bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“WISER” intervention to reduce healthcare worker burnout – 1 year follow up
Authors: Profit Jochen , Cui Xin , Tawfik Daniel , Adair Kathryn , Sexton J Bryan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective
Test sustainability of Web-based Implementation for the Science of Enhancing Resilience (WISER) intervention efficacy in reducing healthcare worker (HCW) emotional exhaustion (EE), a key component of burnout.
Design:
One-year follow-up of WISER RCT using two cohorts (one waitlist) of HCWs of four NICUs each, to improve HCW well-being (primary outcome: EE).
Results
In Cohorts 1 and 2, 194 and 312 WISER initiators were identified by 1-year, and 99 and 80 completed 1-year follow-up, respectively. Combined cohort results showed that relative to baseline, at 1-year WISER decreased EE (-7.07 (95%CI: -10.22, -3.92), p < 0.001), depression (-4.49 (-6.81, -2.16), p = < 0.001), and improved work-life integration (6.08 (4.25, 7.90), p = < 0.001). EE continued to decline between 6-month and 1-year follow-up (p = 0.022). The percentage of HCWs reporting concerning outcomes was significantly decreased for EE (-10.9% (95%CI: -17.9%, -4.9%); p < 0.001), and secondary outcomes depression and work-life integration.
Conclusion
WISER improves HCW well-being for at least 1 year.
Clinical Trials Number: NCT02603133; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02603133
Evaluation of the Effect of Molasses on Performance of Bitumen and Asphalt Concrete Mixture with different nominal aggregate size
Authors: Worku Melese 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Bitumen was modified in order to increase the performance and decrease the cost of bitumen or for both purposes. This paper presents the effect of molasses on performance of bitumen and asphalt concrete mixtures and determination of optimum molasses content in the asphalt mix with 3 types of nominal aggregate size (NMAS) (19mm, 12.5mm and 9.5mm). Marshal specimens were prepared using virgin 60/70 penetration grade bitumen to obtain optimum binder content (OBC). The remaining marshal specimens were prepared by adding 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% of molasses by volume of OBC in each type of NMAS. The replacement was done by subtracting equal volume of bitumen from OBC. Bitumen quality tests of virgin bitumen and modified bitumen also conducted. The modified bitumen marshal test result and bitumen quality tests were determined and evaluated according to Ethiopian Road Authority (ERA) and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) specifications. Based on the result 6% molasses was the optimum molasses content used to modified 60/70 penetration grade bitumen. Other volumetric properties were within the limits of the ERA and AASHTO specifications.
Deep neural network based on polar code for improving the BER performance of the non-Gaussian underwater acoustic communication system
Authors: Ahmed Mustafa Sami , Jawhar Yasir Amer , Hassib Mustafa Dh. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The neural network is one of the techniques used to enhance the bit error rate performance in communication systems. The wireless communication system usually follows the standard Gaussian distribution, while the noise in underwater acoustic systems usually follows non-Gaussian distribution and leads the system to a high bit error rate value. In this paper, the deep forward neural network has been adopted to improve the bit error rate of the underwater aquatic system based on t-distribution. Furthermore, the parameters of the deep neural network, number of nodes, number of layers, and activation functions have been evaluated to note the behavior of the bit error rate performance of the system. The results show that the bit error rate value of the system declines when increasing the number of nodes and layers in the neural network, while the tanh activation function is a suitable function that can be used to improve the bit error rate performance of the system. Moreover, the complexity and latency pattern of the system increases by boosting the number of nodes and layers of the neural network.
