bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel gaze-controlled flexible robotized endoscope; preliminary trial and report
Authors: Sivananthan Arun , Kogkas Alexandros , Glover Ben , Darzi Ara , Mylonas George , Patel Nisha 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Interventional endoluminal therapy is rapidly advancing as a minimally invasive surgical technique. The expanding remit of endoscopic therapy necessitates precision control. Eye tracking is an emerging technology which allows intuitive control of devices. This was a feasibility study to establish if a novel eye gaze-controlled endoscopic system could be used to intuitively control an endoscope.

Methods
An eye gaze-control system consisting of eye tracking glasses, specialist cameras and a joystick was used to control a robotically driven endoscope allowing steering, advancement, withdrawal and retroflexion. Eight experienced and eight non-endoscopists used both the eye gaze system and a conventional endoscope to identify ten targets in two simulated environments: a sphere and an upper gastrointestinal (UGI) model.
Completion of tasks was timed. Subjective feedback was collected from each participant on task load (NASA Task Load Index) and acceptance of technology (Van der Laan scale).

Results
When using gaze-control endoscopy, non-endoscopists were significantly quicker when using gaze-control rather than conventional endoscopy (sphere task 3:54 ± 1:17 vs. 9:05 ± 5:40 min, p = 0.012, and UGI model task 1:59 ± 0:24 vs 3:45 ± 0:53 min, p < .001).
Non-endoscopists reported significantly higher NASA-TLX workload total scores using conventional endoscopy versus gaze-control (80.6 ± 11.3 vs 22.5 ± 13.8, p < .001). Endoscopists reported significantly higher total NASA-TLX workload scores using gaze control versus conventional endoscopy (54.2 ± 16 vs 26.9 ± 15.3, p = 0.012). All subjects reported that the gaze-control had positive ‘usefulness’ and ‘satisfaction’ score of 0.56 ± 0.83 and 1.43 ± 0.51 respectively.

Conclusions
The novel eye gaze-control system was significantly quicker to use and subjectively lower in workload when used by non-endoscopists. Further work is needed to see if this would translate into a shallower learning curve to proficiency versus conventional endoscopy. The eye gaze-control system appears feasible as an intuitive endoscope control system. Hybrid gaze and hand control may prove a beneficial technology to evolving endoscopic platforms.
Local Ceramics from the Islamic Trade Center of Harlaa, Eastern Ethiopia: Markers of Chronology and Contacts
Authors: Tait Nicholas , Insoll Timothy 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLocally made ceramics from Islamic sites in Ethiopia have been neglected in most archaeological studies, which tend to privilege imported Middle Eastern and Chinese/Southeast Asian ceramics. An assemblage of the local ceramics from the important trading site of Harlaa, in eastern Ethiopia (mid-sixth and fifteenth centuries AD), is the subject of this article. The study emphasizes the value of these ceramics as chronological markers, and for understanding regional and long-distance contacts, cultural innovations, processes of Islamization, and foodways.
Characterization of the heterogeneity of endothelial cells in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis using single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Liu Xiucheng , Qin Xichun , Qin Hao , Jia Caili , Yuan Yanliang , Sun Teng , Chen Bi , Chen Chang , Zhang Hao 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe loss of normal alveolar capillary and deregulated angiogenesis occurs simultaneously in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF); however the contributions of specific endothelial subpopulations in the development of pulmonary fibrosis are poorly understood. Herein, we perform single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the heterogeneity of endothelial cells (ECs) in bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis in rats. One subpopulation, characterized by the expression of Nos3 and Cav1, is mostly distributed in non-fibrotic lungs and also highly expresses genes related to the “response to mechanical stimulus” and “lung/heart morphogenesis” processes. Another subpopulation of ECs expanded in BLM-treated lungs, characterized by Cxcl12, is observed to be closely related to the pro-fibrotic process in the transcriptome data, such as “regulation of angiogenesis,” “collagen binding,” and “chemokine activity,” and spatially localized to BLM-induced neovascularization. Using CellPhoneDB software, we generated a complex cell–cell interaction network, which predicts the potential roles of EC subpopulations in recruiting monocytes, inducing the proliferation of fibroblasts and promoting the production and remolding of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Taken together, our data demonstrate the high degree of heterogeneity of ECs in fibrotic lung and it is proposed that the interaction between ECs, macrophages, and stromal cells contributes to pathologic IPF.
