bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WSN Cluster Routing Method Based on Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Sun Shuming , Ma Qiaoqiao , Jiang Xian , Dong Ligang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
To address the energy consumption issue in the cluster routing protocol of the wireless sensor network (WSN), a Whale Optimization Algorithm based on Nonlinear factors and Chaotic mapping (NC-WOA) is designed. This improves the quality of the initial population, enhancing the algorithm's capacity for global exploration and escaping local optima. Furthermore, an Efficient Distributed and Energy-Saving Clustering Routing Algorithm (EDESC) is designed based on the NC-WOA algorithm. Factors of node energy, node distance, and node density are incorporated into the threshold function, applying NC-WOA in the cluster head selection stage. Simulation results demonstrate that the performance of the NC-WOA surpasses that of other algorithms. In terms of the number of rounds for the half of the nodes to die, compared to the Distributed High-Efficiency Entropy Energy-Saving Cluster Routing Algorithm (DHEEC) and the Distributed Energy-Efficient Clustering with Firefly Algorithm (DEEC-FA), EDESC showed an improvement of 27.45% and 47.81%, respectively. The energy utilization ratio is enhanced by 16.63% compared to DHEEC and by 83.32% compared to DEEC-FA.
Microstructures, Oxidation, and Mechanical Properties of an FCC HEA
Authors: Alvarado Gina Zavala , Varma Shailendra 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Microstructures, oxidation, and mechanical properties of an FCC Al-Cu-Ni-Mn-Ag HEA have been investigated in this study. Three different microconstituents have been observed at room temperature. They consist of phases rich in (a) Ni, (b) Cu, and (c) Ag. Excellent oxidation resistance has been observed in a temperature range from 600 to 1000oC for 24 hours in air. Microconstituents rich in Cu and Ni provide favorable oxidation resistance while Al and Mn appear to be detrimental to the oxidation characteristics of this alloy. Microhardness has been determined for each microconstituent. Microconstituent rich in Ag has the highest hardness (429 HV) while Cu rich shows the lowest hardness of 392 HV. Comparatively, Ni and Ag rich microconstituents show the highest (447 HV) and lowest (112 HV) values, respectively, after oxidation at 1000oC for 24 hours in air. Grain sizes after oxidation have been observed to be controlled by the richness of the microconstituents. However, a reasonably good fit can be observed in a Hall-Petch plot using hardnesses and grain sizes observed of this study.
“This is an illness. No one is supposed to be treated badly”: Community-based stigma assessments in South Africa to inform TB stigma intervention design
Authors: Foster Isabel , Biewer Amanda , Vanqa Nosivuyile , Makanda Goodman , Tisile Phumeza , Hayward Sally E. , Wademan Dillon T. , Anthony Michaile G. , Mbuyamba Rachel , Galloway Michelle , Human Wieda , Westhuizen Helene-Mari , Friedland Jon S. , Marino-Medina Andrew , Schoeman Ingrid , Hoddinott Graeme , Nathavitharana Ruvandhi R. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Though TB-related stigma is a recognized barrier to care, interventions are lacking and gaps remain in understanding the drivers and experiences of TB-related stigma. We undertook community-based mixed methods stigma assessments to inform stigma intervention design.
Methods
We adapted the Stop TB Partnership stigma assessment tool, and trained three peer research associates (PRAs; two TB survivors, one community health worker) to conduct surveys with people with TB (PWTB, n=93) and caregivers of children with TB (n=24) at peri-urban and rural clinic sites in Khayelitsha, Western Cape, and Hammanskraal, Gauteng Province, South Africa. We descriptively analyzed responses for each stigma experience (anticipated, internal, and enacted), calculated stigma scores, and undertook generalized linear regression analysis. We further conducted 25 in-depth interviews with PWTB (n=22) and caregivers TB (n=3). Using inductive thematic analysis, we performed open coding to identify emergent themes, and selective coding to identify relevant quotes. Themes were organised using the CARD (Constraints, Actions, Risks and Desires) framework.
