bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An enhanced hybrid interval slacks-based DEA model with super-efficiency and application
Authors: Arana-Jiménez Manuel , Sánchez-Gil M. Carmen , Younesi Atefeh , Lozano-Ramírez Julio 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Data envelopment analysis (DEA) models play a significant role in evaluating the efficiency of decision-making units (DMUs) among multiple input and output variables in many fields, such as industry or economy. This method establishes a production possibility set (PPS) that defines the efficient ones, the efficiency boundary or frontier, and provides the projection into the latter, or targets, for the inefficient ones. This paper introduces an enhanced hybrid interval slacks-based DEA when information on inputs and outputs can be discrete (integer) or continuous (real) and presents uncertainty, which can be modeled using intervals (integer or continuous). To this matter, we propose a novel approach that calculates crisp inefficiency scores, interval slacks, and interval targets using interval arithmetic and LU-partial orders on intervals. Mainly, the novelty is based on a reduction and simplicity of the model with respect to others existing, as well as the inclusion of integer interval-valued information with the corresponding mathematical tools and previous results. A super-efficiency slacks-based model is also provided to distinguish among the efficient DMUs and provide a full rank for the set of DMUs. We finally present the practical application of our method in tourism, an essential economic sector in Spain, focusing on different coastal areas.
Improving the Utilization of Legacy P in Animal Manured Soils Using Transgenic Plants that Express a Microbial Phytase
Authors: George TS , Brown LK , Brown MM , Gregory PJ , Richardson AE 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSustainability of P is a major global issue with the combined effects of variability in costs for mineral fertilisers and their profligate use leading to both limitations and excess of P across different agricultural systems. Systems where animal manures are used for fertilisation often accumulate P to a point beyond where excess P contributes to eutrophication. Increasing the availability of organic forms of P, such as inositol phosphates that can be a significant component of the organic P present in manure and soil, should be an important research target. Here we tested whether transgenic N. tabacum plants which express a fungal phytase gene (phyA from Aspergilus niger), either constitutively or under control of a root-hair P-inducible promoter, were able to acquire more P from soils with long-term supplementation with manures. Plants that constitutively expressed phytase had enhanced root phytase activity and ability to accumulate up to 4.2-fold more P than control plants when grown in soils supplemented with monogastric animal manures. In contrast, the same plants did not accumulate more P in soils supplemented with ruminant manure. These results suggest that P-use efficiency could be improved in systems fertilised with monogastric animal manure by increased phytase activity in the rhizosphere enhancing the use of legacy P and reducing the need for continued addition of inorganic fertilisers.
3D Non-separable Moment Invariants and Their Use in Neural Networks
Authors: Karella Tomáš , Suk Tomáš , Košík Václav , Bedratyuk Leonid , Kerepecký Tomáš , Flusser Jan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractRecognition of 3D objects is an important task in many bio-medical and industrial applications. The recognition algorithms should work regardless of a particular orientation of the object in the space. In this paper, we introduce new 3D rotation moment invariants, which are composed of non-separable Appell moments. We show that non-separable moments may outperform the separable ones in terms of recognition power and robustness thanks to a better distribution of their zero surfaces over the image space. We test the numerical properties and discrimination power of the proposed invariants on three real datasets—MRI images of human brain, 3D scans of statues, and confocal microscope images of worms. We show the robustness to resampling errors improved more than twice and the recognition rate increased by 2–10 % comparing to most common descriptors. In the last section, we show how these invariants can be used in state-of-the-art neural networks for image recognition. The proposed H-NeXtA architecture improved the recognition rate by 2–5 % over the current networks.
An algebra structure for reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces
Authors: Montgomery Michael , Giannakis Dimitrios 
Published: December 2024

