bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain tumor patients’ experiences and psychological needs in peri-operative environment
Authors: Gabrijolavičiūtė Diana , Pranckevičienė Aistė , Deltuva Vytenis Pranas , Tamašauskas Arimantas 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose.
Brain tumor (BT) diagnosis and treatment is a lifechanging experience that might lead to impaired physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. An acute stage of BT treatment often starts with neurosurgery. The aim of this study is to reveal and describe the experiences of primary BT patients during peri-operative period and discuss emerging psychological needs and possible support options during this time.
Methods
. Five primary brain tumor patients − 3 men and 2 women - participated in this study. Data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using J. A. Smith’s interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Results.
Analysis revealed five overarching themes: 1) A need to control one’s situation; 2) Futile wishing to escape from the depressive hospital environment; 3) Increased dependency and fears for the future; 4) Experiences of solidarity and isolation; 5) Confusion about changes in the head.
Conclusions.
Results indicates that empowering patients with information and sense of control, reducing environmental stressors and individualizing care, providing specialized mental health care in the process of grieving the old life and adjusting to the new one, as well as providing support and information to the caregivers of the patients might be beneficial for brain tumor patients and their transition to further treatment phases.
Investigating practice integration of independent prescribing by community pharmacists using Normalization Process Theory: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Karim Laura , McIntosh Trudi , Jebara Tesnime , Pfleger David , Osprey Adam , Cunningham Scott 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
In several countries independent prescribing (IP) has been supported as a practice model but its integration into community pharmacy (CP) has not been extensively investigated.
Aim
To use Normalization Process Theory to investigate the integration of pharmacist IP in CP.
Method
In 2020, NHS Scotland launched Pharmacy First Plus (PFP) which uses community pharmacist IP for common clinical conditions. Questionnaire items were developed using the NPT derived Normalisation MeAsure Development (NoMAD) questionnaire tool for a cross-sectional online survey of all PFP CPs. Demographic data were analysed descriptively. Item scores for the 4 NPT constructs were reliability tested using Cronbach’s alpha and scale scores calculated and used for inferential analysis.
Results
A 73% (88/120) response rate showed that 76% (67/88) consulted with patients for PFP >6 times a week. Thirty-eight percent (33/88) indicated they had <3 staff when offering PFP and 47% (41/88) provided the service while working as the only pharmacist. Generally, there were high levels of NoMAD item agreement with >90% ‘strongly agreeing’ or ‘agreeing’ in items relating to the NPT constructs ‘coherence’, ‘cognitive participation’ and ‘reflexive monitoring’. Responses to ‘collective action’ items showed diversity with more answering ‘neither agree nor disagree’ or ‘disagree’.
Conclusion
This theory-based work offers a perspective on IP integration within CP. Despite its geographic focus it offers insights relevant to wider contexts. It shows ‘collective action’ focussed ‘organisation’ and ‘group process’ challenges with a need for further work on staff training, resource availability and utilisation, working relationships, communication and management.
Sex Differences in Clinical Manifestations and Serum CXCR4/CXCL12 Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: liu wei , Zhou Juanjuan , Yi Shanyu , Shen Meiyu , Li Zaizhao , Su Xin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension are prevalent chronic diseases in modern society. Primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. Our study examined the clinical characteristics of T2DM patients afflicted with PA. We enrolled a total of 213 T2DM patients with hypertension and observed a 22.1% prevalence of PA within this group. Sex disparities in clinical presentations were observed. Among male PA patients, the incidence of obesity significantly exceeded that of the essential hypertension (EH) group (40% vs. 4.5%, χ2 = 4.172, p = 0.041), with the plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) demonstrating a positive correlation with body mass index (BMI) (correlation coefficient = 0.318, p = 0.001). In contrast, among female PA patients, the prevalence of proteinuria was notably greater than that in the EH group (54.5% vs. 24.7%, p < 0.05), and the PAC was positively correlated with proteinuria (correlation coefficient = 0.213, p = 0.032). Significant sex differences emerged in the serum concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), adiponectin, and leptin. The serum levels of BNP, ANP, CXCR4, CXCL12, and leptin were significantly correlated with BMI. In female patients, the PAC was significantly positively correlated with CXCR4 (correlation coefficient = 0.322, p = 0.004) and CXCL12 (correlation coefficient = 0.248, p = 0.029). Our findings highlight sex-specific differences in the clinical manifestations of T2DM patients with PA. Notably, the serum BNP, ANP, leptin, adiponectin, CXCR4, and CXCL12 levels exhibited significant sex differences and correlated significantly with BMI. In female patients, the PAC was positively correlated with CXCR4 and CXCL12 levels.
