bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MRI regional strain analysis in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Mediterranean cohort
Authors: Maher Esraa , Khalil Magdi , Taher Mona , Khalil Sameh 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the regional left ventricular myocardial strain in patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) especially young apparently compensated patients by magnetic resonance imaging.
Materials and Methods: 25 HCM patients representing all age groups and 25 healthy volunteers underwent 1.5 Tesla MRI examination for cardiac volumes, and mass, followed by regional strain analysis in radial, circumferential, and longitudinal directions as regard the displacement, strain, peak diastolic and systolic strain rate, peak diastolic and systolic velocity, time to peak displacement and time to peak strain.
Results: In the HCM group, hypertrophic segments showing delayed gadolinium enhancement (DGE) were significantly different from non-hypertrophic apparently normal showing no enhancement concerning most of the regional radial strain parameters.
In longitudinal and circumferential directions, hypertrophic segments showing DGE were significantly different from apparently normal segments with no enhancement as regard the strain, peak diastolic and systolic strain rate.
Compared to normal volunteers, the hypertrophic segments with DGE were significantly different concerning most of the radial and longitudinal strain parameters, while apparently normal segments with no enhancement don’t present a similar significant difference.
In circumferential analysis, hypertrophic enhancing segments were significantly different as regard the strain, peak diastolic strain rate, peak systolic velocity, and time to peak displacement, while the apparently normal non-enhancing segments present difference concerning the strain, peak systolic velocity, and time to peak displacement.
Conclusion
The hypertrophied segments showing DGE are more affected than the segments of apparently normal thickness non enhancing in HCM patients, especially in the radial direction, the apparently normal segments are less affected with no tendency of functional compensation.
These findings are crucial in young age apparently compensated patients’ diagnosis follow up.
Synthetic dataset generation method for object detection
Authors: Zhou Ningning , LI Tong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

To address the high construction cost of datasets for object detection, particularly in industrial application scenarios where sufficient sample images cannot be obtained from the Internet due to the specialized nature and diversity of objects and their working environments, this paper proposes a method to automatically generate synthetic datasets and train object detection models on them. First, 3D models of the target devices are created and rendered to ensure that the synthetic images exhibit realistic texture and detail. Next, a simulation environment is constructed and the 3D models are integrated into this environment using global domain randomization techniques. Finally, computer graphics methods are applied to automatically annotate target objects in the synthetic images. This approach effectively reduces the cost of data acquisition while maintaining the detection accuracy of the models. Several mainstream object detection models, including Faster R-CNN, SSD, and YOLO, are trained on synthetic datasets of anti-vibration dampers. Experimental results on real-world images demonstrate that models trained on synthetic data achieve relatively high accuracy. Furthermore, fine-tuning these models with a very small number of real images significantly enhances their performance. In addition, the models exhibit robustness against interference and occlusion.
Unmet Need, Practice, Perception and Predictors of Menstrual cup Use among Medical and Paramedical Students and Staffs: A Cross-Sectional Study from Eastern India
Authors: Behera Surama Manjari , Behera Priyamadhaba , Rao E. Venkata , Patro Binod Kumar , Kanungo Srikanta 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Menstrual cups are a cost-effective, sustainable, and safe alternative to other menstrual products. However, they are less popular or not widely used, such as sanitary pads. The study aimed to estimate the unmet need, prevalence and associated factors of menstrual cup use.
Methods
The study was conducted in a tertiary medical college in Odisha, eastern India. All female medical and paramedical students and staff aged 18–45 years were included in the study. Women with surgical/physiological menopause and those denied consent to participate in the study were excluded. Unmet need was defined as females willing to use menstrual cups but not using them currently. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to find the factors associated with menstrual cup use. Model 1 analysed individual characteristics (age, marital status, participant's education, and knowledge related to menstrual cups). Model 2 added family factors (mother's education, type of family, and family income and in final model 3 incorporated social/environmental factors (residence and caste).
