bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of uniform temperature effect on rectangular hollow concrete pier based on measured temperature data
Authors: WU Wenxiang , Chen ShunChao , Yun Jianzhou , Yu Yue , Mao Shihua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In order to accurately and easily predict the variation of the average temperature of the concrete rectangular hollow pier. Firstly, the temperature distribution of the concrete rectangular hollow pier of Changjiahe Special Bridge was observed for 212 days. Then, based on the observation data, the functional relationship between the average concrete hollow pier temperature and the outside air temperature, and the air temperature inside the hollow pier was studied. Finally, based on this functional relationship, a prediction model for the range of variation of the mean temperature of the hollow pier was given and verified. The results of the study show that: the change of external shade temperature can be regarded as the superposition of different cyclic changes and random changes; the change rule of the average temperature of the concrete hollow pier is the same as that of the air temperature, both presenting day-by-day cyclic and step changes; the linear correlation coefficients between the daily maximum and daily minimum average hollow pier temperature and the daily average air temperature are R = 0.980 and R = 0.973, respectively; the daily average air temperature, the daily average air temperature inside the pier and daily average hollow pier temperature are R = 0.980, R = 0.998; the daily variation of the average hollow pier temperature and the daily variation of the air temperature are approximately linear, with a correlation coefficient of R = 0.899; assuming that the average temperature of the concrete hollow pier is a folding change, based on the above relationship, a method of predicting the time-by-time average temperature of the concrete hollow piers is proposed, as well as two methods of predicting the average temperature of the test piers. average temperature change range method. Comparing the predicted values with the measured values, it is found that the predicted values are in good agreement with the measured values.
Estimating dynamics of dengue disease with environmental impact by quantifying the per-capita vector density
Authors: Chathurangika Piyumi , Perera Sanjeewa , De Silva Kushani 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Dengue is a vector-borne disease transmitted to humans by vectors of genus Aedes causing a global threat to health, social, and economic sectors in many of the tropical countries including Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, the tropical climate, marked by seasonal weather primarily influenced by monsoons, fosters optimal conditions for the virus to spread efficiently, especially during monsoon periods. This heightened transmission results in increased per-capita vector density. In this work, we investigate the dynamic influence of environmental conditions on dengue emergence in Colombo district- the geographical region with the highest recorded dengue threat in Sri Lanka. An iterative approach is employed to estimate dengue cases dynamically leveraging the Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations, utilizing the dynamics of weather patterns governing in the region. The developed algorithm allows to estimate the risk of dengue outbreaks with high precision, facilitating accurate forecasts of upcoming disease emergence patterns for better preparedness. The uncertainty quantification not only validated the accuracy of outbreak estimates but also showcased the model's capacity to capture extreme cases and revealed undisclosed external factors that might affect dengue transmission.
The role of impulsivity and binge eating in outpatients with overweight or obesity. A temporal discounting trial
Authors: Ferracci Sara , Manippa Valerio , D’Anselmo Anita , Bolovon Luca , Guagnano Maria Teresa , Brancucci Alfredo , Porcelli Piero , Conti Chiara 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Binge eating (BE) is associated with a range of cognitive control deficits related to impulsivity, including lower response inhibition, preference for immediate gratification, and maladaptive decision-making. The aim was to investigate whether impulsivity and BE may interact with the decision process and underlying brain activity in obese or overweight outpatients who are starting a treatment to achieve weight loss.
Methods: A sample of 26 treatment-seeking obese and overweight outpatients with and without BE was evaluated for impulsivity, binge eating, and temporal discounting rates. Impulsivity was measured with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), binge eating with the Binge Eating Scale (BES), and changes in subjective value of rewards with the Temporal Discounting Task (TDt). Brain activity was recorded through high-density electroencephalogram (hd-EEG) during the TDt.
Results: Patients with BE reported more impulsive tendencies and perceived sooner rewards as more gratifying when both options were delayed (p=0.02). The reward choice in the TDt was accompanied by an EEG alpha rhythm desynchronization in parietal areas.
