bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Data-Driven Two-stage Appointment Radiotherapy Scheduling Model for Resource Optimization at a Tertiary Cancer Center
Authors: Jia Fan , Carter Michael , Raman Srinivas 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: The timely delivery of radiotherapy (RT) is crucial to cancer care, and excessive delays in RT have been associated with detrimental oncological and psychological outcomes. Prior to receiving RT on treatment units (Linear accelerators), there are a few processes that need to take place including simulation (on CT simulators), radiotherapy plan generation/optimization and quality assurance. The assignment of patient schedules on CT simulators and Linear accelerators is currently done manually at most cancer centers. We propose that data-driven optimization of patient scheduling has the potential to improve wait-times, and optimize use of departmental resources.
Methods: A two-stage Mixed Integer Programming model was developed to optimize the patient appointment scheduling process and to forecast machine utilization. The model was tested with historical institutional data from Princess Margaret Cancer Center. By analyzing the dataset and simulating historical patient arrivals, the model output is evaluated by comparing patient wait time statistics and monthly machine utilization against what occurred during this time frame.
Results: Testing our model on data from 2019-06 to 2020-02, we found a reduction in average wait time from 11.2 to 6.7 business days for standard category patients. The number of standard patients exceeding the wait time target of 10 business days were reduced from 118 to 15 patients each month. In addition, our model could accurately estimate future machine utilization for both CT simulators and linear accelerators based on the model output appointments, which could facilitate better planning and utilization of departmental resources.
Conclusion: Our scheduling model has the potential to reduce the standard patient wait time for radiation treatment without compromising the wait time for urgent patients. The model can be also used to forecast department resources and machine utilization based on the output of the scheduling model. Radiotherapy departments could use this model to generate patient appointment schedules as well as to reduce machine idle time or appointment over-booking.
Green Synthesis of Size-controlled Silver Nanoparticles and Their Anti- Cancer Potentiality
Authors: Kabir M. F. , Rahman M. Z. , Ferdousy J. , Ullah A.K.M atique , Razzakul I. M. , Rahman M. M. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Silver nanoparticles are now well recognized as one of the most prevalent kinds of materials that are put to use in a wide variety of biomedical applications, most notably as an anti-cancer agent. In the current investigation, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were effectively produced by reducing silver + ions by employing the leaf extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus as a source of reducing and capping agents. By altering the quantity of the silver nitrate solution, we successfully produced three distinct kinds of Ag-nanoparticles that were mediated by Artocarpus heterophyllus leaf extract. The X-ray diffraction analysis first confirmed the formation of metallic silver, where peaks were found at fixed angles. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) method was also used to validate the crystal geometry of the Ag-NPs, revealing that the Ag-NPs had a face-cantered cubic structure. The calculated average crystallite sizes of Sample-1 Ag-NPs, Sample-2 Ag-NPs, and Sample-3 Ag-NPs were found to be 20.34 nm, 16.99 nm, and 18.88 nm, respectively. Ag nanoparticles were also confirmed from EDX analysis, and firm Ag peaks, including several organic compound peaks. The nanoparticle’s range was between 120 nm and 220 nm, and the average particle size was near 170 nm, as found in the SEM image, and accumulation was observed in the SEM image. Using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, our research group was able to determine the functional groups of organic compounds that might be responsible for reducing agents and the presence of capping agents on the surface of Ag NPs. The cell viability test was used to assess the cytotoxicity using the HeLa cell, a human carcinoma cell. The results revealed that the produced Ag NPs demonstrated toxicity against carcinoma cells.
Research on Distributed Photovoltaic Day-ahead Scheduling and Consumption Strategy
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Chen Yanbo , Wang Deshuai , Liu Yuxiang 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Under the background that the proportion of distributed photovoltaic connected to the distribution network increases year by year, optimizing the photovoltaic absorption capacity of the distribution network is of great significance. Aiming at the problem that photovoltaic output cannot be absorbed locally, this paper proposes an optimization scheme for distributed photovoltaic systems that considers demand-side response and energy storage. In this paper, particle swarm optimization support vector machine (PSO-SVM) was used to predict photovoltaic output ahead of the day, and the kernel width function and penalty coefficient of SVM were optimized by particle swarm optimization algorithm to obtain the prediction data with high accuracy. Then, starting from the constraints of node voltage not exceeding the limit, line power flow not overloading, and energy storage system not exceeding the limit, and aiming at the maximum photovoltaic absorption capacity, a distributed photovoltaic absorption model is established. Taking IEEE14 node power distribution system as a simulation example, the influence of energy storage system and flexible load on photovoltaic consumption rate is analyzed. Finally, the ipopt solution toolbox is used to solve the model in MATLAB, and the power distribution scheme of the power distribution system is calculated with the goal of maximizing the photovoltaic absorption capacity. The simulation results show that the optimization scheme of the photovoltaic microgrid system considering the energy storage system and the demand-side response proposed in this paper can effectively reduce the photovoltaic power station's light abandonment rate, and realize the photovoltaic on-site consumption to meet the regional load supply, which is a good source of photovoltaic power in the region. The application provides feasibility guidance.
On dispersive quantization and fractalization for the Kawahara equation
