bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Point cloud simplification algorithm based on voxel convex hull
Authors: Zhang Haiquan , Luo Yong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In order to solve the problem that the speed of feature-based point cloud simplification methods is slow, a point cloud simplification method based on voxel convex hull is proposed in this paper, which avoids the calculation of a large number of features and has good simplification effect. In this method, point cloud is quickly voxelized, and then the voxels are divided into two types according to the number of points in each voxel: less-point voxel and more-point voxel. Less-point voxels are simplified directly using uniform sampling method. More-point voxels are simplified by using the voxel convex hull method. The convex hull volume and directed projection area of points within each more-point voxel are calculated as voxels’ feature values, and then the point cloud are divided into groups according to the feature values and points in different groups are simplified separately. Finally, the simplified point cloud is obtained by fusing the simplification results of less-point voxels and more-point voxels. The reduction ratio of point cloud is controllable and the parameters are easy to be set in this method. Experiments show that the simplification time of this method is more than 50% lower than that of the simplification method based on curvature and clustering. The retention of point cloud features of this method is obviously higher than that of traditional methods such as uniform sampling method, and the average curvature is improved by about 10%. Moreover, the reduction ratio of this method is controllable, and the parameters are flexible and easy to be set.
Assessing Nurses’ Professional Competency in a Tertiary Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study in Palestine
Authors: zaitoun Rasha abu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: Within the dynamic realm of healthcare, evaluating nurse professional competence is critical for ensuring high-quality patient care and advocating for continuous improvement in nursing education and practice. This study aims to evaluate the professional competence of nurses in a West Bank tertiary hospital using the Nurse Professional Competence (NPC) Scale and to identify associated factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional design was used, and206 nurses participated in the study. The NPC scale, consisting of eight competency domains and 88 items, was utilized for self-reported competence assessment. Demographic and work-related data were collected and analyzed for correlations.
Results: The mean professional competence level was 79%, with variations across competency domains. A positive association was found between the number of workshops and competence levels in multiple domains. However, no significant differences were observed based on demographic and work environmental environment factors.
Conclusion: This study contributes valuable insights into the multifaceted dynamics influencing nursing competence. Thisstudyhighlights the significance of ongoing education, targeted training, and support systems to ensure nurses' continuous professional development and the delivery of optimal patient care.
Implications: This research informs curriculum enhancements in nursing education and proposes strategies to increase the quality of patient care.
Circ_0001756, a novel biomarker, promotes breast cancer progression via miR-584-5p/TRAF6 signaling axis
Authors: Wu Jun-ying , Wu Xi-xi , Shi Li-yan , Wang Ling-xia , Wang Zhuo , Cao Ying , Shao Xue-jun , Wang Bo , Yang Huan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) appear to exert critical functions in breast cancer (BC). The objective of this study is to explore the usefulness of circRNAs as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of BC.
Methods
The Gene Expression Omnibus database was referenced to identify differentially expressed circRNAs in BC. We found that circ_0001756 was associated with the malignant potential of BC. Also, the expression levels of circ_0001756 in BC tissues and cell lines were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. The functions of circ_0001756 were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The luciferase reporter and rescue assays were used to clarify the molecular mechanisms of circ_0001756. Additionally, the clinical value of circ_0001756 as a serum biomarker and potential correlations with the clinicopathological characteristics of BC patients were investigated.
Results
Circ_0001756 expression was upregulated in BC tissues and substantially correlated with tumor size and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage. Knockdown of circ_0001756 markedly inhibited the malignant potential of BC both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0001756 acted as a miR-584-5p sponge to regulate TRAF6 in BC cells. Serum levels of circ_0001756 were significantly higher in pre-operative BC patients than in healthy controls, fibroadenoma patients, and post-operative BC patients. Also, serum circ_0001756 was remarkably correlated with tumor size, patient age, metastasis state, and TNM stage. The combination of the traditional tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen and cancer antigen 15 − 3 with circ_0001756 significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy of BC.
Conclusion
Circ_0001756 promotes the malignancy of BC through the miR-584-5p/TRAF6 signaling axis. Additionally, serum circ_0001756 is a promising biomarker for screening and diagnosis of BC.
Serum Zinc , Copper and Selenium Levels and Psoriasis in US Adults:A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2011-2014
Authors: Zhao Xiya , Li Junqin , Li Xinhua 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Several studies have suggested an association between serum copper, zinc, and selenium levels and psoriasis, but the results are disputable. Using data from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this study examined the association of serum copper, zinc, selenium, and copper/zinc ratios with psoriasis in U.S. adults aged 20 years and older. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of serum copper, zinc, selenium, and copper/zinc ratios with psoriasis. A total of 3405 adults (1671 men and 1734 women) were enrolled. No significant correlations were found between psoriasis and serum copper, zinc, selenium, and copper/zinc ratios (highest versus lowest quartile) in multifactorial analyses with ORs of 0.65 (0.33, 1.29), 0.73 (0.39, 1.36), 0.82 (0.46, 1.47), and 1.05 (0.55, 2.00), respectively. The findings do not support a significant correlation between serum copper, zinc, and selenium levels and colorectal cancer risk in the general U.S. population.
Long COVID Diagnostic with Differentiation from Chronic Lyme Disease using Machine Learning and Cytokine Hubs
Authors: Patterson Bruce , Guevara-Coto Jose , Mora Javier , Francisco Edgar B. , Yogendra Ram , Mora-Rodríguez Rodrigo A , Beaty Christopher , Lemaster Gwyneth , Kaplan Gary , Katz Amiram , Bellanti Joseph A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The absence of a diagnostic for long COVID (LC) or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) has profound implications for research and potential therapeutics. Further, symptom-based identification of patients with long-term COVID-19 lacks the specificity to serve as a diagnostic because of the overlap of symptoms with other chronic inflammatory conditions like chronic Lymedisease (CLD), myalgic encephalomyelitis-chronic fatigue syndrome (ME-CFS), and others. Here, we report a machine-learning approach to long COVID diagnosis using cytokine hubs that are also capable of differentiating long COVID from chronic Lyme. We constructed three tree-based classifiers: decision tree, random forest, and gradient-boosting machine (GBM) and compared their diagnostic capabilities. A 223 patient dataset was partitioned into training (178 patients) and evaluation (45 patients) sets. The GBM model was selected based on performance (89% Sensitivity and 96% Specificity for LC) with no evidence of overfitting. We tested the GBM on a random dataset of 124 individuals (106 PASC and 18 Lyme), resulting in high sensitivity (97%) and specificity 90% for LC). A Lyme Index composed of two features ((TNF-alpha +IL-4)/(IFN-gamma + IL-2) and (TNF-alpha *IL-4)/(IFN-gamma + IL-2 + CCL3) was constructed as a confirmatory algorithm to discriminate between LC and CLD.
Human Rights: is the concept truly coherent with the Christian moral teaching?
Authors: Stępkowski Aleksander 
Published: January 2024

