bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance exposure with metabolic syndrome and its components in adults and adolescents
Authors: Zheng Huizhen , Yin Ziwei , Luo Xi , Zhou Yingli , Zhang Fei , Guo Zhihua 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread contaminants, but few studies have explored the relationship between PFAS and levels of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the population. The available evidence of an association is also conflicting. We selected adults and adolescents with complete PFAS data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2003 and 2018. We analyzed the association between PFAS and MetS using multivariate logistic regression models and evaluated potential nonlinear relationships with restricted cubic spline models. Additionally, we employed weighted quantile sum (WQS) regressions to uncover the multiple exposure effects and relative weights of each PFAS. Finally, we conducted a series of sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of our findings. In this population-based study, we analyzed data from a total of 4,973 adults, aged 20–85 years, and 1,381 adolescents, aged 12–19 years. Using fully adjusted multivariate logistic regression models, we found that serum levels of perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) [0.65 (0.50, 0.85)] and total PFAS [0.92 (0.85, 0.99)] were negatively associated with the prevalence of MetS in adults. Similarly, in adolescents, we observed negative correlations between the prevalence of MetS and levels of PFDA [0.55 (0.38, 0.80)], perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) [0.62 (0.39, 1.00)], perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) [0.59 (0.36, 0.96)], and total PFAS [0.61 (0.37, 0.99)]. Additionally, our study identified statistically significant negative associations between serum levels of PFAS and certain components of MetS, primarily elevated fasting glucose and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Our study found that PFAS was associated with a lower prevalence of MetS in both adults and adolescents, offering new insights into the relationship between PFAS and metabolic health. Interestingly, however, we observed conflicting findings across the components of MetS. Specifically, we observed that PFAS had a negative correlation with some metrics and a positive correlation with others. These conflicting results point to a complex interplay between PFAS and various metrics of metabolic health.
Reciprocal Neighborhood Dynamics in Gun Violence Exposure, Community Health, and Concentrated Disadvantage in One Hundred US Cities
Authors: Semenza Daniel C. , Stansfield Richard , Silver Ian A. , Savage Brielle 
Published: October 2023

