bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of tandem and single autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma: a retrospective propensity score-matching study
Authors: Wu Shunquan , Li Xiaofan , Qiu Zongjian , Zhu Zhijuan , Chen Xianling , Chen Ping , Yuan Xiaohong , Rong Zhan , Li Nainong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Comparative data on the efficacy and safety of tandem or single autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) in China are currently lacking. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of tandem and single ASCT in real-world MM patients.
Methods: By utilizing a propensity score, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 80 newly diagnosed MM patients who underwent ASCT in our center between November 2014 and November 2021, with 40 patients in each group receiving either single or tandem ASCT.
Results: The percentage of ≥ complete remission (CR) after the 1st and 2nd ASCT was 75% and 85% in the tandem ASCT group, compared to 77.5% in the single group. Since transplant, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 33.2 months and 71.7 months for the single and tandem cohorts (p=0.0099). Median overall survival (OS) for the single and tandem groups was 39.3 months and 75.8 months (p=0.0515). The estimated 7-year PFS and OS since ASCT was 29.9% and 43.5% in the single group versus 47.5% and 54.4 % in the tandem group. Median PFS in patients with ISS II/III who underwent single ASCT was 29.8 months versus 66.4 months in the tandem group (p=0.008). Median OS since transplant was not reached in either group (p=0.1468). Among patients with high-risk cytogenetics, the median PFS was 23.2 months and 43.4 months for the single and tandem cohorts (p=0.0423), while the median OS was 37.1 months and not reached (p=0.0767). Among patients not achieving ≥ CR before ASCT, the median PFS was 24.3 months and not reached for the single and tandem cohorts (p=0.0187), while the median OS sincetransplant was not reached in either cohort (p=0.1631). No transplant-related mortality occurred in both cohorts. There were no significant differences between these two cohorts regarding both non-hematological and hematological toxicities.
Conclusions: Up-front tandem ASCT can deepen the depth of response and prolong the PFS of patients with MM, with a trend toward longer OS, particularly for patients with advanced ISS stages, high-risk cytogenetics, and no CR before transplant. Tandem ASCT may be tolerable for patients with MM.
A machine learning approach to predict in vivo skin growth
Authors: Nagle Matt , Broderick Hannah Conroy , Tepole Adrian Buganza , Fop Michael , Annaidh Aisling Ní 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Since their invention, tissue expanders, which are designed to trigger additional skin growth, have revolutionised many reconstructive surgeries. Currently, however, the sole quantitative method to assess skin growth requires skin excision. Thus, in the context of patient outcomes, a machine learning method which uses non-invasive measurements to predict in vivo skin growth and other skin properties, holds significant value. In this study, the finite element method was used to simulate a typical skin expansion protocol and to perform various simulated wave propagation experiments during the first few days of expansion on 1,000 individual virtual subjects. An artificial neural network trained on this dataset was shown to be capable of predicting the future skin growth at 7 days (avg. R2 = 0.9353) as well as the subject-specific shear modulus (R2 = 0.9801), growth rate (R2 = 0.8649), and natural pre-stretch (R2 = 0.9783) with a very high degree of accuracy. The method presented here has implications for the real-time prediction of patient-specific skin expansion outcomes and could facilitate the development of patient-specific protocols.
