bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acceptability of a Digital Adherence Tool Among Patients With Tuberculosis and Tuberculosis Care Providers in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Mtenga Alan Elias , Maro Rehema Anenmose , Dillip Angel , Msoka Perry , Emmanuel Naomi , Ngowi Kennedy , Sumari-de Boer Marion 
Published: May 2024

Background
The World Health Organization has recommended digital adherence tools (DATs) as a promising intervention to improve antituberculosis drug adherence. However, the acceptability of DATs in resource-limited settings is not adequately studied.

Objective
We investigated the acceptability of a DAT among patients with tuberculosis (TB) and TB care providers in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

Methods
We conducted a convergent parallel mixed methods study among patients with TB and TB care providers participating in our 2-arm cluster randomized trial (REMIND-TB). The trial aimed to investigate whether the evriMED pillbox with reminder cues and adherence feedback effectively improves adherence to anti-TB treatment among patients with TB in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. We conducted exit and in-depth interviews among patients as well as in-depth interviews among TB care providers in the intervention arm. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the quantitative data from exit interviews. Translated transcripts and memos were organized using NVivo software. We employed inductive and deductive thematic framework analysis, guided by Sekhon’s theoretical framework of acceptability.

Results
Out of the 245 patients who completed treatment, 100 (40.8%) were interviewed during exit interviews, and 18 patients and 15 TB care providers were interviewed in-depth. Our findings showed that the DAT was highly accepted: 83% (83/100) expressed satisfaction, 98% (98/100) reported positive experiences with DAT use, 78% (78/100) understood how the intervention works, and 92% (92/100) successfully used the pillbox. Good perceived effectiveness was reported by 84% (84/100) of the participants who noticed improved adherence, and many preferred continuing receiving reminders through SMS text messages, indicating high levels of self-efficacy. Ethical concerns were minimal, as 85 (85%) participants did not worry about remote monitoring. However, some participants felt burdened using DATs; 9 (9%) faced difficulties keeping the device at home, 12 (12%) were not pleased with receiving daily reminder SMS text messages, and 30 (30%) reported challenges related to mobile network connectivity issues. TB care providers accepted the intervention due to its perceived impact on treatment outcomes and behavior change in adherence counseling, and they demonstrated high level of intervention coherence.

Conclusions
DATs are highly acceptable in Tanzania. However, some barriers such as TB-related stigma and mobile network connectivity issues may limit acceptance.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
RR2-10.1186/s13063-019-3483-4
THE FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF 6-THIOGUANINE AS A NANOSTRUCTURE LIPID CARRIER FOR THE TARGETED DELIVERY OF BREAST CANCER
Authors: HASHIM ALAA A. , ALTEMEMY DHIYA , MOHAMMAD HUSSEIN ABDELAMIR , MAHMOOD HASANAIN SHAKIR , M. HUSSEIN RADHWAN , REZAEI MAHSA , KHOSRAVIAN PEGAH 
Published: May 2024

Objective: The main goal was to avoid all the problems associated with usual breast cancer treatment by using 6-thioguanine as a nanostructure lipid carrier (TG-NLCS). This was accomplished by administering an effective and targeted dose of 6-thioguanine (TG) to the tumour site using a long-lasting and biodegradable delivery system.
Methods: A combination of heat homogenization and ultrasonication was used to implement the emulsification process. To obtain the optimal formulation, the prepared formulations were first assessed for particle size, Polydispersity Index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading capacity. Additionally, a range of physicochemical characterization techniques were employed, including dissolution studies, melting point determination, Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), as well as cytotoxicity assessment of TG-NLCs in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Results: The selected formula, TG03, showed a zeta potential of-13.5±0.27 mV and a particle size of 149±0.55 nm. This was further examined using a FESEM. In the in vitro drug release study, the formula demonstrated better-controlled drug release for 48 h in comparison to other formulations. In addition, the significant anti-proliferation activity of TG-NLCs against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.
Conclusion: Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are one type of multifunctional nanoparticle that includes many combinations of lipids and medicines for various delivery routes.
Cold Diffusion Model for Seismic Denoising
Authors: Trappolini Daniele , Laurenti Laura , Poggiali Giulio , Tinti Elisa , Galasso Fabio , Michelini Alberto , Marone Chris 
Published: May 2024