AbstractGun violence imparts a tremendous human and financial toll on local communities. Researchers have documented extensive mental and physical health consequences of generalized violence exposure but few studies have analyzed the particular impacts of gun violence on community well-being using nationally comprehensive data. We leverage a unique database of almost 16,000 neighborhoods in 100 US cities (2014–2019) to examine how year-over-year rates of gun violence correspond to overall neighborhood well-being and three aspects of community health: (1) health behaviors, (2) physical and mental health status, and (3) health prevention efforts. We simultaneously consider the reciprocal influence of neighborhood well-being on subsequent gun violence while accounting for concentrated disadvantage in communities. The results demonstrate that gun violence is associated with poorer community health in subsequent years, particularly health behaviors and mental/physical health status. Furthermore, we find substantial reciprocal effects for both gun violence and community health in their relationship to neighborhood concentrated disadvantage. These findings highlight the consequential role of gun violence in perpetuating cycles of harm in local communities.
Why hide? Africa’s unreported debt to China
Authors: Brown Kathleen J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHidden debt is endemic throughout the sovereign credit market and poses a serious threat to global financial stability. Yet, little is known about why governments conceal their liabilities from creditors. I argue that governments intentionally hide debts from international financial institutions (IFIs) to maximize their ability to borrow while avoiding punishment for rising debt burdens. IFIs frequently penalize governments in low-income countries for borrowing beyond their means. By hiding some debt, governments are able to continue borrowing without being disciplined. I test this using recently released data that reveals half of the Chinese loans in Sub-Saharan Africa are missing from sovereign debt records. I find that borrower governments hide loans to avoid violating World Bank debt sustainability thresholds. However, governments hide less debt while under IMF scrutiny so as to reduce the risk that they will be discovered and punished. These findings offer evidence that borrower governments use hidden debt as a strategic tool to pursue fiscal goals. Further, this work reveals the unintended consequences of IFI intervention in less-developed countries, as efforts to ensure fiscal stability increase governments’ incentives to hide debt.
A systematic review of full economic evaluations of robotic-assisted surgery in thoracic and abdominopelvic procedures
Authors: Sadri Hamid , Fung-Kee-Fung Michael , Shayegan Bobby , Garneau Pierre Y. , Pezeshki Padina 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study aims to conduct a systematic review of full economic analyses of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) in adults' thoracic and abdominopelvic indications. Authors used Medline, EMBASE, and PubMed to conduct a systematic review following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Fully published economic articles in English were included. Methodology and reporting quality were assessed using standardized tools. Majority of studies (28/33) were on oncology procedures. Radical prostatectomy was the most reported procedure (16/33). Twenty-eight studies used quality-adjusted life years, and five used complication rates as outcomes. Nine used primary and 24 studies used secondary data. All studies used modeling. In 81% of studies (27/33), RAS was cost-effective or potentially cost-effective compared to comparator procedures, including radical prostatectomy, nephrectomy, and cystectomy. Societal perspective, longer-term time-horizon, and larger volumes favored RAS. Cost-drivers were length of stay and equipment cost. From societal and payer perspectives, robotic-assisted surgery is a cost-effective strategy for thoracic and abdominopelvic procedures.Clinical trial registration This study is a systematic review with no intervention, not a clinical trial.
Microbiology and postmortem interval: a systematic review
Authors: Moitas Bruna , Caldas Inês Morais , Sampaio-Maia Benedita 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis systematic review aims to learn if and how it is possible to use the human microbiome to indicate the time elapsed after death. Articles were searched on the PubMed database using predefined data fields and keywords; reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were excluded. The final selection included 14 papers (out of 144). The results indicated that the microorganisms present in the cadaveric island succeed predictably over time, with markers between the stages of decomposition constituting a potential innovative tool for postmortem interval (PMI) estimation. The human microbiome has the potential to be used for PMI estimation and may present advantages as microbes are present in all seasons, in all habitats, including the most extreme ones, and because microbial communities respond predictably to environmental changes.
Navigating the UKAS Accreditation Process for Detecting Norovirus and Hepatitis A Virus in Fresh and Frozen Produce: a Case Study
