bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid and Positioned Fabrication of Pure Gold Microsphere Arrays with Stable Deep-pressing Anisotropic Conductivity for Next-generation Advanced Packaging.
Authors: Liu Dilong , Cao An , Gong Yi , yang fan , Fan Yulong , Tian Xingyou , Li Yue 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

A simple and rapid technique is developed to fabricate pure gold microsphere arrays through a positioned transient-emulsion self-assembly and laser-irradiated ripening strategy. It enables the assembly of uniform gold colloidosomes in a pre-designed microhole array, transforming them into uniform microspheres within 10 seconds based on a layer-by-layer mechanism of laser-heating, melting fusion and merging growth. Theoretical simulations attribute this layer-by-layer mechanism to the finite skin depth of laser, creating a localized photo-thermal effect on the colloidosome surface. The key advantage for this technique is the final size of gold microsphere determined by the templating microholes, simplifying control through lithography techniques and making it applicable to various nanostructures using as gold source. Importantly, these pure gold microspheres demonstrate stable conductivity under deep compression, making them promising for reliable connections in soldering micro-sized chips onto integrated circuits.
A Smartphone Application Using Vibro-Acoustic Technology for Stress Management
Authors: Motokawa Tomonori , Kato Tomomi , Seto Shuji , Okuyama Junko 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We developed an easy-to-use smartphone-based stress care system that employs simultaneous vibratory sensations and synchronized music. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of this technology and discussed its potential for societal implementation. This prospective study was conducted in three phases in Tokyo. Phase 1 tested the application’s efficacy in stress management following one month of use using subjective surveys assessing depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, mood, and fatigue. Phase 2 assessed the effect of one month of application on internal stress markers (salivary cortisol, IgA, and oxytocin levels). Phase 3 assessed the application’s perceived efficacy and potential for social integration using a questionnaire survey administered after one week of use. Significant improvements were observed in all subjective stress markers and salivary cortisol levels one month after application. Sixty-seven percent of the participants reported perceiving their therapy as effective in relaxing both their body and mind, while 46% felt that it contributed to improved sleep after one week of application use. Additionally, 73% of participants expressed a positive intention to continue with therapy. The smartphone-based stress care application offers an individualized experience through both tactile and auditory stimulation, demonstrating its potential for widespread societal implementation of stress management.
Integrating genetic and clinical data to predict lung cancer in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Gu Zhan , Wu Yonghui , Yu Fengzhi , Sun Jijia , Wang Lixin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is closely linked to lung cancer (LC) development. The aim of this study is to identify the genetic and clinical risk factors for LC risk in COPD, according to which the prediction model for LC in COPD was constructed. Methods This is a case-control study in which patientis with COPD + LC as the case group, patientis with only COPD as the control group, and patientis with only LC as the second control group. A panel of clinical variables including demographic, environmental and lifestyle factors were collected. A total of 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped. The univariate analysis, candidate gene study and multivariate analysis were applied to identify the independent risk factors, as well as the prediction model was constructed. The ROC analyses were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the model. Results A total of 503 patients were finally enrolled in this study, with 188 patients for COPD + LC group, 162 patients for COPD group and 153 patients for LC group. The univariate analysis of clincial data showed compared with the patients with COPD, the patients with COPD + LC tended to have significantly lower BMI, higher smoking pack-years, and higher prevalence of emphysema. The results of the candidate gene study showed the rs1489759 in HHIP and rs56113850 in CYP2A6 demonstrated significant differences between COPD and COPD + LC groups. By using multivariate logistic regression analysis, four variables including BMI, pack-years, emphysema and rs56113850 were identified as independent risk factors for LC in COPD and the prediction model integrating genetic and clinical data was constructed. The AUC of the prediction model for LC in COPD reached 0.712, and the AUC of the model for predicting LC in serious COPD reached up to 0.836. Conclusion The rs56113850 (risk allele C) in CYP2A6, decrease in BMI, increase in pack-years and emphysema presence were independent risk factors for LC in COPD. Integrating genetic and clinical data for predicting LC in COPD demonstrated favorable predictive performance.
