bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating geographical disparities on clinical outcomes following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Siu Adrian , Steffens Daniel , Ansari Nabila , Karunaratne Sascha , Solanki Henna , Ahmadi Nima , Solomon Michael , Moran Brendan , Koh Cherry 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Rural Australians typically encounter disparities in healthcare access leading to adverse health outcomes, delayed diagnosis and reduced quality of life (QoL) parameters. These disparities may be exacerbated in advanced malignancies, where treatment is only available at highly specialised centres with appropriate multidisciplinary expertise. Thus, this study aims to determine the association between patient residence on oncological, surgical and QoL outcomes following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on consecutive patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital from January 2017 to March 2022. On the basis of their postcode of residence, patients were stratified into metropolitan and regional groups. Data encompassing demographics, oncological, surgical and QoL outcomes were compared. Statistical analysis included chi-square test, t-tests and Kaplan–Meier survival curves.

Results
Among the 317 patients, 228 (72%) were categorised as metropolitan and 89 (28%) as regional. Metropolitan patients presented higher rates of recurrence (61.8% versus 40.0%, p = 0.014) and shorter overall mean survival [3.8 years (95% CI: 3.44–4.09) versus 4.2 years (95% CI: 3.76–4.63), p = 0.019] compared with regional patients. No other statistically significant differences were observed in oncological, surgical and QoL outcomes.

Conclusions
Most oncological, surgical and QoL parameters did not differ by geographical location of patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for peritoneal malignancies at a high-volume quaternary referral centre. Observed differences in recurrence and survival may be attributed to the selective nature of surgical referrals and variable follow-up patterns. Future research should focus on characterising referral pathways and its influence on post-operative outcomes.
Unravelling risk selection in Spanish general government employee mutual funds: evidence from cancer hospitalizations in the public health network
Authors: Pinilla Jaime , López-Valcárcel Beatriz G. , Bernal-Delgado Enrique 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGovernment employees in Spain are covered by public Mutual Funds that purchase a uniform basket of benefits, equal to the ones served to the general population, from private companies. Companies apply as private bidders for a fixed per capita premium hardly adjusted by age. Our hypothesis is that this premium does not cover risks, and companies have incentives for risk selection, which are more visible in high-cost patients. We focus on a particularly costly disease, cancer, whose prevalence is similar among government employees and the general population. We compare hospitalisations in the public hospitals of the government employees that have chosen public provision and the general population. We analysed a database of hospital discharges in the Valencian Community from 2010 to 2015 (3 million episodes). Using exact matching and logistic models, we find significant risk selection; thus, in hospitalised government employees, the likelihood for a solid metastatic carcinoma and non-metastatic cancer to appear in the registry is 31% higher than in the general population. Lymphoma shows the highest odds ratio of 2.64. We found quantitatively important effects. This research provides indirect evidence of risk selection within Spanish Mutual Funds for government employees, prompting action to reduce incentives for such a practice. More research is needed to figure out if what we have observed with cancer patients occurs in other conditions.
Abundance of Vibrio aestuarianus, water temperature, and stocking density are associated with summer mortality of Pacific oysters in suspended culture
Authors: Cowan M. W. , Pearce C. M. , Green T. J. , Finston T. , Meyer G. R. , McAmmond B. , Van Hamme J. D. , Bottos E. M. , Marshall R. , Evans W. , Sutherland T. F. , de la Bastide P. Y. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHigh mortality rates of cultured Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) during the summer months have regularly occurred on oyster farms in British Columbia, Canada over the last 10 years, but little is known about the microbial and environmental conditions that contribute to such mortality events. The objective of the study was to determine correlative factors associated with the onset of a summer mortality event in oysters (mean ± SD shell height: 14.2 ± 0.5 mm) grown in suspended culture at four stocking densities (150, 300, 450, 600 oysters tray−1) from May 11 to September 17, 2018. Variables examined included both biotic (oyster growth, mortality, reproductive development, and microbiome (approximately every week); Vibrio and harmful algal species abundance) and abiotic (temperature, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pCO2, pH, and aragonite saturation) ones. Both the absolute abundance of V. aestuarianus and the relative abundance of Vibrio spp. increased with observed oyster mortality and declining health. Mortality was highest on August 12 and associated with a prior period of elevated temperatures (i.e., increasing temperatures from early July to early August) and increased oyster growth/reproductive development. At that time, systemic mixed microbial infections and necrotic gill tissue in histological cross sections were observed in 19% of oysters that appeared healthy macroscopically. Cumulative percent mortalities per tray ranged from 34 to 75%, the highest-density trays having significantly less mortality and smaller shell width, shell length, and gonad length than lower-density trays. This study demonstrates the significant impact of summer mortality on Pacific oysters and highlights the biotic (host growth, reproductive development, and microbiome composition as well as Vibrio spp. abundance) and abiotic (water temperature) factors associated with the observed mortality in this region.
Endogenous Cortisol Levels, Sleep or Vigilance: Which Factors Contribute to Better Exposure Therapy Outcomes in the Morning?
Authors: Sopp Marie Roxanne , Schäfer Sarah K. , Michael Tanja , Equit Monika , Ferreira de Sá Diana S. , Lass-Hennemann Johanna 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Research suggests that exposure therapy delivered in the morning is more successful than delivered in the evening, which is often explained by higher diurnal endogenous cortisol levels. However, this “morning exposure effect” might also be explained by other factors such as sleep or vigilance.

