bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NP, OP and derivatives in freshwater sediment downstream of textile associated municipal wastewater discharges.
Authors: Lalonde Benoit A. , Garron Christine 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Alkylphenol ethoxylates comprise of many anthropogenic chemicals such as nonylphenol (NP), octylphenol (OP) and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs). The objectives of this study were to assess the frequency and magnitude of detections of 4-NP, OP and NPEs in Canadian sediment downstream of textile associated municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWWTPs) to determine if regulatory actions have had a beneficial impact on the receiving environment. Surficial sediments were obtained in four locations in the province of Québec (Canada) and were analysed for nonylphenol, nonylphenol monoethoxylates (NP1EO), nonylphenol diethoxylates (NP2EO) and octylphenol from 2015-18. Individual concentrations of the compounds varied from non detect to 419 ng/g. Of the four compounds analysed, NP was detected the most frequently with a 75% detection rate while OPs were not detected in any of the samples. Since the Canadian regulatory actions have drastically reduced NP/NPEs usage in textile mill factories and manufactured products, the potential source of these compounds in sediment for this study could stem from the outfall from the MWWTPs but not related to textile mills as well as from the usage of these compounds as formulants in pesticide products. Lastly, there were no exceedances to the Canadian Sediment Quality guideline toxic equivalency approach (TEQ) of 1400 ng/g.
Mathematical morphology on directional data
Authors: Hauch Konstantin , Redenbach Claudia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We define morphological operators and filters for directional images whose pixel values are unit vectors. This requires an ordering relation for unit vectors which is obtained by using depth functions. They provide a centre-outward ordering with respect to a specified centre vector. We apply our operators on synthetic directional images and compare them with classical morphological operators for grey-scale images. As application examples, we enhance the fault region in a compressed glass foam and segment misaligned fibre regions of glass fibre reinforced polymers.
Desktop 3D Printed Anatomic Models for Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass
Authors: Ravi Prashanth , Burch Michael B. , Giannopoulos Andreas A. , Liu Isabella , Kondor Shayne , Chepelev Leonid L. , Danesi Tommaso H. , Rybicki Frank J. , Panza Antonio 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background:
Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has impacted many clinical applications across medicine. However, 3D printing for Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB) has not yet been reported in the peer-reviewed literature. The current observational cohort study aimed to evaluate the impact of half scaled (50% scale) 3DP anatomic models in the pre-procedural planning of MIDCAB.
Methods:
Retrospective analysis included 12 patients who underwent MIDCAB using 50% scale 3DP between March and July 2020 (10 males, 2 females). Distances measured from CT scans and 3DP anatomic models were correlated with Operating Room (OR) measurements. The measurements were compared statistically using Tukey’s test. The correspondence between the predicted (3DP & CT) and observed best InterCostal Space (ICS) in the OR was recorded. Likert surveys from the 3D printing registry were provided to the surgeon to assess the utility of the model. The OR time saved by planning the procedure using 3D printed anatomic models was estimated.
Results:
All 12 patients were successfully grafted. The 3DP model predicted the optimal ICS in all cases (100%). The distances measured on the 3DP model corresponded well to the distances measured in OR. The measurements were significantly different between the CT and 3DP (p < 0.05) as well as CT and OR (p < 0.05) groups, but not the 3DP and OR group. The Likert responses suggested high clinical utility of 3D printing. The mean estimated OR time saved was 40 minutes.
Conclusion:
The 50% scaled 3DP anatomic models demonstrated high utility for MIDCAB and saved OR time while being resource efficient. The subjective benefits over routine care that used 3D visualization for surgical planning warrants further investigation.
The effect of family APGAR on alexithymia in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: The mediating role of fear of progression
Authors: Zhang Jian , Wu Chunyan , Zhao Rui , Zeng Yuting , Sha Yankun , Li Hongyu , Wang Ru 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objectives
This study would investigate the role of fear of progression in mediating the relationship between family APGAR and alexithymia.
Methods
A convenience sampling method was used to survey 402 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes in a hospital of Liaoning province. They were surveyed using the general demographic questionnaire, twenty-item Toronto alexithymia scale (TAS-20), family APGAR scale, and fear of progression questionnaire-short form (FoP-Q-SF).
Results
Family APGAR has a negative correlation with alexithymia (r=-0.364, p < 0.01). The fear of progression was positively correlated with alexithymia (r = 0.777, p < 0.01). The mediating effect of fear of progression accounted for 61.17% of the total effect.
