bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic ability of the neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score in long‐course concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lu Siyi , Peng Ran , Li Xianan , Chen Zhaoyu , Zhou Yi , Qu Ruize , Zhou Xin , Zhang Qiuxiang , Wang Yuxia , Li Xuemin , Sun Tao , Wang Hao , Fu Wei 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe aims of this study were to evaluate the prognostic ability of the neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score and to develop and validate a nomogram based on the NAR for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).MethodsIn total, 307 patients, including 230 patients from the primary cohort and 77 from the external cohort, were enrolled across the two centers. The associations of the NAR score with the tumor response, tumor control, and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed. Survival analysis was performed in the primary and external cohorts using Kaplan‒Meier curves. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the prognostic factors. The NAR‐based nomogram was developed in the primary cohort and validated in the external cohort using the concordance index (C‐index), calibration plots, and decision curve analyses (DCAs).ResultsKaplan‒Meier survival analysis revealed that the disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of the NAR > 16 group were significantly lower than those of the NAR ≤ 16 group (p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified the NAR score as an independent prognostic factor for both DFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.484, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.159−5.323, p = 0.019) and OS (HR = 4.633, 95% CI: 1.076−19.941, p = 0.04). Calibration plots and DCAs showed that NAR‐based nomograms for DFS and OS were consistent and useful in clinical practice. Moreover, the C‐indexes of the NAR‐based nomograms were better than those of the other variables in both the primary and external cohorts.ConclusionOur study validates the prognostic role of the NAR score for DFS and OS. The NAR‐based nomogram for OS could accurately predict the outcome of LARC patients by stratifying the risk score accordingly.
A new deflation criterion for the QZ algorithm
Authors: Steel Thijs , Vandebril Raf , Langou Julien 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe QZ algorithm computes the generalized Schur form of a matrix pencil. It is an iterative algorithm and, at some point, it must decide when to deflate, that is when a generalized eigenvalue has converged and to move on to another one. Choosing a deflation criterion that makes this decision is nontrivial. If it is too strict, the algorithm might waste iterations on already converged eigenvalues. If it is not strict enough, the computed eigenvalues might not have full accuracy. Additionally, the criterion should not be computationally expensive to evaluate. There are two commonly used criteria: the elementwise criterion and the normwise criterion. This paper introduces a new deflation criterion based on the size of and the gap between the eigenvalues. We call this new deflation criterion the strict criterion. This new criterion for QZ is analogous to the criterion derived by Ahues and Tisseur for the QR algorithm. Theoretical arguments and numerical experiments suggest that the strict criterion outperforms the normwise and elementwise criteria in terms of accuracy. We also provide an example where the accuracy of the generalized eigenvalues using the elementwise or the normwise criteria is less than two digits whereas the strict criterion leads to generalized eigenvalues which are almost accurate to the working precision. Additionally, this paper evaluates some commonly used criteria for infinite eigenvalues.
Critically ill patients' experiences of nursing care and the effect on their personhood: A retrospective study
Authors: Kuyler Ariné , Johnson Ensa 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimThis study aims to report patients' experiences of nursing care in the critical care unit and the resulting effect of such care on the personhood of patients.Design and MethodThe study adopted a qualitative design and aimed to include both descriptive and exploratory information. It involved a single participant group comprising ten previously critically ill patients with whom retrospective, semi‐structured interviews were conducted in a natural setting during 2018. Private hospitals in Gauteng, South Africa, were targeted for data collection.ResultsThe findings of this study were categorised and described according to Kitwood's conceptualisation of person‐centred care. Five categories were identified by patients as impacting their personhood and perceived person‐centred care.ConclusionNurses ability to support perceived personhood of patients during person‐centred care is integral to the betterment of the patient. Patient's experiences of nursing care can often be affected if they perceive their personhood as not being valued by nurses. This study creates increased awareness of these components to ensure that patient‐nurse relationships are established adequately to meet both the patients' and the nurses' needs.
