bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community and health systems factors contributing to delayed tuberculosis detection in an urban setting: situating software and hardware bottlenecks in local health systems
Authors: Chillala Sandra Beauty , Silumbwe Adam , Zulu Joseph Mumba , Tetui Moses , Bulawayo Maio , Chewe Mwimba , Hangoma Peter 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Despite several global interventions, tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of death affecting millions of people globally. Many TB patients either have no access to quality care or go undetected by national health systems. Several multilevel factors account for under-detection of TB cases. This study sought to explore community and health systems software and hardware factors contributing to delayed TB detection in Lusaka District, Zambia.
Methods
This was an exploratory qualitative case study that adopted a software and hardware lens of conceptualizing health systems. Data were collected from across three sites – urban and peri-urban areas: Chongwe, Kafue, and Lusaka – within Lusaka Province, Zambia. Sixteen (n = 16) key informant interviews were conducted with the TB corner nurses, community TB treatment supporters and TB program managers in the sampled facilities. Six (n = 6) focus group discussions were conducted with the community members. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis approach.
Results
In terms of community health system software elements, the study identified inadequate TB knowledge and awareness, poor health-seeking behavior, and social stigma against TB patients in urban areas as factors contributing to delays. Meanwhile, hardware elements within the community health system, such as unbalanced schedules, and lack of training for TB treatment supporters, also play a role in prolonging TB detection. Within the formal health system, negative attitudes of health providers towards TB patients and demotivation of TB staff were identified as software elements contributing to delays in TB detection. Additionally, hardware elements leading to delays in the formal health system included high diagnostics and transportation costs, outdated diagnostics in primary care facilities, and slow referral mechanisms in urban settings.
Conclusion
This study moves beyond isolating individual factors contributing to delay in TB detection to appreciating the role of the complex interactions between community and health systems software and hardware. Our findings serve as a departure point for TB program managers to consider system strategies aimed at addressing the different pathways to TB care, thereby mitigating delays in early detection at both community and health systems levels.
Mechanical properties, thermal properties and durability of lightweight thermal insulation recycled concrete
Authors: Xu Chenyang , Pan Wangjie , Li Qiuyi , Guo Yuanxin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
To improve forestry solid waste reuse, reduce building energy consumption, and increase building capacity, preparing lightweight concrete with new materials has gained recent attention. This paper used waste wood and expanded perlite (EP) to design lightweight thermal insulation recycled concrete (LTIRC) with different volume admixtures. Compared to mineral aggregate, wood aggregate (WA) and EP show large differences in water absorption, particle morphology, density, and crushing index. Therefore, this paper comprehensively evaluated the dry density, mechanical properties, thermal properties, chloride ion permeability, and frost resistance of LTIRC. The results showed WA and EP introduction effectively reduced concrete bulk weight and met the dry density standard for lightweight concrete. Regarding thermal insulation performance, both WA and EP are characterized by porous, low–density, and low thermal conductivity. Consequently, LTIRC thermal conductivity was reduced by up to 76.5% versus conventional concrete, effectively increasing resistance to heat flow through concrete and providing potential for building energy savings. Additionally, WA and EP addition caused LTIRC to experience mechanical and durability property deterioration. However, some LTIRCs achieved over 80% of the strength of natural aggregate concrete. Moreover, WA addition inhibited internal crack generation in LTIRC and slowed concrete damage from increased WA and EP dosage. The maximum mass loss of LTIPC was 2.72% after 100 freeze–thaw cycles. LTIPC precast panels are suitable for preparing low–carbon insulated building wall panels.