Conclusions
This study had shown that the fear of progression plays a mediating role in reducing alexithymia in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.
TiRobot-assisted modified sacroiliac screw combined with LC-II screw for dislocation of Day type II crescent fracture of the pelvis
Authors: Li Renjie , Wang Xiaopan , Guan Jianzhong , Zhao Peishuai , Liu Leyu , Wu Min 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Purpose
To explore the clinical effect of modified sacroiliac screw and provide a new idea for the clinical treatment of Day type II crescent fracture of the pelvis.
Methods
We retrospectively analysed 42 patients undergoing surgical treatment for Day type II crescent fracture-dislocation from January 2020 to January 2023. TiRobot-assisted modified sacroiliac screws combined with LC-II screws was performed in 21 patients, and TiRobot-assisted traditional sacroiliac screws combined with LC-II screws was performed in other 21 patients. The patient characteristics, fracture classification, lengths of the iliac and sacral segments of the sacroiliac screws, distances between the sacroiliac screw entry point and the iliac fracture line, reduction quality, postoperative complications, and clinical outcomes were compared.
Results
There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender, age, cause of injury, fracture classification, time from injury to surgery, or intraoperative blood loss (P > 0.05). The average length of the iliac segment of sacroiliac screws in Group A was 3.71 ± 0.85 cm, which was longer than that in the control group (2.12 ± 0.47 cm, P < 0.01). The average length of the sacral segment for the sacroiliac screws in Group A and Group B was 5.65 ± 0.79 cm and 6.09 ± 0.70 cm, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.066). The average distance between the sacroiliac screw entry point and the iliac fracture line in Group A was 3.31 ± 0.88 cm, which was longer than that in the control group (1.22 ± 0.64 cm, P < 0.01). The reduction quality in Group A was better than that in Group B (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the Majeed score and incidence of postoperative complications at the final follow-up between the two groups.
Conclusion
TiRobot-assisted modified sacroiliac screws combined with LC-II screws is safe and effective in the treatment of Day type II crescent fracture-dislocations of the pelvis, it is worthwhile to be promoted in clinical treatment.
Essential and non-essential elements levels in fish species highly consumed in the middle Miranda River, Brazilian Pantanal
Authors: Quintela Fernando , Silva Fabiano , Correa Fabiano , Carvalho Fernando , Galiano Daniel , Pires Mel , Galatti Ulisses 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The Miranda River basin spreads over about 40.000 km² and consists of one of the central systems acting in the Pantanal flooding regime in the upper Paraguay River basin. The middle Miranda River has great socioeconomic importance as a source of fishery resources highly exploited by riverine communities, in addition to sustaining very significant fishing tourism in southern Pantanal. The present study investigated the levels of As, Ag, Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb, Se, and Zn in muscle samples of six fish species (Pygocentrus nattereri, Serrasalmus marginatus, Mylossoma duriventre, Leporinus friderici, Pimelodus argenteus, and P. pantaneiro) highly consumed by local riverine and non-resident people in a highly exploited stretch of middle Miranda River. Interspecific significant differences were detected for Ba, Fe, Mn, and Zn levels. However, these seem unrelated to species' feeding habits once pairwise comparison detected significant differences in element levels between species with similar diets. Significant correlations between body size and concentrations were found for Ba in P. nattereri (moderate positive correlation), and for Mn in M. duriventre (weak positive correlation) and P. argenteus (moderate negative correlation). Levels exceeding tolerable daily intake (TDI) were found for Pb maximum concentrations in P. nattereri, M. duriventre, L. friderici, P. argenteus, and P. pantaneiro, and for Cd maximum concentration in P. argenteus. Adopting a Pb monitoring program in biotic and abiotic compartments in Miranda River is strongly recommended.
Wildlife Resilience in an Urban Landscape: Understanding Land–Use Impacts in Cape Town
Authors: Oladimeji Akinwale , Woodgate Zoë , O’Riain M. Justin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Urbanisation is rapidly transforming and fragmenting natural habitat, disrupting ecosystems and negatively impacting biodiversity. The city of Cape Town (CoCT) is situated in a global biodiversity hotspot but sustained anthropogenic activities have resulted in the local extirpation of most medium and large mammals. A recent survey of mammals within urban protected areas of CoCT revealed that only a few, mostly medium–sized generalist species, persist. What is not known is what native mammal species, if any, are living in unprotected green belts and parks in suburban and urban areas of the city. A total of 37 camera trap sites were established along four transects for a period of four weeks between the 31st of January and 31st of May in 2022. A total of 12 terrestrial