bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of Night Shift Stress and Sleep Disturbance on Quality of life among Nurses: Case in Palestine Red Crescent and Al-Ahli Hospital
Authors: AL-hrinat Jebril , Al-Ansi Abdullah M. , Hendi Aseel , Adwan Ghadeer , Hazaimeh Manar 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background Nurses play a vital role in providing round-the-clock care to patients, but the challenges associated with working night shifts can have significant implications for their well-being and quality of life.
Methods This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the impact of night shift stress and sleep disturbance on the quality of life among nurses working in Palestine Red Crescent Society and Al-Ahli Hospital. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 189 full-time registered nurses with at least one year of job experience. The participants completed a questionnaire assessing night shift stress, sleep disturbance, and quality of life. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and path analysis were conducted to analyze the data.
Results The results revealed that night shift stress had a direct negative impact on the quality of life of nurses. Sleep disturbance was found to mediate the relationship between night shift stress and quality of life, indicating that higher levels of night shift stress were associated with increased sleep disturbance, which, in turn, led to poorer quality of life outcomes.
Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of addressing night shift stress and sleep disturbance among nurses to enhance their well-being and improve the quality of care provided to patients. In conclusion, this study contributes to the existing literature by demonstrating the detrimental effects of night shift stress and sleep disturbance on the quality of life of nurses. It emphasizes the importance of implementing interventions and creating supportive work environments that address the unique challenges faced by nurses working night shifts. By prioritizing the well-being of nurses, healthcare organizations can promote a healthier workforce and improve patient outcomes.
Development of an Electrocautery Surface Coating Method to Suppress Surgical Smoke
Authors: Tokoroyama Takayuki , Ogawa Koki , Murashima Motoyuki , Umehara Noritsugu , Nagano Hosei , Yorozu Takayuki , Uchida Junichi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The effectiveness of silicone coatings in preventing coagulated blood adhesion has already been established; however, the coatings’ influence on the generation of surgical smoke has yet to be elucidated. In an electrical circuit model, a proposed model of increased electrical resistance due to coagulated blood adhesion encompasses the electrode, silicone coating, and discharge target. To investigate the viability of an electrocautery surface coating that suppresses surgical smoke, smoke generation was analyzed via discharge experiments using electrocautery tip electrodes with different cross-sectional shapes and electrodes with no coating. The different coated electrodes A (fully covered and thicker than B), B (fully covered), C (side exposed), and uncoated electrode D were evaluated. The particle counts for coated electrodes A, B, C, and D showed approximately 5236, 10328, 812, and 5032 counts/L in 5 s. The electrical circuit model was suggested, and the side exposed electrode can limit the generation of surgical smoke.
Simultaneous Detection of Common Founder Mutations using a Cost- Effective Deep Sequencing Panel
Authors: Shalom Sapir , Hanany Mor , Eilat Avital , Chowers Itay , Ben-Yosef Tamar , Khateb Samer , Banin Eyal , Sharon Dror 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of diseases which cause visual loss due to Mendelian mutations in over 250 genes, making genetic diagnosis challenging and time-consuming. Here we developed a new tool, CDIP (Cost-effective Deep-sequencing IRD Panel) in which a simultaneous sequencing of common mutations is performed. CDIP is based on simultaneous amplification of amplify 47 amplicons harboring common mutations followed by next generation sequencing (NGS). Following five rounds of calibration of NGS-based steps, CDIP was used in 740 IRD samples. The analysis revealed 151 mutations in 131 index cases. In 54 (7%) of these cases, CDIP identified the genetic cause of disease (the remaining were single heterozygous recessive mutations). These include a patient that was clinically diagnosed with retinoschisis and found to be homozygous for NR2E3-c.932G > A (p.R311Q) and a patient with RP who is hemizygous for an RPGR variant, c.292C > A (p.H98N), that was not included in the analysis but is located in proximity to one of these mutations. CDIP is a cost-effective deep sequencing panel for simultaneous detection of common founder mutations. This protocol can be implemented for additional populations as well as additional inherited diseases, and mainly in populations with strong founder effects.
