched the description of the herbarium once owned by Ligtvoet. However, both were created and kept by the gardeners of the Leiden botanical garden.
Optimal Design and Sensitivity Analysis of welded structure and Support Vector Machine application Prediction
Authors: Jueyendah Sebghatullah , Martins Carlos Humberto 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of welding design parameters and optimum cost design via Geometric Programming (GP) and the Lingo Program (LP). The first section begins with basic definitions and steps for transforming problems into the GP format, followed by comparing the GP and LP with several other optimization methods. This comparison demonstrates that GP is an effective, robust, and reliable method for optimizing linear and nonlinear problems, whereas Lingo is a simple and suitable program for locating optimal values and analyzing the solutions to engineering problems. The next part of the study concerned sensitivity analysis of the problem and determining the sensitivity of the optimal solution to certain changes in the original model. To perform sensitivity analysis, the optimal response and design parameters of the welded beam for a certain percentage of changes in P, L, бd, and τd values were evaluated and plotted as diagrams. Sensitivity analysis is a crucial component of optimization, as it determines the percentage of change at which the optimal response remains constant. To this end, the support vector machine (SVM) is trained using data from optimal design conditions. In this study, the SVM was utilized to predict the weld thickness variable (h), weld length variable (l), bar thickness (t), bar width (b), and objective function (FX). After successful testing, the model accurately predicted the parameters above, adhering to all design constraints.This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of welding design parameters and optimum cost design via Geometric Programming (GP) and the Lingo Program (LP). The first section begins with basic definitions and steps for transforming problems into the GP format, followed by comparing the GP and LP with several other optimization methods. This comparison demonstrates that GP is an effective, robust, and reliable method for optimizing linear and nonlinear problems, whereas Lingo is a simple and suitable program for locating optimal values and analyzing the solutions to engineering problems. The next part of the study concerned sensitivity analysis of the problem and determining the sensitivity of the optimal solution to certain changes in the original model. To perform sensitivity analysis, the optimal response and design parameters of the welded beam for a certain percentage of changes in P, L, бd, and τd values were evaluated and plotted as diagrams. Sensitivity analysis is a crucial component of optimization, as it determines the percentage of change at which the optimal response remains constant. To this end, the support vector machine (SVM) is trained using data from optimal design conditions. In this study, the SVM was utilized to predict the weld thickness variable (h), weld length variable (l), bar thickness (t), bar width (b), and objective function (FX). After successful testing, the model accurately predicted the parameters above, adhering to all design constraints.
Comparison of different treatment methods which are used for phenol removal: A mini review
Authors: Patel Mahesh , Patel Dharmendra , Pillai Parwathi 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the various adsorption methods developed over time for phenol removal. Phenolic substances pose significant threats to aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. If not properly controlled and treated before discharge, industrial effluents contaminated with phenol can cause detrimental effects on surface and groundwater resources. In comparison with advanced treatments such as ozonation, UV therapy, and the Fenton process, which are associated with higher energy costs, conventional physicochemical treatment methods like adsorption, chemical treatment, membrane filtration, and distillation offer superior removal efficiencies. Pistachio nut shell ash, Moringa peregrina tree shell ash, agricultural fibres, red mud, low-cost clay, olive mill waste, natural zeolites, rubber seed coat, peat, fly ash, and bentonite are just a few examples of the adsorbents and adsorption processes that have been used in literature to remove phenol and its derivatives. For instance, biosorption has been shown to be a successful technique with room for further study in this area regarding regeneration and cost–effectiveness. As a result, numerous researchers in the field of phenolic treatment have emphasized the effectiveness of physicochemical processes over time. Furthermore, additional investigation is required to determine the practical application of inexpensive adsorbents on commercial basis.