bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treating Cylindrically Populated Endometrial Cancers With High Dose Rate Vaginal Cuff Brachytherapy: Should We Use a MulTi-Channel or Single-Channel Cylinder?
Authors: Zhang Hualin , Lim Andrew , Kang Zhuang , Donnelly Eric D , Ma Lijun , Chang Eric L. 
Published: May 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dosimetric impact of multiple channels compared to a single channel in high dose rate (HDR) vaginal cuff brachytherapy (VCBT).
Methods and materials: Sample plans of HDR VCBT from both single and multiple channel cylinders at 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 cm in diameter were created and analyzed. The doses were prescribed either at the 0.5 cm depth with 5.5 Gy for 4 fractions or at the cylinder surface with 8.8 Gy for 4 frac¬tions, in various treatment lengths ranging from 3 to 8 cm. A 0.5 cm ring target volume called PTV_Eval was contoured for each plan and served as the target volume for dosimetric evaluation. Mean doses and the doses covering 90% (D90), 10% (D10), and 5% (D5) of PTV_Eval were calculated and compared. The same treatment lengths, same prescription regimens, same target volume contouring and same plan evaluation methods were repeated for the similar size single channel and multiple channel cylinders.
Results: The mean doses of both regimens with the multi-channel cases (6.3 to 7.1 Gy) were comparable to single channel ones (6.4 and 7.5 Gy). The ranges of D90, D10 and D5 were from 3.654 to 5.04 Gy, 8.44 to 10.08 Gy and 8.84 to 10.86 Gy in the multi-channel cases, but from 5.36 to 5.76 Gy, 7.40 to 9.97 Gy and 8.16 to 11.93 Gy in the single channel cases, respectively.
Conclusion: The single channel and multiple-channel cylinder deliver a similar mean dose, but with marked heterogeneity in D90, D5 and D10 for the same prescription dose and target volume. Multi-channel cylinders adequately cover the target volume, but given the heterogeneity, increased treatment time and cost are best suited for asymmetric target volumes.
Social positioning in humanitarian diplomacy: INGOs in North Korea
Authors: Boulanger-Plante Patrick 
Published: May 2023

This article shows how the theoretical approach of ‘the practice turn’ can be useful when studying humanitarian diplomacy in international relations. The research argues that the social position of organisations influences the implementation of their humanitarian diplomacy. The article uses, as a central example, the case of international non governmental organisations (INGOs) providing humanitarian aid to North Korea. To paint a picture of the field of humanitarian aid in North Korea, this research uses multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) to analyse around 2,000 pieces of qualitative information. The research shows that the field is made up of three groups of INGOs. We will present their social characteristics and their impact on the humanitarian aid sector in North Korea.
Drilling Optimization Using MPD Technology in Narrow Pressure Window
Authors: Elzenary Mahmoud Nader 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Drilling operations take place in an environment where high and low pressures are challenges. Both can cause delays, increased expenses, and even failure if they occur unexpectedly. Operators are increasingly equipping themselves against the repercussions of pressure-related surprises by employing strategies that are distinct from those previously employed. Managed pressure drilling (MPD) is one such break from tradition. The drilling margin, also known as the pore-pressure-fracture gradient window, is the pressure range between pore pressure and fracture formation pressure. Operators must set casing and begin drilling the following, smaller hole size if the equivalent circulation density (ECD) goes outside these boundaries at any stage. Overbalanced drilling (OBD) is the process of maintaining a borehole pressure that is higher than the pore pressure gradient.
Drilling is challenging in some operations due to the restricted operating window between pore pressure and fracture pressure. An oil field in North Africa is the subject of a feasibility study for controlled pressure drilling. Mud returns were lost while drilling in an unconsolidated formation in prior wells drilled in this field. This project effort solves this issue by applying surface back pressure to Managed Pressure Drilling technology in this field. The methodology used in this study is based on employing a real-time model to optimize (ECD) values and a drilling simulator to compare drilling operation pressures. To compare the pressures with the required back pressure, the model estimates the annular pressure drop and corresponding circulation density.