The text explores the evolution of anthropological perspectives within Christianity, specifically focusing on the concept of rights. It traces the historical shift from a pre-modern emphasis on the social nature of humans to the emergence of individualistic anthropology in the 17th century. The tension between freedom and justice becomes a central theme, with human rights seen as a means of protecting individual autonomy from social coercion. The text explores the concept of personhood in Christianity, emphasising its central role in understanding the Trinitarian identity of God and its significance in Christology. It examines the classical definition of a person as an individual substance of reasonable nature, highlighting its limitations when applied to social aspects of human life. The author expresses scepticism about reconciling the concept of human rights with Christian anthropology, asserting that the rights-focused ethics is rooted in a non-Christian philosophical framework. The conclusion acknowledges the contemporary dominance of the rights-focused ethics but warns against the temptation to create a new "Christianity" compatible with this framework, urging a recognition of the anti-Christian nature of the ethical foundations of the modern Western society.
The Impact of Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening on Prostate Cancer Incidence and Mortality in China: 13-Year Prospective Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Ruan Xiaohao , Zhang Ning , Wang Dawei , Huang Jingyi , Huang Jinlun , Huang Da , Chun Tsun Tsun Stacia , Ho Brian Sze Ho , Ng Ada Tsui-Lin , Tsu James Hok-Leung , Zhan Yongle , Na Rong 
Published: January 2024