Conclusions: The tendency to favor immediate rewards may constitute an obstacle for obtaining adherence to treatment plans and to achieve weight loss goals for obese or overweight outpatients. Clinicians are therefore encouraged to include psychological outcomes such as impulsivity and dysfunctional eating behaviors when designing a weight loss program.
Trial registration: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Department of Psychological, Health, and Territorial Sciences of the University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara (Prot. n. 254 of 03/14/2017)
ECMO support for postoperative Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: HUANG Jianhu , XIE Li , YANG Yinyu , ZHANG Wei , SHEN Jia , GUO Zheng , YU Xindi , WANG Wei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare congenital cardiac defect with high mortality rates, ranging from 9–30%. Surgical repair is the primary treatment, but postoperative complications such as arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary vein obstruction persist. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has emerged as a critical tool for managing complex cardiac cases, including TAPVC.
Methods
This retrospective study analyzed patients who received ECMO support postoperatively for TAPVC at Shanghai Children's Medical Center between January 2017 and December 2021. Inclusion criteria were children diagnosed with TAPVC and treated with ECMO. Data on demographics, surgical procedures, ECMO duration, complications, and outcomes were collected. The study followed the Helsinki Declaration.
Results
A total of 14 TAPVC patients were included, with a median age of 89.5 days and weight of 4.95 kg. The ECMO weaning rate was 85.71%, and the survival rate was 50%. The weaning and survival rates for intracardiac TAPVC were better than other subtypes. Further grouped showed that the high lactate status before ECMO (p = 0.00031) and the fluctuation of APTT value (p = 0.0011) during the ECMO period had predictive significance for the long-term prognosis of these children.
Conclusion
ECMO support is an effective therapy for TAPVC patients facing postoperative complications. Higher pre-ECMO lactate levels and fluctuations in APTT values during ECMO were predictive of long-term prognosis.
The causal relationship between gut microbiota and end-stage liver disease: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Yan Lili , Xu Xiao , Lu Di 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Patients with end-stage liver disease often have intestinal flora dysbiosis. Exploring the causal relationship between intestinal flora abundance and liver cirrhosis or liver cancer is significant. In this study, we first demonstrated liver cirrhosis was detrimental to liver cancer by two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Then, we used bidirectional MR to verify the two-way causal relationship between gut flora abundance (including 16 classes, 32 families, 119 genera, 20 orders, and 9 phyla) and end-stage liver diseases. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was the primary method for examining causality. MR-Egger, weighted median (WM) approaches were adopted to provide sensitivity analyses for the results. We revealed the impact of intestinal flora on liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, and we identified 11 and 5 causal relationships, respectively. Subsequently, we demonstrated that cirrhosis and liver cancer will genetically affect 3 and 13 intestinal flora abundance, respectively. We found that the family Lactobacillaceae (id:1836) and genus Lactobacillus(id:1837) may be involved in the crosstalk between cirrhosis and liver cancer. A negative feedback loop may exist between such flora and end-stage liver disease.
Vitrimer-like Elastomers with Rapid Stress-Relaxation by High-Speed Carboxy Exchange through Conjugate Substitution Reaction
Authors: Kohsaka Yasuhiro , Nishiie Natsumi , Kawatani Ryo , Tezuka Sae , Hayashi Mikihiro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We report the design of vitrimer-like elastomers that exhibit the fastest stress relaxation (τ = 2 s at 140 °C) among the reported poly(meth)acrylate-based vitrimers. The trick is the use of the carboxy exchange reaction by the conjugate substitution reaction using α-(acyloxymethyl) acrylate skeletons, which was inspired by our preliminary results in a small-molecule solution that showed the progress of the above carboxy exchange reaction, even at ambient temperature, in the presence of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO). To incorporate the quick bond rearrangement via carboxy exchange into the network, copolymers of ethyl acrylate and acrylic acid were crosslinked using bis[α-(bromomethyl)acrylates]. The cross-linked sample doped with 10 wt% DABCO exhibited processability to obtain a transparent film by hot pressing, despite the stable rubbery plateau in dynamic mechanical analysis. The high-speed bond exchange in the network was validated by stress-relaxation tests, where the stress-relaxation speed was 102–103 times faster than that of previously reported poly(meth)acrylate vitrimers operated by other common DCBs. The significantly fast relaxation ability eventually allows quick molding with household iron. In addition, the present material was applied as an adhesion sheet for plastics and metal substrates. Because dynamic cross-linking with the proposed bond exchange mechanism is implementable to any polymers bearing carboxy pendants, our approach can be applied to versatile backbones, which must thus be meaningful in the practical sense.
