bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ISSLS Prize in Clinical Science 2025: A randomized trial on three different minimally invasive decompression techniques for lumbar spinal stenosis. Five years follow-up from the NORDSTEN-SST
Authors: Hermansen Erland , Indrekvam Kari , Franssen Eric , Myklebust Tor Åge , Austevoll Ivar Magne , Hellum Christian , Storheim Kjersti , Bånerud Ingrid Fjeldheim , Ebbs Eira Kathleen , Aaen Jørn , Banitalebi Hasan , Brox Jens Ivar , Weber Clemens , Solberg Tore , Hjulstad Arild , Brisby Helena 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The short-term clinical outcome for midline-preserving posterior decompression techniques was comparable. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term clinical results after three different midline-preserving posterior decompression techniques.

Material
In the NORDSTEN spinal stenosis trial (NORDSTEN-SST) 437 patients were randomized to three different midline-retaining posterior decompression techniques: Unilateral laminotomy with crossover (UL), bilateral laminotomy (BL) and spinous process osteotomy (SPO). Primary outcome was the mean change in Oswestry disability index (ODI) score at five-years follow-up. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of patients classified as success, mean change in EQ-5D, ZCQ-score, NRS-score for leg and low back pain, a seven-point Global Perceived Effect (GPE) Scale and proportion of subsequential spinal surgery.

Results
The number of patients that completed follow-up data after five years was 358 (82%): In the UL, BL and SPO group the numbers were 122, 119 and 117, respectively. Mean age at baseline was 66.7 (SD 8.2) years, mean BMI was 27.8 (SD 4.1), and 172/358 (48%) were female. In the UL group the mean change was  −18.2 (95% CI  −21.0  −5.4), in the BL group it was  −19.0 (95% CI -21.9–16.1) and in the SPO it was  −18.6 (95% CI  −21.6–15.7) (p = 0.917). No significant differences in the secondary outcomes between the three surgical groups were found, also the subsequent spinal surgery rates were similar.

Conclusion
There were no significant differences in patient reported outcomes and subsequent spinal surgery rates after the three different decompression techniques at five-year follow-up.
Nest-site and brood-rearing habitat selection in Canarian houbara bustards: the importance of concealment and food availability
Authors: Ucero Alberto , Abril-Colón Inmaculada , Palacín Carlos , Álvarez-Martínez Jose Manuel , Alonso Juan Carlos 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Using two scales, landscape and microhabitat, we analysed the factors determining nest-site and brood-rearing habitat selection in the endangered Canarian Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae. We measured vegetation cover and food abundance, presence of human infrastructure, and visibility using a very high-resolution LiDAR-based digital elevation model of the terrain. Houbara females choose nest-sites with abundant arthropod biomass and high vegetation. To rear their brood, they look for substrates with few stones, high species richness, and low density of human infrastructure. These features allow females to hide the nest, themselves and their chicks from predators, reduce anthropogenic disturbance, and secure access to food during the whole breeding process. The less stony ground during brood-rearing allows female and chicks to walk more easily and safely, something that is important in a ground-dwelling bird. This study represents the first detailed analysis of nesting and breeding site selection for this globally threatened subspecies. To minimise disturbance during such a sensitive phase, and considering the major tourist destination in which this species lives, we recommend to restrict vehicle and human traffic in the breeding areas, prohibit new constructions in houbara habitats, and preserve the vegetation and breeding-habitat quality, avoiding the current indiscriminate ploughing of uncultivated fields and limiting goat grazing areas.
Hoping to Adhere? Examining the Relationship Between Hope and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Willingness, Adherence, and Persistence Among Young Women in South Africa and Zimbabwe (HPTN 082)
Authors: Gichane Margaret W. , Velloza Jennifer , Hosek Sybil , Beauchamp Geetha , Anderson Peter , Delany-Moretlwe Sinead , Celum Connie ,   and the HPTN 082 Study Team
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Hope is a powerful psychological construct which is linked to positive health. Greater hope is associated with improved antiretroviral therapy adherence; however, less is known about the impact of hope on oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) outcomes. HIV Prevention Trials Network 082, was an open-label PrEP study among young women (ages 16–25) in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Hope was measured at baseline and follow-up using a subset of the Hope for the Future Scale (score range 6–24) and PrEP willingness was measured using a subscale of the HIV Prevention Readiness Measure (score range 6–30). Intracellular tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations were obtained from dried blood spot samples at weeks 13, 26, and 52; high PrEP adherence was defined as TFV-DP concentrations ≥ 700 fmol/punch. Persistence was defined as TFV-DP > 16 fmol/punch at weeks 26 and 52. Linear regression and generalized estimating equations were used to assess the relationship between hope and PrEP willingness, adherence, and persistence. The median age of participants (n = 432) was 21 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 19–22). The mean hope score at baseline was 21.0 (SD = 3.4). Although hope was positively associated with PrEP willingness (β = 0.22, 95% CI 0.15, 0.37), it was not associated with high PrEP adherence (aRR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.96, 1.05), or persistence at follow-up (aRR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.99, 1.05). While cultivating hope may be an important strategy in building willingness to take oral PrEP, it may not be enough to sustain PrEP adherence or persistence.