Authors: D’Agostino Martin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractGiven the urgent requirement for more laboratories to develop proficiency in detecting foodborne viruses, this case study charts the path to accreditation, demystifying the process of validating a method for detecting norovirus and hepatitis A virus in fresh produce. Securing accreditation is crucial to ensuring dependable and precise food analysis, particularly relevant for products frequently consumed raw, which are at risk of contamination by foodborne viruses. The study provides an in-depth look at the stringent procedures integral to achieving precision and dependability in results, underscoring the pivotal role of competency checks involving artificial contamination of samples. The case study also navigates the integral role of both external and internal quality assurance processes in affirming the consistency and accuracy of laboratory testing methods. The findings of this case study are transformative, amplifying confidence in laboratory results and potentially catalysing improvements in public health by ensuring accurate virus detection and identification in food samples. Furthermore, the accreditation process, as detailed in this case study, could pioneer a path for other laboratories, fostering best practices in virus detection and identification.
The CsCs and CsCsV Defects in Silicon: Density Functional Theory Calculations
Authors: Kuganathan N. , Sgourou E. N. , Chroneos A. , Londos C. A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCarbon-related defects in silicon (Si) are commonly introduced during crystal growth via the Czochralski method and processing. They can play an important role in affecting the physical properties of Si and its application in nanoelectronic devices. In this study, we use spin polarised density functional theory (DFT) to model the most stable structures of C-doped (C), CsCs and CsCsV in Si and their electronic structures. For completeness we also consider the CsV and CsVV which have been modelled with DFT in previous work. The results of this study reveal that the substitution of C requires an external energy of 0.44 eV. Formation of all clusters is endoergic. The energy to bind isolated defects to form clusters is negative in all cases meaning that there is a strong tendency for the aggregation of isolated defects to form clusters.
Exploring the role of natural bioactive molecules in genitourinary cancers: how far has research progressed?
Authors: Islam Fahadul , Nath Nikhil , Zehravi Mehrukh , Khan Jishan , Jashim Sumiya Ben-Ta , Charde Manoj Shrawan , Chakole Rita Dadarao , Kumar K. Praveen , Babu A. Kishore , Nainu Firzan , Khan Sharuk L. , Rab Safia Obaidur , Emran Talha Bin , Wilairatana Polrat 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe primary approaches to treat cancerous diseases include drug treatment, surgical procedures, biotherapy, and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy has been the primary treatment for cancer for a long time, but its main drawback is that it kills cancerous cells along with healthy ones, leading to deadly adverse health effects. However, genitourinary cancer has become a concern in recent years as it is more common in middle-aged people. So, researchers are trying to find possible therapeutic options from natural small molecules due to the many drawbacks associated with chemotherapy and other radiation-based therapies. Plenty of research was conducted regarding genitourinary cancer to determine the promising role of natural small molecules. So, this review focused on natural small molecules along with their potential therapeutic targets in the case of genitourinary cancers such as prostate cancer, renal cancer, bladder cancer, testicular cancer, and so on. Also, this review states some ongoing or completed clinical evidence in this regard.
A novel multi-task learning method for evaluating short-term voltage stability with incomplete PMU measurements
Authors: Luo Tonglin , Jiang Xuchu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMethods for short-term voltage stability (STVS) assessment based on phasor measurement unit (PMU) data have become quite abundant. However, most of them are challenged to deal with the commonly encountered incomplete PMU data. Existing models for STVS assessment of incomplete PMU data mostly have the disadvantages of high computational complexity and large impact from the level of data missing. This paper proposes a multi-task learning method that performs stability assessment and missing data completion in parallel. The Transformer Encoder is used as the shared feature extractor, a GRU structure is used to output complete PMU data sequences, and a BP neural network is used to output stability assessment results. The loss function used for the missing completion task considers the accuracy in both the shape and time domains. A comparison with relevant models shows that the model proposed in this paper achieves the best performance in all indicators and is minimally affected by the observation windows and the level of data loss, demonstrating good robustness.
Total Mutual-Visibility in Graphs with Emphasis on Lexicographic and Cartesian Products
Authors: Kuziak Dorota , Rodríguez-Velázquez Juan A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractGiven a connected graph G, the total mutual-visibility number of G, denoted $$\mu _t(G)$$