Results
Out of 538 participants, 339 intend to use the menstrual cup; however, only 15 participants use the menstrual cup currently. The unmet need was 95.58% [95% CI 92.81%-97.50%]. The prevalence of menstrual cup use is 2.79% [95% CI 1.57%-4.56%]. Women who rated their knowledge of menstrual cups as good were likelier to adopt menstrual cups as menstrual hygiene management than those with poor/average knowledge [OR 10.81 (95% CI 3.04–38.49)]. Mother’s education was significant in bivariate analysis [OR 4.17 (95% CI 1.09–15.95)]; however, it was not significant in model 3. The reasons for unmet needs were comfortable with sanitary napkins, no adequate knowledge about menstrual cups, the requirement of support during menstrual cup use, fear of insertion, lack of privacy, fear of being struck inside the vagina, and social taboos.
Conclusion
Despite the benefits, menstrual cup use remains low while unmet needs are high. A strong association exists between individuals with good knowledge of menstrual cups and their likelihood of using them. To address this, public health initiatives are necessary to enhance knowledge and provide support, promoting menstrual cups as a sustainable solution for menstrual hygiene management among women of reproductive age.
Mechanical and Microstructural Optimization of Hybrid Epoxy Composites with Renewable Bambara Nut Shells and Potato Starch Reinforcement
Authors: Nwambu Chidume N. , Okpechi Victor U. , Aribodor Ogechukwu B. , Ekwedigwe Chilee M. , Nwabunwanne Joseph T. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable materials has driven research into bio-agricultural waste as a reinforcement for hybrid composites. This study investigates the mechanical and morphological properties of hybrid epoxy composites reinforced with Bambara nutshell and potato starch particles. Composite samples were produced with varying reinforcement loadings (5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, and 30 wt%) and tested according to ASTM standards. Results show that tensile and flexural strengths increased significantly with reinforcement up to 25 wt%, achieving maximum values of 62.38 MPa and 84.21 MPa, respectively, due to optimal filler-matrix interaction. Beyond 25 wt%, strength properties declined because of poor wettability and filler agglomeration. Impact strength peaked at 5 wt% reinforcement with a value of 0.372 J/mm, but decreased at higher loadings due to increased brittleness. Microstructural analysis revealed that the improved performance at 25 wt% was attributed to better dispersion, fewer voids, and strong filler-matrix adhesion. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing agricultural waste to produce eco-friendly hybrid composites, contributing to sustainable materials development, reducing reliance on synthetic alternatives, and offering significant advantages for industrial and residential applications where lightweight materials with superior impact and tensile properties are required.
Altermagnetism and Strain Induced Altermagnetic Transition in Cairo Pentagonal Monolayer
Authors: Li Shuyi , Zhang Yu , Bahri Adrian , Zhang Xiaoliang , Jia Chunjing 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Altermagnetism, a recently discovered class of magnetic order characterized by vanishing net magnetization and spin-splitting band structures, has garnered significant research attention. In this work, we introduce a novel two-dimensional system that exhibits g-wave altermagnetism and undergoes a strain-induced transition from g-wave to d-wave altermagnetism. This system can be realized in an unconventional monolayer Cairo pentagonal lattice, for which we present a realistic tight-binding model that incorporates both magnetic and non-magnetic sites. Furthermore, we demonstrate that non-trivial band topology can emerge in this system by breaking the symmetry that protects the spin-polarized nodal points. Finally, ab initio calculations on several candidate materials, such as FeS2 and Nb2FeB2, which exhibit symmetry consistent with the proposed tight-binding Hamiltonian, are also presented. These findings open new avenues for exploring spintronic devices based on altermagnetic systems.
