bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishment, operation and development of the electronic Pollen Information Network (ePIN) in Bavaria, Germany
Authors: Kutzora Susanne , Strasser Antje , Grenzebach Katharina , Ramona Gigl , Gebauer Robert , Weinberger Alisa , Szperalski Julia , Herr Caroline , Quartucci Caroline , Heinze Stefanie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Current data of actual airborne pollen concentrations is of high value for allergy sufferers and medical practitioners, as allergen avoidance is an important therapeutic approach to allergic rhinitis. In addition, pollen concentrations are important indicators for monitoring climate change, providing information on changes in plant growth, plant reactions to climate change and the immigration of neophytes. The importance of pollen monitoring as well as technical developments and the emergence of electronic pollen monitors led to the establishment of the electronic Pollen Information Network (ePIN) in Bavaria. ePIN is one of the first fully electronic pollen monitoring network worldwide that offers real-time pollen information to the public currently in three-hourly intervals. It consists of eight electronic pollen monitors in as well as four Hirst-type pollen traps. The ePIN data is public and free of charge. Consumers can access the information via a website or an app. This article describes ePIN, its establishment, operation and further development.
Evaluating Left Atrial Function Changes by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Central Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Dang Hai Nguyen Ngoc , Luong Thang Viet , Tran Toan Thanh 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder that detrimentally affects multiple systems in the body, with a particular emphasis on the vascular and nervous systems. Despite its significant impact, limited studies have explored the influence of this condition on the left atrial (LA) function. To address this gap, our study utilized speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) to assess LA function in patients with T2DM in Central Vietnam.
Results
The cross-sectional comparative study enrolled 134 subjects involving 66 patients with T2DM and 68 healthy individuals meeting the selection and exclusion criteria of the study. In our study, healthy individuals demonstrated higher values for LA reservoir strain (LASr), LA conduit strain (LAScd), and LA contractile strain (LASct), measuring 38.75% ± 5.43%, 19.58% ± 5.91%, and 19.16% ± 4.98%, respectively. In contrast, the T2DM group exhibited lower values for LASr, LAScd, and LASct, which measured 31.2% ± 4.56%, 14.77% ± 6.3%, and 16.36% ± 4.82%, respectively (p < 0.05). Type 2 diabetes patients with normal LA volume index (LAVI) and normal left ventricular mass index (LVMI), LASr, LAScd, and LASct results were 32,07% ± 5,28%, 16,28% ± 6,95%, and 15,64% ± 5,32%, respectively.
Conclusions
STE of the LA reveals a noteworthy reduction in reservoir, conduit, and contractile functions within the T2DM group when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, these impaired functions persist in T2DM patients even in the absence of increased LAVI and LVMI.
Failure Patterns Analysis of Three-dimensional Radiation Therapy for Stage IV NSCLC Primary Tumors
Authors: zhang wei , liu jie , Wu Xin Yu , Ouyang Weiwei , Su Sheng Fa , ma zhu , Li qing song , yang Wengang , Chen Xiaxia , Lu Bing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the failure Patterns of three-dimensional radiotherapy to primary tumors combined with first-line systemic therapy and the influence of radiotherapy-related factors for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Seven hundred and forty-eight cases with the initial diagnosis of stage IV NSCLC that met the inclusion criteria were selected from 1509 cases registered from March 2003 to July 2021 for univariate analysis and failure Patterns test using the chi-square test. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed with the log-rank test and Cox regression model for multi-factor prognostic analysis. P < 0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference.