AbstractReproducing kernel Hilbert spaces (RKHSs) are Hilbert spaces of functions where pointwise evaluation is continuous. There are known examples of RKHSs that are Banach algebras under pointwise multiplication. These examples are built from weights on the dual of a locally compact abelian group. In this paper we define an algebra structure on an RKHS that is equivalent to subconvolutivity of the weight for known examples (referred to as reproducing kernel Hilbert algebras, or RKHAs). We show that the class of RKHAs is closed under the Hilbert space tensor product and the pullback construction on the category of RKHSs. The subcategory of RKHAs becomes a monoidal category with the spectrum as a monoidal functor to the category of topological spaces. The image of this functor is shown to contain all compact subspaces of $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$

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for $$n>0$$

n
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0

.
Mobile device-based 3D scanning is superior to scoliometer in assessment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Oquendo Yousi , Hollyer Ian , Maschhoff Clayton , Calderon Christian , DeBaun Malcolm , Langner Joanna , Javier Nadine , Bryson Xochitl , Richey Ann , Naz Hiba , Tileston Kali , Gardner Michael , Vorhies John S. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Screening for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) currently relies on clinical evaluations by trained practitioners, most commonly using a scoliometer. Modern structured light 3D scanning can generate high-quality 3D representations of surface anatomy using a mobile device. We hypothesized that a mobile-based 3D scanning system would provide accurate deformity assessments compared to a scoliometer.

Methods
Between August 2020 and June 2022, patients 10–18 years being evaluated for AIS in our clinic with a scoliosis radiograph obtained within 30 days of clinic evaluation and no history of spinal surgery were enrolled. Patients had 3D scans taken in the upright and forward bend positions, and the largest angle of trunk rotation (ATR) was measured by a scoliometer. Image processing software was used to analyze trunk shift (TS), coronal balance (CB), and clavicle angle (CL) in the upright position and the largest ATR in the forward bend position. 3D and scoliometer measurements were correlated to major curve magnitude. Multiple logistic regression models were created based on 3D and scoliometer measurements, controlling for demographic covariates.

Results
Two hundred and fifty-eight patients were included in this study. Mean coronal major curve magnitude was 25.7° (range 0–100), and 59% had a thoracic major curve. There were good-to-excellent correlations between 3D and radiographic measures of TS, CB, and CL (r = 0.79, rs = 0.80, and r = 0.64, respectively, p < 0.001). Correlations between 3D and radiographic measures of largest lumbar and thoracic ATR also demonstrated good correlations (r = 0.64 for both, p < 0.001). Using Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC), a multivariable logistic regression model based on 3D scanning outperformed a scoliometer model.

Conclusions
Mobile device-based 3D scanning of TS, CB, and TS identifies clinically relevant scoliotic deformity and is more predictive of radiographic curve magnitude than scoliometer in this population. This new modality may facilitate scoliosis screening by decreasing the need for trained personnel or dedicated equipment and clinical space to perform screening tests.

Level of evidence
II.
Tackling Modern Slavery or Worsening Vulnerability? UK’s Modern Slavery Agenda in Nigeria
Authors: Olayiwola Peter 
Published: December 2024

