bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LightAWNet: Lightweight adaptive weighting network based on dynamic convolutions for medical image segmentation
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Yu Jianhao , Zhang Bangze , Huang Xiaojie , Shen Xiaoting , Xia Ming 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeThe complexity of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can lead to improved segmentation accuracy in medical image analysis but also results in increased network complexity and training challenges, especially under resource limitations. Conversely, lightweight models offer efficiency but often sacrifice accuracy. This paper addresses the challenge of balancing efficiency and accuracy by proposing LightAWNet, a lightweight adaptive weighting neural network for medical image segmentation.MethodsWe designed LightAWNet with an efficient inverted bottleneck encoder block optimized by spatial attention. A two‐branch strategy is employed to separately extract detailed and spatial features for fusion, enhancing the reusability of model feature maps. Additionally, a lightweight optimized up‐sampling operation replaces traditional transposed convolution, and channel attention is utilized in the decoder to produce more accurate outputs efficiently.ResultsExperimental results on the LiTS2017, MM‐WHS, ISIC2018, and Kvasir‐SEG datasets demonstrate that LightAWNet achieves state‐of‐the‐art performance with only 2.83 million parameters. Our model significantly outperforms existing methods in terms of segmentation accuracy, highlighting its effectiveness in maintaining high performance with reduced complexity.ConclusionsLightAWNet successfully balances efficiency and accuracy in medical image segmentation. The innovative use of spatial attention, dual‐branch feature extraction, and optimized up‐sampling operations contribute to its superior performance. These findings offer valuable insights for the development of resource‐efficient yet highly accurate segmentation models in medical imaging. The code will be made available at https://github.com/zjmiaprojects/lightawnet upon acceptance for publication.
Quality and mechanical efficiency of automated knowledge‐based planning for volumetric‐modulated arc therapy in head and neck cancer
Authors: Thongsawad Sangutid , Chamchod Sasikarn , Chawengsaksopak Kornkanok , Masanga Wilai , Deeharing Aphisara , Bawornpatarapakorn Sarinya , Prachanukul Thitiwan , Tannanonta Chirapha , Udee Nuntawat 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the automated RapidPlan in assessing plan quality and to explore how beam complexity affects the mechanical performance of volumetric modulated arc therapy for head and neck cancers.Materials and methodsThe plans were first generated using automated RapidPlan with scripting application programming interface (API) and then further refined through manual optimization (RP+MP) to improve plan quality. The quality of 20 plans was assessed, taking into account dose statistics and clinical plan acceptability. The impact of beam complexity on mechanical performance was analyzed using parameters such as leaf speed (LS), leaf acceleration (LA), mean‐field area (MFA), cross‐axis score (CAS), closed leaf score (CLS), small aperture score (SAS), and monitor units per control point (MU/CP). Patient‐specific quality assurance (PSQA) was conducted to determine differences between the RP+MP and original plans.ResultsNo differences in the heterogeneity index and conformity number were observed between the RP+MP and original plans. The RP+MP plan was superior to the original plan for sparing the left cochlea, left and right internal auditory canals, chiasm, and left optic nerve. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were identified in CAS, SAS1 mm, SAS2 mm, and SAS10mm. However, there was no significant difference in PSQA between the RP+MP and original plans. The RP+MP plan without any modifications was clinically acceptable in 45% of cases.ConclusionThe automated RP with scripting API followed by MP (RP+MP) yielded a high‐quality plan in terms of dose statistics and clinical acceptability. The RP+MP plan yielded a higher CAS and SAS compared with the original plan. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in PSQA between the RP+MP and original plans.
