bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health care utilization of patients with acute abdominal pain before and after emergency department visits
Authors: Verleger Katharina Masal , Fischer-Rosinsky Antje , Möckel Martin , Schneider Anna , Slagman Anna , Keil Thomas , Schenk Liane 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Acute abdominal pain (AAP) is a major driver for capacity-use in emergency departments (EDs) worldwide. Yet, the association of health care utilization of patients with AAP before and after the ED remains unclear. The primary objective of this study was to describe adult patients presenting to the ED with AAP and their outpatient care (OC) use before and after the ED. Secondary objectives included description of hospitalization rates, in-hospital mortality, ED re-visits, and exploration of potential risk factors for hospitalization and ED re-visits.
Methods
For the analysis, we combined routine hospital data from patients who visited 15 EDs in Germany in 2016 with their statutory health insurance OC claims data from 2014 to 2017. Adult patients were included based on a chief complaint or an ED diagnosis indicating unspecific AAP or the Manchester Triage System indicator “Abdominal pain in adults”. Baseline characteristics, ED diagnosis, frequency and reason of hospitalization, frequency and type of prior-OC (prOC) use up to 3 days before and of post-OC use up to 30 days after the ED visit.
Main results
We identified 28085 adults aged ≥20 years with AAP. 39.8% were hospitalized, 33.9% sought prOC before the ED visit (48.6% of them were hospitalized) and 62.7% sought post-OC up to 30 days after the ED visit. Hospitalization was significantly more likely for elderly patients (aged 65 and above vs. younger; adjusted OR 3.05 [95% CI: 2.87; 3.25]), prOC users (1.71 [1.61; 1.90]) and men (1.44 [1.37; 1.52]). In-hospital mortality rate was 3.1% overall. Re-visiting the ED within 30 days was more likely for elderly patients (1.32 [1.13; 1.55) and less likely for those with prOC use (0.37 [0.31; 0.44]).
Conclusions
prOC use was associated with more frequent hospitalizations but fewer ED re-visits. ED visits by prOC patients without subsequent hospitalization may indicate difficulties of OC resources to meet the complex diagnostic requirements and expectations of this patient population. Less ED re-visits in prOC users indicate effective care in this subgroup.
Innovative Approaches to Clinical Diagnosis: Transfer Learning in Facial Image Classification for Celiac Disease Identification
Authors: BİLGİÇ Elif KESKİN , GÖKBAY Asst.Prof.Dr. Inci ZAİM , KAYAR Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yusuf 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Celiac disease arises from gluten consumption and shares symptoms with other conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis. Untreated celiac disease heightens the risk of autoimmune disorders, neurological issues, and certain cancers like lymphoma while also impacting skin health due to intestinal disruptions. This study uses facial photos to distinguish individuals with celiac disease from those without. Surprisingly, there is a lack of research involving transfer learning for this purpose despite its benefits such as faster training, enhanced performance, and reduced overfitting. While numerous studies exist on endoscopic intestinal photo classification and few have explored the link between facial morphology measurements and celiac disease, none has concentrated on diagnosing celiac disease through facial photo classification.
Methods: This study sought to apply transfer learning techniques with VGG16 to address a gap in research by identifying distinct facial features that differentiate patients with celiac disease from healthy individuals. A dataset containing total 200 adult facial images of individuals with and without celiac condition was utilized. Half of the dataset comprised a ratio of 70% females to 30% males with celiac condition, and the rest of half has 60% females to 40% males without celiac condition. Among those with celiac condition, 28 were newly diagnosed and 72 were previously diagnosed, with 25 not adhering to a gluten-free diet and 47 partially adhering to such a diet.
Results: Utilizing transfer learning, the model achieved a 73% accuracy in classifying facial images of patients during testing, with corresponding precision, recall, and F1-score values of 0.54, 0.56, and 0.52 respectively. Training involved 50,178 parameters, showcasing the model's efficacy in diagnostic image analysis.
Conclusions: The model correctly classified approximately three-quarters of the test images. While this is a reasonable level of accuracy, it also suggests that there is room for improvement as the dataset contains images that are inherently difficult to classify even for human. Increasing the proportion of newly diagnosed patients in the dataset and expanding the dataset size could have notably improved the model's efficacy. Despite being the first study in this field, further refinement holds promise for the development of a diagnostic tool for celiac disease using transfer learning in medical image analysis, addressing the lack of prior studies in this area.