Results
Surveys revealed at least one-third of PWTB and one-quarter of caregivers report experiences of anticipated, internal, and/or enacted stigma, which affected engagement throughout the care cascade. Participants in rural locations (compared to peri-urban) reported higher anticipated, internal, and enacted stigma (β-coefficient 0.72, 0.71, and 0.74). Interview participants described how stigma experiences, including HIV intersectional stigma, act individually and in concert as key constraints to impede care, and underpins failure to disclose a TB diagnosis, isolation, and exclusion. Stigma resilience arose through understanding that TB can affect anyone and should not diminish self-worth. Risks of stigma, driven by fears related to disease severity and infectiousness, led to care disengagement and impaired psychological wellbeing. Participants desired counselling, identifying a specific role for TB survivors as peer counsellors, and community education.
Conclusions
Stigma is highly prevalent and negatively impacts TB care and the well-being of PWTB, warranting its assessment as a primary outcome indicator rather than intermediary contributor to poor cascade outcomes. Multicomponent stigma interventions are needed, including counselling for PWTB and education for health workers and communities. Such interventions must incorporate contextual differences based on gender or setting, and use survivor-guided messaging to foster stigma resilience.
Comparing the effect of radial extracorporeal shock waves with different energy flux densities on forearm spasticity after stroke: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Li , Huang Chuchu , Wu Dengxuan , Yang Guifen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
To explore the effect of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) on forearm spasticity in stroke patients and to compare the effect of low energy flux density (EFD) and medium EFD rESWT on forearm spasticity after stroke.
Methods
Ninety stroke patients who met the inclusion criteria of this study were randomly divided into a control group, intervention group A and intervention group B, with 30 patients in each group. The control group received placebo rESWT. Group A received a low EFD (energy flux density of 0.08 mJ/mm2); Group B received a medium EFD (energy flux density of 0.16 mJ/mm2). The interventions continued for 4 weeks, once a week. Muscle tension and muscle stiffness were evaluated by the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), and shear wave velocity (SWV) was measured by ultrasound elastography before and after treatment.
Results
① MAS: After treatment, the MAS scores of muscle groups in intervention groups A and B were lower than those before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). After treatment, the MAS scores of the wrist flexor muscle group in groups A and B were significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). ② SWV: After treatment, the SWV of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS), flexor digitorum profundus (FDP), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), and pronator teres (PT) in group A were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05), and the SWV of FDS, FDP, flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), FCR, and PT in group B were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05). The SWVs of FDS, FDP and FCR in group A were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The SWVs of the FDS, FDP, FCR and PT in group B were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Both low- and medium-EFD rESWT are effective for forearm spasticity in stroke patients. The effect of medium EFD rESWT is slightly better than that of low EFD rESWT, but the difference is not significant.
Trial registration:
Clinical trial registration numbers and date of registration: ChiCTR2300075610, Registered 11 September 2023.
Noise-tolerant NMF-based parallel algorithm for respiratory rate estimation
Authors: Revuelta-Sanz Pablo , Muñoz-Montoro Antonio J. , Torre-Cruz Juan , Canadas-Quesada Francisco J. , Ranilla José 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The accurate estimation of respiratory rate (RR) is crucial for assessing the respiratory system's health in humans, particularly during auscultation processes. Despite numerous automated RR estimation approaches proposed in the literature, challenges persist in accurately estimating RR in noisy environments, typical of real-life situations. This becomes especially critical when periodic noise patterns interfere with the target signal. In this study, we present a parallel driver designed to address the challenges of RR estimation in real-world environments, combining multi-core architectures with parallel and high-performance techniques. The proposed system employs a non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) approach to mitigate the impact of noise interference in the input signal. This NMF approach is guided by pre-trained bases of respiratory sounds and incorporates an orthogonal constraint to enhance accuracy. The proposed solution is tailored for real-time processing on low-power hardware. Experimental results across various scenarios demonstrate promising outcomes in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency.
