bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Language barriers in German outpatient diabetes care: a cross-sectional study on multilingual treatment and the use of interpreters
Authors: Mösko Mike , Raczek Lisanne , Schilgen Benjamin , Bollmann Luise , Icks Andrea , Aberle Jens , Berger Faize , Bührig Kristin , Wiltink Jörg , Mohwinkel Vera , Schulz Holger 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Aims
Language barriers significantly contribute to limited access and treatment quality in diabetic health care for ethnic minority groups. The study assesses the extent of linguistic resources and barriers in outpatient diabetes care in Germany.

Subject and methods
The questionnaire-based explorative cross-sectional study included all certified outpatient diabetological practices in Germany (N = 169), assessing, among other things, medical professionals’ (MP) language competencies, language barriers in treatment, use of and attitudes towards professional interpreters.

Results
One hundred and seven practices (63%) participated in the study, with an average of 16 MPs employed; of these, 47.2% spoke at least one other language than German, with 35.2% using their multilingual competencies actively for treating patients. Of all patients, 6.3% had German language skills which were insufficient for treatment situations, with this variable significantly predicted by the MPs’ multilingual treatment offers; 95.4% of the interpreter-assisted situations were supported by family members/friends. Among the clinicians, 86.0% appreciated a better participation for the patient being enabled by professional interpreters. The use of a professional interpreter in consultations was predicted by prior experience in working with interpreters.

Conclusion
The low proportion of patients with limited language proficiency suggests numerous barriers for patients to enter the outpatient diabetes care system. The multilingual capabilities among MPs do not cover the patients´ linguistic needs. Though MPs agree that professional interpreters are a good way to overcome language barriers, this study highlights obstacles that hinder clinicians from relying on professional interpreters.
Are changes in sleep problems associated with changes in life satisfaction during the retirement transition?
Authors: Kontturi Marika , Virtanen Marianna , Myllyntausta Saana , Prakash K. C. , Pentti Jaana , Vahtera Jussi , Stenholm Sari 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRetirement reduces sleep problems, but changes in life satisfaction during the retirement transition are multifactorial and partly unknown. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to examine whether changes in sleep problems are associated with changes in total and domain-specific life satisfaction during the retirement transition (on average 0.5 years before and 0.5 years after retirement). The study population consisted of Finnish public sector employees (n = 3518) from the Finnish Retirement and Aging (FIREA) study who responded to annual surveys before and after transition to statutory retirement. Sleep problems were measured with Jenkins Sleep Problem Scale questionnaire and participants were grouped into four sleep problem groups depending on the state of their sleep problems during the retirement transition: ‘Never,’ ‘Decreasing,’ ‘Increasing,’ and ‘Constant’ sleep problems. Life satisfaction was measured with the Life Satisfaction Scale questionnaire including four domains (interestingness, happiness, easiness, togetherness). We found that the improvement in total life satisfaction was greatest for participants in the ‘Decreasing’ (0.17, 95% CI 0.11–0.23, SMD 0.27) and ‘Constant’ (0.12, 95% CI 0.07–0.18, SMD 0.19) sleep problem groups. Of the specific life satisfaction domains, similar findings were observed only for the easiness domain. It seems that decreasing or constant sleep problems are associated with improved life satisfaction during the retirement transition, especially in the feeling of easiness of life. This may be due to the fact that as the demands of working life are removed, sleep problems are alleviated or it becomes easier to live with them, which improves life satisfaction.
Decentralized multi-agent path finding framework and strategies based on automated negotiation
Authors: Keskin M. Onur , Cantürk Furkan , Eran Cihan , Aydoğan Reyhan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper introduces a negotiation framework to solve the Multi-Agent Path Finding (MAPF) Problem for self-interested agents in a decentralized fashion. The framework aims to achieve a good trade-off between the privacy of the agents and the effectiveness of solutions. Accordingly, a token-based bilateral negotiation protocol and two negotiation strategies are presented. The experimental results over four different settings of the MAPF problem show that the proposed approach could find conflict-free path solutions albeit suboptimally, especially when the search space is large and high-density. In contrast, Explicit Estimation Conflict-Based Search (EECBS) struggles to find optimal solutions. Besides, deploying a sophisticated negotiation strategy that utilizes information about local density for generating alternative paths can yield remarkably better solution performance in this negotiation framework.
DR6 Augments Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth, Invasion, and Stemness by Activating AKT/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Jia Jing , Huang Yisen , Chen Qiwei , Hou Jianbin , Liu Yan , Xie Lifeng , Li Xinyu , Yang Chunkang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study aims to elucidate the role and mechanisms of Death Receptor 6 (DR6), a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, in the malignant progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). The association of DR6 expression levels and CRC patient survival was examined using the CRC cohort data from GEPIA database. The functional role of DR6 in CRC cells was investigated by performing loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments based on CCK-8 proliferation assay, transwell migration and invasion assay, and sphere-forming assays. Xenograft model of CRC cells in nude mouse was established to evaluate the impact of DR6 knockdown on CRC tumorigenesis. Elevated expression of DR6 was correlated with an unfavorable prognosis in CRC patients. In vitro functional assays demonstrated that silencing DR6 considerably suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness of CRC cells, whereas its overexpression showed an opposite effect. DR6 knockdown also attenuated tumor formation of CRC cells in the nude mice. Mechanistically, silencing DR6 reduced the phosphorylation of AKT and NF-κB in CRC cells, and the treatment with an AKT activator (SC79) abrogated the inhibitory effects of DR6 knockdown on the malignant features of CRC cells. Our data suggest that DR6 contributes to the malignant progression of CRC by activating AKT/NF-κB pathway, indicating its clinical potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target for CRC.
Systematic Review of the Psychometric Evidence Supporting Use of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, Short Form (DASS-21) with Youth
Authors: Dwight Aberdine R. , Briesch Amy M. , Hoffman Jessica A. , Rutt Christopher 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Although the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, Short Form (DASS-21) was developed for adults, its authors noted no compelling reasons to not use the measure with youth as young as 12 years. Despite increasingly widespread use with youth, psychometric evidence in support of its use with this population needs to be investigated to fully understand its utility.

