bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Transfer Learning Approach for Detecting Infected and Healthy Maize Crop Using Leaf Images
Authors: Tanveer Muhammad Usama , Munir Kashif , Raza Ali , Abualigah Laith , Garay Helena , Gonzalez Luis Eduardo Prado , Ashraf Imran 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTMaize is a staple crop worldwide, essential for food security, livestock feed, and industrial uses. Its health directly impacts agricultural productivity and economic stability. Effective detection of maize crop health is crucial for preventing disease spread and ensuring high yields. This study presents VG‐GNBNet, an innovative transfer learning model that accurately detects healthy and infected maize crops through a two‐step feature extraction process. The proposed model begins by leveraging the visual geometry group (VGG‐16) network to extract initial pixel‐based spatial features from the crop images. These features are then further refined using the Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB) model and feature decomposition‐based matrix factorization mechanism, which generates more informative features for classification purposes. This study incorporates machine learning models to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. By comparing VG‐GNBNet's performance against these models, we validate its robustness and accuracy. Integrating deep learning and machine learning techniques allows VG‐GNBNet to capitalize on the strengths of both approaches, leading to superior performance. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed VG‐GNBNet+GNB model significantly outperforms other models, achieving an impressive accuracy score of 99.85%. This high accuracy highlights the model's potential for practical application in the agricultural sector, where the precise detection of crop health is crucial for effective disease management and yield optimization.
Prevalence of infertility and the effect of covariates on survival time to pregnancy: A nationally representative population based cross sectional study
Authors: Teklemicheal Ashebir Getachew , Gebreyohannes Rahel Demissew 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectiveThis study sought to estimate population level prevalence of infertility and explored whether time to pregnancy is related to selected factors.MethodsThis study's analysis was based on data collected from 2081 women who were sampled from participants of the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey based on risk of pregnancy criteria: age between 15 and 49 years, currently married or cohabitating, sexually active, not used contraception method during the 5 years before interview, not menopausal, and not pregnant. We used a current duration (CD) approach in which for each woman we calculated the length of time‐at‐risk of pregnancy (CD value) in months. A parametric survival model was fitted to CD values from which the median time to pregnancy (TTP) and prevalence of infertility were estimated. To explore variables associated with a longer TTP accelerated failure time, regression models were built to estimate time ratios.ResultsThe median TTP was 4 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.9–4.1). The 12‐month prevalence of overall, primary, and secondary infertility were 29.5% (95% CI 27.50–31.47), 31.1% (95% CI 27.85–34.48), and 27.7% (95% CI 25.30–30.23), respectively. A longer TTP was observed for women aged 35 to 49 (P = 0.001), nulliparous (P = 0.00), when the usual residence of the husband is outside the home (P = 0.001), for women who want to give birth soon (P = 0.00), for cigarette smokers (P = 0.027), for rich women (P = 0.002), and for tertiary (P = 0.00) and primary educated women (P = 0.00).ConclusionThis study suggests 30% of reproductive‐age women experience infertility, which indicates that large numbers of Ethiopian women need fertility services.
Enhanced Reed–Solomon Error Correction Framework for Reliable Data Transmission in Noisy Communication Systems
Authors: Almazmomi Najah Kalifah 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIn modern communication systems, reliable data transmission in noisy, and interference environments is a tough problem. However, conventional error control techniques, like Reed–Solomon (RS) codes, often fail to achieve performance under high dimensional noise and burst errors. To overcome these limitations, this study presents a new framework that incorporates advanced optimization algorithms and adaptive error correction techniques, to extend the RS method. The improved RS encoding scheme starts with multi‐layered encoding, adaptive symbol interleaving, and list decoding to increase resilience against severe noise. We use a multi‐verse optimizer (MVO) for global exploration and a differential evolution with adaptive chaos (DEAC) algorithm for local refinement of the system parameters to optimize the system parameters. The hybrid optimization approach proposed here achieves an appropriate trade‐off between exploration and exploitation, avoiding local optima risk and enhancing convergence. Turbo‐enhanced Reed–Soloman decoding is realized with the optimized parameters to decode corrupted data in a challenging communication environment. On multiple noisy transmission scenarios, the proposed framework was found to outperform conventional RS methods and hybrid error correction schemes. Experimental results show that the proposed approach reduces bit error rate (BER) by 30% and decoding latency by 25% versus baseline methods. In addition, the system demonstrated higher throughput and more robust error correction in the presence of varying noise levels. Finally, a highly efficient and reliable error correction solution in modern communication systems is achieved by integrating MVO and DEAC with the improved RS method for parameter optimization.