The Rothman Index predicts unplanned readmissions to intensive care associated with increased mortality and hospital length of stay: a propensity-matched cohort study
Authors: Stahel Philip F. , Belk Kathy W. , McInnis Samantha J. , Holland Kathryn , Nanz Roy , Beals Joseph , Gosnell Jaclyn , Ogundele Olufunmilayo , Mastriani Katherine S. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Patients with unplanned readmissions to the intensive care unit (ICU) are at high risk of preventable adverse events. The Rothman Index represents an objective real-time grading system of a patient’s clinical condition and a predictive tool of clinical deterioration over time. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the Rothman Index represents a sensitive predictor of unanticipated ICU readmissions.
Methods
A retrospective propensity-matched cohort study was performed at a tertiary referral academic medical center in the United States from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. Inclusion criteria were adult patients admitted to an ICU and readmitted within seven days of transfer to a lower level of care. The control group consisted of patients who were downgraded from ICU without a subsequent readmission. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality or discharge to hospice for end-of-life care. Secondary outcome measures were overall hospital length of stay, ICU length of stay, and 30-day readmission rates. Propensity matching was used to control for differences between the study cohorts. Regression analyses were performed to determine independent risk factors of an unplanned readmission to ICU.
Results
A total of 5,261 ICU patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 212 patients (4%) had an unanticipated readmission to the ICU within 7 days. The study cohort and control group were stratified by propensity matching into equal group sizes of n = 181. Lower Rothman Index scores (reflecting higher physiologic acuity) at the time of downgrade from the ICU were significantly associated with an unplanned readmission to the ICU (p < 0.0001). Patients readmitted to ICU had a lower mean Rothman Index score (p < 0.0001) and significantly increased rates of mortality (19.3% vs. 2.2%, p < 0.0001) and discharge to hospice (14.4% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.0073) compared to the control group of patients without ICU readmission. The overall length of ICU stay (mean 8.0 vs. 2.2 days, p < 0.0001) and total length of hospital stay (mean 15.8 vs. 7.3 days, p < 0.0001) were significantly increased in patients readmitted to ICU, compared to the control group.
Conclusion
The Rothman Index represents a sensitive predictor of unanticipated readmissions to ICU, associated with a significantly increased mortality and overall ICU and hospital length of stay. The Rothman Index should be considered as a real-time objective measure for prediction of a safe downgrade from ICU to a lower level of care.
Barriers and Facilitators to Collaborative Care Implementation within the New York State Collaborative Care Medicaid Program
Authors: LePoire Erin , Heald Ashley , Russo Joan , Bowen Deborah J , Joseph Molly , Gadbois Danielle , Jones Amy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Since 2015, the New York State Office of Mental Health has provided state primary care clinics with outreach, free training and technical assistance, and the opportunity to bill Medicaid for the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) as part of its Collaborative Care Medicaid Program. This study aims to describe the characteristics of New York State primary care clinics at each step of CoCM implementation, and the barriers and facilitators to CoCM implementation for the New York State Collaborative Care Medicaid Program.
Methods
In this mixed-methods study, clinics were categorized into RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) steps. Clinics were sent a survey, which included questions related to payer mix, funding sources, billing codes used, and patient population demographics. Qualitative interviews were conducted with clinic representatives, focusing on barriers or facilitators clinics experienced affecting their progression to the next RE-AIM step.
Results
1,099 surveys were sent to primary care clinics across New York State, with 107 (9.7%) completing a survey. Significant differences were observed among the different RE-AIM steps for multiple demographic variables including primary payer, percentage of patients with a diagnose of depression or anxiety, and percent of behavioral health services that are reimbursed, in addition to others. Three main themes regarding barriers and facilitators to implementing CoCM for New York State Medicaid billing emerged from 31 qualitative interviews: (1) Billing requirements, (2) Reimbursement rates, and (3) Buy-in to CoCM.