Chemotherapy-induced intestinal damage, body mass index, plasma amino acids, and fecal calprotectin in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Kairiene Igne , Vaisnore Ramune , Kaminskas Andrius , Petrenas Tomas , Songailiene Jurgita , Eidukaite Audrone , Gorbikova Evelina , Rascon Jelena 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Intestinal damage (ID) leads to bacterial translocation and bloodstream infections – the common cause of non-relapse mortality in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study evaluated ID over ALL induction and the significance of body mass index (BMI) for its development and identify biomarkers reflecting chemotherapy-induced ID. The composite biomarker panel included 37 plasma amino acids, urea, ammonia, fecal calprotectin (fCLP), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), C-reactive protein, and albumin. We prospectively assessed 45 children treated according to ALLTogether protocol in 2020–2024. Analysis and sample collection were performed on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 of the protocol. The obtained values were compared between the ID and non-ID groups. Forty percent of patients (18/45) had grade I–III ID which was more pronounced on day 22 of induction when the ANC increased from its lowest point. A higher BMI at a diagnosis was a significant prognostic factor for ID (odds ratio, 1.379, p = 0.048). The most significant negative predictors were citrulline (− 0.022), albumin (− 0.014), and glutamine (−<0.001). No difference in ANC and fCLP was found between patients with and without ID. In conclusion, the assessment of nutritional status and prospective evaluation of biomarkers may provide valuable information on treatment-related ID.
Bridging Communities: Educational Leaders’ Strategies for Parental Engagement in Multicultural and Digital Contexts
Authors: Grech Josephine Ebejer 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study explores the perceptions and practices of educational leaders in engaging parents and the community, drawing insights from interviews with Heads of Schools across primary, middle, secondary, and post-secondary levels in Malta. Using Braun and Clarke analysis method, the research identifies key themes including involvement, engagement, multiculturalism, and the use of technology. Findings reveal that while the ten educational leaders interviewed actively implement strategies such as open days, talks, and digital communication tools, challenges such as limited parent availability and resistance to change persist. The study highlights significant variations in engagement approaches across educational stages and underscores the need for adaptive strategies to address cultural and technological disparities. This paper concludes that fostering effective parental and community involvement is critical for enhancing student outcomes. Recommendations for future research include expanding the study to incorporate perspectives from parents and students and exploring the longitudinal impact of technological tools on engagement.
Assessment of Tear Film and Meibomian Glands before and after Cataract Surgery by the Ocular Surface Analyzer
Authors: El-Morsy Osama Abd Allah , Ramadan Hasnaa Hosam Eldin , Fayed Ahmed Shebl 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to assess the tear film and meibomian gland function before and after cataract surgery using the Lacrydiag ocular surface analyzer.
Methods
This was an observational prospective study including 34 eyes that underwant phacoemulsification at the Ophthalmology Department of Menoufia University Hospital from October 2023 to January 2024. The patients were evaluated pre-operatively as well as 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. Dry eye symptoms were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Traditional tear break up time (TBUT) was performed as well as Schirmer I test. The Lacrydiag Ocular Surface Analyzer was used for assessment of the tear film and meibomian glands.
Results
Ocular surface analyzer evaluations revealed statistically significant changes at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery in comparison to the values before surgery. Significant reductions were observed in non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT) & tear meniscus height, as well as in Schirmer's test without anesthesia, and fluorescein break-up time at each postoperative interval. Some improvements were observed at 1 month & 3 months, however, measurements did not return to the initial pre-operative levels. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores significantly increased after 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-surgery compared to preoperative levels. The proportion of meibomian gland loss region did not significantly increase after surgery (no structural alterations noted). These findings
Conclusion
The study highlights significant alterations in the health of the ocular surface and the stability of the tear film after cataract surgery, indicating that cataract surgery impacts both the amount and quality of tears.