Results: The failure incidence of first-line treatment was 72.3% in 748 cases and 33.6%, 38.8%, 19.4%, and 8.1% at ≤6 months, >6-12 months, >12-24 months, and >24 months, respectively. A significant difference was observed in the median survival time (MST), which was 7.2, 13.4, 22.2, and 37.6 months (X2 = 324.580, P < 0.000), respectively. The incidence of recurrence failure (RF) was 20.4%. A decrease was observed in the recurrence rate with the increasing dose of radiotherapy to the primary tumor, and no significant difference in the incidence of RF was observed between oligometastatic (OM) and non-oligometastatic (NOM) tumors. The incidence of metastatic failure (DF) was 89.4%, with the order of incidence as follows: brain > bone > lung > liver > pleural cavity > distant lymph nodes > adrenal gland > other body parts. The incidence of additional metastases (AM) was approximately 2/3, and the progression of synchronous metastases (PSM) was approximately 1/2 of the cases. The metastatic status, time of treatment failure, pathology type, gender, and ≥63 Gy during the same period of four to six cycles of chemotherapy were independent factors in the prediction of prognosis.
Conclusions: The failure Patterns of radiotherapy for primary tumors in stage IV NSCLC was different from that of first-line systemic therapy alone, with significantly lower local failure, predominant metastatic failure, and the highest incidence of brain metastases. The later treatment failure occurs, the longer will be the OS. OM, female sex, non-squamous cell carcinoma, the late occurrence of treatment failure, and ≥63Gy concurrent four to six cycles of chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for prolonged survival.
A dosimetric comparison of brachytherapy sources for endometrial cancer: Iridium-192 and an electronic brachytherapy source with multichannel cylinders and a three-dimensional technique
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Wang Bei , Yu Lang , Zhen Hongnan , Zhang Yue , Feng Siqi , Chen Zhou , Qiu Jie , Zhang Fuquan , Hu Ke 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background and purpose
For patients with postoperative endometrial cancer (EC), Ir192 vaginal brachytherapy (IBT) was commonly used. We would devise a novel multi-channel vaginal applicator which could be equipped to an electronic brachytherapy (EBT) device. We aimed to explore the physical parameter differences between EBT and IBT.
Materials and Methods
This study retrospectively included 20 EC patients receiving adjuvant IBT from March 1, 2023 to May 1, 2023. The multi-channel vaginal cylinders were used and three-dimensional plans were performed. We designed a multi-channel vaginal applicator model and simulate a three-dimensional EBT plan.
Results
Twenty EBT plans were compared with 20 IBT plans. For mean dose of CTV, EBT was significantly higher (738.3 vs. 684.3cGy, p = 0.000). As to CTV coverage, there was no significant difference between EBT and IBT plan. For high-dose areas (V200% and V150%), EBT values were significantly higher. There were no significant differences in the maximum doses of vaginal mucosa between EBT and IBT, whether at the apex (median dose: 961.5 vs. 844.0cGy, p = 0.079) or in the middle segment. For bladder and rectum, both the low-dose area and high-dose area, values from EBT plans were significantly lower. For the conformity index, there was no significant difference between EBT and IBT plans. For the dose homogeneity index, EBT value was lower.
Conclusion
For patients who would use this novel multi-channel vaginal applicator and receive a three-dimensional radiotherapy plan, the target volume would get a higher dose while retaining the equivalent target coverage and organs at risk would get lower dose.
Removal of Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) ions by insolubilized humic acid
Authors: Khalili F. I. , Alnasra O. A. , Alhnafat F. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Humic acid from Tafila soil in Jordan has been extracted and insolubilized. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry were used to characterize the sodium form of Insolubilized Tafila Humic Acid (INaTAHA). Using the batch technique, the adsorption of Pb(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) by INaTAHA was investigated at various pH values (4.00, 5.00, and 6.00) and temperatures (25.0, 35.0, and 45.0oC). It was observed that INaTAHA has a maximum uptake as follows: Pb(II) > Zn(II) > Cd(II) and the metal ion uptake increased with pH reaching a peak at pH = 6. Kinetic studies results demonstrated that the maximum uptake level requires an equilibrium time of 24 hours for each metal ion fitting the pseudo-second-order model. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich adsorption isotherms fitted the metal ion uptake characteristics of INaTAHA. The activation parameters Ea, ΔG‡, ΔH‡, and ΔS‡ were also calculated. The findings show that physisorption is the mode of adsorption. Using the column technique, the uptake percent with the metal ions is as follows: Pb(II) > Zn(II) > Cd(II). Using 1.0 M HNO3 produced the best percent recovery for the metal ions according to desorption studies.