Seismic waves contain information about the earthquake source, the
geologic structure they traverse, and many forms of noise. Separating
the noise from the earthquake is a difficult task because optimal
parameters for filtering noise typically vary with time and, if chosen
inappropriately, may strongly alter the original seismic waveform.
Diffusion models based on Deep Learning (DL) have demonstrated
remarkable capabilities in restoring images and audio signals. However,
those models assume a Gaussian distribution of noise, which is not the
case for typical seismic noise. Motivated by the effectiveness of
“cold” diffusion models in speech enhancement, medical anomaly
detection, and image restoration, we present a cold variant for seismic
data restoration. We describe the first Cold Diffusion Model for Seismic
Denoising (CDiffSD), including key design aspects, model architecture,
and noise handling. Using metrics to quantify the performance of CDiffSD
models compared to previous works, we demonstrate that it provides a new
standard in performance. CDiffSD significantly improved the Signal to
Noise Ratio (SNR) by about 18% compared to previous models. It also
enhanced Cross-correlation by 6%, showing a better match between
denoised and original signals. Moreover, testing revealed a 50%
increase in the recall of P-wave picks for seismic picking. Our work
show that CDiffSD outperforms existing benchmarks, further underscoring
its effectiveness in seismic data denoising and analysis. Additionally,
the versatility of this model suggests its potential applicability
across a range of tasks and domains, such as GNSS, Lab Acoustic
Emission, and DAS data, offering promising avenues for further
utilization.
Himawari-ANU: A recalibrated geostationary land surface temperature dataset based on MODIS spatiotemporal characteristics
Authors: Yu Yi , Renzullo Luigi J. , McVicar Tim R. , Niel Thomas G. Van , Cai Dejun , Tian Siyuan 
Published: May 2024

The geostationary Himawari-8 satellite offers a unique opportunity to
monitor sub-daily thermal dynamics over Asia and Oceania, and several
operational land surface temperature (LST) retrieval algorithms have
been developed for this purpose. However, studies have reported
inconsistency between LST data obtained from geostationary and
polar-orbiting platforms, particularly for daytime LST, which usually
shows directional artefacts and can be strongly impacted by viewing and
illumination geometries and shadowing effects. To overcome this
challenge, Solar Zenith Angle (SZA) serves as an ideal physical variable
to quantify systematic differences between platforms. Here we presented
an SZA-based Calibration (SZAC) method to operationally calibrate the
daytime component of a split-window retrieved Himawari-8 LST (referred
to here as the baseline). SZAC describes the spatial heterogeneity and
magnitude of diurnal LST discrepancies from different products. The SZAC
coefficient was spatiotemporally optimised against highest-quality
assured (error < 1 K) pixels from the MODerate-resolution
Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) daytime LST between 01/Jan/2016 and
31/Dec/2020. We evaluated the calibrated LST data, referred to as the
Australian National University LST with SZAC (ANU),
against MODIS LST and the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite
(VIIRS) LST, as well as in-situ LST from the OzFlux network. Two
peer Himawari-8 LST products from Chiba University and the Copernicus
Global Land Service were also collected for comparisons. The median
daytime bias of ANU LST against Terra-MODIS LST,
Aqua-MODIS LST and VIIRS LST was 1.52 K, 0.98 K and -0.63 K,
respectively, which demonstrated improved performance compared to
baseline (5.37 K, 4.85 K and 3.02 K, respectively) and Chiba LST (3.71
K, 2.90 K and 1.07 K, respectively). All four Himawari-8 LST products
showed comparable performance of unbiased root mean squared error
(ubRMSE), ranging from 2.47 to 3.07 K, compared to LST from
polar-orbiting platforms. In the evaluation against in-situ LST,
the overall mean values of bias (ubRMSE) of baseline, Chiba, Copernicus
and ANU LST during daytime were 4.23 K (3.74 K),
2.16 K (3.62 K), 1.73 K (3.31 K) and 1.41 K (3.24 K), respectively,
based on 171,289 hourly samples from 20 OzFlux sites across Australia
between 01/Jan/2016 and 31/Dec/2020. In summary, the SZAC method offers
a promising approach to enhance the reliability of geostationary LST
retrievals by incorporating the spatiotemporal characteristics observed
by accurate polar-orbiting LST data. Furthermore, it is possible to
extend SZAC for LST estimation by using data acquired by geostationary
satellites in other regions, e.g., Europe, Africa and Americas, as this
could improve our understanding of the error characteristics of
overlapped geostationary imageries, allowing for targeted refinements
and calibrations to further enhance applicability.
Towards Sustainable Iron Ore Tailings Management: Exploiting Versatile Reuse Opportunities for Environmental and Economic Benefits
Authors: Kumar Gummadivalli Shiva , Sharma Aparna , Tripathi Durga Prasad , Nema Arvind Kumar 
Published: May 2024