Healing Through the Skies: Coping With Grief Through a Therapeutic Group Activity for Children in Palestine
Authors: Jabr Samah , Hinnawi Zaynab , Berger Elizabeth 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe authors propose an innovative group‐based therapeutic activity for traumatized children in Palestine, a one‐day program creating and flying kites under the leadership of a two‐person team. The authors discuss the importance of flying within the religious and cultural background of Palestine as well as the prevalence of kite imagery in children's books, songs, and artisanship. Clinical cases reflecting the theme of flying are also described. The authors argue that the format of the proposed therapeutic activity is particularly appropriate to Palestine because of the large numbers of children with traumatic experiences and because of the central role of collective engagement as the bedrock of psychological resilience in Palestine. The activity of making and flying kites is especially suited to the process of working through losses, because of the kite's symbolic implications of freedom, joy, and personal agency; the child's own kite, and special messages the child may write on the kite, can express enduring psychic connection with beloved people and things who have been lost. The specifics of the therapeutic project are outlined in detail, including the capacity to recognize and to refer for specialized mental health services those children who may require it.
The Forced‐To‐Penetrate Myth Acceptance Scale (FTP‐MAS): A New Attitudinal Tool for Assessing Myths That Surround Female Perpetrated Sexual Violence Against Men
Authors: Weare Siobhan , Willmott Dominic 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to develop and validate a new measurement tool designed to capture endorsement of myths surrounding female perpetrated sexual violence against men, specifically in ‘forced‐to‐penetrate’ cases. Data were collected among a sample of 4152 UK adults aged 18–55+ (52% female). Dimensionality and construct validity of the Forced‐to‐Penetrate Myth Acceptance Scale (FTP‐MAS) was investigated using traditional Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) techniques separately for the complete sample, males only, and females only. CFA results indicated that FTP‐MAS scores are best captured by a three‐factor model (1. Distorted Sex and Gender Roles; 2. Harm Minimisation; 3. Offence Denial) across all samples tested. Excellent composite reliability and differential predictive validity were observed for all three subscales. The validated 22‐item FTP‐MAS constitutes the first measurement tool which allows for the assessment and evaluation of public attitudes towards female perpetrators who force men to penetrate them without consent. As such, this tool enables researchers to better understand the multi‐faceted nature of these myths, assess prevalence in different contexts, and can also be used as an outcome measure in research seeking to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions that aim to debunk endorsement of such myths and stereotypes.
Implementing evidence‐based strategies for men with biochemically recurrent and advanced prostate cancer: Consensus recommendations from the US Prostate Cancer Conference 2024
Authors: Bryce Alan H. , Agarwal Neeraj , Beltran Himisha , Hussain Maha H. , Sartor Oliver , Shore Neal , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Armstrong Andrew J. , Calais Jeremie , Carducci Michael A. , Dorff Tanya Barauskas , Efstathiou Jason A. , Gleave Martin , Gomella Leonard G. , Higano Celestia , Hope Thomas A. , Iagaru Andrei , Morgans Alicia K. , Morris David S. , Morris Michael J. , Petrylak Daniel P. , Reiter Robert E. , Rettig Matthew B. , Ryan Charles J. , Sellinger Scott B. , Spratt Daniel E. , Srinivas Sandy , Tagawa Scott T. , Taplin Mary‐Ellen , Yu Evan Y. , Zhang Tian , McKay Rana R. , Koo Phillip J. , Crawford E. David 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCurrent US clinical practice guidelines for advanced prostate cancer management contain recommendations based on high‐level evidence from randomized controlled trials; however, these guidelines do not address the nuanced clinical questions that are unanswered by prospective trials but nonetheless encountered in day‐to‐day practice. To address these practical questions, the 2024 US Prostate Cancer Conference (USPCC 2024) was created to generate US‐focused expert clinical decision‐making guidance for circumstances in which level 1 evidence is lacking. At the second annual USPCC meeting (USPCC 2024), a multidisciplinary panel of experts convened to discuss ongoing clinical challenges related to 5 topic areas: biochemical recurrence; metastatic, castration‐sensitive prostate cancer; poly [ADP‐ribose] polymerase inhibitors; prostate‐specific membrane antigen radioligand therapy; and metastatic, castration‐resistant prostate cancer. Through a modified Delphi process, 34 consensus recommendations were developed and are intended to provide clinicians who manage prostate cancer with guidance related to the implementation of novel treatments and technologies. In this report, the authors review the areas of consensus identified by the USPCC 2024 experts and evaluate ongoing unmet needs regarding translational application of the current clinical evidence.
