bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Features, Disease Burden and Impact on Quality of Life in Patients with Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy
Authors: Dumbuya John Sieh , Tian Chuan , Deng Lin , Ahmad Bashir , Chen Xiuling , Lu Jun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy (ME) significantly impacts patient quality of life (QoL) and imposes burdens on caregivers. This study examined disease burden, financial strain, QoL, disability levels, and caregiver burden among patients with ME to identify critical relationships.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on ME patients and caregivers at Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, utilising validated scales including CHU-9D, PedsQL, PHQ-9, and CBI to evaluate disease burden, QoL, disability, and caregiver burden. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation coefficients to assess the relationships between these factors.
Results
A total of 27 patients with ME were identified, with a mean age of 10.14 years, 88.9% of whom were children. The cohort comprised 18 (66.7%) males and 9 (33.3%) females, mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) and Leigh syndrome were the most common subtypes. Significant correlations were found between QoL scores and caregiver burden, with CHU-9D showing negative correlations with PHQ-9 and CBI and positive correlations with PedsQL and health utility scores. Additionally, 44.4% of patients reported severe financial burdens, and 57.7% of caregivers experienced moderate to severe levels of burden.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the complex relationships between financial strain, QoL, and caregiver burden in ME. This underscores the need for comprehensive, patient-centered care and targeted policy interventions to alleviate patient and caregiver burdens. Further research is essential to develop effective support systems and improve overall outcomes.
A Scoping Review of Evidence of Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Diagnostics in Low-to-Middle Income Countries
Authors: Tshotetsi Lumbani , Mwakikunga Bonex , Maluleke Kuhlula , Moetlhoa Boitumelo , Hajison Precious , Chimatiro Chancy , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Non-invasive point-of-care (POC) diagnostics ensure patient comfort and satisfaction as they involve little to no pain during sample collection. However, there is limited evidence regarding their availability in low- to middle-income countries (LMICs). Therefore, this scoping review provides current evidence on non-invasive POC diagnostics in LMICs.
The principal investigator co-developed the search strategy with assistance from a subject specialist and an information specialist. The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, SCOPUS, EBSCOhost (including Medline and CINAHL), and ProQuest. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full-text articles based on the inclusion criteria. The full articles were charted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Data were extracted from the articles that met the inclusion criteria after full-text screening. The extracted data were then analyzed thematically to understand the findings comprehensively.
A total of 1,198 articles were screened for eligibility, with 32 duplicates removed. Abstract screening was conducted for 1,166 articles, of which 73 were deemed eligible for full-article screening. Out of these 73 articles, 38 were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria. Ultimately, 34 articles were included in the final analysis. The level of agreement after full-article screening was 89%, indicating almost perfect agreement. The identified themes were usage, accuracy, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, challenges, and limitations of non-invasive POC diagnostics, integration with mobile technology and artificial intelligence.
Non-invasive POC diagnostics are useful, accurate, and sensitive in diagnosing diseases, screening, and monitoring conditions while ensuring patient comfort.
Sustainable Shipping: Modeling Economical and GHG Impacts of Decarbonization Policies (Part II)
Authors: Pereda Paula , Lucchesi Andrea , Oliveira Thais Diniz , Wolf Rayan , Marques Crístofer Hood , Assis Luiz Felipe , Caprace Jean-David 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Maritime transport handles over 80% of global trade by volume and remains the most energyefficient mode for long-distance goods movement. However, the sector contributes approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a share projected to rise to 17% by 2050 if left unregulated. In response, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented initial and short-term measures to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The 2023 IMO Strategy further introduces medium-term measures, including market-based mechanisms (MBMs) such as a GHG levy and fuel intensity regulations. This study evaluates the economic, and environmental impacts of these measures using an integrated computational simulation model combining Ocean Engineering and Economics. Our results indicate that all proposed measures align with IMO’s emission reduction intermediate targets through 2035, reducing absolute emissions by more than 50%. However, economic impacts vary significantly across regions, with North Africa, Eastern Africa, Western Africa, and South Asia experiencing the most adverse effects on GDP and trade. Among the measures, the GHG levy has the strongest economic and food price impacts, whereas a revised fuel intensity mechanism imposes lower costs, especially in the short-term. Revenue redistribution mitigates GDP losses but with uneven regional benefits. This study contributes to IMO discussions by providing a comprehensive comparison of policy impacts, leveraging a general equilibrium model (GTAP) to capture indirect effects often overlooked in prior studies. The findings underscore the need for equitable and feasible decarbonization strategies in the maritime sector.
Prospects for the creation of small-sized high-speed unmanned aerial vehicles based on WIG-craft
Authors: Dreus Andrii , Alekseyenko Sergey , Kulyk Oleksii , Nekrasov Valeriі 
Published: January 2025

