bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of random-forest based federated learning algorithms for delirium prediction using electronic medical records from eleven hospitals in Austria: a retrospective study
Authors: Veeranki Sai Pavan Kumar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background Machine learning models have shown great potential in preventive medicine but require large datasets, which is a challenge due to strict privacy regulations in the healthcare sector. Federated learning is an approach that enables collaboration between institutions while preserving data privacy. The focus today in research is on developing federated learning methods using artificial neural networks. In this study, we aimed to contribute federated learning modelling methods applied for random forests with a use case of predicting delirium in hospitalised patients using data from multiple hospitals.
Methods We collected data from 11 hospitals, including 29,479 patients and 627 features. We trained random forest models with each hospital’s data and a general model using all hospitals data. We developed federated learning models by averaging the predictions of the individual hospital models, with different schemes based on the number of samples, positive cases, minority cases and maximum possible diversity and evaluated the models using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) as a performance measure.
Results The general model outperformed all the other models with an AUROC of 0.854 [0.849-0.860]. Models trained on data from single hospitals varied in performance with AUROC from 0.626 to 0.828. Models from hospitals with large datasets performed better than that of small hospitals. The general model outperformed all the other models with an AUROC of 0.854. Federated learning models performed better than individual models. Unweighted averaging performed worst with an AUROC of 0.793 [0.782-0.805]. Among the weighted averaging schemes, the number of positive cases performed the best with an AUROC of 0.843 [0.838-0.846], followed by minority class (AUROC=0.840 [0.836-0.845]), maximum possible diversity (AUROC=0.836 [0.830-0.841]) and number of samples (AUROC=0.830 [0.819-0.841]).
Conclusions Results suggest that federated learning models can perform better than hospital-specific models in some cases, especially hospitals with limited data. In case of datasets of different size, we suggest weighted averaging based on the number of samples. If the datasets are class imbalanced, maximum possible diversity should also be considered. Additionally, federated learning models are consistent and stable in performance compared to hospital specific models.
An optimized probe-based qPCR assay for monitoring invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) using environmental DNA
Authors: Viehl Katherine , Khalid Zain , Greiner-Ferris Kathryn , Taub Eli , Amirthalingam Pavithiran , Kumar Girish , Marciante Victoria , Gaither Michelle R 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The Indo-Pacific lionfish Pterois volitans is an invasive species in the western Atlantic. Since their introduction in Florida in the early 1980’s, populations have exploded with lionfish now found from North Carolina to Venezuela. As their range expands, these generalist predators threaten native fauna, and while they are primarily a marine species, their tolerance for low salinity conditions may allow them to expand into sensitive estuarine habitats undetected. Traditional approaches for tracking invasive species such as direct observation or trapping are impractical across large spatial scales making environmental DNA (eDNA) an attractive alternative. Currently, there is only one published PCR assay for the detection of lionfish eDNA. However, the specificity of this assay is unverified, and the critical performance parameters limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) have not been established. Here we evaluate the specificity of the currently available lionfish assay, determined that it is not species-specific, and is likely to provide false negatives in the western Atlantic. As an alternative, we developed a new qPCR TaqMan probe-based assay that is species-specific for P. volitans and highly sensitive with a LOD of 12 copies per reaction and a LOQ of 598 copies per reaction. While our assay does not amplify the closely related P. miles, which is also invasive in the western Atlantic, the low prevalence of this species in the invasive population means our assay is effective for most monitoring purposes.
Production of Green Fibred Concrete; a New Solution to Reduce Environmental Pollution Caused by Cigarette Butts
Authors: Khojasteh Taher , Ahmadi Hamid Reza , Rezaei Mehdi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Today, the accumulation of discarded cigarette butts in the environment, particularly along coasts and near seas, not only poses environmental challenges but also threatens the ecological balance of rivers and aquatic life. Exploring the feasibility of using cellulose acetate fibers from cigarette butts as reinforcements in the production of silica fume concrete has resolved this environmental issue. The inclusion of these hazardous materials has simultaneously improved the mechanical properties of the concrete. In this study, cellulose acetate fibers obtained from cigarette butt filters were added to silica fume concrete in 10 different volume ratios. The compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, and flexural tensile strength of these concretes were investigated in 10 mixing designs. The findings indicate that adding 0.2% by volume of fibers to silica fume concrete yields the highest compressive and tensile strengths among the designs. This results in a significant increase of 16% and 34% in the concrete's compressive strength and a 70% and 38% increase in Brazilian tensile strength at 7 and 28 days, respectively, compared to the state without cellulose acetate fibers. The addition of these fiber ratios also increases the flexural tensile stress capacity by 56%. Furthermore, the beam specimens subjected to testing exhibit a 287% higher vertical deformation tolerance compared to the state without fibers. Additionally, the energy absorption capacity of the concrete beam increases considerably.