Authors: Kim Seongyeon 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
We study the dichotomy phenomena of solutions to the Kawahara equation with bounded variation initial data. The phenomena, called Talbot effect, are that at rational times the solution is quantized, while at irrational times it is a continuous nowhere differentiable function with fractal profile. Such is unknown for the Kawahara equation yet, which is a fifth-order KdV type equation. For the purpose, we obtain smoothing estimates for the nonlinear Duhamel solution, which, combined the known results on the linear solution, mathematically describes the Talbot effect.
2020 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary: 35B45; Secondary: 35Q53.
Identification of a novel competing endogenous RNA network linked to the prognosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Ma Luping , Song Yongcheng , Li Changtao , Li Qiang , Huang Qianqian , Liang Weihua , Wang Chengyan , Wang Qinzhang 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
According to mounting evidence, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) play a significant role in the tumorigenesis and development of cancer. Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common malignancy among men. Nevertheless, reliable indicators for the early diagnosis and prognosis of Pca are still lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to identify competing endogenous RNA networks as novel prognostic predictors of PCa.
The Cancer Genome Atlas was used to download the RNA transcriptome and clinical data of 498 Pca and 52 non-Pca tissues. Differentially expressed messenger RNAs (DEmRNAs) were identified using the edgeR package. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to evaluate the correlation with survival. TargetScan and MiRDB were used to predict potential DRD5‒targeting microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). In addition, StarBase and GEPIA2 were used to validate regulatory and prognostic relationships. DEmRNAs, target miRNAs, and lncRNAs were identified, and a ceRNA network in PCa was constructed. A total of 1,603 Pca-specific differentially expressed genes (767 upregulated and 836 downregulated) were identified. In addition, 3 hub mRNAs, 26 miRNAs,and 2 lncRNAs were identified as a result of stepwise prediction and validation from mRNA to lncRNA. Finally, C9orf170/hsa-miR-153-5p/DRD5 was identified as a prognosis-related network in PCa through further screening. In this study, we constructed a novel ceRNA network in PCa in which each component was prognosis-related.
Moho Depth Variations in North West Iran estimated from the Moho reflected phases
Authors: Alidoost Fatemeh , Bayramnejad Esmaeil , Shomali Zaher Hossein 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In this study, we picked Moho reflected phases and used them to estimate the spatial variation of the Moho depth in northwestern Iran. Moho reflected phases are secondary phases which can be observed at the distance range between 60 and 200 km. We used earthquakes with depth shallower than 40 km that occurred from 1996 to 2017 and collected the approximate travel-time of 200 PmP and 150 SmS high quality phases recorded by 15 seismic stations. We used the differential travel-time of direct and Moho reflected phases to estimate the depth of Moho. The results of the reflected phases PmP and SmS are very similar in character. Although differences are also observed, especially in the northern part of the studied area where piercing points are not well distributed. The results of the inversion of P data are more reliable owing to the accuracy of the picking of P- compared to S- phases. According to the results, the depth of Moho is in order of 45 km in the south part of NorthTabriz Fault and shallower towards eastern part of the study area beneath the Talesh Mountains, 43.2 km. Moho increases from the north Tabriz fault to south of the study area and becomes approximately 45 km.
Prediction of postoperative disease-free survival in gastric cancer patients using preoperative peripheral blood platelet-lymphocyte ratio: a retrospective study of 3392 patients from two centers
Authors: Liang Siyuan , Wei Chuanyi , Tang Liping , Gao Jie , Long Ziwen , Wang Yanong 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, and postoperative recurrence in gastric cancer patients often indicates a poor prognosis. In recent years, biochemical composite indicators, such as peripheral blood platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), have been found to predict recurrence and metastasis in various cancers.
Methods: We retrospectively recruited patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer at Fudan University Affiliated Cancer Hospital from 2011 to 2019 and randomly divided them into training and internal validation groups. We calculated the relationship between clinical indicators, PLR, and gastric cancer recurrence and metastasis in the training group and validated the model in the internal validation group and Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital.
Results: The results of the multivariate analysis in the training group showed that TNM staging (HR, 3.69; 95% CI, 2.904.72; P<0.001), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.091.92; P<0.011), and peripheral blood PLR (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.09~1.88; P<0.010) were independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence and metastasis in gastric cancer patients. The column chart model established based on independent risk factors showed a good predictive performance in the internal and external validation groups.
Conclusions: Preoperative peripheral blood PLR is an independent risk factor for predicting postoperative recurrence and metastasis in gastric cancer patients, and the column chart model established by combining PLR with clinical indicators can accurately and efficiently predict postoperative recurrence and metastasis in gastric cancer patients.
Valorization of bean agricultural wastes for the production of polymeric composites
