bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endurance of phytocompounds in classical preparation from the root of Rauvolfia serpentina: pharmaceutical dosage validation by HPTLC, HPLC–UV, and LC–MS/MS
Authors: Hazra Kalyan , Kumar Deepak , Dutta Sreya , Dighe Dattatray , Saha Subhadip , Mangal Anupam Kumar , Singh Ravindra , Meena Ajay Kumar , Babu Gajji 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe phytocompounds found in medicinal plants attribute therapeutic values to the plants. However, when medicinal plants undergo different processes, such as crushing, grinding, boiling, and heating, the fate of phytocompounds is unclear. During these processes, phytocompounds may degrade, decompose, or even undergo molecular rearrangement, which results in a decrease or complete loss of therapeutic activity. As a result, the efficacy of a particular dosage may not be attained due to the change in the quantity of phytocompounds present in the final product or formulation. The present study aimed to determine the phytochemical changes that occur during the traditional process of preparation of Ghana from Rauvolfia serpentina roots. Ghana is a solidified preparation by decoction with water. Reserpine being the major bioactive marker in the R. serpentina, it was quantified by utilizing densitometric high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the qualitative presence of other secondary metabolites was studied by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The results showed that the percentage of reserpine quantified by HPTLC method (0.1742% and 0.1569% for roots and ghana, respectively) and HPLC method (0.1731% and 0.1578% for root and ghana, respectively) were almost same, and there were no statistically significant differences between the mean values of reserpine in the root and ghana. The LC–MS/MS study revealed that there were only a very few minor changes in the phytochemical array. The results indicate that the traditional method of preparation can preserve the quantity of reserpine at a prescribed dosage of 0.5 mg/day and can retain other secondary metabolites. Therefore, it may be concluded that the therapeutic efficacies of ghana caused by reserpine and other secondary metabolites are preserved.
Exploring socio-cultural influences on generative AI engagement in Nigerian higher education: an activity theory analysis
Authors: Essien Aniekan , Salami Adewale , Ajala Olubunmi , Adebisi Bamidele , Shodiya Adesina , Essien Grace 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study explores how socio-cultural dynamics influence student engagement with Generative AI technology in Nigerian higher education, using activity theory as theoretical underpinning. By examining the roles of community norms, technological accessibility, and educational objectives, the research identifies critical factors that impact the adoption and utilisation of GenAI. We employ quantitative analysis to analyse 899 survey responses from students across seventeen (17) Nigerian universities to derive interesting insights. Findings reveal that the ease of use of GenAI tools and their alignment with educational goals enhance student engagement. Conversely, regular need for technical support negatively affect engagement, suggesting underlying technological issues. These insights provide actionable recommendations for educators, administrators, and policymakers, emphasising the importance of user-friendly GenAI tools, comprehensive training programs, and robust support systems. This study contributes to the understanding of technology adoption in culturally diverse educational settings and offers strategies to improve educational practices and outcomes both in Nigerian higher education and also potentially in other African (developing countries), where similar socio-cultural dynamics might influence technology integration and educational advancements.
Optimization of automatic classification for women’s pants based on the swin transformer model
Authors: Pan Shaoqin , Wang Ping , Yang Chen 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn the post-pandemic era, integrating e-commerce and deep learning technologies is critical for the fashion industry. Automatic classification of women’s pants presents challenges due to diverse styles and complex backgrounds. This study introduces an optimized Swin Transformer model enhanced by the Global Attention Mechanism (GAM) to improve classification accuracy and robustness. A novel dataset, FEMPANTS, was constructed, containing images of five main trouser styles. Data preprocessing and augmentation were applied to enhance the model's generalization. Experimental results demonstrate that the improved model achieves a classification accuracy of 99.12% and reduces classification loss by 34.6%. GAM enhances the model's ability to capture global and local features, ensuring superior performance in complex scenarios. The research results not only promote the automation process in the fashion industry but also provide references for other complex image classification problems. This study highlights advancements in fashion e-commerce, offering practical applications for inventory management, trend analysis, and personalized recommendations, while paving the way for future innovations in deep learning-based image recognition.
Dual-verification-based model fingerprints against ambiguity attacks
Authors: Zhao Boyao , Chen Haozhe , Zhang Jie , Zhang Weiming , Yu Nenghai 
Published: December 2024

