bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parameters predicting postoperative pain and quality of life after hemorrhoidectomy: follow-up results from a prospective multicenter randomized trial
Authors: Mallmann Christoph , Langenbach Mike Ralf , Florescu Razvan-Valentin , Köhler Andreas , Barkus Jörg , Ritz Jörg-Peter , Gebauer Florian , Lefering Rolf , Boenicke Lars 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose:
Pain and reduced quality of life (QoL) is a major subject of interest after surgery for hemorrhoids. The aim of this study was to find predictive parameters for postoperative pain and QoL after hemorrhoidectomy.
Methods:
This is a follow-up analysis of data derived from a multicenter randomized controlled trial including 770 patients, which examines the usefulness of tamponade after hemorrhoidectomy. Different pre-, intra- and postoperative parameters were correlated with Pain level assessed by NRS and QoL by the EuroQuol.
Results:
At univariate analysis, relevant (NRS > 5/10 pts.) early pain within 48 hours after surgery was associated with young age (p = 0.002), use of a tamponade (p < 0.001), relevant preoperative pain (p = 0.002), pudendal block (p < 0.001), and duration of surgery (p = 0.018). At multivariate analysis, young age (p = 0.009, OR 1.66), use of a tamponade (p = < 0.001, OR 1.7) and relevant preoperative pain (p = 0.042, OR 1.63) predicted relevant early postoperative pain whereas pudendal block protected (p < 0.001, OR 2.67). Persisting relevant pain on day 7 was associated with relevant early pain (p < 0.001) and duration of surgery (p = 0.030). QoL overall remained at the same level. However, n = 229 (33%) patients presented an improvement of QoL and n = 245 (36%) an aggravation. Improvement was associated with a reduction of preoperative higher pain levels after surgery (p < 0.001) and analgesia with opioids (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Early relevant pain affects younger patients but can be prevented by avoiding tamponades and using a pudendal block. Persisting relevant pain is associated with longer duration of surgery. Relief in preexisting pain and opioids improve QoL.
Registration number: DRKS00011590 12 April 2017.
The Cumulative Impact of Unmet Essential Needs on Indicators of Attrition: Findings from a Population-Based Sample of Public University Students in the Bronx, NY
Authors: Sanborn Jenna , Jones Heidi E. , Manze Meredith , Twiste Tara , Freudenberg Nicholas 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

In recent decades, a growing proportion of college students have experienced financial stress, resulting in unmet essential needs including food insecurity, housing instability, lack of healthcare access, and inadequate mental health treatment. Given that urban-based public universities constitute a substantial proportion of the U.S. college student population, understanding how unmet needs affect academic achievement in this population is crucial for developing strategies that alleviate college failure and dropout. We examined the cumulative impact of unmet essential needs on indicators of college attrition (dropout, leave of absence, risk of academic probation). The sample comprised a population-representative sample of 1,833 students attending one of three urban public colleges in the Bronx, NY. Employing multinomial and binomial logistic regression models, we assessed how total unmet essential needs predicts any indicator of college attrition. Each unit increase in unmet need increased the odds of having any attrition indicator by 32% (p < 0.01). Students with one unmet need had 17% greater odds (p = 0.04), students with two unmet needs had 55% greater odds (p < 0.01), students with three unmet needs had 73% greater odds (p < 0.01), and students with four unmet needs had 82% greater odds (p < 0.01) of having any attrition indicator. Findings revealed a modest dose-response relationship between the number of unmet needs and the likelihood of experiencing indicators of attrition, supporting a potential causal link between unmet needs on the risk of attrition. Designing interventions aimed at college students with multiple unmet essential needs, and addressing these needs holistically, can potentially enhance student retention and graduation rates.
