bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autonomic impairment is greater following spinal cord injury, but poorly correlated to neurological level of injury or motor/sensory completeness
Authors: Solinsky Ryan , Burns Kathryn 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Study design: Cross-sectional study

Objectives: Determine how well common clinical assessments of level and completeness of injury are correlated with symptoms of autonomic blood pressure instability and secondary medical complications after spinal cord injury (SCI).

Setting: Academic medical center, United States

Methods: Eighty-two individuals with (n=48) and without (n=34) SCI had symptoms of autonomic blood pressure instability quantified with the Autonomic Dysfunction Following SCI (ADFSCI) survey. Health histories quantified the secondary medical complications through number of urinary tract infections and hospitalizations in the past year, time to complete bowel program, and lifetime pressure injuries. Regression models were completed to identify strengths of associated correlations.

Results: ADFSCI scores were significantly higher in individuals with SCI than controls. Neurological level of injury and ASIA impairment scale were both minimally correlated to symptoms of autonomic blood pressure instability, accounting for only 11.5% of variability in regression models. Secondary medical complications had similar, minimal correlations to level and motor/sensory completeness of SCI (R2=0.07 and R2=0.03 respectively). Contrasting this, symptoms of blood pressure instability on ADFSCI far outperformed the common clinical motor/sensory bedside exam, with moderately strong correlations to the ranked number of secondary medical complications after SCI (R2=0.31).

Conclusion: Neurological level of injury and motor/sensory completeness provided limited insights into which individuals with SCI would have blood pressure instability or secondary medical complications. Interestingly, symptoms of blood pressure instability outperform the clinical motor/sensory bedside exam, with higher correlations to autonomically-mediated secondary medical complications after SCI.
A Systematic review and Bayesian Meta-analysis of medical devices used in Chronic Pain Management
Authors: Shetty Ash , Delanerolle Gayathri , Deng Chunli , Thillainathan Anish , Cavalini Heitor , Yang Xiaojie , Bouchareb Yassine , Boyd Amy , Phiri Peter , Shi Jian Qing , Deer Timothy 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Whilst. pharmacological therapies remain the cornerstone of pain management in chronic pain, factors including the current opioid epidemic have led to non-pharmacological techniques becoming a more attractive proposition. We explored the prevalence of medical device use and their treatment efficacy in non-cancer pain management. A systematic methodology was developed, peer reviewed and published in PROSPERO (CRD42021235384). Key words ofmedical device, pain management devices, chronic pain, lower back pain, back pain, leg painandchronic pelvic painusing Science direct, PubMed, Web of Science, PROSPERO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PorQuest and ClinicalTrials.gov. All clinical trials, epidemiology and mixed methods studies that reported the use of medical devices for non-cancer chronic pain management published between the 1st of January 1990 and the 30th of April 2022 were included. 13 studies were included in systematic review, of these 6 were used in the meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis for pain reduction showed that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation combined with instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization treatment and pulsed electromagnetic therapy produced significant treatment on chronic lower back pain patients. Pooled evidence revealed the use of medical device related interventions resulted in 0.7 degree of pain reduction under a 0–10 scale. Significant improvement in disability scores, with a 7.44 degree reduction in disability level compared to a placebo using a 50 score range was also seen. Our analysis has shown that the optimal use of medical devices in a sustainable manner requires further research, needing larger cohort studies, greater gender parity, in a more diverse range of geographical locations.
Individual and spatial determinants of mortality during the Covid-19 pandemic: The case of Belgium in 2020
Authors: Bourguignon Mélanie , Bertrand Aurélie , Damiens Joan , Doignon Yoann , Eggerickx Thierry , Plavsic Audrey , Sanderson Jean-Paul 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Context. The year 2020 was marked by the Covid-19 pandemic. In Belgium, it led to a doubling in deaths, mainly grouped into two periods. This article aims to compare the relative importance of predictors and individual and spatial determinants of mortality during these two waves to an equivalent non-pandemic period and to identify whether and to what extent the pandemic has altered the sociodemographic patterns of conventional mortality. Methods. The analyses relate to all-cause mortality during the two waves of Covid-19 and their equivalent in 2019. They are based on matching individual and exhaustive data from the Belgian National Register with tax and population census data. A multi-level approach was adopted combining individual and spatial determinants. Results. Mortality patterns during the pandemic are very similar to those observed outside the pandemic. As in 2019, age, sex, and household composition significantly determine the individual risk of dying, with a higher risk of death among the oldest people, men, and residents of collective households. However, their risk of death increases during the Covid period, especially in the 65–79 age group. Spatial information is no more significant in 2020 than in 2019. However, a higher risk of death is observed when the local excess mortality index or the proportions of isolated or disadvantaged people increase. Conclusions. While the Covid pandemic did not fundamentally alter conventional mortality patterns, it did amplify some of the pre-existing differences in mortality.