Older adults' acceptance of the COVID‐19 vaccine: Application of the health belief model
Authors: Ibrahim Fatma M. , Fadila Doaa E , Elmawla Doaa Abd Elhameed Abd 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimsTo determine the prevalence of COVID‐19 vaccination acceptance among older adults and the factors that independently predict vaccine acceptance using the Health Belief Model (HBM).DesignThis was a cross‐sectional, descriptive study.MethodsConsenting older adults aged 60 years and older (n = 384) from Primary Health Care Centers in rural and urban areas of Mansoura District, Egypt, who could interact adequately with researchers participated in the study. The data were collected through an electronic questionnaire that included socio‐demographic data, health‐related characteristics, and health beliefs based on the HBM framework.ResultsOverall, 46.9% were willing to receive the COVID‐19 vaccine, 19.5% declined, and 33.6% were undecided. Higher perceptions of COVID‐19 severity, vaccine benefits, and action cues were associated with vaccine acceptance (p = 0.05).Public ContributionVaccination campaigns that highlight the benefits of immunization should be prioritized by policymakers. In addition, vaccinated peoples should use social media to spread awareness about the advantages and challenges of vaccination. Nurse leaders should apply the HBM to forecast health‐related behaviors, especially vaccination attitudes.
Prehistoric human diet composition in Northwest Patagonia: Complementing isotopic analysis with zooarchaeological information
Authors: Moscardi Bruno F. , Bernal Valeria , Rindel Diego , Gordón Florencia , Perez S. Ivan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this work, we study diet composition of prehistoric human populations of Northwest Patagonia by exploring the combination of two different approaches frequently used in bioarchaeology, Bayesian isotope mixing models, and zooarchaeological analysis. For this purpose, we compiled a large dataset of previously published δ13C and δ15N human and resource values, as well as zooarchaeological data, corresponding to the Middle–Late Holocene and distributed throughout Northwest Patagonia. We first propose a replicable approach to divide the region into different areas comprising human individuals that shared the same available resources and perform isotope mixing models at individual level using default (i.e., uninformative) prior distributions in the Bayesian mixing models. Then, we explore a potential complementation of isotopic and zooarchaeological evidence by introducing the frequency of zooarchaeological assemblages with the different resources, as well as NISP, as priors in the Bayesian mixing models to guide diet estimations. Additionally, we use these frequencies to analyze the possible absence of some important resources in previous analyses. Based on the species distribution and geographical location of bioarchaeological sites, we divided the region into five areas (Northwest and Northeast Neuquén, South Neuquén/Rio Negro, and Southwest and Central‐east Mendoza) that differ in the resources available for potential human consumption. The results obtained show high diet variability among these areas, with individuals from Northwest and Northeast Neuquén consuming mainly large animals (i.e., guanaco and rhea, respectively) and South Neuquén/Rio Negro and Center‐east and Southwest Mendoza consuming a larger diversity of resources. Our results show that considering zooarchaeological priors in the analyses results in diet composition estimations more in line with the ecological diversity present in the region than previous estimations. We propose that approaches like this, which are common in ecological studies, should be considered in bioarchaeology to make more robust estimates of diet composition.
Green synthesis of gum arabic platinum nanoparticle: Electrochemical sensor application for glyphosate detection
Authors: Elamin Manahil Babiker , Ali Shazalia Mahmoud Ahmed , Chrouda Amani , Alhaidari Laila M. , Alrouqi Rahaf Mutlaq , Al‐Shammari Athary Tami , Alsuqiani Amjad Awad , Jaffrezic‐Renault Nicole 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMetallic green nanoparticles based on gum arabic (GA) biopolymer have attracted a great deal of attention in numerous applications, especially in electrochemical sensor design for environmental monitoring. One of the most harmful contaminants that threaten environmental safety is the glyphosate molecule. For this purpose, we report, herein, the synthesis of novel platinum nanoparticles decorated by GA to develop a new, rapid, and efficient electrochemical sensor for the trace of glyphosate detection. To control the morphology, dispersion, size, and structure of the Platinum nanoparticles, different techniques are investigated. To achieve the optimal configuration of sensor design, several electrochemical techniques, namely, cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse technique are used. The obtained results confirm the success of nanoparticles design with spherical morphology and good dispersion with a size in the order of 6–10 nm. More important, the electrochemical analysis suggested efficient sensing activity with a limit of detection in order of 0.5 ng/mL. As a proof of concept, we have demonstrated the ability of the designed sensor to recognize glyphosate in real media with recovery ranging from 96% to 104%, making the technology of the sensor based on metallic green nanoparticles a promising alternative for glyphosate detection.