WIG-craft are high-speed vehicles that use the dynamic principle of support above the ground. Today, the current examples and projects of such vessels concern, mainly, only large-sized or medium-sized manned vehicles, for which it is possible to ensure stable aerodynamic characteristics during flight. At the same time, modern trends in the development of vehicles indicate a growing interest in small unmanned vehicles. Currently, the issue of creating small manned and unmanned WIG-crafts has become relevant. In the presented work, based on the von Karman–Gabrielli methodology, the efficiency of transport WIG-craft among other types of vehicles was evaluated. The possibility of using such small-sized devices as unmanned devices is considered. The productivity of a WIG-craft is depends on its aerodynamic characteristics. Scale factor is very important for WIG-craft, because the aerodynamics is depended on wings size. The design of a small-sized WIG-craft based on the aerodynamic scheme of an airplane is proposed. The aerodynamic characteristics of the proposed device were evaluated using CFD modeling. Outcomes indicates that the aerodynamic properties of a ship are greatly affected by clearance and velocity. Ground effect is allowed to increase the aerodynamic quality up to 1.5 times, provide the transport of payloads at velocities as high as 250 km/h with a take-off weight of 2.7 tons. The analysis of computation results shows that the proposed project of an unmanned WIG-craft is fully operational and promising for solving the problems of high-speed delivery of small payloads. According to the computation results of the aerodynamic characteristics, the specific power of the device was determined, which indicates the high theoretical efficiency of the proposed means.
Soliton wave analysis using FDTD approach applied to Maxwell equations on tin oxide
Authors: Firdaus Rohim Aminullah , Suaebah Evi , Ula Rini Khamimatul , Rahmawati Endah , Khoiro Muhimmatul 
Published: January 2025

Soliton waves are self-reinforcing solitary waves that maintain their shape while traveling at a constant velocity, making them particularly useful in numerous optical applications. This research focuses on observing the phenomenon of soliton waves in tin dioxide (SnO2) to model the propagation of electromagnetic waves in both spatial and time domains. The FDTD method is well-suited for this type of study because it allows for the numerical analysis of electromagnetic wave propagation by solving Maxwell's equations over discrete time and space grids. One of the primary challenges in simulating wave propagation in materials like SnO2 is accounting for dispersive effects and nonlinearities. Therefore, this study aims to augment the FDTD approach with Z-transformation techniques, allows for an efficient formulation of dispersive and nonlinear effects, thus enhancing the computational efficiency and accuracy of the simulations.
The simulation results show that soliton waves can form in the optical material of SnO2 when an electric field exceeding 0.8 V/m is applied. The formation of soliton waves in SnO2 is primarily attributed to the nonlinear properties of the material. The simulation demonstrates that SnO2 exhibits significant nonlinear behavior conducive to soliton formation. The dispersive properties of SnO2 also play a crucial role in the formation and stability of soliton waves. Dispersive effects can cause wave packets to spread out, but in the presence of nonlinearity, these effects can be balanced, forming stable solitons. In conclusion, this study provides a foundational understanding of soliton wave formation in SnO2, highlighting its potential for various optical applications
Multi-response optimization of Ni-Co electrodeposition sugarcane harvester blades for enhanced efficiency using Grey-Taguchi method
Authors: Kawsringam Rungroj , Chaijit Seksan 
Published: January 2025