Mining and refining of iron ore result in prodigious quantities of Iron
Ore Tailings (IOTs), necessitating urgent adoption of sustainable
management practices. Depleted iron ore reserves underscore the untapped
value of IOTs’ iron content. To minimize waste generation and optimize
resource utilization, efficient extraction of iron content from ores is
imperative. Accurate identification of ore seams during or before mining
mitigates gangue and waste accumulation, resulting in cost savings in
material processing, refining, transportation, and disposal. Recycling
IOTs from older processing lines into newer, more efficient ones
presents a promising avenue for sustainable resource utilization.
Available options for IOT reuse span various domains. IOTs serve as
building materials (bricks, cement, concrete), providing cost-effective
alternatives. Road construction, embankments, and structural fills
utilize IOTs as construction materials. Additionally, IOTs demonstrate
versatility in manufacturing processes, including ceramics, foam glass,
and geopolymer-based materials. Applications in paints, pigments,
slow-release fertilizers, and microcrystalline glass further expand the
scope of IOT utilization. This study highlights the urgency of IOT
reuse/recycling for environmental and economic reasons. It underscores
the wealth of available reuse options, emphasizing recycling’s pivotal
role in sustainable resource management. Examination of these potential
applications charts the course toward environmentally conscious and
economically viable management of IOTs.
Article
in AGU23 Website
“Todo dia ela faz tudo igual”: o conflito trabalho-família a partir da percepção de mulheres digital influencers
Authors: Cursino Adélia Marina de Campos , Mota-Santos Carolina Maria , Carvalho-Neto Antônio Moreira de , Diniz Daniela Martins 
Published: May 2024

Este artigo apresenta resultados de estudo destinado a analisar como as mulheres digital influencers conciliam o trabalho com a vida pessoal. Quanto ao método, foi realizada pesquisa qualitativa com 20 mulheres influencers que trabalham em algo essencialmente novo, baseado nas plataformas digitais. Os dados obtidos revelam que há uma mistura entre duas áreas da vida das mulheres, o trabalho e o lazer, e o conflito trabalho-família fica mais evidente no caso das influencers. Este estudo avança, então, ao evidenciar essa interseção entre trabalho e lazer, que se tornam uma única dimensão na vida das mulheres entrevistadas.
Effect of Neisseria gonorrhea Infection on Gene Expression of p53 and cIAP2 Genes in Cervical Cancer
Authors: A. Kazaal Meraim 
Published: May 2024