Objective
The goal of this paper was to conduct a systematic review to identify and appraise evidence for the psychometric properties of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, Short Form (DASS-21) when used with youth populations.

Methods
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this systematic review identified 18 studies that reported relevant information on the psychometrics of the DASS-21 with youth samples. Each article was coded for evidence of three indicators of particular importance to progress monitoring: reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change.

Results
Studies have found varied factor structures (i.e., 1–4 factors) for the DASS-21 and validity evidence based on relations to other variables has been limited. As such, further research is needed to understand the utility of the depression, anxiety, and stress subscales. Furthermore, no information is currently available about the sensitivity to change of the measure.

Conclusions
Most studies reporting psychometric properties in this review utilized the DASS-21 with mixed-gender groups of secondary school students, thus supporting its use with similar populations. Pending additional inquiry, however, both researchers and practitioners are encouraged to utilize the total score, for which stronger evidence of reliability and validity exist.
Bio-Inspired algorithms for secure image steganography: enhancing data security and quality in data transmission
Authors: Rezaei Samira , Javadpour Amir 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe proliferation of data sharing over the Internet has given rise to pressing concerns surrounding data security. Addressing these concerns, steganography emerges as a viable mechanism to safeguard data during transmission. It involves concealing messages within other media, such as images, exchanged over networks. In this research, we propose an innovative image steganography approach by harnessing the capabilities of bio-inspired algorithms. A central challenge in steganography revolves around the inherent pixel correlations within cover images, which may inadvertently leak sensitive information to potential intruders. To tackle this challenge head-on, we harness the potential of bio-inspired algorithms, which have exhibited promise in efficiently mitigating these vulnerabilities. This paper introduces a steganography strategy rooted in a fusion model that seamlessly integrates diverse bio-inspired algorithms. Our novel embedding approach ensures the production of robust and high-quality cover images and disrupts bit sequences effectively, thereby enhancing resistance against potential attacks. We meticulously evaluate the performance of our method using a comprehensive dataset encompassing grayscale and JPEG color images. Our particular emphasis on color images arises from their superior capacity to conceal a greater volume of information. The results vividly demonstrate our approach's effectiveness in achieving secure and efficient data concealment within images.
Sex-specific element accumulation in honey bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Zarić Nenad M. , Brodschneider Robert , Goessler Walter 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHoney bees are social insects that show division of labor and sexual dimorphism. Female honey bees differentiate in two different castes, queens or worker bees, while males are called drones. Worker bees have different tasks in the hive including collection of food, its processing, caring for brood, protecting the hive, or producing wax. The drones’ only role is to mate with a virgin queen. Many studies have dealt with differences in physiology, behavior, and morphology of workers and drones. This is the first study that demonstrates differences in element accumulation and composition between workers and drones honey bees. Using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, we found that worker honey bees have higher concentrations of most elements analyzed. Drones had higher concentrations of elements essential to bees, Na, P, S, Zn, Cu, and especially Se (2.2 × higher), which is known to be important for sperm quality and fertility in many animals. Until now higher Se content was not observed in male insects. These differences can be attributed to different environmental exposure, reproductive role of drones, but mostly to the food workers and drones consume. Worker bees feed on bee bread, which is rich in minerals. Drones are fed food pre-processed by worker bees.
An AI healthcare ecosystem framework for Covid-19 detection and forecasting using CronaSona
Authors: Hassan Samah A. Z. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe primary purpose of this paper is to establish a healthcare ecosystem framework for COVID-19, CronaSona. Unlike some studies that focus solely on detection or forecasting, CronaSona aims to provide a holistic solution, for managing data and/or knowledge, incorporating detection, forecasting, expert advice, treatment recommendations, real-time tracking, and finally visualizing results. The innovation lies in creating a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem framework and an application that not only aids in COVID-19 diagnosis but also addresses broader health challenges. The main objective is to introduce a novel framework designed to simplify the development and construction of applications by standardizing essential components required for applications focused on addressing diseases. CronaSona includes two parts, which are stakeholders and shared components, and four subsystems: (1) the management information subsystem, (2) the expert subsystem, (3) the COVID-19 detection and forecasting subsystem, and (4) the mobile tracker subsystem. In the proposed framework, a CronaSona app. was built to try to put the virus under control. It is a reactive mobile application for all users, especially COVID-19 patients and doctors. It aims to provide a reliable diagnostic tool for COVID-19 using deep learning techniques, accelerating diagnosis and referral processes, and focuses on forecasting the transmission of COVID-19. It also includes a mobile tracker subsystem for monitoring potential carriers and minimizing the virus spread. It was built to compete with other applications and to help people face the COVID-19 virus. Upon receiving the proposed framework, an application was developed to validate and test the framework’s functionalities. The main aim of the developed application, CronaSona app., is to develop and test a reliable diagnostic tool using deep learning techniques to avoid increasing the spread of the disease as much as possible and to accelerate the diagnosis and referral of patients by detecting COVID-19 features from their chest X-ray images. By using CronaSona, human health is saved and stress is reduced by knowing everything about the virus. It performs with the highest accuracy, F1-score, and precision, with consecutive values of 97%, 97.6%, and 96.6%.
