bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic effects of a regulating valve in the assessment of water leakages in single pipelines
Authors: Coronado-Hernandez Oscar Enrique , Fuertes-Miquel Vicente S , Pérez-Sánchez Modesto , Coronado-Hernández Jairo R. , Quiñones-Bolaños Edgar , Ramos Helena M. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Water losses in water distribution systems are typically analysed using extended period simulations, where its numerical resolution is commonly achieved using the gradient method. These models assume that adjustments to regulating valves occur, either manually or automatically, over an extended period of time, then the system inertia can be neglected. This research introduces the development of a rigid water column model for analysing water leakages in single pipelines, which can be employed to account for regulation valve adjustments in shorter time periods, thereby providing greater accuracy when assessing water losses. The application to a case study is presented to analyse pressure variations and leakage flow patterns over 30, 60, and 180 s. A comparison between the extended period simulation and rigid water column model is presented in order to note the order of magnitude on leakages when the system inertia is not considered. The results confirm that is crucial for water utilities the consideration of inertial system to simulate adequately opening and closure manoeuvres in water distribution systems, since according to the case study the extended period simulation can overestimated or underestimated the total leakage volume in percentages of 37.1 and 55.2 %, respectively.
Implications of Financial Leverage for Bank Profitability
Authors: Alnaa Samuel Erasmus , Matey Juabin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study discusses the implications of financial leverage (debt) as a financing model compared to equity capital in Ghana's banking sector. It highlights the examination of Risk-Adjusted Return on Assets (RAROA) and Risk-Adjusted Return on Equity (RAROE) as response variables in the established financing model, with three explanatory variables: bank credit risk, liquidity risk, and bank capital sufficiency.

The analysis of the data revealed several findings, including an inverse relationship between bank profitability (as measured by RAROA) and credit risk. This suggests that effective risk management practices can reduce volatility and improve profitability for banks. Additionally, the use of equity capital provides full control over business ownership compared to debt capital, although it may have a contractionary effect on ploughed-back accrued income.

Based on the analysis, the recommendation is to have a moderate use of equity capital over debt capital. This suggests that a balanced approach, combining both debt and equity financing, can be beneficial for banks in Ghana's banking sector.

Financial decisions and capital structure considerations can vary depending on various factors, including industry dynamics, the regulatory environment, and individual company circumstances.
Personalized surgical treatment recommendation with joint consideration of multiple decision-making dimensions
Authors: Sun Zhijing , Du Zhe , Liu Zhaoyang , Deng Ke , Zhu Lan , Fu Linru , Wang Che 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Surgical treatment planning is a highly complicated and personalized procedure, where a surgeon needs to balance multiple decision-making dimensions including effectiveness, risk, and cost wisely for the best benefit of the patient, based on his/her conditions and preferences. Developing an algorithm-driven support system for surgical treatment planning is a great appeal. This study fills in this gap with MUBA (multidimensional Bayesian recommendation), an interpretable data-driven intelligent system that supports personalized surgical treatment recommendations on both the patient’s and the surgeon’s side with joint consideration of multiple decision-making dimensions. Applied to surgical treatment recommendation for Pelvic Organ Prolapse, a common female disease with significant negative impacts on the life quality of patients, MUBA achieved excellent performance that was comparable to top urogynecologists, with a transparent decision-making process that made communications between surgeons and patients much easier. Such a success indicates that MUBA has good potential in solving similar problems in other diseases.
Parallel Wavelength-Division-Multiplexed Signal Transmission and Dispersion Compensation Enabled by Soliton Microcombs and Microrings
Authors: Lu Liangjun , Liu Yuanbin , Zhang Hongyi , Liu Jiacheng , Du Jiangbing , Li Yu , He Zuyuan , Chen Jianping , Zhou Linjie , Poon Andrew 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The proliferation of computation-intensive technologies has led to a significant rise in the number of datacenters, posing challenges for high-speed and power-efficient datacenter interconnects (DCIs). Although inter-DCIs based on intensity modulation and direct detection (IM-DD) along with wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) technologies exhibit cost-effective, power-efficient, and large-capacity properties, the requirement of multiple laser sources leads to high costs and limited scalability. Moreover, careful considerations must be given to the chromatic dispersion in the C-band as it restricts the transmission length of the optical signals. Electronic and optical approaches based on digital signal processing algorithms or dispersion-compensating fibers suffer from either a high power consumption or a lack of full reconfigurability. In this study, we present an original scalable on-chip parallel IM-DD data transmission system enabled by a single-soliton Kerr microcomb and a reconfigurable microring resonator (MRR)-based dispersion compensator. The highly compact MRR-based Kerr microcomb and dispersion compensator are intrinsically compatible with the parallel processing nature of the WDM link. Besides, the reconfigurability of the dispersion compensator shows the validation for various data-rate transmissions over multiple single-mode fiber lengths of up to 40 km, with a power consumption of below 160 mW, regardless of the modulation format or of the number of transmission channels utilized. Through our experimental validation, we demonstrate an aggregate bit rate of 1.68 Tbit/s over a 20-km-long single-mode fiber using 15 independent wavelength channels spaced at 100 GHz. Our approach holds significant promise for achieving data communications at a scale exceeding 10 terabits, making it highly valuable for future hyper-scale DCIs.