AbstractEfforts have been made to safeguard DNNs from intellectual property infringement. Among different techniques, model fingerprinting has gained popularity due to its ability to examine potential infringement without altering the model’s parameters. However, there is a concern regarding the vulnerability of previous model fingerprints to “ambiguity attacks,” where attackers may use fabricated fingerprints to bypass ownership verification, potentially leading to disputes. To address this issue, we propose a dual-verification-based fingerprint authentication system that incorporates the verification of fingerprint genuineness. Briefly, this system involves two authentication processes: conventional fingerprint methods for authenticating model copyrights and the incorporation of copyright information into the fingerprint feature map to confirm ownership of the model fingerprint. Extensive experiments have been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in resisting ambiguity attacks and managing attempts to remove the fingerprint.
Histogram analysis in diffusion-weighted imaging in differentiating breast masses
Authors: EL-Metwally Dina , Sultan Amina Ahmed Ahmed , Eltelbany Shohanda Abdelmonem Mahmoud 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Gray-scale histogram analysis has been submitted to evaluate the heterogeneity of the diffusion distribution among different sorts of tumors in the body. Measures obtained from apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histograms reflect the histopathological heterogeneity, distributions of cellular density, and tissue degeneration. This can supply a more credible base for recognition, categorization, and prognosis assessment of benign and malignant tumors. The aim of this work was to assess the role of ADC histogram analysis in differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions.

Results
Among ADC histogram parameters, there was significant difference between benign and malignant lesions regarding to ADC mean being 1.59 ± 0.32 for benign tumors versus 0.871 ± 0.29 for malignant tumors (P value < 0.001), ADC minimum being 1.09 ± 0.44 for benign lesions versus 0.432 ± 0.327 malignant lesions (P value < 0.001), ADC maximum being 1.92 ± 0.387 for benign lesions versus 1.27 ± 0.390 for malignant lesions (P value < 0.001), and kurtosis being 3.71 ± 2.54 for benign lesions versus 6.23 ± 3.82 for malignant lesions (P value = 0.007). Among ADC histogram parameters, ADC mean had the highest diagnostic performance with AUC (0.959), specificity (95.7%), and accuracy (93.3%).

Conclusion
ADC histogram analysis is used as sensitive and specific technique in differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions with ADC mean showing the highest diagnostic performance among ADC histogram parameters.
Phagocytosis: strategies for macrophages to hunt Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Liu Donghui , Wang Jiangmei , Xu Zhengzhong , Chen Xiang , Jiao Xin’an 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMacrophages, as crucial innate immune cells, play a fundamental role in combating Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The most powerful strategy for macrophages to eliminate Mtb is phagocytosis. They identify extracellular pathogens through various receptors and then engulf them, eliminating pathogenic microorganisms through reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and a range of enzymes derived from phagosome-lysosome fusion. However, this process may also provide a potential ecological niche for Mtb. This is due to the fact that Mtb is capable of ensuring its survival within macrophages. Mtb infection results in obstructing the usual phagosome maturation and acidification. In addition, Mtb is capable of escaping from phagosomes and entering the cytoplasm of its host cell. This process of escaping phagosomes appears to promote necrosis in infected macrophages, and facilitate the expansion of intracellular bacterial populations. Therefore, enhancing the bactericidal capacity of macrophages or preventing Mtb invasion may prove to be a promising strategy for the adjuvant treatment of tuberculosis. This review highlights the processes and outcomes of macrophage recognition and phagocytosis of Mtb, and describes the mechanisms involved in Mtb resistance to phagocytosis. Moreover, recent advances in the modulation of macrophage phagocytosis to assist in the treatment of tuberculosis will be discussed.
Maternal immune activation does not affect maternal microchimeric cells
Authors: Borges Alexandria , Irie Naoki 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
We are naturally chimeras. Apart from our own cells originating from the fertilized egg, placental mammals receive small numbers of maternal cells called maternal microchimerism (MMc) that persist throughout one's whole life. Not only are varying frequencies of MMc cells reported in seemingly contradicting phenomena, including immune tolerance and possible contribution to autoimmune-like disease, but frequencies are observable even among healthy littermates showing varying MMc frequencies and cell type repertoire. These varying differences in MMc frequencies or cell types could be contributing to the diverse phenomena related to MMc. However, factors biasing these MMc differences remain largely unknown. Here, we tested whether immunological activation leads to differing MMc frequencies, based on our recent study that suggests that most maternal cells are immune-related. Unexpectedly, fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis on the murine spleen, thymus, and liver following maternal immune activation by mid-gestational lipopolysaccharide intraperitoneal injections detected no significant difference in the number, or ratio of, immune-related maternal cells in the tested embryonic organs of healthy offspring. These findings suggest that MMc frequencies remain stable even under immune-activated conditions, implying a possible control system of MMc migration against changes in the immunological conditions.
Mechanical properties of snake skin vary longitudinally, following large prey ingestion and among species
Authors: Petersen Jarrod C. , Campbell Lucy C. , Jayne Bruce C. , Roberts Thomas J. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
The ability for snakes to ingest large prey (macrostomy) is a widespread, derived trait that involves distending the skin during ingestion and metabolic upregulation during digestion. The material behavior of the skin must accommodate significant stretch associated with a large prey bolus, but data remain sparse for how the material properties of snake skin vary: longitudinally within an individual, after ingesting large prey and among species. To test whether these three factors affected the mechanical properties of snake skin, we quantified uniaxial stresses and strains in circumferential loops of skin from the neck, mid-body and tail of fasted and recently fed Boa constrictor. We also tested skin from several pre-cloacal longitudinal positions in fasted snakes that included two non-macrostomates (Afrotyphlops lineolatus, Anilius scytale) and a highly specialized macrostomate species that eats only bird eggs (Dasypeltis gansi). For B. constrictor, the anterior-most skin failed at higher strains for fed (mean±s.e.m. 2.17±0.10) compared with unfed individuals (1.80±0.04), and maximal stiffness (Young's modulus) had a significant increase posteriorly. The values of Young's modulus for the anterior-most skin of D. gansi (0.050±0.014 MPa) were by far the lowest observed both within that species and among all species. The material properties of skin of the two non-macrostomate species had little longitudinal variation. Hence, the extent of longitudinal variation in skin properties is both species dependent and affected by feeding. The more distensible skin in macrostomates relative to the non-macrostomate species tested suggests that more compliant anterior skin is a derived trait that facilitates macrostomy.
Performance Attribution for Portfolio Constraints
Authors: Lo Andrew W. , Zhang Ruixun 
Published: December 2024

