bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the accuracy of lung ultrasound and chest radiography in diagnosing community acquired pneumonia in children
Authors: Shi Chenxi , Xu Xinmin , Xu Yongsheng 
Published: September 2024

AbstractChest radiography (CXR) is commonly used for diagnosing childhood pneumonia, but concerns about radiation exposure have raised interest in using radiation‐free lung ultrasound (LUS) as an alternative imaging modality. Therefore, we designed this meta‐analysis to compare the accuracy of LUS and CXR for diagnosing childhood pneumonia. We searched 8 databases and 1 clinical trial registry for studies published from inception to March 2023. Studies assessing lung ultrasound and chest radiography for diagnosing childhood pneumonia were included. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the QUADAS‐2 tool for each study. Meta‐analysis was conducted using a random‐effects model, and pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve were assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using Meta‐Disc 1.4, RevMan 5.4, and Stata 17.0 software. Heterogeneity was examined, and subgroup analysis was conducted to explore the accuracy of lung ultrasound in diagnosing childhood pneumonia. Out of the 4089 screened articles, 30 studies were included, encompassing a total of 4546 children. Of those, 3257 were diagnosed with pneumonia, 3190 through LUS, and 2925 via CXR. The meta‐analysis showed that the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio of LUS were 0.940 (95% CI 0.930–0.949), 0.855 (95% CI 0.835–0.873), 7.561 (95% CI 4.956–11.536), 0.08 (95% CI 0.056–0.113), and 110.77 (95% CI 62.156–197.40), respectively. The combined area under the SROC curve was 0.9712, Q index = 0.9218. For CXR, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.893 (95% CI 0.881–0.905), 0.906 (95% CI 0.889–0.921), 18.742 (95% CI 7.551–46.520), 0.105 (95% CI 0.062–0.180), and 237.43 (95% CI 74.080–760.99), respectively. The combined area under the SROC curve was 0.9810, Q index = 0.9391. Subgroup analysis showed that the implementation location, interval between lung ultrasound and chest radiography, and operator experience had no impact on the accuracy of lung ultrasound in diagnosing childhood pneumonia. Existing evidence suggests that lung ultrasound has high accuracy for diagnosing childhood community‐acquired pneumonia. Compared with chest radiography, lung ultrasound has higher sensitivity, similar specificity, and advantages such as radiation‐free, lower cost, simplicity of operation, and ease of follow‐up, making it an important imaging modality for diagnosing childhood pneumonia.
DeepPhoPred: Accurate Deep Learning Model to Predict Microbial Phosphorylation
Authors: Ahmed Faisal , Sharma Alok , Shatabda Swakkhar , Dehzangi Iman 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTPhosphorylation is a substantial posttranslational modification of proteins that refers to adding a phosphate group to the amino acid side chain after translation process in the ribosome. It is vital to coordinate cellular functions, such as regulating metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis, subcellular trafficking, and other crucial physiological processes. Phosphorylation prediction in a microbial organism can assist in understanding pathogenesis and host–pathogen interaction, drug and antibody design, and antimicrobial agent development. Experimental methods for predicting phosphorylation sites are costly, slow, and tedious. Hence low‐cost and high‐speed computational approaches are highly desirable. This paper presents a new deep learning tool called DeepPhoPred for predicting microbial phospho‐serine (pS), phospho‐threonine (pT), and phospho‐tyrosine (pY) sites. DeepPhoPred incorporates a two‐headed convolutional neural network architecture with the squeeze and excitation blocks followed by fully connected layers that jointly learn significant features from the peptide's structural and evolutionary information to predict phosphorylation sites. Our empirical results demonstrate that DeepPhoPred significantly outperforms the existing microbial phosphorylation site predictors with its highly efficient deep‐learning architecture. DeepPhoPred as a standalone predictor, all its source codes, and our employed datasets are publicly available at https://github.com/faisalahm3d/DeepPhoPred.