Clinical Presentation, Aetiological Characteristics, Risk Factors and In-hospital Outcome of Nosocomial Infection following Acute Aortic Dissection Surgery in Adult Patients
Authors: Ren Jianwei , Xin Yu , Zhang Jianye , Liu Yan , Liu Yulei , Zhu Guangfa 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Nosocomial infection (NI) is one of the most common complications after acute aortic dissection surgery (AADS) and contributes significantly to mortality and length of hospital stay. Therefore, this study analysed the clinical characteristics of NI and determined the risk factors for the occurrence and development of NI and in-hospital outcomes.
Methods
During this study, 429 adult patients with AADS were divided into an infected group (n = 141) and a noninfected group (n = 288). Complete clinical data (including baseline clinical characteristics and laboratory results, surgery-related variables, and clinical outcomes) were collected for statistical analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the independent risk factors for the occurrence of NI after AADS.
Results
The incidence of NI in AADS was 29.0%. The main clinical presentations were hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP = 51.8%), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP = 24.8%) and bloodstream infection (BSI = 18.4%). The most common pathogenic bacteria were gram-negative bacilli (GNB = 68.8%), including Klebsiella pneumoniae (27.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.3%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (13.5%). Multivariate regression analysis found that preexisting cerebrovascular disease, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), total protein and serum albumin, longer operation time and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, second operation in-hospital, exposure to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use were independent risk factors for the occurrence of NI (all P < 0.01). Compared with noninfected patients, the intensive care unit (ICU) stay time and total hospital stay time were significantly prolonged after the occurrence of NI (all P < 0.001). The risks of other complications, such as acute kidney injury (AKI), acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage, new cerebral infarction, paraplegia or hemiplegia, and new cerebral haemorrhage, were significantly higher in patients with NI after AADS than in noninfected patients (all P < 0.001). The in-hospital mortality (46.1%) of NI after AADS was significantly higher than that of noninfected patients (3.5%, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
This study identified the high morbidity and mortality of NI after AADS. The most frequent infection types were HAP, VAP and BSI, and the most common microorganisms isolated were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. Meanwhile, many risk factors affect the occurrence and development of NI. Hence, clinicians should be reminded to identify high-risk patients early and develop individualized perioperative prevention and management programs to reduce the morbidity and mortality of NI and improve the prognosis of patients with AAD.
Regulatory sequence-based discovery of anti-defense genes in archaeal viruses
Authors: Peng Xu , Bhoobalan-Chitty Yuvaraj , Xu Shuanshuan , Alvarez Laura Martínez , Karamycheva Svetlana , Makarova Kira , Koonin Eugene 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

In silico identification of viral anti-CRISPR proteins (Acrs) has relied largely on the guilt-by-association method with known Acrs or anti-CRISPR associated proteins (Acas) used as the bait. However, the low number and limited spread of the characterized archaeal Acrs and Acas hinders our ability to identify Acrs using guilt-by-association. Here, based on an observation that the few characterized archaeal Acrs and Aca are transcribed immediately post viral infection, we hypothesized that these genes, and many other unidentified anti-defense genes, are under the control of conserved regulatory sequences including a strong promoter, which can be used to predict anti-defense genes (ADG) in archaeal viruses. Using this consensus sequence based method, we identified 354 potential anti-defense related genes in 57 archaeal viruses and 6 metagenome-assembled genomes. Experimental validation identified a CRISPR subtype I-A inhibitor and the first virally encoded inhibitor of an archaeal toxin-antitoxin based immune system. We also identified regulatory proteins potentially akin to Acas that can facilitate further identification of ADGs combined with the guilt-by-association approach. These results demonstrate the potential of regulatory sequence analysis for extensive identification of ADGs in viruses of archaea and bacteria.