mammal species were detected, nine of which were wild native mammals with three domestic species. Most detections were in natural habitat followed by suburban with urban areas having the lowest detection rate of native wildlife. Single season hierarchical multi–species occupancy models revealed that tree cover had a significant positive effect on both community and individual species occupancy. Contrary to our predictions, neither human population density nor the extent of the impervious surface at sites had a significant effect on occupancy. Cape grysboks (Raphicerus melanotis) were significantly more likely to occur at sites with a higher proportion of impervious surfaces supporting other recent research which showed this species together with water mongoose and Cape porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) are one of only a few native mammals that appear to persist and even thrive in human–modified landscapes. Our findings underscore the complexity of urban biodiversity conservation and the species–specific responses to environmental factors, emphasizing the importance of tree cover in urban wildlife management.
Role of committees in bank valuation: Evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Nitya Nand Tripathi  , Naseem Ahamed  , Richa Gupta  
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of corporate governance mechanisms on bank performance in general and the effect of board-constituted committees on bank performance in particular. Primarily, two questions are addressed in the context of the banking sector of India. First, does corporate governance mechanisms reduce the quantum of non-performing assets (NPAs)? Second, does the internal committee affect bank performance? Hence, this paper determines whether independent directors strengthen corporate boards and whether committees affect bank performance. The panel data ordinary least square regression analysis is used for this study. We also use logistic regression models for various committees to find their relationship with bank performance and NPAs. Tobin’s Q is used as proxy for bank performance. Independent variables are board size (BSIZE), proportion of independent directors on the board (PERIND), number of board meetings per year (BMEET), size of the audit committee (AUC), and two measures of the bank business (asset size and loan), and one control variable is time. We use financial and corporate governance data from 2005 to 2018, the study finds that independent directors play a major role on the board. It finds a positive and significant relationship between board independence and bank performance. The performance also increases with the increase in board size but after a point, the curve declines forming and an inverted U-shaped curve is formed. The mandatory internal committees have a crucial role to play, which is demonstrated by their effect on the reduction of NPAs. The significance of a well-functioning board and internal committees in discharging their fiduciary duties is highlighted in this study. An internal committee comprising a majority of independent directors is found to positively affect the performance of banks. They can help managers disburse good-quality loans and keep a check on risk-laden ventures.
Regionalization of flow duration curves for catchments in southern India using a hierarchical cluster approach
Authors: Hiremath Chandrashekarayya G. , Nandagiri Lakshman 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe present study on the hydrologic regionalization was taken up to evaluate the utility of hierarchical cluster analysis for the delineation of hydrologically homogeneous regions and multiple linear regression (MLR) models for information transfer to derive flow duration curve (FDC) in ungauged basins. For this purpose, 50 catchments with largely unregulated flows located in South India were identified and a dataset of historical streamflow records and 16 catchment attributes was created. Using selected catchment attributes, three hydrologically homogenous regions were delineated using a hierarchical agglomerative cluster approach, and nine flow quantiles (10–90%) for each of the catchments in the respective clusters was derived. Regionalization approach was then adopted, whereby using step-wise regression, flow quantiles were related with readily derived basin-physical characteristics through MLR models. Cluster-wise performance analysis of the developed models indicated excellent performance with an average coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.85, 0.97, and 0.8 for Cluster-1, -2, and -3, respectively, in comparison to poor performance when all 50 stations were considered to be in a single region. However, Jackknife cross-validation showed mixed performances with regard to the reliability of developed models with performance being good for high-flow quantiles and poor for low-flow quantiles.
PCM1: A Potential Prognostic Biomarker Correlated with Immune Infiltration in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Guo Zhihua , Liang Jinghao , Zhang Xin , Ai Qing , Xie Zixian , Zhao Haonan , Wu Fayuan , Tan Zhaofeng , Yin Weiqiang , Ji Linghua 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Recent studies have validated the role of Pericentriolar Material 1
(PCM1) in several malignant tumour cell lines, but its specific biological function in lung adenocarcinoma
(LUAD) remains unclear.

