bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate with adverse outcomes in chronic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Wu Chia-Lin , Fang Yu-Wei , Hou Yi-Chou , Lu Kuo-Cheng , Tsai Wen-Hsin , Lu Ping-Hsun , Lee Tzong-Shyuan , Kuo Ko-Lin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPhthalate exposure is widespread and has a global impact. Growing evidence shows that mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) exposure has a negative impact on human health. However, whether MEHP exposure is associated with mortality and other adverse outcomes in hemodialysis patients remains unknown. This study prospectively enrolled 217 patients on maintenance hemodialysis from June 30, 2021, to August 16, 2022. Baseline serum MEHP, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), and indoxyl sulfate (IS) concentrations were measured. Primary endpoints were all-cause mortality or composite adverse outcomes, including all-cause death plus hospitalization due to cardiovascular disease, heart failure, stroke, infection, or cancer. Serum MEHP concentrations were positively associated with DEHP but not indoxyl sulfate concentrations in hemodialysis patients. Additionally, serum MEHP concentrations were significantly and independently associated with all-cause mortality and composite adverse outcomes (adjusted hazard ratios [HRs], 1.04 and 1.03 per ng/mL, 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 1.01–1.07 and 1.00–1.05; p = 0.016 and 0.015, respectively). We found a cutoff value of MEHP for predicting both endpoints. Patients with serum MEHP concentrations of ≥ 41.8 ng/mL had much higher risks for all-cause mortality and composite adverse outcomes (adjusted HRs, 39.2 and 13; 95% CIs, 2.44–65.7 and 2.74–61.4; p = 0.011 and 0.001, respectively). MEHP exposure is significantly associated with higher risks for all-cause mortality and composite adverse outcomes. Hemodialysis patients with serum MEHP concentrations above 41.8 ng/mL had much poorer prognoses regarding both outcomes.
Sustainability, resilience and innovation in industrial electronics: a case study of internal, supply chain and external complexity
Authors: Cicerelli Flavia , Ravetti Chiara 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe electrical and electronic equipment industry is key to climate and energy transitions, but its activities have a significant environmental footprint. Tangible improvements in the sustainability of this sector are difficult because of the layers of complexity that characterize this industry’s products, processes and supply chains. This article analyzes the different facets of complexity relevant to sustainability in the industrial electronics sector, by implementing an in-depth longitudinal case study of a leading Italian business-to-business multinational company. We identify three core dimensions of complexity management that are pivotal for corporate sustainability: internal complexity, supply chain complexity and external complexity. We find that handling sustainability in complex production systems with multitier and multiproduct value chains presents organizational and managerial challenges but also offers new competitive opportunities for resilience and innovation. Once the appropriate metrics, know-how and information flows are established, our results highlight the transferability of sustainable innovations in these complex environments.
How to design and evaluate personalized scaffolds for self-regulated learning
Authors: van der Graaf Joep , Raković Mladen , Fan Yizhou , Lim Lyn , Singh Shaveen , Bannert Maria , Gašević Dragan , Molenaar Inge 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSelf-regulation is an essential skill for lifelong learning. Research has shown that self-regulated learning (SRL) leads to greater academic achievement and sustainable education, but students often struggle with SRL. Scaffolds are widely reported as an effective and efficient support method for SRL. To further improve digital scaffolds’ effectiveness, real-time detection of learning behavior can be used to personalize scaffolds. Therefore, the present study aimed to inform the field of scaffolding SRL by reporting on the design and evaluation of digital scaffolds. We present decisions made during the design process of personalized scaffolds to inform future scaffold designs. We evaluated how scaffolds were personalized based on real-time detection SRL, how university students respond to the scaffolds (i.e., compliance), and how this response is related to learning outcomes (i.e., quality of an essay). The research design was a pre-posttest with three conditions (no, generalized (same for all), or personalized scaffolds). A 45-minute reading and writing task was used, during which SRL processes were recorded in real-time. Findings revealed that different real-time SRL processes could be used to personalize scaffolds, meaning that we were able to personalize the content of scaffold based on students’ actual learning behavior. In addition, students in the personalized condition complied more with the scaffolds than students in the other conditions. This compliance with the scaffolds was generally associated with better learning outcomes. To conclude, our approach showed how design decisions could be evaluated and provided insight into the personalization of scaffolds.
The effect of relative hypotension on 30-day mortality in older people receiving emergency care
Authors: van Oppen James David , Owen Rhiannon Kate , Jones William , Beishon Lucy , Coats Timothy John 
Published: November 2023