Repurposing disposed surgical face masks into activated carbon for efficient sorption of bio recalcitrant malathion pesticide
Authors: Gembo Robert O. , Odisitse Sebusi , Msagati Titus AM. , King’ondu Cecil K. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Pesticides are essential for enhancing agricultural produce, but their excessive use poses risks to ecosystems due to persistence and toxicity. This study explores repurposing disposed surgical face masks (DSFMs), rich in polypropylene (PP), as a precursor for activated carbon (AC) synthesis, addressing plastic pollution. DSFM pieces was subjected to hydrothermal treatment with sulfuric acid and KOH activation, optimized via response surface methodology (RSM). Optimal AC preparation conditions were achieved at 800°C, PP/KOH ratio 3 g/g, and 50 min resulting in AC (3AC800-50) with BET surface area 892.16 m²/g and pore volume 0.6353 cm³/g. The resulting carbon material demonstrated excellent adsorption affinity towards malathion pesticide (MP) with a capacity of 536.68 mg/g. Adsorption isotherm experiments indicated favorable processes, validated by the Langmuir isotherm parameter RL values below 1. The Freundlich adsorption model accurately fit the data with high R2 of 0.9898. Kinetic analysis revealed the pseudo-second-order (PSO) model as the best fit, with negative ∆G° indicating the spontaneous nature of MP adsorption. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing ACs derived from DSFMs for sustainable plastic waste management and pesticide removal from water.
Evaluation of the External Rotation of femur component in functionally aligned Robotic Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Londhe Sanjay Bhalchandra , Rudraraju Ravi Teja , Shah Ravi Vinod , Baranwal Govindkumar , Velankar Suneet , Namjoshi Zara 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
The conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for grade 4 knee arthritis lacks individualized strategies for determining femur component rotation, contributing to suboptimal clinical outcomes and heightened patient dissatisfaction.
Methods:
A retrospective assessment of 100 consecutive active robotic assisted TKA (RA-TKA) patients was performed. Patients with grade 4 knee arthritis receiving RA-TKA were included, whereas prior knee surgery patients were excluded. The functionally aligned TKA (FTKA) trans-epicondylar axis (TEA), posterior condylar axis (PCA), and posterior femoral axis (FAA) were evaluated. The relation between FAA, TEA, and PCA were examined. Negative value denotes internal rotation of the femur component. The study's null hypothesis was that there would not be a statistically significant difference between FAA and the standard 3 degrees of external rotation applied during conventional TKA (C-TKA). The student's t-test was used to compare the mean rotation values (between FTKA and C-TKA) with p-value of less than 0.05 deemed significant.
Results:
Total 100 patients (Male: Female – 11:89) were studied. The FAA was externally rotated in relation to TEA (mean 1.451° SD 1.023°, p value <0.0001). As regards the PCA, the FAA was externally rotated (mean 2.36° SD 2.221°, p value 0.0002).
Conclusion:
Functional alignment TKA technique resulted in external rotation of the femur component in respect to TEA and PCA. This negates the null hypothesis indicating statistically significant difference amongst the femur component rotation implanted according to FTKA concept with robotic assisted technology and C-TKA.
Study of manganese traces in fluvial sediments along the Lluta riverbanks in the Arica and Parinacota region, northern Chile: Archaeological and current implications
Authors: Figueroa Leonardo , Arriaza Bernardo , Vizcarra Arnoldo , Hoesen John Van , Bustamante Stephanie , Contreras Camila 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The ancient coastal populations of northern Chile called Chinchorro used manganese (Mn) oxide extensively for the preparation and ornamentation of their deceased. The possible sources of extraction of this mineral have been debated in several studies. This work focuses on the study of dry sediments from the Lluta riverbed in the Arica y Parinacota region to characterize Mn concentrations in alluvially transported material at different points along the river. Six riverbed sediment samples were collected from an altitude of 1,328 masl to 6 masl. The samples were sieved into five-size fractions and Mn concentrations were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. It was found that Mn concentrations vary inversely proportional to altitude with a correlation coefficient of -0.91. The highest Mn levels are found in samples near the coast with the following values: total water-soluble Mn 243 µg/g, total exchangeable Mn 248 µg/g, and total acid-soluble Mn 4,607 µg/g. These levels of Mn would not correspond to a primary or important source for the extraction of black Mn ore by the archaic inhabitants for mortuary preparation of the Chinchorro mummies. Nevertheless, the presence of Mn in the riverbed raises questions about the health consequences for the ancient populations and the importance of monitoring Mn in the water due to possible bioaccumulation of this mineral in agricultural products of the area.
