bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Daneshvar Kimia , Akhlaghi Mohammadreza , Iranpour Shila , Irajpour Matin , Pourazizi Mohsen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: This review aims to substantiate the correlation between vitamin D and retinal vein occlusion (RVO) within the medical literature.
Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Embase until December 10th , 2023. A meticulous literature search was undertaken to identify and analyze all observational-analytical papers reporting vitamin D levels in RVO patients. The principal outcome measures centered on the comparative assessment of vitamin D levels between patients with RVO (cases) and those devoid of RVO (controls). The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42024499853).
Results: A total of six relevant studies consisting of 589 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of RVO (Odds ratio=14.51; 95% CI: [1.71, 122.59], P=0.014); and patients with RVO exhibited a significant decrease in serum vitamin D levels by 1.91ng/mL (95% CI: [-2.29, -1.54], P<0.001). Moreover, there was no significant difference observed in vitamin D levels between central RVO (CRVO) and branch RVO (BRVO) subtypes (P=0.63).
Conclusion: RVO patients have more vitamin D deficiency than healthy controls. These results contribute to the growing body of evidence highlighting the intricate role of vitamin D supplementation as both a prophylactic and a treatment strategy in RVO.
PROSPERO registration identifier: CRD42024499853
Tea Consumption and Health Disparities among Chinese Oldest Old: Evidence from Multiple Waves of CLHLS, 1998-2018
Authors: ZHANG LI , GU RONGXING 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Tea consumption has been documented to be influential on Asian older adults’ health. Nonetheless, few studies have investigated period and cohort changes in the linkage of tea consumption and older adults’ health. This study intended to fill the voids of prior literature by studying Chinese oldest old through analyzing data from eight (1998, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011-12, 2014 and 2018) waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Health outcomes were measured by self-rated health (SRH), cognitive function, chronic diseases and subjective wellbeing. The results showed percentages of frequent and occasional tea consumers among Chinese oldest old were declining over time. The drop in such percentages were more apparent among younger birth cohorts. Frequent tea consumers showed better health outcomes in all health dimensions, followed by occasional tea consumers. Over time, the predicted SRH, cognitive function, chronic diseases and subjective wellbeing showed an increasing trend. The period effect was also shown in crossovers of positive feeling scores in year 2008 among oldest old with different tea consumption patterns. It implied that impacts of major social events can overweight those of behavioral factors, such as tea drinking, on oldest old’s subjective feelings. Cohort effects were not as apparent as period effects. The study corroborated the beneficial effects of tea drinking on older adults’ health. It also emphasized the importance of taking period and cohort effects into consideration when linking health life styles to older adults’ health.
Polybia occidentalis (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) nesting on a Lafoensia glyptocarpa (Lythraceae) plant in the Cerrado biome
Authors: Teixeira David Lopes , Souza Marcos Magalhães , Boscardin Jardel , Serrão José Eduardo , Silva Eldair Santos , Zanuncio José Cola , Wilcken Carlos Frederico , Zanetti Ronald 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Polybia occidentalis (Olivier) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) is an important predator of soft-bodied arthropods, and its association with plant species can provide information about the preference of this wasp for plant substrate and the mechanisms for this choice. The objective was to report the first occurrence of P. occidentalis nesting on a Lafoensia glyptocarpa (Koehne) (Lythraceae) plant in the Cerrado biome of Brazil. Individuals of the Vespidae were collected and identified using a dichotomous key and by comparison with individuals deposited in the Biological Collection of Social Vespas (CBVS) of the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciências e Tecnologia do Sul de Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Campus Inconfidentes, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The foliage density and perennially of the plant L. glyotocarpa can reduce temperature and increase humidity within its canopy, and the shade of the branches can contribute to camouflage, which can favor the choice of this plant as a nesting site for P. occidentalis. Due to the climatic conditions of the region, the plant species can be important to conserve this Vespidae species.
