bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Red Blood Cell Transfusion for Incidence of Retinopathy of Prematurity: Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Rao Rui , Li Hua , Lei Xiaoping , Dong Wenbin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in preterm infants.

Objective
This study sought to investigate the association between red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and ROP in very preterm infants (VPIs) to inform clinical strategies for ROP prevention and treatment.

Methods
We designed a prospective multicenter cohort study that included VPIs and follow-up data from January 2017 to December 2022 at 3 neonatal clinical medicine centers. They were categorized into a transfusion group (infants who received an RBC transfusion within 4 wk) and a nontransfusion group. The relationship between RBC transfusion and ROP incidence was assessed using binary logistic regression, with subgroup analyses based on gestational age, birth weight, sex, and sepsis status. Inverse probability of treatment weighting and propensity score matching were applied to account for all potential confounding factors that could affect ROP development, followed by sensitivity analysis.

Results
The study included 832 VPIs, including 327 in the nontransfusion group and 505 in the transfusion group. The transfusion group had a lower average birth weight and gestational age and a greater incidence of ROP, ≥stage 2 ROP, and severe ROP. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the transfusion group had a significantly greater risk of ROP (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.70, 95% CI 1.14‐2.53, P=.009) and ≥stage 2 ROP (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.02‐2.78, P=.04) but not severe ROP (aOR 1.75, 95% CI 0.61‐5.02, P=.30). The trend analysis also revealed an increased risk of ROP with an increasing number of transfusions and a larger volume of blood transfused (P for trend<.001). Subgroup analyses confirmed a consistent trend, with the transfusion group at a higher risk for ROP across all subgroups. Inverse probability of treatment weighting and propensity score matching analyses supported the initial findings.

Conclusions
For VPIs, RBC transfusion significantly increases the risk of ROP, and the risk increases with an increasing number of transfusions and volume of blood transfused.
3D Printing and Biodegradable Polymers
Authors: Saparová Simona , Kovaľaková Mária 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
3D printing technology has a wide range of applications in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, biomedical, electronics and packaging, requiring different types of filaments to be used in producing 3D printed objects. The most commonly used materials are metals, ceramics, composites and plastics of which the latter are most available. Since it is necessary to reduce pollution caused by waste from conventional petroleum-based plastics, biodegradable polymers made from renewable resources or produced synthetically have gained in importance recently. Polylactic acid, poly(butylene succinate), thermoplastic starch, poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate) and polycaprolactone are well-known representatives of this group of materials. They possess desirable properties for 3D printing which make them promising materials in many areas of applications.
Design and Implementation of a Cognitive Cloud Assistant: A Text Classification Model Approach
Authors: Vaľko Dávid , Kipikaša Jakub , Ádám Norbert , Khorshidiyeh Heidar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The main objective of this research was to develop a classification model for the design of a cloud cognitive assistant. The classification model should be able to classify the textual description of the cloud architecture into desired multiple classes. For the purpose of implementation of such assistant, the analysis of current state of cognitive assistants and cloud computing was researched. As for the implementation of classifier, the overview of the possible ways how to create such classifier was also added to the research. Based on the analysis, a solution was proposed for the implementation of a model for text classification, and also a proposal for the implementation of an assistant that would use the proposed model. The Keras library was used to create a sequential text classifier. The IBM Watson cloud services were used to deploy the created model into live environment, and the services from the same group were used to develop a proposed cognitive assistant that was in the end connected to the classifier model.
Advanced PSO Algorithms Development with Combined lbest and gbest Neighborhood Topologies
Authors: Yuriy Romasevych , Viatcheslav Loveikin , Ziv Brand 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This paper introduces an innovative approach integrating global best (gbest) and local best (lbest) PSO communication topologies. The algorithm initiates with lbest and seamlessly transitions to gbest, with the switching rate controlled by the parameter “a”. Rational values of “a” is determined through numerical experiments. A comparative methodology employing two estimation criteria is used to showcase the improved performance of the modified PSO-based algorithms. Furthermore, the efficacy of this approach is demonstrated in addressing two optimal control problems within dynamical systems. Results highlight the modified algorithms’ superiority in terms of the total number of successful runs and statistical indicators. Consequently, these advanced algorithms prove effective for applications such as artificial neural network training, controller gains determination, and similar problem domains.