AbstractResearch has observed increased mortality among older people attending the emergency department (ED) who had systolic pressure > 7 mmHg lower than baseline primary care values. This study aimed to (1) assess feasibility of identifying this ‘relative hypotension’ using readily available ED data, (2) externally validate the 7 mmHg threshold, and (3) refine a threshold for clinically important relative hypotension. A single-centre retrospective cohort study linked year 2019 data for ED attendances by people aged over 64 to hospital discharge vital signs within the previous 18 months. Frailty and comorbidity scores were calculated. Previous discharge (‘baseline’) vital signs were subtracted from initial ED values to give individuals’ relative change. Cox regression analysis compared relative hypotension > 7 mmHg with mean time to mortality censored at 30 days. The relative hypotension threshold was refined using a fully adjusted risk tool formed of logistic regression models. Receiver operating characteristics were compared to NEWS2 models with and without incorporation of relative systolic. 5136 (16%) of 32,548 ED attendances were linkable with recent discharge vital signs. Relative hypotension > 7 mmHg was associated with increased 30-day mortality (HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.66–2.35). The adjusted risk tool (AUC: 0.69; sensitivity: 0.61; specificity: 0.68) estimated each 1 mmHg relative hypotension to increase 30-day mortality by 2% (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.02–1.02). 30-day mortality prediction was marginally better with NEWS2 (AUC: 0.73; sensitivity: 0.59; specificity: 0.78) and NEWS2 + relative systolic (AUC: 0.74; sensitivity: 0.63; specificity: 0.75). Comparison of ED vital signs with recent discharge observations was feasible for 16% individuals. The association of relative hypotension > 7 mmHg with 30-day mortality was externally validated. Indeed, any relative hypotension appeared to increase risk, but model characteristics were poor. These findings are limited to the context of older people with recent hospital admissions.
Properties of Bounded Holomorphic Functions: A Survey
Authors: Jarnicki Marek , Pflug Peter 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe discuss interrelations between $${\mathcal {H}}^\infty $$