Investigating the mechanical properties of stainless steel foams produced by dissolving spherical urea particles as a space holder
Authors: Sahraei Masood , Naserian-Nik Ali Mohammad , Sazegaran Hamid 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Foam materials are a family of new and advanced materials that, due to their unique characteristics, will have a lot of potential for development in the coming years. The family of foam materials is divided into three categories: metal foams, ceramic foams, and polymer foams. Compared to ceramic and polymer foams, metal foams are newer and their properties and applications are being developed So, it seems that a bright future is waiting for these materials. The current research deals with the production of metal foams made of 316L stainless steel, which has a relatively wide application in the medical industry, especially the construction of implants. For this purpose, the method of dissolving spherical urea particles in water has been used as a spacer. In order to study the effect of porosity and production pressure on the mechanical behavior of 316L stainless steel, a standard pressure test was performed on foam samples produced under different production pressures and porosity percentages and their mechanical properties were investigated. In addition to conducting experimental tests, foam finite element models with zero and 30 percent porosity were created and pressure tests were simulated for them.
Parallel GEMM-based Convolution for Deep Learning on Multicore RISC-V Processors
Authors: Ramírez Cristian , Castelló Adrián , Martínez Héctor , Quintana-Ortí Enrique S. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We address the efficient implementation of the convolution operator on the GAP8 parallel ultra-lowpower platform (PULP), a heterogeneous multi-core processor equipped with a fabric controller (FC); a cluster of eight compute cores; and a four-level memory hierarchy with scratchpads instead of conventional, hardware-assisted cache memories. Our solution for this platform transforms the convolution into a general matrix-matrix multiplication (GEMM) via the lowering approach, demonstrating that it is possible to attain reasonable performance on the GAP8 by carefully adapting techniques such as tiling and loop parallelism, which are mainstream in the multi-threaded, cache-aware realization of GEMM.
Factors Influencing Intentions of People with Hearing Impairments to Use AR Glasses as Hearing Aids
Authors: Deng Liyuan , Chen Jiangjie , Li Dongning 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The advent and progression of AR (Augmented Reality) technology, coupled with the emergence of AR hearing aid glasses, offer a novel opportunity for people with hearing impairments (PHI). This study aims to explore the willingness of this population to employ AR hearing aid glasses as their choice of hearing aid device and the specific factors influencing their preference. This study utilized the Partial least squares SEM (PLS-SEM) analytical method to create structural equation model for intentions of PHI to use AR glasses as hearing aids. Data was gathered from on-site experiences across multiple locations, resulting in 189 valid questionnaires from individuals with varying degrees of hearing disabilities. According to the data analysis results, we discovered that functionality quality, perceived interaction speed, and perceived usability significantly impact communication effectiveness. Further, communication effectiveness positively influences confidence and societal perception, and the latter has a positive impact on information. Both of these factors positively influence behavioral intention. Based on these findings, this study offers design recommendations for AR hearing aid glasses to cater to the specific needs of the hearing-impaired, aiming to enhance their quality of life. Furthermore, this study provides pivotal insights for the prospective growth of this emerging industry.
Optimization Approaches of Bucket Brigade Quantum RAM architecture
Authors: Sivakumar Ashwin , P Reena Monica 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The need for a Quantum RAM (QRAM) is in high demand in the field of quantum computing research. The Bucket-Brigade architecture is the most conventional among the current proposed architectures. However, this architecture has a high circuit depth as well as a high complexity which makes this architecture susceptible to noise and errors. In order to address this, we present 3 approaches to modify the existing architecture. In these approaches, we will be attempting to reduce the T-Count in the circuit using ZX-Calculus. The second approach is by modifying the routing qubits quantum gates using Fredkin Gates. We will also be introducing dynamic circuits and their properties of mid-circuit measurement and feed-forward mechanism in order to further decrease the circuit depth and T-Count. Using ZX-Calculus, we observed a 15% reduction in T-Count and a 50% reduction in T-Count when employing dynamic circuits, despite the trade-offs involving the increase in the number of Clifford gates or latency in dynamic circuits.