Application of an all-dielectric metamaterials with large spectrum smooth transmission in measuring the the thermal conductivity properties of the jade carving materials
Authors: Li Jianwei , Huang Ge , Tian Qian , Wu Wei , Ma Quanwei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Traditional metamaterial-based sensors acquire sensing information mainly by measuring the change of amplitude or frequency caused by the environmental medium. However, this sensing method is not suitable for measuring samples with a large range of stationary spectral lines, such as jade carving materials. In this paper, we design and apply a metamaterial sensor with all-dielectric structure and obtain a smooth transmission line in the operating frequency range of 6-40THz. The transmission properties of the metamaterial are more sensitive to the thickness of SU-8 and less sensitive to the thickness of SiO2. The metamaterial samples were used to measure the effect of thickness and type on the thermal resonance properties (thermal resonance current, thermal conductivity, thermal resistance) of jade carving materials. When the thickness is increased from 1.0mm to 1.9mm, the thermal conductivity of the jade carved sample is weakened, including: the amplitude of the thermal response current and the thermal conductivity coefficient are reduced, and the thermal resistance is significantly increased. These results indicate that the thermal resonance properties of jade samples can be controlled by optimizing the thickness. The thermal resonance properties of four Jade carving samples (Jadeite, Turquoise, Color Jade, and Yellow stone) were measured and compared in detail. Among them, the heat transfer coefficient of Jade carving sample Color Jade is the largest, while the heat transfer coefficient of jade carving sample Turquoise is the smallest. These results indicate that the mineral composition and internal structure of jade carving samples are important factors in determining thermal resonance properties.
Multiscale Water Use Driving Effects and Dynamic Water Demand Research Based on the Kaya-LMDI-STIRPAT Model
Authors: Wang Ting , Wang Wenrui , Liu Bin , Sha Jinxia , You Jinjun , Zhang Dasheng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

A better understanding of the driving effects of socio-economic water use is essential to obtain accurate water demand prediction and to implement water resources management. In this study, six driving effects, including scale effect, structure effect, economic level effect, policy rationality effect, water price policy effect, and scientific and technological level effect, are considered. A Kaya-LMDI model is constructed to identify the driving effects of domestic, industrial and agricultural water use, and then a STIRPAT model is established for water demand production. Annual precipitation is introduced into the model for predicting agricultural water demand. The model is applied to Hebei province, China. The main conclusions are summarized as follows: ① The economic level effect plays a role in promoting the socio-economic water use in all prefecture-level cities of Hebei province; The water price policy effect plays a role in inhibiting the domestic and agricultural water use, while the scientific and technological level effect plays a role in inhibiting the industrial water use. ② The water use is mainly inhibited by the effects of policy rationality and water price policy before 2015 but mainly by the effects of water price policy and scientific and technological level after 2015; ③ There is a clear spatial difference in the driving effects of the socio-economic water use among the prefecture-level cities, and the economic level effect plays a major role in promoting the socio-economic water use in all prefecture-level cities; the water price policy effect plays an inhibitory role in nine cities; while the policy rationality effect plays an inhibitory role in two cities; ④ The water demand prediction results suggest that the water demand of Hebei province in 2030 is 22.01 billion m3 in normal years (P = 50%) and 24.33 billion m3 in medium-dry years(P = 75%), which are consistent with the red line set by the government. This study may contribute to optimizing the economic structure and provides guidance for water use management.
Predicting Diabetes Using Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Afolabi Sulaiman , Ajadi Nurudeen , Jimoh Afeez , Adenekan Ibrahim 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study explores the application of supervised machine learning algorithms in predicting diabetes, a chronic and life-threatening disease with no definitive cure. We employed three supervised machine learning algorithms which include logistic regression, Random Forest, and k-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) to develop predictive models and identify significant features contributing to diabetes. These models were evaluated based on accuracy, minimal test error, specificity, and sensitivity. Our analysis reveals that KNN achieved the highest performance with accuracy of 88.36%, sensitivity of 87.88%, and specificity of 88.83% among the algorithms tested, making it the most reliable for diabetes prediction in this dataset. The goal of this research is to aid in early detection and management of diabetes by leveraging machine learning on electronic health records.