Can methods of artificial intelligence aid in optimizing patient selection in patients undergoing intrauterine inseminations?
Authors: Kozar Nejc , Kovač Vilma , Reljič Milan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
AI and its machine learning algorithms have proven useful in several fields of medicine, including medically assisted reproduction. The purpose of the study was to construct several predictive models based on clinical data and select the best models to predict IUI procedure outcomes.

Methods
Clinical data (patient baseline characteristics, sperm quality, hormonal status, and cycle data) from 1029 IUI procedures performed in 413 couples stimulated by clomiphene citrate, letrozole, or gonadotropins were used to build several models to predict clinical pregnancy. The models included ANN, random forest, PLS, SVM, and linear models using the caret package in R. The models were evaluated using ROC analysis by means of random CV on test data.

Results
Out of the best performing models, the random forest model achieved an AUC of 0.66, a sensitivity of 0.432, and a specificity of 0.756. This performance was followed by the PLS model, which achieved a sensitivity of 0.459 and specificity of 0.734. The other models achieved significantly lower AUCs. When adjusting the predictive cutoff value, confusion matrices show that clinical pregnancy is twice as likely in the case of positive prediction.

Conclusion
Among the compared methods, the random forest and PLS models demonstrated superior performance in predicting the clinical outcome of IUI. With additional research and clinical validation, AI methods may be successfully used in improving patient selection and consequently lead to better clinical results.
Binding free energy predictions in host-guest systems using Autodock4. A retrospective analysis on SAMPL6, SAMPL7 and SAMPL8 challenges
Authors: Casbarra Lorenzo , Procacci Piero 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe systematically tested the Autodock4 docking program for absolute binding free energy predictions using the host-guest systems from the recent SAMPL6, SAMPL7 and SAMPL8 challenges. We found that Autodock4 behaves surprisingly well, outperforming in many instances expensive molecular dynamics or quantum chemistry techniques, with an extremely favorable benefit-cost ratio. Some interesting features of Autodock4 predictions are revealed, yielding valuable hints on the overall reliability of docking screening campaigns in drug discovery projects.
Changes in the identity of the teaching profession: A study of a teacher union in Sweden from 1990 to 2017
Authors: Krantz Joakim , Fritzén Lena 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe analyse changes in the collective identity that Sweden’s largest labour union for teachers had during the period 1990–2017. The study is based on theory about how collective identity is constructed in adaptation and resistance to external categorical dimensions and internal group identification. We identify shifts in relation to how the union employ different aspects on teachers' recognition, emotional engagement, and evaluation. Two clear cut-off points can be identified. The first point, which is clearly related to the impact of political reforms, took place in 2000 and is about increased demands with respect to transparency, legality, equality, efficiency, and attainment results. The second point took place in 2015, a year when Sweden confronted a new set of social challenges. The teaching profession was re-launched as a moral agent and in need of a trust-based steering approach.
Orthonormal systems in spaces of number theoretical functions
Authors: Indlekofer Karl-Heinz , Kaya Erdener , Wagner Robert 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we consider some examples of set algebras $$ \mathcal{A} $$
A
on ℕ. If ℰ($$ \mathcal{A} $$
A
) is the set of simple functions on $$ \mathcal{A} $$
A
, then ℒ∗α($$ \mathcal{A} $$
A
) denotes the ‖⋅‖ α-closure of ℰ($$ \mathcal{A} $$
A
). Our aim is to determine a complete orthonormal system for the Hilbert space ℒ∗2($$ \mathcal{A} $$
A
) in each regarded case. Here ℒ∗2($$ \mathcal{A} $$
A
) denotes the quotient space ℒ∗2($$ \mathcal{A} $$
A
) modulo null-functions.