Function and Regulation of Age‐Associated B Cells in Diseases
Authors: Geng Zi , Cao Yejin , Zhao Longhao , Wang Likun , Dong Yingjie , Bi Yujing , Liu Guangwei 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe aging process often leads to immune‐related diseases, including infections, tumors, and autoimmune disorders. Recently, researchers identified a special subpopulation of B cells in elderly female mice that increases with age and accumulates prematurely in mouse models of autoimmune diseases or viral infections; these B cells are known as age‐related B cells (ABCs). These cells possess distinctive cell surface phenotypes and transcriptional characteristics, and the cell population is widely recognized as CD11c+CD11b+T‐bet+CD21‐CD23‐ cells. Research has shown that ABCs are a heterogeneous group of B cells that originate independently of the germinal center and are insensitive to B‐cell receptor (BCR) and CD40 stimulation, differentiating and proliferating in response to toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR7) and IL‐21 stimulation. Additionally, they secrete self‐antibodies and cytokines to regulate the immune response. These issues have aroused widespread interest among researchers in this field. This review summarizes recent research progress on ABCs, including the functions and regulation of ABCs in aging, viral infection, autoimmune diseases, and organ transplantation.
New Findings in Developmental Studies of Laryngeal Mound With a Reference to Its Attached Structures in Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica)
Authors: Khalifa Mahmoud Osman , Gaber Wafaa , Saleh Abdelmohaimen Mostafa 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe laryngeal mound (LM) formed the caudal part of the pharyngeal floor, which varied in position, shape, and length at different ages. This work aimed to study the morphogenesis of the LM in the embryonic and post hatching periods grossly, histologically, and by scanning electron microscopy using forty‐eight Japanese quails. The LM primordia appeared on the 8th day of incubation as a raised elevation carried on a deep median symmetrical sulcus (glottis primordium). As a result of rapid differential LM parts growth, LM took different shapes with advanced ages, finally ending in a heart shape. Internally, LM was supported by hyaline laryngeal cartilages; a C‐shaped cricoid cartilage that had two wings, paired fork‐like two arytenoids, and a comma‐shaped procricoid that had four articulations. The glottis appeared as a central longitudinal opening on the 13th day of incubation. With age advancing, it was characterized as a wide rostral commissure and a caudal narrow one that was supported on either side by arytenoid cartilages. Additionally, on the 13th day, a bilateral sagittal row to the glottis developed, consisting of 8–9 small caudally directed papillae. At that time, rostral and caudal transverse laryngeal papillary rows appeared. LM had compound tubuloalveolar submucosal laryngeal glands that were situated between M. dilator glottidis and cricohyoideus and opened on the dorsal surface of LM. Histochemically, the early post‐hatching stages of the glandular secretion were PAS‐positive while late post‐hatching ages had alcinophilic reactions. In conclusion, the LM had rapid morphological developmental events in the early ages other than the adult ages.