Using Q‐methodology for policy research and stakeholder engagement to strengthen public health in large‐scale mining in Mozambique
Authors: Proksik Joschka J. , Brugger Fritz , Cossa Hermínio , Chavane Leonardo , Macete Eusébio 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMining projects can have adverse effects on public health, potentially impacting the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. While environmental impacts are typically addressed through mandatory environmental impact assessments, public health consequences often receive inadequate attention, despite being a major concern for affected communities. Policy instruments for mitigating these public health issues, including health impact assessment (HIA), remain underutilized, particularly in Africa. We conduct a Q‐methodology study in Mozambique to (1) identify policy preferences of government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders for regulating public health in large‐scale mining projects; and (2) to actively engage local stakeholders in a national‐level dialogue on strengthening public health in impact assessment practise. The findings were successfully used to initiate and inform a policy dialogue in cooperation with local public health professionals and public health institutions, as well as policymakers in the respective ministries.
Toward a better understanding of polymeric aluminum‐modified attapulgite for the efficient removal of low phosphorus concentration
Authors: Yang Xiaoben , Chen Junming , Wu Xuewen , Zhu Guocheng 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAttapulgite (ATP) is a biocompatible clay mineral that efficiently absorbs water. It is widely used in water treatment due to its environmental friendliness and cost‐effectiveness. This study aimed to develop a volume‐expansion structure‐based attapulgite flocculant (VES‐ATP) using aluminum salt and attapulgite (ATP) under alkaline conditions, specifically for the treatment of water containing low levels of phosphorus. The VES‐ATP was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The removal of phosphorus by the VES‐ATP was conducted by varying the mass ratio of Al to attapulgite (denoted as RmAl/mATP), ATP dosage, and pH. The results showed that the VES‐ATP had a good expansion and dispersibility in the presence of alkalized aluminum species. The basicity as the molar ratio of OH to Al (0.8 or 1.6) determined the expansion feasibility, and the coverage degree of Al onto ATP, as indicated by the mass ratio of Al to attapulgite (denoted as RmAl/mATP), determined Al flocculation efficiency. Higher values such as RmAl/mATP = 4:1 and 2:1 may result in a better flocculation. Low phosphorus treatment was successfully achieved through Al flocculation and ATP adsorption, including complexation, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic attraction. As expected, the VES‐ATP generated larger size flocs with a bigger fractal dimension than that with the sole Al flocculation. As a result, the total phosphorus could be reduced to the level below 5 μg/L. It is more efficient in the pH range of 5–9. Overall, the coupling of aluminum and attapulgite has significantly enhanced both purification capabilities of phosphorus.Practitioner Points
Polymeric aluminum‐modified attapulgite was efficient for removal of low phosphorus concentration.
Phosphorus concentrations can be reduced to below 5 μg/L.
Polymeric aluminum and attapulgite are both safe, and this technology is suitable for water treatment.
Emergence of Specialised Collective Behaviors in Evolving Heterogeneous Swarms
Authors: van Diggelen Fuda , de Carlo Matteo , Cambier Nicolas , Ferrante Eliseo , Eiben Guszti 
Published: September 2024

AbstractNatural groups of animals, such as swarms of social insects, exhibit astonishing degrees of task specialization, useful for solving complex tasks and for survival. This is supported by phenotypic plasticity: individuals sharing the same genotype that is expressed differently for different classes of individuals, each specializing in one task. In this work, we evolve a swarm of simulated robots with phenotypic plasticity to study the emergence of specialized collective behavior during an emergent perception task. Phenotypic plasticity is realized in the form of heterogeneity of behavior by dividing the genotype into two components, with a different neural network controller associated to each component. The whole genotype, which expresses the behavior of the whole group through the two components, is subject to evolution with a single fitness function. We analyze the obtained behaviors and use the insights provided by these results to design an online regulatory mechanism. Our experiments show four main findings: 1) Heterogeneity improves both robustness and scalability; 2) The sub-groups evolve distinct emergent behaviors. 3) The effectiveness of the whole swarm depends on the interaction between the two sub-groups, leading to a more robust performance than with singular sub-group behavior. 4) The online regulatory mechanism improves overall performance and scalability.