The goal of this project is to employ Managed Pressure Drilling calculations to drill the well, optimize the mud weights used to drill the well, reduce the number of casing strings, and avoid losing drilling fluid. As a result of this technique, the MPD optimization will be used to drill the well in a safer and more cost-effective manner while avoiding drilling problems, lowering the Non-Productive Time (NPT).
Regional analysis of posterior corneal elevation after three laser refractive surgeries for correction of myopia of different degrees
Authors: Chen Tong , Li Na , Tian Ge , Lin Yue , Wu Xiaohui , Gao Hua , Liu Mingna 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the regional changes of posterior corneal elevation after three laser refractive surgeries for correction of myopia of different degrees.
Methods
200 patients (200 eyes) who underwent laser epithelial keratoplasty (LASEK), femtosecond-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) and small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) were included in this retrospective, comparative and non-randomized study. According to preoperative spherical equivalent (SE), each surgical group was divided into two refractive subgroups with low to moderate myopia (LM group) and high myopia (H group). The posterior corneal elevation from Pentacam Scheimpflug tomography was analyzed preoperatively and 1 month, 3 months, 6months and 12months postoperatively. Three subregions of the posterior cornea were divided in this study as the central, paracentral and peripheral region.
Results
For all the three surgical groups, similar changing trends were shown in the two refractive subgroups. H group presented larger changing magnitude than LM group in FS-LASIK over time (P < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was noted in the two refractive subgroups of LASEK or SMILE (P > 0.05). At 12 months postoperatively, the central posterior corneal elevation returned to the preoperative level in LASEK (P > 0.05), but shifted forward significantly in FS-LASIK and SMILE (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Different posterior corneal regions respond differently to corneal refractive surgeries. LASEK, FS-LASIK and SMILE demonstrate different trends in the regional changes of posterior corneal elevation. The corneal shape seems more stable in LASEK than in FS-LASIK and SMILE.
Sleep conditions and sleep hygiene behaviors in early pregnancy are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus: A propensity-score matched study
Authors: Ma Guojun , Cai Yanqing , Fan Jianxia 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To explore the influence of sleep conditions and sleep hygiene behaviors in early pregnancy on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) development.
Methods
This 1:1 propensity-score matched study included 1216 pregnant women divided into GDM and control groups based on GDM diagnosis via the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 gestational weeks. Sleep conditions and hygiene behaviors were evaluated using structural questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Sleep Hygiene Practice Scale (SHPS). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses and Spearman’s correlation were conducted to identify the associations.
Results
After adjusting for baseline clinical characteristics, women with GDM were more likely to have poor sleep quality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.585, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.261–1.992) and higher scores for subjective sleep quality, latency, duration, efficiency, and sleep disturbances (all P < 0.01). Mild sleepiness (AOR = 1.311, 95% CI: 1.012–1.699) and worrying about not being able to fall asleep in bed (AOR = 1.123, 95% CI: 1.005–1.255) were more likely to occur in the GDM group. Sleep quality and hygiene behaviors such as sleep-irrelevant activities, staying in bed after waking up, weekend catch-up sleep, and eating too much before sleep were significantly correlated with gestational diabetes variables.
Conclusion
Poor sleep conditions and specific sleep hygiene behaviors in early pregnancy may be independent risk factors for GDM, suggesting that sleep assessment and sleep behavior education can be used as new approaches for the early implementation of surveillance and prevention.