Fracture-induced Electromagnetic radiation (FEMR) predicting the Syrian-Turkey earthquake (Mw-6.3) on 20.2.2023: An insight on the Dead Sea transform activity
Authors: Das Shreeja , Frid Vladimir , Rabinovitch Avinoam , Bahat Dov , Kushnir Uri 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Observations of fracture-induced electromagnetic radiation (FEMR) were conducted along the Dead Sea Transform (DST) from Sodom to Jericho, coinciding with a magnitude (Mw) 6.3 aftershock earthquake (EQ) in the Turkey-Syrian region on February 20, 2023. The FEMR parameters ("hits," Benioff strain release, frequency, rise-time, energy) and associated crack dimensions were analyzed, focusing on trends leading up to the EQ. This study investigated the Benioff Strain plot and other parameters in three consecutive earthquake nucleation stages leading to the catastrophe. The first stage showed increased FEMR hits and frequency, decreased rise time (T'), and crack dimensions. In the second stage, FEMR hits and crack width decreased while other parameters continued to rise, accumulating the second-highest energy, likely due to high-stress drop. The third stage exhibited steadily increasing FEMR hits and energy and a notable increase in crack dimensions, suggesting an imminent macro failure event. The cyclic trend in FEMR hits indicates alternating periods of high activity and silence, potentially linked to stress changes during crack propagation. Taken shortly before the earthquake, these measurements offer valuable insights into how FEMR parameters vary before seismic events, bridging the gap between lab-scale studies of rock collapses under stress and large-scale failure phenomena.
Use of Biomass for Removing Wastewater Turbidity: Characterization and Optimization Study
Authors: Tayeb Aghareed M. , Othman Reham H. , Monazie Aliaa M. , Mahmoud Mohamed A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In the present study, a commercially available mushroom is used as a natural flocculent at different dosages to treat a synthetic suspension containing different concentrations of local clay. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is used to optimize the values of operating parameters based on residual turbidity and percent turbidity reduction. The highest percent reduction in water turbidity was obtained at a pH of 6.7. The lowest value for residual turbidity (11.1 NTU) is achieved by a clay suspension with a concentration of 1000 ppm, and the highest value for residual turbidity (22 NTU) is achieved by a clay suspension with a concentration of 6000 ppm. The optimum values of mushroom dose were 0.2 and 0.1 g for clay concentrations of 4000 and 5000 ppm, respectively, for a time of 120 min. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is used to optimize the values of the operating parameters and the results of the model fitted well with the experimental results.
A TonB dependent transporter YncD of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi is associated with iron acquisition and possesses vaccine potential
Authors: Xiong Kun , Deng Luxin , Li Zhan , Chen Jie , Wu Xiaoli , Huang Mintao , Rao Xian-Cai , Cong Yan-Guang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Multiple TonB dependent transporters (TBDTs) contribute to bacterial virulence because of the importance roles that their substrates play in bacterial growth, and possess vaccine potential. A putative TBDT, YncD, had been identified as one of in vivo induced antigens during human infection of typhoid fever, and is involved in the pathogenicity of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi. The present study was aimed to determine the function and immunogenicity of YncD.
Methods
Homologous recombination method was used to construct an yncD-deletion mutant and cirA-iroN-fepA-deletion mutant from the wild-type S. Typhi Ty2. The growth of mutants and the wild-type strain were assessed in iron-deficient medium, as well as in human macrophage cells. Recombinant YncD protein was expressed and purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and anion exchange. A mouse model was the used to evaluate the immunogenicity and protection efficacy of the recombinant YncD.
Results
Our results showed that YncD is associated with the iron-uptake of S. Typhi. The yncD-deletion mutant displayed impaired growth in the iron-deficient medium, comparable to that the cirA-iroN-fepA-deletion mutant did. The mutation of yncD also markedly decreased bacterial growth within human macrophage cells. Moreover, subcutaneous immunization of mice with the recombinant YncD elicited high levels of specific anti-YncD IgG, which protected the immunized mice against the intraperitoneal challenge of S. Typhi, and decreased bacterial burdens in the livers and spleens of the infected mice.
Conclusion
Our results showed that YncD is involved in the iron-uptake of S. Typhi and possesses immunogenicity.
Machine learning for predicting treatment plans in patients with small non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: yao peishan , liao xiaomin , wang ya , huang junming , Dang yi , Qin Shanyu , Jiang Haixing 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to investigate the impact of surgical or conservative treatment on the prognosis of small non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PNETs) and to predict appropriate treatment strategies by constructing machine learning (ML) models.