Authors: Miranda Eduardo Hélio Novais , Gomes Diogo Antônio Correa , de Andrade Gabriele Melo , Mendes Lourival Marin , Júnior José Benedito Guimarães 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of polymeric composites containing different bean residue levels for polymer replacement. To this end, agricultural residues were first reduced to particles and characterized "in natura" through tests for moisture content, bulk density, content of extractives, lignin and ash and by thermogravimetry technique. Then, particles of both materials were dried and selected based on their granulometric fractions to make low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites with substitution levels of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% bean residues. The polymeric material and the bean stem and pod particles were hot-extruded to obtain strands and then pellets; the resulting materials were then molded and hot-pressed. After fabrication, the specimens were subjected to physical testing for humidity, density, water absorption, and flammability and to mechanical testing for tensile strength. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to evaluate the fracture regions of the specimens that were broken during mechanical testing. The results indicated that the physical–mechanical properties of the composites were negatively affected by the characteristics of the lignocellulosic material and by the increased number of pores caused by the presence of the waste material.
Verbal autopsy and outbreak investigation of anthrax in Livestock and Wildlife at the Virunga National Park Interface Area, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Muhindo Désire Selemani , Pongombo Boniface Lombe , K. Eddy Syaluha , K. Harvey Kamboyi , Mulinda Ézéchiel Bushu , Mwehu Tatiana Banze , Malengela Léon , Ngumuna Florent , Dib Halawi Abdel-Amir , Shawa Misheck , Mulumbu Justin Masumu 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Anthrax is a worldwide environmentally transmitted fatal zoonotic disease with socioeconomic and public health impacts. It frequently occurs among livestock and wildlife in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, due to a poor animal health control system, it is poorly understood and managed and often underreported. Therefore, to understand, document, and report the epidemiology of anthrax in this province, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2015 involving arbitrarily selected 120 farmers to access their knowledge on clinical manifestations, transmission, prevention, attitudes, and practices concerning anthrax. Subsequently, a field investigation was conducted in 2021 during an anthrax outbreak to investigate the disease trend and routine practices. We established that most farmers know and can identify anthrax; they greatly fear and try to prevent it despite some unhealthy practices associated with handling and eating anthrax-contaminated meat. Extensive transhumance livestock management systems, anthropogenic activities, and the lack of a surveillance program have primarily contributed to anthrax outbreaks in North Kivu province. The presence of anthrax in this region was confirmed by detecting Bacillus anthracis, the etiological agent, during an outbreak investigation. Hence, the need for collaborative efforts for continued surveillance effectively manage anthrax outbreaks to reduce this serious threat to health and livelihood in this area.
The roles of apolipoprotein E ε4 on neuropathology and neuroinflammation in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: He Mingyue , Lian Tenghong , Guo Peng , Zhang Weijiao , Zhang Yanan , Huang Yue , Liu Gaifen , Guan Huiying , Li Jinghui , Luo Dongmei , Zhang Weijia , Zhang Wenjing , Qi Jing , Yue Hao , Wang Xiaomin , Zhang Wei 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 is one of the greatest risk factors for sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the relationship between APOE ε4 and different cognitive domains, pathological proteins and neuroinflammatory factors in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the roles of APOE ε4 on the neuropathology and neuroinflammation in AD patients.
Methods
AD patients were divided into the APOE ε4 carrier and the APOE ε4 non-carrier groups according to APOE genotypes. Demographic information, cognitive function, the levels of neuropathological proteins and neuroinflammatory factors in CSF were compared between the two groups, and the correlations among the above-mentioned variables were subsequently analyzed.
Results
APOE ε4 carriers had significantly worse performances in overall cognitive function and individual cognitive domains (P < 0.05) than the non-carriers. β amyloid protein (Aβ)1-42 level from the APOE ε4 carrier group was significantly lower than that from the non-carrier group (P = 0.023), which was associated with worse cognitive function. The nitric oxide (NO) level was significantly elevated in the APOE ε4 carrier group compared to the non-carrier group (P =0.016), which was significantly and positively correlated with the Trail Making Test (TMT)-A-time (r = 0.21, P = 0.026) and TMT-B-time (r = -0.38, P < 0.01).
Conclusion
APOE ε4 is associated with poorer cognitive function of AD, particularly the early symptoms of memory, language and attention. APOE ε4 is associated with lower Aβ1-42 level in CSF, and the more numbers of APOE ε4 are carried, the lower level of Aβ1-42 is measured. APOE ε4 is associated with elevated NO level in CSF, which is linked to the impaired cognitive domains of attention and executive function.
Flexible Topology for Mitigating the Congestion of Urban Power Grids with Dynamic Thermal Rating
Authors: Su Yi , Teh Jiashen 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Urban power grid (UPG) combines transmission and distribution networks. Past studies on UPG congestion mitigation have focused on relieving local congestion while ignoring large-scale energy transfer with safety margins load balancing. This situation is expected to worsen amid the proliferations of renewable energies and electric vehicles. In this paper, a two-layer congestion mitigation framework is proposed, which considers the congestions of UPG with flexible topologies. In the upper-layer, the PSO algorithm is employed to optimize the power supply distribution (PSD) of substation transformers, known as upper-layer PSD. The lower-layer model recalculates the new PSD, known as the lower-layer PSD, based on the topology candidates. A candidate topology is optimum when the Euclidean distance mismatch between the upper- and lower-layer PSDs are the smallest. This optimum topology is tested by the standard power flow to ascertain its feasibility. The optimum transitioning sequence between the initial and optimum topologies is also determined by the two-layer framework to minimize the voltage deviation and line overloading of UPG considering dynamic thermal rating. The proposed framework is tested on a 56-node test system. Results show that the proposed framework can significantly reduce congestion, maintain safety margins, and determine the optimum transitioning sequence.
Self-reported Knowledge and Practice of Saudi Dental Hygiene Students Towards the use of Chlorhexidine Mouthwash
Authors: Mulla Mushir 
Published: March 2023