Evaluation of Geriatric Falls in Emergency Department During the Early Coronavirus-2019 Pandemic and Pre-Pandemic Periods
Authors: Arslan Tuğba , Saraç Zeliha Fulden , ERSEL Murat , Savas Sumru 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, presentations, outcomes, and healthcare costs of older patients who presented at the emergency department (ED) with falls in the periods before and during the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods Hospital records one year before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic were retrospectively analyzed through “International Statistical Classification of Diseases-10th Revision” codes. Age, gender, falls, triage classification, length of stay (LOS) in the hospital and ED, COVID-19 status, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), consultations-comorbidities, injury status, outcomes in the ED, and costs were recorded.Results The study comprised of 3,187 patients aged ≥ 65 years admitted to the ED of a university hospital between March 2019 and 2021. In terms of pre-pandemic and pandemic periods; older patients presenting with falls to the ED, consultations, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and LOS in ED were lower in the pandemic period, but costs were higher (p = 0.03, p = 0.01, p = 0.01, p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Hospitalization/mortality rates were higher in COVID-19-positive patients (77.2%) than in COVID-19-negative patients (4.6%) within the pandemic period and the patients in the pre-pandemic period (22.8%), likewise for the costs (both p = 0.01).Conclusion Though the number of geriatric fall presentations to ED, comorbidity burden, consultations, and LOS in the ED was lower, direct costs were higher during the pandemic period, particularly for COVID-19 positive older patients admitted to ED with falls than the pre-pandemic period, and those patients were with poorer outcomes.
In Silico Screening of Laccases with Universality based on Structural Analysis
Authors: Zheng Yunxin , Liu Chang , Zhang Chengyu , Qi Zixin , You Shengping , Qi Wei , Su Rongxin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Laccases have the advantages of non-specific oxidation and excellent catalytic activity. It is widely used in biomedicine, biosensor, and pollutant degradation. However, there are differences in the structure, substrate range, and fermentative expression of laccases depending on the source. In order to select a laccase with universality, we selected four representative laccases to analyze their catalytic properties from the aspects of sequence homology, isoelectric point, charged characteristics, active pocket, binding energy and the distance between the catalytic site and the substrate. The correlation analysis showed that the screening strategy was mainly based on structural analysis for a comprehensive evaluation through its activity and stability. The B. subtilis-derived laccase (CotA) with large and hydrophilic substrate binding pocket was screened out efficiently. It has the advantages of broad extent for substrates and strong alkali-resistance abilities. Therefore, this silico screening method can screen out suitable enzymes for specific application targets conveniently, which can lay the theoretical foundation for subsequent catalytic application studies.
Analysis of the daily activities of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries) kept under farm conditions using deep learning technology
Authors: Al-Khateeb Rama , mansour nabil , Mirza Shaher Bano , Lamghari Fouad 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This study proposed to collect and analyze the daily activities of dromedary camels kept under farm conditions by training a model depending on frames as opposed to long-term windows. Any change in daily activities gives information on the camel’s health status, and an early warning can be generated to issue a signal upon identifying any diseased camels. Five daily activities: eating, standing, sitting, drinking, and sleeping, were recorded, and analyzed in two phases, each of 7 days of continuous video recordings in November and December 2022. Phase 1 was applied on two camels to test the time elapsed for each daily activity and Phase 2 was applied on 4 camels to determine the difference in daily activities between different camel individuals. The average standing and sleeping activities reduced from 9.8 h to 6.0 h, and from 4.3 h to 2.8 h in phases 1 and 2, respectively. While the average sitting and eating activities increased from 6.2 h to 9.9 h and from 3 h to 4.7 h in phases 1 and 2, respectively. The average drinking activity for all tested camels was 43 min in both phases. All camels were active in the eating, drinking, and standing activities during the early morning hours and after 16:00 O’clock till evening. While during noon and early afternoon, they were sitting under shadows. During the evening and nighttime, they mainly sat, occasionally moving their heads, with some standing and walking activities. The average eating, standing, and sleeping activities did not differ between the 4 tested camels throughout the experiment. While the drinking and sitting activities showed an average variation of 25% and 12%, respectively, in between the tested camels. In conclusion, the camel’s daily activities can be monitored by using the deep learning model. This model efficiently monitors and improves the health of camels kept on farms in remote areas beyond human control.