Comparing talent development environments of girls and boys in handball and ice hockey in Norway
Authors: Mehus Ingar , Martindale Russell J. J. , Andronikos Georgios , Aspvik Nils Petter , Bergström Max , Sæther Stig Arve 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCurrently, there is little research on successful talent development environments (TDEs) focusing on women and girls. In response, the main aim of the present study was to compare TDEs of age‐specific national teams for girls and boys in the Norwegian context (N = 216: 92 girls and 124 boys). Gender differences were investigated in the two different sports of handball and ice hockey, which in the Norwegian context represent more and less successful sports (handball and ice hockey, respectively). Before investigating gender differences in the two sports, a necessary first step was to investigate the psychometric properties of Norwegian version of the Talent Development Environment Questionnaire (TDEQ‐5). Results support the Norwegian TDEQ‐5 to be a reliable and valid measure within the Norwegian context. The successful sport of Norwegian handball showed no significant gender differences regarding TDE. The less successful and male dominated sport of Norwegian ice hockey showed girls to score lower on several TDEQ factors compared to boys. Results also showed ice hockey having lower TDEQ scores compared to handball. We argue that handball provide similarly functional TDEs for girls and boys, making gender equality a characteristic feature of a TDE that is successful both in terms of mass participation and international achievements.
Trade and Economic Activity: Nonlinear Modeling and Forecasting
Authors: Borin Alessandro , Gazzani Andrea , Mancini Michele 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTMotivated by the increasing role of trade in global economic developments, this paper derives novel econometric methods to forecast global trade by exploiting the relationship between economic activity and trade itself. We empirically document that the relation between trade and economic activity changes along the business cycle—the stronger the cycle, the larger their elasticity. Consistently with theoretical predictions, such cyclicality depends on two key factors: (i) the high pro‐cyclicalilty of the demand for intensively traded items and (ii) the presence of low‐frequency (“trend”) components in trade and GDP series. We show that the latter is key to generate a cyclical income elasticity of trade and that a linear relationship holds once those components are filtered out. These empirical findings are exploited in two original empirical approaches to map GDP forecasts, for which rather accurate and timely projections are available, into world trade forecast. In an out‐of‐sample real‐time forecasting exercise, with both the proposed methods, we obtain predictions that are vividly more accurate than naive linear models and nearly halve the forecast error of the IMF‐WEO.
State‐of‐the‐art in food safety: The potential of CRISPR/Cas‐based lateral flow assay technology in the field of food analysis
Authors: Sun Yang , Zhong Kunli , Nie Lanmengya , Xu Yan , Wang Yiran , Yuan Jingtao , Jiang Shuai , Li Xu , Zhang Zhidong , Li Xiangfei , Jiang Ling 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFood safety is essential for public health, with key hazards including microbial and chemical contamination and pesticide residues. Therefore, food testing is integral to ensuring food safety. Combining CRISPR/Cas with lateral flow assays (LFAs) leverages CRISPR's robust trans‐acting activity, specific target recognition, and high enzymatic efficiency while retaining LFA's advantages of direct visualization, low cost, and simple operation. This combination enhances food safety detection capabilities. In this paper, we review the CRISPR‐based lateral flow combined detection technology, summarize its basic principles and features, and focus on its integrated applications. The technology is fast, accurate, and cost‐effective in detection, and is thus widely used in various testing fields, especially in food pathogen and viral infection detection. Finally, we highlight the technology's potential to improve various aspects, such as detection strength, and discuss the barriers and pre‐commercialization issues of CRISPR/Cas detection platforms. We also provide solutions to increase the likelihood of its commercialization. Currently, CRISPR lateral flow assays are anticipated for broad detection applications. Researchers are investigating Cas protein properties to enhance assay stability and accuracy, promising enhanced food and bioassay safety in the future.