Multifunctional ENR-g-PNIPAM/PPy/cotton fabric composites for hexavalent chromium removal
Authors: Ding Hongda , Yang Xiaoran , Wang Yanqiu , Shen Xiande 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) grafted Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (ENR-g-PNIPAM) hydrogel was exploited by classic free radical polymerization, which exhibited practical potential for temperature-sensitive material. Free ENR was introduced in the ENR-g-PNIPAM hydrogel to construct a secondary network that will form chain entanglement and further improve the chemical and physical properties of the hydrogel. The renewable ENR and a facile fabrication process make large-scale production of the ENR-g-PNIPAM hydrogel possible and prompt its commercial value. The content of ENR was systematically varied and studied to ensure optimal ratio. Among various compositions examined, the 7:3 weight ratio of ENR/NIPAM in the hydrogel(70ENR) exhibited excellent properties. Additionally, a simple scheme was also designed for fabricating a multifunctional ENR-g-PNIPAM/polypyrrole/cotton (EPPC) composites with simultaneous adsorption of Cr (VI) and electrothermal conversion. The EPPC composites demonstrated good adsorption capacity with 127 mg/g at pH = 2 in an aqueous solution containing 100mg/L Cr (VI), while also functioning as a thermistor with enhanced sensitivity. The adsorption data can be better described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich isotherm model, indicating that the adsorption was a chemical and multilayer. Benefiting from these research results, enabling the synthesized hydrogel a crucial role in terms of Cr (VI) treatment and thermal sensor.
Psychometric properties of the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale: confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Escribano Silvia , Herrero-Oliver Raquel , Oliver-Roig Antonio , Richart-Martínez Miguel 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Maternal satisfaction related to their breastfeeding process should also be included as an appropriate outcome indicator. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of different proposed versions of the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale in a Spanish sample.
Methods
This was a longitudinal, observational study, evaluated at three different timepoints: at hospital after delivery, 5 and 12 months after delivery in a Spanish sample
Results
A total of 690 mother participated in this study. Comparing three different models of the scale, the results of Confirmatory Factor Analysis reflected a better fit of the data to the original model. The variable satisfaction with breastfeeding is negatively related to the difficulty percieved in continuing breastfeeding due to return to work and positively related to the rate of breastfeeding at five months postpartum. Finally, the scale can predict breastfeeding behavior at twelve months after birth.
Conclusions
The results of this study indicated that the structure of the original version of the MBFES is valid and reliable for evaluating mothers' perception of their breastfeeding experience in Spain. The research contributes to a better understanding of the maternal satisfaction with the breastfeeding experience and its potential implications for supporting breastfeeding practices, potentially impacting academic, healthcare, and policy spheres.
Analysis of factors associated with rotational stability of toric intraocular lens after high axial myopia cataract surgery
Authors: Lin Tao , Tang XiaoTing , Wu Wei , Huang ManSha , Ma Yiming , Yuan YongGang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: To observe the rotational stability (RS) of toric intraocular lens (TIOL) in patients with high axial myopia cataract and to analyse the factors associated with it.
Methods: This study was approved by a certified local review board (Registered: 2023-387-01, Date: 2023.01.04) and enrolled 60 cataract patients after TIOL implantation in GuangZhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University from January 2023 to June 2023, of which 30 patients in group A were diagnosed high axial myopia (Axial Length, AL ≥ 26 mm) and 30 patients in group B were normal AL (22 mm <AL < 26 mm), and the data of were collected and analysed at least half a year after surgery. To analyse the RS of TIOL and the correlation between RS and AL, TIOL material, White-To-White (WTW) and IOL power.
Results: The difference in rotation angle (RA) between group A and B was statistically significant (RAA group = 16.03 ± 21.47, RAB group = 5.60 ± 8.27, p = 0.013 < 0.05); the difference in clinically significant rotation (CSR) between group A and group B was statistically significant (CSRA group = 17, CSRB group = 7, P = 0. 008 < 0.05), postoperative RA and CSR were positively correlated with the AL (pRA = 0.010, rRA = 0.332; pCSR = 0.008, rCSR = 0.342); and there was significantly more CSR of hydrophilic lens in group A than hydrophilic lens in group B (CSRHydrophilic-A group = 10 ＞ CSRHydrophilic-B group = 3, p = 0.01 < 0.05). There was a strong correlation between CSR and AL (p = 0.002, r = 0.720); more patients rotated counterclockwise than clockwise after TIOL and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.004 < 0.05), and significantly more patients with hydrophobic lens rotated counterclockwise ( P= 0.035 < 0.05).