Neighbour-stranger discrimination in an African wood dove inhabiting equatorial rainforest
Authors: Niśkiewicz Małgorzata , Szymański Paweł , Zampa Lia , Budka Michał , Osiejuk Tomasz S. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
We investigated within- and between-individual song variation and song-based neighbour-stranger discrimination in a non-learning bird species, the blue-headed wood-dove (Turtur brehmeri), which inhabits lowland rainforests of West and Central Africa. We found that songs of this species are individually specific and have a high potential for use in individual recognition based on the time-frequency pattern of note distribution within song phrases. To test whether these differences affect behaviour, we conducted playback experiments with 19 territorial males (each tested twice). Specifically, we characterised the males’ responses to the songs of a familiar neighbour and the songs of an unfamiliar stranger. We observed that males responded more aggressively to playback of a stranger’s songs: they quickly approached close to the speaker and spent more time near it. However, there were no significant differences in the vocal responses to the playback of neighbours’ and strangers’ songs. In addition, we explored whether responses differed based on the song frequency of the focal male and/or that of the simulated intruder (i.e., playback), as this song parameter is inversely related to body size and could potentially affect males’ decisions to respond to other birds. Song frequency parameters (of either the focal male or the simulated intruder) had no effect on the approaching response during playback. However, we found that the pattern of response after playback was significantly affected by the song frequency of the focal male: males with lower-frequency songs stayed closer to the simulated intruder for a longer period of time without singing, while males with higher-frequency songs returned more quickly to their initial song posts and resumed singing. Together, these results depict a consistently strong response to strangers during and after playback that is dependent on a male’s self-assessment rather than assessment of a rival’s strength based on his song frequency. This work provides the first experimental evidence that doves (Columbidae) can use songs for neighbour-stranger discrimination and respond according to a “dear enemy” scheme that keeps the cost of territory defence at a reasonable level.
Study Protocol for a type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation evaluation of a multisite community-based participatory project to achieve full childhood immunization coverage in Mozambique and Malawi (Let’s talk about vaccines project)
Authors: Shuro Linda , Lawrence Emily , Knight Lucia , Schneider Helen , Tabana Hanani 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Full coverage of childhood vaccines is a persistent challenge in low- and middle-income countries, with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic further worsening the situation. The complementary use of community-based participatory research (CBPR) and human-centered design (HCD) approaches has the potential to effectively create tailored solutions (interventions) to improve public health outcomes. The Let’s talk about vaccines! project is a multisite community-based participatory project by VillageReach which uses the human- centered design approach to identify the barriers and co-create solutions to address under- two routine immunization access and uptake in Malawi and Mozambique. There are a few examples of evaluations of interventions created through human-centered design. This manuscript outlines a study protocol describing the evaluation of VillageReach’s participatory solution development and solution implementation (intervention-Let’s talk about vaccines Project).
Methods
Guided by the RE-AIM (Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance) framework, this three-year evaluation adopts an effectiveness-implementation type 2 hybrid approach that prospectively evaluates the effectiveness (on under-two immunization coverage) of VillageReach’s intervention and processes of implementation (reach, adoption, implementation and maintenance) in two districts in Mozambique and two in Malawi. This paper will also describe the theory of change for VillageReach’s intervention. Thematic analysis will be used to analyze the qualitative data, and interrupted time series analysis used to analyze the intervention’s effectiveness on specific under-two immunization outcomes. Complex systems thinking with consideration of constructs inherent in health systems strengthening will be applied in the overall analysis. Findings will inform the development of a comprehensive framework to guide scalability of community-based approaches on childhood immunization uptake and access into similar contexts.
Discussion
This study is among the few studies to evaluate a public health intervention (solution) created through CBPR and HCD. This protocol provides examples of methods to evaluate the use of these novel approaches in low- and middle-income countries. The evaluation will be fundamental in providing evidence of the solution impact as well as informing scalability of the solution(s) to similar contexts. It will also contribute to the evidence base on mechanisms that explain observed improvements in under- two immunization outcomes as a result of codesigned community-driven solutions.