Application of preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction in single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic complex segmentectomy: a propensity score-matching analysis
Authors: Chen Hao , Huang Yu , Wu Zhonghua , Liang Wenxin , Chen Yan , Lin Zixiang , Liu Minjie , Deng Jiahe , Zhang Ning'xuan , chen chun , xu guobin , zheng wei , zheng bin , xu chi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
With the popularity of LDCT screening, increasingly more small pulmonary nodules are being found, and segmentectomy is widely performed because of its advantages in the treatment of early lung cancer. However, the feasibility of segmentectomy is controversial because of the highly intricate nature of the operation, especially in complex cases. Preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction (3DR) is an effective method to ensure a smooth operation, but its role in complex segmentectomy has not yet been verified. This study was performed to assess the value of preoperative 3DR in complex pulmonary segmentectomy by retrospective analysis of preoperative 3DR-assisted single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic complex pulmonary segmentectomy and comparison of surgery-related indicators.
Methods
The clinical data of patients with pulmonary nodules who underwent single-port thoracoscopic complex segmentectomy (n = 299) from August 2015 to February 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into a preoperative 3DR group (n = 156) and non-3DR group (n = 143). Perioperative outcomes were compared between the two groups after comparative propensity score-matching analysis according to patient age, sex, body mass index, lung function, smoking history, major tumor components, and tumor size.
Results
Each group comprised 125 patients after propensity score matching, and the baseline characteristics of the patients were comparable. There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, smoking history, tumor histology, or tumor size between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Additionally, the 3DR and non-3DR groups showed no significant differences in the number of lymph nodes dissected (9.4 ± 5.1 vs. 10.6 ± 7.0), postoperative drainage volume (510.5 ± 279.4 vs. 528.7 ± 379.4 mL), duration of chest tube placement (2.3 ± 1.1 vs. 2.5 ± 1.6 days), incidence of chronic air leakage (0.8% vs. 0.8%), total complications (2.4% vs. 5.6%), or 30-day postoperative mortality (0% vs. 0%). However, significant differences were found in the operative time (178.6 ± 50.5 vs. 202.1 ± 51.4 min) and intraoperative blood loss (47.6 ± 37.9 vs. 58.4 ± 36.2 mL) (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
This is the first study to evaluate the usefulness of preoperative 3DR in complex segmentectomy. The results showed that the use of preoperative 3DR for complex pulmonary segmentectomy is a safe and effective method that can significantly reduce the operation time and blood loss.
Seismic behavior of assembled concrete bridge piers with hybrid joint connections
Authors: Zhang Renwei , Zheng Liqun , Zhong Hai , Qin Shuangshuang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Investigating the seismic behavior of assembled concrete bridge piers is crucial in the design process due to the complex stress distribution in the connecting components. To demonstrate the seismic behavior of assembled concrete piers with hybrid joint connections, three bridge piers were designed with a scaling ratio of 1:8 and then tested under low cyclic loading conditions. The tests involved varying shapes of steel tube shear keys as parameters. The study involved examining failure modes and crack development, as well as analyzing the hysteretic performance, deformation capacity, energy dissipation, and stiffness degradation of the specimens. Furthermore, a finite element model was developed using ABAQUS, and the validity of the modeling approach suggested in this study was confirmed through experimental tests. The results indicate that the assembled piers exhibit reduced concrete damage at the joints. The enhanced strength of the joints is attributed to the incorporation of steel tube shear keys. The circular steel tube connection key integrated into the assembled bridge pier offers superior bearing capacity, energy dissipation, and stiffness degradation compared to the cross-shaped steel tube connection key. The presence of the built-in circular steel tube shear key in the assembled bridge pier suggests that it complies with the seismic structural measures, consistent with the design principle of "strong joint and weak member".
