bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness analysis of immune checkpoint inhibitors for first-line treatment of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on fractional polynomial network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Yijia , Liu Ruizhe , Zhu Jianhong , Shi Fenghao , Song Wenmin , Huang Min , Wu Junyan , Qiu Kaifeng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become increasingly crucial in the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Objective
We sought to assess the cost-effectiveness of ICIs in addition to chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
Methods
A network meta-analysis utilizing a fractional polynomial model based on the nonproportional hazards assumption was employed to evaluate the clinical benefits of different therapeutic strategies. A partitioned survival model was established for comparing the cost-effectiveness of ICIs alone alongside chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone as initial therapy for locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic ESCC from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. The model extended the time horizon to 10 years with a 1-month cycle, incorporating data from network meta-analysis and clinical trials for effectiveness and safety as well as data from databases and relevant literature for cost and utility. Sensitivity analyses were carried out to evaluate the uncertainty and variability of the findings.
Results
Basic analysis revealed that the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for camrelizumab, sintilimab, tislelizumab and toripalimab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone were $24,853.78, $21,771.95, $25,973.70, and $22,694.01/QALY, respectively, all of which were less than 3 times the per capita GDP in China. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the base-case results were robust.
Conclusions
In the Chinese healthcare system, the combination of sintilimab or toripalimab with chemotherapy represents the most cost-effective treatment strategy.
Experimental Investigation of Hybrid Glass-Sisal Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites
Authors: Ashuro Belachew , Tamiru Tesfaye , Larebo Degefe , Zeleke Zablon , Eresso Guta 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In this study, the experimental testing of hybrid fiber composite material was conducted to characterize the mechanical properties such as tensile, compressive, and flexural strength. To improve the mechanical properties, natural fibers such as sisal fiber was hybridized with synthetic glass fiber. The hybrid fiber was prepared by hand lay-up method with consideration of process parameters such as fiber weight ratio (30%, 35%, and 40%), fiber orientation (mat-mat-mat, unidirectional-mat-unidirectional, mat-unidirectional-mat, mat-random-mat, and random-mat-random), and ply arrangement (sisal-glass-sisal, glass-sisal-glass, and sisal-sisal-sisal) respectively to form composites. The sisal fiber surfaces were chemically treated with 10% NaOH. The treated sisal fibers and glass fibers were combined by using matrix material unsaturated polyester and the hardener (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide). The tests are carried out as per the ASTM standards. From the mechanical property tests, the result showed that 35% fiber weight ratio composite material with mat-mat-mat fiber orientation and glass-sisal-glass ply arrangement revealed the highest tensile, flexural and compressive strength when compared to other composite materials.
Two-dimensional separation of wideband raypaths in underwater acoustics
Authors: Zhong Fengyan , Li Zhichen , Yang Chao 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The ocean acoustic tomography (OAT) is frequently used to the estimation of sound speed variations in the shallow ocean waveguide. As the first step of OAT, acoustic wideband rays along the different paths are exactly separated with two particular parameters of direction of arrival (DOA) and time of arrival (TOA). However, the multipath propagation of ray paths induces interferences between different rays, which makes the OAT impossible to identify these raypaths. In this paper, a two-dimensional wideband grid-free algorithm is proposed for separating acoustic raypaths by using their DOAs and TOAs. Firstly, a continuous formulation of the raypath separation problem is presented. Then, an atomic norm minimization (ANM) problem is designed by exploiting an atomic norm which promotes signal sparsity in the continuous domain. To solve such a ANM problem, an equivalent maximization problem is introduced, which can be solved efficiently with semidefinite programming. Finally, the certain parameters of DOA and TOA achieved through an optimization variable of the maximization problem. The experimental results show that the proposed method obtains more accurate separation performance compared to conventional compressive sensing-based algorithms.