Conclusions: The longer the AL of the eye, the more likely the toric lens will rotate post-operatively and the greater the RA; the toric lens tends to rotate counterclockwise, which is more pronounced in hydrophobic IOLs; hydrophilic toric lenses tend to rotate in patients with high axial myopia and the longer the AL, the greater the likelihood of rotation.
Radiomic and deep learning analysis of dermoscopic images for skin lesion pattern decoding
Authors: Wang Zheng , Wang Chong , Peng Li , Lin Kaibin , Xue Yang , Chen Xiao , Bao Linlin , Liu Chao , Zhang Jianglin , Xie Yang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This study aims to explore the efficacy of a hybrid deep learning and radiomics approach, supplemented with patient metadata, in the noninvasive dermoscopic imaging-based diagnosis of skin lesions. We analyzed dermoscopic images from the International Skin Imaging Collaboration (ISIC) dataset, spanning 2016–2020, encompassing a variety of skin lesions. Our approach integrates deep learning with a comprehensive radiomics analysis, utilizing a vast array of quantitative image features to precisely quantify skin lesion patterns. The dataset includes cases of three, four, and eight different skin lesion types. Our methodology was benchmarked against seven classification methods from the ISIC 2020 challenge and prior research using a binary decision framework. The proposed hybrid model demonstrated superior performance in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions, achieving area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) scores of 99%, 95%, and 96%, and multiclass decoding AUROCs of 98.5%, 94.9%, and 96.4%, with sensitivities of 97.6%, 93.9%, and 96.0% and specificities of 98.4%, 96.7%, and 96.9% in the internal ISIC 2018 challenge, as well as in the external Jinan and Longhua datasets, respectively. Our findings suggest that the integration of radiomics and deep learning, utilizing dermoscopic images, effectively captures the heterogeneity and pattern expression of skin lesions.
An Onboard Hyperspectral Image Processing System Based on Deep Belief Network Using FPGA
Authors: Shibi Sherin , Lincy Babitha , Rubia Jency 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Real-time processing of hyperspectral images has been widely adopted in the field of remote sensing applications. Deep learning methods have been proved that it has high accuracy compared to traditional algorithms like Support Vector Machines (SVMs). It is very challenging to achieve real-time performance in hyperspectral imagery with deep learning algorithms due to its computational complexity and high dimensionality of hyperspectral images. Deep Belief Network (DBN) is an emerging deep learning algorithm that involves unsupervised pretraining and supervised fine-tuning. Gaussian– Bernoulli Restricted Boltzmann Machines (GBRBMs) are used to construct the layers of DBN. This work presents a novel methodology for the implementation of the DBN algorithm on the Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) platform. In experimental analysis, a real hyperspectral image is considered for evaluation and the proposed algorithm is implemented on the Virtex-6 FPGA board. The experimental results show that the proposed implementation shows promising processing speed, high accuracy and low power consumption.
Crossover and recombination hotspots massively spread across human genome
Authors: Ohadi Mina , Arabfard Masoud , Khamse Safoura , Alizadeh Samira , Vafadar Sara , Bayat Hadi , Ohadi Hamid , Tajeddin Nahid , Maddi Ali , Delbari Ahmad , Khorshid Hamid Reza Khorram 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The recombination landscape and subsequent natural selection have vast consequences in evolution and speciation. However, most of the recombination hotspots in the human genome are yet to be discovered. We previously reported colonies of CG-rich trinucleotide two-repeat units (CG-TTUs) across the human genome, several of which were shared, with extensive dynamicity, as phylogenetically distant as in mouse. Here we performed a whole-genome analysis of AT-rich trinucleotide two-repeat units (AT-TTUs) in human and found that the majority (96%) resided in approximately 1.4 million colonies, spread throughout the genome. In comparison to the CG-TTU colonies, the AT-TTU colonies were significantly more abundant and larger in size. Pure units and overlapping units of the pure units were readily detectable in the same colonies, signifying that the units are the sites of unequal crossover. Subsequently, we analyzed several of the AT-TTU colonies in several primates and mouse. We discovered dynamic sharedness of several of the colonies across the primate species, which mainly reached maximum complexity and size in human. In conclusion, we report massive crossover and recombination hotspots of the finest molecular resolution and evolutionary relevance in human. In respect of crossover and recombination, the human genome is far more dynamic than previously imagined.