China: A Systematic Approach to Rural School Improvement: Teachers, Technologies and Leadership
Authors: Liu Jing 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe People’s Republic of China, with a population of over 1.3 billion covering approximately 9.6 million square kilometres, is the world’s most populous country. Since the implementation of economic reform in the late 1970s, China has become one of the world’s fastest-growing economies with the gross domestic production (GDP) growth rate averaging between 7 and 8% a year in recent decades and has become the world’s second largest economy by nominal total GDP (World Bank, The World Bank Annual Report 2015, The World Bank, 2015).
Kenya: Joint School-Community Approach for Education of the Marginalized Children
Authors: Amenya Donvan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractImproving the quality of education in rural areas is a crucial yet challenging endeavor across the world. In a vast majority of low-income countries, rural areas face an array of development challenges such as lack of access to electricity, mobile networks, decent housing and healthcare facilities which have implications on the quality of education. This research was conducted to explore major challenges facing rural schools as well as models which hold promise for improving these schools at scale. Findings from the study show that community-driven approaches which integrate professional development of teachers and school leaders with strong systems of accountability hold promise in improving quality of rural schools.
Models of accidental dark matter with a fundamental scalar
Authors: Palmisano Stefano , Rescigno Francesco , Troni Federica 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
We consider models of accidental dark matter, namely models in which the dark matter is a composite state that is stable thanks to an accidental symmetry of the theory. The fundamental constituents are vectorlike fermions, taken to be fragments of representations of the grand unifying gauge group SU(5), as well as a scalar singlet. All the new fields are charged under a new confining gauge group, which we take to be SU(N), leading to models with complex dark matter. We analyse the models in the context of SU(5) grand unification with a non-standard approach recently proposed in the literature. The advantage of including the scalar mainly resides in the fact that it allows several undesired accidental symmetries to be broken, leading to a larger set of viable models with respect to previous literature, in which only fermions (or only scalars) were considered. Moreover these models present distinct novelties, namely dark states with non-zero baryon and lepton number and the existence of composite hybrid states of fermions and scalars. We identify phenomena that are specific to the inclusion of the scalar and discuss possibilities to test this setup.
Investigating the influence of 3D printing parameters on the mechanical characteristics of FDM fabricated (PLA/Cu) composite material
Authors: Hamoud Mohamed , Elshalakany Abou Bakr , Gamil Mohammed , Mohamed Hussien 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis investigation elucidates the impact of 3D printing parameters, encompassing the infill pattern variations (cross, grid, line, triangle, and tri-hexagon) and infill percentages (10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90%), on the mechanical behavior of the PLA/Cu composite. A 3D model of the tensile specimen was designed in accordance with the ASTM D1708 standard and subsequently printed using carefully chosen printing parameters. Subsequent to fabrication, the samples were subjected to tensile testing. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging, along with Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, was carried out for the fabricated specimens. Additionally, SEM analysis was performed on the fracture surface of the specimens. Tensile tests were performed on all printed samples, encompassing various patterns and infill percentages. The resulting tensile data were analyzed and discussed with a focus on parameters such as toughness, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), Young's modulus, and strain at UTS. The maximum UTS observed was 13.69 MPa, occurring in specimens with a line pattern at an infill density of 90%. In contrast, the minimum UTS recorded was 4.5 MPa for samples utilizing a triangle pattern at 50% infill density. The highest Young’s modulus measured, 275.6 MPa, was achieved with the line pattern at 90% infill density, whereas the lowest recorded Young’s modulus, 92 MPa, was associated with the triangle pattern at 10% infill density. Furthermore, the maximal strain at UTS (30%) was exhibited by the tri-hexagonal pattern at 50% infill density, while the minimal strain (10%) was observed in the line pattern at 70% infill density.
