bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Spatial Network Structure and Dynamic Changes of Health Services: Under the Flow of Patients and Resources Behind the Ongoing Inequality
Authors: Xu Kaibo , Zou Yunjin , Huang Yuanyi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Health services inequities are often investigated empirically as associations between socioeconomic characteristics and differences between health service resource utilization and needs-based utilization. However, the static analysis of unfair healthcare services overlooks the structural changes in health service resources or patients in different regions. In China, large-scale patient mobility can easily lead to the gradual concentration of health service resources.
Method
This study explores the spatial network structure of health services and its influencing factors using data collected from 31 Chinese provinces from 2010 to 2018, including per capita GDP, health expenses, hospitals, geographical distance, etc. We spatialize different networks of health service and examine the impact of spatial network effects. We use social network analysis (SNA) and compare the structure of health service networks in different years, visualize them, and use CONCOR analysis to construct block models to explore the spatial structure of health service networks. We also use the QAP regression method to explore the factors that affect the structure of the health service network.
Results
Findings showed that China's health service network has significant spatial agglomeration and spillover effects that lead to spatial inequality in health services, accelerate the flow of health service resources, and increase the cost for patients seeking high-quality healthcare. From CONCOR analysis results, we found that the spatial and geographical gap in health services is gradually shifting from an east-west to a north-south gap. Additionally, we found that the differences in transfer payments enhance the spatial gravitational of health service networks (0.115, P < 0.001), accelerating the flow of service resources and patients.
Conclusion
Our exploratory study underlines the crucial role of equitable resource distribution in addressing the current irrational network structure of health services. The observed concentration of resources in developed provinces and the corresponding patient migration highlight the pressing need for a decentralized approach to health service allocation. Recognizing the dynamic nature of health service equity, our findings emphasize the necessity of recalibrating central-to-local transfer payments to mitigate regional disparities and foster a more balanced health service network. Identifying the spatial structure of health services is critical to enhancing our understanding of the spatial context of regional health governance and further distilling the spatial correlation characteristics of health services within an equitable health framework.
A color prediction model for mending materials of the Yuquan Iron Pagoda based on machine learning
Authors: Liu Xuegang , Liu Yuhang , Wang Ke , Zhang Yang , Lei Yang , An Hai , Wang Mingqiang , Chen Yuqiu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
During the restoration of iron cultural relics, the removal of rust from these artifacts is necessary. However, this rust removal process may lead to inconsistent local color on the iron relics. To address this, mending materials are applied to treat the surface, ensuring consistent local color. In the surface treatment of iron cultural relics, a significant challenge lies in modulating the color of these mending materials. This study employs machine learning methods to predict the color of mending materials corresponding to varying contents of Fe2O3, Fe3O4, and epoxy resin. The Artificial Neural Network (ANN), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Light Gradient Boost Machine (LightGBM) algorithms are utilized to develop the model, and the predictive performance of these three algorithms is compared. XGBoost exhibits the best prediction performance, achieving a square correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.94238 and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.68485. Additionally, the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method is employed to analyze the most crucial raw material affecting the color of mending materials, which is identified as Fe3O4. The study illustrates the specific process of employing this model by applying it to the surface treatment of the Yuquan Iron Pagoda, demonstrating the practicality of the model. This model can be applied to assist in the surface treatment of other iron cultural relics.
Urinary Tract Infection in a Postmenopausal Diabetic Woman: A Controversial Case of Antimicrobial Susceptibility
Authors: Saadeh Angela Samer , Saadeh Aleen Samer , Jbeily Rajwa Daowd , Mouzaffar Nawaf m. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), which damage the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra, are brought on by bacteria that grow in urine. Urinary tract infections are more likely to occur in women with diabetes. The patient in this case is a 58-year-old postmenopausal lady who had abrupt onset dysuria with burning when she urinated and increasing frequency, along with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes and hypertension. This case highlights shortcomings in the initial management strategy for conducting required clinical laboratory procedures, including urine collection, detailed report (DR), and culture and sensitivity (C/S), and testing for plasma glucose to start antimicrobial therapy. Diabetic individuals who experience dysuria, frequent urination, or pelvic pain should receive specific treatment for urinary tract infections. When a patient first develops symptoms, antibiotic treatment for UTIs should always start with a culture and sensitivity analysis. In order to obtain the intended therapeutic effects, comorbidities must be adequately treated during treatment.