Ecological interactions amplify cumulative effects in marine ecosystems
Authors: Beauchesne David , Cazelles Kevin , Daigle Rémi , Gravel Dominique , Archambault Philippe 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The Convention on Biological Diversity is setting ambitious goals for preserving biodiversity, the first of which states that the integrity of ecosystems must be enhanced. This recognizes that biodiversity is not a mere collection of species; it also includes the diversity of interactions driving ecological dynamics and ecosystem functioning. Yet management still overwhelmingly operates in silos, focusing on single stressor and species. Here, we assess the cumulative effects of climate change and human activities on species of the St. Lawrence marine ecosystem in eastern Canada using a novel approach that explicitly considers the web of interactions structuring communities. We uncover cumulative effects that would otherwise be overlooked if species interactions were ignored, particularly for fishes and marine mammals, many of which are exploited or endangered. This suggests that management plans and recovery strategies may be ignoring significant threats by overlooking species interactions. Our approach is, to our knowledge, the first ecosystem-based approach relevant to the management of exploited and endangered species which can evaluate the less obvious yet no less significant effects arising from species interactions in a multiple stressors framework.
Effect of nutrient density on performance and egg quality of laying hens at high altitude
Authors: Moreano Jhonatan Steve Inca , Aquino Eyner Eduardo Torres , Flores Keyro Alberto Melendez , Martinez Diego A. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The effect of nutritional density on performance and egg quality has not been stablished in hens at high altitudes. This study evaluated the effect of different nutritional densities on performance and egg quality of laying hens at high altitude. Sixty 45-weeks old Hy-Line Brown hens distributed in 12 cages (5 birds each) and assigned to one of three dietary treatments (i.e, low nutritional density, LND; medium nutritional density, MND –control diet; high nutritional density, HND) were fed during four weeks and assessed during the las one. Feed intake, egg production rate, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, and external and internal egg quality were evaluated. No differences were observed in performance, egg weight, egg length, egg width, egg surface area, and egg shape index (P > 0.05). Shell weight, thickness, and weight per unit of surface area were higher in the LND and MND diets compared to the HND (P = 0.003, P = 0.017, and P = 0.031, respectively). While dense albumen length was greater in the control diet (MND) compared to LND and HND (P = 0.049), no other internal quality trait showed differences (P > 0.05). In conclusion, laying hens fed LND and MND diets showed better shell integrity (greater shell weight and thickness).
Implementation of a Standardized Protocol for Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring Reduces False Negative Results during Neck Surgery: A Quality Control Case Study
Authors: Simmons Colby , Montejano Julio , Eagleston Lauren , Cao Scott , Kaizer Alexander M. , Jameson Leslie , Oliva Anthony , Clavijo Claudia F. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background:
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury during neck surgery can cause significant morbidity related to vocal cord (VC) dysfunction. VC electromyography (EMG) is used to aid in identification of the RLN and can reduce the probability of inadvertent surgical injury. Errors in placement of specialized EMG endotracheal tubes (ETT) can result in unreliable signals, false-negative responses, or no response when stimulating the RLN. We describe a novel educational protocol developed to optimize uniformity in placement of ETTs to improve reliability of RLN monitoring.
Methods:
Intraoperative neuromonitoring database was queried for all neck surgeries requiring RLN monitoring. Data points extracted for all cases requiring EMG monitoring for neck procedures. Free running and stimulated EMG were monitored and continuously recorded by a certified technologist. Alerts were compared between 2013-14 and 2015-18 using a two-sample test of proportions.
Results:
Significant reductions in alerts were demonstrated after protocol implementation (7.5% pre-implementation to 2.1% post). Alerts were compared between 2013-14 (overall alert rate of 1.8%, pre-implementation period) and 2015-18 (overall alert rate of 2.8%, post-implementation period).
Conclusion:
Protocolization for placement of EMG-ETT improved accuracy in EMG monitoring. In the follow-up cohort of 1,080 patients, use of this protocol continued to reduce the rate of alerts related to ETT malposition confirming the sustainability of this intervention through routine education. Risk of nerve injury is reduced when the rate of alerts is minimized. Scheduled or continuous protocol education of anesthesia personnel should continue to ensure compliance with protocol.