Multi-objective Optimization of Kerf-taper and Surface-roughness Quality Characteristics for Cutting-operation On Coir and Carbon Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Polymeric Composites During CO2-Pulsed Laser-cutting Using RSM
Authors: Singh Yadvinder , Singh Jujhar , Sharma Shubham , Aggarwal Vivek , Pruncu Catalin I. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCurrent research focuses on optimizing various quality characteristics for kerf geometry generated through laser cutting of Coir fibre/carbon fibre/epoxy resin hybrid composite adjacent to straight cut profile employing pulsed CO2 laser system. The Kerf taper (KT) and the Surface roughness (SR) are the main quality parameters discussed. Dependent on significant process parameters, namely gas pressure, cutting speed, pulse frequency and pulse width predictive models were developed. In accordance with Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array (OA), the cutting trials are designed. Process-parametric optimization was performed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Furthermore, experiments were performed to obtain experimental data for the analysis of cut quality features. The impact of the input variables on the response characteristics is also explored. The morphological characterizations have been performed to analysis the effect of machining-variables and cut-quality for the top and bottom kerf widths with various laser cutting variables in the pulse laser-cutting of Coir-fibre/carbon-fibre/epoxy-resin hybrid composite. For SR and KT, the developed second order surface response model was found very successful. The optimal levels of cutting variables for KT are established at Gas pressure-6 N/mm2, pulse width-2.04 ms, cutting speed-8.01 mm/s, pulse frequency-15 Hz, for sample A1, Gas pressure-5.47 N/mm2, pulse width-2.5 ms, cutting speed-8.81 mm/s, pulse frequency-8.43 Hz, for sample A2, Gas pressure-3.85 N/mm2, pulse width-1.5 ms, cutting speed-9.06 mm/s, pulse frequency-5 Hz, for sample A3 additionally for SR Gas pressure-2 N/mm2, pulse width-1.5 ms, cutting speed-7 mm/s, pulse frequency-5 Hz, for sample A1, Gaspressure-2.36 N/mm2, pulse width-1.5 ms, cutting speed-7 mm/s, pulse frequency-15 Hz, for sample A2, Gaspressure-6 N/mm2, pulse width-1.5 ms, cutting speed-11 mm/s, pulse frequency-8.73 Hz, for sample A3. Regression results and linear and square impact of laser cutting variables have been revealed to be important to validate the model.
The MBARI-WEC: a power source for ocean sensing
Authors: Hamilton Andrew , Cazenave François , Forbush Dominic , Coe Ryan G. , Bacelli Giorgio 
Published: May 2021

AbstractInterest in wave energy converters to provide autonomous power to various ocean-bound systems, such as autonomous underwater vehicles, sensor systems, and even aquaculture farms, has grown in recent years. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute has developed and deployed a small two-body point absorber wave energy device suitable to such needs. This paper provides a description of the system to support future open-source access to the device and further the general development of similar wave energy systems. Additionally, to support future control design and system modification efforts, a set of hydrodynamic models are presented and cross-compared. To test the viability of using a linear frequency-domain admittance model for controller tuning, the linear model is compared against four WEC-Sim models of increasing complexity. The linear frequency-domain model is found to be generally adequate for capturing system dynamics, as the model agreement is good and the degree of nonlinearity introduced in the WEC-Sim models is generally less than 2.5%.
A Dynamic Factor and Neural Networks Analysis of the Co-movement of Public Revenues in the EMU
Authors: Magazzino Cosimo , Mele Marco 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper shows that the co-movement of public revenues in the European Monetary Union (EMU) is driven by an unobserved common factor. Our empirical analysis uses yearly data covering the period 1970–2014 for 12 selected EMU member countries. We have found that this common component has a significant impact on public revenues in the majority of the countries. We highlight this common pattern in a dynamic factor model (DFM). Since this factor is unobservable, it is difficult to agree on what it represents. We argue that the latent factor that emerges from the two different empirical approaches used might have a composite nature, being the result of both the more general convergence of the economic cycles of the countries in the area and the increasingly better tuned tax structure. However, the original aspect of our paper is the use of a back-propagation neural networks (BPNN)-DF model to test the results of the time-series. At the level of computer programming, the results obtained represent the first empirical demonstration of the latent factor’s presence.