Unlocking the Potential of Rice for Thermotolerance using SSR Marker- Based Assessment of Genetic Variability and Population Structure
Authors: SEELAM RAVITEJA , Puram Venkata Ramana Rao , Nallamothu Veronica , INJETI SUDHIR KUMAR , madhunapantula Vani Praveena 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Climate change due to global warming is causing an increase in heat stress in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Heat stress reduces the yield of rice, which is one of the major staple crop for half of the world's population. Therefore, there is a dire need to breed heat-tolerant rice cultivars. In any crop improvement program, the presence of genetic diversity and evaluation of the structural association are crucial for developing the breeding strategies. This study was conducted to examine the genetic variability and population structure of 49 rice genotypes, including both released rice varieties and advanced breeding lines using 75 SSR markers linked to thermotolerance located across the 12 rice chromosomes. A total of 113 alleles, with the number of alleles ranging from 2 to 4 and a mean of 2.31 alleles per locus. The average values for polymorphic information content (PIC), genetic diversity and major allele frequency were 0.36, 0.35 and 0.71 respectively. Among the markers evaluated, RM4108 exhibited highest PIC value (0.65) and gene diversity (0.64), indicating that it is highly polymorphic marker and an ideal choice for characterizing Thermotolerance rice cultivars. Both genetic distance-based clustering analysis and population structure revealed that the 49 cultivars formed three significant clusters. Cluster 1 comprised a mixture of 7 released varieties and 12 breeding lines, followed by cluster 2, which included 11 released varieties and 8 breeding lines. Cluster 3 consisted a total of 11 released varieties. Furthermore, the principal coordinate analysis demonstrated cumulative genetic variations of 15.60%, 14.17%, 8.03% and 7.02% among the mixed populations. Most of the released varieties were placed in coordinate 1, while breeding lines were found in coordinate 3. The analysis of Maruteru rice cultivars revealed a diverse genetic composition and the obtained information will be valuable for establishing an association panel and selecting suitable parents for future rice development programs.
Assessment of healthcare worker resilience at the epicenter of the 2022 Sudan virus disease outbreak in Uganda: implications for future preparedness
Authors: Zavuga Robert , Kawungezi Peter Chris , Agaba Brian , Migisha Richard , Kadobera Daniel , Kwesiga Benon , Okello Paul Edward , Bulage Lilian , Aceng Freda Loy , Batiibwe Emmanuel , Ario Alex Riolexus 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) mental resilience can be challenged during times of adversity, including outbreaks. On September 20, 2022, the Uganda Ministry of Health declared an Ebola outbreak of the Sudan virus disease (SVD) subtype. We assessed the level and determinants of resilience at the workplace among HCWs working at the epicenter of the SVD outbreak (Mubende and Kassanda districts) in Uganda.
Methods: During March 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among all HCWs (clinical and non-clinical) working from September 20, 2022─January 23, 2023 (the outbreak period) in the three health facilities that were directly involved in the SVD response in Mubende and Kassanda districts. Risk perception was assessed using 12 statements with a 4-point Likert-type scale. We assessed resilience using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10). Resilience was dichotomized into ‘not resilient’ (score 1-29) and ‘resilient’ (score 30-40). Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with resilience.
Results: Of 429 eligible HCWs, 400 (93%) were interviewed. Mean age was 35 (range: 20-58) years; 222 (56%) were male and median work experience was 8 years (range:1-38). One hundred and ten (28%) were support staff and 72 (18%) were nurses; 344 (86%) worked >40 hours per week. Overall, 93 (23%; 95%CI: 19-25%) were resilient. Three hundred and fifty-six (89%) expressed fear of contracting SVD and 356 (89%) expressed concern about stigma at their workplace if they became infected. Resilience was associated with age >40 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.1; CI=1.3-3.5), work experience >10 years (AOR=2.2; CI=1.1-4.7), working >40 hours per week (AOR=6.8; CI=2.1-23), and receiving Ebolavirus-specific counseling (AOR=3.3; CI=1.7-6.5).
Conclusion: Most HCWs at the SVD outbreak epicentre in Uganda faced resiliency challenges during the outbreak, related to their infection risk and treatment by others if they became infected. Psychological counselling and mental health support to HCWs and addressing concerns that bring them a high risk of infection could improve on their resilience during future outbreaks.