Social media usage and students’ social anxiety, loneliness and Well-being: Does digital mindfulness-based intervention effectively work?
Authors: Sun Li 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The increasing use of digital technologies in daily life has led to a growing number of studies in the field of digital psychology. While research in this area has provided valuable insights into the potential benefits and drawbacks of digital technologies for mental health and well-being, there is still much to be learned about the complex relationship between technology and psychology. This study aimed to investigate the effects of mindfulness-based mobile apps on university students' anxiety, loneliness, and well-being. It also explored the participants’ perceptions of the addictiveness of mindfulness-based mobile apps. The study used a multi-phase research design consisting of a correlational research method, a pretest-posttest randomized controlled trial, and a qualitative case study. Three subsets of participants were selected for each phase: correlations (n = 300), treatment (n = 60), and qualitative (n = 20). Data were collected from various sources, including the social anxiety scale, well-being scale, social media use integration scale, and interview checklist. Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and t-tests were used to analyze the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. The results confirmed a significant correlation between social media use and the study variables. The treatment also decreased students' anxiety and increased their well-being. The participants also had different positive perceptions of the use of mindfulness-based mobile apps. These findings have theoretical and practical implications for digital psychologists.
A 3D-printed micro-hemispherical shell resonator with electrostatic tuning for Coriolis vibratory gyroscope
Authors: Che Lufeng , Hou Baoyin , Zhu Ye , He Chaofan , Wang Weidong , Ding Zhi , He Wen , He Yong 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The emergence of micro-hemispherical resonant gyroscopes, combining the advantages of exceptional stability and long lifetime with miniaturization, has opened up new possibilities for the development of whole-angle gyroscopes. The primary drawback of the existing methods used for manufacturing micro-hemispherical resonant gyroscopes based on MEMS technology is the intricate and costly process involved. Here we report the design, fabrication, and characterization of the first 3D-printable micro-hemispherical shell resonator for Coriolis vibrating gyroscope. One remarkable advancement is fabrication in just two steps, rather than the dozen or so steps of traditional micromachining. Utilizing the intricate shaping capability and ultra-high precision offered by projection micro stereolithography, we are able to fabricate 3D high-aspect-ratio resonant structures and controllable capacitive air gaps, both of which are extremely difficult for MEMS technology. In addition, the fabricated resonators can be tuned for resonance frequency by electrostatic forces and exhibit higher quality factor in air compared to MEMS micro-hemispherical resonators. This work demonstrates the feasibility of rapidly batch-manufacturing micro-hemispherical shell resonators, paving the way for the development of micro-hemispherical resonator gyroscopes for portable inertial navigation. Concurrently, this particular design concept could be further applied to increase the uptake in the MEMS community.
Correlation between relative dose intensity of adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy and psoas muscle mass volume and survival after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sakamoto Teruhisa , Kishino Mikiya , Murakami Yuki , Miyatani Kozo , Hanaki Takehiko , Shishido Yuji , Kihara Kyoichi , Matsunaga Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Manabu , Tokuyasu Naruo , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to investigate the prognostic relationship between relative dose intensity of adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy and psoas muscle mass volume in patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Methods
We enrolled 105 patients with histologically confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who had undergone pancreatectomy.
Results
Adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy was administered to 72 (68.6%) of the 105 patients and not to the remaining 33 patients. Patients were stratified into high- and low-relative dose intensity groups by the cutoff value for relative dose intensity; the latter group included patients who did not receive adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy. Five-year overall and relapse-free survival rates were significantly higher in the high- than in the low-relative dose intensity group. There were statistically significant differences in 5-year overall and relapse-free survival between four patient groups stratified according to combinations of relative dose intensity and psoas muscle mass volume (5-year overall survival: P = 0.010, 5-year relapse-free survival: P = 0.044). The area under the curve for the combination of relative dose intensity and psoas muscle mass volume (0.694) was greater than that for relative dose intensity alone (0.657). According to multivariate analysis, a combination of relative dose intensity and psoas muscle mass volume was an independent prognostic factor in our study patients.
Conclusions
A sufficient dosage of adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy is important in improving survival of patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. A combination of relative dose intensity and psoas muscle mass volume may predict the prognosis of patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.