Linking vector favourable environmental conditions with serological evidence of widespread Bluetongue virus exposure in livestock in Ecuador
Authors: Acosta Alfredo , Barrera Maritza , Jarrín David , Maldonado Alexander , Salas Johanna , Camargo Guilherme , Mello Beatriz , Burbano Alexandra , DelaTorre Euclides , Hoffman Bernd , Dietze Klaas 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Despite knowledge of Bluetongue disease (BT) in Latin America, little information is available on the actual spread and overall burden. As a vector-borne disease, high-risk areas for BT will coincide with favourable environmental conditions for the prevailing vector. In Ecuador, information on the presence of BTV is limited to singled out virological findings. In this study, we obtained serological evidence for BT virus exposure derived from the passive surveillance system of national veterinary services aimed at detecting reproductive-vesicular diseases, including BT, for differential diagnosis. Bioclimatic factors relevant for Culicoides development as the main vector and the host abundance in parish level were taken as risk factors and analysed using a logistic regression model. Results reveal widespread evidence of bluetongue virus exposure that geographically matches favourable vector ecosystems between 12°C and 32°C. The variables relevant for the prediction of BTV riskiest areas include cattle population, maximum temperature of the warmest month, minimum temperature of the coldest month, temperature seasonality, and precipitation of the driest month. This analysis, the first of its kind for an Andean country with diverse ecosystems, can inform initial strategic approaches for targeted surveillance and control measures considering a one-health approach.
The feasibility of reaching gigatonne scale CO2 storage by mid-century
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Jackson Christopher , Krevor Samuel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) projects subsurface carbon storage at rates of 1–30 GtCO2 yr-1 by 2050. These projections, however, overlook potential geological, geographical, and techno-economic limitations to growth. We evaluate the feasibility of scaling up CO2 storage using a geographically resolved growth model that considers constraints from both geology and scaleup rate. Our results suggest a maximum global storage rate of 16 GtCO2 yr-1 by 2050, contingent on the USA contributing 60% of the total. This reduces to 5 GtCO2 yr-1 if projections are constrained by government roadmaps, mostly because this limits deployment in the USA to 1 GtCO2 yr-1. These values contrast with projections in the AR6 that vastly overestimate the feasibility of deployment in China, Indonesia, and South Korea. Subsurface carbon storage can achieve gigatonne scale mitigation by mid-century, but projections should be updated to include limits from geology, geography, and rates of deployment.
Exploring Gender Disparity in Geometry Learning Using Van Hiele's Model: A Quasi-Experimental Study of Final Year Male and Female Students' Performance
Authors: Enoch Suglo Kabinaa 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

There are mixed findings and views about the gender gap in mathematics learning. While some studies have revealed that only men have the capacity to dominate in mathematics as compared to their female counterparts, other studies have found that women have the potential to even outperform their male counterparts in mathematics. There continues to be growing uncertainty regarding male and female students learning and performance in mathematics. This current study, however, was designed to explore the nexus between gender and geometry performance with respect to male and female students’ geometry learning. The study employed a one-group quasi-experimental design with a population and sample size of 360 and 186, respectively. Stratified and random sampling processes were used to select the sample members. Data for the study were collected using a questionnaire (Google Form) and a Geometry Achievement Test (pretest and posttest). Data analysis was done using SPSS’s descriptive procedures and a paired samples t-test. The study found that: 1) there was a significant difference between male and female students academic performance in geometry, p(< .000). 2) The study also found that the use of Van Hiele’s geometry thinking model contributed to improved geometry learning and performance. The study therefore recommended that teachers should make use of Van Hiele’s model in teaching geometry and give equal support or pay equal attention to both male and female students in the classroom during teaching and learning.
Benchmarking Analytical and Numerical Simulation of Induced Fault Slip
Authors: Novikov Aleksei , Behbahani Sara Shokrollahzadeh , Voskov Denis , Hajibeygi Hadi , Jansen Jan Dirk 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Pore pressure fluctuation in subsurface reservoirs and its resulting mechanical response can cause fault reactivation. Numerical simulation of such induced seismicity is important to develop reliable seismic hazard and risk assessments. However, modeling of fault reactivation is quite challenging, especially in the case of displaced faults, i.e., faults with non-zero offset. In this paper, we perform a systematic benchmarking study to validate two recently developed numerical methods for fault slip simulation. Reference solutions are based on a semi-analytical approach that makes use of inclusion theory and Cauchy-type singular integral equations. The two numerical schemes considered are both finite volume (FV) methods which consider discrete faults in different manners. One of them employs a conformal discrete fault model (DFM) while the other uses an embedded (non-conformal) fault model. The latter allows for flexible fault and rock matrix grids and is computationally attractive. It was found that both numerical methods accurately represent pre-slip stress fields caused by pore pressure changes. Moreover, they also successfully coped with the vertical frictionless fault. However, for the case with an inclined displaced fault with constant friction coefficient, the embedded method did not converge for the post-slip phase, whereas the DFM results did converge for both constant and slip-weakening friction coefficients. In its current implementation, the DFM is therefore the model of choice when accurate simulation of local faulted systems is required.