Methods
The current study aimed to disentangle these effects by assessing the impact of video-based exposure therapy delivered in the morning or in the evening, whilst considering pre-exposure sleep quality, vigilance, and cortisol levels. To this end, 80 snake fearful individuals were randomly assigned to receive exposure treatment in the morning or evening.

Results
Contrary to previous findings, groups did not differ in their pre-post and post-follow up decrease of snake anxiety. However, higher vigilance was found to be associated with a greater pre-post and post-follow-up decrease in snake anxiety. Moreover, pre-exposure sleep efficiency moderated the post-follow-up decrease in snake anxiety across groups: In individuals with high pre-exposure sleep efficiency, those receiving exposure in the morning were estimated to show a stronger decrease in snake anxiety than those receiving exposure in the evening. The opposite pattern was found in individuals with low pre-exposure sleep efficiency.

Conclusions
The results of this study illustrate that diurnal effects on exposure therapy might be more complex than previously assumed.

Trial Registration
The study was prospectively preregistered at the German Clinical Trial Register (https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00016183).
Semiconductor-based photodiodes with Ni and Zn-centered nicotinates interfacial layers
Authors: Karabulut Abdulkerim , Unlu M. , Yıldırım M. , Köse D. A. , Erdal M. O. , Yıldız D. E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn order to fabricate the semiconductor-based photodetectors, Ni and Zn-centered nicotinate complexes were synthesized chemically. The synthesized Ni and Zn-centered nicotinates were analyzed using Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectrometry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The synthesized complex materials were coated between Al and p-Si by spin coating technique, and Al/Ni-centered nicotinate/p-Si and Al/Zn-centered nicotinate /p-Si sandwich structures were obtained. The photoelectrical characteristics of the produced devices were analyzed by photo-transient (I-t) and current–voltage (I–V) measurements under dark and different luminous power intensities. In light of the measurements made, series resistance, ideality factor, and barrier height values, which are very important electrical parameters, were obtained and evaluated in particular using different techniques. Various parameters such as specific detectivity, responsivity, and photosensitivity were calculated using I-t analysis based on exposed light power. In addition, external quantum efficiency (EQE) values were calculated with I-t measurements carried out under lighting conditions at different wavelengths. Last of all, the Al/Ni-centered nicotinate/p-Si and Al/Zn-centered nicotinate/p-Si structures have good performance in photodetector and photodiode designs and can be developed for use in optoelectronic technologies.
Improvement of tube heat exchanger performance with perforated ring inserts, tube rotation and using nanofluids
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed A. El-Magid , Meana-Fernández Andrés , Gutiérrez-Trashorras Antonio J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMany engineering applications, such as waste heat recovery, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, include heat exchangers. In this work, the performance of a double-tube heat exchanger with a rotating tube, perforated ring inserts and nanofluids as working fluids has been studied. After developing a 3D numerical model, verifying its discretization and validating it with experimental