AbstractNigeria is said to be one of the largest source countries for victims of modern slavery in the UK (Throughout this paper, I use the terms ‘modern slavery’, ‘slavery’ and ‘human trafficking’ loosely and interchangeably to refer to extreme exploitation as often described in many international documents as well as in the UK’s MSA which is the focus of this paper). Thus, the UK government has often lauded its partnership with the Nigerian government in tackling the problem of modern slavery, often presented as a problem of irregular migration. At the same time, legal migration channels into the UK are increasingly being tightened, and Nigerians are among those who suffer the consequences of such. This paper reviews the UK government policies, partnerships and activities in Nigeria in the light of the Modern Slavery Act. It argues that the emphasis on deterring migration and sex trafficking has meant that the UK government agenda is being promoted to the detriment of key structural factors contributing to other dimensions of vulnerability and exploitation in Nigeria.
Insect‒microbe symbiosis-based strategies offer a new avenue for the management of insect pests and their transmitted pathogens
Authors: Lv Chao , Huang Yan-Zhen , Luan Jun-Bo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
With the continuous growth of global agricultural production, pest control has become a critical factor in ensuring crop health and increasing agricultural output. In view of the safety of food and ecology, the development of more environmentally friendly and sustainable approaches for pest management is desirable. All insects are colonized by microorganisms on the insect cuticle or in the body. These resident microorganisms can promote insect fitness, impact the transmission of plant pathogens, or protect insects against natural enemies and adverse environments. Thus, insect‒microbe symbiosis-based strategies provide a new avenue for the management of insect pests and their transmitted pathogens. This review summarizes developments in the field of pest control approaches based on insect‒microbe symbiosis and proposes future directions. First, we introduce insect symbiotic microorganisms and their functions. This review discusses the application of insect-microbe symbiosis-based pest control strategies, including the application of native or engineered symbionts, the utilization of bioactive substances produced by symbiotic microorganisms, and the development of an insect symbiosis disruption strategy. Despite the great potential of this novel pest-control strategy, many challenges remain, such as the stability of symbiotic bacteria, their environmental adaptability, and their impact on non-target organisms. Finally, the review concludes by suggesting future directions, including improving the targeting specificity of symbiotic bacteria, enhancing their environmental adaptability, and developing integrated pest management strategies that combine this means with others to achieve more sustainable and effective pest control.
Through the lens of Good Participatory Practice: Findings and lessons learned from the healthcare worker subcommittee of the COVID-19 Healthcare Worker Exposure Response and Outcomes Registry
Authors: Chen-Lim Mei Lin , Koellhoffer Jayne F. , Turner Kisha Batey , Summerlin Martha , George Anoop , Handberg Eileen , Lawrence Daryl , Naqvi Syed Hasan , O’Brien Emily , Cohen Lauren , McAdams Patty , Webb Laura , Leverty Renee 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Participant representation, including the Good Participatory Practice guidelines, in the design and execution of clinical research can profoundly affect research structure and process. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, an online registry called the Healthcare Worker Exposure Response and Outcomes (HERO) Registry, was launched to capture the experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) on the pandemic frontlines. It evolved into a program that distributed COVID-19-related information and connected participants with COVID-19-related research opportunities. Furthermore, a subcommittee of HCWs was created to inform the COVID-19-related clinical research, engagement, and communication efforts. This paper, coauthored by the HERO HCW subcommittee, describes how it was formed, the impact of community participation on the HERO Registry and Research Program, reflections on lessons learned, and implications for future research. Engagement of the HCW Subcommittee resulted in representing their lived experience and ensured that their perspectives as HCWs were incorporated into the HERO Research. The strategies not only supported recruitment and retention efforts but also influenced the HERO research team in framing research questions and data collection pertinent to the participant community. This experience demonstrated the importance of having participants’ input as expert advisors to an investigative team in their research efforts during a global health emergency.
Electronic evaluation of infection risk from room environment and prior room occupants: the transmission from room environment events (TREE) measure
Authors: Rock Clare , Hsu Yea-Jen , Milstone Aaron M. , Salinas Alejandra B. , Maragakis Lisa , Kwon Nathan , Cosgrove Sara E. , Simner Patricia J. , Virk Zunaira , Vorsteg Abigail H. , Klein Eili ,   For the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Prevention Epicenters and MInD Programs
Published: December 2024