Investigating the Synergistic Interactions Between AgNPs and NiCl2 on the Morpho‐Physiological Trajectories of Zea mays L. Through Comprehensive Characterization at Seedling Stage
Authors: Hussain Riaz , Mushtaq Nadia , Ahmed Mushtaq , Hameed Hajra , Badshah Saboor , Sher Naila , Badshah Farhad , Waheed Abdul , Ali M. Ajmal , Elshikh Mohamed S. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTGreen synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is preferred for its affordability and environmentally friendly approach. This study explored the synthesis and characterization of silver NPs (AgNPs) and examined their impact on the growth of Zea mays, both alone and in combination with nickel chloride (NiCl2). A methanolic leaf extract was combined with silver nitrate to synthesize AgNPs. Characterization of NPs was carried out through UV–vis spectroscopy, FT‐IR, x‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Eleven treatments (T1–T11) were made, and Z. mays seeds were subjected to NiCl2 in pots after being soaked in AgNPs solution. Treatments were arranged to evaluate the effects of NiCl2 (T1–T3), AgNPs (T4 and T5), and the interactive effects of AgNPs and NiCl2 (T6–T11) on the planted seeds. UV–vis peaks at 410 nm confirmed the presence of AgNPs. The crystalline nature of AgNPs was confirmed through XRD analysis, and the presence of functional groups from biomolecules and capping agents was shown in FT‐IR. The morphology of the NPs and elemental analysis were conducted using SEM and EDS, respectively. The size of the NPs was found 25–50 nm using Nano Measurer software. Growth inhibition was noticed in NiCl2‐treatments T1–T3. Maximum growth and 100% seed germination were observed in NP‐treated seeds (T4 and T5). These two treatments also showed the highest germination index, root/shoot growth, and fresh/dry weights. In treatments T6–T11, the interaction between NiCl2 and AgNP‐soaked seeds showed that while AgNP concentrations alone promoted growth, this enhancement was suppressed by the presence of NiCl2 in the soil. The inhibited values of T6–T11 were still greater than the control, indicating that soaking Z. mays seeds in AgNPs enhanced growth and mitigated nickel stress in the soil. Pigments, carbohydrates, and protein contents were highest in T4 and T5, whereas NiCl2 reduced these values. Synthesized AgNPs could enhance Z. mays growth and reduce nickel stress at the applied amounts. Further investigation is required to determine the mechanisms of action of AgNPs and NiCl2 in enhancing or reducing Z. mays seedling growth and yield.
Evaluating the efficacy of hinged elbow braces in reducing passive valgus forces after ulnar collateral ligament injury—A biomechanical study
Authors: Hoffeld Kai , Wahlers Christopher , Hockmann Jan P. , Wegmann Sebastian , Ott Nadine , Wegmann Kilian , Müller Lars Peter , Hackl Michael 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPurposeThis biomechanical study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a hinged elbow orthosis in reducing passive valgus forces following medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries of the elbow joint. The hypothesis tested was that a hinged elbow orthosis reduces these passive valgus forces.MethodsEight fresh frozen cadaveric elbow specimens were prepared and tested under three scenarios: intact ligaments, simulated UCL rupture and application of a hinged elbow brace after simulated UCL rupture. Valgus instability was assessed using a custom testing set‐up and the Optotrak motion capture system. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the results across scenarios.ResultsIntraclass correlation (ICC) calculation showed that the testing set‐up was reliable in investigating valgus deflection across all levels of applied force. The hinged elbow brace reduced passive valgus forces after UCL rupture. The reduction in valgus instability was consistent with close approximation to the native state, although not reaching its level.ConclusionThe hypothesis—that a hinged elbow orthosis significantly reduces passive valgus forces in the elbow following UCL injuries—is not supported by the data and therefore has to be rejected. Nevertheless, the study demonstrates a tendency that a hinged elbow brace could mitigate these forces, at least in an experimental cadaveric model with static study conditions.Level of EvidenceThe level of evidence of this study is level IV.