Conclusions
Survey data align with what we would expect to see demographically in NYS primary care clinics. Qualitative data illuminated a disconnect between what clinics can bill for and the reimbursed amount that clinics receive, illustrating the need for stronger billing workflows and continued refinement of billing options across different payers.
Prognostic value of myositis-specific antibodies in patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Wakabayashi Hiroki , Iwasaki Kotaro , Murakami Yu , Takashima Keata , Kaneko Kaichi , Matsuzawa Yasuo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP) often exhibit positivity for myositis-specific antibodies (MSA). However, the significance of MSA remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the association of MSA with the prognosis and risk of acute exacerbation in patients with IIP.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with IIP and examined the impact of each MSA subtype on survival and acute exacerbation.
Results
Of 240 patients with IIP, 48 (20%) exhibited positivity for MSA. The MSA subtypes included: PL-7 (antithreonyl; n = 16, 6.7%); signal recognition particle (n = 13, 5.4%); PL-12 (antialanyl; n = 9, 3.8%); Mi-2 (n = 8, 3.3%); OJ (anti-isoleucyl; n = 7, 2.9%). During the 382 days (382 ± 281 days) of observation, 32 (13%) patients expired and 27 (11%) experienced an acute exacerbation. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis demonstrated that age at initial visit (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.072; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.017–1.131; P = 0.01), PL-7 (HR: 4.785; 95% CI: 1.528–14.925; P = 0.007), and PL-12 (HR: 3.922; 95% CI: 1.198–12.82; P = 0.024) were independent predictors of survival time. PL-7 (HR: 3.268; 95% CI: 1.064–10; P = 0.039) and PL-12 (HR: 5.747; 95% CI: 1.894–7.544; P = 0.002) were independent predictors of time from first visit to acute exacerbation.
Conclusion
The detection of MSA in patients with interstitial lung disease may be useful in predicting prognosis and providing a rationale for intensive treatment.
Case Report: Complete Remission of a Patient with Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure with Rare Hepatic Encephalopathy and Fever of Unknown Origin Treated with Anti-infective Therapy Combined with Psychotherapy After Artificial Liver Support System
Authors: Bo Yan , Li Beilei , Sha Ren , Yu Haodong , Miao Chuhan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The theme of this report is the inspiration of incredible psychological therapy for fever of unknown origin (FUO). We analysed this remarkable phenomenon through psychological immunity, liver immunity, inflammation, aetiology, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies. A man, 44 years old, was dyed for more than 40 days due to abdominal distension with skin and scleral yellow, and feathers accompanied him for four days to enter the hospital. Hepatitis virus test shows HBV infection. HBV DNA detection offers negative. The detection of the respiratory tract nine-fold, tuberculosis, anaemia, and gut-to-club ratio all show negative. Due to the weakness of the patient's body, we cannot cooperate with more examinations. We use blood specimens to monitor and analyse for 25 days. In short, this is a case of chronic-acute liver failure, manic, and fever, likely to be an FUO cause in terms of the treatment plan, general treatment, artificial liver treatment, surgical treatment, anti-infection therapy, and psychotherapy. The patient reached the common treatment goal after 25 days of treatment. This report aims to provide psychotherapy programs and clinical characteristics for patients with chronic, acute liver failure, manic, and FUO and inspirational thinking strategies for long-term blood specimen examination. The potential mechanism of psychological fever is immune disorders, and the decline in the concentration of immunoglobulin A and E may be a direct factor.