The efficiency and durability of sugarcane harvester blades are critical for the productivity and economic viability of sugarcane cultivation. Traditional methods such as hard-facing and thermal treatments have had limited success in simultaneously improving wear resistance and cutting efficiency. To address these challenges, this research investigates the optimization of Nickel-Cobalt (Ni–Co) alloy coatings on sugarcane harvester blades, focusing on enhancing blade hardness and overall performance. The study employs a hybrid Grey-Taguchi method, which synergizes Taguchi’s design of experiments with Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) to optimize the electroplating process parameters. Specifically, two key parameters –Current (Amp) and Cobalt Volume (Co-volume) – were systematically varied and analyzed using an L9 orthogonal array. The experimental results reveal that Co-volume significantly influences the hardness of the blades, with higher Co-volume levels leading to superior hardness outcomes. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicates that Co-volume accounts for 73.53 % of the total variation in hardness, making it the most critical factor in the electroplating process. The study’s findings contribute to the field of industrial engineering by providing a novel approach to the multi-response optimization of Ni-Co coatings, offering a pathway to more efficient and durable sugarcane harvester blades. The implications of this research extend beyond academic contributions, providing practical solutions for enhancing the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of agricultural machinery. Future research could expand this optimization framework to other agricultural components and integrate advanced computational techniques for further refinement.
Low-voltage temperature-insensitive logarithmic and exponential function current generators using only npn transistors
Authors: Pukkalanun Tattaya , Satansup Jetsdaporn , Maneerat Sutassa , Tangsrirat Worapong , Roongmuanpha Natchanai 
Published: January 2025

The continuing reduction of supply voltage for reliable operation of analog integrated circuits is widely recognized. Analog circuits must adhere to this trend. As a result, researchers are currently developing low-voltage analog circuit methodologies. Current-mode signal processing circuits are examples of these concepts. Therefore, the objective of this work is to present circuit realizations of low-voltage current-mode logarithmic and exponential function generators with temperature compensation. Both the input and output signals operate in current mode. The design approach utilizes the current-mode translinear technique to produce the output currents that exhibit a directly proportionality to the absolute values of the logarithmic and exponential functions. By simply adjusting the external bias currents, one can electronically tune the output currents and transfer current gains for both proposed circuits. The proposed circuits utilize only npn bipolar transistors and can operate with low-level supply voltages of ±1V, which are appropriate for low-power, high-frequency applications. Nonideality performance considerations are also discussed in detail. In order to verify the operational function of the circuits and illustrate their superior thermal stability, the PSPICE simulation has been performed using real transistor models provided for the HFA3096 mixed bipolar array technology. The simulation findings illustrate that the proposed logarithmic and exponential amplifier circuits can compensate for temperature variations, as evidenced by the good stability of their output currents over a temperature range of -40 °C to 100 °C.
Performance of four wastewater treatment plants serving Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa
Authors: Haileselassie Mihret Mersha , Mohamed Jemila , Haile Alemseged Tamiru , Hiruy Andualem Mekonnen , Acharya Kishor , Werner David 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