Persistent mesodermal differentiation capability of bone marrow MSCs isolated from aging patients with low energy traumatic hip fracture and osteoporosis: clinical evidence
Authors: Wang Mei-Chih , Yu Wei-Lin , Ding Yun-Chiao , Huang Jun-Jae , Lin Chin-Yu , Tseng Wo-Jan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background Low-energy trauma-elicited bone fractures represent a sign of bone fragility and ongoing osteoporosis. The low energy hit, such as a slight fall down from a bed, standing height, or fewer, results in a bone fracture, especially in the hip, which is a life-threatening risk for the older adult and a heavy burden for the social economics. Bone can self-heal and maintain the homeostasis of anabolism and catabolism to preserve a healthy bony structure. Meanwhile, bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) are critical in osteogenesis, leading to metabolic homeostasis in the healthy bony microenvironment. Notably, patients with low-energy traumatic bone fractures usually suffer a higher level of bony catabolism accompanied by osteoporosis. However, whether the BMSCs derived from the patients who suffered osteoporosis and low-energy traumatic hip fracture preserve a sustained mesodermal differentiation capability, especially in osteogenesis, is yet to be explored in a clinical setting.Methods Therefore, we collected BMSCs from clinical hip fracture patients accompanied by evidenced osteoporosis in the current study. The CD markers identification, cytokines examination, and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation were evaluated and compared with the BMSCs withdrawn from the healthy young donors. Meanwhile, the BMSCs doubling time, doubling level, and cumulative population doubling level of proliferation test were also examined.Results Data reveals that BMSCs collected from elderly osteoporotic patients expressed more abundant interleukin 6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) than the BMSCs collected from young donors. However, the CD markers and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation capability in these elderly osteoporotic patients and healthy young donors are identical. Notably, the proliferation capability of BMSCs derived from aging osteoporotic patients compared with BMSCs from healthy juvenile donors reveal an equivalent level in passages 3 ~ 4 that is conventionally used for clinical cell transplantation.Conclusion Collectively, our data evidence that BMSCs derived from elderly osteoporotic patients hold the equivalent differentiation capability identical to BMSCs derived from youth, and the unbalanced bony homeostasis and subsequent osteoporosis in the older adult need further detailed exploration.
A quantitative assessment of crop vulnerability to tephra hazard at Tungurahua volcano, Ecuador: understanding the effect of volcanic and biological factors
Authors: Ligot Noa , Viera William , Peñaherrera Diego , Bernard Benjamin , Bogaert Patrick , Delmelle Pierre 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Crops are regularly impacted by tephra from explosive volcanic eruptions, causing significant economic losses and jeopardizing farmers’ livelihood at the local to regional scales. Crop vulnerability to tephra remains poorly understood, impeding the construction of robust risk models for agriculture. Previous studies of crop vulnerability to tephra are semi-quantitative and consider tephra accumulation as the only hazard intensity metric. Here, we provide a robust evaluation of crop vulnerability based on the analysis of 700 sets of quantitative data, allowing for the assessment of the influence of various volcanic and non-volcanic factors. We collected farmers’ perceptions of damage to fodders, root and tuber crops, leafy crops, legumes, cereals, tree fruits, non-tree fruits, and estimations of their yield loss due to the August 16–17, 2006, October–November 2015 and February–March 2016 eruptions of Tungurahua volcano, Ecuador. Crop yield loss increased with tephra loads (48 ± 35, 69 ± 33 and 76 ± 34% for < 0.5, 0.5–5 and 5–50 kg m-2, respectively), and we found that exposure to tephra led to a greater decline in yield compared to existing predictions. The results further highlight the plant phenological stage as a key factor of vulnerability. Exposure to tephra during the flowering period of legumes, cereals and tree fruits caused a median yield loss ≥ 80%. Legumes, tree fruits and non-tree fruits are more vulnerable to tephra than onions. Quantitative knowledge on crop vulnerability to tephra can be obtained from post-eruption impact assessments provided that a large population sample is collected and careful uncertainty analysis is conducted.