results, an optimal design for maximizing heat transfer while keeping a relatively low pressure drop was found (11 eight-holed rings with a 2.2 pitch ratio). Increasing the cold fluid Reynolds number to 4946 and the inner tube rotational speed to 500 rpm increased the heat transfer coefficient from around 7500 to 9500 W (m2 K)−1. Considering the nanofluids studied, the best performance was found with Cu nanoparticles, followed by Al2O3–Cu and Al2O3. With Cu nanoparticles at 3%, heat transfer coefficients above 12,100 W (m2 K)−1 were obtained, increasing heat exchanger effectiveness from 27 to 51%. Pressure drop levels increased up to 235 Pa, resulting in increasing pumping requirements by around 0.1 kJ kg−1. Hence, only very high flowrates would represent a problem when using the exchanger. Explanations for the underlying physical phenomena that cause the enhancement of heat transfer due to the rotational speed, the perforated rings and the nanofluids were provided. Turbulent kinetic energy contours, flow streamlines, and temperature contours were used to gain insight into the thermal and flow fields, identifying the mechanisms responsible for the enhancement of the heat exchanger effectiveness.
Finding climate smart agriculture in civil-society initiatives
Authors: Davila Federico , Jacobs Brent , Nadeem Faisal , Kelly Rob , Kurimoto Nami 
Published: February 2024

AbstractInternational civil society and non-government organisations (NGOs) play a role in implementing agricultural projects, which contribute to the mitigation, adaptation, and food security dimensions of climate-smart agriculture (CSA). Despite the growth of CSA, it remains unclear how CSA is designed, conceptualised, and embedded into agricultural development projects led and implemented by NGOs, creating a lack of clarity as to the direction of future of agricultural development interventions. This paper examines the extent to which development programmes from the NGO sector actively incorporate CSA principles to benefit smallholder farmers under the major pillars of CSA. Drawing from six projects’ documentation since 2009, we conducted a thematic analysis to reveal the alignment of projects with the pillars of CSA and discuss the extent to which CSA allows for localised adaptability given the diverse agricultural contexts in which civil society and NGOs work. We find that despite a lack of clarity in CSA definition and focus, the agricultural practices in the six projects make heterogenous contributions to the adoption of CSA principles. We illustrate the diversity of ways in which CSA is ‘done’ by a global NGO across six areas: greening and forests, practices and knowledge exchange, markets, policy and institutions, nutrition, carbon and climate, and gender. We discuss the need for balance in contextual adaptability across the three pillars of CSA with explicit consideration of trade-offs to reduce unintended outcomes from CSA initiatives. We conclude with reflections on the role of civil society and NGOs as boundary agents in the agricultural development sector.
Contrasting roles of rice root iron plaque in retention and plant uptake of silicon, phosphorus, arsenic, and selenium in diverse paddy soils
Authors: Linam Franklin A. , Limmer Matt A. , Seyfferth Angelia L. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background and aims
Iron (Fe) plaque on rice roots is a mixture of Fe oxide and oxyhydroxide minerals thought to protect rice from high levels of arsenic (As) in flooded paddy soils. Silicon (Si), phosphorus (P), and selenium (Se) also exist as oxyanions in rice paddies, but the impacts of Fe plaque on uptake of these nutrients are unknown.

