bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Duration of effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in Japan: A retrospective cohort study using large- scale population-based registry data
Authors: Uemura Kohei , Ono Sachiko , Michihata Nobuaki , Yamana Hayato , Yasunaga Hideo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Most evidence of the waning of vaccine effectiveness is limited to a relatively short period after vaccination.
Methods
Data obtained from a linked database of healthcare administrative claims and vaccination records maintained by the municipality of a city in the Kanto region of Japan were used in this study. The study period extended from April 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. The duration of the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine was analyzed using a time-dependent piecewise Cox proportional hazard model using the age, sex and history of cancer, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease as covariates.
Results
Among the 174,757 eligible individuals, 14,416 (8.3%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 and 936 (0.54%) were hospitalized for COVID-19. Multivariate analysis based on the time-dependent Cox regression model revealed a lower incidence of COVID-19 in the one-dose group (hazard ratio, 0.76 [95% confidence interval, 0.63–0.91]), two-dose (0.89 [0.85–0.93]), three-dose (0.80 [0.76–0.85]), four-dose (0.93 [0.88–1.00]), and five-dose (0.72 [0.62–0.84]) groups. A lower incidence of COVID-19-related hospitalization was observed in the one-dose group (0.42 [0.21–0.81]), two-dose (0.44 [0.35–0.56]), three-dose (0.38 [0.30–0.47]), four-dose (0.20 [0.14–0.28]), and five-dose (0.11 [0.014–0.86]) groups. Multivariable analyses based on the time-dependent piecewise Cox proportional hazard model revealed significant preventive effects of the vaccine at 0–1, 1–2, 2–3, 3–4, 7–8, ≥ 12 months for the incidence of COVID-19 and 0–1, 1–2, 2–3, 3–4, 4–5, 5–6, 7–8, and 9–10 months for hospitalization.
Conclusions
Vaccine effectiveness showed gradual attenuation with time after vaccination; however, protective effects against the incidence of COVID-19 and hospitalization were maintained for 4 months and ≥ 6 months, respectively. These results may aid in formulating routine vaccination plans after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Digging Deeper: Gender-Related Stressors and Coping Strategies Among Farmers (N=1,394)
Authors: Montgomery Anne , Dunaway James , Basey Stephanie , Scoggins Chris 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Farmer mental health - including stress levels, stressors, and coping mechanisms - has rarely been investigated in quantitative work. In addition, gender differences among farmers are seldom studied.
Aims:
The aim is to uncover gender-based disparities in stress experiences and coping strategies among agricultural workers.
Methods:
The study included 1,394 farmers (67.7% male, 32.3% female) from Georgia, USA, who completed an online questionnaire on various aspects of mental well-being.
Results
The findings highlight distinct differences in characteristics between male and female farmers, with a notable proportion of female farmers being first-generation, suggesting unique challenges for this subgroup. While Perceived Stress Scores were similar between genders, male farmers reported more unhappiness in their farm roles, while a significantly higher proportion of female farmers experienced depression 5-12 times per year. Additionally, females exhibited a slightly higher frequency of suicidal ideation.
Stressors were generally consistent among farmers, yet females expressed greater concern about work-life balance and financial issues, while males were more worried about sexual issues and alcohol use. Coping mechanisms varied, with male farmers employing a wider array of strategies, including alcohol consumption as a prominent coping method.
A stratified propensity score matching analysis was conducted to explore the gender effect on suicidal ideation. After controlling for relevant covariates, the gender difference in suicidal ideation disappeared. This suggests that gender-based stress responses may be influenced more by external stressors and environmental factors, potentially mediated by gender roles, rather than inherent sex differences.
Conclusion:
These findings underscore the significance of considering job-related variables when studying mental health outcomes in farmers, as these factors significantly influence suicidal ideation patterns. Identifying and addressing gender-specific challenges can inform targeted interventions to support the mental health and well-being of agricultural workers.