Uncertainty Quantification for Linear Inverse Problems with Besov Prior: A Randomize-Then-Optimize Method
Authors: Horst Andreas , Afkham Babak Maboudi , Dong Yiqiu , Lemvig Jakob 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In this work, we investigate the use of Besov priors in the context of Bayesian inverse problems. The solution to Bayesian inverse problems is the posterior distribution which naturally enables us to interpret the uncertainties. Besov priors are discretization invariant and can promote sparsity in terms of wavelet coefficients. We propose the randomize-then-optimize method to draw samples from the posterior distribution with Besov priors under a general parameter setting and estimate the modes of the posterior distribution. The performance of the proposed method is studied through numerical experiments of a 1D inpainting problem, a 1D deconvolution problem, and a 2D computed tomography problem. Further, we discuss the influence of the choice of the Besov parameters and the wavelet basis in detail, and we compare the proposed method with the state-of-the-art methods. The numerical results suggest that the proposed method is an effective tool for sampling the posterior distribution equipped with general Besov priors.
A Novel Method for Constraint Optimization to Enhance Oil Production in a Production System with a Real Fractured Oil Reservoir
Authors: Fadaei Mehdi , Ameri Mohammad Javad , Rafiei Yousef 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In the oil industry, multiphase separators are of paramount importance in oil production, as they have a significant impact on overall oil production capacity. However, the occurrence of slug flow, which is characterized by undesirable behavior, can cause extensive damage to the surface separator and pipelines. Consequently, the development of intelligent separators and the implementation of effective flow regime control mechanisms are crucial. To address this issue, our research aimed to investigate the behavior of different flow regimes entering the separator and evaluate the intelligence system of the separator. Initially, we constructed a laboratory-scale multiphase flow loop as a platform to examine various flow regimes entering the separator. Through laboratory tests employing a PID controller, we collected data concerning the liquid level, gas pressure, input flow rate, and control signals of the separator. Subsequently, we accurately modeled the laboratory system and conducted simulations in a multiple-input-multiple-output mode with model predictive control. After ensuring the effective operation of the laboratory smart control system, we integrated its control model with a production system containing a real fractured reservoir. The results demonstrated that the implementation of the smart integrated production system could enhance oil production by approximately 53% over a 20-year simulation period.
Inhibitors of methane (CH4 ) producing bacteria: Development of hydrolysates and fermentates from brown seaweeds and identification of biomolecules with enteric CH4 abatement potential
Authors: Bhowmick Goldy , Rai Dilip K. , Olatunji Oyenike , Kilcawley Kieran , Skibinska Iwona , Shannon E. , Kennedy Deirdre , Walsh Desmond , Mora Leticia , Hayes Maria 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Seaweeds are a valuable source of bioactive molecules widely discussed as having potential to reduce enteric methane (CH4) emissions from livestock. The brown seaweeds, Ascophyllum nodosum (Linnaeus) Le Jolis and Himanthalia elongata (Linnaeus) S. F. Gray are rich in polyphenols, specifically phlorotannins, with known antimicrobial and astringent bioactivities. Brown seaweeds can find use as animal feed additives if issues concerning their palatability and digestibility as well as the impact on protein absorption by the animal are overcome. Fermentation and hydrolysis are traditional processes used for preservation of biomass, but which may beneficially improve palatability and digestibility of feeds. The aim of this work was to assess the potential of fermented and hydrolysed brown seaweeds as agents for CH4 abatement. Ascophyllum nodosum and Himanthalia elongata of Irish origin were fermented and hydrolysed independently with commercially available lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and xylanase enzyme. Molecular weight cut off (MWCO) fractions generated from treated seaweed biomasses were assessed for their antimicrobial activities against the methanogens Methanococcus maripaludis and Methanobrevibacter ruminantium using 96-well plate and well diffusion assays. Batch experiments were carried out using anaerobic conditions at 37°C for a period of 11 days. The A. nodosum fermentate and H. elongata hydrolysate were characterised for their polyphenol, phlorotannin, peptide, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and volatile compound contents using different mass spectrometry methods including GC-MS and LC-MS. Inhibition of M. maripaludis and M. ruminantium was observed in the presence of MWCO extracts generated from the treated seaweeds using the 96-well microtiter plate and well diffusion assays at concentrations of 1 mg/mL. The most antimicrobial A. nodosum MWCO fractions included the polyphenol fractions < 100-kDa & 50-kDa in size, the A. nodosum phlorotannin extract < 100-kDa in size and the H. elongata tannin fraction < 100-kDa in size. 147 and 82 novel peptide sequences were identified in the 3kDa MWCO fractions generated independently from the A. nodosum fermentate and H. elongata xylanase hydrolysate. Fifty volatile compounds were identified in the A. nodosum fermentate. The H. elongata hydrolysate and A. nodosum fermentate contained significant levels of palmitic acid - 1536.37 µg fatty acid/g and 1139.37 µg fatty acid/g lipid, respectively.