Diagnostic accuracy of isometric knee extension strength as a sarcopenia criteria in community-dwelling older women
Authors: Pérez-Ros Pilar , Barrachina-Igual Joaquín , Pablos Ana , Fonfria-Vivas Rosa , Cauli Omar , Martínez-Arnau Francisco M 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background. Muscle strength is one of the most reliable measures used for the identification of sarcopenia. The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People update (EWGSOP2) proposed the use of the Grip Strength and Chair Stand tests, while clarifying that isometric torque methods can be used when performing the Grip Strength test is impossible. The aim is to assess isometric knee extension (IKE) strength as a potential criterion for detecting sarcopenia within the assessment of muscle strength, and to propose a cutoff for diagnosis. Methods. A cross-sectional study was designed and community-dwelling women aged 70 years and over were included. IKE and sarcopenia criteria (EWGSOP2) were assessed. Skeletal muscle mass was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis; muscle mass strength by handgrip; and physical performance by the 5 times sit-to-stand test, the Short Physical Performance Battery, and gait speed. The diagnostic accuracy for each sarcopenia criterion was calculated using sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and the area under the curve (AUC). Cutoff points for sarcopenia from IKE were defined with the ROC curve. Results. The sample comprised 94 women with a mean age of 75.9 years (standard deviation 5.6, range 70–92), of whom 25.5% (n = 24) met criteria for sarcopenia—mainly severe sarcopenia (73.8%, n = 17). Correlations were observed between IKE and each individually analyzed sarcopenia criterion except skeletal muscle mass, with AUC values exceeding 0.70 in all cases. The IKE cutoff showing the highest accuracy for the diagnosis of sarcopenia was 12.5 kg or less (AUC 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64–0.88; sensitivity: 65.2%, 95% CI 45.7–84.7; specificity 77.4%, 95% CI 60.3–94.5; positive predictive value 62.5%, 95 CI% 42.7–82.3; negative predictive value 88.8%, 95% CI 75.9–100). Conclusions. IKE could be a suitable tool for measuring muscular strength in sarcopenia when other strength parameters cannot be assessed or in people with walking difficulties.
Evaluation of the polycaprolactone (PCL) hydrolytic degradation in acid solvent and its influence on the electrospinning process
Authors: Anaya-Mancipe Javier Mauricio , Figueirdo Agnes Chacor , Rabello Lucas Gomes , Dias Marcos Lopes , Thiré Rossana Mara S. M. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is one of the most widely used biopolymers in biomedicine for the production of scaffolds and biomaterials in tissue engineering. This is due to its characteristics as a drug carrier, as well as excellent controlled release properties compared to other biopolymers. Electrospinning is a technique often employed for manufacturing mats with this application, although chlorinated or fluorinated solvents are predominantly used, presenting high cellular toxicity. A viable alternative as a green solvent is glacial acetic acid in the preparation of electrospinning solutions. In this study, we investigated the molecular degradation via acid hydrolysis of PCL in acidic solvents (acetic acid/formic acid) and how the contact time (storage) influences the morphology of the produced structures. Solutions containing 30% by weight of PCL in acetic acid/formic acid (9:1) were prepared and stored at 35 °C for up to 14 days. Subsequently, samples were tested by electrospinning to assess the resulting morphology. To analyze the acid degradation of PCL, samples were evaluated by GPC, XRD, and FTIR, revealing an approximately 50% reduction in molar mass during the solubilization process. This allowed for better chain packing, generating higher crystallinity indices, increasing from approximately 37% to 49 %, due to the storage time of the solutions. On the other hand, it was observed that this reduction in molar mass resulted in lower molecular interactions and entanglement of the chains, reflecting in the formation of unstable Taylor cones that produced mats with various morphologies, including fibers, beaded fibers, and isolated beads. However, this degradation demonstrated an increase in water adsorption capacity, indicating exposure of hydrogen bonds from the acid hydrolysis of the ester linkage in PCL, an important feature for applications in regenerative medicine. This highlights the high potential of these hydrolyzed materials for cell anchoring applications in tissue engineering.