Purpose
Literature on the mental health of farmers has been scarce. The most common studies focus on the potential outcome of poor mental health, such as depression or suicide. Although some work is emerging on farmer’s stressors, there has not been a cross-sectional survey that compares male and female farmers’ stressors and coping mechanisms. Throughout this study, the term "farmers" will encompass agricultural workers of various roles, including farm workers, managers, and owners.
Oscillometric Blood Pressure Measurements on Smartphones using Vibrometric Force Estimation
Authors: Barry Colin , Xuan Yinan , Fascetti Ava , Moore Alison , Wang Edward Jay 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This paper proposes a smartphone-based method for measuring blood pressure (BP) using the oscillometric method. To measure BP, it is necessary to measure (1) the pressure applied to the artery and (2) the local blood volume change. This is accomplished by performing an oscillometric measurement at the finger’s digital artery, whereby a user presses down on the phone’s camera with steadily increasing force. The camera is used to capture the blood volume change using photoplethysmography. We devised a novel method for measuring the force applied by the finger without the use of specialized smartphone hardware with a technique called Vibrometric Force Estimation (VFE). The fundamental concept of VFE relies on a phenomenon where a vibrating object is dampened when an external force is applied on to it. This phenomenon can be recreated using the phone’s own vibration motor and with powerthe resulting damped vibration measured using the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). A cross device reliability study with three smartphones of different manufacturers, shape, and prices results in similar force estimation performance across all smartphone models. In an N = 24 validation study of the BP measurement, the smartphone technique achieves a MAE of 9·35 mmHg and 7·94 mmHg of systolic and diastolic BP, respectively, compared to an FDA approved BP cuff. The vision for this technology is not necessarily to replace existing BP monitoring solutions, but rather to introduce a downloadable smartphone software application that could serve as a low-barrier hypertension screening measurement fit for widespread adoption.
Subclassification of obesity for precision prediction of cardiometabolic diseases: an IMI SOPHIA study
Authors: Franks Paul , Coral Daniel , Smit Femke , Farzaneh Ali , Gieswinkel Alexander , Fernández-Tajes Juan , Sparsø Thomas , Delfin Carl , Bauvin Pierre , Wang Kan , Temprosa Marinella , De Cock Diederick , Blanch Jordi , Fernández-Real José Manuel , Ramos Rafael , Ikram M. Kamran , Gomez Maria , Kavousi Maryam , Panova-Noeva Marina , WIld Philipp , Kallen Carla van der , Adriaens Michiel , Greevenbroek Marleen van , Arts Ilja , Roux Carel Le , Ahmadizar Fariba , Frayling Timothy , Giordano Giuseppe , Pearson Ewan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Obesity and cardiometabolic disease often, but not always, coincide. Distinguishing sub-populations within which cardiometabolic risk diverges from the risk expected for a given body mass index (BMI) may facilitate precision prevention of cardiometabolic diseases. Accordingly, we performed unsupervised clustering in four European population-based cohorts (N ~ 173K). We detected five discordant profiles consisting of individuals with cardiometabolic biomarkers higher or lower than expected given their BMI, in total representing ~20% of the total population. Persons with discordant profiles differed from concordant individuals in prevalence and future risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and diabetes. Subtle BMI-discordances in biomarkers affected disease risk. For instance, a 10% higher probability of having a discordant lipid profile was associated with a 5% higher risk of MACE (HR in women: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.06, p = 4.19x10-10; HR in men: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.06, p= 9.33x10-14). Multivariate prediction models for MACE and diabetes performed better when incorporating discordant profile information (likelihood ratio test P < 0.001). This enhancement represents an additional net benefit of 4 to 15 additional correct interventions, and 37 to 135 additional unnecessary interventions correctly avoided for every 10,000 individuals tested.
Effects of screening colonoscopy in preventing colorectal cancer:
re-analysis of the NordICC trial
Authors: Brenner Hermann , Holland-Letz Tim , Kopp-Schneider Annette , Heisser Thomas , Hoffmeister Michael 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background. In the NordICC trial, the first randomized trial reporting on the effects of screening colonoscopy, reduction of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence during 10 years of follow-up was estimated as 18% in intention-to-screen analysis, and 31% in adjusted per-protocol analysis. However, the „incident“ cases considered in these analyses included large proportions of CRCs that were already prevalent at recruitment and could not possibly have been prevented by the screening. We derived effect estimates for the reduction of truly incident, actually preventable cases from the published trial results.