Effect of banana peduncle fiber on the mechanical, water, and degradation properties of hybrid composites made from modified soy resin
Authors: Bishoyi Kesaba Charan , Pattnaik Shruti Swaroop , Behera Diptiranjan , Behera Ajaya Kumar 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe use of banana pseudo stems is currently acknowledged as a sustainable raw material that piqued researchers' interest because of their high cellulose content, and good to moderate tensile strength. In order to develop various batches of biodegradable composite, peduncle fibers from waste banana peduncles were isolated and then reinforced after mild alkali treatment with biodegradable soy resin, phenol‐formaldehyde (resole), and soy‐resole resins via thermoforming (compressing) method. Peduncle fiber reinforced soy‐resole composite exhibited maximum tensile strength of 43.5 MPa and flexural strength of 36.2 MPa as a result of strong interaction/bonding between functional groups of the two biomaterials used here. All composites were put through a water sorption test, which showed that they are fairly hydrophobic by nature since after 24 h, they absorbed 10.2%–28.2% of water. These composites proved to be both eco‐friendly and biodegradable, since they broke down easily in the soil after 60 days and all of the composites lost about 70% of their original weight. These composites are anticipated to be used as an alternative to environment threatening plastic in indoor furniture, packaging, and computer cabinets.Highlights
Banana peduncle fiber was extracted from waste peduncle and used as reinforcer.
The tensile strength of the composite was achieved as 43.5 MPa.
The water absorption of composite was found 10.2% only after 24 h.
After 60 days under soil burial, composite lost 70.8% of its original weight.
Developed composites can be good alternant for non‐biodegradable thermoplastic.
Prediction of tensile strength of basalt continuous fiber from chemical composition using machine learning models
Authors: Zhang Ling , Yang Lu , Lai Chuan , Fu Dong , Lin Jun , Hou Haochun , Zhao Yan , Zhang Zeliang , Bu Caiyun , Zheng Xinran 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTensile strength is the major mechanical property of basalt continuous fiber and is closely related to their chemical composition. This study constructed a machine learning model framework to predict the tensile strength of basalt continuous fiber. The database included the characteristic variables of oxides and their derived parameters, as well as the target variables of tensile strength. The mean squared error (MSE) were calculated to evaluate the performance of six machine learning models of decision tree, kernel ridge regression, multivariable linear regression, support vector regression, random forest, and k‐nearest neighbors. The k‐nearest neighbors model had a minimum MSE and was tuned using the grid search method with cross‐validation. The optimal hyper‐parameters of the k‐nearest neighbors model were K = 6, p = 10, and the determination coefficient of the model reached the maximum of 0.7110 on the test data. The limitations and implications of the present study were also demonstrated. We finally expected that the constructed framework could achieve higher prediction accuracy for tensile strength at a low cost in the future.Highlights
A machine learning framework was built to predict the tensile strength of BCF.
Oxides and their derived parameters were used for modeling.
K‐nearest neighbors performed best in predicting the tensile strength.
The framework was robust, cost‐saving, and efficient.