Energy-Efficient and Accelerated Resource Allocation in O-RAN Slicing Using Deep Reinforcement Learning and Transfer Learning
Authors: Sherif Heba , Ahmed Eman , Kotb Amira M. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Next Generation Wireless Networks (NGWNs) have two main components: Network Slicing and Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN). NS is needed to handle various Quality of Services (QoS). O-RAN adopts an open environment for network vendors and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). In recent years, Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) approaches have been proposed to solve some key issues in NGWNs. The primary obstacles preventing the DRL deployment are being slowly converged and unstable. Additionally, these algorithms have enormous carbon emissions that negatively impact climate change. This paper tackles the dynamic allocation problem of O-RAN radio resources for better QoS, faster convergence, stability, lower energy and power consumption, and reduced carbon emissions. Firstly, we develop an agent with a newly designed latency-based reward function and a top-k filtration mechanism for actions. Then, we propose a policy Transfer Learning approach to accelerate agent convergence. We compared our model to another two models.
Real-Time Hand Gesture Recognition: A Comprehensive Review of Techniques, Applications, and Challenges
Authors: Mohamed Aws Saood , Hassan Nidaa Flaih , Jamil Abeer Salim 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Real-time Hand Gesture Recognition (HGR) has emerged as a vital technology in human-computer interaction, offering intuitive and natural ways for users to interact with computer-vision systems. This comprehensive review explores the advancements, challenges, and future directions in real-time HGR. Various HGR-related technologies have also been investigated, including sensors and vision technologies, which are utilized as a preliminary step in acquiring data in HGR systems. This paper discusses different recognition approaches, from traditional handcrafted feature methods to state-of-the-art deep learning techniques. Learning paradigms have been analyzed such as supervised, unsupervised, transfer, and adaptive learning in the context of HGR. A wide range of applications has been covered, from sign language recognition to healthcare and security systems. Despite significant developments in the computer vision domain, challenges remain in areas such as environmental robustness, gesture complexity, computational efficiency, and user adaptability. Lastly, this paper concludes by highlighting potential solutions and future research directions trying to develop more robust, efficient, and user-friendly real-time HGR systems.
Impact of Digital Technology on Processes at Universities from Teachers’ Perspective
Authors: Mabić Mirela , Gašpar Dražana , Praničević Daniela Garbin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Digital technology has become inseparable from all core and supportive processes because of the intensive use of different digital tools. The paper aimed to determine teachers’ views on the impact of digital technology on business processes in higher education institutions - whether they recognize the impact and how they evaluate it. The survey was conducted among the teachers of the public University in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The results show that digital technology has a positive and mostly strong or medium impact on business processes in higher education institutions. The work on international research and educational projects and the teaching process are the most influenced by digital technology. It has a stronger impact on the core processes than on supportive activities. Teachers recognize the influence of digital transformation on all processes at universities, both core and supporting. The influence is stronger with core processes.
Sustainable Development of Cycle Tourism Destinations in Croatia based on Innovative e-Tools
Authors: Ćućić Dražen , Herceg Krešimir , Horvatin Tin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Cycle tourism in Croatia is not just a significant economic contributor but also a driver of rural development and job creation in sectors like hospitality, tourism, leisure, and cycle path maintenance. The unique preferences of cycle tourists for authentic experiences and local culture also boost the local economy. This research, with its practical implications, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the level of awareness of e-innovation tools in Croatia’s cycling tourism sector, identify challenges and potentials in terms of technological change, and highlight infrastructural gaps in Adriatic versus continental Croatia using a SWOT analysis. The insights from this research can be instrumental in fostering sustainable and long-term destination development, making it a valuable resource for all professionals in the field.
Economic Perspective of Renewable Energy Sources: Security of Supply, Innovations, and Challenges
Authors: Dorić Barbara 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Renewable energy sources are crucial for tackling the challenges of energy security and climate change. The mounting concerns about climate change, fossil fuel depletion, and energy security have heightened the focus on renewable energy. The shift to a global energy system that heavily relies on renewable sources, while promising, faces significant barriers that call for coordinated global efforts and innovative solutions. This article examines the technological advancements in renewable energy, evaluates their economic implications, and explores future trends and policy impacts. The core argument of this work is that, despite notable technological advancements, a significant breakthrough and a conducive investment environment are yet to be realised to enable the complete substitution of fossil fuels with renewable energy. It analyses current capacities, technological challenges, economic considerations, and various policies influencing the implementation of renewable energy projects. By conducting a comprehensive examination of the intermittency of energy production, limitations of energy storage, and the need for infrastructure modernisation, the economic implications of investing in renewable energy are assessed, alongside the potential of existing technologies to provide a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The article underscores the crucial role of increased investment, ongoing innovation, and global collaboration in overcoming existing challenges and ensuring a sustainable transition to renewable energy sources.