Numerical Simulation of UF6 Analysis in a Paul Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Kiai S. M. Sadat , Adlparvar Shrin , Zirak Ali Reza , Hasanzadeh Mostafa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this article, we present the results of numerical simulations aimed at investigating the physical properties and fractional mass resolutions of \({\text{U}\text{F}}_{6}\) molecular ions in quadrupole Paul ion traps (QPIT) analyzer. Initially, we employ the MCNPX code to simulate the deposition of alpha (\({\alpha }\)) decay energy within \({\text{U}\text{F}}_{6}\) molecules, laying the foundation for our subsequent analyses. Utilizing numerical integration of the Mathieu equations via the fifth-order Runge-Kutta method, we construct stability diagrams to elucidate ion movements within the ion trap structure. Through rigorous examination, we explore the impact of uncertainty parameters on the fractional mass resolution (\(\frac{\text{m}}{\varDelta \text{m}}\)), offering comprehensive consideration and discussion of their implications. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of ion trap dynamics and provides valuable insights into the factors influencing mass resolution in \({\text{U}\text{F}}_{6}\)molecular ions, with potential implications for various analytical and research applications.
An Information Security Awareness Model For Bring Your Own Devices: Case Study of a University in Kenya
Authors: Nyagwencha Justus , Kule Jillo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The use of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) to access resources has extended past the boundaries of major institutions of higher learning. But, at institutions of higher learning, students, faculty, and staff are beginning to connect personal devices to the institution’s network to access resources without much considerations to the security repercussions. Therefore, this research used a university with an estimated population of about 8000 students and 500 employees as a case study and applied stratified random sampling method to classify the study population, that is, students and employees to unravel adaptation of BOYD in institutions of higher learning. A questionnaire was used for data collection and test cases were used to test threats on BYOD devices owned by the respondents to identify challenges with its awareness. The study data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics methods and generalizations inference were made through correlation, regression and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) methods. The study established a moderate influence of effort expectancy, social influence, performance expectancy, threat appraisal and coping appraisal on Information Security Awareness (ISA). Facilitating conditions had a strong influence, while habit had a weak influence on ISA. General Terms Algorithms, Management, Performance, Design, Reliability, Experimentation, Security, Human Factors, Theory, Verification.
Structured Titanium TLIF Cage with and without Adjacent Level Dynamic Stabilization - A Retrospective 1-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Häckel Sonja , Gaff Jessica , Celenza Alana , Cunningham Greg , Kern Michael , Taylor Paul , Miles Andrew 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) was developed to achieve interbody fusion without anterior access. Dynamic stabilization systems (DSS) were introduced to mitigate adjacent segment disease by providing less rigid fixation of the spinal segment. The objective of this study was to analyze if there is a different clinical and radiographic outcome with dynamic stabilization adjacent to fusion compared to TLIF alone.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study and analyzed all patients who underwent minimally invasive TLIF between 2019 and 2021. Demographic, perioperative, and patient-reported outcomes, including disability (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI), pain (Visual Analog Scale for back and leg pain), and health-related quality of life (HrQoL), were collected. The primary outcome was the ODI at the 12-month follow-up. Interbody fusion rates were assessed by CT scans 12 months postoperatively.