Gender segregation in the labour market of Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
Authors: Mubarakov Yeldar , Bordiyanu Ilona , Seriktayeva Ayazhan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Central Asian countries face serious socio-economic problems related to gender segregation in the labour market. This study examines the extent and scope of gender segregation in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan between 2014 and 2023, which includes significant changes caused by economic development, political reforms and the global crisis. The study used data from each country’s national statistical agencies, which examined gender differences in employment levels, sectoral distribution and access to decision-making positions. The persistence of gender inequality in the labour market can be identified through comparative analysis, which examines trends and identifies factors that contribute to it. The study shows that two ideas are true by using the Gini Index, Duncan Index, Glass Ceiling Index, and analyzing data over time. Despite some progress, women still face limitations in certain occupational areas and at higher levels, as the results show. The analysis shows that gender segregation and its characteristics in each of the three countries are influenced by socioeconomic and cultural factors. The final result of the study is a set of recommendations to reduce gender imbalance and achieve an equitable distribution of opportunities for both genders, which can ultimately contribute to the sustainable development and economic efficiency of the region.
JEL Classification J16, J21, J31
Network Intrusion Detection based on Feature Fusion of Attack Dimension
Authors: Sun Xiaolong , Gu Zhengyao , Zhang Hao , Gu Jason , Liu Yanhua , Dong Chen , Ye Junwei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Network traffic anomaly detection involves the rapid identification of intrusions within a network through the detection, analysis, and classification of network traffic data.The variety of cyber attacks encompasses diverse attack principles. Employing an indiscriminate feature selection strategy may lead to the neglect of key features highly correlated with specific attack types. This oversight could diminish the recognition rate for that category, thereby impacting the overall performance of the detection model.To address this issue, this paper proposes a network traffic anomaly detection model based on the fusion of attack-dimensional features. Firstly, construct binary classification datasets independently for each attack class and perform individual feature selection to extract positively correlated features for each class. The features are then fused by employing a combination methods. Subsequently, based on the fused sub-datasets, base classifiers are trained. Finally, an ensemble learning approach is introduced to integrate the predictions of individual classifiers, enhancing the robustness of the model.The proposed approach, validated on NSL-KDD and UNSW-NB15 benchmark datasets, outperforms the latest methods in the field by achieving a \(2%\) and \(7%\) increase in precision on weighted averages.
Textual-Visual Interaction for Enhanced Single Image Deraining using Adapter-Tuned VLMs
Authors: Yang Qianfeng , Li Pengpeng , Jin Jiyu , Jin Guiyu , Song Tianyu , Fan Shumin , Hou Hao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel method called Textual-Visual Interaction for Enhanced Single Image Deraining using Adapter-Tuned VLMs (TVI-Derain). By leveraging the extensive textual knowledge from pretrained visual-language models (VLMs), we aim to improve the performance of single image deraining. To address the gap between VLMs and the restoration model, we introduce textual-aware intra-layer (TaIl) adapters that adapt the features of downstream data by capturing task-specific knowledge. Furthermore, a textual-visual feature interaction (TVI) module is designed to bridge the gap between textual and visual features, enabling reliable interaction. The proposed cross-attention feature interaction (CAFI) block within the TVI module effectively represents the interactive features. Semantic and degradation textual prompts are integrated as inputs to the text encoder to mitigate semantic disconnection arising from degraded samples. Extensive experimental results on benchmark datasets demonstrate that our method outperforms other competitive methods in terms of performance, showcasing its potential applications in automotive vision systems and surveillance and
surveillance. The code will be released at github.com/ncfjd/TVI-Derain.
Development of a corneal haze model post-surface refractive surgery and evaluation of a tetrandrine-based nanoparticulate therapy
Authors: WU XIAO LI , Li Tao , Zhang Yu , Du Yangrui , Fang Qilin , Du Zhiyu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Haze refers to the opaque turbidity that forms at the interface between the corneal epithelium and stroma within the ablation area following corneal surface refractive surgery. While corticosteroids are conventionally used to control haze, their prolonged use increases the likelihood of complications such as ocular hypertension and cataracts. his study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a tetrandrine (Tet)-loaded mesoporous titanium dioxide nanomedicine (Tet@TiO2) in inhibiting the inflammatory response associated with haze formation, leveraging its sustained release and biocompatibility properties.