Aim:
To assess the knowledge and practice of Saudi dental hygiene students regarding the use of mouthwashes in clinical practice.

Background:
Mouthwashes are chemical plaque control agents which are widely used for the prevention of tooth decay, gaining fresh breath, reducing plaque and calculus formation, and reducing gingival inflammation. Chlorhexidine is considered a gold standard mouthwash because of its substantivity action. Thus, it is very important for dental practitioners to understand the knowledge and practices regarding the use of Chlorhexidine mouthwash

Objective:
The primary objective of this study was to find dental hygiene students’ knowledge about chlorhexidine mouthwash and its side effects and also identify their practice toward the use of mouthwashes as plaque inhibiting agents.

Methods:
An online version of a pre-tested and validated questionnaire was used to test the knowledge and practices towards the use of Chlorhexidine mouthwash. Thus, A Cross-sectional questionnaire survey was carried out in Saudi Arabia on dental hygiene students.

Results:
A total of 144 filled questionnaires were obtained out of which 88% were male and 12% were female. After converting the scores into percentages, any score <60% was categorized as a poor score, 60-80% as an average score, and >80% as a good score. Dental hygiene students showed an average knowledge about Chlorhexidine mouthwash with a score of 62.27% and also poor practice with a score of 57.98%.

Conclusion:
The findings of this Cross-sectional study demonstrate that most of the Dental hygiene students in Saudi Arabia have got average knowledge and poor practice about the usage of Chlorhexidine mouthwash.

Clinical Significance:

Being the oral health care providers, it is mandatory for dental hygiene students to have adequate knowledge regarding the usage of mouthwashes. With optimum knowledge, they will be able to deliver the right information to the patients thereby ensuring the proper practice of the same.
Association between Continuity of Primary Care and Chronic Conditions among Patients in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Chowdhury Sultana Mubarika Rahman , Zhou Mengping , Li Kuang , Hu Nan 
Published: March 2023

Background:One important aspect of primary care is the association between continuity with primary care providers (PCPs) and chronic conditions among patients. However, there is a lack of literature to specifically address these issues in countries with large populations, such as China.Objective:The goal of this study is to examine the effect of chronic conditions on the continuity of primary care among patients from a cross-sectional survey conducted in Guangdong province, China.Methods:Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of chronic conditions on continuity. Effect modification by residency status (migrantsvs. locals) on the relationship between the number of chronic conditions and continuity was also assessed. The intermediate effect of the existing contract between patients and PCPs was also evaluated for examining the relationship between chronic conditions and continuity of primary care.Results:Participants with chronic conditions had 2.32 (95% CI: 1.78 - 3.04) times the odds to continue with their PCPs for one year or more. Compared to those without any chronic condition, individuals with one chronic condition had 2.03 (95% CI: 1.49 - 2.75) times, and more than one chronic condition had 3.00 (95% CI: 2.01 - 4.49) times the odds to continue with their PCPs. The residency status of the participants did not modify the effect of the number of chronic conditions on the continuity of primary care. The contract between patients and their PCPs was found to be an intermediate factor for the relationship between chronic conditions and continuity.Conclusion:To strengthen the connection between patients with chronic conditions, PCPs may reinforce the relationship between providers and patients, thus ultimately benefitting the patients. The results of this study can serve as a reference for policymakers.