Improving Sphenophorus levis Adult Mortality with Solid Insecticide Applications and Increased Insecticide Dose
Authors: Ferreira Pedro Henrique Urach , Ferreira Marcelo da Costa , Vieira Eliane 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The sugarcane weevil (Sphenophorus levis Vaurie, 1978) is currently considered the most important sugarcane pest in Brazil causing significant yield losses. Application methods of insecticides for S. levis control have not been effective mostly due to the insect’s habitat behavior bellow soil surface suppressing the correct placement of the insecticide active ingredient on target. Two experiments were conducted using a novel bioassay methodology that simulates sugarcane field conditions to effectively evaluate S. levis adult mortality and insecticide soil residue under different treatments. One study aimed to assess the efficacy of two liquid and solid applied insecticides while the second aimed to examinate the effect of increasing lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxam dose on S. levis adult control. The novel bioassays simulated liquid and solid insecticide applications on sugarcane and exposed S. levis adults to residual rhizome and soil after insecticide application. In the first experiment, low S. levis adult control was detected (< 53% mortality) across all treatments where both solid and liquid applications of lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxam provided greater efficacy levels than imidacloprid and control treatments, respectively. Solid applications promoted greater insecticide concentrations in soil during longer periods in comparison with liquid insecticide applications, providing maximum insect control levels at 7 days after application. In the second experiment, solid applications at higher insecticide dose significantly improved S. levis adult control (76.7% mortality) in comparison with results of recommended label rate for adult control (58.8% mortality).
Single-cell atlas of Leishmania major development in the sandfly vector reveals the heterogeneity of transmitted parasites and their role in infection
Authors: Catta-Preta Carolina , Ghosh Kashinath , Sacks David , Ferreira Tiago 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Leishmania development in the sandfly vector is predominantly characterized as a series of sequential promastigote morphotypes. Apart from isolated mammal-infective metacyclic promastigotes, the transcriptional programs and molecular markers for other stages co-inhabiting the midgut or co-egested by the sandfly have not been resolved. Here, using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we elucidate the transcriptomic complexity of L. major promastigotes colonizing Phlebotomus duboscqi at early- and late-infection, providing unique markers for three subpopulations found in sandflies with mature, transmissible infections. Contrary to prevailing models, our analyses indicate a non-linear developmental program, with bifurcation into either replicating early metacyclics or attached and detached haptomonads. Haptomonads constitute part of the transmitted dose, and along with highly motile, non-dividing late metacyclics, are infectious to and exacerbate the pathology in mice. Our single-cell analysis and novel validated markers will facilitate further studies on the Leishmania life cycle and its implications for host infections.
Exploring personal values of patients with advanced lung cancer in the hospital setting: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Villalobos Matthias , Ludwig Jan Ole , König Mara , Unsöld Laura , Siegle Anja , Thomas Michael 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Guidelines recommend the discussion of treatment and care goals of patients with advanced cancer according to their values and preferences. Little is known about the value system of these patients and how to address them in the hospital setting.
Methods
Convergent mixed-methods design: collection of quantitative data of patients with advanced lung cancer from a German University Hospital (n = 66) using the Human Values Scale, group comparison after a propensity score matching with the German cohort of the 9th European Social Survey, semi-structured interviews (n = 17) and qualitative content analysis, integration of data using side-by-side display.
Results
Quantitative analysis shows that lung cancer patients prioritize significantly more the value dimensions of self-transcendence (universalism, benevolence; p = .02) and openness to change (self-direction, stimulation; p = .03). While values of conservation (conformity, tradition, security; p = .04) and self-enhancement (power, achievement; p = .02) are notably less important. Besides the affirmation of self-direction, qualitative data, contrastingly, shows strong “conformity” with medical treatment decisions and the importance of “security”, while revealing the systematic neglect of values in patient-physician conversations.