Revolutionizing Cardiac Care: Exploring the Synergy Between Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and 3D Deep Learning for Enhanced Heart Imaging in MedTech
Authors: Sufian Md Abu , Varadarajan Jayasree 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This research investigates the transformative potential of combining entrepreneurial ecosystems and 3D deep learning techniques in the realm of cardiac care within the field of medical technology. Specifically, we focus on the enhancement of heart imaging using the YOLOv5 deep learning model, with the aim of improving diagnostic accuracy. Leveraging open-source and 3D Cardiac MRI datasets, our study delves into how entrepreneurial ecosystems can expedite the development and implementation of advanced technologies like 3D deep learning in cardiac imaging. We introduce an interactive application, the "AI-powered 3D Cardiac Imaging App," developed using the Streamlit framework, which demonstrates remarkable accuracy of approximately 96.4%. This advancement highlights the potential for innovation within the MedTech sector when entrepreneurial ecosystems encourage the integration of AI methodologies. It not only attracts investments but also fosters skill development. Furthermore, our research sheds light on the influence of such technological advancements on policymaking, emphasizing the need for robust support for entrepreneurial ecosystems to foster future medical technology innovations. While this study underscores the transformative impact of AI integration in healthcare, it also underscores the necessity for more comprehensive studies, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and adaptive policymaking to keep pace with rapid technological developments. By integrating 3D deep learning techniques within entrepreneurial ecosystems, this research illuminates a path to revolutionize cardiac care, offering practical insights for medical technology entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to guide their decision-making processes.
PASC (Post Acute Sequelae of COVID-19) is associated with decreased neutralizing antibody titers and increased inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Jansen Ethan B. , Ostadgavahi Ali Toloue , Hewins Benjamin , Buchanan Rachelle , Thivierge Brittany M. , Martinez Gustavo S. , Goncin Una , Francis Magen E. , Swan Cynthia L. , Scruten Erin , Bell Jack , Darbellay Joseph , Facciuolo Antonio , Falzarano Darryl , Gerdts Volker , Fenton Mark E. , Hedlin Peter , Kelvin David J. , Kelvin Alyson A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or the continuation of COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) symptoms past 12 weeks may affect as many as 30% of people recovering from a SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2) infection. The mechanisms regulating the development of PASC are currently not known; however, hypotheses including poor antibody responses have been suggested. Due to the importance of virus neutralizing antibodies during COVID-19 recovery and protection from reinfection, we designed a cross-sectional study to investigate systemic antibody and cytokine responses during COVID-19 recovery and PASC. In total, 195 participants were recruited in one of five groups: 1.) those who had PASC (PASC); 2.) those who recovered from COVID-19 (Recovered); 3.) those in acute recovery (Acute Recovery); 4.) those experiencing acute COVID-19 (Acute COVID-19); and 5.) those who never had COVID-19 (No COVID). Participants completed a questionnaire detailing their demographics, as well as COVID-19 experiences. Serum samples were evaluated for virus binding and neutralizing antibodies as well as serum cytokine levels. We found that participants with PASC reported more pre-existing conditions (such as hypertension), and PASC symptoms (ie., shortness of breath) following COVID-19 than Recovered individuals. PASC individuals also had significantly decreased levels of neutralizing antibodies toward both SARS-CoV-2 and the Omicron BA.1 variant. Sex analysis indicated that female PASC study participants had sustained antibody levels as well as inflammatory cytokines (GM-CSF) over time following COVID-19 while males had decreasing concentrations. Our study reports for the first time that people experiencing PASC have lower levels of virus neutralizing antibodies and females experiencing PASC have sustained levels of antibodies and inflammatory markers. With lower levels of virus neutralizing antibodies, this data suggests that PASC individuals not only have had a suboptimal antibody response during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection but may also have increased susceptibility to subsequent infections which may exacerbate or prolong current PASC illnesses. The work may be applied directly to developing PASC diagnostic screening tools, treatments, as well as public health policies.