Evaluating the Service Satisfaction and Sustainability of the Afya Insurance Scheme in Kuwait: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: AlNashmi Maha , Masud Nuzhat , AlFaham Nour , AlHumaidi Hanadi , Akhtar Nabeel 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
After evaluating Afya, a health insurance scheme initiated by the Kuwait government for retired nationals to access services from private hospitals, it became clear that although Afya’s beneficiaries were satisfied with the service, they were unable to fulfill their expectations. This issue is further compounded by the rising number of noncommunicable diseases and the nature of the relationship between public and private hospitals. Through this study, the researchers aimed to delineate the current picture of the Afya healthcare insurance scheme in terms of three main aspects: efficiency, inclusiveness, effectiveness and service quality; delivery of services according to the stages of the revenue management cycle; and suitability and long-term sustainability in Kuwait. The study was carried out between June 2021 and August 2022 and involved the use of web-based and hardcopy pilot-tested questionnaires. A random sample of 514 Kuwaiti beneficiaries who had received Afya insurance cards was used to complete the survey. The researchers excluded beneficiaries who did not receive their cards or declined to participate for various reasons. A total of 405 completed surveys were analyzed, for a total response rate of 78.79%. The study results revealed that 95% of participants used private hospitals every time or often, with 78.79% satisfaction with the services utilized. In contrast, when utilizing medical services from government hospitals, respondents preferred to repeat the same services to guarantee accurate laboratory results, diagnoses, and medication. For a well-informed public, to create voluntary participation in long-term sustainability and proper integration of the private and public sectors, the issues need to be identified, and reformation of the existing policies or complete suspension may be needed. We observed that although 94% were asking to improve Afya’s coverage plan, more than half of the respondents suggested suspending the scheme to improve the service with proper research and to avoid financial burdens on the government. The correlation between experience with Afya coverage and beneficiaries’ satisfaction was significant (0.578) at the 0.01 level. In conclusion, to address these concerns and improve retirees' needs, we recommend the complete reformation of Afya through empirically, methodically, and scientifically rigorous research; the proper exchange of patient information between the public and private sectors through the implementation of the Health Information Management System (HIMS); and the inclusion of younger people in the scheme, which will help reduce the premium need for healthcare.
ac electrical conduction and dielectric properties in (Na2O) –(Fe2O3)0.5-x - (B2O3)0.5 glass systems
Authors: M Prashant Kumar , Banagar Arunkumar V. , Nagaraja N. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In the present study, a series of borate glasses with the composition (Na2O) x – (Fe2O3)0.5−x - (B2O3)0.5 where x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25 were prepared by quenching technique. The amorphous nature of the samples has been confirmed by the XRD studies. The ac electrical conduction over a wide range of temperature and frequency was studied. As temperature increases the dielectric properties were found to enhance and with increment in frequency they were found to decrease. The complex impedance analysis (cole-cole plot) for different samples have been analysed and studied. The high temperature ac conductivity data has been analysed by Mott’s small polaron hopping model (SPH). Activation energy passed through maximum and conductivity passed through minimum at 0.20 concentrations of sodium oxide which has been ascribed to the switch over of conduction process, taking place at 0.20 molar fraction of alkali ions, primarily from polaronic to ionic in the present series of glasses.