AbstractOver a 2-year period, we identified Transmission from Room Environment Events (TREE) across the Johns Hopkins Health System, where the subsequent room occupant developed the same organism with the same antimicrobial susceptibilities as the patient who had previously occupied that room. Overall, the TREE rate was 50/100,000 inpatient days.
Visualizing usnic acid with anisaldehyde reagent
Authors: McCune Bruce , Perera Wilmer H. , Yu Xinhui , McPhail Kerry 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe pale yellowish tint of usnic acid in a lichen thallus itself is a commonly used character in identification keys, particularly in the genus Cladonia. Furthermore, the presence of usnic acid is phylogenetically significant in numerous groups of lichens. While the distinctive colour of usnic acid is readily visible when present in high concentrations, it is commonly problematic to discern when in low to moderate concentrations. We explored the use of an anisaldehyde reagent for visualizing usnic acid. Using both usnic acid-containing Cladonia samples and pure usnic acid, this reaction quickly yields a bright magenta colour on HPTLC and TLC plates after heating and directly with crude acetone extracts on glass slides heated with a lighter. The same magenta product was observed whether or not the usnic acid was accompanied by barbatic, fumarprotocetraric, psoromic, squamatic or thamnolic acids, each of which alone did not produce any colour with anisaldehyde reagent. However, the merochlorophaeic acids in C. albonigra also produced a red reaction. Analysis by high resolution LC-MS of the reaction mixture between anisaldehyde and usnic acid revealed several ions at m/z 477.1586 ([M+H]+, C27H25O8) and 463.1385 ([M+H]+, C26H23O8), respectively, consistent with aldol condensation of usnic acid and p-anisaldehyde.
Steep increase in red-listed lichens of Estonia
Authors: Randlane Tiina , Jüriado Inga , Mark Kristiina , Marmor-Ohtla Liis , Oja Ede , Saag Andres , Savchenko Anton , Degtjarenko Polina 
Published: December 2024

AbstractNational Red Lists are useful tools in establishing local conservation priorities. The threat status of Estonian lichens based on the IUCN system has been assessed twice, in 2008 and 2023. In the latest Red List, the proportion of species of elevated conservation concern, that is taxa belonging to the Near Threatened and threatened categories or having become regionally extinct in Estonia, was high (58%) while Least Concern (LC) species represented one-third (36%) of all taxa. Macrolichens were more threatened than microlichens. The Red List Index (RLI), illustrating the trends of species in their projected extinction risk, was calculated. The values were low (< 0.7 in 2023), thus indicating a heightened risk both for the set of all species and for macrolichens. More than half of all Estonian lichens are associated with woodlands and 54% of these species are of elevated conservation concern. Lichens preferring broad-leaved deciduous trees included more threatened than LC species, while among lichens preferring other deciduous or coniferous trees the proportion of LC species was higher than that of threatened taxa. Lichens inhabiting calcareous grasslands had the highest share (69%) of taxa of elevated conservation concern. Comparisons of national red-listed data with four selected countries (Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland and Sweden) revealed that the biggest overlaps of Estonian taxa of elevated conservation concern were with the Czech Republic and Finland.
Umbilicaria ahtii – a new species of Umbilicaria subg. Papillophora from the vicinity of Helsinki with remarks on species of the Umbilicaria vellea group
Authors: Davydov Evgeny A. , Ohmura Yoshihito , Yakovchenko Lidia S. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUmbilicaria ahtii sp. nov. is described based on morphological and molecular characters. The new species resembles Umbilicaria vellea but the former has larger and submuriform ascospores, a darker lower surface, longer dark brown to black rhizinomorphs, and lacks thalloconidia directly on the lower surface and basal part of the rhizinomorphs. Phylogenetic analyses (ITS, mtLSU and RPB2) confirmed the distinctness of U. ahtii and indicated its sister relationship to U. meizospora. Umbilicaria ahtii is described from Finland and is currently known from several localities in Northern Europe (Svalbard, Norway, Finland, Kola Peninsula in Russia), Asia (Kodar Range, Siberia) and North America (Alaska). Within the U. vellea group, new molecular data confirmed U. koidzumii as a widespread, separate species sister to U. cinereorufescens. Diagnostic traits and variability of species, as well as their distribution patterns and nomenclature, are discussed.
A new Calicium on Ramboldia
Authors: Tibell Leif , Clayden Stephen R. , Prieto Maria , Wedin Mats 
Published: December 2024