Methods
Using clinical data from patients with small NF-PNETs in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2000 to 2020, the Kaplan-Meier survival curve(KM) was used to assess the impact of different treatment approaches on survival. Cox analysis was performed to validate the prognostic value of treatment approaches. Six ML models (Support Vector Machine, Logistic Regression, Random Forest, AdaBoost, K-Nearest Neighbor, and Multilayer Perceptron) were applied to predict the most appropriate treatment approach for conservative patients. Performance evaluation was performed using metrics such as area under the curve (AUC), F-score, predictive accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity to compare the performance of the models.
Results
A total of 2602 patients with small NF-PNETs were included in this study, of whom 94.2% received surgical treatment. Patients who underwent surgery had more prolonged overall survival, and treatment modality was identified as an essential factor associated with improved survival (HR: 0.092, 95% CI: 0.053–0.158). In a Cox multivariate analysis, surgical treatment was significantly associated with a reduced risk of death (HR: 0.188, 95% CI: 0.126–0.279). Evaluation of the random forest algorithm showed that some patients with conservative treatment require a more aggressive treatment plan and have a relatively good discriminatory ability (AUC, 0.915, 95%CI: 0.872–0.959).
Conclusion
Surgical treatment may be a promising strategy for prolonging survival in patients with small NF-PNETs. Further individualized decision-making is needed to ensure patients have the best possible outcome.
Clinical Practice Guidelines in the Management of Pediatric Foreign Body Aspiration and Ingestion: A Systematic Evaluation Using the AGREE II Instrument
Authors: Rizvi Anza , Rizvi Fatima , Chorath Kevin , Suresh Neeraj , De Ravin Emma , Romeo Dominic , Lakshmipathy Deepak , Barrette Louis-Xavier , Rajasekaran Karthik 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Several clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been produced to optimize diagnosis and management of pediatric foreign body aspiration and ingestion. However, to date there have been no critical evaluations of their methodological rigor or quality. Herein we address this need via the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument.
Methods
A literature search of Embase, MEDLINE via PubMed, and Scopus was performed up until February 25, 2021. Identified CPGs were then assessed by four independent reviewers trained in AGREE II. A scaled domain score of > 60% was indicated as satisfactory quality. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to assess inter-reviewer agreement.
Results
11 guidelines were assessed with only one being classified as high quality and others being either average (two) or low quality (eight). Domain 4 (clarity of presentation) achieved the highest mean score (66.41% ± 13.33%), while domain 5 (applicability) achieved the lowest score (10.80% ± 10.37%). ICC analysis revealed generally strong agreement between reviewers with a range of 0.60–0.98.
Conclusion
Quality appraisal using the AGREE II instrument suggests that the methodologic rigor and quality of current guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pediatric foreign body aspiration and ingestion need significant improvement.
Security Vulnerabilities in Infrastructure as Code: What, How Many, and Who?
Authors: War Aicha , Habib Andrew , Diallo Alioune , Klein Jacques , Bissyandé Tegawendé F. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is a pivotal approach for deploying and managing IT systems and services using scripts, offering flexibility and numerous benefits. However, the presence of security flaws in IaC scripts can have severe consequences, as exemplified by the recurring exploits of Cloud Web Services. Recent studies in the literature have investigated IaC security issues, but they often focus on individual components (IaC tools or scripts), providing only preliminary insights. Our research extends the current knowledge by conducting a comprehensive investigation into various aspects of IaC security, encompassing its core components. We explore vulnerabilities in terms of types, their predominant locations, contributor responsibilities for introducing vulnerabilities, and more. Our methodology relies on widely adopted static security testing tools, which analyze over 1600 repositories to identify IaC vulnerabilities. Our empirical study yields valuable observations, highlighting severe and recurrent vulnerabilities within IaC, while also categorizing their severity and types. We delve deeper into vulnerability patterns, examining source code, dependencies, and manifest files across all IaC components, including tools, scripts, and add-ons (libraries or plugin tools). The study uncovers that IaC components are plagued by exploitable vulnerabilities that span all ten categories of security bugs outlined in OWASP 2021. Furthermore, our investigation reveals that even when maintainers employ security tools to address vulnerabilities, they do not integrate them systematically into their automation routines. Consequently, we propose that IT teams need to foster stronger collaboration across DevOps profiles (developers and IT operators) and break down the boundaries with security operators to enhance Infrastructure as Code's security posture through the adoption of DevSecOps practices.