Sustainable Development in Asian Countries: Exploring the Nexus between Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Iqbal Shahid , Imran Muhammad , Naseem Hafiza Iram , Zeb Jehan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The current study aims to contribute to improving the environmental conditions of Asian countries by focusing on specific factors, namely, foreign direct investment (FDI), energy use, trade openness, GDP per capita, economic growth, and CO2 emissions, as well as their roles in environmental sustainability. The study utilizes the Levin, Lin & Chu t Unit Root Test (LPT), autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), and cross-sectional ARDL estimators with cross-country data from five Asian host countries from 1985 to 2020. The study's empirical results indicate that several factors, including energy use, FDI inflows, trade openness, and GDP per capita, influence CO2 emissions per capita and play significant roles in promoting environmental sustainability in Asian countries. The study suggested that formulating effective policies to optimize energy utilization, promote the use of clean and renewable energy sources, and adopt advanced energy technologies are essential steps toward improving environmental conditions in Asian countries. Encouraging foreign investors to invest in these countries can also positively impact the economy and lead to increased economic growth. Economic growth is influenced by factors such as FDI inflows, trade openness, and energy use, which in turn affect CO2 emissions and contribute to the overall environmental sustainability of both host and source countries. In summary, the study highlights the importance of implementing sustainable energy practices and attracting foreign investments to drive economic growth while simultaneously working toward environmental sustainability in Asia. By understanding the relationships between these factors, policymakers can make informed decisions and develop effective strategies to create a more environmentally friendly and prosperous future for the region.
Biocontrol Potential of Ocimum gratissimum on some fungal isolates from Arachias hypogae
Authors: Ogbu J.C. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Isolation of fungi was carried out from groundnut (arachais hypogae) seeds, and two fungi was isolated, Aspergillus spp and Rhizopus stolonifer. Proximate analysis of Ocimum gratissimum was carried out with moisture content of 9.32 , ash content of 10.90, nitrogen content of 3.78 and protein content of 22.03. Aqueous and Ethanolic extract of scent leaf ( Ocimum gratissimum) was obtained and tested on the fungi isolates and Rhizopus stoloniferassociated with groundnut was inhibited by aqueous and Ethanolic extracts of Ocimum gratissimum while both aqueous and Ethanolic extracts of the plant did not show any activity against Aspergillus Niger associated with groundnut.
Anomaly Detection for a Temperature Device Using Machine Learning: A Comparative Study of Algorithms
Authors: Prova Nuzhat 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This research paper delves into the use of machine learning techniques for anomaly detection in temperature readings from a device. The study employs a rich dataset comprising timestamped temperature values. Key methodologies include extensive feature engineering to enhance data interpretability and the application of K-Means clustering, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), EllipticEnvelope, and Isolation Forest algorithms. The primary objective is to discern intricate patterns and anomalies that may signify potential device malfunctions. Special attention is given to identifying temporal patterns, with a focus on analyzing anomalies during different times of the day and week. This paper highlights the effectiveness of these algorithms in detecting anomalies and offers insights into their comparative performance. The findings have significant implications for predictive maintenance and operational efficiency in temperature-sensitive devices.
study on factors influencing the performance of CMFs on measurement of high viscosity flows
Authors: Gace Dalson Athanase , Cheong Khoo Boo , Rongmo Luo 
Published: January 2024

A Coriolis Mass Flowmeters (CMFs), outperform other flow measurement systems owing to their perceived high accuracy and good repeatability. That has attracted its use in different fields including the bunkering industry. Bunkering operations entail high viscosity flows that may limit the applicability of high accuracy CMFs. Furthermore, their performance for measurement of single-phase high viscosity flow remains less explored and the mechanisms responsible for possible additional measurement error due to high viscosity fluid are not thoroughly studied. This study characterizes the performance of CMFs on the measurement of high viscosity fluid via CFD simulations. It is observed that the error of CMFs on measurement of high viscosity is deemed relatively large at low mass flow rates and which monotonically increases as the viscosity increases. The sudden pressure increase and secondary flow in the vicinity of the flow sensors’ locations are the key factors influencing the measurement discrepancy. It is worthy to note that this study is highly significant to the bunkering industry as it can serve as a baseline for further experimental works on the measurement of bunker fuel oils.