External evaluation of a population pharmacokinetic model of tacrolimus after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with thalassemia
Authors: Niu Lulu , Qi Jianying , Li Chengxin , Huang Tianmin , Wu Ting-qing , Xiao Yang , Liu Tao-tao 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objective
Tacrolimus (TAC), a narrow therapeutic window drug, several population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) models of TAC have been established to explore its optimized treatment regimen after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, there is no evidence of the predictive performance of these models when extrapolated to different clinical centers. We aimed to perform a systematic external evaluation of the published TAC PopPK models and to identify underlying influence elements.
Methods
Published population pharmacokinetic models of oral TAC after HSCT were searched for external assessment using TAC blood trough concentrations of pediatrics with β-thalassemia major (β-TM) after HSCT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University. The effect of prior information on model predictability was determined by Prediction error (PE%)、Visual predictive check (VPC)、Normalized prediction distribution error (NPDE) test and Bayesian prediction.
Results
Two published population pharmacokinetic models were evaluated by including 296 oral TAC blood concentrations from 46 children. Evaluation results on the basis of prediction errors, simulations, and Bayesian founded that population of published model may affect the transferability of the model. TAC bioassay methods in different centers may also result in an undesirable predictive performance of model extrapolation.
Conclusion
Individualized dosing with frequent therapeutic drug monitoring during the use of TAC was confirmed to be of clinical value. The two published models of oral TAC after HSCT have performed unsatisfactorily in all aspects of predictive diagnostics and are therefore not suitable for direct extrapolation to use in children with β-TM in our center.
Mean exit times from submanifolds with bounded mean curvature
Authors: Bessa G. PACELLI , Markvorsen Steen , Pessoa Leandro F. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We show that submanifolds with infinite mean exit time can not be isometrically and minimally immersed into cylinders, horocylinders, cones, and wedges of some product spaces. Our approach is not based on the weak maximum principle at infinity, and thus it permits us to generalize previous results concerning non-immersibility of stochastically complete submanifolds. We also produce estimates for the complete tower of moments for submanifolds with small mean curvature immersed into cylinders.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2000): Primary 53C42, 58J65; Secondary 58C40, 60J65.
Simulation Experiment on Shaft Deformation Induced by Mining Subsidence under Similar Gravity Field in Deep Soil Strata
Authors: Qin Zhe , Han Xu , Han Jihuan , Yang Weihao 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
To address the shaft deformation issues resulting from mining solid mineral resources in areas with deep soil and thin rock strata, a geotechnical model experiment, namely the seepage force model test, was conducted to simulate the effect of mining disturbance on shaft deformation in the soil section. This simulation was complemented by monitoring data from the model shaft, which allowed the determination of deflection displacements at different protection areas. The results show that there exists an approximately linear relationship between the maximum horizontal displacement of the shaft and the thickness of the mining coal seam. The shaft protection areas in the soil section were redesigned by changing the movement angle from the original 45° to 37.6°. The maximum horizontal displacements of the prototype shaft were reduced to 73.8 mm, 112.7 mm, and 170.9 mm for mining coal thicknesses of 2.7 m, 5.3 m, and 8.0 m respectively, which are 26%, 24.6% and 26.7% of the original design shaft displacements. Combined with the probability integral method, the simulation test results for the shaft protection rock pillars were thoroughly analyzed, leading to the development of a more rational and reliable design approach for the shaft protection rock pillars in regions with deep soil and thin rock strata. These research results are of great significance for effectively preventing and managing mining-induced subsidence disasters, while ensuring the optimal design of shaft protection areas.