Exploring the Interplay of Meteorological Variables, Government Policies, and Malaria Epidemiology: Towards an Optimal Predictive Model for Malaria Spread in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Egbom S. E. , Nduka F. O. , Nzeako S. O. , NWAFOR G.O , Bartholomew D. C. , Nwaigwe C.C , Iwu H. C , Ogbonna C.J , Nwokike C. I. , Opara M. C , Ezenwaka C. O , Anyanwu E. O , Nwachukwu J. I 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Malaria continues to be a serious public health issue, especially in tropical and subtropical areas where the dynamics of its transmission are greatly influenced by environmental conditions. The objective of this research is to examine the impact of meteorological factors, and governmental policies on malaria epidemiology to determine the most effective model for forecasting and comprehending the transmission of malaria in Rivers State, Nigeria.
Method:
Three statistical models for count data were compared to identify the most influential meteorological variables and government policy and establish their associations with malaria transmission. The best count data model was compared with a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model using some known model evaluation metrics.
Results:
The results obtained showed that the best count data model out of the two models considered in this study is the Quasi-Poisson Model because it resulted in a smaller Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) value. The SARIMAX Model outperformed the Quasi-Poisson model and showed that season, precipitation and government policies were significant at a 5% level of significance in explaining the variations in the monthly number of malaria cases in Rivers State, Nigeria (Jan. 2007 – Dec. 2021). Further, the SARIMAX (1,1,0)(1,1,1)12 model showed that the current number of malaria cases depends on the past year’s number of cases.
Conclusion:
The findings of this study highlight the need for a multifaceted approach to malaria control in Rivers State, addressing not only the meteorological factors but also the governance-related determinant of the disease. The identified optimal model serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare practitioners, enabling them to make informed decisions and implement targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of malaria outbreaks.
Submerged Arc Welding process: enhancement of production performance based on metallurgical observations
Authors: Conte Romina , Battista Francesco Raffaele , Ambrogio Giuseppina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Welding processes are widely used technologies in the industrial context for creating permanent connections between mechanical components. This popularity is due to their versatility, which arises from the numerous available process variants and the multiple advantages they offer compared to other joining techniques. In the manufacturing context, where devices often operate in extreme conditions, the quality of welds becomes a critical factor in ensuring the safety and reliability of the manufactured products. Additionally, the increasingly stringent design specifications demanded by customers must be carefully considered. To address these needs and to define the optimal roadmap for the investigated process condition, an experimental investigation was conducted on the Submerged Arc Welding process. The experimental trials involved butt joints of ASTM A516 Gr.70 carbon steel plates with different thicknesses in a flat position, utilizing a U-shaped chamfer and a multi-pass welding technique. For each weldment, the effects of the main process parameters on the qualitative characteristics of the manufactured products was evaluated from a metallurgical perspective. This evaluation included an in-depth metallographic analysis, which measured the dimensions of the heat-affected zones and the amount of ferrite and perlite in the final joint microstructure. Furthermore, the joint quality was assessed with regard to mechanical strength through hardness measurements. By analysing the experimental data, the paper provides a valuable contribution for increasing the productivity of the investigated welding process, while simultaneously meeting the specified industrial quality requirements for the products made of medium-thickness carbon steels.
The decline of Pacific Salmon: Catalyst of Social-Ecological Leaps in British Columbia
Authors: Lefrançois Hugo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The ecological crisis goes far beyond global warming: the decline in biodiversity also affects communities' wellbeing worldwide. Those impacts are particularly striking when it comes to cultural keystone species, i.e. species that shape the culture – and the social fabric – of a people. In British Columbia, salmon species are recognized as cultural keystone. However, salmon populations have plummeted over recent decades. While the psychosocial consequences of this decline have been explored in the literature, research is scarce as to how positive social-ecological change can stem from community responses to such disasters. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders (n = 11), this research demonstrates that the decline in salmon populations in British Columbia has proven to be a catalyst for responses promoting social-ecological change, and explores how some of the communities impacted found innovative ways to “leap” forward in front of such adversity. By bridging the gap between the concepts of cultural keystone species and the transformative dimension of social-ecological resilience, I present cultural keystone species as unique drivers of change which should be accounted for by social workers and policymakers. Indeed, the results demonstrate the far-reaching ramifications of such change, by focusing on instances where conservation, restoration and monitoring projects successfully contributed to addressing deeply entrenched issues such as colonialism, extractivism or capitalism. Therefore, this research shows that salmon-oriented initiatives, beyond their impact on the ecosystems, also have an impact on the social fabric of the communities involved — for the better.