The Mechanisms of Zixue Powder Ameliorate Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis through Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Lu Siyu , Huang Mingxuan , Li Linwei , Ge Rongguang , Gong Yuan , Zhang Zengli , chang jie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSE) is an acute central infectious neurologic disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Zixue powder, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been commonly used for the treatment of HSE. However, the specific target genes and underlying mechanisms of Zixue powder in ameliorating HSE are still not well understood. This research aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of Zixue Powder in improving HSE using network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques.
Methods
The active components and targets of the Zixue Powder were identified using the HERBdatabase. Disease targets related to HSE were obtained from the GeneCards and OMIM databases. Predicted targets and protein-to-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) server to uncover the potential underlying mechanisms involved. The core targets identified, including TNFA, CXCL8, CASP3, IL10 and INS, were further subjected to molecular docking with the active ingredient of the Zixue powder.
Results
The molecular docking results indicated that the Zixue powder strongly interacted with the core target. Network pharmacology revealed that Zixue Powder has multicomponent, multitarget, and multichannel pharmacological effects in the treatment of HSE. Network pharmacology revealed that Zixue Powder has multicomponent, multitarget, and multichannel pharmacological effects in the treatment of HSE
Conclusions
TNFA, CXCL8, CASP3, IL10, and INS are closely associated with the immune response. We propose that key components such as β-sitosterol and (L)-alpha-terpineol in Zixue Powder may function as immunomodulators in the treatment of HSV infection.
The relationship between ITCZ and the Equatorial Stratospheric Gravity Waves inferred from Radio Occultation Measurements
Authors: Ayorinde Toyese Tunde , Wrasse Cristiano Max , Takahashi Hisao , Sapucci Luiz Fernando , Barros Diego , Figueiredo Cosme Alexandre Oliveira Barros , Essien Patrick 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The GNSS radio occultation (RO) temperature and refractivity data obtained from COSMIC-1, COSMIC-2, and METOP satellites for 2011-2021 was used to investigate the occurrence of equatorial stratospheric gravity waves (ESGWs) and their relationship with the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), as well as the ITCZ as a significant source of ESGWs. The ESGWs were inferred using the RO temperature profiles and the GW potential energy (Ep). The ITCZ and the peak concentrated Ep are found by taking the maximum point of the meridional refractivity and the Ep at each longitude using a Gaussian fit. The ITCZ location varies latitudinally by 10 between December-January-February (DJF) and June-July-August (JJA), and by 5 between September-October-November (SON) and March-April-May (MAM) over the world landscape and oceanic regions. The position and strength of the ITCZ vary from year to year. The inter-annual variability migrated about 5 - 15 north and south. The global ESGW Ep maxima displayed seasonal changes similar to the ITCZ. The global ESGW Ep maxima were more consistent in the NH and SH, with a significantly smaller gap than the ITCZs. Two convergences in the Ep maxima over the western Pacific and South America are suggested to be connected to the double ITCZ and El Nin˜o Southern Oscillation (ENSO), respectively. The study’s findings indicate a strong correlation between the ITCZ and Ep maxima in various seasons, implying that the ITCZ plays a significant role in driving the ESGWs. Furthermore, the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) could impact atmospheric refractivity and the ESGW Ep.
Determination of the effect of Genotype × Environment interaction on the trait seed cotton yield in upland cotton (G. hirsutum) genotypes using AMMI and GGE biplot methods
Authors: VISHNUVARDHAN KALAPATI MOHAN , Reddy Bana Venkata Ravi Prakash , Sudeepthi Konuku , Amarnath Kolimigundla , Venkateswarlu Nayakanti Chinna , Reddy Yettapu Rama 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Cotton is an important natural fiber crop worldwide that demands the attention of the textile industry worldwide. Seed cotton yield is a complex polygenic trait that is influenced by many genetic and environmental factors across locations and years.
Results
The present investigation was conducted in three consecutive environments to delineate the genotype × environment interaction and to assess the stability of seven cotton genotypes at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal, during 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21. Multivariate stability tests such as additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype and genotype-by-environment interaction (GGE) models were employed to investigate the stability among cotton genotypes. The AMMI results revealed that the majority of the variation was explained by the sum of the squares of the environmental variables, followed by the sum of the squares of the genotypic variables and the sum of the GEIs for the majority of the traits studied. The first two interaction principal components explained the majority of the GEI in all traits under study. A two-dimensional GGE biplot generated using the first two principal components revealed that the GGE biplot explained 97.14% of the total variation, which was distributed as 83.73% and 13.41% of the sum of squares between principal components PC1 and PC2, respectively, for biometric trait seed cotton yield.