Suprapubic lipectomy with tacking of the penis to the pubic bone and its effect on penile length
Authors: Ramzy David , Elahwany Amr , Roaiah Mohamed , Fahmy Mohamed , Said Shady 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Obesity and significant suprapubic fat, circumcision compounded by scar development, and lichen sclerosis all contribute to the uncommon but significant urological condition known as the concealed penis. In order to enhance the quality of life for individuals with hidden penises, this research devised a novel surgical approach. Removing excess suprapubic fat without using flaps and tacking the penile base to maintain its acquired length. The most novel part of the surgical approach was the development of a better tacking method for the penile base. Twenty patients were included in the study. Surgery consisted of a suprapubic lipectomy, the release of the suspensory ligaments of the penis, and then tacking the penis to the pubic bone. To gauge patient satisfaction, we employed a validated questionnaire, the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Tacking sutures between the penile hypodermis and pubic periosteum had a measurably positive effect on penile size and patient satisfaction. This new approach had a measurable impact on patients’ penile length. In addition to improving patients’ subjective sexual satisfaction, which is the core of solving a distressing problem.
New Strategy to Improve the Accuracy of Quantitative Analysis of Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy
Authors: Moon Won-Jin , Yu Seul Gi , Kim Yang Soo , Park Byung-Kyu , Jung Wan-Gil , Song Ho-Jun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Elemental quantification of several single crystalline TEM samples of intermediate thickness range that cannot be quantified by the thin-film approximation method and the ZAF correction were investigated using wedge-shaped samples of known thickness fabricated by the FIB technique. "Thickness factor (TF)" and "Thickness correction coefficient (TC)" were proposed as error correction items of "thin-film approximation method" to minimize the quantitative error that occurs when quantifying samples of intermediate thickness with TEM-EDS. As the result of TF correction, the quantification error in an Al2O3 TEM sample by TEM-EDS was reduced from about 52.15% to less than 3.28 (± 2.57) % by the correction of only one time. The self-absorption corrected line profiles and self-absorption corrected elemental mapping images in TEM samples of intermediate thickness range were also obtained by TF correction. As an example of application by TF correction, we proposed a novel method measuring thin-film thickness in normal TEM without the EELS system. The TF correction technique is a unique method to overcome the limitation of EDS quantification in the intermediate thickness range. This technique can effectively quantify characteristic X-ray lines less than 1,000 eV in the sample having intermediate thickness ranges using the conventional TEM-EDS system. It is expected to contribute significantly to understanding various characteristics or material nature related to material composition and sample thickness in nanomaterials because it provides more precise quantitative analysis information than current commercial EDS systems.
Air Pollution in Cities With Unplanned Urban Growth, a Case Study of Toluca Valley: Trends and Health Impacts Compared With Mexico City
Authors: Neria-Hernández Angélica , Mugica-Álvarez Violeta , Colín-Cruz Arturo , Sánchez-Meza Juan Carlos , Amaya-Chávez Araceli 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Unplanned urban growth is occurring in many cities around the world in developing countries and is associated with social and environmental problems such as air pollution. The case study of the Metropolitan Area of Toluca Valley (MATV) provides a clear example of disorganized urban growth and high levels of air pollution. Since 2019, the IQAir platform has ranked MATV as the city with the worst air quality in Mexico, in terms of PM2.5. Based on this scenario, ten-year (2011-2021) monitoring databases of air criteria pollutants (ACP) from six MATV monitoring stations were processed to establish seasonal and spatial distributions and to estimate the mortality proportion attributable to PM2.5 exposure. The results were compared with the evolution of ACP concentrations and the proportion of mortality attributable to PM2.5 of Mexico City. In addition, COVID-19 lockdown impact on ACP concentrations was also assessed. PM2.5 and PM10 are the main ACP that worsen air quality in MATV and exceed the WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) almost the entire year risking health population. The estimated mortality proportion due to natural deaths (ICD-10) associated with PM2.5 exposure in 2019 for MATV was 11.97% (7.98-15.55) as for Mexico City, 6.95% (4.59-9.1). MATV presented higher levels of ACP and lower reduction percentages than Mexico City Metropolitan Area over the ten-year period, PM and O3 patterns are very similar between cities, suggesting that air pollution is shared. COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 showed a reduction of all ACP concentrations except for O3.