Oil Spill Detection in Irrigation Ditches Using Optical Sensor with Internet of Things (IoT) Platform
Authors: Samsuria Nur Nazifa Che , ismail wan zakiah wan , Halil Mior Fakhrul Hazim Mior Abdul , Aziz Nor Azlina Ab 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Oil spill pollution occurs due to human activities such as oil excavation, handling ship and handling machine in farming. The harmful consequences of oil contamination on aquatic life have become increasingly apparent. Traditional methods of monitoring and detection, such as visual inspection and physical sampling, are time-consuming and labor-intensive, and may not be able to detect small oil discharges. We have developed an innovative approach to detect oil spills in irrigation ditches by integrating optical sensors with Internet of Things (IoT) platform. It can provide early detection of oil spills by using sensor technology and networking, hence minimizing potential ecological and economic implications. The main system consists of blue light emitting diode (LED), a photodiode and ESP32 as the microcontroller. The photodiode measures the amount of light that propagates through a slick of oil to detect the presence of oil in water. Engine oil is used as the sample prototype since the leaking can occur from old farm machine or mishandling of the machine. The photodiode detects light, and the light is converted to resistance value. The resistance value for water without oil is varied from 300kΩ to 500kΩ and there is oil presence in the water if the resistance value is measured below 18kΩ. Lower resistance value causes lower detected light and lower light penetration inside the water. The value is then displayed in Blynk application, and an alert will pop-up to remind the user of the oil presence. Testing analysis was done by varying distances (6 cm to 9 cm) from light source to photodiode, varying oil volume (50 ml to 200 ml) and varying exposure time of oil with water (1-6 hours). From the experiment, an 8cm distance between light source and sensor was chosen for the optimum measurement of light. We observe that the average resistance values decrease with the increase of oil volume and exposure time. It proves that increasing oil volumes and exposure time can reduce the penetration of light inside the water that eventually affects aquatic life. Overall, the system demonstrates its potential to improve the monitoring and detection of oil discharges in irrigation ditches. The low-cost and easy-to-use design of the system makes it suitable for widespread deployment in irrigation networks.
Intrinsic prospective motives in non-human primate food consumption behaviour
Authors: Inkeller Judit , Knakker Balázs , Kovács Péter , Lendvai Balázs , Hernádi István 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Behaviours that are regulated with future goals and drive states in mind are regarded as cornerstones of human cognition. One key phenomenon through which future-orientation can be studied is the delay of gratification, quantified by the waiting time for which an individual withstands the consumption of an immediate reward to achieve a larger reward available after a certain delay. The delays used in animal delayed gratification paradigms are rather short to be considered relevant for studying human-like future-orientation. Here, for the first time, we show that rhesus macaques exhibit human-relevant future-orientation downregulating their operant food consumption in anticipation of a nutritionally equivalent but more palatable food with an unprecedentedly long delay of approx. 2.5 hours. This behaviour was not learnt gradually through conditioning but was readily displayed after a single exposure to a two-session “worse-now & better-later” food schedule. Importantly, no food choice was directly imposed by the experiment itself, but the animals intrinsically adjusted their behaviour to their satiation dynamics across the sessions, demonstrating their superior ability to anticipate future drive states. Our results have a strong implication that the cognitive time horizon of primates, when faced with ecologically valid foraging-like experimental situations, extends much further into the future than previously considered. In agreement with past observations from the broader perspective of animal foresight and planning, the present findings open new avenues that up till now have been opaque for translational biomedical research.
The effects of air pollution on patients with endocrine diseases of different genders and ages in Zhengzhou city: a 6-year cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Yan , Lin Shanshan , Ma Ningyi , Qian Mengdan , Kong Deqi , Huang Huimin , Li Ya 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background:It is well known that air pollution is closely connected with endocrine diseases, but the related studies are few. This study is aim to investigate the effects of various air pollutants on endocrine system diseases of different genders and ages.Methods:Endocrine system diseases daily medical visits (DMV) and daily air pollutant data of Zhengzhou were collected from October 28, 2013 to August 31, 2019. The descriptive statistical description and Spearman correlation matrix were constructed. Using distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM), the effects and relationship between air pollutants and DMV, including visits of endocrine system diseases in different genders (female and male) and ages (≤18, 18-59, and >59) were analyzed.Results:A total of 241,263 visits were included. There was a nonlinear relationship and a lag effect between air pollution and the occurrence of endocrine system diseases. PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO all contributed to the increased risk of endocrine disease incidence, with NO2 posing the greatest risk to endocrine system diseases. The female, and groups of 18-59 years old and higher were more susceptible to air pollution than the male and ≤18 years age groups. Diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis had significant positive associations with PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO.Conclusion:Air pollution has a cumulative lag effect on endocrine system diseases. Various pollutants had different effects in terms of genders and ages. The findings will provide evidence for a link between air pollution and endocrine diseases.