Methods
Tet@TiO2 was synthesized using nanotechnology, and its physicochemical properties and biosafety were evaluated. In vitro experiments involved the co-incubation of Tet@TiO2 with inflammatory corneal stromal fibroblasts (HCSFs) to assess the expression of inflammatory markers (α-SMA, CTGF, and type III collagen fiber). In vivo experiments used a New Zealand white rabbit model of corneal haze induced by transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TransPRK).
Results
Tet@TiO2 effectively inhibited the expressions of inflammatory markers both in vitro and in vivo. In the rabbit model, Tet@TiO2 significantly reduced haze formation and achieved better outcomes than traditional drug treatments. The nanomedicine demonstrated good biosafety and superior efficacy compared to corticosteroids without associated risks such as ocular hypertension.
Conclusion
Tet@TiO2 is a safe and effective novel nanomedicine capable of inhibiting haze formation after corneal surface refractive surgery. It offers a promising alternative to corticosteroids for managing post-operative inflammatory responses.
3D printing of intrauterine device loaded with silver sulfadiazine to the treatment of fungal diseases
Authors: Ferrari Gustavo , Silva Loise Silveira da , Batistella Tauana , Mannes Sophia , Silveira João Pedro Vaz , Piva Caio Prange , Kanis Luiz Alberto , Salmoria Gean vitor 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The main goal of the present study is to develop and manufacture drug delivery devices for fungal treatment concerning women's health attention.
Methods: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and Thermoplastic Polyurethane TPU were manufactured by hot melt extrusion (HME) and fused-deposition modeling (FDM™). Drug loaded prototypes were manufactured combining EVA and TPU matrices with silver sulfadiazine (AgSD).
Results: EVA and TPU were loaded with 10 and 20% theoretical drug load resulting in desired intrauterine device geometries. The devices' physicochemical, mechanical properties and in-vitro drug release were characterized. Drug release presented a burst release due to surface agglomerates of AgSD and controlled release after this initial behavior.
Conclusion: The HME were successfully used to produce polymeric filaments and to incorporate the drug into the polymeric matrix. The EVA and TPU devices were released for 30 days, showing promising results for the local delivery systems.
Assessment of physiological responses, yield, and latex-related traits in promising Hevea brasiliensis genotypes as a breeding strategy to enhance germplasm selection under various environmental conditions in the Amazon region
Authors: Sterling Armando , Agudelo-Sánchez Ariel A. , Muñoz-Ramirez Herminton , Rodríguez-León Carlos H. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to assess changes in physiological responses, early rubber yield and latex biochemical quality in nine promising rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) genotypes and the cultivar IAN 873 (control) during first year tapping in large-scale clonal trials under seasonal water deficits in two climatic zones in the Colombian Amazon. Our results showed that, with a larger water deficit (i.e., dry season and semi-humid warm locality), all genotypes had a lower photosynthetic rate, lower extrinsic water use efficiency, and lower leaf water potential. On the contrary, a higher yield and a greater metabolic activity related to latex production were evidenced in the semi-humid warm locality than in the humid warm locality. Thus, the highest yield values ​​and traits related to latex quality were observed in the rainy season and in the semi-humid warm locality, where the FX 3899 P1 and FDR 4575 genotypes had a significantly higher productive yield, an intermediate DRC, a higher sucrose consumption, a more active metabolism and a greater capacity to prevent stress with an increase in the content of thiols in the latex. Greater physiological and productive adaptability, with and without the water deficit, were observed in the genotypes FX 3899 P1, FDR 4575 and GU 198 in both climatic zones. This better adapted germplasm to water limitations has a high selection potential for H. brasiliensis breeding programs in the northwestern Colombian Amazon