Study on the property of mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with nisin for poly (lactic acid)‐based packaging film
Authors: Jiang Kai , Lu Wangwei , Zhu Bifen , Chen Haiyan , Li Lin , Qin Yuyue 
Published: July 2023

AbstractNisin was loaded in mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) (0, 1, 2 and 3 wt%) and incorporated into poly (lactic acid) (PLA) matrix by casting method. The mechanical property, water vapor permeability, thermal property, and antimicrobial property of PLA nanocomposite films were measured. And the internal structure of the composite film was observed through the Scanning electron microscope. Meanwhile, the kinetic of nisin releasing from food simulated solution was investigated and the migration model was established. The result showed that mesoporous silica had an effect on the mechanical and thermal property of the composite films. Both water vapor transmission rate (WVP) and oxygen permeation rate (OTR) decreased, especially for 3MSN/NI/PLA, where WVP decreased by about 9.64% and OTR decreased by 35.19%, which was beneficial to improve the preservation effect. With the addition of MSN, the amount of loaded nisin increased, and at 3MSN/NI, the nisin loading reached 88.75%, and the mesoporous silica could effectively control the release of nisin, thus prolonging the preservation effect. The release kinetic of nisin was described by Fick's law and Weibull's model. In short, the PLA nanocomposite film has the potential to be used as an antimicrobial active film by adding nisin as an antimicrobial agent.Highlights
A biodegradable antimicrobial food grade film was prepared.
Nisin was added to the films as an antimicrobial agent.
The ordered mesoporous structure of MSN was used as a carrier of antimicrobial agent.
The film effectively inhibits E. coli and S. aureus by controlling the release of nisin.
Fick's law and Weibull's model were used to describe the release kinetics of Nisin.
Prescribing of valproate and oral antiepileptics for women of childbearing age and during pregnancy in Germany between 2010 and 2020
Authors: Scholz Katrin , Köster Ingrid , Meyer Ingo , Selke Gisbert W. , Schubert Ingrid 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPurposeTo examine prescriptions of valproate and oral antiepileptic drugs (OAED) in Germany irrespective of the indication in women in general and particularly in women of childbearing age (13–49 years) and during pregnancy between 2010 and 2020, that is, before, during and after the implementation of the EU risk minimization measures (RMMs).MethodsAnalysis of claims data. Study population: all women continuously insured with the AOK health insurance fund in the respective observation year (2010–2020) and the previous year. OAED were identified by ATC code N03. Period of pregnancy was calculated based on birth information in claims data. Main outcomes measures: (i) prevalent use of valproate/OAED: number of women with at least one prescription of valproate/OAED per year divided by all women of the study population (rate per 1000 women); (ii) percentage of OAED recipients with at least one valproate prescription during pregnancy (13–49 years) in the respective observation year.ResultsPrevalence rate/1000 women for valproate use decreased by −31.33% across all age groups (2010–2014: −7.48%; 2014–2018: −16.47%; 2018–2020: −11,17%) with a strong reduction in women 13–49 years between 2014 and 2018 (−28.74%). The rate for OAED across all age groups rose from 33.43/1000 women in 2010 to 41.03/1000 (+22,73%). Valproate use during pregnancy of women with OAED declined from 1.29% in 2010 to 0.59% in 2020 (−54,26%) (2010–2014: −5.14%; 2014–2018: −42.31%; 2018–2020: −16.69%).ConclusionEven if, due to the descriptive nature of the study, no causal relationship can be postulated between the RMMs and the strong decrease in valproate prescriptions, our results are compatible with the hypothesis that the measures have improved drug therapy safety.
Measurement invariance of the Arabic version of the Flourishing Scale in a sample of special education teachers
Authors: AL‐Dossary Saeed A. , Almohayya Bander M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe present study aims to validate the Flourishing Scale (FS) in a convenience sample of 233 special education teachers. The FS's psychometric properties were investigated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). EFA had a one‐factor solution that explained 49.9% of the variance, a Cronbach's alpha internal consistency of .83, and a McDonald omega coefficient of .83. For the scale validity, the FS had a 0.36 to 0.56 correlation with the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SLWS), Happiness Measures (HM), and Life Satisfaction (LS), indicating convergent validity. The FS was also correlated with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, implying its discriminant validity. The FS's one‐factor model produced good fit indices when running the CFA. Multi‐group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) was used to evaluate measurement invariance. With one non‐invariant item, the result revealed partial scalar invariance across gender and marital status groups. There were no differences across gender and marital status when the latent mean differences were also evaluated. The results revealed no statistically significant differences in FS between males and females, or between single and married participants. The limitations and implications of the study are discussed.