Controlling coating thickness distribution for a complex geometry with the help of simulation
Authors: Ahmadkhaniha Donya , Sieber Maximilian , Zanella Caterina 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis paper aims to develop a proper and valid simulation model for electroplating complex geometries. Since many variables influence the quality of the deposited coating and its thickness distribution, it is challenging to conduct efficient research only through experiments. In contrast, simulation can be an efficient way to optimize the electroplating experiments. Despite its potential, simulation has seen limited commercial use in the electroplating industry due to its inherent complexity and difficulty in achieving accurate precision for intricate geometries. The present study addresses the aspects that can enhance the electroplating simulation’s accuracy, which has been typically overlooked in the literature, such as the effect of current efficiency and its dependency on the current density, the input data for the electrode kinetics, the surface topology changes, and the differences between 2 and 3D simulations. The simulation model was validated by experimental results related to the coating thickness of Ni plating on a T-joint geometry. The results showed good agreement with the experimental ones, confirming the model’s ability to precisely predict the coating thickness and distribution and promote its broader utilization in the industry. Finally, the developed model was used to determine the optimal current density regime for achieving uniform coating thickness distribution on a T-joint sample.
An axiomatic characterization of Split Cycle
Authors: Ding Yifeng , Holliday Wesley H. , Pacuit Eric 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA number of rules for resolving majority cycles in elections have been proposed in the literature. Recently, Holliday and Pacuit (J Theor Polit 33:475–524, 2021) axiomatically characterized the class of rules refined by one such cycle-resolving rule, dubbed Split Cycle: in each majority cycle, discard the majority preferences with the smallest majority margin. They showed that any rule satisfying five standard axioms plus a weakening of Arrow’s Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives (IIA), called Coherent IIA, is refined by Split Cycle. In this paper, we go further and show that Split Cycle is the only rule satisfying the axioms of Holliday and Pacuit together with two additional axioms, which characterize the class of rules that refine Split Cycle: Coherent Defeat and Positive Involvement in Defeat. Coherent Defeat states that any majority preference not occurring in a cycle is retained, while Positive Involvement in Defeat is closely related to the well-known axiom of Positive Involvement (as in J Pérez Soc Choice Welf 18:601–616, 2001). We characterize Split Cycle not only as a collective choice rule but also as a social choice correspondence, over both profiles of linear ballots and profiles of ballots allowing ties.
Bronze Gewandbesatzteile aus Brandbestattungen vom Fundort Inzersdorf ob der Traisen
Authors: Fritzl Michaela , Konrad Michael , Strobl Susanne , Haubner Roland 
Published: September 2024

ZusammenfassungIn Inzersdorf ob der Traisen, Österreich, wurden in Brandbestattungen der späten Bronzezeit (ca. 1300–800 v. Chr.) einige Bronzeteile gefunden. Es handelte sich meist um Gewandbesatzteile, die während der Kremierung Veränderungen erfahren haben. Es wurden mehrere gewölbte Bronzeplättchen (sogenannte „Buckelchen“) untersucht, die vermutlich auf ein Leichentuch oder verschiedene Kleidungsstücke aufgenäht waren. Die Stücke werden zuerst mittels mikro-Computertomographie untersucht, um Bereiche mit fortgeschrittener Korrosion zu erkennen. Danach folgten metallographische Untersuchungen.Bei den bronzezeitlichen Metallen ist der Ausgangszustand nicht bekannt, aber es wurden erhebliche Unterschiede in den Gefügen der einzelnen Teile gefunden, die auf die jeweilige Temperatureinwirkung während der Kremierung schließen lassen. Es konnte auch nachgewiesen werden, dass die Bronze während der Kremierung teilweise aufgeschmolzen ist.