North Atlantic Heat Transport Convergence Derived from a Regional Energy Budget Using Different Ocean Heat Content Estimates
Authors: Meyssignac B. , Fourest S. , Mayer Michael , Johnson G. C. , Calafat F. M. , Ablain M. , Boyer T. , Cheng L. , Desbruyères D. , Forget G. , Giglio D. , Kuusela M. , Locarnini R. , Lyman J. M. , Llovel W. , Mishonov A. , Reagan J. , Rousseau V. , Benveniste J. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This study uses an oceanic energy budget to estimate the ocean heat transport convergence in the North Atlantic during 2005–2018. The horizontal convergence of the ocean heat transport is estimated using ocean heat content tendency primarily derived from satellite altimetry combined with space gravimetry. The net surface energy fluxes are inferred from mass-corrected divergence of atmospheric energy transport and tendency of the ECMWF ERA5 reanalysis combined with top-of-the-atmosphere radiative fluxes from the clouds and the Earth’s radiant energy system project. The indirectly estimated horizontal convergence of the ocean heat transport is integrated between the rapid climate change-meridional overturning circulation and heatflux array (RAPID) section at 26.5°N (operating since 2004) and the overturning in the subpolar north atlantic program (OSNAP) section, situated at 53°–60°N (operating since 2014). This is to validate the ocean heat transport convergence estimate against an independent estimate derived from RAPID and OSNAP in-situ measurements. The mean ocean energy budget of the North Atlantic is closed to within ± 0.25 PW between RAPID and OSNAP sections. The mean oceanic heat transport convergence between these sections is 0.58 ± 0.25 PW, which agrees well with observed section transports. Interannual variability of the inferred oceanic heat transport convergence is also in reasonable agreement with the interannual variability observed at RAPID and OSNAP, with a correlation of 0.54 between annual time series. The correlation increases to 0.67 for biannual time series. Other estimates of the ocean energy budget based on ocean heat content tendency derived from various methods give similar results. Despite a large spread, the correlation is always significant meaning the results are robust against the method to estimate the ocean heat content tendency.
Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Primary Mathematics Education: Investigating Internal and External Influences on Teacher Adoption
Authors: Li Mao 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study presents an in-depth analysis of the factors influencing the adoption and utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in primary mathematics education. Employing a quantitative research design, the study integrates the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) with empirical data collected from primary mathematics teachers in China. The analysis utilises Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to explore the relationships among key constructs, including teacher attitudes, contextual factors, educational challenges, and parental and community involvement. The findings reveal that teacher attitudes play a critical role in AI adoption. The study extends existing literature by focusing on AI in primary mathematics education, highlighting the need for targeted professional development initiatives to foster positive attitudes and enhance teacher proficiency in AI technologies. Additionally, the research underscores the significance of TPACK in its critical role in equipping teachers with the knowledge required for effectively integrating AI into mathematics education. Moreover, the study explores the complex dynamics of contextual factors and educational challenges in AI integration, emphasising the need for systemic approaches that include policy changes and institutional support. The nuanced influence of TPACK on AI utilisation, particularly through indirect pathways, and the role of parental and community involvement are also examined, offering new insights into the multifaceted nature of technology adoption in educational settings. It contributes valuable insights to the academic discourse on technology integration in education and offers practical implications for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders.
Adsorption of ytterbium(III) ions on ivy leaves marc: isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Emara Amr M. , Elsharma Emad M. , Abdelmonem Islam M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study evaluates the performance of ivy leaves marc (ILM) in adsorbing 169Yb(III) ions. Optimal adsorption occurred at a pH of 4 ± 0.2, a contact time of 24h, 169Yb(III) concentration of 200mg/L, and a temperature of 298K. Kinetic analysis indicated that the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order model. Langmuir isotherm model best described the adsorption process, with a maximum capacity of 34.736mg/g. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. FTIR and SEM analysis of ILM before and after adsorption indicates that the adsorption process is due to the ion exchange mechanism.