Results: We included 82 participants, divided into hybrid (n=41) and non-hybrid (n=42) techniques. The demographic analysis revealed a mean age of 62.1 years, with a majority of female participants (57%). Both groups showed significant improvement in the ODI and HrQoL scores at various time points (p>0.05). No significant differences were found between the hybrid and non-hybrid groups regarding surgical and clinical outcomes. Non-union was not statistically higher in the non-hybrid group (11.4%) compared to the hybrid cohort (2.7%; p=0.716).
Conclusion: Our study demonstrates significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes one year after minimally invasive TLIF procedures, regardless of the inclusion of DSS.
Parent and Service Provider Perspectives of a Digital Developmental Surveillance and Service Navigation Program, Watch Me Grow Electronic (WMG-E), in Rural and Regional Australia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hawker Patrick J. , Barr Karlen R. , Winata Teresa , Wang Si , Smead Melissa , Kohlhoff Jane , Schmied Virginia , Jalaludin Bin , Lawson Kenny , Liaw Siaw-Teng , Lingam Raghu , Page Andrew , Lam-Cassettari Christa , Boydell Katherine , Lin Daniel P. , Katz Ilan , Dadich Ann , Raman Shanti , Grace Rebecca , Doyle Aunty Kerrie , McClean Tom , Mento Blaise Di , Preddy John , Woolfenden Susan , Eapen Valsamma 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Encouraging healthy childhood development and aiding the early identification of developmental difficulties are crucial to providing the best possible outcomes. Young children in rural areas are at a higher risk of missing timely developmental screening than their non-rural counterparts. This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a digital developmental surveillance program with a service navigator, Watch Me Grow-Electronic (WMG-E), trialled in rural Australia via a randomised controlled trial (RCT).
Methods
Ten parents who participated in the RCT and six service providers were interviewed. All parents completed the WMG-E weblink questionnaire on their digital devices. Five parents in the intervention group received ongoing support from a service navigator after completing the questionnaire. Transcripts were analysed via reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
The study revealed barriers and enablers of both the existing Child and Family Health Services (CFHS) and the WMG-E program comprising of a weblink and service navigation. Enablers of the CFHS included the flexible service options and comprehensive support model, while also acknowledging the resource barriers and service capacity limitations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Enablers of WMG-E weblink included its valuable feedback on child development, digital accessibility benefits, and user-friendly interface. Barriers of the WMG-E weblink included limited clinician oversight during survey completion, and technological barriers related to the digital format. Enablers of the WMG-E service navigation included the ability to address service gaps by connecting families to local services, provide support during waitlist periods, and alleviate the strain on understaffed remote healthcare facilities.
Conclusions
Access to digital support was perceived as particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic when services were closed. The WMG-E program offers a promising avenue to improve the accessibility and uptake of developmental screening services in rural Australia when functioning in harmony with existing care providers.
Trial registration:
The study is part of a large randomised controlled trial (Protocol No. 1.0, Version 3.1) was registered with ANZCTR (registration number: ACTRN12621000766819) on July 21st, 2021 and reporting of the trial results will be according to recommendations in the CONSORT Statement.
The comparison of adverse events in combination with double beta-lactam antimicrobials: Ampicillin plus Ceftriaxone and Ampicillin/Cloxacillin with bloodstream infections.
Authors: Ishikawa Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Daiki , Mori Nobuyoshi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: We frequently administered double beta-lactam, but the incidence rate of adverse events remains unclear. In Japan, only ampicillin/cloxacillin (ABPC/MCIPC) is available as anti-staphylococcal penicillin for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Our goal was to investigates the adverse events of double beta-lactam.