Methods
We used natural variation in paddy soil chemistry to test how Si, P, As, and Se move from porewater to plaque to plant via multiple techniques. In a pot study, we monitored Fe plaque deposition and porewater chemistry in 5 different soils over time and measured plaque/plant chemistry and Fe plaque mineralogy at harvest. We normalized oxyanion concentrations by Fe to determine the preferential retention on plaque or plant uptake.

Results
Low phosphorus availability increased root Fe-oxidizing activity, while Fe, Si, P, As, and Se concentrations in plaque were strongly correlated with porewater. Plaque did not appreciably retain Si and Se, and the oxyanions did not compete for adsorption sites on the Fe plaque.

Conclusion
Root Fe plaque seems to protect rice from As uptake, does not interfere with Si and Se uptake, and roots adapt to maintain P nutrition even with retention of porewater P on plaque.
Synthesis and characterization of TiO2-based supported materials for industrial application and recovery in a pilot photocatalytic plant using chemometric approach
Authors: Ghibaudo Nicolò , Ferretti Maurizio , Al-Hetlani Entesar , Madkour Metwally , Amin Mohamed O. , Alberti Stefano 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this contribution, the performance of powdered titanium dioxide (TiO2)–based photocatalysts was evaluated in a pilot photocatalytic plant for the degradation of different dyes, with an investigated volume of 1 L and solar simulated light as irradiation source. Five different samples, synthesized in our laboratories, were tested in the pilot plant, each consisting of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) coupled with a different material (persistent luminescent material and semiconductor material) and treated in different thermal conditions. All synthesized samples have been subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis (BET), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization, to shed light on the influence of introducing other materials on titania characteristics. To study and evaluate the significance of the parameters affecting the process in the pilot plant, a chemometric approach was applied, by selecting a mathematical model (D-Optimal) to simultaneously monitor a large number of variables (i.e., 7), both qualitative and quantitative, over a wide range of levels. At the same time, the recovery of the synthesized photocatalysts was studied following a novel promising recuperation method, i.e., annulling the surface charge of the suspended samples by reaching the isoelectric point (pHPZC) of each sample, for the quantitative precipitation of TiO2 nanoparticles.
Graphical Abstract
Evaluation of climatic effects on moisture variation and performance of unbound pavements with sprayed seals
Authors: Maha Madakalapuge Chathuri , Dutta Troyee Tanu , Kodikara Jayantha 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOver 90% of Australia's surfaced roads are unbound pavements with sprayed seals. However, achieving complete impermeability with these seals is challenging, leading to some moisture exchange between pavement layers and the environment. As moisture fluctuations influenced by climatic factors significantly affect the structural performance of particularly unbound granular layers, there is a pressing need to enhance Australian pavement design by incorporating climatic effects to meet better pavement performance. Hence, the current study numerically evaluates the degree of moisture saturation ($${S}_{r})$$

S
r

)

variations of pavement layers under different Australian climates. This paper reveals how ambient climate impacts the moisture variations of pavement layers based on the results of 126 numerical simulations performed. Results indicated that the annual rainfall is not an appropriate parameter to decide the service moisture condition of the UGM layer, but the ratio between annual rainfall and annual pan evaporation ($$\frac{P}{{\text{PE}}}$$

P
PE

) combined with the saturated permeability of the seal ($${K}_{{\text{s}}})$$

K
s

)

is found to be a better indicator. More importantly, this study develops a novel empirical model to predict the service moisture condition of the UGM layers aiming to advance the current Australian pavement design guide. Furthermore, a correlation between pavement moisture and a widely used climatic index, Thornthwaite Moisture Index ($${\text{TMI}}$$
TMI
) is presented in this study. Furthermore, this paper proposes a novel approach to integrating climatic factors into the current Australian pavement design of unbound pavements with thin seals. This study enhances understanding of the complex relationship between climate and pavement moisture by taking a multi-dimensional approach.
Automatic image registration on intraoperative CBCT compared to Surface Matching registration on preoperative CT for spinal navigation: accuracy and workflow
Authors: Frisk Henrik , Burström Gustav , Persson Oscar , El-Hajj Victor Gabriel , Coronado Luisa , Hager Susanne , Edström Erik , Elmi-Terander Adrian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Spinal navigation solutions have been slower to develop compared to cranial ones. To facilitate greater adoption and use of spinal navigation, the relatively cumbersome registration processes need to be improved upon. This study aims to validate a new solution for automatic image registration and compare it to a traditional Surface Matching method.