Not only cold but also heat: the effect of maternal exposure to high temperatures during gestation on neonatal mortality in pre-transitional Casalguidi, 1819–1859
Authors: Manfredini Matteo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractConsideration of weather and the environment is becoming increasingly prominent in the field of historical demography. Early studies on infant mortality have paved the way for this type of analysis, shedding light on the significant impact of cold weather conditions on child survival. However, recent research on contemporary populations has drawn attention to the increased risk of adverse birth outcomes due to maternal exposure to heat during pregnancy. The present study aims to validate this finding in a pre-transitional population, specifically focusing on its effects on neonatal mortality. To our knowledge, this analysis is being applied to such populations for the first time, with the goal of exploring whether factors other than cold winters may have also influenced mortality mechanisms during this crucial life stage in historical populations. The results show that heat exposure significantly affected early neonatal mortality, and they also reveal that the susceptibility window was limited to the second trimester of gestation. Temperature-related risks of death were influenced by the tie the family had to the land, with sharecroppers being at the lowest risk. This finding was attributed more to cultural elements associated with the value of children within this social group than to purely economic factors related to living conditions.
Embracing Levin’s Legacy: Advancing Socio-Technical Learning and Development in Human-Robot Team Design Through STS Approaches
Authors: Ang Karyne , Sankaran Shankar , Liu Dikai , Scales Jeffrey 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the synergy between Levin’s theories on technology transfer as a socio-technical learning and developmental process (TLD process), and what we learnt about socio-technical systems (STS) theories in a case study developing human robot solutions for the construction sector. Levin’s extensive work highlights the significance of technology transfer as a means for organizational development. His TLD process emphasizes the intricate interplay between technology, organizational change, and learning and highlights the importance of incorporating cultural knowledge and skills into the technological transfer process. Contemporary STS views developed through our own work are introduced to complement and extend Levin’s theories by providing a systemic lens to understand the broader socio-technical context in which technology transfer occurs. To illustrate the synergies and potential challenges from Levin’s theories of technology transfer with contemporary STS concepts, we use a qualitative study of a unique case about the design and development of human-robot teams (HRTs) for construction tasks. Our findings reveal that while Levin’s theories provide a valuable foundation for understanding technology transfer and organizational change, contemporary socio-technical systems face unique challenges in the context of AI-driven human-robot teams, where intelligent robots also contribute to the socio-technical learning process. Moreover, the rapidly evolving nature of technology and innovations could exponentially impact on multidisciplinary design teams, stakeholder participation and inter-organizational dynamics. The discussions suggest an extension of co-generative learning to incorporate ‘collaborative intelligence’ between human-robot teams enabled by artificial intelligence (AI). Consequently, we suggest that Levin’s theories of technology transfer, developed before the rapid application of AI, may not have fully considered further social challenges caused by the introduction of autonomous systems such as AI-driven HRT systems. We extend Levin’s important work by suggesting that addressing such challenges requires ongoing dialogue and collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers with different disciplinary backgrounds to develop robust and reliable socio-technical systems frameworks to navigate the complexities of robotics and AI in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.
SAT Solving Using XOR-OR-AND Normal Forms
Authors: Andraschko Bernhard , Danner Julian , Kreuzer Martin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper introduces the XOR-OR-AND normal form (XNF) for logical formulas. It is a generalization of the well-known Conjunctive Normal Form (CNF) where literals are replaced by XORs of literals. As a first theoretic result, we show that every CNF formula is equisatisfiable to a formula in 2-XNF, i.e., a formula in XNF where each clause involves at most two XORs of literals. Subsequently, we present an algorithm which converts Boolean polynomials efficiently from their Algebraic Normal Form (ANF) to formulas in 2-XNF. Experiments with the cipher ASCON-128 show that cryptographic problems, which by design are based strongly on XOR-operations, can be represented using far fewer variables and clauses in 2-XNF than in CNF. In order to take advantage of this compact representation, new SAT solvers based on input formulas in 2-XNF need to be designed. By taking inspiration from graph-based 2-CNF SAT solving, we devise a new DPLL-based SAT solver for formulas in 2-XNF. Among others, we present advanced pre- and in-processing techniques. Finally, we give timings for random 2-XNF instances and instances related to key recovery attacks on round reduced ASCON-128, where our solver outperforms state-of-the-art alternative solving approaches.