The complex lived experience of schizophrenia diagnosis: A thematic analysis of online forum posts
Authors: Lyons Minna , Gupta Veenu , Blaney Peter Sunny , Ogenyi Appey , Webster Elliott , Brewer Gayle 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Receiving a diagnosis of schizophrenia can be a life-changing experience with both negative and positive consequences. Previous research has identified important aspects of diagnosis, such as disagreement with the label, diagnostic shifts, stigma, and communication of the diagnosis. There is, however, relatively little research from the lived experience perspective. In this study, we investigated the lived experiences of receiving a schizophrenia diagnosis utilising a popular Reddit discussion forum. We used inductive thematic analysis to consider posts from 105 unique usernames and identified five themes. These were (i) Denial and acceptance; (ii) Stigma of diagnosis; (iii) The process of diagnosis; (iv) Identity and sense of the self; and (v) Receiving, finding, and providing support. Diagnosis is a complex personal experience where the same person can simultaneously accept and reject the diagnostic label. Greater attention is required to the lived experience of this diagnostic journey.
Dexterous learning of the robot hand using machine learning algorithms for object grasping
Authors: Heidari Hamidreza , Saremi Tahereh Ghahri , Saremi Tayebeh Ghahri 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Grasping is an essential skill that humans possess and replicating or imitating its functionality has been a significant focus in robotics research. Robotic hands by imitating human grasping behavior, can perform versatile grasping tasks and enhance human-robot interactions. Replication of such ability in robots is a challenging problem. To tackle this challenge, deep learning, and computer vision methods are proposed. Through object recognition and transfer learning, these techniques have made robotic grasping more accurate and robot hands can become more autonomous. The main objective of this paper is to implement and compare deep learning and reinforcement learning (RL) methods for achieving a semi-automatic grasp of different objects. This paper proposes a humanoid 5-DoF robot hand designed specifically for grasping tasks. The robotic hand is fabricated using a 3D printer and its fingers are driven by 5 servo motors. In this direction, a pre-trained Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) structure was used to train the robot hand. Additionally, a 5-finger robot hand is simulated in the MuJoCo environment. The RL agent plans and executes appropriate actions in the simulated hand robot and provides positive or negative rewards based on the Q-learning algorithm. Finally, the performance of methods is evaluated on objects. The results demonstrate the RL method achieved a higher grasp accuracy of 95% compared to the CNN method, which achieved a grasp accuracy of 85%. This indicates that the RL method outperformed the CNN method in terms of grasp accuracy for the robot hand and improved results.
Compatibilizing of cotton fabric with hydrophobic drug cover layer for anti-inflammatory performance with the implementation of ibuprofen.
Authors: Kopańska Aneta , Brzeziński Marek , Gonciarz Weronika , Kost Bartłomiej , Draczyński Zbigniew 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper presents active analgesic and anti-inflammatory dressings based on cotton woven material with surface functionalization enabling drug implementation. For this purpose, lactide was polymerized on the surface of cotton textiles to achieve better compatibility with drug-loaded polylactide. Then ibuprofen loaded PLA and PLA-PEG were implemented through the exhausting method. Such material was tested for cytotoxicity (toward L929 mouse fibroblasts) and anti-inflammatory activity (towards human Hs68 fibroblasts) based on the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. The results showed that the drug attachment and its performance are influenced by a combination of mercerization, bleaching and polylactide grafting, and the release of ibuprofen depends on drug-loaded layer structure. Moreover, we show that cotton woven fabric with ibuprofen-loaded PLA and PLA-PEG cover layer had anti-inflammatory properties. These new dressings may open possibilities for developing prolonged analgesic and anti-inflammatory materials for wound healing or transdermal drug delivery.