An efficient power optimization method for fixed polarity Reed-Muller logic circuits based on a multi-strategy gray wolf optimization algorithm
Authors: 曹 新龙 , He Zhenxue , Zhao Xiaojun , Zhang Xiaodan , Wang Yijin , Wang Tao , Xiao Limin , Wang Xiang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Optimization of power consumption has emerged as a pivotal objective in the domain of integrated circuit design. The optimization of Fixed Polarity Reed-Muller (FPRM) circuit power entails addressing a combinatorial optimization challenge that seeks to identify the optimal polarity configuration within the polarity optimization space, ultimately minimizing power consumption. In the current methodologies for FPRM circuit power optimization, drawbacks such as suboptimal efficiency and subpar results are evident. In response to these challenges, we introduce a novel Multi-Strategy Grey Wolf Optimization (M-GWO) algorithm. M-GWO leverages chaotic mapping for population initialization, integrates a global search optimizer inspired by the stochastic and spiral search behaviors of the whale optimization algorithm, and incorporates a local depth-exploiting optimizer based on the running and predation behaviors of the wolf pack optimization algorithm. Subsequently, we present a power optimization approach for FPRM logic circuits, utilizing the M-GWO algorithm. This method employs M-GWO to explore the polarity optimization space of FPRM circuits, seeking the optimal polarity configuration with minimal power consumption to achieve circuit power optimization. Experimental validation, conducted on the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina Benchmark test circuits and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Congress on Evolutionary Computation benchmarks test functions, attests to the efficacy, superiority, and universality of the M-GWO.
Keratosis conjunctiva of unknown significance: a case report
Authors: huang lihong , Zhang Dazheng , Zhou Jing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Cutaneous hornis a relatively uncommon neoplasm of the eyelid skin, frequently observed in exposed areas such as the extremities, head, and face. However, its etiology remains incompletely elucidated.
Case presentation
We report the case of a 32-year-old Asian female patient who presented with corneal mass of right eye of 10 years duration. She was examined and underwent excision, with biopsy showing cornea cutaneous horn.
Conclusion
The mass is benign and exhibits a slow growth pattern. However, post-removal, the mass demonstrated recurrent enlargement. It is hypothesized that the disease may bear resemblance to solar keratosis. Consequently, the etiology remains uncertain and further investigation is warranted.
Electrochemical and Computational study of the Ocimum Americanum Extract for steel in Acidic medium: A Green Pathway to reduce the corrosion of steel
Authors: Sharma Abhishek , Jande Raghvi , Saxena Akhil , Kaur Jasdeep 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study explores the potential of Ocimum Americanum as an environmentally friendly steel corrosion inhibitor in an acidic medium, as many industrial applications suffer from corrosion. The study aims to reduce corrosion by utilizing Ocimum Americanum'sinherent benefits as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional inhibitors. The capacity of Ocimum Americanum to regulate corrosion was evaluated using various surface analytical and electrochemical techniques. Steel was tested for corrosion using PDP and EIS in an acidic medium containing extract from Ocimum Americanum at varying concentrations. Ocimum Americanum'sefficiency as a green corrosion inhibitor was demonstrated through surface examination techniques like SEM and UV, revealing a significant reduction in corrosion rate. The study found that Ocimum Americanum extracts form a protective layer on mild steel surfaces, limiting corrosive attack in acidic media due to morphological changes and functional groups. The study evaluated the environmental friendliness of Ocimum Americanum as a corrosion inhibitor, focusing on its biodegradability and toxicity compared to conventional chemical inhibitors. Ocimum Americanum's sustained quality provides a strong argument for its use in economic sectors to mitigate environmental harm.
Fetal Right Heart Strain in Systemic Right Ventricles and Impact on Post-Surgical Outcomes
Authors: DeCarlo Dana , Sriniva Ranjini , Cha Christine , Pierce Kristyn , Singh Rakesh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and its variants rely on the right ventricle (RV) to provide cardiac output. Diminished RV systolic function has been associated with poor clinical outcomes in this population. Echocardiographic strain has emerged as a useful method to quantify RV deformation. We aimed to describe fetal strain in the systemic RV and further investigate if there was any correlation with clinical outcomes.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single center study evaluating strain in fetuses with systemic RV. We measured fetal RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and segmental strain using Tomtec 2D speckle tracking software and compared these findings to controls.
Results: Fifty patients with systemic RV were included in the study group with controls matched one to one for each echocardiogram. Ten patients died after first stage palliation. GLS was reproducible, with interobserver ICC 0.82. There was no statistically significant difference in GLS amongst different HLHS subtypes. Abnormal GLS did not correlate with worse clinical outcomes.