Conclusions
The values guiding lung cancer patients differ from the general population. Despite the expressed importance of self-direction strong conformity arises in regard to medical treatment decisions. This may show the need of feeling secure in a complex and uncertain setting but has also the risk of over-treatment, hazarding goal-concordant care and the timely integration of palliative care, particularly when considering the neglect of values exposed.
Psychosocial Determinants of Learners’ Poor Performance in South African Primary Schools: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Matlakala Frans , Ndlovu Simon , Mafa Prudence , Morobadi Seanego , Mphahlele Hunadi , Mmakola Lulu , Tladi Lerato , Malatji Nthabi , Nkoana Shai , Themane Mahlapahlapane 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Psychosocial determinants play a significant role in shaping an individual's cognitive and emotional development, which in turn can impact their performance in various domains, including education. Understanding these determinants is essential for identifying barriers and implementing interventions to support positive outcomes in learners. This review will be based on the apiece of the mental health of learners in schools. We envisage that the topic will cover an array of outcomes touching on psychological and socioeconomic determinates, learner-student relations, and the psychological well-being of learners.
Methods and analysis: Articles for this review shall be searched through PubMed, PsychArticle, PsychINFO, EBSCOHost, Sabinet African Journal and African Journals Online). Moreover, we will conduct a forward search by using the option "cited by" and/or "related articles" on Google Scholar to find other articles which might meet the inclusion criteria to be part of the review. Boolean search will consist of keywords, MeSH concepts, truncations and wildcats to retrieve relevant articles from the above-mentioned databases. The selection of articles will be based on exclusion and inclusion criteria. The criteria shall consider the following variables a) demographic characteristics of the study participants (age and grade); b) date of publication; c) setting (South Africa); d) study design; e) language of publication. After conducting the search databases, articles will be exported to Endnote 21 for screening by the team. The identified relevant studies for this review will be divided among reviewers for data extraction. Methods of selected articles will be assessed using Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) criteria.
Factors influencing nurses' satisfaction to online learning approach: A cross ICU analysis
Authors: Lee Shu-Yen , Chang Ching-Yi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Given the increasing complexity of illnesses and rapid pace of technological advancements in professional training, it is vital to offer nurses ample opportunities to hone their clinical expertise and skills, particularly in ensuring the delivery of premier medical care. This study aimed to determine the factors and predictors influencing nurses’ satisfaction with adopting mobile learning approaches in intensive care unit healthcare settings. Additionally, it sought to investigate the applicability of the technology acceptance model in explaining their inclinations and validating the measurement scales employed in the research.
Methods
The study's research design entailed a cross-sectional survey, involving 222 individuals from 6 intensive care unit departments, and utilised a technology acceptance survey as the primary instrument. Rigorous assessments were conducted to establish the content validity and ensure instrument reliability.
Results
The findings demonstrated that perceived usefulness was the most influential factor affecting nurses’ intentions to embrace mobile learning approaches, with perceived ease of use emerging as the principal determinant of perceived usefulness.
Conclusions
Incorporating mobile learning methodologies is paramount to increasing the calibration of professional nursing education programs. By effectively integrating digital information technology and tools, nursing educators can overcome teaching challenges, deliver innovative clinical nursing education content through mobile learning approaches, and foster optimal development in the field.
A BIM-based approach for multi-objective optimization of sustainable materials selection through life cycle analysis
Authors: Jani Mehran , Falegari Sahar , Javid Ali Akbar Shirzadi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Given the increasing need for design coupled with constrained financial resources, a comprehensive approach that combines life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle cost analysis (LCCA), and multi-dimensional optimization was suggested to develop a decision-making framework for cost-effective buildings. The proposed framework considers various aspects such as performance, economic considerations, and environmental factors. Integrating environmental and economic analysis into building construction and design was explored, emphasizing the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to manage building data and conduct cost and environmental assessments. Finally, a framework was suggested for selecting optimal materials for pre-construction activities. The study also highlights the importance of considering sustainability and long-term costs in decision-making. In addition, the integration of economic aspects into sustainability assessments was discussed, and challenges and areas for future research were identified. The research methodology included creating a comprehensive database, utilizing life cycle assessment software, and employing optimization techniques to select the most suitable materials for different regions. The results showed significant differences with more than 50% reduction in cost evaluation between generic and optimal materials in the life cycle assessment. In the doors category in North America, greenhouse gas production was reduced by 47%, which was observed between the United States and Australia.