Graphical Abstract
The Ethics of Stem Cell-Based Embryo-Like Structures
Authors: Pereira Daoud A. M. , Dondorp W. J. , Bredenoord A. L. , de Wert G. M. W. R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn order to study early human development while avoiding the burdens associated with human embryo research, scientists are redirecting their efforts towards so-called human embryo-like structures (hELS). hELS are created from clusters of human pluripotent stem cells and seem capable of mimicking early human development with increasing accuracy. Notwithstanding, hELS research finds itself at the intersection of historically controversial fields, and the expectation that it might be received as similarly sensitive is prompting proactive law reform in many jurisdictions, including the Netherlands. However, studies on the public perception of hELS research remain scarce. To help guide policymakers and fill this gap in the literature, we conducted an explorative qualitative study aimed at mapping the range of perspectives in the Netherlands on the creation and research use of hELS. This article reports on a subset of our findings, namely those pertaining to (the degrees of and requirements for) confidence in research with hELS and its regulation. Despite commonly found disparities in confidence on emerging biotechnologies, we also found wide consensus regarding the requirements for having (more) confidence in hELS research. We conclude by reflecting on how these findings could be relevant to researchers and (Dutch) policymakers when interpreted within the context of their limitations.
Early onset type 2 diabetes mellitus: an update
Authors: Strati Myrsini , Moustaki Melpomeni , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Vryonidou Andromachi , Paschou Stavroula A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in young individuals (aged <40 years) have significantly increased in recent years, approximating two to threefold increase in the respective rates. Numerous risk factors including severe obesity, family history, ethnicity, maternal diabetes or gestational diabetes, and female sex contribute to a younger age of onset. In terms of pathogenesis, impaired insulin secretion is the key operating mechanism, alongside with ectopic adiposity-related insulin resistance. T2DM diagnosis in a young adult requires the exclusion of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) and maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). The establishment of such diagnosis is critical for prognosis, because early-onset T2DM is associated with rapid deterioration in pancreatic β-cell secretory function leading to earlier initiation of insulin therapy. Furthermore, mortality and lifetime risk of developing complications, especially microvascular, is increased in these patients compared to both later-onset T2DM and T1DM patients; also, the latter are often developed earlier in the course of disease. The management of early-onset T2DM follows the same guidelines as in later-onset T2DM; yet patients aged 18–39 years are underrepresented in the big clinical trials on which the development of guidelines is based. Finally, young people with T2DM face significant challenges associated with social determinants, which compromise their adherence to therapy and induce diabetes distress. Future research focusing on the pathogenesis of β-cell decline and complications, as well as on specific treatment shall lead to better understanding and management of early-onset T2DM.
Mirage: cyber deception against autonomous cyber attacks in emulation and simulation
Authors: Kouremetis Michael , Lawrence Dean , Alford Ron , Cheuvront Zoe , Davila David , Geyer Benjamin , Haigh Trevor , Michalak Ethan , Murphy Rachel , Russo Gianpaolo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAs the capabilities of cyber adversaries continue to evolve, now in parallel to the explosion of maturing and publicly-available artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, cyber defenders may reasonably wonder when cyber adversaries will begin to also field these AI technologies. In this regard, some promising (read: scary) areas of AI for cyber attack capabilities are search, automated planning, and reinforcement learning. As such, one possible defensive mechanism against future AI-enabled adversaries is that of cyber deception. To that end, in this work, we present and evaluate Mirage, an experimentation system demonstrated in both emulation and simulation forms that allows for the implementation and testing of novel cyber deceptions designed to counter cyber adversaries that use AI search and planning capabilities.
Social Disconnectedness in Individuals with Cardiovascular Disease: Associations with Health Literacy and Treatment Burden
Authors: Christiansen Julie , Lasgaard Mathias , Pedersen Susanne S. , Pedersen Marie Hauge , Friis Karina 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Knowledge is limited on associations between social disconnectedness (i.e. loneliness and social isolation), health literacy and perceived treatment burden in individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, understanding these associations may be important for clinical practice.