Background: Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhea) is one of the most common bacterial infections causing health problems in the epithelial lining of the cervix. Previous studies did not adequately address its role in cervical cancer (CEC), therefore, the current study aimed to determine the impact of N. gonorrhea infection on gene expression of p53 and cIAP2 in CEC. Materials and Methods: samples were collected from 20 women suffering from cervical cancer with N. gonorrhea infection (CC-NG), and 20 women who had cervical cancer without N. gonorrhea infection (CC) and 40 healthy women as the control group. N. gonorrhea diagnosis was done by Modified Thayer-Martin (MTM) agar and gram stain. Gene expression of p53 and cIAP2 was carried out using real-time PCR. Results: P53 and cIAP2 genes had high molecular expression (folding change) in CC-NG (17.172 and 31.135 respectively) and CC (16.02 and 15.45 respectively) compared to healthy control (1.00) (P>0.05). Moreover, when the expression of both genetic indicators was compared to each other an increase in gene transcription in the cases of CC-NG compared to CC was observed. The antibiotic resistance pattern for the tested Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains was as follows: to ceftriaxone (100%), penicillin (96%), amoxicillin (90%), tetracycline (89%) and ciprofloxacin (77%) but low to cefixime (4%), spectinomycin (5%) and azithromycin (9 2%). Conclusion: N. gonorrhea infection can be determine as risk factor for CEC development.
Urbicidio o la muerte litúrgica de la ciudad
Authors: Mena Fernando Carrión 
Published: May 2024