Requirement Change Management in Global Software Development: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wahbeh Nemer , Admodisastro Novia , Hassan Sa'adah , Abdullah Salfarina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Requirement Change Management (RCM) is a crucial and complex subject within Global Software Development (GSD), requiring a thorough understanding of its complexity. This study analyzes 2016–2024 literature from IEEE, ACM, Science Direct, and Scopus. A painstaking selection process yielded 73 studies for our research. Four key research questions (RQs) drive the project to examine RCM in GSD situations. Previous study on RCM in GSD has identified inadequate communication as a major impediment. RQ1 examines these difficulties. RQ2 examines the key RCM activities and tasks that make up the proposed RCM frameworks discussed in academic research, and the review showed that identifying change is the most common. RQ3 investigates RCM technologies and tools, focusing on AI, which is the most commonly used and has a major impact on framework efficacy. RQ4 seeks to identify the domains most affected and improved by the solutions, showing that researchers have focused on communication. This analysis analyzes the efficiency of frameworks for managing changing requirements and their impact on project results to offer a full overview of RCM in GSD. The examples show that technology is vital for increasing worldwide communication, collaboration, and project management. The research synthesis emphasizes leveraging new technology to improve GSD change management procedures. This improves collaboration and communication. It describes the current state and progress in the field and sets the foundation for future research by stressing areas that need immediate examination and improvement.
Strong Plasmon-Exciton Coupling in Colloidal Cubic Nanoparticles and Layered Molecular J-aggregates
Authors: Park Jeong-Eun , Lee Yoon-Min , Kim Seong-Eun , Choi Hyewon , Kim Hyun Woo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Strong coupling between light and matter can lead to the formation of hybrid eigenstates, such as exciton-polaritons, enriching our understanding and manipulation of quantum phenomena across various fields of science and technology. While plasmonic metal nanoparticles are recognized as effective optical resonators for generating polaritons, most research to date has been focused on Au nanorods, and the potential of cubic nanoparticles and the approach of layering emitters on particle surfaces have not been extensively investigated in this field. This paper presents our findings on the strong coupling observed between cubic nanoparticles and molecular J-aggregates. Our results suggest that the coupling strength can be tuned by adjusting the geometric and material properties of the cubic nanoparticles, as evidenced by spectral splitting, anti-crossing in dispersion relations, and the fulfillment of strong coupling criteria. To further enhance plasmon-exciton coupling, we introduced a layer-by-layer modification approach and observed a maximal enhancement of approximately 19% for double layers of J-aggregates. Simulations on the interlayer thickness-dependent splitting enhancement corroborate these results, providing a deeper understanding of the effects of emitter layering on plasmon-exciton strong coupling.
RAVF: An Analysis and Verification Framework for Resource Allocation in Industrial Edge Computing with Probabilistic Model Checking and Machine Learning
Authors: Yin Jiaqi , Fei Yuan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Industrial edge computing has emerged as a pivotal paradigm to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of industrial processes through decentralized data processing. Subsequently, ensuring the reliability of resource allocation becomes paramount. This paper presents a novel approach that combines probabilistic model checking and machine learning techniques for conducting reliability analysis of resource allocation in industrial edge computing environments. By leveraging probabilistic model checking, we can formally verify the system's behavior and assess the likelihood of resource allocation failures. Moreover, we integrate machine learning algorithms to predict potential resource allocation issues based on historical data patterns. This hybrid approach named RAVF framework offers a comprehensive perspective on reliability assessment, encompassing both theoretical analysis and data-driven insights. Through experiments and case studies, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in identifying vulnerabilities in resource allocation and providing actionable insights for system optimization. The synergy between probabilistic model checking and machine learning equips industrial edge computing with a robust resource allocation framework that enhances overall system dependability.