Reaching the Unheard: Overcoming Challenges in Health Research with Hard-to-Reach Populations
Authors: Bekteshi Venera , Sifat Munjireen , Kendzor Darla E. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Challenges such as the negative consequences of disclosure related to immigration status, limited population size, stigma, and hesitancy to participate due to past traumas often deter researchers from including hard-to-reach populations in their research.
Methods
This article reviews engagement and interview techniques to successfully and ethically include participants from recently settled Afghan refugees in Oklahoma and rural Mexican-born women in Illinois. It concludes with a reflective discussion that focuses on the challenges and lessons learned.
Results
The PIs undertook creative strategies in the pre-and engagement phases of their research: they were receptive to participants' socioeconomic and cultural contexts throughout their interactions; developed partnerships with community partners to establish trust with participants and obtain reliable data; and gathered culturally specific data by focusing on sub-groups, that is, Mexican-born women or recently settled Afghan refugees.
Conclusions
Community engagement at all stages of research is essential for building trust in this hard-to-reach population, achieving inclusivity in health research, and influencing culturally sensitive and effective interventions.
Antioxidant effects of polyphenolic compounds in through the distillation of Lonicera japonica &amp; Chenpi Extract and anti-inflammation on skin keratinocyte
Authors: Kim Hun Hwan , Jeong Se Hyo , Park Min Yeong , Bhosale Pritam Bhangwan , Abusaliya Abuyaseer , Kim Hyun Wook , Seong Je Kyung , Ahn Meejung , Park Kwang Il , Kim Gon Sup 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The polyphenols in Lonicera japonica & Chenpi distillation extract (LCDE) were thoroughly examined for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Polyphenol compounds in LCDE were analyzed for five peaks using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with mass spectrometry (MS) and determined. Five polyphenolic compounds were identified from the samples and MS data. Ultrafiltration with LC analysis was used to investigate the ability of bioactive compounds to target DPPH. As a result, it was confirmed that the major compounds exhibited a high binding affinity to DPPH and could be regarded as antioxidant-active compounds. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effect of LCDE was confirmed in vitro, and signal inhibition of anti-inflammation cytokines, MAPK and NF-kB pathways was confirmed. Finally, Molecular docking analysis supplements the anti-inflammatory effect through the binding affinity of selected compounds and inflammatory factors. This study will be utilized to give fundamental information for the application of LCDE to the pharmaceutical and pharma cosmetics industries in addition to information on efficient screening techniques for other medicinal plants.
Comparison of the efficiency of seven meta-heuristic algorithms in leak detection on water distribution networks
Authors: Dahaj Maryam Nasiri , Ghazizadeh MohammadReza Jalili , Jabbari Ebrahim , Moasheri Reza , Rezaeizadeh Amirali 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Leakage in water distribution networks causes water loss, pressure drop, increase in fixing costs, and the possible entrance of pollutants into the networks. Therefore, detecting the un-reported leaks and fixing them is one of the main challenges of water utilities. Since the common leak detection methods are generally costly, time-consuming, and require expert personnel, the use of hydraulic simulation methods to localize leaks has been paid considerable attention in the in recent years. In this study, leak detection is carried out by using the hydraulic model calibration method, defining the objective function based on minimizing the difference between field data and simulated data, and finally optimizing the defined objective function. In the present approach, optimization is performed using meta-heuristic algorithms. Since the more accurate the used algorithm is, the fewer error on the leak detection results will be, it is necessary to compare the algorithms to introduce the best algorithm in hydraulic and leak detection problems. Seven powerful and well-known algorithms in three water distribution networks (WDNs) were analyzed by defining 45 different scenarios of random leakage. Due to the multiplicity of output data, the Chess Ranking System for Evolutionary Algorithms (CRS4EAs) was used for a comprehensive comparison of the studied algorithms. The obtained results showed that the Equilibrium Optimizer is superior to its competitors in terms of the optimal solutions, the reliability of single runs, and the run time. Therefore, EO is suggested to be used for leak detection in WDNs with maximum reliability and minimum calculation time.