Simulation based research for digital health pathologies: a multi-site mixed-methods study
Authors: Straw Isabel , Dobbin Joanna , Luna-Reaver Demelza , Tanczer Leonie 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The advance of digital health technologies has created new forms of potential pathology which are not captured in current clinical guidelines. Through simulation-based research we have identified the challenges to clinical care that emerge when patients suffer from illnesses stemming from failures in digital health technologies.
Methods
Clinical simulation sessions were designed based on patient case reports relating to (i) medical device hardware errors (ii) medical device software errors, (iii) complications of consumer technology, and (iv) technology-facilitated abuse. Clinicians were recruited to participate in simulations at three UK hospitals; audiovisual suites were used to facilitate group observation of simulation experience and focused debrief discussions. Invigilators scored clinicians on performance, clinicians provided individual qualitative and quantitative feedback, and extensive notes were taken throughout.
Findings
Paired t-tests of pre and post-simulation feedback demonstrated significant improvements in clinician’s diagnostic awareness, technical knowledge, and confidence in clinical management following simulation exposure (p<0.01). Barriers to care included: (i) low suspicion of digital agents, (ii) attribution to psychopathology, (iii) lack of education in technical mechanisms and (iv) little utility of available tests. Suggested interventions for improving future practice included: (i) education initiatives, (ii) technical support platforms, (iii) digitally-oriented assessments in hospital workflows, (iv) cross-disciplinary staff and (v) protocols for digital cases.
Conclusion
We provide an effective framework for simulation training focused on digital health pathologies and uncover barriers that impede effective care for patients dependent on technology. Our recommendations are relevant to educators, practising clinicians, and professionals working in regulation, policy and industry.
On-surface synthesis of anti-aromatic cyclo[12]carbon and aromatic cyclo[6]carbon
Authors: Xu Wei , Sun Luye , Zheng Wei , Gao Wenze , Kang Faming 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
A novel family of carbon allotropes, known as cyclo[n]carbons (Cn), have attracted significant attention from both experimentalists and theoreticians because of their remarkable properties. Recently, certain aromatic cyclocarbons, such as cyclo[18]carbon (C18), cyclo[14]carbon (C14), and cyclo[10]carbon (C10), as well as an anti-aromatic cyclo[16]carbon (C16), have been successfully synthesized and characterized on the thin insulating NaCl surface. However, the characterization of even smaller cyclocarbons in real space, particularly those with anti-aromatic characteristics, still remains challenging. The substantial difficulties in synthesizing smaller anti-aromatic cyclocarbons are due to their inherent high reactivity, and on the other hand, stemming from the increased strain and reduced stability owing to their anti-aromatic nature. Here, we successfully produce a smaller anti-aromatic cyclocarbon, cyclo[12]carbon (C12), via tip-induced dehalogenation and accompanied retro-Bergman ring-opening reaction of a fully halogenated biphenylene (C12Br4I4), on a bilayer NaCl/Au(111) surface at 4.7 kelvin. Moreover, the smallest aromatic cyclocarbon, cyclo[6]carbon (C6), is also generated by atom manipulation of hexachlorobenzene (C6Cl6) molecule. The polyynic structure of C12 and cumulenic structure of C6 are revealed by bond-resolved atomic force microscopy (AFM) and theoretical calculations. Our work further demonstrates the feasibility of such an on-surface synthesis strategy for the generation of cyclo[n]carbons in the condensed phase, and to further characterize their precise structures with bond-resolved resolution.
Reduced Order Model Based Nonlinear Waveform Inversion for the 1D Helmholtz Equation
Authors: Tataris Andreas , Leeuwen Tristan van 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
We study a reduced order model (ROM) based waveform inversion method applied to a Helmholtz problem with impedance boundary conditions and variable refractive index. The first goal of this paper is to obtain relations that allow the reconstruction of the Galerkin projection of the continuous problem onto the space spanned by solutions of the Helmholtz equation. The second goal is to study the introduced nonlinear optimization method based on the ROM aimed to estimate the refractive index from reflection and transmission data. Finally we compare numerically our method to the conventional least squares inversion based on minimizing the distance between modelled to measured data.