Epidemiological and Clinical Profiles of Infectious Endophthalmitis: A Comparative Study of Traumatic and Non-Traumatic Aetiologies in a Tertiary Eye Care Center in Rural Tribal Areas of Western India
Authors: Shah Mehul , Shah Shreya , Rajoria Vedant , Chandarana Bhoomi , Vador Raj , Kumar Arun , Shah Riddhi , Tiwari Deepak 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction:Infectious Endophthalmitis is a rare yet severe ocular condition with potential for vision loss, necessitating urgent intervention. This research aims to analyse and compare the epidemiological and clinical attributes of traumatic and non-traumatic cases of the disease.
Methods: A retrospective examination of electronic medical records from 2008 to 2022 was performed to identify patients diagnosed with endophthalmitis. Treatment involved initial intravitreal injections and/or 23 g pars plana vitrectomy. Patients adhered to a standardized follow-up regimen. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-22, encompassing descriptive and cross-tabulation functions, and no financial conflicts were noted.
Results:Among the 200 patients included, 89 (45.5%) had non-traumatic postoperative (PO) endophthalmitis, while 111 (55.5%) suffered from posttraumatic (PT) endophthalmitis, with males predominating in both groups. The PT group consisted of notably younger patients compared to the non-traumatic PO group. Most patients (94.2%) presented with a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of <1/60. Treatment outcomes differed based on etiology, with 46 (23%) eyes showing BCVA improvement to 6/60, and 29 (14.5%) eyes achieving BCVA >6/24. A total of 22 patients (11%) had no light perception, with no significant variation in visual outcome (p=0.278) observed among different causes.
Conclusion:infectious endophthalmitis, though rare, poses a substantial risk of vision impairment. Swift and aggressive treatment is linked to significant vision enhancement. However, this study did not establish a discernible influence of aetiology on treatment outcomes. Early diagnosis and effective management remain pivotal for favourable visual prognosis in cases of infectious endophthalmitis.
Adaptive functional morphology in the high-Arctic Svalbard rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperborea): Snowshoes minimise foot sinking depth during locomotion on snow
Authors: Ewart Heather E , Sellers William , Folkow Lars P , Nudds Robert , Codd Jonathan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Svalbard rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperborea) are endemic to the high-Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, Norway, where climatic conditions can be extreme and the ground is snow-covered for much of the year. In preparation for Arctic winters, these birds double their body mass through large deposits of body fat that act as an emergency energy reserve. Despite this, Svalbard rock ptarmigan have a lower cost of locomotion in winter relative to their lighter summer mass. Additionally, they regrow thick feathers on the foot prior to winter, to which their genus Lagopus (translating literally to hare-foot) is reference. To investigate whether feathered feet may aid winter locomotion, we tested the effect of foot feathering on foot sink depth in snow across a range of snow stiffnesses. We used a force rig which pressed feathered feet into snow across varying degrees of snow hardness, to assess the relationship between foot sink depth and the stiffness of snow in the winter feet of Svalbard rock ptarmigan and its two southern-more relatives, willow (Lagopus lagopus) and mainland rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta). Comparing foot surface area of feathered and unfeathered (taken via high-definition images), our findings indicate that the greater foot feathering of the Svalbard rock ptarmigan reduced foot sink depth in snow relative to the other ptarmigans. Specifically, the foot load of feathered Svalbard rock ptarmigan feet was significantly lower than that of the other (sub)species, indicating that the rich regrowth of feathers is a primary driver of the reduced foot load in the Svalbard rock ptarmigan. Given foot load is a strong predictor of the metabolic cost of locomotion in snow, the feathered winter feet are suggested to be a biomechanical energy-saving adaptation of the Svalbard ptarmigan, alongside their thermal insulating properties.
Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Iodine Imaging Combined with Laboratory Data for Preoperative Evaluation of Microvascular Invasion in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Two-Center Study
Authors: Li Huan , Zhang Dai , Pei Jingxia , Hu Jingmei , Li Xiaohu , Liu Bin , Wang Longsheng 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a recognized biomarker associated with poorer prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is a highly sensitive technique that can determine the iodine concentration (IC) in tumor and provide an indirect evaluation of internal microcirculatory perfusion. This study aimed to assess whether the combination of DECT with laboratory data can improve preoperative MVI prediction.
Methods
This retrospective study enrolled 119 patients who underwent DECT liver angiography at two medical centers preoperatively. To compare DECT parameters and laboratory findings between MVI-negative and -positive groups, Mann-Whitney U test was employed. Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to determine fundamental components. Mann-Whitney U test was applied to determine whether the PC scores varied across MVI groups. Finally, a general linear classifier was used to assess the classification ability of each PC score.
Results
Significant differences were noted (P < 0.05) in AFP level, normalized arterial phase IC, and normalized portal phase IC between the MVI groups in the primary and validation datasets. The PC1–PC4 accounted for 67.9% of the variance in the primary dataset, with loadings of 24.1%, 16%, 15.4%, and 12.4%, respectively. In both primary and validation datasets, PC3 and PC4 were significantly different across MVI groups, with area under the curve values of 0.8410 and 0.8373, respectively.
Conclusion
Both bilirubin parameters and the intratumoral IC in the arterial phase were considered important for MVI analysis, the recombination of DECT iodine concentration and laboratory features based on varying factor loadings can well predict MVI preoperatively.
Bone turnover markers and transcriptomes changes induced by acute sleep deprivation
Authors: Duan xiaoye , Pan Qi , fan jingwen , wang weihao , Fei xiao , Lixin Guo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
[Absract] Objective: To explore the effect of acute sleep deprivation (SD) on the bone turnover status and the changes of gene expression in rat bone tissues. Methods: Wistar rats, 6 weeks age, were randomly divided into 3 groups: normal controls (NC) group, SD group, SD and recovery (SD+R) group. Acute SD model was established via a modified multi-level bench method. Bone turnover markers (P1NP, β-CTX) were measured. The femur tissues from NC and SD group were subjected to RNA sequencing. Differential expression genes were screened and the KEGG functional annotation analysis and GO enrichment analysis. Results: The serum PINP levels were significantly decreased after 72-hours SD intervention (p <0.05) and serum β-CTX levels were increased (p <0.05). There were 4441 differential genes (q-value value <0.05), of which 1985 genes were up-regulated and 2456 genes were down-regulated. Some genes related to osteogenesis and osteoclast differentiation such as Tnfrsf11a, Ctsk, spp1, and pth1r were significantly upregulated, and various signaling pathways, including bone resorption and bone remodeling signaling pathway were upregulated. KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that oxidative phosphorylation pathway and Alzheimer's disease pathway; while thyroid hormone signaling pathway, parathyroid hormone synthesis, secretion pathway, and insulin signaling pathway were significantly downregulated. Conclusions: This study found that acute SD rapidly breaks the balance of bone turnovers, and increased related mRNA expression. Sleep is essential for maintaining bone turnover status.
RETRACTED: Assessing Influenza Activity Variations in the Asian Region During the Pre- and Post-Pandemic Period (2019-2023)
Authors: Safdar Inayah , Nisar Nadia , Awan Najma Javed , Badar Nazish , Naz Sumera , Daud Bisma , Asghar Muhammad Nadeem 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.