Agile, Post-quantum Secure Cryptography in Avionics
Authors: Varner Karolin , Zaeske Wanja , Friedrich Sven , Kaiser Aaron , Bowman Alice 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
To introduce a post-quantum-secure encryption scheme specifically for use in flight-computers, we used avionics’ module-isolation methods to wrap a recent encryption standard (HPKE – Hybrid Public Key Encryption) within a software partition. This solution proposes an upgrade to HPKE, using quantum-resistant ciphers (Kyber/ML-KEM and Dilithium/ML-DSA) redundantly alongside well-established ciphers, to achieve post-quantum security.
Because cryptographic technology can suddenly become obsolete as attacks become more sophisticated, crypto-agility -– the ability to swiftly replace ciphers – represents the key challenge to deployment of software like ours. Partitioning is a crucial method for establishing such agility, as it enables the replacement of compromised software without affecting software on other partitions, greatly simplifying the certification process necessary in an avionics environment.
Our performance measurements constitute initial evidence that both the memory and performance characteristics of this approach are suitable for deployment in flight-computers currently in use. Prior to optimisation, performance measurements show a modest memory requirement of under 400KB of RAM, but employ a more substantial stack usage of just under 200KB. Our most advanced redundant post-quantum cipher is five times slower than its non-redundant, pre-quantum counterpart.
Policy to Practice: Insights from Implementation of a School-Based Sanitary Napkin Distribution Program in Odisha, India
Authors: Desaraju Shyama , Panda Nishisipa , Panigrahy Rudra Prasad , Panda Bhuputra 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
For optimal menstrual hygiene among women and adolescent girls, access to affordable menstrual products, sanitation facilities, education, privacy, and destigmatization are essential. Recognizing this need, the Indian government has implemented various interventions to improve menstrual hygiene practices and personal hygiene among schoolgirls. In Odisha, an easternmost state in India, one such key initiative is the ‘Khushi’ program, a collaboration between the Health and Education departments. This program provides free sanitary napkins to all girls in standards 6–12 across the state. Our study explores the perspectives and challenges associated with implementing the ‘Khushi’ program in Odisha.
Methodology
: This paper emanates from a larger study examining the situation of menstrual health and hygiene in Odisha, conducted from September 2021 to December 2022. The focus of this paper is on qualitative findings related to implementation of the ‘Khushi’ program. In-depth interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, including officials from health and education departments, and school personnel involved in program implementation. Focus group discussions were held with schoolgirls of 6–12 standard to explore their experiences and perceived challenges regarding menstrual hygiene practices within the school environment. Further, review of program documents and relevant government policies was also undertaken.
Results
Analysis of data concerning experiences, enablers, and systemic roadblocks associated with implementing the ‘Khushi’ program yielded five key themes: (1) Approach to micro-planning, (2) Interdepartmental convergence, (3) Indenting and supply chain, (4) Capacity building, and (5) Monitoring and supervision. The study underscores the importance of designing and implementing a comprehensive behavior change strategy, that should capitalize on the existing collaboration between the health and education departments, while addressing identified weaknesses. These weaknesses include 'knee-jerk' planning and implementation without proper preparedness, limited coordination between departments, and overburdened frontline workers.
Conclusion
‘Khushi’ is a state-specific initiative which has the potential to bring a paradigm shift in the menstrual health behaviour of school girls. Government may need to adapt a comprehensive strategy, including strengthening menstrual hygiene management (MHM)-friendly school infrastructure, imparting education and sensitization to implementing partners and beneficiaries alike, and integrating environment-friendly menstrual hygiene products in the program.