Objective:
To address this gap, this study analyzed 411 LUAD and control samples to evaluate the
prognostic value of PCM1 using Cox regression analysis.

Methods:
Multiple genes co-expressed with PCM1 were also analyzed to investigate the biological
processes and roles involved in PCM1. An endogenous competitive network with PCM1 as the
key gene was constructed to uncover its regulatory and competitive relationships in LUAD. The
study further explored the immunological characteristics of PCM1 in different expression groups
based on immune infiltration analysis.

Results:
These findings indicated that higher PCM1 expression levels were associated with better
survival prognoses, possibly due to its antagonistic effects on RHOC. Immunological infiltration
analysis revealed a significant correlation between PCM1 and various immune cell infiltration levels,
including CD4+ T cells, naïve B cells, M2 macrophages, and mast cells. However, there was
no significant relationship between PCM1 and MSI, TMB, or stemness, although it was positively
correlated with m6A genes. Patients with lower PCM1 expression responded better to CTLA-4
therapy. The study also estimated that some chemotherapeutic and targeted agents might be effective
in treating patients with high PCM1 levels. PCM1 was mainly expressed in the cytoplasmic
and membranous structures.

Conclusion:
PCM1 shows potential as a prognostic biomarker for LUAD due to its strong correlation
with immune cell infiltration and its ability to enhance anticancer treatment sensitivity.
Leveraging ChatGPT in Law Enforcement
Authors: Pandey Shubham , Patel Archana 
Published: December 2023

Abstract:
The advent of powerful tools like ChatGPT has opened up exciting new possibilities
for augmenting law enforcement capabilities, elevating its efficiency and expanding its capacity.
The AI-driven capabilities of ChatGPT can be harnessed to usher in novel applications in
diverse areas such as language translation, customer service, content generation, and even law
enforcement. In the realm of law enforcement, ChatGPT's potential is boundless, ranging from
the generation of detailed reports and the transcription and translation of vital documents to the
profiling of criminals and the automation of legal documents. However, the deployment of
such technology in law enforcement raises critical issues of privacy, safeguarding fundamental
rights, and the perpetuation of societal biases. Furthermore, the deployment of emerging technologies
like ChatGPT could also open up new avenues for committing cybercrimes. Therefore,
it is crucial to address these issues and establish regulatory frameworks that govern the
use of such advanced technologies. In this paper, we provide legal and technical recommendations
to regulate the use of ChatGPT and mitigate the potential risks associated with its usage,
including the perpetration of various cybercrimes.
Assessing and Improving Data Integrity in Web-Based Surveys: Comparison of Fraud Detection Systems in a COVID-19 Study
Authors: Bonett Stephen , Lin Willey , Sexton Topper Patrina , Wolfe James , Golinkoff Jesse , Deshpande Aayushi , Villarruel Antonia , Bauermeister José 
Published: December 2023

Background
Web-based surveys increase access to study participation and improve opportunities to reach diverse populations. However, web-based surveys are vulnerable to data quality threats, including fraudulent entries from automated bots and duplicative submissions. Widely used proprietary tools to identify fraud offer little transparency about the methods used, effectiveness, or representativeness of resulting data sets. Robust, reproducible, and context-specific methods of accurately detecting fraudulent responses are needed to ensure integrity and maximize the value of web-based survey research.

Objective
This study aims to describe a multilayered fraud detection system implemented in a large web-based survey about COVID-19 attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors; examine the agreement between this fraud detection system and a proprietary fraud detection system; and compare the resulting study samples from each of the 2 fraud detection methods.