Methods. Numbers of truly incident cases, which were directly observable only among screening attenders, were estimated for all groups of participants under the following plausible assumptions: (i) equal CRC prevalence and incidence in the invited and the usual-care group in the absence of screening effects (plausible due to the randomized design and the large sample size), and (ii) equal share of prevalent CRC cases among all CRC cases in screening non-attenders and attenders in the absence of screening effects (assumption needed for intention-to-screen analyses only). We calculated screening effects with respect to reduction of truly incident cases.
Results. With relative risk estimates (95% CI) of 0.72 (0.59-0.91) and 0.43 (0.26-0.78), offer and use of screening colonoscopy were estimated to reduce truly incident cases by 28% in intention-to-screen analysis and by 57% in adjusted per-protocol analysis.
Conclusion. The ability of screening colonoscopy to prevent incident CRC is much stronger than originally reported from the so far only RCT on long-term effects of screening colonoscopy.
Evaluation of the resection plane three-dimensional positional accuracy using a resection guide directional guidance slot. A randomized clinical trial
Authors: El-Mahallawy Yehia , Dessoky Noha , Abdelrahman Hams , Al-Mahalawy Haytham 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
The study was performed to compare the mandibular resection guide with a directional guidance slot with the conventional guide regarding three-dimensional positional accuracy.
Materials and methods
Twenty-six patients with lateral segmental mandibular defects were selected, and randomly allocated into two groups. All defects were managed with preoperative virtual surgical planning. Resection in the test group was conducted using a resection guide with a directional guidance slot, while a conventional resection guide design was utilized in the control group. The linear and angular deviation of the osteotomy planes was analyzed for both groups, along with the accuracy of the insertion of the reconstruction bone block in the resected defect. Data were documented, absolute deviation was calculated, statistical analysis was performed and significance was set at the 5% level.
Results
The cases conducted with a directional guidance templet reported a statistically significant difference when compared to the conventional edge-cutting guide regarding the linear and angular spatial osteotomy plane position (P < 0.001). The defect span analysis reported excellent levels of agreement in both groups (ICC = 1.00, ICC = 0.995), however, the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
The study demonstrated the enhanced positional accuracy of the resection plane and reconstruction block placement when a directional slot is incorporated in the computer-generated resection guide.
Effects of Various Air Flow Modification Techniques on Design and Development of a Multi-fan Blower Type Open-Section Civil Wind Tunnel
Authors: Nasrollahi Saeid , Yazdi Saeid Reza Sabbagh 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The wind tunnel is widely used as an efficient and effective tool for conducting aerodynamic and civil engineering research. This study focuses on the design, construction, and analysis of the results of an open-circuit wind tunnel specifically designed for civil engineering purposes in the Civil Engineering Department of KNT University of Technology in Iran. The wind tunnel has a 2.9 x 4.3 meters cross-section in the downstream open section and is equipped with six fans upstream. These fans are driven by a 1440 rpm engine with a power of 30 kW (40 hp). One crucial aspect of wind tunnel design is controlling turbulence and creating a uniform flow in the test section while minimizing the reduction in airflow velocity. To improve the airflow velocity, reduce the turbulent intensity, and optimize the wind tunnel's output parameters (such as distributions, turbulent intensity, and airflow velocity), various equipment was added to the upstream and downstream of the airflow generating conduit. This equipment includes proper bell-mouth intakes, electromotor, propeller caps, multiple honeycombs (with coarse and fine sizes at sequential positions), and wire mesh inside the diffuser and main tunnel. The effect of each of these components on the airflow parameters was evaluated through tests conducted at three different engine speeds: 600, 1000, and 1200 rpm. Airflow velocity Cartesian components measurements in the test section were obtained using a hot wire flowmeter and a differential pressure sensor. The results indicate that installing such equipment sets significantly improved the flow uniformity in the test section. It reduced the average turbulence intensity by 15%, 42%, and 42% for propeller rotation speeds of 600, 1000, and 1200 RPM, respectively. This improvement was achieved with only a 21%, 23%, and 12% reduction in airflow velocity. Additionally, the uniform air velocity distribution parameters within the downstream section of the flow were improved by approximately 55% and 25%, respectively.