We propose a new performance attribution framework that decomposes a constrained portfolio’s holdings, expected returns, variance, expected utility, and realized returns into components attributable to (1) the unconstrained mean-variance optimal portfolio; (2) individual static constraints; and (3) information, if any, arising from those constraints. A key contribution of our framework is the recognition that constraints may contain information that is correlated with returns, in which case imposing such constraints can affect performance. We extend our framework to accommodate estimation risk in portfolio construction using Bayesian portfolio analysis, which allows one to select constraints that improve—or are least detrimental to—future performance. We provide simulations and empirical examples involving constraints on environmental, social, and governance portfolios. Under certain scenarios, constraints may improve portfolio performance relative to a passive benchmark that does not account for the information contained in these constraints. This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance. Funding: Research funding from the National Key Research and Development Program of China [Grant 2022YFA1007900], the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 12271013, 72342004], Peking University’s Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, and the MIT Laboratory for Financial Engineering is gratefully acknowledged. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2024.05365 .
Simultaneous vibration and soil moisture sensing using a single mode fiber for structural health monitoring applications
Authors: Jena James , Swanepoel Francois , Mahed Gaathier , Waswa David 
Published: December 2024

A dual-purpose single mode optical fiber sensor was developed for simultaneous soil moisture and structural health monitoring. Unmodified G655 SMF with polarization coupled phase components was used to detect environmental changes due to ground movement and moisture content variations. Spectral distribution profiles of the baseband frequencies below 10 Hz were analyzed for structural health monitoring, while resonant peak frequencies higher than 110 Hz had notable dependence on the damping effect of moisture on the spectral peak intensity of the detected acoustic waves. Using these peaks, moisture content was measured within a root mean square error value of +/−0.04. The sensor demonstrates a critical resource optimization tool for distributed sensing applications and monitoring in PON systems.
Geospatial distribution of Hepatitis E seroprevalence in Nepal, 2021
Authors: Rhee Chulwoo , Dighe Amy , Katuwal Nishan , Cho Haeun , Mraidi Ramzi , Tamrakar Dipesh , Lim Jacqueline KyungAh , Poudyal Nimesh , Park Il-Yeon , Kim Deok Ryun , Amatya Ritu , Shrestha Rajeev , Azman Andrew S. , Lynch Julia 
Published: December 2024

Background
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes acute jaundice and poses an important public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Limited surveillance capacity and suboptimal access to diagnostics leads to under-reporting of HEV infections in affected countries, including Nepal. Serum antibodies against HEV are indicative of past infection. We analyzed existing samples from a nationally representative serosurvey to describe the geospatial distribution and factors associated with HEV seroprevalence in Nepal, as a proxy for infection.

Methodology/Principle findings
A nationally representative cross-sectional serosurvey of 3,922 individuals ≥2 years old from 975 households spread across 65 wards throughout Nepal was conducted between November 2021 and January 2022. Bio-banked samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG. Seroprevalence and its 95% confidence interval were estimated by age, sex, ecological region, municipality type, and other waterborne-disease related risk factors. Bayesian geostatistical models were fitted to observed seroprevalence data and used to generate high-resolution maps of seroprevalence across Nepal. Available samples from 3,707 participants were tested for anti-HEV IgG, and 3,703 were used for final analysis. We found 20.8% (95% CI: 19.5–22.2) of participants had evidence of prior HEV infection. HEV seroprevalence increased with age, and was higher in males (23.5%, 95% CI: 21.5–25.5) than in females (18.6%, 95% CI: 16.9–20.3). Seroprevalence in hilly (28.9%, 95% CI: 26.6–31.2) and mountain (24.6%, 95% CI: 18.8–30.5) regions were significantly higher than in terai (14.2%, 95% CI: 12.7–15.8). While there was no significant difference between urban and rural populations, the predicted seroprevalence was highest in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, reaching seroprevalence of 50% in some selected area. No statistically significant differences were found for wealth quintile, water source, and toilet facility.