Investigating the effective indicators on the realization of good governance in border cities: A Case Study of Paveh, Iran
Authors: Mousavi Mirnajaf Najaf , Ghalehteimouri Kamran Jafarpour , Zadeh Robab H ossein 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Border cities face significant challenges due to political, environmental, and social issues. Strong urban governance can help resolve many of these problems, but it requires identifying practical factors specific to each city's location. This study aimed to assess the state of urban governance in Paveh, a border city with a population of 25,771 people. The research used both primary data collection (through a questionnaire) and secondary data sources (local and national databases and documents). The study randomly selected 379 households from Paveh's population and determined a reliability value of 0.913 using the Cochrane procedure. To assess Paveh's urban governance, eight criteria were used: participatory, rule-of-law-compliance, transparency, responsiveness, consensus-oriented, equitable and inclusive, effective and efficient, and accountability. The findings revealed that Paveh's urban governance, particularly in the dimensions of transparency and participation, is in an unfavorable situation.
Single-cell immune landscape of measurable residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Huang Xiao-Jun , Mo Xiaodong , Zhang Weilong , Fu Guo-Mei , Chang Yingjun , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Xu Lan-Ping , Wang Yu , Yan Chen-Hua , Shen Meng-Zhu , Wei Qiuxia , Yan Changjian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Measurable residual disease (MRD) is a powerful prognostic factor for relapse in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We applied the single-cell RNA sequencing to bone marrow (BM) samples from MRD-positive (n = 20) and MRD-negative (n = 12) patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A comprehensive immune landscape with 184,231 cells was created. Compared with CD8+ T cells enriched in MRD-negative patients (MRD-_CD8), those enriched in MRD-positive patients (MRD+_CD8) showed lower expression levels of cytotoxicity-related genes. Monocyte clusters (MRD+_M) and B-cell clusters (MRD+_B) were both enriched in MRD-positive patients. Conversion from an MRD-positive state to an MRD-negative state accompanied with the increase of MRD-_CD8 clusters and vice versa. MRD-enriched cell clusters employed the macrophage migration inhibitory factor pathway to regulate MRD-_CD8 clusters. These firstly revealed characteristics of immune cell landscape in MRD positivity, which will enable a better understanding of the immune mechanisms for MRD conversion.
Investigation into the damping coefficient of particles engaged in elastic collisions through the utilization of the acoustic sampling method
Authors: Shi Xinlin , Li Runzi , Zhong Wenzhen , Zhao Qingxin , Sun Dengchao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The damping coefficient, an important parameter in discrete element simulations, characterizes the energy dissipation that occurs during particle collisions. Nevertheless, the factors that affect the damping coefficient are not yet clearly defined, and the precise measurement of this coefficient for most materials remains unresolved. This investigation explored the damping coefficients of 9 representative particles using the acoustic sampling method. The relationship between the damping coefficient, collision velocity, material density, and specific strength was also analyzed. This study reveals that the damping coefficient is not highly influenced by velocity in particles composed of highly elastic materials. However, particles made of moderately and weakly elastic materials exhibit an increase in the damping coefficient as velocity rises. Furthermore, the damping coefficient of particles displays a linear association with material density. Materials with lower specific strength exhibit a wider range of variation in their damping coefficients, whereas materials with higher specific strength maintain a more stable damping coefficient around 0.4.
Refractive and Biometric Outcomes Following Intravitreal Injection of Ranibizumab in Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Long -Term Study.
Authors: Bassiouny Rania , Abdelhameed Ameera , Torky Magda , Gaafar Walid 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the long-term effects of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (IVR) as monotherapy for ROP on refractive and biometric ocular parameters.
Methods: This prospective case-control study included three groups were included: the injection group (premature infants who received single IVR) and two control groups: spontaneous ROP regression and premature children with no ROP. Spherical equivalent (SE), average keratometry (AVG-K), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), and axial length (AL) were analyzed at ages of > 1 year and >5 years.
Results: Compared to the control groups, the injection group had a higher prevalence of very high myopia and high myopia at both visits, a significantly longer AL (P = 0.017) and higher LT (P <0.001)
at the age of > 1 year and a significantly higher AVG-K (P= 0.003) and AL (P = 0.044) at the age of
>5 years. The injection group showed a significant increase (P <0.001) in SE, AVG-K, ACD, and AL (P = 0.008) with decrease in LT (P= 0.003) at the second visit compared to the first one.
Conclusion: ROP treatment with IVR is associated with a high prevalence of high myopia and very high myopia, which is related to a longer AL, anterior segment changes, and disease severity. Continuous monitoring of the refractive status following IVR treatment is recommended to avoid the risk of amblyopia.