Salient object detection based on multi-layer progressive fusion
Authors: Wang Yanzhao , Huang Hu , Zhou Tongchi , Yan Li , Liu Zhongyun , Wang Zhongliang , Yao Yanping , Wang Yidong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
How to integrate the features of different layers plays an important role in current research of salient object detection. In order to inherit the useful features of various layers, the multi-layer progressive fusion(MLPF) model is proposed in this paper. Specifically, the model first modified the multi-scale enrichment module(MSEM) to enrich the features of adjacent layers. Then, the adjacent feature aggregation module(AFAM) is proposed to complement the feature of adjacent layers. At the same time, to make full use of the features of various layers, the cross-layer feature aggregation module(CFAM) is designed to retain the detail and semantic features and improve the representation for the salient object. Extensive experiments on four public datasets demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms the other state-of-the-art methods.
Quantum Image processing algorithms comparison using datasets of machine learning based applications
Authors: SINGH BARKHA , Indu SreeDevi , majumdar Sudipta 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This article analyzes and compares various Quantum learning algorithms on big data. The main contribution of this article is to provide a new machine-learning approach using Quantum computing for big data analysis with features of robust, novel, and effective Quantum machine images and transit mode. Currently, there is no efficient method for doing Quantum image recognition or classification due to the lack of an effective Quantum feature extraction technique. This work proposes a global Quantum feature extraction technique based on Schmidt decomposition for the first time. Additionally, a new version of the Quantum learning algorithm is shown, which uses the features' Hamming distance to classify images. With the help of algorithm analysis and experimental findings from the benchmark database Caltech 101, a successful method for large-scale image classification is developed and put forth in the context of big data. The proposed model yields an with an average accuracy of 98\% with the proposed enhanced Quantum classifier, QeSVM classifier, swarm particle optimizer with Twin wave SVM, QPSO-TWSVM, and other Q-CNN models on different Big Data sets.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Potential Genes Associated with Glyphosate Resistance in Cassava
Authors: Wang Bingyu , Li Junyi , Wang Honggang , Gao Yu , Wang Yixuan , Zhang Tingting , Qi Jincun , Li Ruitao , Chen Yinhua , Luo Kai 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Glyphosate, widely used in cassava cultivation to control weeds, also inhibits cassava growth, necessitating the development of herbicide-tolerant cassava varieties. In this study, 262 cassava varieties underwent screening for glyphosate tolerance, leading to the identification of the glyphosate-resistant (GR) variety ZM8701 and the glyphosate-sensitive (GS) variety SC9. The metabolic processes involved in crop response to herbicides typically encompass four stages: herbicide activation, binding, active transport, and degradation, with key roles played by gene families such as P450, GST, GT, and ABC transport proteins. Utilizing RNA-Seq analysis to explore the molecular mechanisms of glyphosate resistance in cassava, we confirmed through RT-qPCR validation the consistent overexpression of seven genes in resistant plants. These genes include four cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CytP450) genes, two glucosyltransferase (GT) genes, and one ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport protein gene. These seven genes represent crucial candidate genes that facilitate metabolic glyphosate resistance and warrant further investigation into their functionalities.
Performance of Massive MIMO aided by Reflective Intelligent Surfaces
Authors: Flaiban André , Abrao Taufik 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Reflective intelligent surfaces (RIS) are large passive panels with hundreds or thousands of passive reflective meta- surface sensors, with the ability to electronically adjust the angle- of-departure (AoD) of the incident signal but not to apply any amplification and signal processing to the radio frequency signal. This technology is up-and-coming for networks beyond 5G (B5G). We evaluate the performance gains, including SINR and outage probability (OP) of RIS-aided massive MIMO systems regard- ing the conventional massive MIMO systems, highlighting the potential of beamforming performance and RIS element phase- shift optimization, aiming to deal with dense urban obstacles scenarios and high density of mobile users. This work aims to investigate the behavior of a RIS-aided MIMO system under different channel scenarios, considering the Rician factor.
Mechanisms of Staphylococcus aureus antibiotics resistance revealed by adaptive laboratory evolution
Authors: Ma Shiwei , Xu Yufan , Luo Dan , Huang Zixin , Wang Longlong , Xie Weile , Luo Zhen , Zhang Huanhuan , Jin Yaozhong , Zhang Jianming , Zhu Jianguo , Wang Zhe 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Infection caused by drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a rapidly developing public health and veterinary concern. Lack of a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the emergence of drug-resistant strains, it makes S. aureus one of the most intractable pathogenic bacteria. To identify mutations that confer resistance to anti-S.aureus drugs, we established a laboratory-based adaptive evolution system and performed 10 rounds of evolution experiments against 15 clinically used antibiotics. We discovered a panel of known and novel resistance-associated sites after performing whole-genome sequencing. Furthermore, we found that the resistance evolved at distinct rates. For example, streptomycin, rifampicin, fusidic acid and novobiocin all developed significant resistance quickly in the second round of evolution. Intriguingly, the cross-resistance experiment reveals that nearly all drug-resistant strains have varying degrees of increased sensitivity to fusidic acid, pointing to a novel approach to battle AMR. In addition, the in silico docking analysis shows that the evolved mutants affect the interaction of rifampcin-rpoB, as well as the novobiocin-gyrB. Moreover, for the genes we got in the laboratory evolution, mutant genes of clinical isolates of human had significant differences from the environmental isolates and animal isolates. In conclusion, we believe that the strategy and dataset in this research will be helpful for battling AMR issue of S.aureus, and adaptable to other pathogenic microbes.
COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiz Governorate, Yemen, between 2020-2023
Authors: Edrees Wadhah , Abdullah Qais Yusuf , Al-Shehari Wadee Abdullah , Alrahabi Lutf Mohammed , Khardesh Amani Ahmed Fadel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly contagious and causes a series of health problems, particularly in Yemen, which has a fragile healthcare system and cannot handle public health emergencies.
Aims
This investigation aimed to determine the epidemiological status of COVID-19 in the Taiz governorate between 2020 and 2023.
Methods
This study is a retrospective survey that was conducted on recorded data between April 2020 and March 2023 in the Ministry of Health and Population in Aden. The laboratory-confirmed cases by molecular methods were only used for this study. The required data were gathered and analyzed using the SPSS program.
Results
The high rates of COVID-19 cases were reported at 66.3% in males, 22.9% in people aged 25–34 years, 72.6% in 2021, 28.5% in Sabir Al-Mawadim district, and 27.78% in March 2021. The overall incidence rate of cases was reported at 6.31 per 10,000 people in Taiz governorate (4.18 in males and 2.13 in females). In addition, the high incidence rate of COVID-19 was 35.22 and 13.34 per 10,000 people among males living in Al-Mukha and females in Al Mudhaffar, respectively. In total, the rate of fatality cases was 14.12%, the higher rate of fatality cases was 13.35% among males and 32.23% among individuals aged ≥ 65 years, and 26.97% in 2020.
Conclusion
In this study, the incidence rate of COVID-19 is high. It is necessary to increase the public’s awareness of the transmission and prevention methods of COVID-19, as well as implement appropriate strategies to protect populations from infectious diseases.
Fractional stochastic calculus approach for evolution in time of epidemiological systems
Authors: Lima Leonardo S. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Fractional stochastic nonlinear differential equation approach is used in the analysis of evolution in time of the infected number by COVID-19 in countries where the number of cases is large. The rises and falls of novel cases are treated as randomness in the model for spreading of novel cases. The rescaled range analysis (RS) is used to determine the Hurst index of the time series of novel cases of epidemiologic week that exhibits a Hurst exponent greater than 1/2, meaning that the time series has a behavior that is distinct from a random walk i.e., that nth value is independent of all the values before this.
Unintended Consequences of Disaster Mitigation: A Systematic Review of the Safe Development Paradox
Authors: Fusinato Emanuel , Han Sungju , Kobiyama Masato , de Brito Mariana Madruga 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Hydrological disasters pose significant threats worldwide, often resulting in extensive damage to society and the environment. Conventional risk mitigation approaches often overlook complex human-water system interactions, leading to adverse socio-hydrological phenomena, such as paradoxical dynamics and unintended consequences. One notable phenomenon is the safe development paradox (SDP), wherein risk reduction efforts paradoxically increase vulnerability in the long run. Despite theoretical progress, empirical investigations of these phenomena remain fragmented. In this systematic review spanning 2001 to 2023, we analysed 94 studies to synthesize research in this field. Our analysis revealed that most studies provided evidence confirming the existence of the SDP and its sub-phenomena, the levee effect. While quantitative methods (e.g. spatial analysis) are prevalent, a limited number of articles employ qualitative and mixed-methods approaches to investigate these phenomena. Studies often focus on the exposure of communities to hydrological risks, but they fall short of capturing other critical dimensions, such as vulnerability and the psychological effects of feeling safe. A more holistic assessment of the SDP should thus include aspects such as preparedness, vulnerability, and risk perception. This holistic approach would enable a better understanding of the diversity of scenarios where the SDP can manifest, providing policymakers with essential information to prevent adverse effects.