Using in situ research-based design to explore learning module effectiveness and usability in a virtual reality system for workforce training
Authors: Zielke Marjorie , Zakhidov Djakhangir , DeFries Erik , Shringarpure Malavika Prasad , Avila Rudy , Keul Jacob , CarpenterTurner Dean , Hargrove Stacy , Bateman Sabrina , Young Christopher 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study examines the implementation and effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) into employee communication training for Texas Department of Transportation employees. The study also explores the impact of iterative, in situ research-based design on VR system usability, and potential relationships between the usability and ergonomics of VR devices, and user receptiveness to VR content. For this work we adapt the definition of in situ to mean a learning activity that takes place in the location or environment where the participants will actually be trained. Following the pandemic, many office-based workers adopted hybrid-remote work formats (Yang, Kim, & Hong, 2023), necessitating updated approaches to employee training and instruction which VR may provide. Further, VR may offer opportunities for private role-play for employee communication practice, as well as an overall more high-fidelity learning opportunity. Findings indicate that VR is an effective and engaging solution for workforce and management communication training, and that hardware configurations influence overall employee enthusiasm for VR-based training.
Scale-dependent size variability of Cyprideis torosa (Ostracoda)
Authors: Hoehle Marlene , Brachert Thomas , Piller Werner E. , Wrozyna Claudia 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Organism size is considered a master trait influencing virtually every aspect of life, but the underlying mechanisms of phenotypic variation are still poorly understood. This study examined the valve size (length, height, width) of an ostracod species (Cyprideis torosa) collected from different lakes of the Mansfeld Lakes (ML), Central Germany. Size variability were investigated on different temporal (ecological and geological) scales and compared on different spatial (regional and local) scales. Statistical methods were applied to explore size variation between and within sample locations and the relationship between size traits and physical and chemical parameters (salinity, oxygen, temperature, pH). In ML no significant differences in size between contiguous lakes were detected but two morphotypes in males were identified in stratigraphically separated Holocene samples and co-occurring within Recent samples. Seasonal effects were detected for females (smaller size in spring than in autumn) and males (smaller size range in spring, higher variability in autumn). The correlation of size traits with environmental parameters revealed no general patterns, but a locally limited correlation between size and salinity in ML exists. On spatial and temporal scales, males and females show sex-specific size patterns, possibly due to differences in life history traits or selection pressure.
Scared of the dark? Nychthemeral sociality in territorial black wildebeest (Connnochaetes gnou) bulls
Authors: Forbes Ryan E. , Smit Leigh-Ann , Kerley Graham I. H. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe degree of prey sociality reflects trade-offs between predation risk, and competition for mates and resources. Consequently, the degree of sociality is predicted to differ spatiotemporally. Variations in nychthemeral sociality are, however, understudied. We assessed the activity of solitary, territorial black wildebeest bulls (Connochaetes gnou) over rutting and non-rutting seasons. We predicted that solitary bulls would reduce their nocturnal use of territorial stands and join herds to reduce predation risk from nocturnally hunting lions (Panthera leo), but that these responses would differ across rutting and non-rutting seasons. We used camera trap data and modelled solitary bull and herd activity over 24-hour daily cycles, across rutting and non-rutting seasons. We calculated the proportion of images with solitary bulls and herds across nocturnal and diurnal periods, across both seasons. We show that solitary bulls are predominantly diurnal across both seasons, but the probability of nocturnal detection is higher in the rutting than in the non-rutting season. Furthermore, we recorded a lower proportion of solitary bulls to herds at night in the non-rutting relative to the rutting season. Thus, wildebeest bulls may trade-off predation risk for mate acquisition during the rutting season but reduce risky solitary behaviour during the non-rutting season.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for genetic analysis of Berkeleyomyces rouxiae, a causal agent of black root rot
Authors: Oya Akari , Usami Toshiyuki 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBerkeleyomyces rouxiae, a soil-borne fungal pathogen, causes black root rot on various plant species including carrot, okra, tobacco, lettuce, and other important crops. Here we analyzed the entire genome sequence of a Japanese isolate of B. rouxiae and discovered 25 microsatellite sequences. These sequences were amplified from the genomic DNA of several Japanese isolates by PCR and sequenced, revealing that the microsatellite sequences were polymorphic among isolates. These markers are useful for phylogenetic analysis, epidemiological population analysis, identification of specific isolates, and other genetic investigation of B. rouxiae.