Validation of the Spanish version of the Sense of Social and Academic Fit (SSF) Scale in Chilean undergraduate students and its association with academic, psychological, and socio- demographic variables
Authors: Gaete Jorge , Tornero Bernardita , Cárcamo Marcela , Tricio Jorge , Rojas-Barahona Cristian , Araya Ricardo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The global expansion of higher education has led to an increased enrollment of first-generation students, presenting opportunities and challenges for institutions. Despite efforts to support these students, they often face lower graduation rates and higher dropout rates. Among the factors influencing student success, the sense of belonging has emerged as a critical determinant. This study reports the validation of the Spanish version of the Sense of Social and Academic Fit (SSF) scale in the context of a private university in Santiago, Chile, with a predominantly first-year student sample. The psychometric evaluations of the scale included: (i) factor structure, (ii) internal consistency, and (iii) association with several individual (e.g., history of academic achievement in high school, grit, self-control, motives for attending college) and contextual factors (e.g., parents´ education background, attendance to private, subsidized and state schools, financing higher education). Results indicated a multifactor structure, with three underlying factors identified as a Sense of belonging, a Sense of educational alienation, and a Sense of affinity. Internal consistency for all subscales and the total scale was good. Association analyses found that private school dependency was positively associated with the SSF total score, and the extrinsic self-oriented motives subscale was negatively associated with the SSF total score. This study contributes to the literature by examining the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the SSF scale in a Latin American context.
Acousto-optic cryptosystem based on dynamic DNA encoding and hyperchaotic system in gyrator domains
Authors: Sun Gege , Song Wenbo , Tian Miao , Liu Zhengjun , Chen Hang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Traditional encryption algorithms like DES suffer from the issue of key length (128 bits to 256 bits) and the inconvenience of memorization. Users typically store keys in a file or device, or even directly on a computer hard drive, releasing the key through a relatively easy-to-remember passphrase. Addressing these issues, this paper proposes a novel remote sensing image encryption system based on a hybrid model incorporating a 4D Lorenz chaotic system, Gyrator transform, Acousto-optic Conversion system, and dynamic DNA encoding. Firstly, the original image is scrambled using a 4D Lorenz mapping function. Subsequently, employing an Acousto-optic modulation algorithm, audio information is fitted into image information and serves as part of the encryption system key, significantly enhancing the correlation between the key and the user. Then, employing a dynamic DNA encoding algorithm, the image is encoded using eight different DNA encryption schemes and three distinct computational rules, achieving an exponential expansion of the key space with minimal computational overhead. Finally, through comparative analysis, the Gyrator transform, demonstrating superior performance, is selected to further encrypt remote sensing image data, expanding the key space. The proposed remote sensing image encryption system exhibits high security performance and robustness against various attacks.