Conclusions
Based on which-won-where polygon, ideal genotype ranking of AMMI and GGE biplot analysis, genotype, G3 (NDLH 2035-5) was identified as having the highest yield and was most stable in all the test environments studied. However, low yielding but stable genotypes such as G4 (BGDS 1033) and G7 (Sivanandi) were also identified. Among the three environments studied, environment E1 (2018-19) was identified as the most discriminating and representative.
Thermoresponsive [(PLA)-b-(Car)] based frustum-shaped capsules with extended porosity for biosensing and biomedical applications
Authors: Pawar Chander Amgoth , Luo David Xu , Rokkala Divya , Bura Raju , Bhagyalaxmi Gundeti , Rani Rampilla Sudha , Mannam Krishna Veni , Kothamasu SURESH BABU 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
We present, a facile method for the synthesis of block co-polymer of [(PLA)-b-(Car)], (PLA-Poly Lactic acid and Car-Carbazole) followed by the development of cone and ice-cream cup-shaped frustums with nanoporous capsules for bio-sensing and drug loading applications. Thermoplastic polyester PLA aminated with an aromatic heterocyclic organic compound Car gives the desired shape and characteristics of the capsules with extended porosity on the surface. The size, shape, and morphology of the capsules are tunable concerning solvents and thermal treatment. Interestingly, the synthesis and development of nanoporous hollow (half-broken coconut type) capsules has been carried out without using any precursors and surfactants. Synthesis of [(PLA)-b-(Car)] has been confirmed through the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR; 1H and 13C). However, the morphology and surface properties of capsules were confirmed through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Bruner Emmett Teller (BET), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterizations. The capsule size ranges from ~200 nm to 1 µm (in diameter) and porosity scales from ~60 to 80 nm. The hollow and porous surface of the capsules with biosensing and biomedical applications can be considered as a unique and novel characteristic property of our invention. This kind of novel cone and ice cream cup-shaped hollow frustums can be used as a stimuli-responsive catalytic activity through the fluorescence measurement of cysteine and gold nanoparticle [(Cys)-(Au+)] for enhanced payload and biomedical applications.
Assessment of resistant Escherichia coli in groundwater sources and sanitary inspection for contamination risk in Bagamoyo, Tanzania
Authors: Md Joram Japhet , Msuya Hajirani Musa , Rugaika Anita Mukarugaika , Mzee Tutu , Laizer Tajiri , Mkindi Catherine Gerald , Kimaro Esther Gwae 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Two billion people globally are using faecal-contaminated water. E. coli poses a health risk due to its potential to cause diseases which highlights the need for understanding its antimicrobial resistance profile and associated factors for contamination.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bagamoyo district council that involved 163 groundwater sources with sanitary inspection and isolation of E. coli was conducted using a Membrane filtration method and CHROMagar CCA. In this study, antibiotic susceptibility was carried out according to CLSI guidelines by disk diffusion methods. E. coli strain ATCC 25922 was used as the control strain in isolation and susceptibility tests.
Results
The current study found that 44.8% of groundwater samples were contaminated with E. coli, with 83.6% of isolates were resistant to antibiotics. High resistance was observed to cefazolin (56.16%), nitrofurantoin (54.79%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (45.21%), and ceftriaxone (42.47%). Also, the study reveals that 70% of E. coli isolates had multidrug resistance. On the other hand, sanitary inspection showed that 46.2% of dug wells were at a high sanitary risk level, 32.8% of tube wells with hand pumps were at High and low sanitary risk level, respectively and 73.3% of boreholes were at a low sanitary risk level. However, the study showed a high rate of E. coli contamination in boreholes at a low sanitary risk level. Also, tube wells with hand pumps and dug wells at high sanitary risk levels had a high rate of E. coli contamination. Moreover, resistant E. coli in groundwater across varying contamination risk levels revealed a significant prevalence of contamination.
Conclusion
These findings indicate that there is a potential high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in groundwater in the study area and thus the need for advocacy of proper use of antibiotics and to avoid environmental contamination of resistant bacteria in groundwater sources through improved hygiene.
Discovery of High-Expressing lncRNA-Derived sORFs as Potential Tumor-associated Antigens in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kim Yooeun , Ha Hongseok , Kim Kwangsoo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background This study focuses on a comprehensive analysis of ribosome profiling (Ribo-seq) data to identify long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with elevated expression of small open reading frames (sORFs) in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). The investigation explores the emerging role of sORFs as potential tumor-specific epitopes, contributing insights to tumor immunotherapy.