RSEI-based monitoring of ecological quality and analysis of drivers in the Daling River Basin
Authors: Ge Jintao , Qian Cheng , Zhang Chao , Zhang Li , Song Weimin , Na Fuchao , Ma Hongwei , Guo Changlai , Jiang Shan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The Daling River basin is an important ecological functional area in the western region of Liaoning, and the monitoring of the ecological environment quality and the analysis of the factors in the basin are of great significance for the protection of the ecological environment and the improvement of the quality of the economy. In this paper, based on the three periods of remote sensing images in 1995, 2010 and 2020 as the basic data, we use platforms and technical means such as RS and GIS to decipher and extract the land use information of the three periods, establish the transfer matrix of land use types, and collect the data to extract the corresponding four remote sensing indices of NDVI, LST, WET and NDBSI, and construct the remote sensing eco-index of Daling River Basin (RSEI) model. Based on the land use change, combined with the trend of remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) of Daling River Basin, so as to achieve the purpose of rapid and efficient dynamic monitoring of ecological quality of Daling River Basin from 1995 to 2020. The geodetector model was applied to systematically evaluate the drivers of ecological quality in the basin, providing a scientific basis for the implementation of further ecological environmental protection measures.
Resilience as mediator and moderator in witnessing workplace bullying and professional identity
Authors: Song Yeoungsuk , Lee Yoonmi , Lee Junghoon 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Aim
This study was aimed to examine the relationship among witnessing workplace bullying, resilience, and professional identity in student nurses, and to investigate the mediating and moderating effects of resilience on the relationship between witnessing workplace bullying and professional identity.
Background
Workplace bullying is an increasingly serious problem in nursing practice and can affect the professional identity of student nurses. Resilience, a potential protective role, must be examined in relation to witnessing workplace bullying and professional identity.
Method
Cross-sectional design and secondary data analysis were conducted. 127 junior and senior nursing students in eight colleges and universities were recruited.
Results
A significant positive correlation was found between resilience and professional identity (r = 0.51, p < 0.001). However, the mediating and moderating effects of resilience were not significant.
Conclusion
Resilience is a crucial factor in promoting professional identity among nursing students. However, further research investigating witnessing workplace bullying, resilience, and professional identity is required.
Psychosocial status and COVID-19 outcome are significantly associated
Authors: Sinha Nirmalya K. , Maiti Smarajit 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Covid-19 pandemic raised both physical and mental threat to human. Globally, 607,497,755 cases of infection and 6,492,948 deaths were recorded until August, 2022. The psychosocial-conditions in pre-infection-period might influence disease. Here, we delineate the impact of socio-economic status, pre- or post- Covid-19 psychosocial and other factors (lockdown/self-isolation/diagnosis) on this disease outcome. Pre-Covid mental-status (depression-anxiety, tobacco-smoking and suicide-mortality), quality-of-life (QOL) and Global-Health-Security (GHS) were correlated with total-infection and case-fatality-rate (CFR) in > 170 countries. The database of World-Health-Organization/World-Bank/United-Nations and the Johns-Hopkins-Center for Health-Security was utilized. The Student’s t test, multivariate-ANOVA, correlation and linear-regression were performed. Psychological wellbeing indicators (happiness/GSH/QOL) and mental-impairments like depression-anxiety positively correlated with infection and CFR (p < 0.05-p < 0.001). The happiness-index positively associated with QOL/GSH/anxiety and depression. Higher CFR was noticed in congested/populated territories. Canonical regression strongly suggests this result. Variable host-virus interactions associated with race/ethnicity and body-composition. Positive correlations between mental state-QOL and anxiety-depression paralleled with adverse outcome of Covid-19.