Impact of Risk Aversion Attitude on Tax Morale:
Authors: Wan Hongyu 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

This study examines how risk attitude affects tax morale among approximately 7300 taxpayers in South Korea by focusing on the individual-level variable. To estimate tax morale in terms of risk attitude, the framed and hypothetical tax morale question method is used. The method clearly states that there is no documentary evidence about cash payment. Therefore, the chances of being audited or fined are minute. The study finds that a risk-aversion attitude has a positive impact on tax morale even when the risk of being audited and fined is low. Furthermore, the results indicate that the positive impact of risk aversion on tax morale remains consistent even among different income groups, genders, and educational backgrounds.
JEL classification：H26
Knowledge and Behaviour of Vitamin A Consumption Associates to Night Blindness
Authors: Suparmi Suparmi , Prasetya Harka , Rahmawati Atik , Lailaulaan Milliam Shinta 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Night blindness is the first sign of vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. This study aimed to determine the relationship between college students' knowledge and consumption of vitamin A-rich foods and the appearance of night blindness symptoms.Methods This cross-sectional study involved 409 students in their sixth semester at Sultan Agung Islamic University. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the level of knowledge and behaviour of vitamin A consumption. Low Luminance Questionnaire (LLQ) collected data on night blindness complaints. To determine the effect of each independent variable on the dependent variable, bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regressions were conducted. The p-value threshold for statistical significance was set at 0.05.Results Bivariate analysis of the Chi-square test revealed that gender, study programme cluster, level of knowledge, and vitamin A consumption behaviour were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with night blindness symptoms. The logistic regression analysis results revealed that learning and behaviour regarding vitamin A consumption were associated with night blindness (p < 0.05). Vitamin A consumption is strongly associated with night blindness symptoms, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.560 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.215–5.392), whereas vitamin A knowledge showed an OR of 2.239 (95% CI: 1.110–4.516).Conclusion The level of knowledge and behaviour regarding vitamin A consumption is related to night blindness in college students. This study advises students to maintain a healthy diet to prevent night blindness.
Evaluation of Opuntia-Carrageenan superporous hydrogel (OPM-CRG-SPH) as an effective biomaterial for drug release and tissue scaffold
Authors: Das Itishree Jogamaya , Bal Trishna 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Stimuli-sensitive superporous hydrogels prepared using natural polymers are efficient in sustaining structural integrity for an extended duration and can be employed as an effective drug delivery system including polymeric scaffold for tissue regeneration. A pH-sensitive superporous hydrogel was designed by blending two natural polysaccharides Opuntia mucilage and Carrageenan using microwave irradiation and was optimized according to swelling index at different pH 1.2, 7.4, and 8.0 and % porosity. Optimized grade F6 was analyzed for surface hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity using optical contact angle (OCA). Analytical characterizations of F6 were performed using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) which reflects semicrystalline behavior. Mechanical property and mucoadhesion study confirmed adequate strength and affinity of F6 at target site. Hemolysis study depicted hemocompatible nature of F6. In vitro drug release study with ciprofloxacin-HCL (CPFX) as model drug indicated controlled release behavior with 43% release in 6 hr and r² = 0.9698. Release kinetic study best fitted to Korsmeyer-Peppas model with n = 0.85262 following non-fickian diffusion. In vitro antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory assays attributed to wound healing nature of F6 which was corroborated by wound contraction and histopathology analyses. In vivo toxicity experiments endorsed to non-toxic character of scaffold and was confirmed by zebrafish toxicity test. The study concludes that the pH-sensitive grade F6 can be effectively used as a novel biomaterial for drug delivery and as polymeric scaffold for biomedical applications.