Methods
The PhillyCEAL Common Survey is a cross-sectional web-based survey that remotely enrolled residents ages 13 years and older to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted individuals, neighborhoods, and communities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Two fraud detection methods are described and compared: (1) a multilayer fraud detection strategy developed by the research team that combined automated validation of response data and real-time verification of study entries by study personnel and (2) the proprietary fraud detection system used by the Qualtrics (Qualtrics) survey platform. Descriptive statistics were computed for the full sample and for responses classified as valid by 2 different fraud detection methods, and classification tables were created to assess agreement between the methods. The impact of fraud detection methods on the distribution of vaccine confidence by racial or ethnic group was assessed.

Results
Of 7950 completed surveys, our multilayer fraud detection system identified 3228 (40.60%) cases as valid, while the Qualtrics fraud detection system identified 4389 (55.21%) cases as valid. The 2 methods showed only “fair” or “minimal” agreement in their classifications (κ=0.25; 95% CI 0.23-0.27). The choice of fraud detection method impacted the distribution of vaccine confidence by racial or ethnic group.

Conclusions
The selection of a fraud detection method can affect the study’s sample composition. The findings of this study, while not conclusive, suggest that a multilayered approach to fraud detection that includes conservative use of automated fraud detection and integration of human review of entries tailored to the study’s specific context and its participants may be warranted for future survey research.
Hubungan Indeks ROX dengan Mortalitas Pasien COVID-19 di RSUP Dr. Sardjito
Authors: Naomi Diah Anis , Wisudarti Calcarina Fitriani Retno , Widodo Untung 
Published: December 2023

Latar belakang: Pada Desember 2019, muncul penyakit infeksi baru yang disebabkan oleh virus corona bernama SARS-CoV-2. Penyakit COVID-19 mengakibatkan kegagalan multiorgan yang terjadi di paru dan ekstraparu, sepsis, bahkan kematian. Gangguan paru yang sering terjadi pada pasien COVID-19 adalah ARDS. Pengenalan dini ARDS dapat dilakukan dengan menilai kondisi klinis pasien dan parameter RR dan SpO2. Indeks ROX adalah suatu penghitungan (SpO2/FiO2)/RR. Indeks ROX berpotensi menjadi salah satu prediktor mortalitas pasien COVID-19
Metode: Penelitian observasional dengan pendekatan kohort retrospektif terhadap pasien COVID-19 yang dirawat inap di RSUP Dr. Sardjito pada bulan Juli 2020 sampai Juni 2021. Pasien COVID-19 tanpa terapi oksigen atau dengan terapi oksigen nasal kanul, NRM, atau HFNC yang dirawat inap, dihitung indeks ROX pada hari pertama perawatan lalu dinilai mengenai hubungan indeks ROX dengan mortalitas pasien dan lama rawat di rumah sakit. Data diambil dari rekam medis di Instalasi Catatan Medis di RSUP Dr. Sardjito.
Hasil: Didapatkan 953 subjek penelitian dengan rata-rata usia 51 (± 15,5) tahun, wanita 479 (50,3%) dan pria 474 (49,7%). Terdapat hubungan bermakna antara indeks ROX £ 15,06 dengan mortalitas pasien COVID-19 (p < 0,001, HR=2,15, CI 95% 1,57-2,94). Faktor lain yang berkaitan dengan mortalitas pasien COVID-19 adalah usia, terapi oksigen dengan HFNC, hipertensi, diabetes melitus, gagal ginjal kronis, dan penyakit kardiovaskular. Waktu ketahanan hidup subjek dengan indeks ROX £ 15,06 adalah 24 hari, lebih pendek dibandingkan kelompok indeks > 15,06 yaitu 31 hari (p < 0,001). Indeks ROX tidak memiliki hubungan bermakna terhadap lama rawat di rumah sakit. Rerata lama rawat inap pada kelompok indeks ROX £ 15,06 adalah 17 hari, lebih lama dibandingkan kelompok indeks > 15,06 yaitu 14 hari (p=0,002). Faktor yang berhubungan dengan lama rawat adalah usia ³ 65 tahun, riwayat hipertensi dan diabetes melitus.
Kesimpulan: Terdapat hubungan bermakna indeks ROX dengan mortalitas pasien COVID-19 di RSUP Dr. Sardjito.