Naciones Unidas señaló que este siglo es el de las ciudades, debido a que allí vive la mayor cantidad de población del planeta (3.980 millones de habitantes); adicionalmente, a que las urbes han logrado un protagonismo tal que conjuntamente con los Estados y las grandes corporaciones mundiales se han convertido en los tres actores más importantes a nivel planetario. Sin embargo y paradójicamente, nunca se las ha destruido tanto como ahora de forma masiva, selectiva y bajo una gran diversidad de situaciones, todas las cuales pueden ser comprendidas bajo del concepto de Urbicidio (CARRIÓN, 2012, 2017).
Mathematical Modeling of Alopecia Areata: Unraveling Hair Cycle Dynamics, Disease Progression, and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Alzubadi Hanadi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This paper describes the model development process in detail, including the formulation of equations and parameters based on existing knowledge of hair cycle dynamics and immune system interactions. Various analyses are conducted to gain insights into the behavior of the model. Illustrative simulations are performed to observe the temporal dynamics of the disease progression under different conditions. Sensitivity analysis using eFAST (Extended Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test) is employed to identify the most influential parameters affecting the length of the anagen phase in hair follicles affected by alopecia areata. The findings of the study shed light on the complex dynamics of alopecia areata and contribute to a deeper understanding of the disease mechanisms. The model provides a valuable tool for studying autoimmune hair loss diseases and may have implications for the diagnosis and treatment of such conditions. By simulating the immune response and its effects on hair follicles, the model offers insights into potential treatment strategies that can target immune dysregulation. The temporal mathematical model presented in this dissertation provides a comprehensive framework for investigating alopecia areata and understanding its underlying dynamics. The integration of hair cycle dynamics and immune system interactions enhances our knowledge of the disease and opens avenues for future advancements in diagnosis and treatment approaches.
Empowering Innovation and Performance in Higher Education: The Transformative Role of Participative Decision-Making
Authors: Meng Xin , Zhang Hao , Yang Bo , Yang Lianrong , Liu Ying 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Higher education institutions rely heavily on effective decision-making processes to shape teacher effectiveness, which in turn influences the performance and creativity crucial for fostering innovation and critical thinking among students. This research paper explores the significant impact of leadership decision-making styles, particularly participative decision-making, on teacher performance and creativity within the context of higher education. From 2016 to 2024, by examining the interplay between administrative heads and teachers and analyzing gendered perceptions, the study reveals the profound influence of participative decision-making on enhancing academic outcomes and offers actionable insights for administrators and policymakers.
Research on Production Prediction Method of Multi-stage Fractured Shale Gas Horizontal Well
Authors: Yin Rongwang , Zhang Shaowei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Shale gas is a crucial component of unconventional energy. Productivity evaluation of gas wells is essential to ensure efficient and stable production. However, predicting productivity has been challenging due to the complex characteristics of shale gas reservoirs and the use of multi-stage fractured horizontal wells (MFHW) technology in the development process. This study compares traditional production prediction methods with an optimized least squares support vector machine model (LSSVM). The traditional productivity prediction method involves establishing a mathematical model of the MFHW in a fully enclosed rectangular shale formation. The model considers the effects of shale gas adsorption, diffusion, and pressure sensitivity. The model’s analytical solution is obtained using Duhamel’s principle, Laplace transform, and inverse transform. An independent production data analysis software is developed based on the analytical solution of bottom-hole pressure to predict production. To implement the LSSVM model, the model’s input parameters must be determined first. The LSSVM model’s regularization parameters and kernel parameters are obtained through the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, and the prediction model is established. The model’s matching is evaluated by calculating the coefficient of determination (R2) and the normalized root mean square error (NRMSE).
The results indicate that the traditional production capacity prediction method is suitable for stable production in terms of applicability. However, the LSSVM model does not have this limitation and generally provides more accurate predictions throughout the entire production process. For complex shale gas reservoirs that frequently switch wells and use multi-stage fracturing technology, the LSSVM model is more suitable for predicting shale gas well productivity.
Probing into the Impacts of Endogenous and Exogenous Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAS) in Fish Health and Growth – A Review
Authors: Kalaiselvan Pandi , Malarvizhi Kavitha , Ranjan Amit 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are small organic acids that exist in the fish gastrointestinal tract, mainly acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These SCFAs are produced through anaerobic fermentation of dietary non-digestible carbohydrates by gut microbes. Though enough studies have been devoted to showcasing the potential of SCFAs in human nutrition, the research on their production, potential, and existence in fish has been comparatively limited until recently. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge regarding SCFAs in aquaculture. It starts with commenting on the different sources, such as substrate and microbial species that are responsible for the production of SCFAs and their transportation and ends up depicting the relationship between biofloc technology and SCFA production. This review also discusses the factors influencing SCFA production, such as environment, diet, and feeding habits of fish. Furthermore, the biological functions of SCFAs have been highlighted, and critical findings were compiled, including immunomodulatory effects, physiological response, gut health, and immunity.
Assessment of Welfare of Pekin Ducks Reared in Intensive Production System in Poland Using Transect Method
Authors: Damaziak Krzysztof , Marchewka Joanna , Wójcik Wojciech , Sztandarski Patryk 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the practical application of the Transect Walk (TW) method on a commercial farm, focusing on different ages of Orvia ST5 Pekin ducks. The study was conducted in four flocks of Orvia ST5 ducks, reared in two identical buildings. Flocks 1 and 3 were housed in building 1, while flocks 2 and 4 occupied building 2. A total of 8,000 ducklings were allocated to rearing, with 2,000 in each flock. The welfare of the ducks was assessed at 5, 6, and 7 weeks of age using the TW method, which involved assessing indicators such as immobility, lameness, dirtiness, small size, head wounds, back wounds, tail wounds, feather loss, illness, terminal illness, being flipped, or being deceased. Information regarding factors contributing to reduced carcass quality was gathered from the slaughterhouse. It was observed that all welfare indicators, except for head and tail wounds, were equally effective in assessing duck welfare and accounted for up to 82.13% of the variation in welfare. Lameness emerged as the most prevalent factor associated with reduced welfare, showing a strong correlation with immobility. Both indicators exhibited a significant interaction with age and flock (P = 0.001 and P = 0.029, respectively). Feather loss emerged as another crucial indicator of reduced welfare in the examined flocks. The percentage of featherless ducks varied from 0.29% to 3.50% and was significantly influenced by both duck age and flock (both P<0.001). Additionally, it showed a significant and positive correlation with immobility (P<0.05). The primary issues identified during duck culling were associated with skin problems and leg and joint issues. Statistically significant variations were noted among flocks concerning the frequency of indicators linked to reduced welfare. This variance was attributed to the specific building where the ducks were raised. The findings of this study suggest the incorporation of the TW method in future welfare assessments, utilizing the 10 welfare indicators employed while excluding head and tail wounds.