Varus alignment of the hip and knee 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament injury is associated with medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis 3 years later
Authors: Nilsson Henrik , Englund Martin , Frobell Richard , Lohmander L. Stefan , Struglics André , Swärd Per 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPurposeTo investigate if hip and knee alignment assessed 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is associated with compartment‐specific radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) 3 years later.MethodsAn exploratory analysis was conducted in the knee ACL, nonsurgical versus surgical treatment (KANON) trial (ISRCTN84752559); 115 subjects with acute ACL injury were assessed at the 2‐year follow‐up; full‐limb images of the injured leg were acquired, and the neck‐shaft angle (NSA) and hip‐knee‐ankle angle (HKA) were measured. At the 5‐year follow‐up, weight‐bearing tibiofemoral and patellofemoral radiographs were obtained. Radiographs were graded according to the OA Research Society International Atlas and Radiographic OA was defined as approximating Kellgren & Lawrence grade 2 or worse. Analysis of covariance adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, randomization and partial meniscectomy recorded at the 2‐year follow‐up was performed.ResultsIn patients who had developed medial tibiofemoral OA at the 5‐year follow‐up, the NSA and the HKA at the 2‐year follow‐up were smaller (NSA, mean difference = −4.6° [95% confidence interval {CI} −7.9° to −1.1°]; HKA, mean difference = −2.3° [95% CI −4.2° to −0.4°]). No association was observed between the NSA or HKA at the 2‐year follow‐up and lateral tibiofemoral OA, nor patellofemoral OA at the 5‐year follow‐up.ConclusionA smaller NSA and HKA angle of the ACL injured leg (i.e., more varus hip and varus knee alignment) 2 years after the injury was associated with medial tibiofemoral radiographic OA 3 years later.Level of EvidenceLevel II exploratory post hoc analysis of an RCT.
Aquatic nitrogen source elucidation using stable isotope analysis in the North Carolina Coastal Plain
Authors: Chaffin Adam G. , Cahoon Lawrence B. , Mallin Michael A. , Lane Chad , Mapes Kerry 
Published: January 2025

AbstractEastern North Carolina has been subjected to widespread water quality degradation for decades, notably throughout the Cape Fear River Watershed, owing largely to the magnitude of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in the region. Long‐term nutrient monitoring data from numerous locations throughout southeastern North Carolina have shown significantly elevated organic nitrogen (Org‐N) concentrations starting around the year 2000—a concerning development, as labile Org‐N can stimulate algal blooms and subsequent bacterial production, thus enhancing eutrophication in freshwater systems. By measuring the stable isotope signatures (δ13C, δ15N) of particulate organic matter sampled from a range of southeastern North Carolina waters, the predominant sources to the observed Org‐N loadings were elucidated. Isotope data from across the Cape Fear River watershed indicated a large gradient of livestock waste‐N contributions, with hog waste‐N contributions consistently higher in the Northeast Cape Fear River watershed and with fertilizer‐N contributions higher in the Black River watershed—findings that are consistent with each sub‐basin's land usage. %N sediment content was positively correlated with hog waste‐N contributions in the Black River watershed, indicating that sediments in CAFO‐dense regions are reservoirs for agricultural nutrient pollution. Hog waste‐N source contributions and %N sample contents for Black River sediments were strongly correlated with regional swine and poultry CAFO densities, establishing a strong connection between industrial animal production and stream sediment nutrient loads. Collectively, these findings suggest a major role of livestock waste, as well as human sewage, in driving the long‐term Org‐N increase in eastern North Carolina water bodies.
How Psychology Can Benefit From the Academic Study of Esotericism
Authors: Gyimesi Júlia 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe paper reviews and summarizes the historical research that has been carried out in recent decades to explore the connections between esotericism and psychology while highlighting the typical historical and contemporary ways in which psychology and esotericism are linked. This examination underscores why academic research on esotericism is relevant to psychology, including why a substantive definition of esotericism made within the context of psychology is essential. Based on the sources currently at our disposal, it is asserted that the influences of esotericism have never been peripheral to psychology. The foundations and basic features of “esoteric psychology” unfolding within various theoretical frameworks are described. With this paper, the author aims to contribute to the emergence of a critical yet open and flexible discourse that recognizes the impact of esotericism on psychology and is ready to evaluate these influences in an objective way.