Background
The status of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening is unclear in China. Evidence regarding the optimal frequency and interval of serial screening for prostate cancer (PCa) is disputable.

Objective
This study aimed to depict the status of PSA screening and to explore the optimal screening frequency for PCa in China.

Methods
A 13-year prospective cohort study was conducted using the Chinese Electronic Health Records Research in Yinzhou study’s data set. A total of 420,941 male participants aged ≥45 years were included between January 2009 and June 2022. Diagnosis of PCa, cancer-specific death, and all-cause death were obtained from the electronic health records and vital statistic system. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were estimated using Cox regression analysis.

Results
The cumulative rate of ever PSA testing was 17.9% with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of 8.7% (95% CI 3.6%-14.0%) in the past decade in China. People with an older age, a higher BMI, higher waist circumference, tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking behaviors, higher level of physical activity, medication use, and comorbidities were more likely to receive PSA screening, whereas those with a lower education level and a widowed status were less likely to receive the test. People receiving serial screening ≥3 times were at a 67% higher risk of PCa detection (HR 1.67; 95% CI 1.48-1.88) but a 64% lower risk of PCa-specific mortality (HR 0.36; 95% CI 0.18-0.70) and a 28% lower risk of overall mortality (HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.67-0.77). People following a serial screening strategy at least once every 4 years were at a 25% higher risk of PCa detection (HR 1.25; 95% CI 1.13-1.36) but 70% (HR 0.30; 95% CI 0.16-0.57) and 23% (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.73-0.82) lower risks of PCa-specific and all-cause mortality, respectively.

Conclusions
This study reveals a low coverage of PSA screening in China and provides the first evidence of its benefits in the general Chinese population. The findings of this study indicate that receiving serial screening at least once every 4 years is beneficial for overall and PCa-specific survival. Further studies based on a nationwide population and with long-term follow-up are warranted to identify the optimal screening interval in China.
Developing prospective teachers' science-task knowledge and practice through lesson study
Authors: Istikomayanti Yuswa , Mitasari Zuni , Lathifah Anis Samrotul , Mashuri M. , Desy Pratika 
Published: January 2024

Science learned requires constructivist experiences so that students could learnt to discover and conclude. However, today's learned challenges were increasing along with the diversity of students and interests. The aimed of this researched was to increase the knowledge and practiced of prospective science teachers in didactic practiced through lesson studied activities. Didactic knowledge and practiced includes aspects of knowledge in preparing student assignments and analyzing student learned difficulties. Apart from that, updating student competency achievements as a curriculum requirement was also a challenged for prospective teachers. This researched was a qualitative studied that conducted researched on the lesson studied group of prospective teachers consisting of two groups totaling eleven prospective teachers. Data collection was carried out through direct group observation, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation. The results of the implementation of the lesson studied project revealed the stages of science learned through the preparation of various learned ideas, the preparation of structured learned paths by thinking about the future, thinking about the process of student collaboration and the learned process. Constructed science concepts to determine objective learned outcomes. The results of this researched revealed how teams of prospective teachers collaborate in lesson studied learned and did things that built and support the team in achieving common goals.
Unveiling the Mode of Action of Dravya Vikalpa
Authors: Kumbar Sowbhagya Chanaveerappa , Nagesh K.A Sri 
Published: January 2024