Digital twins: artificial intelligence and the IoT cyber-physical systems in Industry 4.0
Authors: Radanliev Petar , De Roure David , Nicolescu Razvan , Huth Michael , Santos Omar 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper presents a summary of mechanisms for the evolution of artificial intelligence in ‘internet of things’ networks. Firstly, the paper investigates how the use of new technologies in industrial systems improves organisational resilience supporting both a technical and human level. Secondly, the paper reports empirical results that correlate academic literature with Industry 4.0 interdependencies between edge components to both external and internal services and systems. The novelty of the paper is a new approach for creating a virtual representation operating as a real-time digital counterpart of a physical object or process (i.e., digital twin) outlined in a conceptual diagram. The methodology applied in this paper resembled a grounded theory analysis of complex interconnected and coupled systems. By connecting the human–computer interactions in different information knowledge management systems, this paper presents a summary of mechanisms for the evolution of artificial intelligence in internet of things networks.
A computational study on the uncertainty quantification of failure of clays with a modified Cam-Clay yield criterion
Authors: Savvides Ambrosios A. , Papadrakakis Manolis 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this study, the quantitative effect of the random distribution of the soil material properties to the probability density functions of the failure load and displacements is presented. A modified Cam-Clay failure criterion is embedded into a stochastic finite element numerical tool for this purpose. Various assumptions for the random distribution of the compressibility factor $$\kappa$$
κ
, of the constitutive relation, the critical state line inclination c of the soil, and the permeability k have been tested and assessed with Latin hypercube sampling followed by Monte Carlo simulation. It is confirmed that both failure load and displacements follow Gaussian normal distribution despite the nonlinearity of the problem. Moreover, as the soil depth increases the mean value of failure load decreases and the failure displacement increases. Consequently, failure mechanism of clays can be determined in this work within an acceptable variability, taking into account the soil depth and nonlinear constitutive relations which in the analytical solutions is not feasible as it is assumed the Meyerhoff theory which considers the elastic halfspace.
Heavy metal concentrations in the edible portions of Centella asiatica: Health risk toward chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology
Authors: Wijeyaratne W. M. Dimuthu Nilmini , Kumari Ellewaththe Arachchilage Charuni Se 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCentella asiaticais a commonly consumed green leafy vegetable in many developing countries due its high nutritious value and availability at low cost. The present study was conducted to assess the Cd, Cr and Pb uptake associated health risks ofCentella asiaticaharvested from organic and non-organic cultivations in a chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDue) prevalent area in Sri Lanka. The health risk assessment was conducted in terms of the bioconcentration factor (BCF), soil-to-root and root-to-leaf translocation factors ($${\text{TF}}\,({\text{soil-root}})$$TF(soil-root)and$${\text{TF}}\,({\text{root-leaf}})$$TF(root-leaf)), Target hazard quotient for each heavy metal (THQ) and hazard index (HI). In addition, the spatial variation of physical and chemical parameters of the root zone soil were assessed using MINITAB 17 statistical software. Results indicated significant spatial variations in conductivity, organic matter content and Cr concentrations among organic and non-organic study sites. The Cr, Cd and Pb concentrations recorded from roots and leaves ofCentella asiaticawere higher than the safe limits for consumption established by the European Union. The health risk analysis indicated that there is a potential of hyper-accumulating Cd in the roots ofCentella asiatica. Further, the THQ and HI of the heavy metals indicated possible adverse non-cancer health risks associated with long-term consumption of leaves ofCentella asiatica. Therefore, necessary precautionary actions to prevent the excessive buildup of Cr, Cd and Pb in the edible portions ofCentella asiaticaare essential in order to ensure consumer safety.