An investigation of the anti-cancer drugs imatinib and thalidomide was conducted using analytical spectroscopy and molecular docking techniques
Authors: Ramana P. Venkata , Krishna Y. Rama , Mouli K. Chandra 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Cancer stands as one of the most devastating illnesses in contemporary society, leading to a considerable number of fatalities annually. Effectively managing the disease has been a challenge, partly due to the diverse variants of the disease prevalent in different parts of the world. Despite these challenges, scientific advancements have led to the development of various drugs and diagnostic techniques tailored for specific cancers, offering partial solutions in the quest for a cure. The ongoing exploration of cancer's medical ramifications remains a captivating and vital area of interest, even in light of the extensive efforts expended in scientific research over the years. In this significant study, the research focuses on exploring specific vibrational patterns of Imatinib and Thalidomide through standard FT-IR spectroscopic studies and molecular docking computations. The investigation successfully pinpointed precise atomic-level interactions between the anti-cancer agent Imatinib and the target proteins, namely Tyrosine Kinase Sh2 Domain and Tyrosine-Protein Kinase ABL1, and the cancerous drug Thalidomide and Cereblon Isoform 4 protein. To understand the molecule's bioactivity and the transfer of charges between its outermost orbitals, the UV-Vis spectra of the drugs were scrutinized. Quantum mechanical energy-wavelength conversions were employed to assess the appropriate energy gaps. Moreover, the molecular docking analyses involving Imatinib and Thalidomide and the corresponding respective binding proteins provided crucial insights, including binding affinity, RMSD (Root Mean Square Deviation), types of interactions established as well as the unique pathways that the agent and receptors have developed. The revelations in comprehending the behaviour of anticancer agents represent invaluable contributions to the advancement of our understanding in the field. These findings not only enhance the efficacy of existing treatments but also play a pivotal role in steering the development of pioneering anticancer drugs. The significance of such discoveries cannot be overstated, as they contribute substantially to the ongoing progress in cancer research, offering promising avenues for the improvement of therapeutic interventions and the eventual development of more effective and targeted anticancer medications.
A Mixed Integer Linear Programming Formulation and Heuristics for Delay-Aware Neural Network Placement Problem in In-Network Learning
Authors: Hara Takanori 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In-network learning (INL), which is one of the distributed machine learning (ML), enables both learning and inference over a network by deploying small models representing parts of the global neural network (NN) model on the network. The inference and learning speed of INL model depends on the computation and communication cost. Therefore, the small NN models should be properly deployed on the physical network to meet the service requirements. In other words, INL involves an NN placement problem to aim at minimizing the maximum end-to-end delay. In this paper, we formulate this NN placement problem as a mixed integer linear program (MILP) and develop a heuristic algorithm to overcome its computational complexity. Through the numerical experiments, the proposed MILP works well up to 400 physical nodes. However, the MILP cannot output the optimal solution in case of more than 400 physical nodes, due to the time limit or the out of memory. The proposed heuristic algorithm can provide the feasible solution with a shorter computation time against the physical network size at the sacrifice of the solution optimality, compared with the MILP.
Nanostructured nickel hydroxide Ni(OH) 2 for energy storage applications
Authors: Shinde Vijay L. , Pagare Pavan K. , Torane Appasaheb P. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The Ni(OH)2 nanosheets were grown on stainless steel substrates by single-step hydrothermal technique at different deposition times and their supercapacitive properties were investigated. Using a variety of characterization measures, the produced films' structural, morphological, chemical compositional, and electrochemical characteristics were examined. The X-ray diffraction data shows the rhombohedral structure of synthesized Ni(OH)2. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) photographs of the prepared nickel hydroxide film shows a nanosheet-like structure. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses shows that nanosheet-like structures have a big surface area for optimized sample of 16.015 m2g− 1 with a mesoporous network. An electrochemical supercapacitor properties of nickel hydroxide nanosheets demonstrates well performance as the electrode. They shows a specific capacitance of 109 F/g at a current density of 0.7 mA/cm2, furthermore excellent energy density and power density of 10.55 Wh/kg and 170 W/kg respectively. Additionally, they demonstrats good cycling stability for calculating cyclic voltammetry, with approximately 70.06% of the scan rate being 100 mV/s.