Large-scale mission scheduling for multiple heterogeneous agile earth observation satellites using modified chameleon swarm algorithm
Authors: Zhang Chao , Dong Yunfeng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The large-scale mission scheduling problem for multiple heterogeneous agile earth observation satellites is generally considered an extremely complex NP problem, which usually requires a large amount of computing resources to obtain the optimal solution or near-optimal solution. In order to solve the problem, the original chameleon swarm algorithm (CSA) is chosen to be modified from four aspects to improve its computational efficiency and global search ability. Specifically, the multi-population mechanism is introduced into the hunting prey of the modified chameleon swarm algorithm (MCSA), where the search strategies of three sub-populations and two different emergency response strategies are designed. The conflict elimination strategy based on heuristic rules is designed for the invalid solutions generated during the iteration process. Besides, the screening mechanism and the improved coding method are introduced into the MCSA based on the existing references. The results show that compared with the original CSA and two other existing referenced modified algorithms, the MCSA has significant advantages in both the computational efficiency and the global search ability, which verified the effectiveness of MCSA.
Mendelian Randomization Study: Genetic Prediction of Blood Metabolites and the Risk of Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Ting Qiu , She Haoqing , zhenbo ouyang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Metabolic dysregulation is a hallmark of cancer. However, evidence of a causal relationship between circulating metabolites and the promotion or prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC) is still lacking. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal relationship between 1,400 genetically proxied blood metabolites and endometrial cancer.
Methods: We extracted metabolite level data from 8,299 participants in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) and conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS). This study involved 1,091 metabolites and 309 metabolite ratios. We utilized the ebi-a-GCST006464 dataset from the GWAS Catalog database for endometrial cancer. This dataset covered the European population, with 12,906 cases of endometrial cancer and 108,979 controls for preliminary analysis. The primary method for causal analysis was the Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) method, supplemented by M-R-Egger and weighted median analysis. To validate the robustness, heterogeneity, and pleiotropy of the results, we conducted comprehensive sensitivity analyses, including the Cochran Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, radial MR, and leave-one-out analysis. For the final identification of metabolites, we also performed linkage disequilibrium score regression and colocalization analysis.
Results: The results of this study indicated significant associations between nine metabolites and endometrial cancer. These include: 5alpha-androstan-3alpha,17beta-diol monosulfate (1) levels (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.15, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.09-1.20, p=1.34×10−8), 5alpha-androstan-3beta,17beta-diol monosulfate (2) levels (OR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08-1.29, p=6.46×10−7), Androstenediol (3beta,17beta) disulfate (1) levels (OR 1.23, 95% CI: 1.12-1.36, p=3.01×10−5), Hexadecanedioate (C16-DC) levels (OR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06-1.19, p=8.43×10−5), 1-linoleoyl-GPG (18:2) levels (OR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.06-1.21, p=0.0001), Adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) to pantothenate ratio (OR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08-1.29, p=0.0001), Octadecenedioylcarnitine (C18:1-DC) levels (OR 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-1.17, p=0.0001), Glutarate (C5-DC) levels (OR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08-1.28, p=0.0003), X-22509 levels (OR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06-1.24, p=0.0003).
Conclusion: The results of this study reveal potential causal relationships between nine circulating metabolites and endometrial cancer, offering new insights into the biological mechanisms of endometrial cancer. These findings, derived from integrating genomics and metabolomics approaches, not only enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer but also have significant implications for the screening, prevention, and treatment strategies of endometrial cancer.
Cyclic Redundancy Check Assisted Successive Cancellation List Polar Code for MIMO-PLC Systems
Authors: Mengistu Fikreselam Gared , Alem Tigabu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Due to the use of the current power line network, Power Line Communication (PLC) technology has recently received a lot of attention. Because power lines are designed to transfer electric power at low frequencies, they are not appropriate for high-speed data transmission. The main problem with PLC is Impulsive Noise (IN). In PLC, the Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) approach is used to reduce the impact of IN. To prevent the occurrence of a higher level of channel impulsiveness, MIMO’s success in reducing IN is insufficient. It’s necessary to use further IN reduction techniques. In this study, cyclic redundancy check assisted successive cancellation list (CRCSCL) polar coding and the minimum mean square error (MMSE) detector techniques are combined to reduce the IN effect in MIMO-PLC systems with various antenna configurations. By comparing various degrees of channel impulsiveness, the Bit Error Rate (BER) performance under the Middleton Class A (MCA) and Bernoulli Gaussian (BG) IN models is examined. The obtained findings show that, in comparison to the BG model, the suggested IN mitigation under the MCA noise model requires a low Signal to Noise Power Ratio (SNR) value. Similar to this, the results show that more MIMO-PLC configurations, a higher level of channel impulsiveness in the MCA of the impulsive index (A), a higher Gaussian to IN average power ratio (Γ), and a lower occurrence of IN probability (P) over the BG would all enhance MIMO-PLC system performance.