A computational study of adsorption of noxious gases on the activated carbon surfaces
Authors: Hussain Akhtar , Javaid Saqib 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Adsorption capacity of activated carbon (AC) for ammonia (NH3), nitric oxide (NO), carbon mono oxide (CO) and iodine (I) molecules employing DFT is investigated. 2-ring, 3-ring, 6-ring, and 9-ring carbon structures are used as adsorbent surfaces. These models are investigated by creation of defects on surfaces and functionalization with hydrogen. Planar and non-planar mode adsorption is considered. The planar-mode interactions have much higher adsorption energy and shorter connecting distances than non-planar mode adsorption. The adsorption properties dependent on the adsorption mode, surface size, hydrogenation and whether the system is perfect or defected. Defect produced at the central position of the surface helps to bind the adsorbent more strongly. However, the adsorption energy varies depending upon various factors and does not follow any consistent rule. The smaller sized structures are favorable for CO and NO capture. Conclusively, AC is promising material for adsorption of the noxious gases.
A novel cooling and lubrication approach: Device development and machining performance evaluation of ultrasonic vibration-assisted MQL
Authors: Zhang Minxiu , Wu Bangfu , Zhao Biao , Ding Wenfeng , Cui Hailong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) as a sustainable technology has gained popularity in addressing the conflict between environmental protection and the machining requirements during cutting processes. However, conventional MQL systems employ pneumatic atomization, resulting in the generation of oil droplets with large particle sizes and uneven distribution, eventually leading to the inadequate lubrication performance of the MQL jet. In this case, the present study employed a combination of ultrasonic atomization and MQL technique to propose a novel cooling and lubrication approach and fabricate the ultrasonic vibration-assisted MQL (UVMQL) device. Geometric parameters of the ultrasonic vibrator of this device were designed and optimized using the theoretical design and finite element simulation techniques. Additionally, the impedance and amplitude detected to evaluate the performance of the UVMQL device. Subsequently, the comparative experiments were carried out under five cooling and lubrication conditions in machining of ultra-high strength steels: dry cutting, wet cutting, high-pressure air cooling, MQL and UVMQL. Then, the machining performance of the UVMQL was discussed, in terms of cutting forces, cutting temperature, surface roughness, surface topography and chips. Results demonstrate that in comparison to MQL, UVMQL has a lower cutting force by 5.3N, leading to the formation of a more effective oil film lubrication layer. Due to the excellent penetration of fine oil droplets, UVMQL possesses a slightly higher cutting temperature than that of wet cutting by 43℃, whereas results in optimal surface roughness value and surface topography of the workpiece. Additionally, under UVMQL condition, the length of chip bonding zone is reduced by 39.8%, and the saw-tooth height of chip is decreased by 35.9% compared to dry cutting.
The influence of vertical coastal land movement on relative sea level rise: a case study of Shanghai, China
Authors: Beining Wen , Miao Yu , Qihang Kai 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Understanding the current Vertical Land Motion (VLM), subsidence or uplift, is the basis for Relative Sea Level Rise (RLSR) projection and related risks estimation. However, in Shanghai, the impacts of the spatiotemporal change of VLM are little known. The purpose of this study is to quantify how VLM impacts RSLR and investigate the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of VLM through tide gauge records, satellite altimetry observations, and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) measurements. The calculations indicate that the RSLR (5.67±0.58 mm/year) from 1969 to 2019 was approximately twice the SLR trend (2.44±0.28 mm/year) from 1993 to 2019, and the VLM, especially subsidence, is the main driver for RSLR. Moreover, spatial and temporal patterns of VLM are highly uneven and nonlinear. These results reveal that VLM is the main driver of RSLR. Unfortunately, previous studies mostly underestimated or even overlooked the impact of VLM on risks of RSLR and subsequential coastal flooding. Thus, prevention strategies for controlling VLM are warranted to minimize the negative impact related to the RSLR. Our research provides a theoretical basis for urban disaster prevention in Shanghai and the construction planning of coastal cities around the world.