Shodhana-shamana is one of the treatment classifications in Ayurveda. Medicines for Shodhana can be administered in single drug or combination form. The explanation regarding formulations has been dealt in Ayurveda. Though single drugs have been indicated in various disorders, they may fail to target every stage of disease and may therefore fail in treatment. Thus, the permutation and combination of drugs can act efficiently and target every stage of disease. In the Charaka Samhita Chikitsasthana, shodhana yogas are briefly described for specific ailments, however in the Kalpasthana, dravyavikalpa are extensively explained for shodhana. It is difficult to understand choice of dravyavikalpa as there is no direct description on mode and site of action of yogas mentioned. Hence there is a need for proper understanding of the mode and site of action of various dravyavikalpa. Understanding a specific combination and its kalpana helps one understand how medicines are targeted at vitiated doshas and sthanasamshraya. To illustrate the same, Dravyavikalpa for panduroga mentioned in Charaka Samhita Kalpasthana has been taken as an example. In this study an effort will be made to analyze mode and site of action of Dravyavikalpa mentioned in Charaka Samhita Kalpasthana.
Keywords: Dravyavikalpa, kalpana vishesha, pandu roga
Inkontinensia Urin pada Perempuan
Authors: Djusad Suskhan 
Published: January 2024

Inkontinensia Urin (IU) merupakan kondisi pasien yang tidak dapat menahan keluarnya urin atau keluarnya urin secara involunter. Faktor risiko IU adalah usia, status hormonal dan menopause, obesitas, diabetes melitus tipe 2, PPOK, merokok, persalinan per vaginam, ras, serta riwayat keluarga/genetik. Jenis IU dapat dibedakan menjadi transien dan murni; IU murni dibagi menjadi tipe tekanan, desakan, overflow, dan kontinu. Diagnosis IU ditegakkan berdasarkan anamnesis, pemeriksaan fisik umum dan khusus, voiding diary, dan pemeriksaan penunjang. Tata laksana meliputi terapi konservatif dengan latihan Kegel dan pemasangan pesarium serta pembedahan antara lain dengan prosedur kolporafi anterior atau sling pubovaginal. Program intervensi harus menargetkan pasien dan suaminya agar menyesuaikan diri dengan kondisi sehingga dapatmeningkatkan kualitas hidup secara efektif.
Compilation of Islamic Laws Regarding Marrying Pregnant Women: The Case of Biau Regency, Central Sulawesi
Authors: Isman Isman , Thahir Lukman S. , Adam Adam 
Published: January 2024

Previously, in Indonesia, there was no written law regarding the settlement of premarital pregnancy married. Society usually uses a solution by carrying out a marriage between the pregnant woman and the man who impregnated her without waiting for the birth of the child she is carrying. This method aims to cover up the disgrace so that it is not known to the wider public. As long as the perpetrators of adultery and their families are able to keep this secret, then the adulterers and their children will be safe from society's response. This used qualitative method to study compilation of Islamic laws regarding marrying pregnant women in Biau district, Buol regency. The results of this study show that premarital pregnancy married can be recorded and made a marriage certificate during the marriage procession at the religious courts, even though the marriage ceremony was not carried out at that time or was carried out at that time. When a prospective bride is pregnant and then immediately married, the shame of both the prospective bride and her family should be covered. This is also based on the hadith narrated by Muslims, which reads: "Whoever covers the disgrace of another Muslim, then Allah will cover his disgrace in this world and in the afterlife."
Implementation of Bride and Groom Courses In North Balantak District, Banggai Regency In The Perspective Decision of The Director General of Islamic Community Guidance Number 379 of 2018
Authors: Jarudin Jarudin , Abidin Abidin , Jumat Gani 
Published: January 2024