Exploring Indicators of Natural Recovery from Alcohol and Drug Use Problems: Findings from the Life in Recovery Survey in Flanders
Authors: De Meyer Florian , Zerrouk El-Amine , Ruysscher Clara , Vanderplasschen Wouter 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Introduction. Research has established natural recovery (NR) as an important pathway to substance use recovery. Studies investigating correlates of NR have focused mainly on demographic and substance use variables rather than life circumstances. This study seeks to better understand the phenomenon of natural recovery by (i) validating the international scientific literature concerning demographic and substance use indicators of NR in Flanders and (ii) assessing the additional explanatory power of recovery strengths and barriers during active addiction, controlling for demographic and substance use covariates.
Methods. A total of 343 participants in recovery from alcohol or drug use problems (≥ 3 months) completed an online cross-sectional survey in Flanders.
Results. A higher education level, lower severity of dependence, and cannabis use as the main problem substance (vs. alcohol) were statistically significant (p < 0.05) indicators of NR. A second logistic regression model was used to add scores for the number of barriers and strengths associated with active addiction, and the results showed that barriers, but not strengths, were significantly different. When barrier items were individually tested, having untreated emotional or mental health problems, having a driver’s license revoked and damaging property were statistically significant. The most commonly reported reason for not entering treatment was not experiencing the need to do so.
Conclusion. The results highlight the importance of a holistic approach to recovery support across multiple life domains, within and beyond the scope of treatment. Limitations and research opportunities are discussed.
Ambivalent and heavy burdened wanderers on a road less travelled: A meta- ethnography on end-of-life care experiences in rural areas
Authors: Breivik Elisabet , Ervik Bente , Kitzmüller Gabriele 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: As the population ages, more people will be diagnosed with cancer, and they will live longer due to receiving better treatment and optimized palliative care. Family members will be expected to take on more responsibilities related to providing palliative care at home. Several countries have expressed their vision of making home death an option, but such a vision can be more challenging in rural areas. There is a lack of synthesized research providing an in-depth understanding of rural family caregiving for people with cancer at the end of life. Thus, the purpose of this study was to synthesize and reinterpret the findings from qualitative research on rural family caregivers of adult cancer patients in the final stages of life.
Methods: We conducted a meta-ethnography following Noblit and Hare’s approach. A systematic literature search of four databases and extensive manual searches were completed in April 2022. The final sample included twelve studies from six different countries published in 2011-2022.
Results: Based on the translation and synthesis of the included studies, four themes were developed (1) providing family care at the end of life in rural areas - a challenging endeavour; (2) the heavy responsibility of rural caregiving - a lonesome experience; (3) working on and behind the scenes; and (4) the strong and weak spots of community connectedness in rural areas. An overarching metaphor, namely, “ambivalent and heavy burdened wanderers on a road less travelled”, provides a deeper understanding of the meaning of rural family caregiving at the end of life.
Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into end-of-life cancer care for rural families. It is crucial to prepare family carers for the demanding role of palliative caregiving in rural areas. To address the long distances and poor access related to specialized health care services, outpatient palliative teams tailored to the families’ individual needs should be provided. In addition, more telehealth services, palliative units, or beds in local nursing facilities may reduce the number of exhausting trips that need to be made by caregivers and patients. The further education of health care workers providing palliative care in rural areas is needed.
Trial registration: The study was registered in PROSPERO