Effects of Peanut Shell Flavonoids on Composite Film Properties and Cherry Tomato Preservation
Authors: Li Yuying , Jiang Kexin , Mao Qian , Zhao Qi 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the effects of varying concentrations of peanut shell flavonoids (PSFs) on the properties of peanut meal extract‐tilapia skin protein composite films and their impact on cherry tomatoes preservation. Peanut meal alcohol extract (Pe) and tilapia skin protein (Co) were used as base materials, combined with PSFs to prepare composite films with excellent antioxidant properties. The results demonstrated that the optimized composite films exhibited superior mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 9.83 MPa and an elongation at break of 204.04%. Increased flavonoid content enhanced the films' antioxidant capacity, achieving superoxide anion and DPPH radical scavenging rates of 15.08% and 21.37%, respectively. The microstructure, IR spectra, and circular dichroism spectra of the composite films are also significantly different with the change of flavonoid content. In the cherry tomato preservation experiment, the PeCo‐0.5 composite film treatment group maintained a low weight loss rate (11.18%) and malondialdehyde content (13.33 μmol/g) after 15 days, delayed the peak respiration rate, and significantly reduced the peak respiration intensity (3.43 mgCO2∙ mg−1∙gh−1). At the same time, the activity of polyphenol oxidase in the tissue of Cherry Tomatoes was significantly inhibited, and the decrease rate of Vc content was also significantly decreased, which effectively preserving the bright color, smooth appearance, and good aroma of the cherry tomatoes. This study not only provides new insights into the comprehensive utilization of tilapia skin and peanut by‐products but also opens new avenues for the development and application of fruit and vegetable preservation films.
Effects of Moderate Consumption of a Probiotic‐Fermented Sour Beer on the Inflammatory, Immunity, Lipid Profile, and Gut Microbiome of Healthy Men in a Participant‐Blinded, Randomized‐Controlled Within‐Subject Crossover Study
Authors: Ou Sean Jun Leong , Yusri Hafizah , Yang Dimeng , Khoo Chin Meng , Liu Mei Hui 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTProbiotic sour beer (PRO) fermented with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Lpc‐37 is a novel beverage option, which may potentially offer health benefits. In this study, the effects of PRO are evaluated on the inflammatory, immunity, lipid profile, and gut microbiome of consumers in a 5‐week, participant‐blinded, randomized‐controlled within‐subject crossover study. Twenty‐one healthy male participants consumed 330 mL of PRO and normal sour beer (CON) daily for 2 weeks each with a 1 week of washout. Stool and blood samples were collected before and after each intervention. Significant increases for Proteobacteria and Bacteroides and a significant decrease in Dialister (p < 0.05) were observed in the CON group, while gut microbiome populations remained relatively stable in the PRO group. A significant increase was also found in HDL‐cholesterol after PRO (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed in inflammatory and immunity profiles. Further research is warranted to explore its HDL‐cholesterol increasing potential.
Antioxidant Potential and Characterization of Polyphenol Compounds in Moringa oleifera Pods
Authors: Xie Rongjia , Ponnampalam Eric N. , Ahmadi Farhad , Dunshea Frank R. , Suleria Hafiz A. R. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe aim of this investigation was to comparatively assess the antioxidant and polyphenol compounds in fresh moringa pods sourced from two different regions in Australia, namely Queensland (QLD) and Western Australia (WAU). Total polyphenol content varied between 1.64 and 5.97 mg GAE/g in moringa pod samples from QLD, while it ranged from 2.84 to 4.31 mg GAE/g in WAU samples. Total flavonoid content in QLD and WAU samples averaged 4.62 and 4.24 mg QE/g, respectively. Total condensed tannin content in QLD and WAU samples averaged 2.07 and 1.60 mg CE/g, respectively. The QLD samples had higher DPPH (2.87 vs. 2.74 mg AAE/g), ABTS (15.0 vs. 12.9 mg AAE/g), and total antioxidant capacity (2.34 vs. 1.46 mg AAE/g) than WAU samples. LC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS analysis identified 111 polyphenol compounds in moringa pod samples, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins. Some compounds were prevalent across most samples, such as 3‐sinapoylquinic acid and theaflavin. The study revealed that moringa pods contain a high concentration of polyphenols with strong antioxidant capacity. These findings highlight the substantial influence of regional effects on the polyphenol content and bioactive properties of moringa pods.