Methods
This study used cross-sectional self-reported data from the 2017 Danish health and morbidity survey entitled ‘How are you?’, investigating the associations of loneliness and social isolation with low health literacy and high treatment burden in individuals with CVD (n = 2521; mean age = 65.7 years).

Results
Logistic regression analysis showed that loneliness and social isolation were associated with low health literacy in terms of difficulties in ‘understanding health information’ (loneliness: adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.32, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [1.16, 1.50]; social isolation: AOR = 1.47, 95% CI [1.24, 1.73]) and ‘engaging with healthcare providers’ (loneliness: AOR = 1.53, 95% CI [1.37, 1.70]; social isolation: AOR = 1.21, 95% CI [1.06, 1.40]) and associated with high treatment burden (loneliness: AOR = 1.49, 95% CI [1.35, 1.65]; social isolation: AOR = 1.20, 95% CI [1.06, 1.37]).

Conclusions
Our findings show that loneliness and social isolation coexisted with low health literacy and high treatment burden in individuals with CVD. These findings are critical as socially disconnected individuals experience more health issues. Low health literacy and a high treatment burden may potentially exacerbate these issues.
Visualization and control of the free-flight transfer phenomenon in the wire feed control process
Authors: Maruyama Toshiki , Ogino Yosuke , Sano Tomokazu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGas metal arc (GMA) welding requires improved process stability, higher quality and efficiency, and quantitative control of the heat input and deposition. These requirements can be achieved by appropriately controlling the metal transfer phenomenon. However, this control method has primarily been applied to short-circuit transfer, and very few examples of its application to free-flight transfer exist. Therefore, the effect of wire feed control on free-flight transfer remains unclear. In this study, the influence of wire feed control on the free-flight transfer phenomenon in the GMA welding process using an aluminum wire electrode was investigated through experimental observations, and free-flight transfer control was attempted.It was observed the free-flight transfer phenomenon, particularly globular transfer, under low-current conditions with controlled wire feeding under various feed conditions, using wire feed–retract speeds and cycles as parameters. The observation results revealed two patterns with different timings of droplet detachment under long- and short-period conditions. Furthermore, the observation of the droplet detachment motions revealed that the inertia caused by the acceleration or deceleration of the feed speed acts on the droplet. Moreover, the difference between the two transfer patterns is primarily caused by the inertia acting on the droplet before and after switching the wire feed–retract direction and the size of the droplet at that time. Based on this, free-flight transfer can be stabilized by reconfiguring the feed conditions.