A framework for systemic sustainable construction industry development (SSCID)
Authors: Gyadu-Asiedu William , Ampadu-Asiamah Adwoa , Fokuo-Kusi Alfred 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe quest for construction industry (CI) development in developing countries has met with several challenges. These challenges are numerous and varied. The study aimed to provide a framework by which the construction industry development agenda in developing countries could be prosecuted through a more structured and systemic approach. The qualitative research approach was adopted for the study. This approach was employed within the constructivist epistemological paradigm. Regarding information gathering, the study used the integrative literature review approach to elucidate the construction industry’s nature and its proper systemic context. Complexity, interconnectedness, fragmentation, culture, and informality were found to be common challenges inherent in most CIs. Concerning the development of the industry, the approach was to (1) consider the industry as a system of systems (enabling the use of the principles of systems thinking and systems engineering), (2) apply the concepts of sustainable development as considered within the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and specified in the triple-bottom-line (TBL), i.e., the economic, environmental, and social dimensions, (3) identify the components of CI development (eight components were identified), which are: technology development, corporate development, human resource development, institutional development, material development, documentation, practice and procedure, and operating environment), and (4) Integrated studies. A conceptual framework was modelled from all the identified constructs. Based on this model, it was possible to propose a framework for assessing the maturity level of a country's sustainable construction industry development and, thereby, monitor its systemic development.
SOLUTIONS TO A LEBESGUE–NAGELL EQUATION
Authors: THO NGUYEN XUAN 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe find all integer solutions to the equation
$x^2+5^a\cdot 13^b\cdot 17^c=y^n$
with
$a,\,b,\,c\geq 0$
,
$n\geq 3$
,
$x,\,y>0$
and
$\gcd (x,\,y)=1$
. Our proof uses a deep result about primitive divisors of Lucas sequences in combination with elementary number theory and computer search.
Plant-based dietary indices and stress in female college students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Aljuraiban Ghadeer S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOnly a few studies have investigated the association between psychological stress and the healthfulness of plant-based diets while accounting for variances in age groups and regions. In light of this, this study aimed to identify the food groups that contribute the most to the relationship between the healthfulness of plant-based diets and psychological stress in female students in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study, which included 401 female college students aged 19–35 years, collected data on blood, anthropometric indices, the perceived stress scale-10 (PSS-10) and diet using the Saudi food frequency questionnaire. An overall plant-based diet index (PDI), healthy PDI, and an unhealthy PDI (uPDI) were defined. Multiple linear regression analyses were applied to examine the associations between PSS-10 and PDI and hPDI and uPDI. No associations between the PSS-10 score and the overall PDI or uPDI scores were found; however, a six-point higher hPDI score was associated with a 0·16-point lower PSS-10 score (95 % CI, –0·24, –0·08) after controlling for lifestyle factors. Moreover, adjustments for healthy food groups, including vegetables and fruits, attenuated the association between the hPDI and PSS-10. In conclusion, healthy plant-based diets are associated with lower psychological stress in young Saudi women. This finding highlights the importance, especially for female students, of following diets that are not only plant-based but are also healthy and rich in fruits and vegetables.
Kidney function decline is associated with an accelerated increase in plasma homocysteine in older adults: a longitudinal study
Authors: Zhang Hui , Li Yi , Hao Meng , Jiang Xiaoyan , Wang Jiucun , Jin Li , Bao Zhijun , Wang Xiaofeng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFew studies have been conducted to investigate the association of kidney function decline with the trajectories of homocysteine (Hcy) over time, using repeated measurements. We aimed to investigate the association of kidney function with changes in plasma Hcy levels over time. Data were collected from the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study. In detail, plasma Hcy and creatinine levels were measured in both waves (waves 2, 3 and 4) during the 3·5-year follow-up (n 1135). Wave 2 was regarded as the baseline survey. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated based on creatinine. Subjects were categorised into four groups according to quartiles of eGFR at baseline. Linear mixed-effect models were used to investigate the association of eGFR with subsequent plasma Hcy levels. The mean eGFR at baseline was 90·84 (sd 11·42) ml/min per 1·73 m2. The mean plasma Hcy level was 14·09 (sd 6·82) at baseline and increased to 16·28 (sd 8·27) and 17·36 (sd 10·39) μmol/l during follow-ups. In the crude model, the interaction between time and eGFR at baseline was significant (β = −0·02, 95 % CI −0·02, −0·01, P = 0·002). After adjusting for confounding factors, a significant relationship remained (β = −0·02, 95 % CI −0·02, −0·01, P = 0·003), suggesting that kidney function decline at baseline was associated with a faster increase in Hcy levels. Kidney function decline is associated with a more pronounced increase in plasma Hcy levels. Further studies with longer follow-up periods and larger sample sizes are needed to validate our findings.