There is an urgent need to expand wastewater treatment on the African continent. To help choose appropriate technologies for this task, we evaluated the efficiency, energy and chemical demands, and costs of four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). These plants represent the main wastewater treatment technologies operated by the Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority (AAWSA): waste stabilization pond (WSP), anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR), up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket with trickling filter (UASB-TF), and membrane bioreactor (MBR) technologies. Principal component analysis revealed that season significantly impacts the raw and treated wastewater quality (ANOSIM, R = 0.3126, p = 0.001), while the type of treatment plant did not significantly affect the measured effluent characteristics (ANOSIM, R = 0.1235, p = 0.2000). In contrast, construction and operational costs, as well as energy and chemical demands per m3 of treated wastewater, varied starkly between the WWTPs. Total costs of wastewater treatment in 2022 ranged from $0.045 to 0.546 per m3 of wastewater treated, being 6–12 times higher for MBR compared with the other WWTP technologies. Real-world performance data as reported in this study are essential for choosing appropriate technologies that meet Africa's wastewater treatment needs.
VEI: A hybrid organization in the making
Authors: Pezon Christelle 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
This article analyses how VEI, as a hybrid organization in the water supply sector, navigates through challenges and varying financing policies, development cooperation priorities, and the UN Development Goals (Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals) in its search for sustainable funding. This quest for adequate and sustainable funding prompted VEI to experiment with different approaches to intervene and collaborate with funders whose expectations may affect/alter the mechanisms to reach its social mission. These experiments gave way to pragmatism, revealing the strategic tension inherent in the organization's duality and a continuous need to reflect upon its identity. The article offers insights into the construction of a hybrid company that is successful in pursuing its social and environmental goals while mobilizing resources to sustain (and enlarge) its business. This pragmatic approach made VEI over the years a renowned and appreciated partner for many utilities thirsting for improved performance.
Successful Treatment of Cheilitis Glandularis Accompanied by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Shi Hanfei , Sun Kai , Wang Yan 
Published: January 2025

Background
Cheilitis glandularis (CG) is a rare inflammatory disorder affecting the minor salivary glands. Nonetheless, the ideal management of CG remains elusive. Hence, this study aimed to broaden the understanding of the etiopathogenesis of CG and recommend bacterial culture and drug sensitivity tests for CG patients with suspected infection.

Case Presentation
A 78-year-old female came to our hospital complaining of painful protrusion in her right lower labial mucosa for three weeks. Clinical examination revealed local enlargement with pyorrhea on the right lower labial mucosa. Histopathological examination indicated the features of CG. Bacterial culture and drug sensitivity test demonstrated Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infection with several susceptible antibiotics. The patient was treated with surgical excision of the right lower labial mucosa combined with levofloxacin daily for two weeks. At the 4-week follow-up after excision, only a small amount of scar remained in the excision area. The patient had no symptoms in the oral mucosa.

Conclusion
CG may be accompanied by P. aeruginosa infection. Bacterial culture and drug sensitivity tests may contribute to identifying potential pathogens in CG patients and improving the efficacy of the treatment.
The validation and accuracy of wearable heart rate trackers in children with heart disease: a prospective cohort study (Preprint)
Authors: Hardon Hidde J. , Van Kerkhof Yara N. , Bartelds Beatrijs , Kammeraad Janneke A.E. , Van Deutekom Arend W. 
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Wearables are increasingly used in pediatric cardiology for heart rate (HR) monitoring due to advantages over traditional heart rate monitoring, such as prolonged monitoring time, increased patient comfort and ease of use. However, their validation in this population is limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the HR accuracy and validity of two wearables, the CardioWatch bracelet and Hexoskin shirt, in children attending the pediatric cardiology outpatient clinic. In addition, factors that influence HR accuracy, the Hexoskin shirt's arrhythmia detection efficacy, and patient satisfaction are investigated.

METHODS

Children indicated for a 24h-Holter ECG were equipped with a 24h-Holter ECG (gold standard), together with both wearables. HR accuracy was defined as percentage of HRs within 10% of Holter values and agreement was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on body mass index (BMI), age and time of wearing, among other factors. A blinded pediatric cardiologist analysed Hexoskin shirt data for rhythm classification. Patient satisfaction was measured using a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire.