H

∞

-convex domains and $${\mathcal {H}}^\infty $$

H

∞

-domains of holomorphy for various classes of domains in $${\mathbb {C}}^n$$

C

n

.
Are they Twins or Only Friends? The Redundancy and Complementarity of Energy Poverty Indicators in Italy
Authors: Bardazzi Rossella , Bortolotti Luca , Pazienza Maria Grazia 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA large body of literature has developed numerous unidimensional and multidimensional indicators to identify energy-poor households, also with the aim of targeting public policies. They all have pros and cons and may identify different populations. How do they relate to each other? How should they be used in a country such as Italy where energy poverty has not yet been officially defined? We frame these research questions in a context of general social vulnerability in which several dimensions of poverty intersect. Using SILC data (EU and IT modules) for the period 2004–2015 we compare four widely used unidimensional indicators and provide evidence—for the Italian case—that complementarity among the indicators prevails since the complexity of energy poverty requires a combination of metrics to capture various vulnerabilities. Our results confirm the set of relevant factors affecting the probability of being energy poor which are indicated in the related economics literature, regardless of which indicator is used. They may help tailor policies to tackle the phenomenon. Based on these findings, we strongly support the idea of using a dashboard of different metrics to measure energy poverty to design effective policies.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 2024 Aluminum Alloy with and Without Rare-Earth and Thermomechanical Treatment After Multi-pass Stir Friction Processing
Authors: El-Shorbagy Rania M. , El-Baradie Z. M. , Abdel-Aziz Ahmed I. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFriction stir processing (FSP) is the most effective severe plastic deformation process for creating materials with very fine grains and good properties. The target of the present research is to investigate the influence of FSP on the microstructure and mechanical properties of homogenized 2024 aluminum alloy with and without rare-earth (RE) and thermomechanically treated conditions (TMT). The rare-earth elements used were Ce and La in the form of a master alloy containing (50% Ce + 50% La). The casting of 2024 aluminum alloys, both with and without (Ce + La), was carried out using the conventional stir cast technique. Part of the obtained alloys was homogenized, whereas the other part was thermomechanically treated (TMT). The homogenized 2024 material was exposed to FSP with multiple passes (one, two, and three) to obtain the suitable pass number. After that, the best pass number was performed on the 2024 aluminum alloy refined with RE (Ce + La) and TMT materials. The microstructures in different conditions (homogenized and stir friction) were examined by optical and scan microscopes attached with EDS and Map analyzer. At the same time, a tensile test was conducted to assess the mechanical properties. The findings indicated that the microstructures were significantly refined after adding RE (Ce + La) or applying the TMT technique. Whereas, the microstructures were greatly improved after applying FSP to both conditions. Ultra-fine grains were observed for both TMT and RE-containing alloys after FSP. On the other hand, the results of mechanical properties were significantly increased after applying multiple passes of FSP. The optimum results were obtained when two passes of stir friction were applied to the TMT alloy condition.
Molecular identification and in vitro propagation of the endangered medicinal Cleome droserifolia plant of Saint Katherine
Authors: Ghareb Heba El-Sayed , Mustafa Sabha Salman 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe protectorate of Saint Katherine considers one of the biggest protected areas in Egypt characterized by a unique location and environment. It supports a high number of rare and endangered species. Cleome droserifolia (Rorida droserifolia) is an endangered plant found in Saint Katherine, Sinai, Egypt. It has been known for its medicinal uses so it becomes rare due to over-grazing and over-collection for use in traditional medicine, research and trade home use. DNA barcoding analysis and in vitro culture tools were conducted for saving the plant. This research supports the goal number 15 of the United Nations Sustainable Development (SDGs); aimed at preserving, restore and reinstate sustainable usage of terrestrial ecosystems and halting biodiversity deterioration. Two pairs primers of three DNA markers: [ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL), maturase K (matK) and trnH-psbA] were used for PCR amplification and sequencing. BLAST results and phylogenetic analysis proved a correct authentication of Cleome droserifolia on both; species and genus levels and confirms the involvement of Cleome droserifolia in Cleome genus. For in vitro propagation, cotyledonary node explants of germinated seedlings were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with 0.27 µM α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 2.32 µM of kinetin (Kin). The highest mean number of axillary shoots was 8.16 shoots/explant. 85% of multiple shoots were successfully rooted on ¼ MS medium fortified with 7.42 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The successfully rooted plants were transferred to a mixture of sand, soil, and peat moss (1: 1: 1) and efficiently acclimatized in the greenhouse.