The relationship between early adolescent cyberbullying victimization and later emotional wellbeing and academic achievement
Authors: Halliday Sarah , Taylor Amanda , Turnbull Deborah , Gregory Tess 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study addresses a knowledge gap in the literature about early adolescent cyberbullying victimization and the related positive and negative emotional wellbeing and academic achievement outcomes experienced over time. The study examines 9139 South Australian students (aged 10–13 years) who reported on cyberbullying status in Grade 6, and explores the relationship with emotional wellbeing and academic achievement outcomes measured in Grade 7 and Grade 9, while accounting for range of child, peer, school, and community covariates. Using mixed effects modeling, the results show that cyberbullying victimization is associated with significantly lower levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and higher levels of sadness, and worries over the shorter term (Grade 7), and significantly lower levels of reading and numeracy sustained across the longer term (Grades 7 and 9), compared to non‐victimization. The results indicate that early adolescent cyberbullying may be associated with poor emotional wellbeing and academic achievement as one progresses through formal school and highlights the importance of considering the outcomes of bullying victimization beyond the immediate instance.
Fabrication of patterned and anti‐patterned azopolymer nanoarrays via the light‐induced nanowetting method
Authors: Yan Ai‐Ling , Chang Chia‐Wei , Tsai Tsung‐Hung , Huang Meng‐Ru , Lin Kuan‐Ting , Karapala Vamsi Krishna , Ho Jhih‐Hao , Dai Wei‐You , Chen Jiun‐Tai 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe template wetting method is a common method used for preparing one‐dimensional polymer nanostructures, which can be widely applied in many fields. Although the template wetting method has generality in controlling the morphology of nanomaterials, it still poses challenges in generating patterned polymer nanoarrays. Here, we present the fabrication of patterned and anti‐patterned azopolymer (PAzo) nanoarrays via the light‐induced nanowetting method. By shining UV lights, the trans‐PAzo converts to cis‐PAzo, causing a reduction of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the PAzo below room temperature. Consequently, the PAzo polymers can undergo reversible solid–liquid transitions by shining UV and visible lights. When PAzo films are covered with photomasks and anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates, followed by shining UV lights, patterned PAzo nanoarrays can be generated. We further apply the concept that cis‐PAzo films can be selectively removed by solvents to generate anti‐patterned PAzo nanoarrays. By covering PAzo films with photomasks and illuminating UV lights, the unmasked areas can be converted to cis‐form, which can then be selectively removed by selected solvents. The patterned PAzo films are then covered with AAO templates, followed by shining UV lights, forming hierarchical anti‐patterned PAzo nanoarrays.
An atmospheric pressure plasma device with multiple ring electrodes for decontamination of flexible tubing with variable scales
Authors: Jin Shanshan , Jiang Yunfeng , Zhao Kaixiang , Zou Caiyong , Zhao Yajun , Zhang Li , Fang Zhi 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPlasma bacteria decontamination devices for the inner surface of medical tubes have to consider more practical application problems, such as the processing compatibility for medical tubes of variable scales, a reasonable and effective design model for plasma electrode parameters, and so on. This paper proposes a novel multisegment‐casing ring‐ring jet (MSC‐RRJ) without embedding the electrode into the target tube, obtaining the variable tube length processing capability. And through establishing an effective design model based on electric field distribution properties, ensuring the electric field strength margin in each segment of MSC‐RRJ to achieve the processing capability of variable tube diameters. A prototype device is developed based on the proposed MSC‐RRJ electrode and design method being verified by killing Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.