μ
t

(
G
)

, is the cardinality of a largest set $$S\subseteq V(G)$$

S
⊆
V
(
G
)

such that for every pair of vertices $$x,y\in V(G)$$

x
,
y
∈
V
(
G
)

there is a shortest x, y-path whose interior vertices are not contained in S. Several combinatorial properties, including bounds and closed formulae, for $$\mu _t(G)$$

μ
t

(
G
)

are given in this article. Specifically, we give several bounds for $$\mu _t(G)$$

μ
t

(
G
)

in terms of the diameter, order and/or connected domination number of G and show characterizations of the graphs achieving the limit values of some of these bounds. We also consider those vertices of a graph G that either belong to every total mutual-visibility set of G or does not belong to any of such sets, and deduce some consequences of these results. We determine the exact value of the total mutual-visibility number of lexicographic products in terms of the orders of the factors, and the total mutual-visibility number of the first factor in the product. Finally, we give some bounds and closed formulae for the total mutual-visibility number of Cartesian product graphs.
Optimization of the matching relationship between the stemming length and minimum burden in cut blasting of large-diameter long-hole stopes
Authors: Zhang Zongguo , Qiu Xianyang , Shi Xiuzhi , Zhou Jian , Luo Zhihua , Ouyang Jian , Zhang Haoqiang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCut blasting, in which new surfaces and relief space for subsequent blasting are created, is one of the most critical steps in the establishment of large-diameter long-hole (LDL) stopes. To reduce the damage to the chamber roof caused by stemming recoil and improve the rock breaking effect, 15 groups of small-scale model tests with minimum burdens of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 cm and stemming lengths of 0, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 cm were designed to optimize the matching relationship between the stemming length and minimum burden. First, through the model tests, values were obtained for ten evaluation indexes related to the total mass of fragments, crate size, fragment size, fragmentation energy consumption, and stemming recoil area. Then, the normal cloud combination weighting method was used to combine six subjective and objective weighting methods, and combined weights were obtained. Finally, the test schemes were optimized according to the Euclidean distance and similarity. The test results showed that the best blasting scheme involves a burden of 5 cm and a stemming length of 5 cm, followed by that involving a burden of 4 cm and a stemming length of 4 cm, and the optimal stemming length is approximately equal to the minimum burden. A field test of LDL stope cut blasting was conducted, with a stemming length of 2.2 m and a minimum burden of 2.2 m in the boreholes. The highly satisfactory field blasting effect indicates that the stemming length and minimum burden are reasonable.
Study on deformation and instability characteristics and control technology of deep soft rock roadway with strong mining
Authors: Li Jian , Li Yongle , Xie Zhengzheng , Zhang Nong , Guo Feng , Chen Qinghua , Liu Sijia 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWith the development of deep mining of coal resources, the problem of deep roadway management is becoming increasingly prominent. This study aims to analyze the deformation and failure mechanism of deep-buried soft rock roadway under the influence of mining. Taking the material roadway of 3205 working face in Xin’an Coal Mine as the engineering background, this study analyzed the characteristics of roadway deformation and failure and its influencing factors through field investigation. This study firstly expounded the principles of graded continuous anchorage for roadway roof and then proposed a new support scheme whose feasibility was verified by numerical simulation. Field verification shows that the optimized support scheme can effectively control the deformation of roadway surrounding rock. Specifically, the deformation of roof and two sides is reduced by 91% and 50% respectively; the maximum crack depth decreases from 9.56 to 3.26 m, indicating that the roof crack development has been significantly inhibited. The new support scheme builds a solid anchored rock beam structure with thick roof layer, which can maintain the long-term stable bearing capacity of deep-buried composite roof roadway. This study provides a solution for the surrounding rock control of deep soft rock roadway.
Evaluation of total infiltration and storage capacities for different soil types in Sarawak using SWMM
Authors: Kuok King Kuok , Chiu Po Chan , Rahman Md. Rezaur , Said Khairul Anwar bin Mohamad , Chin Mei Yun 
Published: October 2023