Characterization of Bacterial Cellulose fabricated with Vietnamese ingredients for potential textile applications
Authors: Cleveland Donna , Nayak Rajkishore , Joseph Frances 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This research explores the fabrication and characterization of bacterial cellulose (BC), with a distinct emphasis on leveraging indigenous Vietnamese bio-mass sources. A diverse sample library of over 150 BC samples was gathered, with six samples selected for objective evaluation based on the standard test methods. These samples were subjected to characterization techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Bursting Strength, Thickness, Fourier Transformation Infrared (FTIR) and pH level to explore potential applications in textiles. Moreover, the growth medium or SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) mother, from which the BC was cultivated, was analyzed to identify the constituent bacterial and yeast strains. The notable aspects of this study were: (a) the use of local Vietnamese ingredients (i.e., sugar and teas) as nutrient sources for BC cultivation, and (b) exploring the impact of local crafted solutions for drying food-based products akin to rice wraps, on the properties of BC. The study’s outcomes established a deeper comprehension of the morphological, mechanical, and chemical attributes of BC, as well as the microbial dynamics within the SCOBY mother. This exploration not only augments the existing knowledge on BC's potential in material design but also paves the way for further research on the influence of local ingredients on biomaterial production, thereby contributing to the burgeoning field of sustainable material design innovation within a localized context.
Correlation of SARS-CoV-2 fecal negative with gastrointestinal eubiosis in asymptomatic, mild and moderate cases of COVID-19 in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Bamidele Tajudeen Akanji , Fowora Muinah Adenike , Raheem Toyosi Yekeen , Ajayi Abraham , Adagbada Ajoke , Yisau Jacob Itopa , Salau Oluwabusayo Yewande , Shaibu Joseph Ojonugwa , Aiyedogbon Nike , Fesobi Toun Wuraola , Ikpo Chinonso Janurius , Akintunde Grace , Iwalokun Bamidele Abiodun , Smith Stella Ifeanyinchukwu , Salako Babatunde Lawal 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome, coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) when disseminated to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract through the bidirectional gut-lung crosstalk can cause alterations in GI microbiota composition and diversity. There is, however, paucity of data linking SARS-CoV-2 fecal negative with GI microbial balance.
This study investigated the association of the GI bacterial composition with clinically defined asymptomatic, mild/moderate COVID-19 fecal negative individuals. A total of twelve (12) fecal samples comprising COVID-19 nasopharyngeal (NP) positive (P) (n=7) and negative (N) (n=5) consenting participants were collected and analyzed. The extracted RNA from the stool samples of NP positive were used as templates for the RT-qPCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) and open reading frame (ORF1ab) genes, while DNA from all samples (n=12) was used for the 16S bacterial rRNA metagenomics analysis. The Pielou index and Shannon index were used to assess the alpha diversity of the two groups (P and N) using the Kruskal-Wallis significance test, while the beta taxonomic diversity was assessed with the Bray-Curtis diversity index using the Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA) for the significance test. Taxonomic classification was performed using the Greengenes database trained for the hyper variable 4 of the 16S rRNA (gg_2022_10_backbone. v4. nb).
Results: Participants positive for nasopharyngeal COVID-19 RT-PCR (ages 17-74 years) reported none (n=2, 28.5%), mild (n=4, 57.1%) and moderate (n=1, 14.3%) clinical symptoms. The viral genes were not detected with uniformity and richness of bacterial species in stool samples from positive and negative COVID-19 without significant differences in alpha diversity, Pielou (p=0.223), Shannon index (p = 0.062), and beta taxonomic diversity (PERMANOVA p=0.357). The taxonomic classification showed 14 phyla, 276 genera and 448 species in the samples, with Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria as the most abundant phyla. The most dominant species were beneficial microbes such as Prevotella copri, Phocaeicola vulgatus, and the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory bacterium Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.
Conclusions: This study did not reveal any differences in the gut bacterial community of SARS-CoV-2 fecal negative, asymptomatic, mild and moderate COVID-19 compared to the apparently healthy control.