Tick Infestation of the Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoises (Testudo graeca, Linnaeus, 1758) from Western Regions of Algeria
Authors: Ammar Selles Sidi Mohamed , Mokhtaria Kouidri , Ammar Ait Amrane , Belcacem Belhamiti Tahar , Achour Hamza , Taha Bia 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The Spur-thighed tortoise has a large geographic distribution and can be infested by several tick species, mainly Hyalomma aegyptium. This tick has recently been confirmed as a natural carrier of numerous pathogenic, including zoonotic agents. The purpose of this study was to estimate the level of hard tick infestation in Mediterranean tortoises living in some regions of the west of Algeria (Oran, Mostaganem, and Tiaret) during the spring and summer of the year 2019. Among 39 turtles collected from the different study regions, 22 tested positive, which represents an infestation rate of 56.41 %. A total of 224 adult ticks and one nymph were collected, which can display a tick infestation intensity of 10.23 %. All of these ticks belong to a single species, which is Hyalomma aegyptium. In terms of abundance, this study showed 5.78 ticks/tortoise. Regarding sex, we have collected 198 male and 26 female ticks with a sex ratio of 7.62. The preferred attachment sites of Hyalomma aegyptium ticks were the inguinal, the limbs, and to a lesser degree, the neck. A few rare cases have been collected from the carapace. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of the intensity of H. aegyptium infestation on the tortoise’s health status and to assess the potential transmission of zoonotic pathogens.
Effects of Time Storage, Egg Yolk Concentration and Semen Washing on Sperm Motility in Arbia Bucks
Authors: Tahar Belhamiti B. , Amar Ait Amrane , Ammar Selles S. M. , Mohammed Hammoudi S. , Redha Benia A. , Mokhtaria Kouidri , Rachid Kaidi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
With a prospect to improve goat artificial insemination, this study aims to evaluate the effects of storage time, egg yolk concentration and semen washing on the rate of motile spermatozoa (spz) in Arbia breed bucks semen stored at 5 °C for 48 h. Semen was collected from three mature bucks using an artificial vagina during December 2018. The ejaculates used in this study (rate of motile sperm > 75 %) were divided into two fractions: A, and B, (unwashed and washed samples, respectively): themselves divided into three fractions, and diluted in Tris-Acid citric based extenders, containing egg yolk at 2 %, 10 % and 20 %. ANOVA test was performed using the R software version 3.3.0. The rate of motile spermatozoa was evaluated after 24 and 48 hours of storage in the refrigerator at 5 °C. It registered a significant decrease as a function of the storage time in the different extenders. It varied between 42.43 ± 9.86 % and 61.29 ± 5.44 %, after 24 hours of storage, and between 35.86 ± 13.95 %, and 55.45 ± 11.65 % after 48 hours of storage. The semen washing significantly reduced the rate of motile spermatozoa in the different extenders. Increasing the concentration of egg yolk in the extender increased the rate of motile spermatozoa, especially during the first 24 hours of storage. In conclusion, the rate of spermatozoa motility of unwashed semen stored at 5 °C is higher in extenders containing high egg-yolk concentration, and decrease according to conservation time.
Deposit Channel of Monetary Policy in European Countries
Authors: Savluk Serhii , Breheda Olena 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This paper focuses on the first link of the monetary transmission mechanism – interest rate channel. It forks on two subchannels: credit vein and deposit vein. We will investigate the second one, i.e. the impact of the discount (also key, reference) rate of a central bank on the deposit policy of commercial banks. Deposit channel is a very rarely treated as a separate line of the monetary policy from the credit channel. On the basis of VAR analysis of monthly data over several-years period on the banking system of Ukraine, Poland, and Montenegro we found out a tendency of the discount rate to impact banks’ deposit rates changes with some lag of time. The tightest liaison between these indicators is observed during the periods of discount rate stability and sloping down. However, sensitivity of banks‘ deposit rates is lost when the discount rate is rapidly increased during the periods of restrictive monetary policy. It was defined that the essential reason for such picture is an extra liquidity of the banking system. On the one hand, it symbolizes the soundness of banking system, while from the other it makes more difficult for a central bank policy to absorb extra liquidity from the market to reduce pressure on prices. The paper contains some thoughts for increasing effectiveness of restrictive monetary policy in such periods.
To What Extent Does Central Bank Independence Alleviate Poverty in Developing Countries?
Authors: Rabhi Ayoub 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This paper investigates the nexus between poverty and central bank independence in developing countries. The study examines data from up to 35 developing countries from 2000 to 2018. Using the GMM dynamic panel data method, the study finds that de jure central bank independence is more robust than de facto in reducing inflation. However, the effect of de facto central bank independence is significant in reducing poverty, while de jure central bank independence is not. The paper concludes that central bank independence may play a role in managing inflation in developing countries with high inflation and could relatively contribute to poverty reduction in these countries.