RESULTS

Thirty-one participants (mean age 13.2±3.6 years; 45% female) and thirty-six (mean age 13,3±3,9) participants were included for the CardioWatch and Hexoskin measurements respectively. Mean accuracy was 84.8% (±8.7%) for the CardioWatch and 87.4% (±11.0%) for the Hexoskin shirt. Hexoskin shirt accuracy was notably higher in the first 12 hours (94.9±7.4%) compared to the latter 12 (80.0±16.7%, P<.001). Higher accuracy was observed at lower HRs (low vs. high HR: CardioWatch: 90.9±9.3% vs. 79.0±10.6%, P<.001; Hexoskin shirt: 90.6±14.0% vs. 84.5±11.8%, P<.001). Both wearables demonstrated good agreement in their HR measurement with Holter readings (CardioWatch bias: –1.4 beats per minute [BPM]; 95% Limits of Agreement [LoA]: –18.8 to 16.0. Hexoskin shirt bias: –1.1 BPM; 95% LoA: -19.6 to 17.4). Correct classification of the Hexoskin’s shirt rhythm recordings was achieved in 86% (31/36) of cases. Patient satisfaction scores (median[range]) were significantly higher for both the CardioWatch (3.8[3.5–4.3], P<.001) and Hexoskin shirt (3.7 [3.0–4.0], p<0.001) compared to the Holter ECG (2.6 [2.1-3.2]).

CONCLUSIONS

The Corsano CardioWatch and Hexoskin shirt demonstrate good accuracy in pediatric HR monitoring and provide higher patient comfort than conventional monitoring. Both wearables show good agreement in relation to the gold standard device. However more research is needed to explore the reasons for inaccuracy during higher heart rates. The Hexoskin shirt also shows potential in arrhythmia detection. While further development is warranted, these wearables show promise in enhancing diagnostics, therapeutic monitoring and patient safety in pediatric cardiology.
The Power of Sharing Failures: The Effects of Failure Disclosure on Exploration Performance
Authors: Chen Clara Xiaoling , Huang Xian , Wang Laura W. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
Creativity-dependent companies often implement failure disclosure programs to encourage employees to publicly disclose failures encountered in exploration activities with a focus on learning. We examine the effects of failure disclosure on employees’ exploration performance using an experiment in which participants perform a letter-search task by counting the search letters in each question (i.e., exploitation) or identifying an embedded shortcut that applies to all questions (i.e., exploration). We manipulate two factors: (1) whether participants are encouraged to disclose their failed attempts at finding the shortcut to future participants and (2) whether they are evaluated for their task-related skills. We predict and find failure disclosure increases the likelihood of shortcut identification in the presence of evaluation, and this effect is mitigated in the absence of evaluation. Because evaluation is typically present in natural work settings, our theory and results suggest failure disclosure is an effective mechanism to increase employees’ exploration performance.
Increasing the Income of Chili Farmers by Implementation of Internal Company Institution
Authors: Kristiana Dwi , Mukson Mukson , Santoso Siswanto Imam 
Published: January 2025

Chili is an important commodity for daily consumption, and its demand has the potential to increase as the population grows. The centralized location of production and the uncertainty of production quantities cause price disparities, reflecting poor supply management. This study aims to describe the corporate institutions of chili farming, analyze institutional performance, and factors that affect income of farmers. The method used is descriptive quantitative with a sample of 77 respondents taken with the Slovin formula at Gapoktan Bina Tani and Gapoktan Sumber Jaya in Blora. Data were collected through interviews with questionnaires, and multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine influential factors. The results showed that the institutional strengthening program variable (X1), the partnership expansion program (X2), and the economic scale improvement program (X3) had a high average value, meaning that the majority of respondents gave positive responses to the programs implemented. Factors that have a significant effect on chili farming income are variables of education level, length of farming, and amount of production, while variables of age, land area, and company performance have no significant effect on chili farming income. This conclusion indicates the need for institutional development to improve the welfare of chili farmers. Keywords: Chilli, Corporation, Farmer, Income, Institution.