Method
Adult patients undergoing spinal surgery requiring navigation were enrolled after providing consent. A registration matrix—Universal AIR (= Automatic Image Registration)—was placed in the surgical field and used for automatic registration based on intraoperative 3D imaging. A standard Surface Matching method was used for comparison. Accuracy measurements were obtained by comparing planned and acquired coordinates on the vertebrae.

Results
Thirty-nine patients with 42 datasets were included. The mean accuracy of Universal AIR registration was 1.20 ± 0.42 mm, while the mean accuracy of Surface Matching registration was 1.94 ± 0.64 mm. Universal AIR registration was non-inferior to Surface Matching registration. Post hoc analysis showed a significantly greater accuracy for Universal AIR registration. In Surface Matching, but not automatic registration, user-related errors such as incorrect identification of the vertebral level were seen.

Conclusion
Automatic image registration for spinal navigation using Universal AIR and intraoperative 3D imaging provided improved accuracy compared to Surface Matching registration. In addition, it minimizes user errors and offers a standardized workflow, making it a reliable registration method for navigated spinal procedures.
Experimental and Computational Thermal Analysis of Ti-Based Alloy Produced by Laser Metal Deposition Technique
Authors: Rudolf Kanyane L. , Malatji Nicholus , Patricia Popoola A. , Abiola Raji S. , Pityana Sisa , Brendon Shongwe M. , Tlotleng Monnamme 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA Ti-Fe-Si-Cr-Nb alloy was fabricated using laser metal deposition (LMD) technique. The laser power and scanning speed were varied during fabrication to optimize the processing parameters. The thermal behavior during LMD processing was modeled and simulated by means of COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 software. The samples produced were characterized using an optical microscope, X-ray diffractometer, and scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The microhardness and wear behavior of the alloy were tested using a diamond indenter and ball-on-disk wear machine. The results obtained showed that the alloys exhibited similar dendritic microstructure for all processing parameters. The formation of cracks and pores were evident mainly in samples that were produced at high scanning speed and low laser power. A decrease in microhardness was noticed when the laser power was increased, while an increase in scanning speed yielded samples with high microhardness values. The alloy showed good tribological behavior, but no clear relationship between the wear resistance of the alloy and the variation of the laser processing parameters could be established.
Oral Health in Patients with History of Head and Neck Cancer: Complexity and Benefits of a Targeted Oral Healthcare Pathway
Authors: Florimond Marion , Duong Lucas T. , Lours Elodie , Brau Jean-Jacques , Ferré François C. , Fouilloux Isabelle , Boukpessi Tchilalo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
This work consists in a literature review on the current state of knowledge regarding the oral management of patients with a history of head and neck cancer (HNC), corroborated by clinical cases and illustrated by clear infographic summaries. It aims to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive overview of the oral health status of HCN patients.

Recent Findings
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) represent the seventh most common type of cancer worldwide, with over 660,000 annual new cases. Despite the significant negative impact of HNCs on oral health, patients often receive no or inappropriate oral care while the significant impact of oral pathologies on cancer prognosis is commonly underestimated.

Summary
This work (i) describes the oral cavity during and after HNC through the prism of care complexity and (ii) highlights several potential key factors that could worsen long-time patients’ prognosis and quality of life. By investigating the biological, microbiological, functional, and psychological dimensions of the interrelationships between HNCs and oral health, the authors explored the barriers and benefits of a targeted oral healthcare pathway. This article emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary care and highlights the need for further research elucidating the intricate relationships between oral health and HNCs, particularly through the microbiota.