Improved liver cancer hyperthermia treatment and optimized microwave antenna power with magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Fakhradini Soheil S , Ahmadikia Hossein , Mosharaf-Dehkordi Mehdi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of input power variations in microwave antenna-based thermal treatment for liver cancer, utilizing numerical simulations through the finite element method. Investigating nanoparticle type, treatment duration, and associated side effects, our research yields insightful findings. Maghemite nanoparticle injections demonstrate a reduction in treatment time from 7.35 seconds at 10 W to 6.1 seconds at 100 W, with the ratio of healthy tissue volume destroyed with the ratio of healthy tissue volume destroyed to tumor volume remaining relatively consistent across this power range (16% at 10 W to 19% at 100 W), indicate a degree of independence from input power. Conversely, magnetite and FccFePt nanoparticles display power-dependent decrease in treatment duration, illustrating the interplaction between input power and therapeutic efficiency. Treatment duration at 10 W are 176 seconds and 295 seconds for magnetite and FccFePt, respectively, diminishing to 58 seconds and 74 seconds at 100 W. Side effects, quantified as the ratio of healthy tissue destroyed to tumor volume, decline for both nanoparticle types with increasing power, reaching a minimum at intermediate powers (60 W and 50 W). Notably, at 10 W, 4.89 and 8.93 times the tumor volume are destroyed from healthy tissue for magnetite and FccFePt, respectively, decreasing to 4.05 and 5.6 times at 100 W. This nuanced understanding of comprehension of treatment duration and side effects’ dependency on input power levels provides valuable insights for refining treatment parameters and optimizing therapeutic outcomes in liver cancer interventions. Furthermore, the study incorporates a model within the hyperthermia treatment framework, integrating the evaporation temperature as a distinguishing factor. Systematic numerical results enhance the scientific discourse on liver tumor treatment, contributing to the advancement of understanding and refining therapeutic strategies.
Preparation and rheological properties of associative salt tolerant polymer by inverse-phase emulsion polymerization
Authors: Wen Xin , Wang Lei , Lai XiaoJuan , Liu Guiru , Yang Wenwen , Liu Yameng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
An associative and salt tolerant p(AM/AMC12S/GTE-10) polymer was synthesized through reverse-phase emulsion polymerization of acrylamide (AM), 2-acrylamide-sodium dodecyl sulfonate (AMC12S), and the hydrophobic monomer 29-(4-octylphenoxy)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxanonacosyl methacrylate (GTE-10). The structure and morphology of the polymer obtained were then characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR, SEM, TEM, and a laser particle size distribution analyzer. This was followed by an evaluation of its rheological properties, thixotropic properties, and viscoelasticity. The results showed that the hydrophobic monomer GTE-10 was successfully incorporated into the polymer, resulting in a narrow and uniform particle size distribution of the emulsion after polymerization. The addition of salt made the aggregation of p(AM/AMC12S/GTE-10) molecules more compact, resulting in a more stable spatial network structure. The p(AM/AMC12S/GTE-10) polymer aqueous solution with a mass fraction of 0.7% exhibited excellent temperature resistance at 140 ℃. After being sheared at 120 ℃ and 170 s–1 for 1 h, the polymer solutions with a mass fraction of 0.7%, prepared at a mass concentration of 20000 mg/L NaCl and CaCl2 aqueous solutions exhibited viscosities of 64.7 and 54.2 mPa·s, respectively, with good shear recovery performance. The energy storage modulus was higher than the loss modulus, and the complex interaction between the metal ion and phenoxyethylene group enhanced the intermolecular forces, resulting in a more stable spatial structure and increased viscoelasticity.