Conclusions: GLS in systemic RVs in the 2nd and 3rd trimester did not vary significantly throughout gestation and did not correlate with clinical outcomes. Risk factors associated with poor outcome were mainly postnatal. Multi-centered studies are needed to determine if these findings hold true in a larger sample size.
Decision Tree Learning Algorithms for WDM Systems' Performance Prediction
Authors: Morsy Emadeldeen , Ismail Nour , Aly Moustafa H. , Banawan Karim 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We consider the problem of predicting the performance of an operational wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system using machine learning techniques. We assess the performance of the WDM system using the quality value metric (Q-val). To that end, we construct an actual WDM dataset, whose records are generated using four live WDM systems. We export these records using different optical measurement tools, such as reflectometers, spectrum analyzers, and the operating management system for each WDM system. To circumvent the difficulty of theoretical analysis of WDM system performance, we propose using machine learning techniques for predicting such performance. We employ the decision tree learning techniques to predict the Q-val, namely, the decision tree regressor (DTR) and the decision tree classifier (DTC). By training DTR on the constructed dataset and using shuffle-split cross-validation, we show that DTR outperforms DTC in terms of the R2 score, specifically, our DTR achieves an R2 score of 96.2%, while the testing score records 89.65%. The proposed DTR machine learning model outperforms the known benchmark of support vector machine (SVM), which merely achieves a training R2 score of 92.2%. In addition, our numerical results show ≈ 3000 reduction in total running time when using DTR compared to SVM.
Production of 1,4-butanediol through Clostridia C4 pathways
Authors: Zha Mingwei , Gu Jiangxin , Chen Jian , Zhang Huifang , Li Mengting , Chen Yong , Niu Huanqing , Zhu Chenjie , Guo Ting , Wang Zhenyu , Liu Dong , Ying Hanjie 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO) is an important building block in the chemical industry that has been mainly produced from fossil fuels, but now biosynthesis of 1,4-BDO has received more and more attention due to environmental issues. The Clostridia C4 pathway produces an intermediate crotonyl-CoA which could be diverted to 1,4-BDO by 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydratase (4HBD). Here, we compared this pathway with other 1,4-BDO biosynthesis pathways and illustrated its potential advantages regarding cellular energy conservation and theoretical yield. Then, the feasibility of 1,4-BDO production in this way was tested by simply introducing a single 4HBD in Clostridium acetobutylicum that natively produced the C4 intermediate and a variety of aldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenases (AdhE). Five different 4HBD genes were screened and the Cbei-2100 gene from Clostridium beijerinckii was the most effective, producing 66 mg/L of 1,4-BDO. To block the metabolic flux towards the main product butanol, disruption of butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase (Bcd) was tried but failed, while inactivation of its homologue (FAD/FMN-containing dehydrogenase, Fcd) obtained little effect. Alternatively, the electron-transferring flavoprotein EtfA coupled with Bcd was inactivated, and 1,4-BDO production was greatly increased to 182 mg/L. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the feasibility of 1,4-BDO production through the Clostridia C4 pathway. Further blocking of the competing flux towards butanol would be effective to improve the production in the future.
Phylogenetic Diversity Across the Complete Tree of Life
Authors: Rosindell James , Guo Jialiang , McTavish Emily Jane 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In the face of rapid biodiversity loss, many approaches have been developed to measure biodiversity in ways that go beyond species richness. One prominent example is Phylogenetic Diversity (PD), which measures evolutionary history by summing the branches required to connect a set of species on a dated phylogenetic tree. PD may also capture other biodiversity measures by proxy such as the richness of biological features and their potential future benefits for humanity, sometimes known as ‘future options’. The total global PD is known for some well-studied groups, such as most vertebrates, but PD estimates are lacking for the majority of the tree of life. Here, we characterize the distribution of PD across the complete tree of life with over 2.2 million species. To do this we use data from the Open Tree of Life and a smoothing method to interpolate between nodes without date information. We estimate that the PD represented by all described species together is between 29 and 33 trillion years. We characterize the distribution of evolutionary distinctiveness, a measure of the fair share of PD captured by individual species, across all life and within selected clades. Many clades have bimodal distributions of evolutionary distinctiveness across species which may be due to changes in diversification rate within subclades. PD has previously been used as the basis for conservation prioritization schemes such as EDGE (Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered) which synthesizes phylogenetic tree data with extinction risk data from the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Here we estimate EDGE scores for over 130,000 species, many more than have been done previously. The top EDGE species is Latimeria chalumnae, the critically endangered West Indian Ocean coelacanth. We hope this work will pave the way for more complete and automated analyses of PD and EDGE scores across the complete tree of life.