Wear behavior and CO2 emissions analysis of drum mower blades during Alfalfa harvest
Authors: Refai Mohamed , Abdelkader Tarek Kh. , Sayed Hassan A. A. , Wan Q. , Abdelhamid Mahmoud A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe productivity and efficiency of harvesting forage crops depend on the sharpness and quality of the mower blades. Therefore, studying blade wear during Alfalfa harvesting is crucial to sharpening and maintaining blades. This research aims to create mathematical models to predict the wear of mower blades and assess the wear rate of mower blades, fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions during the harvesting operation. Blade wear was measured by the weight loss method and examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after the field experiment. The results showed that the weight of the mower blade decreased from 103.82 to 98.39 g after 37.5 working hours. Over time, fuel consumption and operating costs increased due to the wear of blades. Also, CO2 emissions were 17.7 kg h−1 at the beginning of the experiment and increased to 29.5 kg h−1 after 37.5 working hours. Due to wear in the blades, the increase in fuel consumption, cost, and CO2 emissions reached 67% at the end of the experiment. From the obtained mathematical equations, the sharp part of the blade has worn out after 34 ± 3 working hours.
Graphical abstract
Can research on entactogens contribute to a deeper understanding of human sexuality?
Authors: Holka-Pokorska Justyna 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn recent years, scientific research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds has experienced a resurgence of interest. New studies have shown promising results, supporting the use of psychedelic drugs in treating various psychiatric disorders, including treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even alcohol addiction. The FDA has recognized 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as a breakthrough therapy to treat symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. At the same time, interviews with recreational MDMA users have documented experiences of emotional intimacy while using MDMA, often without the desire for penetrative sex. However, some people have reported that MDMA increases their sexual arousal and specifically use it to enhance their sexual performance. This study aims to analyze current and planned research on the psychophysiological effects of entactogens on human sexuality. With their prosocial potential, the pharmacokinetic and neuroendocrine effects of entactogens may recreate the subjective experience of emotional intimacy, the initiation of intimate relationships, or even feelings of ‘falling in love’ with previously neutral individuals while under the influence of entactogens. This includes MDMA-induced sexual arousal-like effects observed through subjective behavioral perceptions of desire and arousal and specific physiological markers such as oxytocin and prolactin. Modern MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) protocols are transparent and follow strict ethical guidelines. However, despite these proposed ethical principles, little consideration has been given to the potential neurobehavioral effects of entactogens on the sexuality of participants in MDMA-AP protocols. The psychophysiological and sexual effects of entactogens should be discussed more openly in current MDMA-AP protocols, including the potential experience of the phenomenon of sexualized pharmacotransference.
Energy, protein and iron densities of dabi teff-field pea-based optimised novel complementary flour and its contribution to daily energy and nutrients demand by 6–23-month-old children
Authors: Tura Diriba Chewaka , Belachew Tefera , Tamiru Dessalegn , Hassen Abate Kalkidan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractInadequate intake of age-specific energy and nutrients is among the prime immediate causes of child malnutrition. Thus, this study aimed to determine the energy, protein and Fe densities of pre-processed dabi teff-field pea-based optimised novel complementary flour and its contribution to daily energy and nutrients demand by 6–8, 9–11 and 12–23 month-old children. The optimal formula at overall optimisation was identified to be 34·66 % dabi teff, 25 % barley, 15 % oats, 15·34 % field pea, 5 % linseed and 5 % maize with response values of 15·74 % protein, 5·09 % fat, 2·26 % ash, 2·88 % fibre, 73·05 % carbohydrate, 1591·72 kJ/100 g (380·43 kcal/100 g) energy, 32·21 mg/100 g Fe, 77·51 mg/100 g Ca and 2·59 mg/100 g Zn. The energy density of the optimised novel complementary flour was 1·27 kcal/g which fulfilled the Pan American Health Organization/WHO recommendation (≥ 0·8 kcal/g), protein density was 4·14 g/100 kcal and the Fe density was 8·47 mg/100 kcal, which was 2·12 to 10·59 times higher than the recommended value where the optimal had demonstrated to contribute more than 100 % of the daily energy and protein demand and notably more than 200 % of daily Fe demand at moderate bioavailability (0·8–4 mg/100 kcal). These findings showed that the daily recommended dietary allowance for energy, protein and Fe could be attained by the developed dabi teff-field pea-based optimised novel complementary flour and its contribution to the children’s daily energy and nutrients demand met the standard, where the product can be used as food-based nutrition intervention to manage protein-energy malnutrition and Fe deficiency anemia in children sustainably.