Analysis of partial Y chromosome microdeletions and NGS data in Lithuanian infertile men
Authors: Čižaitė Roberta , Žukauskaitė Gabrielė , Tumienė Birutė 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Infertility is a complex pathological condition that affects the male population worldwide. Male infertility is often caused by changes in the morphology and number of spermatozoa. Many of infertility cases remain unexplained, genetic causes are being discovered, including changes in chromosomes and single genes. While Y chromosome microdeletions are the most common cause of spermatogenesis disorders, failure to identify them leads to the search for new candidate genes, de novo pathogenic genomic variants associated with male infertility using next generation sequencing. The aim of this study is to investigate genetic profile of infertile men in the Lithuanian population using candidate gene approach as well as to evaluate the significance of partial Y chromosome microdeletions. The obtained results showed that the detected partial Y chromosome (sY121, sY1192, sY153 and sY1191 markers) microdeletions in the azoospermia factor region do not explain infertility cases and require more research. After candidate-gene next generation sequencing analysis in the cohort of 18 infertile men from Lithuania, genome variants in genes DPY19L2, DCC, and MTHFR were identified for three (17%) individuals, confirming the infertility phenotype. In five (28%) of individuals variants of uncertain clinical significance were identified in BRCA1, BRCA2, PKD1, CSMD1, SBF1, DNAH8, and TP63 genes, which are potentially associated with male infertility. This confirms that the next generation method based on the supplemented gene candidate list is useful for the identification of genetic causes of male infertility.
Energy Saving and Corrosion Control by Heat Recycling in Re-baking Process of Graphite Electrode Manufacturing
Authors: Yadav Ranjana , Sharma Ashok Kumar , Sharma Sarita 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Re-baking is an excessively economical phase in the graphite electrode and anodes manufacturing industries, these electrodes and anodes are very important for the global aluminium and steel sectors. The creation of graphite electrodes which are extensively utilized in electric arc furnaces for the production of steel, involves a crucial procedure called re-baking. However, high-temperature technique is an energy-intensive process that results in significant heat loss, raising operational costs and harming the environment. To address the problems of corrosion control and energy saving, this study examines the use of heat recycling techniques in the re-baking process for producing graphite electrodes. This strategy analyzes potential ways to increase the energy efficiency of an active oil-fired re-baking furnace. Significant increases in the heat transfer rate of 19.56% as per data collection and investigation and the combustion air volume and temperature rise by 25.49% and66.67%. This research identified chances to save energy 26.08% of power and 40% of oil saving per hour.
Attention-Driven UNet Enhancement for Accurate Segmentation of Growing Bacteria in Microscopy Images
Authors: Qamar Saqib , Malyshev Dmitry , Öberg Rasmus , Nilsson Daniel P.G. , Andersson Magnus 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Analyzing microscopy images of large growing cell samples using traditional methods is a complex and time-consuming process. In this work, we have developed an attention-driven UNet-enhanced model using deep learning techniques to efficiently quantify the position, area, and circularity of bacterial spores and vegetative cells from images containing more than 10,000 bacterial cells. Additionally, we present a workflow that includes automated large field-of-view acquisition and semi-automatic stitching of images into a large composite image. Our attention-driven UNet algorithm has an accuracy of 95%, precision of 84%, sensitivity of 73%, and specificity of 98%. Therefore, it can segment cells at a level comparable to manual annotation. We demonstrate the efficacy of this model by applying it to a live-dead decontamination assay. The model is provided in three formats: Python code, a Binder that operates within a web browser without needing installation, and a Flask Web application for local use.
Quality of life of people living with HIV and their adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Bukavu City, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Bisangamo Célestin Kyambikwa , Nessrin Ahmed El-Nimr , Kyamusugulwa Patrick Milabyo , Iman Mohamed Helmy Wahdan , Zahira Metwally Gad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The benefits of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) include immune system strengthening, viral load suppression, and improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Objectives
To compare the HRQoL of PLHIV attending ART clinics versus PLHIV visiting traditional healers’ (THs) offices, to assess the adherence of PLHIV to ART, to identify possible predictors of non-adherence of PLHIV to ART and QoL and to estimate the proportion of patients with HIV referred by THs to health centers in Bukavu.
Methods
Between February and June 2023, a comparative cross-sectional study was carried out involving 150 HIV-positive patients who were attending ART clinics and 150 PLHIV who were visiting the offices of THs in the three Bukavu urban health zones. The World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF) and a self-reported questionnaire measuring antiretroviral medication adherence were used to collect data. Regression models were used to identify the predictors of no adherence to ART and the QoL of PLHIV.
Results
PLHIV attending ART clinics had higher mean scores in all QoL domains compared to those attending THs' offices. About 84% of participants were compliant with ART. Predictors associated with non-adherence to ART included: illiterate participants [OR = 23.3 (95% CI: 1.23–439.5), p = 0.004] and divorced or separated participants [OR = 10.3 (95% CI: 1.12–94.4), p = 0.034]. The proportion of patients with HIV/AIDS referred to ART clinics by THs was only 10.7%.
Conclusion and recommendation
PLHIV visiting ART clinics had a better QoL compared to PLHIV attending THs’ offices. The rate of adherence to ART among PLHIV who attended ART clinics was high. It is recommended to refer PLHIV visiting THs to the ART clinics for better QoL.