Conclusions
This study provides population-based serologic evidence that HEV is endemic in Nepal, with the greatest risk of infection in Kathmandu.
Delving into female breast cancer: Distinct disease-specific survival outcomes between invasive lobular and ductal carcinomas revealed by propensity score matching
Authors: Zhang Wu , Huang Yuquan , Zhou Ye , Xue Jiaojiao , Gao Shan , Kang Lin , Shi Jian , Zhou Tao , Duan Yalong , Guo Sihan , Li Qingxia 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The difference in prognosis between invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is still controversial in the academic community. Resolving this controversy can help to more accurately determine patients’ prognosis, provide further personalized treatment, alleviate unnecessary psychological burden for some patients, and provide direction for further fundamental research.

Patients and methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the SEER Research Plus Data 8 Registries, Nov 2021 sub (1978–2019), including female breast cancer patients diagnosed with ILC or IDC between 2010 and 2015. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed, and key covariates affecting prognosis were selected. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to match patients, and balance tests were conducted to evaluate covariate distribution. Disease-specific survival (DSS) differences between the matched IDC and ILC groups were compared.

Results
Following PSM, the covariate differences between the IDC and ILC groups were significantly reduced. The survival analysis revealed a significantly better prognosis for the IDC group than the ILC group (Log-rank test p < 0.001), with a 28.0% increased risk observed in the ILC group.

Conclusion
This study provides evidence supporting the existence of significant differences in prognosis between IDC and ILC patients after rigorous matching. The IDC group displayed a significantly better prognosis than the ILC group. Notably, these findings have implications for personalized treatment in clinical practice and contribute to the ongoing academic debate on survival differences between IDC and ILC. However, further research is needed to investigate the biological mechanisms, gene expression, and signaling pathway disparities between IDC and ILC, aiming to provide more targeted guidance for clinical decision-making.
Association between cardiac autonomic regulation, visceral adipose tissue, cardiorespiratory fitness and ambient air pollution: 4HAIE study (Program–4)
Authors: Dostal Tomas , Dankova Martina , Barot Tomas , Sindler Dominik , Kutac Petr , Jandackova Vera , Jandacka Daniel , Hofmann Peter , Cipryan Lukas 
Published: December 2024

Background
The main objective of the present cross-sectional cohort study was to determine whether there is an association between cardiac autonomic regulation, as expressed through heart rate variability (HRV), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and over the long-term living in areas with low or high air pollution.

Methods
The study sample included 1036 (487 females) healthy runners (603) and inactive participants (age 18–65 years) who had lived for at least 5 years in an area with high (Moravian-Silesian; MS) or low (South Bohemian; SB) air pollution in the Czech Republic. A multivariable regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations between multiple independent variables (CRF (peak oxygen consumption), VAT, sex, socioeconomic status (education level), and region (MS region vs. SB region) with dependent variable HRV. The root mean square of successive RR interval differences (rMSSD) was employed for the evaluation of HRV.

Results
The multivariable linear regression model revealed that cardiac autonomic regulation (rMSSD) was significantly associated with CRF level (p < .001) and age (p < .001). There were no associations between rMSSD and region (high or low air-pollution), sex, education level or VAT (p > 0.050).

Conclusions
We showed that living in an area with low or high air pollution is not associated with cardiac autonomic modulation in healthy runners and inactive individuals. CRF and age significantly directly and inversely, respectively, associated with HRV. There were no other significant associations.
Changing technologies and assessment redesign
Authors: O'Rourke Mark 
Published: December 2024

This project reviewed current assessment practice across a School at a large University in Melbourne through analysis of student Course Experience Surveys (CES), desktop analysis of course guides, teacher interviews and student focus groups. Based on the findings, targeted resources were designed and professional development activities delivered to teachers to improve assessment and feedback processes in an environment of changing educational technology contexts. Analysis of qualitative CES data identified the most significant issues with assessment design and implementation, and this was used as a reference point and in communication with teachers to promote an understanding that assessment design impacts student learning and achievement.

The development of resources and delivery of professional development activities to improve assessment design were undertaken during a period of significant technological change at the University. A new Learning Management System (LMS) was implemented and all courses were required to have an online presence and comply with a set of guidelines. The impact of this significant change on academics and students was examined to determine whether institutional technology implementation facilitates or hinders efforts to improve assessment and feedback processes in the context of learning and teaching practice.