AbstractA lichenicolous species, Calicium ramboldiicola, growing on Ramboldia elabens is described. In phylogenetic analyses with 22 Calicium taxa, based on 121 sequences from five DNA regions (mtSSU, Mcm7, nuITS, nuLSU, β-tubulin), the new species formed a strongly supported clade with C. abietinum and C. verrucosum. Although the ascomata of the new species resemble miniatures of those of C. abietinum, no morphological synapomorphies for this clade were found. Calicium ramboldiicola is known from boreal and hemiboreal areas of northern Europe and north-eastern North America. It is the second known lichenicolous species of Calicium and the first found on a lichen in the Lecanorales.
Mixed strongyle parasite infections vary across host age and space in a population of feral horses
Authors: Ahn Sangwook , Redman Elizabeth M. , Gavriliuc Stefan , Bellaw Jennifer , Gilleard John S. , McLoughlin Philip D. , Poissant Jocelyn 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Identifying factors that drive among-individual variation in mixed parasitic infections is fundamental to understanding the ecology and evolution of host–parasite interactions. However, a lack of non-invasive diagnostic tools to quantify mixed infections has restricted their investigation for host populations in the wild. This study applied DNA metabarcoding on parasite larvae cultured from faecal samples to characterize mixed strongyle infections of 320 feral horses on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2014 to test for the influence of host (age, sex and reproductive/social status) and environmental (location, local density and social group membership) factors on variation. Twenty-five strongyle species were identified, with individual infections ranging from 3 to 18 species with a mean richness (±1 s.d.) of 10.8 ± 3.1. Strongyle eggs shed in faeces were dominated by small strongyle (cyathostomins) species in young individuals, transitioning to large strongyles (Strongylus spp.) in adults. Egg counts were highest in young individuals and in the west or centre of the island for most species. Individuals in the same social group had similar parasite communities, supporting the hypothesis that shared environment may drive parasite assemblages. Other factors such as local horse density, sex, date and reproductive/social status had minimal impacts on infection patterns. This study demonstrates that mixed infections can be dynamic across host ontogeny and space and emphasizes the need to consider species-specific infection patterns when investigating mixed infections.
‘NAOUIEDCT’ and ‘RCSSEOEUR’: harmonising complexity in the South African landscape of music literacy education in secondary schools
Authors: van Rensburg Ronella Jansen , De Villiers Ronel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article explores the multifaceted landscape of music literacy education in South African secondary schools through an anagrammatic lens. Music literacy education is symbolised by the anagrams ‘NAOUIEDCT’ and ‘RCSSEOEUR’, encapsulating resource-related, cultural and pedagogical complexities. This comparison of music literacy education to anagrams creates an interesting analogy that can shed light on the complexity and challenges inherent in the situation. It aims to unravel these complexities, like solving a multifaceted puzzle. Thus, the result of this qualitative interpretive research project is the transformation of a complex challenge (conundrum) into symbolic puzzles (anagrams), aiming to decipher the intricacies of music literacy education. This methodology offers an approach to foster engagement and collaborative work toward future solutions. Through a comprehensive exploration, this research aims to unravel the layers of challenges inherent in Music Education, offering insights and recommendations for a nuanced and enriched educational experience. The data for this research project were collected through semi-structured interviews and, consequently, a thematic content analysis was carried out, first in a descriptive level of analysis, followed by a conceptual level of analysis. Computer-aided qualitative analysis software, namely ATLAS.tiTM23, played a valuable and significant role in both the literature review and thematic content analysis phases of this study.
Food for thought: more explicit guidance for inclusion of caregiver perspectives in health technology assessment
Authors: Bourke Siobhan , Skedgel Chris , Martí-Gil Yasmina , Neumann Peter J. , Garrison Louis P. , Benham-Hermetz Samantha , Becker Frauke , João Garcia Maria 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Caregivers can play an important role in supporting and caring for people with progressive, life-threatening, or debilitating conditions. However, this supportive role can expose caregivers to various detrimental financial, physical, and psychosocial issues. When evaluating medical technologies for reimbursement decisions, health technology assessment (HTA) agencies typically focus on the treatment’s impact on patients and ignore or downplay the impact on caregivers. Including caregiver impacts within a wider societal perspective may better enable health systems to maximize health benefits from available resources. However, the lack of clear guidance or methodological recommendations from decision makers on the inclusion of caregiver impacts limits the number of HTA submissions that consider these effects. We outline a conceptual framework based on intensity and duration of caregiving to guide researchers, industry, and decision makers when developing policies for the inclusion of caregiver outcomes and justify their inclusion based on expected caregiver burden in identified circumstances.