Wild‐Type and rtA181T/sW172* Mutant Strains of Hepatitis B Virus Drive Hepatocarcinogenesis via Distinct GRP78‐Mediated ER Stress Pathways
Authors: Liu Miao , Yuan Man , Ma Yuanji , Wang Jiayi , Cheng Xing , Shi Ying , Shang Jin , He Min , Bai Lang , Du Lingyao , Tang Hong 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTGlucose‐regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78), a key marker of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues, but its role in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐induced tumorigenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of GRP78 to HBV‐associated tumor development and explore the ERS pathways involved. The results showed that increased GRP78 expression in patients with HBV‐related HCC was associated with a poor prognosis within the first 2 years following diagnosis. Furthermore, using wild‐type HBV strain and the oncogenic HBV rtA181T/sW172* mutant, this study demonstrated that the HBV‐induced GRP78 expression correlated with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Moreover, GRP78 expression enhanced hepatocyte proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. In wild‐type HBV‐infected hepatocytes, GRP78 suppressed apoptosis by inhibiting the PERK/p38 pathway. In contrast, the HBV rtA181T/sW172* mutation led to increased GRP78 expression and inhibition of cell apoptosis through activation of the IRE‐1α/XBP1/BCL‐2 pathway. In conclusion, GRP78 plays a pivotal role in HBV‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis by modulating distinct ERS pathways. Targeting these pathways may aid in the therapeutic management of HBV‐associated hepatocarcinogenesis.
Can Satellite Products Recognise Extreme Precipitation Over Southeastern South America?
Authors: Benítez Victoria D. , Müller Gabriela V. , Doyle Moira E. , Forgioni Fernando P. , Lovino Miguel A. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTExtreme precipitation events (EPEs) are becoming increasingly frequent and intense in southeastern South America (SESA). The limited rain gauge network in SESA could be overcome using satellite‐based synthetic precipitation data. This study analyses the capability of satellite products IMERG Final Run V06, PERSIANN, PERSIANN CCS‐CDR and PDIR‐NOW in capturing extreme precipitation characteristics over SESA in the 2001–2020 period. EPEs were characterised by annual maximum values, maximum monthly values, and the 95th and 99th percentiles of precipitation time series. Statistical metrics were applied to evaluate the efficiency of satellite products in representing EPEs compared to observational data. Extreme events characterised by the number of very wet days (R95p), extremely wet days (R99p), and the simple daily intensity index (SDII) were also evaluated. Our results suggest that IMERG and PERSIANN CCS‐CDR accurately represent the annual maximum precipitation averages and provide the best estimates of the maximum precipitation and the average number of events across various precipitation thresholds. IMERG exhibits the lowest BIAS and RMSE for the 95th percentile and performs well in representing R95p and R99p indices. IMERG also accurately represents the average number of events across various precipitation thresholds, although it overestimates precipitation at the 0.1–5 mm threshold. In contrast, uncalibrated products like PERSIANN and PDIR‐NOW exhibit less consistent performance, often underestimating lower‐intensity events (< 50 mm) and overestimating higher‐intensity events (> 50 mm). PERSIANN tends to overestimate SDII values and displays higher error rates for the 95th percentile, while PDIR‐NOW overestimates R95p and R99p indices and estimates SDII with poor performance. Although there are challenges in high‐altitude areas and coastal regions, IMERG and PERSIANN CCS‐CDR show promise in detecting extreme events, particularly for precipitation thresholds above 100 mm. Our findings provide a basis for developing Intensity‐Duration‐Frequency (IDF) curves, essential for hydrological planning, in future work using combined satellite datasets.