AbstractClimate change and irresponsible urbanization practices are anticipated to further exacerbate flood risk. The different soil types’ physical, chemical, and biological characteristics significantly impact surface water movement, porosity, permeability, and infiltration potential. Therefore, soil infiltration is perhaps the most challenging and crucial process to characterize on a field scale. Various methods have been developed to measure the infiltration rate empirically and theoretically. However, the relationship between different soil types and infiltration rates in Sarawak remains unknown as no previous study has been conducted. This study uses the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) to evaluate the infiltration rates for five different soil types: clay, clay loam, loam, sandy loam, and sand. 30 samples of various types and soil depths were examined at intervals of 0.5 m, 1.0 m, 1.5 m, 2.0 m, 2.5 m, and 3 m. The study was carried out using a standardized slope of 0.7% and an impervious land of 25% with a catchment size of 2 acres. Extreme rainfall data on the 5th and 6th of December 2021 was input into the infiltration model. Results showed that the difference between initial and final water storage of all the investigated soil depths for clay, clay loam, loam, sandy loam, and sand was found to be 48.42 mm, 51.20 mm, 58.01 mm, 66.96 mm, and 115.54 mm, respectively. The findings demonstrated that clay has the lowest water storage capability, followed by clay loam, loam, and sandy loam. Sand could store a comparatively large amount of rainwater. In contrast, sand has the highest infiltration rate with 2.541 mm/h, followed by sandy loam with 1.835 mm/h, loam with 1.432 mm/h, clay loam with 1.039 mm/h. Clay has the lowest infiltration rate, with 0.852 mm/h. This research concluded that sandy soil could significantly reduce surface runoff and help reduce flood risk in urban regions.
Classification and security assessment of android apps
Authors: Caushaj Eralda , Sugumaran Vijayan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCurrent mobile platforms pose many privacy risks for the users. Android applications (apps) request access to device resources and data, such as storage, GPS location, camera, microphone, SMS, phone identity, and network information. Legitimate mobile apps, advertisements (ads), and malware all require access to mobile resources and data to function properly. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to make informed decisions that effectively balance their privacy and app functionality. This study analyzes the Android application permissions, ad networks and the impact on end-user’s privacy. Dangerous combinations of app permissions, and ad networks are used as features in our prediction models to understand the behavior of apps. Our models have a high classification accuracy of 95.9% considering the imbalance in real life between benign and malicious apps. Our assumption that certain app permissions can be a potential threat to the privacy of end users is confirmed to be one of the most impactful features of our prediction models. Since our study considers the impact of ad networks and malware permissions, it will help end-users make more informed decision about the app permissions they grant and understand that the app permissions open doors to more vulnerabilities, and at some point, benign apps can behave maliciously.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Obstacles Uncovering System for Slender Pathways Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with Automatic Image Localization Technique
Authors: Selvarajan Shitharth , Manoharan Hariprasath , Khadidos Alaa O. , Shankar Achyut , Khadidos Adil O. , Onyema Edeh Michael 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this study, unidentified flying machines are built with real-time monitoring in mid-course settings for obstacle avoidance in mind. The majority of the currently available methods are implemented as comprehensive monitoring systems, with significant success in monitored applications like bridges, railways, etc. So, the predicted model is developed exclusively for specific monitoring settings, as opposed to the broad conditions that are used by the current approaches. Also, in the design model, the first steps are taken by limiting the procedure to specific heights, and the input thrust that is provided for take up operation is kept to a minimum. Due to the improved altitudes, the velocity and acceleration units have been cranked up on purpose, making it possible to sidestep intact objects. In addition, Advanced Image Mapping Localization (AIML) is used to carry out the implementation process, which identifies stable sites at the correct rotation angle. Besides, Cyphal protocol integration improves the security of the data-gathering process by transmitting information gathered from sensing devices. The suggested system is put to the test across five different case studies, where the designed Unmanned aerial vehicle can able to detect 25 obstacles in the narrow paths in considered routs but existing approach can able to identify only 14 obstacle in the same routes.
Interpolating across the impedance/admittance spectrum with Unified Interaction Control
Authors: Berezny Nicholas , Ahmadi Mojtaba 
Published: October 2023

AbstractImpedance Control (IC) and Admittance control (AC) are two control methods for robot-environment interaction which have opposing performance and stability characteristics. Previous research has proposed that the two controllers define a spectrum of controllers. This paper quantifies the IC/AC spectrum as a trade-off between the suppression of force sensor error and modelling error. Unified Interaction Control (UIC) is introduced, which can interpolate across this spectrum of controllers by using a periodic state-reset and an inner-loop gain weighting parameter. The UIC is verified through simulation, experiment, and an eigenvalue analysis. Interpolating across the spectrum allows one to choose an ideal controller given the nature of the robot and environment. This is demonstrated in two case studies: adapting the level of interpolation to optimize performance with a changing environment, and using a static level of interpolation to mitigate the worst-case effects in both IC and AC.