Central Bank Independence and Inflation Under Asymmetric Information: Delegation vs. Seesaw Effects
Authors: Elgin Ceyhun , Öztunalı Oğuz 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Recent empirical research finds little or mixed evidence in favour of a negative relationship between central bank independence and inflation. In this paper, we construct a theory where the relationship between inflation and central bank independence depends on the extent of informational asymmetry regarding the government’s efficiency in its provision of public goods and also provide some empirical support for it. In the theoretical part of the paper, we introduce the degree of central bank independence as a fixed cost that is paid when the government (whose objective is to minimize output gap via inflation or costly fiscal expansion) rejects the monetary policy proposal of the central bank (which aims to minimize inflation) and determines both fiscal and monetary policies itself. Government efficiency in providing public goods, i.e. the cost of fiscal expansion, is the private information and the source of informational asymmetry in our model. In this setting, increasing the fixed cost of rejecting the central bank’s offer creates two opposite effects on inflation: delegation effect and seesaw effect (since fiscal and monetary expansion are substitutes for the government, now it relies more on fiscal expansion). We show that while the magnitude of the delegation effect is equal to or higher than the seesaw effect, the magnitude of each effect depends on the current level of the fixed cost. If the current fixed cost is not high enough, then a small improvement in central bank independence creates a relatively smaller delegation effect compared to the case where fixed cost is high enough and both efficient and inefficient government types accept the offer.
China-Taiwan Issues in the Security Climate of East and Southeast Asia
Authors: Paşca Vasile 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The security architecture of East and Southeast Asia is in a process of extensive change, driven by the rising Chinese state, but also by the US, which, with its military and institutional power here, is a pillar of stability that seeks to preserve American supremacy and the liberal international system. Current developments show that some of China’s neighbors are no longer inclined simply to fall in line with Beijing’s policy, but rather are determined to challenge its inclination towards regional hegemony, and are arming themselves to do so, diversifying its security relations and forging strong ties with the US, denouncing China’s attempts to create a sino-centric system based on building an ‘Asian’ security and economic architecture, translated into institutional arrangements based on cooperation mechanisms centered on (and for the benefit of) the Chinese state.
Infantry Weapon Systems Used by Special Operations Forces to Carry Out Assigned Missions
Authors: Popescu Stelian 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Special Operations Forces (SOF) operate in dynamic, challenging environments, requiring accurate and versatile infantry weapon systems to effectively perform their assigned missions. This article provides a comprehensive review of the diverse range of infantry weapon systems used by SOF units in different theatres of operations. Through a synthesis of empirical data, operational perspectives and expert analysis, the study aims to elucidate the critical role of specialised weaponry in increasing the success rate of SOF missions. The analysis covers a broad spectrum of weapon platforms, each tailored to meet distinct mission requirements. In addition, the article explores the integration of advanced technologies into weapon construction, such as high-performance optical systems, silencers and other modular accessories, which enhance the lethality, accuracy and stealth capabilities of special forces units.
Understanding Underperformance in EFL Students: Factors Affecting the Comprehension of Writing Assignments
Authors: Mitrulescu Corina Mariana 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
When it comes to effectively advancing the educational process by motivating students to become engaged with course material and exercise independent thought, assignments are essential. This paper focuses on how to help EFL students to read and understand correctly their academic assignments while emphasizing the importance of comprehension skills and critical thinking. The paper includes a structured approach that outlines a comprehensive framework for teaching EFL students how to read assignments effectively by integrating both theoretical insights and practical classroom applications. It also shows how correctly understanding an assignment facilitates students’ success and motivation development. The discussion sparked in this paper is supported by both theoretical insights and some practical examples.
Developing a Performance Management Support System for Employees with Hidden Disabilities
Authors: Smith Gregory Karl 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This document outlines a strategy for the Aero Missile and Defense Conglomerate (AMDC) to support employees with hidden disabilities, following a survey revealing that 40% of employees have such conditions. GK Consulting proposes a performance management support system focused on education, accommodations, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. Key components include Data Collection - surveying prevalence and types of hidden disabilities, and assessing current accommodations; Accommodations - implementing flexible work schedules, customized communication methods, assistive technologies, and mental health support; Leadership - applying transformational leadership to foster an inclusive workplace; Organizational Culture - using Schein’s Organizational Culture Model to align values with disability inclusion; Change Management - employing Kotter’s Eight-Step Change Model for sustainable implementation; and PESTEL Analysis - considering external political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors. The strategy aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment, enhancing AMDC’s culture, driving innovation, and positioning the company as an inclusive employer where all employees can thrive.