A comparison of inter- and intraspecific variation in seed dispersal in three South American primates
Authors: Norford Ariek Barakat , Echeverry Kelin Nathaly , Obregón Juliana Ramos , Stevenson Pablo R. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Primate communities vary in their level of redundancy, or overlap, in seed dispersal function, which could be due to body size, degree of frugivory or intraspecific variation, among other factors. In this study, we quantified redundancy in seed dispersal among three sympatric primate species: Lagothrix lagothricha, Alouatta seniculus and Sapajus apella in gallery forests in Meta, Colombia. We compared the median seed width dispersed and the number and species richness of large (≥5.9 mm wide) and very large (>7.5 mm wide) seeds per faecal sample. The medium-sized, highly folivorous A. seniculus mostly dispersed large seeds, the larger, highly frugivorous L. lagothricha dispersed very large and small seeds, and the smaller, partially frugivorous S. apella dispersed the smallest seeds. However, for L. lagothricha and S. apella, we did not find the expected results that adults disperse larger seeds than juveniles. Across species, there is complementarity in seed dispersal in relation to seed size, with L. lagothricha being unique in its contribution to the dispersal of very large seeds both in terms of quantity and richness.
Mastermind with a linear number of queries
Authors: Martinsson Anders , Su Pascal 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSince the 1960s Mastermind has been studied for the combinatorial and information-theoretical interest the game has to offer. Many results have been discovered starting with Erdős and Rényi determining the optimal number of queries needed for two colours. For
$k$
colours and
$n$
positions, Chvátal found asymptotically optimal bounds when
$k \le n^{1-\varepsilon }$
. Following a sequence of gradual improvements for
$k\geq n$
colours, the central open question is to resolve the gap between
$\Omega (n)$
and
$\mathcal{O}(n\log \log n)$
for
$k=n$
. In this paper, we resolve this gap by presenting the first algorithm for solving
$k=n$
Mastermind with a linear number of queries. As a consequence, we are able to determine the query complexity of Mastermind for any parameters
$k$
and
$n$
.
The effectiveness of pretreatment video-based psychoeducation for patients with breast cancer
Authors: Sato Toshiko , Seto Makiko , Sangai Takafumi , Norihiko Sengoku , Nishimiya Hiroshi , Kikuchi Mariko , Shimizu Ayaka , Iwamitsu Yumi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectivesThis study confirms the effectiveness of pretreatment video-based psychoeducation on stress management and relaxation in reducing depression, anxiety, and uncertainty among patients with breast cancer.MethodsWe conducted a nonrandomized trial with 86 pretreatment patients with breast cancer who were divided equally into intervention and control groups, and stratified according to cancer stages and patient ages. Omitting the excluded participants, 35 intervention group and 36 control group participants were asked to complete the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Universal Uncertainty in Illness Scale (UUIS) before the psychoeducational intervention (baseline, hereafter “BL “) as well as 1 and 3 months later. Then, a 2 group (intervention and control groups) × 3 time points (BL and 1 and 3 months post-intervention) mixed models repeated measures (MMRM) analysis was implemented.ResultsAnalysis confirmed interaction between 2 group × 3 time points for depression, anxiety, and UUIS. Multiple comparisons revealed that each score in the intervention group was significantly lower 1 and 3 months post-intervention compared to BL. Meanwhile, in the control group, the depression score was significantly higher at 3 months post-intervention compared to pre-intervention. The anxiety scores and UUIS of the same group were not significantly different between 1 and 3 months post-intervention. The effect size values 3 months post-intervention were −0.57 for depression, −0.25 for anxiety, and 0.05 for uncertainty.Significance of resultsPretreatment psychoeducation reduced depression, anxiety, and uncertainty in the intervention group of patients with breast cancer compared to the control group. The effect sizes at 3 months post-intervention were moderate for depression and small for anxiety. These results suggest the effectiveness of psychoeducation for patients with breast cancer, using videos on stress management and relaxation, early at the pretreatment stage.