Protective Effects of Polysaccharides From Sargassum hemiphyllum (Turner) C. Agardh Against Alcohol‐Induced LO2 Cell Damage
Authors: Liang Yuxuan , Wang Zhuo , Li Rui , Zhong Saiyi , Liu Xiaofei , Chen Jianping 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe study aimed to explore the protective impact of polysaccharide derived from Sargassum hemiphyllum (Turner) C. Agardh (SHP) against ethanol‐induced injury in LO2 hepatocytes, along with its potential mechanism of action. A model of alcoholic injury in LO2 cells was established to assess the shielding effect of SHP against liver injury induced by alcohol. Treatment with 800 mmol/L ethanol for 6 h was selected for the construction of the hepatocyte injury model. Compared with those in the alcohol model group, the survival rate of LO2 cells in the SHP treatment group was significantly greater. When the concentration of SHP reached 60 μg/mL, the cell viability increased to 89.17% ± 3.58%. Moreover, SHP treatment significantly reduced the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased the levels of intracellular glutathione (GSH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and catalase (CAT), reduced the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), and prevented the leakage of intrahepatic enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT)) to protect LO2 cells from alcohol‐induced injury. Moreover, at a concentration of 60 μg/mL, SHP inhibited the ethanol‐induced reduction in the protein expressions of Nrf2, HO‐2, and GCLC, indicating its potential to modulate the antioxidant system to restore the homeostatic state, consequently shielding the liver from peroxidative damage induced by alcohol. These results propose that SHP exhibits a protective role against oxidative damage in LO2 cells and holds promise as a novel natural hepatoprotective agent for averting liver injury.
Effects of Phenolic Compounds on Biofilm Formation by Table Olive‐Related Microorganisms
Authors: López‐García Elio , Benítez‐Cabello Antonio , Arroyo‐López Francisco Noé 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe process of biofilm formation during table olive fermentation is crucial to turning this fermented vegetable into a probiotic food. Some phenolic compounds have been described as important quorum‐sensing molecules during biofilm development. The present in vitro study examined the effects of three phenolic compounds widely found in table olive fermentations (Oleuropein 0–3000 ppm, Hydroxytyrosol 0–3000 ppm, and Tyrosol 0–300 ppm) on the development of single biofilm by diverse microorganisms isolated from table olives (Lactiplantibacillus pentosus 13B4, Lp119, and LPG1; Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp15 and LAB23; and yeasts Wickerhamomyces anomalus Y12, Candida boidinii Y13, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y18). Biofilm formation was quantified in vitro by crystal violet staining in microtiter plates after incubation at 30°C for 96 h. A clear tendency to decrease the biofilm production was observed for the L. plantarum strains when any of the three phenolic compounds were added to the medium, which was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) for certain concentrations and phenols. In the case of yeasts, no statistical influence on biofilm formation was noticed when the phenolic compounds were dosed to the culture medium. Finally, the effects of the phenolic compounds on the L. pentosus strains were dependent on the strain assayed. Thereby, addition of phenolic compounds on 13B4 or Lp119 strains did not have statistical influence on biofilm production. On the contrary, the probiotic LPG1 strain noticed a statistical increase in biofilm production when a low concentration of tyrosol (50 ppm) was added to the medium. Results obtained in this work could be useful to control the biofilm formation process on olive epidermis during table olive fermentation to include beneficial microorganisms.