Advancing NCAA March Madness Forecasts Through Deep Learning and Combinatorial Fusion Analysis
Authors: Alfatemi Ali , Rahouti Mohamed , Hsu Frank , Schweikert Christina 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper presents a novel methodology for accurately predicting game outcomes in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, known as March Madness. The high variance inherent to this tournament poses challenges that often exceed traditional forecasting methods. We implement a rigorous data preprocessing and feature engineering pipeline tailored to this problem using a historical NCAA Men's Tournament dataset. Four diverse neural network architectures, including convolutional, recurrent, feedforward, and residual networks, are developed to model team statistics and sequential game information. We formulate a robust forecasting approach by leveraging combinatorial fusion analysis (CFA) to merge predictions from these heterogeneous models. Our methodology synergistically integrates deep learning, CFA techniques, and domain-specific feature engineering to push the boundaries of state-of-the-art March Madness forecasting. This enables basketball enthusiasts to gain strategic advantages in tournament contests while advancing sports outcome prediction research.
Results of Gensingen Bracing in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Retrospective Cross-Sectional Feasibility Study
Authors: Nan Xiaofeng , Kuru Çolak Tuğba , Akçay Burçin , Xie Hua , Zhao Liwei , Borysov Maksym 
Published: December 2023

Background
Bracing is an essential part of scoliosis treatment. The standard of brace treatment for patients with scoliosis today is still very variable in terms of brace quality and outcome. The Gensingen brace is a further developed Chêneau brace derivative with individual design, which can be adapted through computer-aided design.

Objective
This study aims to generate a template to obtain a database for prospective multicenter studies study to analyze the results of high-corrective asymmetric Gensingen brace treatment for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods
A template for the database was created, which contains the patients' basic data (age, menarcheal status, Risser Sign, curve pattern, and daily brace wearing time), the Cobb angles of curvature, and the cosmetically relevant angles of trunk rotation (ATR). A retrospective review of medical records of patients with AIS, who met the Scoliosis Research Society’s inclusion criteria for brace studies, was performed to test the feasibility of the template. Template items were filled in by the researchers.

Results
Out of 115 patients between 2014 and 2018, the complete data of 33 patients followed up at least 3 months after complete Gensingen brace weaning could be analyzed. The mean age was 12 years, the mean Cobb angle was 33.6°, and the mean Risser value was 0.7 at the beginning of the treatment. The mean improvement in the Cobb angle on in-brace x-ray imaging was –26.1० (80% of in-brace correction). The Cobb angle of the major curvature changed as follows: curve stabilization was achieved in 7 (21.2%) cases, and curve improvement was achieved in 26 (78.8%) cases. None of the patients showed a curve progression. The Cobb angle was significantly reduced in the brace at the end of treatment and at follow-up evaluation (P<.001). ATR improved significantly for thoracic (P<.001) and lumbar curves (P<.001).

Conclusions
The database proved to be informative in the assessment of radiological and clinical outcome parameters. The example data set we have generated can be a helpful tool for professionals who work in clinics but do not store regular patient data. Especially with regard to different patient collectives worldwide, different results may be achieved with the same standards of care. In addition, the results of this study suggest that above-average correction effects with a full-time brace application lead to significant improvements in the Cobb angle after brace treatment has been completed.
Improving the Electrical Conductivity of the Composite Comprising Bismuth Oxide, Activated Carbon, and Graphite for Use as a Battery Anode
Authors: Astuti Yayuk , Zaqia Faradina Azahra , Ekaningsih Aulia Zahra , Gunawan Gunawan , Darmawan Adi 
Published: December 2023

This research is concerned with the synthesis and characterization of a composite material that may be used as a battery electrode. Bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) was synthesized from Bi(NO3)3·5H2O, Na2SO4, and NaOH mixed with commercial activated carbon and graphite. The composite formation process was carried out using the hydrothermal method at 110 °C for 5 h. The characterization data indicated the composites produced contained Bi2O3 with a monoclinic crystal system, and Bi2O3 particles were evenly distributed in the composite. The composites were characterized to be mesoporous, with the electrical conductivity reaching 10−1 S m−1. The development of this composite material has potential applications in the field of energy storage, particularly in the development of battery anode.