Genetic and cytogenetic analysis of Moringa oleifera short and long capsule phenotypes
Authors: Gómez-Martínez Martha , García-Ortiz Jesús David , Gómez-Martínez Susana , Flores-Gallegos Adriana C. , Reyes-Valdés M. Humberto , Morlett-Chávez Jesús A. , Rodríguez-Herrera Raúl 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Cytogenetic and molecular studies hold significant importance in plant breeding programs. In the case of moringa, such studies are scarce. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the chromosomal number and genetic diversity parameters in two phenotypes of Moringa oleifera (short and long capsule) using chromosomal analysis and ISSR markers, respectively. Cytogenetic analyses were conducted using the "Somatic chromosomes in root apices" technique, with acetocarmine and papain for staining. It was possible to identify 2N = 28 chromosomes in a single cell of the long capsule phenotype, ranging in size from 0.05 to 0.10 µm. Cells in both moringa phenotypes were observed in prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. High genetic variability was found in both phenotypes of moringa, as indicated by a Shannon index of 0.81. Additionally, the principal component analysis and UPGMA groups revealed genetic isolation between the studied moringa phenotypes. The significant polymorphism obtained with most primers suggests that the tested ISSR markers are highly useful for studying genetic diversity in moringa.
Simulations of High-Frequency Magnetic Properties of Ferromagnetic Nanoparticles with Magnetic Interactions
Authors: Zhan Jie , Zhang Ruixuan , Zhang Jincang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this work, the microwave permeability of iron-cobalt magnetic alloy nanoparticles was simulated in the range of 2–18 GHz based on the micromagnetic method. To study the dependence of dynamic permeability on nanoparticle interactions, the equivalent model of two identical nanoparticles with a distance range of 10–30 nm under an external magnetic field pulse was established by using three-dimensional micromagnetic simulation. The results show that as the nanoparticle distance gradually decreases, the permeability value in general shows an increasing trend. Also, the dynamical magnetization component along the magnetic field direction decreases from 1620 A/m to 1340 A/m as the nanoparticle distance decreases. In addition, the Gibbs free energy analyses indicate that the change of exchange energy and demagnetization energy of the system is caused by the nanoparticle interactions with a shorter distance, destroying the initial steady magnetization distribution, which makes the decrease of the total free energy by about 0.36%, resulting in the increase of high-frequency permeability. Moreover, the damping factor in the range of 0.3–0.7 has a crucial effect on the calculated high-frequency permeability.
Enhancing Multiple Object Tracking Accuracy via Quantum Annealing
Authors: Ihara Yasuyuki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Multiple object tracking (MOT), a key task in image recognition, presents a persistent challenge in balancing processing speed and tracking accuracy. This study introduces a novel approach that leverages quantum annealing (QA) to expedite computation speed, while enhancing tracking accuracy through the ensembling of object tracking processes. A method to improve the matching integration process is also proposed. By utilizing the sequential nature of MOT, this study further augments the tracking method via reverse annealing (RA). Experimental validation confirms the maintenance of high accuracy with an annealing time of a mere 3 µs per tracking process. The proposed method holds significant potential for real-time MOT applications, including traffic flow measurement for urban traffic light control, collision prediction for autonomous robots and vehicles, and management of products mass-produced in factories.
How are local health systems addressing health inequalities? The UNFAIR Case Study Qualitative Project
Authors: McSweeney Lorraine , Lally Joanne , Parbery-Clark Charlotte , Murrell Kylie , Thomson Richard G , Sowden Sarah 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Despite policy prominence and frameworks focusing on health inequalities, healthcare leaders do not feel they have the skills and knowledge to reduce health inequalities. This comparative case study explored four areas in England to examine how local health systems are addressing health inequalities and what ‘good’ practice might look like.
Methods
Interviews were held with 46 people working in health care services across the NHS, local authority or voluntary, community, social enterprise sectors. Key documents (n = ~ 10) in each of the four areas relating to reducing health inequalities were analysed using documentary analysis methods. Interviews and documents were coded and analysed independently before being integrated to synthesise findings. Analysis was conducted using a two-stage approach - firstly, an inductive analysis of emergent themes; secondly, to build knowledge on each case study’s’ system approach of reduction of health inequalities, principles of the Action Scales Model were used.
Results
Nineteen themes were identified across the four case studies; some themes were not apparent in all the case studies, nor in either the documentary analysis or interviews. These themes allowed us to compare between cases to explore what might be contributing to good practice. Themes identified included: understanding the local context; facilitators of how to tackle health inequalities and improve health and wellbeing; and future concerns. The secondary analysis highlighted potential levers for action from each case study; these included optimising retention and recruitment of workforce and allowing time and resources for longer-term planning. Two case study areas which appeared to have system resilience, demonstrated having a shared vision, strong partnerships, understanding of the system, and putting people and communities at the heart of decision making.