Quantitative Proteomic Profiling Analysis of Papillary Thyroid Cancer combined with Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis: Evidence from Cancer Tissue and Serum
Authors: Ma Li , Tian Ye , Huo Menghan , Meng Qi , Li Xinxi , Zhang Lei , Xu Cancan , Chao Xianzhen , Yang Yefan , Zhang Jinxia , Wang Bowei , Luo Jun , Jiang Sheng , Du GuoLi 
Published: January 2024

The pathogenesis of papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs) is complex and not
fully known yet. Cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) is associated
with increased risk of recurrence and poor prognosis. The present study
aimed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) associated
with PTC-CLNM for monitoring invasive PTC progression. We employed 4D
mass spectrometry (MS) to identify DEPs of cancer and serum samples in
PTC patients combined with or without CLNM. The functional annotation of
DEPs was performed using bioinformatics methods including annotation
methods, functional enrichment, enrichment-based clustering and
protein-protein interaction network. In total, we identified 21 and 17
proteins that were significantly differentially expressed between
PTC-CLNM and PTC-NCLNM (PTC-non cervical lymph node metastasis) in
tissue and serum samples, respectively. Comparative analyses revealed
that DEPs including NGFR, PBXIP1, HSP90B1, CD44, NFIA, PFKP and SRGN
were associated with tumor metastasis. A number of proteins were
identified that may be relevant to tumor growth and metastasis, and this
provides an opportunity for future functional proteomics studies and to
investigate potential biomarkers predicting PTC-CLNM.
Exploring potential ferroptosis biomarkers and immune infiltration features in rheumatoid arthritis through bioinformatics analysis
Authors: You Wenkang , Chen Xiaoqing , Du Zhiyin , Lin Yanbin , Zhang Lv , Huang Zehui , Zeng Rongdong 
Published: January 2024

Although an increasing number of studies suggest that ferroptosis is
involved in the development of rheumatoid arthritis, the specific
mechanisms by which this phenomenon occurs remain elusive. The aim of
this study was to investigate the genes associated with ferroptosis in
RA and their mechanisms of action. We downloaded four gene expression
profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. After
identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between rheumatoid
arthritis (RA) synovial tissues and control synovial tissues, basic
bioinformatics analyses were performed, including functional annotation,
protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, hub gene screening,
pharmacogenetic prediction and TF-mRNA-miRNA regulatory network
construction. In addition, we analyzed RA immune infiltration according
to the CIBERSORT algorithm to assess the relevance of infiltrating
immune cells in RA patients. Finally, we identified four hub genes,
including CDKN1A, epidermal growth factor receptor, ATF3, and JUN genes,
and a total of 92 miRNAs and 14 transcription factors were predicted to
form a regulatory network with the hub genes, and 8 drug candidates were
screened. These findings may help
us to better understand RA pathophysiological changes in basic
research, as well as provide new evidence for clinical transformation.
We believe that the drug candidates obtained in this study might be
helpful for effective therapeutic in RA.
Infection of Respiratory Pathogenic Microorganisms Among Patients Hospitalized Before 20 January 2020 for Influenza Symptoms in Wuhan and Taiyuan, China
Authors: Han Huimin , Saed Yasin , Song Wenzhu , Wang Ming , Li Yafeng 
Published: January 2024

Background: This study aims to find out whether patients admitted to
hospitals for influenza symptoms were potentially infected with novel
coronavirus [SARS-CoV-2] prior to nucleic acid testing in Wuhan and
Taiyuan, China, considering that it broke out during the influenza
season and its symptoms mimic influenza.
Methods:A total of 685 nucleic acid samples of respiratory pathogenic
microorganisms were obtained from patients with flu-like symptoms
admitted to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital,
from 1 November 2019 to 20 January 2020. Samples were respectively
detected by 13 Respiratory Pathogen Multiplex Detection Kit and Novel
Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Nucleic Acid Diagnostic Kit. Results: In Wuhan,
human rhinovirus was the most frequent infectious pathogen in November
(31.5%), and human respiratory syncytial virus appeared the most in
December and January (37.1%, 8.6%, respectively). Generally, 115
patients of 616 patients (18.7%) from Wuhan were recognized as
COVID-19, and only two patients were co-infected with other respiratory
pathogens. In Taiyuan, influenza A virus was detected the most
frequently in December and January (30.3%, 12%, respectively) without
infection of SARS-COV-2 during study period. Conclusions: Some cases
confirmed as influenza before routine nucleic acid testing of SARS-CoV-2
were attributed to COVID-19.