Morphological and Molecular Profiling of Amyloid-β Species in Alzheimer’s Pathogenesis
Authors: Almeida Zaida L. , Vaz Daniela C. , Brito Rui M. M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia around the world (~ 65%). Here, we portray the neuropathology of AD, biomarkers, and classification of amyloid plaques (diffuse, non-cored, dense core, compact). Tau pathology and its involvement with Aβ plaques and cell death are discussed. Amyloid cascade hypotheses, aggregation mechanisms, and molecular species formed in vitro and in vivo (on- and off-pathways) are described. Aβ42/Aβ40 monomers, dimers, trimers, Aβ‐derived diffusible ligands, globulomers, dodecamers, amylospheroids, amorphous aggregates, protofibrils, fibrils, and plaques are characterized (structure, size, morphology, solubility, toxicity, mechanistic steps). An update on AD-approved drugs by regulatory agencies, along with new Aβ-based therapies, is presented. Beyond prescribing Aβ plaque disruptors, cholinergic agonists, or NMDA receptor antagonists, other therapeutic strategies (RNAi, glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, secretase modulators, Aβ aggregation inhibitors, and anti-amyloid vaccines) are already under clinical trials. New drug discovery approaches based on “designed multiple ligands”, “hybrid molecules”, or “multitarget-directed ligands” are also being put forward and may contribute to tackling this highly debilitating and fatal form of human dementia.
Infrared thermal imaging and eye-tracking for deception detection: a laboratory study
Authors: Hypšová Petra , Seitl Martin , Popelka Stanislav , Dostál Daniel 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDespite significant advances in deception detection in forensic psychology using polygraphy, there is a lack of empirical evidence for the potential of deception detection in ordinary situations of simple conversation where contact and invasive measurement methods are not appropriate. To address this issue, we used two strategies: 1) a non-invasive observation of facial thermal changes and gaze behaviour under deceptive and truthful conditions and 2) combination of prepared and unprepared questions during an interview. We used a within-person experimental design where responses from 16 participants were recorded, using infrared thermal imaging (fITI) and eye-tracking to measure the dependent variables (i.e., thermal changes of the nose, cheeks and forehead and gaze fixations of the interviewer’s eyes). The independent variables were veracity (truth vs. lie) and type of scenarios (prepared vs. spontaneous). Mixed-effects regression models were used to analyse the effect of lying and effect of preparation. Veracity did not significantly modulate any physiological marker, but forehead and cheek temperature were significantly modulated by the different scenario conditions in the expected direction. Multiple comparisons revealed a significant modulation of eye fixations by both the lying and scenario conditions, with eye fixations being lower in the spontaneous scenarios and higher in the prepared deceptive conditions. The results underline the significant influence of arousal and cognitive load on individual variability in all dependent variables and provide essential insights for future research into the physiological and behavioural aspects of deception detection. This study lays the foundation for the use of fITI and eye-tracking under certain experimental conditions of an ordinary conversation in content and emphasises the role of (un)preparation for the accuracy of deception detection.
Surface Activation of Cotton Fabric with Low-Temperature Air Plasma Treatment for Metallic Printing
Authors: Donkor Sylvia Owusua , Sun Danmei , Bucknall David , Buckman Jim 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this investigation, air plasma treatment was utilised to activate the surfaces of 100% grey and bleached cotton fabrics in preparation for metallic pigment printing. The study delved into the surface morphology, wettability, and surface chemistry properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed roughness and grooves in the treated samples. The contact angle witnessed a 29% and 41% increase for grey and bleached fabrics, respectively, compared to their untreated counterparts. Surface chemistry analysis using FTIR and XPS provided crucial insights into the functional polar groups, such as OH and C=O, along with significantly elevated O1 peaks in both plasma-treated grey and bleached cotton fabrics. These findings contributed to the enhanced surface free energy of the fabrics, preparing them for the subsequent pigment printing process. The study explores the impact of plasma treatment on the colour fastness of grey and bleached cotton fabrics printed with gold and silver metallic pigments. Untreated fabrics exhibited poor durability, with low colour change and staining-resistance ratings, particularly for gold pigments. Plasma treatment significantly improved colour retention, adhesion, and resistance to staining for both metallic pigments, with silver outperforming gold. Rubbing fastness tests revealed that plasma treatment moderately enhanced durability, though gold remained susceptible to friction damage. Light fastness was excellent for both pigments, and plasma treatment further improved performance. Perspiration tests showed that plasma treatment bolstered resistance, particularly for gold. These findings suggest that plasma treatment enhances the stability of metallic pigments, offering potential applications in the textile industry for improved product quality and durability.