Methods: Adult patients (≥18 years) with bacteremia treated with ABPC, ABPC+CTRX, or ABPC/MCIPC were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of adverse events. Chi-square and T-tests were used for bivariate analysis. To analyze acute kidney injury (AKI) events, Kaplan-Meier analysis, the log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards models were performed. Propensity score (PS) matching was conducted to adjust for confounding factors.
Results: We included 277 ABPC, 57 ABPC+CTRX, and 43 ABPC/MCIPC patients. There were significant differences in age (71.1[standard deviation: SD 16.5], 64.0[16.9], 56.6[17.5]), number of male patients (62.5%, 47.4%, 72.1%), proportion of patients with qSOFA score ≥2 (23.1%, 64.4%, 41.9%), incidence of chronic kidney disease (39.0%, 35.1%, 18.6%), treatment duration[SD] (14.0 [12.1], 9.3 [8.8], 29.0 [19.2]), mechanical ventilation use (5.4%, 24.6%, 20.9%), vasopressor use (10.5%, 31.6%, 23.3%), and proportion of patients with AKI KDIGO grade ≥ 2 (9.0%, 12.3%, 30.2%). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a significant difference between ABPC and ABPC/MCIPC with hazard ratio of 1.83(95% confidence interval, 1.22–2.74, p=0.003) in AKI. In the PS-matched cohort, the incidence of AKI in AMPC/MCIPC was a significantly higher compared to the ABPC.
Conclusions: ABPC+CTRX may be safe under certain conditions, whereas ABPC/MCIPC presents a higher risk of AKI and may not be suitable.
Comparative Efficacy of Uterine Artery Embolization versus Laparoscopic Myomectomy in Treating Uterine Fibroids: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis
Authors: Wei Cunbao , Sun Xingwei , Li Shenzhi , Bai Xuming , Jin Yong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to comparatively analyze the therapeutic effects of uterine artery embolization (UAE) and laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) on uterine fibroids to determine which treatment method is more beneficial for patients.
Materials and Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 396 patients who underwent UAE(n=153)or LM (n=243)treatment from April 2010 to September 2019. After 1:1 propensity score matching(PSM), a comparative analysis was conducted on surgical trauma magnitude, postoperative recovery time, improvement in associated symptoms and quality of life, surgical adverse events, recurrence rates, and further interventions.
Results: In PSM, 66 pairs (132 patients) were successfully matched. Both treatments significantly alleviated symptoms and enhanced quality of life. Compared to the LM group, the UAE group had less intraoperative bleeding (P<0.001), a lower rate of hemoglobin decrease (P<0.001), shorter operation, postoperative, and overall hospital stays (P<0.001), and a lower postoperative recurrence rate (P<0.05), all statistically significant. Moreover, the UAE group showed notable advantages in postoperative activities (P<0.05). However, UAE patients faced higher hospitalization costs (P<0.001). Adverse event rates (7.6% vs. 9.1%) and postoperative reintervention rates (7.6% vs. 7.6%) were relatively low and not significantly different between groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Both UAE and LM can significantly improve patient symptoms and enhance their quality of life, and both treatment methods have low rates of adverse events and reinterventions. Compared to LM, UAE treatment for uterine fibroids presents advantages such as lesstrauma, faster recovery, and lower recurrence rate,but has higher treatment costs.
Transforming Language Acquisition: Advanced Artificial Intelligence Approaches for Second Language Education in Asia
Authors: Tran Tin Nghi , Nguyen Thang Tat 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This paper explored the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in second language education (SLE) in a couple of Asian countries. The research sought to determine AI- technology contribution to L2 learning effectiveness, engagement, and motivation by considering their constantly changing linguistic, cultural, and technical environment. The paper reviewed crucial findings and the impact on EFL teachers and students by studying existing literature and empirical data from several Asian countries. The paper answered how AI should be used in language instruction, mainly by examining equal access and cultural adaptation. This paper aslo suggested some more further studies in the field of advanced machine learning technologies in language education. With this study, the author provided more information on how AI affected language learning and teaching in Asia, which is relevant to international language-learning efforts.