Towards fair social distancing in Santiago de Chile: Assessing association of socioeconomic factors with COVID-19 lockdown duration
Authors: Prieto Diana , Martinez Diego A , Pachano-Azuaje Felipe , Feijoo Felipe , Lillo Luis , Martínez Rodrigo , Evans Carlton , Datta Sumona 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Staged closure and reopening (SCR) lockdowns were implemented in the Santiago Metropolitan Region to slow down COVID-19, at the cost of further exacerbating socioeconomic deprivation. Despite this overarching truth, little is still known about the contribution of disaggregated socioeconomic factors in the severity of the SCR as the outbreak evolved, and how to reduce severity during future lockdowns. This paper uses survival analysis to assess the association between socioeconomic factors and the hazard of reopening or lifting lockdowns in metropolitan regions of Santiago de Chile. When tested in independent Cox proportional hazard models, we found that educational attainment, domestic violence, and income poverty were significant predictors of longer lockdowns. Neither income poverty nor domestic violence is associated with average incidence during the staged lockdowns, highlighting their direct significance in lockdown duration. Beyond the provision of income subsidies, our results point out specific areas of intervention for fair social distancing: Domestic violence should be addressed as part of the lockdown plans with interventions that increase the social support and self-esteem of both victims and perpetrators.
Patient-specific meaningful improvement thresholds for EQ-5D index scores after total hip or knee replacement: a retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Kuklinski David , Marques Carlos J. , Bohlen Karina , Westphal Karl C. , Lampe Frank , Geissler Alexander 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose: The aim is to calculate EQ-5D-5L index score thresholds for patients after total hip and knee replacement (THR and TKR), considering patient-specific characteristics to enable a realistic evaluation of surgery outcome.
Methods: In this retrospective observational cohort study, average and patient-characteristics specific meaningful improvements of the EQ-5D-5L index score were calculated via anchor-based receiver operator characteristics curves. Estimations are based on patient-level data from 5,217 primary total hip and knee replacement from two German hospitals.
Results: Post-surgery improvements in health-related quality of life, measured by the EQ-5D-5L index score, were dependent on patient characteristics. The choice of anchor, mobility improvement or pain reduction, determined the size of the unstratified 12-months MI thresholds. For THR, the MI was 0.264 for the anchor mobility improvement and 0.204 for the anchor pain reduction, 0.211 and 0.203 for TKR, respectively. Accuracy of calculated thresholds for both anchors and treatment groups increased for characteristics-specific thresholds.
Conclusions: MI thresholds for post-surgery EQ-5D-5L index scores should consider patient characteristics, are dependent on the anchor and are specific to time windows.
Level of Evidence: Level III, Prognostic study
A Low-cost and Numerically Stable Algorithm to Solve Tridiagonal Systems via Quasiseparable Matrices
Authors: Perera Sirani M. , Bebiano Natalia 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This paper presents an approach to efficiently solve a system of linear equations characterized by n × n non-singular tridiagonal matrices utilizing quasiseparable structures. By employing sparse factorization of the quasiseparable matrices, we obtain a low-cost, i.e., O(n), in contrast to the brute-force computations associated with solving tridiagonal systems with complexity O(n3). Furthermore, the proposed algorithm provides an alternative method for solving systems of equations having tridiagonal Toeplitz coefficient matrices achieving O(n) complexity algorithm.To ensure the stability and accuracy of the algorithm, we present backward and forward error results in solving the tridiagonal system of equations. Finally, the paper presents signal flow graphs to demonstrate the proposed algorithm's reliability and simplicity and realize it as an architecture for very large-scale integrated circuits. To sum up, the paper offers efficient, exact, and numerically stable algorithms in solving systems of linear equations having non-singular tridiagonal and tridiagonal Toeplitz matrices, providing a compelling alternative to brute-force calculation with a significantly reduced computational cost and digital signal processing architecture of a physical system.