Application of Mask R-CNN for Defect Detection in Printed Circuit Board manufacturing
Authors: Calabrese Maurizio , Agnusdei Leonardo , Fontana Gianmauro , Papadia Gabriele , Prete Antonio Del 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In the last decades, machine vision and Machine Learning (ML) techniques have seen significant improvements in the development of new algorithms thanks to the increment of hardware performance. For this reason, applying computer vision for specific technological problems became an important opportunity to introduce some significant improvements in the manufacturing context. Indeed, several studies on the application of ML in the manufacturing process are available. A good application of ML is monitoring the qualitative aspects of a manufacturing process. This paper proposes a preliminary study to analyze the ML capabilities to perform Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) for quality control in the manufacturing of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). In this specific case, the target has been to investigate the performance of the method Mask R-CNN to individuate the main PCB defects after the manufacturing process. This study has been performed considering an available open-source dataset employed by other ML techniques. For this reason, this study has aimed to verify the effectiveness of the adopted ML solution to manage this application. The chosen open-source dataset individuates the opportune class of products and related defects for the context of interest. In this specific case, this work has been carried out to gather know-how for further activity related to AOI for quality control in the assembly of PCBs employed in the aerospace field.
Vulnerability assessment of forest protected areas to environmental hazards
Authors: Saeedianpour Farideh , Jafari Ali , Mafi-Gholami Davood , Ng Eric 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the vulnerability of Helen Forest protected area to multiple environmental hazards including drought, evapotranspiration, flood, landslide and wildfire. To this end, in the first stage, field survey was conducted in random systematic sample plots and a map of the degree of sensitivity of the forest parts was prepared based on the canopy cover. Then, the risks of environmental hazards were mapped in the study area. Also, by implementing a closed Delphi method, the relative weight of each of environmental hazard was calculated. Finally, weighted standardized maps of environmental hazards and sensitivity map of the area were integrated and a classification map of the sensitivity was prepared in three categories: low, medium and high. The results of the relative weights​​ calculated for each of the hazards showed that drought has the highest relative weight (0.95), followed by fire (0.82). Also, the results showed that the risk of evapotranspiration with a relative weight of 0.32 has the last rank. The integration of weighted maps of environmental hazards and canopy cover showed that there is a range of spatial changes of vulnerability in different parts of the area. Based on the results, the degree of vulnerability of Helen protected area varied from 0.76 to 2.04. The classification of the sensitivity into three classes showed that the degree of vulnerability is higher in the eastern and western parts of the area (high vulnerability). On the other hand, the degree of vulnerability in the southern and northern parts is lower (low and medium vulnerability). Based on the results, 6701.8 ha (16.7%), 10806.3 ha (26.92%), and 11664.4 ha (29.06%) of Helen protected area are in low, medium and high level of vulnerability to multiple environmental hazards, respectively.
Prevalence of Anaemia and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women at Hargeisa Group Hospital, Somaliland
Authors: Abdilahi Mohamed Mussa , Jonah Kiruja M. , Farah Badra Osman , Abdirahman Farduus Mohamed , Mohamed Ahmed Ismail , Mohamed Jama , Ahmed Abdeta Muktar 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Anaemia remains a major global public health issue, affecting around 24.8% of the world’s population in both developing and developed countries. Pregnant women in developing countries are particularly susceptible, with 38.2% affected worldwide. Anaemia is also a major contributor to maternal mortality, with 510,000 maternal deaths globally, of which 20% occur in developing countries and are related to anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia is the most prevalent form, impacting 1.3 to 2.2 billion individuals, with 50% being women of reproductive age.
Aim
This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anaemia in pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Hargeisa Group Hospital (HGH), Somaliland.
Methods
A cross-sectional study included 360 pregnant women, who sought ANC at HGH between July 15 and August 6, 2023. The study subjects were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and participants’ current medical records, including haemoglobin levels. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 20).
Results
The study revealed an overall prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women at 50.6% (95% CI: 45.40% − 55.72%). Anaemia severity was categorized as mild (33.0%), moderate (54.9%), and severe (12.1%). Factors statistically associated with anaemia included gestational age in the third trimester (AOR = 3.248, 95% CI: 1.491–7.074), lack of ANC visits (AOR = 6.828, 95% CI: 1.966–23.721), and absence of iron supplementation (AOR = 29.588, 95% CI: 2.922–299.713). Notably, a higher consumption of meat per week was associated with a reduced risk of anaemia (AOR = 0.198, 95% CI: 0.104–0.379).
Conclusion
The study underscores the severity of anaemia in pregnant women within the study area. Preventative measures, including patient education and supportive treatments, can mitigate factors contributing to anaemia during pregnancy. It is crucial to emphasize effective prenatal care, improve dietary practices, and promote the provision of iron supplements. Enhanced maternal education on anaemia during ANC visits has the potential to reduce anaemia prevalence and mitigate adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.