Implementing the Sakinah family movement program has improved and strengthened people's lives. This program then became a national movement that has grown and developed strong roots in friendly, polite, and peaceful Indonesian society. Despite its success, it turns out there are still severe problems, such as the high divorce rate, the large number of applications for marriage registration, the increase in domestic violence, and unregistered marriages. In the bride and groom course, pre-marital guidance participants gain knowledge and skills as preparations for entering a new household. The main problem of the research is what the process of implementing the bride and groom course looks like in the North Balantak sub-district, Banggai Regency. This research aims to determine the process of implementing the bride and groom course to find out how the review of the Director General of Islamic Community Guidance Number 379 of 2018 regarding the process of implementing the bride and groom course in North Balantak sub-district, Banggai district. The method used is qualitative research with data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and documentation. Using the theoretical basis of John McLeod's counseling and the Social Welfare of Harold L. Wilensky and Charles N. Lebeaux. Research results (1). Coaching consists of three stages: the first is coaching at the Religious Affairs office, the second is coaching at the Community Health Center, and the third is further coaching. (2) the review of the first Director General's Decree 379/2018 has not been maximal, and the second, according to the third regulation, still needs to be implemented—conclusion (1). Coaching is divided into three stages. (2) Review of Director General's Decree 379/2018. 1. Still needs to be optimal; 2. Compliant with regulations; 3. has not run.
Case Report - The Course of Treatment of a Class III Skeletal Open Bite Case and its Analysis
Authors: Kondo Etsuko 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The Editor and publisher wish to apologise to Dr Etsuko Kondo for errors in publication of her article in Volume 12, No.4 of this Journal. Photographs on page 230 and graphs on page 232 were incorrectly placed and numbered. These pages are now reprinted.
Soviet Politics and Diplomacy in the Far East: Strategies and Alliances on the Eve of and During World War II
Authors: Dubinin Yu. A. 
Published: January 2024

This article offers an in-depth analysis of Soviet policy and diplomacy in the Far East during the tumultuous period spanning from the 1920s to the 1940s. These policies were profoundly shaped by two key factors: firstly, the ideological considerations rooted in the political framework established in the USSR following the 1917 revolution, and secondly, the geopolitical dynamics reflecting the evolving global and regional political landscape in the Far East. The ruling Bolshevik Party and the Soviet government faced formidable challenges as they sought to safeguard the nascent Soviet Republic amid mounting international tensions, both on a global scale and within the Asia-Pacific region.This study aspires to present a comprehensive and integrated examination of Soviet policy and diplomacy during this era. It delineates four distinct chronological segments, each characterized by its unique features, priorities, and challenges. At the same time, these segments are united by the overarching goal of consolidating the Soviet Union's position in the Far Eastern region and the broader Pacific theater. The four discernible stages in Soviet policy and diplomacy in the Far East encompass:1. The period spanning from 1927 to 1932, marked by an initial deterioration in relations between the Soviet government and the Kuomintang administration following the 1927 split between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party of China (CPC). This phase also witnessed the 1929 conflict on the Chinese Eastern Railway and culminated in the reestablishment of Sino-Soviet relations, all set against the backdrop of escalating Japanese aggression in Northeastern China (Manchuria). This phase demanded adroit diplomacy balancing strength and strategic statecraft.2. The 1930s, especially in the aftermath of Japan's aggressive incursions into China, saw limited interaction and collaboration between the USSR and the Republic of China. This period featured cautious Soviet-Japanese relations and included significant events such as armed clashes at Lake Khasan and the Khalkhin-Gol River, as well as the signing of the USSR-Japan Neutrality Pact.3. The era of the Great Patriotic War from 1941 to 1945, during which the Soviet Union's foremost objective was the defeat of the German Nazi aggressor. During this period, Soviet diplomacy was primarily preoccupied with relations with Anglo-American allies, with particular emphasis on the contentious issue of opening a second front. Consequently, Far Eastern and Pacific policy concerns assumed a somewhat marginalized role within the realm of Soviet diplomacy.4. Finally, the period spanning from the winter to the summer of 1945 emerged as a pivotal juncture. During this time, the Soviet Union intensified its political, diplomatic, and military involvement in the Far East, all against the backdrop of preparations for the impending entry into the war against Japan. Diplomatic endeavors reached their zenith during this critical phase.