Methods The identification of sORFs was facilitated using the MetamORF database, employing a meticulous analysis of ribosome profiling data within HCC-associated lncRNAs. Translation efficiency was assessed, and epitope prediction was performed using the pVACbind tool. To determine the existence of micropeptides originating from sORFs, a peptide search was conducted. validated translational activity and identified potential epitopes.
Results Our findings reveal increased translation efficiency in HCC-associated lncRNAs compared to normal tissues. Notably, ORF3418981 demonstrates the highest expression, supported by experimental evidence at the protein level. Epitope prediction identifies a putative epitope at ORF3418981's C-terminus.
Conclusion The importance of lncRNA-derived sORFs in HCC is highlighted by this work, which connects the fields of tumor immunotherapy and non-coding RNA biology. Finding particular lncRNAs that have increased translation, like ORF3418981, points to possible therapeutic targets for the treatment of HCC. These revelations offer a basis for comprehending lncRNA-derived sORFs' translational and protein-coding abilities in relation to HCC.
Multi-USV System Formation Control Based on Improved DWA Algorithm in Unknown Complex Environment
Authors: Zhang Kun , Li Yongguo , Wang Yuanrong , Xie Jia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This paper explores the challenges of multiple unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to maintain formation and effectively avoid obstacles in unknown and complex marine environments. To this end, a novel formation control strategy based on the improved VSAPF method is proposed in this paper. The core concept is to apply the improved dynamic window approach (DWA) to the formation control algorithm at the formation reference point. First, the DWA algorithm is improved. This includes a revision of the velocity window and three existing evaluation functions, while a new evaluation function is introduced. This new function expands the sampling range of velocity and improves the scoring of favorable trajectories. In addition, adaptive weighting coefficients are employed to enhance the USV's target navigation and global search capabilities in unknown environments and to effectively mitigate the local minima problem. The proposed method is applicable to USV formations with various virtual structures. Finally, extensive simulations in Matlab demonstrate the effectiveness of the improved VSAPF method. The results show that the method achieves stable formation maintenance, flexible obstacle avoidance and transformation. In addition, the improved DWA greatly improves the passage efficiency and global search capability of USVs in unknown environments.
An Improve Nonlinear Robust Control Approach for Robotic Manipulators with PSO-based Global Optimization Strategy
Authors: Yue Peihao , Xu Bowen , Zhang Min 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

During the trajectory tracking process of robotic manipulators, many factors including complex strong nonlinear dynamics, unknown uncertainties and external disturbances, greatly increase the difficulty of control effect. Aiming for this issue, a nonlinear active disturbance rejection controller (NADRC) is proposed for robotic manipulators. In this controller, an extended state observer is introduced on basis of the dynamic model, to observe the extend state of model uncertainties and external disturbances. Then, in combination with the nonlinear feedback control structure, the robust trajectory tracking of robotic manipulators is achieved. Furthermore. In order to optimize the key parameters of the controller, an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm (IPSO) was designed using chaos theory, which improves the tracking accuracy of the proposed NDRC strategy effectively. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy was verified through simulation experiments.
Assessment of Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Survivors Post 5 Years from Surgery: Study from a Community Hospital in India
Authors: Mathur Vasundhara , Swaminathan Niranjana , Gupta Neha , Nathani Priyansh , Bhandarkar Prashant , Sarang Bhakti , Gadgil Anita , Roy Nobhojit 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer afflicting women with an estimated 2.1 million new cases diagnosed globally every year. Breast cancer and its treatment significantly impair the patient’s physical mental health and thereby affect their overall quality of life (QOL). Our aim was to identify differences in long-term QOL between breast conservative surgery (BCS) and modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for early breast cancer among sociodemographic and clinical subgroups of patients.
Methods: This prospective observational cohort study was conducted at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) hospital under Universal Health Coverage scheme. We recruited patients who were surgically treated for breast cancer between 2010 to 2015 and were continuing further treatment or follow-up. Their QOL scores were measured using the 37-item Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- Breast, Version 4 (FACT-B) questionnaire andwere analysed using Mann-Whitney U test. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Among the 86 patients (46 with BCS and 41 with MRM) included in the study, the mean age was 59 ± 11.5 years with a mean follow-up period of 6.9 years. Functional well-being was significantly better for the BCS group (P<0.01). However, the QOL scores corresponding to physical, social, and emotional well-being as well as body image and attractiveness scores for BCS and MRM at the end of the follow-up period were comparable (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Functional well-being was the only component of QOL that was noted to be higher for BCS for our study population. Future work on understanding the behavioural and cognitive components of body image in this patient population is warranted.