Conclusion
This comparative case study makes a unique contribution in the examination of how health systems are addressing health inequalities in their local areas. The combined interview and documentary analysis findings provide rich insights of local systems’ documented strategies, plans and what is happening ‘on the ground’.
Overwintering West Nile Virus in active Culex pipiens mosquito populations in Greece
Authors: Balatsos Georgios , Beleri Stavroula , Tegos Nikolaos , Bisia Marina , Karras Vasileios , Zavitsanou Evangelia , Papachristos Dimitrios P. , Papadopoulos Nikos T. , Michaelakis Antonios , Patsoula Eleni 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

West Nile Virus (WNV) is one of the major vector-borne diseases globally, including Greece. This is the first research study in Greece, describing identification of WNV in overwintering active Culex pipiens populations, captured in adult traps, for the time period 2021–2023. WNV positive mosquito pools were recorded in three out of the 24 study areas, representing two coastal regional units in the Attica Region suggesting a clustered circulation of WNV during the winter of 2022. Our findings underline the need of extending entomological surveillance programs to include the winter period, specifically in temperate climates and historically affected areas by WNV.
Optimization of lung tissue pre-treatment by bead homogenization for subsequent culturomics
Authors: ANDUNI Lourdes , MOLINA Hector , ZAZUETA Alejandra , CANCINO Javiera , PONCE Carolina , CHAKOORY Oshma , COMTET-MARRE Sophie , TAPIA Cecilia V. , PEYRET Pierre , GOTTELAND Martin , MAGNE Fabien 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Sorafenib is a standard therapeutic agent for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). But its efficacy is moderate because the survival of patients is only extended by a few months, and the response rate is low and the mechanism of low efficacy is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of TLR3 on sorafenib against HCC.
Methods: Polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid [Poly(I:C)] functioned as a dsRNA analog and TLR3 agonist, which was employed in following experiments. The HCC tumor was orthotopically implanted into in BALBc nu/nu or C57BL/6 mice. We analyzed survival times of mice, along with tumor growth, metastasis within abdoman and to lung. Flow cytometry and cytotoxicity assay were used to analyze the NK cells which was isolated from spleen or peripheral blood. ELISA assay was used to detect the expression of plasma interferon (IFN)-γ and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1. Furthermore, the expression of pERK1/2, pAKT, ERK1/2 and AKT was analyzed by Western blot.
Results: Sorafenib reduced the number and activities of NK cells in tumor-bearing mice concomitant with decreased plasma levels of MCP-1 and IFN-γ. The combination of sorafenib and Poly(I:C) synergistically inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in tumor xenograft mouse, and thus prolonged mice survival. Poly(I:C) not only exerted a direct inhibitory effect on tumor growth and metastasis by targeting the TLR3 receptor on tumor cells but also facilitated NK cell proliferation and activation, indirectly impeding tumor progression. Mechanistically, Poly(I:C) decreased sorafenib-induced inhibition of ERK phosphorylation, increased IκB phosphorylation in NK cells, and enhanced NK cell function.
Conclusion: Activation of TLR3 could enhance sorafenib-antitumor effect in HCC. The combination of TLR3 activator and sorafenib could be a new strategy for HCC treatment.
Experimental study and numerical simulation of eccentric RHS column-to-I beam external diaphragm bolted connections with side plates
Authors: Jian Wu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Bolted connections have been widely applied in steel structures because of the simplicity and economy of their fabrication and assembly. However, the behavior of steel bolted connections is a complex structural problem which involves various factors such as contact interaction, large deformation and non-linear material properties. So, the investigation of this behavior is a challenging subject in structural analyses. Generally, experimental test can provide reliable results that can describe the behavior of steel bolted connections, however, experimental work involves high cost, and in some cases, is not feasible, since numerical methods offer more flexibility and the possibility to investigate a wider range of parameters the experiments can cover, the research on steel bolted connections is further extended using the finite element (FE) method. By providing the complete stress state of the structure during its whole loading history, FE modeling can help understanding of the failure mechanisms. In this paper, three eccentric rectangular hollow section (RHS) column-to-I beam external diaphragm bolted connection specimens were tested. The aim of the tests was to find possible solutions for avoiding premature occurence of brittle fracture in RHS column-to-I beam connections. Test results show that the proposed bolted connections does not fail by fracture as observed in the conventional connections and has a larger energy dissipation capacity than the conventional types. As a result, it can be concluded that the proposed bolted connections are more suitable for applications in moment resistence frame in seismic regions.