bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Higher-order misinformation
Authors: Harris Keith Raymond 
Published: October 2024

AbstractExperts are sharply divided concerning the prevalence and influence of misinformation. Some have emphasized the severe epistemic and political threats posed by misinformation and have argued that some such threats have been realized in the real world. Others have argued that such concerns overstate the prevalence of misinformation and the gullibility of ordinary persons. Rather than taking a stand on this issue, I consider what would follow from the supposition that this latter perspective is correct. I argue that, if the prevalence and influence of misinformation are indeed overstated, then many reports as to the prevalence and influence of misinformation constitute a kind of higher-order misinformation. I argue that higher-order misinformation presents its own challenges. In particular, higher-order misinformation, ironically, would lend credibility to the very misinformation whose influence it exaggerates. Additionally, higher-order misinformation would lead to underestimations of the reasons favoring opposing views. In short, higher-order misinformation constitutes misleading higher-order evidence concerning the quality of the evidence on which individuals form their beliefs.
Ethno-racial categorisations for biomedical studies: the fair selection of research participants and population stratification
Authors: Żuradzki Tomasz , Malinowska Joanna Karolina 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe argue that there are neither scientific nor social reasons to require gathering ethno-racial data, as defined in the US legal regulations if researchers have no prior hypotheses as to how to connect this type of categorisation of human participants of clinical trials with any mechanisms that could explain alleged interracial health differences and guide treatment choice. Although we agree with the normative perspective embedded in the calls for the fair selection of participants for biomedical research, we demonstrate that current attempts to provide and elucidate the criteria for the fair selection of participants, in particular, taking into account ethno-racial categories, overlook important epistemic and normative challenges to implement the results of such race-sorting requirements. We discuss existing arguments for and against gathering ethno-racial statistics for biomedical research and present a new one that refers to the assumption that prediction is epistemically superior to accommodation. We also underline the importance of closer interaction between research ethics and the methodology of biomedicine in the case of population stratifications for medical research, which requires weighing non-epistemic values with methodological constraints.
Utilization of quarry dust and periwinkle shell ash in concrete production
Authors: Njoku Chioma Emmanuella , Ekeleme Anthony Chibuzo , Ekwueme Benjamin Nnamdi , Onuoha Chukwudike , Onuzulike Ebube Prince , Chibundu Wisdom , Okon Kooffreh , Ozoh Chibuike Christopher 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe usage of plentiful raw discarded resources in the manufacturing of concrete has proven to be a sustainable and environmentally beneficial method of making concrete for a variety of purposes. In this study, the physical and mechanical properties of concrete made by partially and fully substituting fine aggregates and ordinary Portland cement with periwinkle shell ash and quarry dust (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 100%), respectively, were examined. The ratio of water to cement utilized for the concrete mixture, 1:2:4, was 0.60. Fresh concrete underwent a slump test, and then 150-mm cubes of cured concrete were subjected to density, compressive strength tests, and morphological and structural property characterizations. The concrete without the waste materials gave an optimum compressive strength of 22.9 N/mm2 as opposed to those that were partially replaced, having 18.8–15.1 N/mm2. The concrete samples with full replacements of periwinkle shell ash and quarry dust have compressive strengths lower than 13.8 N/mm2. All the concrete samples produced with partial and full replacements are in the class of normal concrete, but only those with partial replacements of up to 20% can be utilized for load-bearing and non-load-bearing applications. Opting for these alternative waste materials implies taking steps towards creating a cleaner and healthier planet for now and the future.
Home-Made Lateral Flow Test Strip Versus POC-CCA Assay for Detection of Active Schistosomiasis in Egypt
Authors: Kamel Manal , Salah Faten , Demerdash Zeinab , Maher Sara , El-Baz Hanan , Zakaria Nahla , Abu-Shady Rania , Saad Amany , Hassan Salwa , Aziz Doaa Abdel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
For years, the Kato-Katz (KK) technique has been considered the gold standard for diagnosing schistosomiasis. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of our previously developed gold nanoparticle-based lateral flow test strip (AuNPs-LFTS) for diagnosing active Schistosoma mansoni with that of the commercially available point-of-care Circulating Cathodic Antigen detection (POC-CCA) kit.

Methods
In this study, we collected sixty positive and twenty negative urine samples from patients in endemic hot spots in the Nile Delta, as well as from patients visiting the internal medicine clinic at Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI). We produced monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against S. mansoni soluble egg antigen (SEA) from cloned hybridoma cells (4D/1D). These MAbs were conjugated with gold and mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and used to develop the LFTS.

Results
The LFTS demonstrated a limit of detection (LoD) of 3 ng/ml. The sensitivity and specificity of the developed LFTS were found to be 96.7% and 95%, respectively, compared to 85% and 90% for the POC-CCA detection kit. The cases were divided into groups based on egg count in the stool, categorized as light, moderate, and heavy infections. The sensitivity of the LFTS in the group with light infection was higher than that of the POC-CCA. When using the KK technique (eggs per gram of stool sample [EPG]) as the reference test, the kappa value for the nano-based strips was 0.902, compared to 0.672 for the CCA strips, indicating an almost perfect agreement between KK and our developed LFTS.

Conclusion
These results confirm the reliability and effectiveness of the LFTS compared to commercially available kits for rapid, sensitive, and early diagnosis of schistosomiasis. However, it is recommended to conduct further assessments of the developed strip on a larger scale with a broader range of cases before considering its introduction to local or international markets.

Graphical Abstract
Priorities for multimorbidity management and research in cancer: a Delphi study of Australian cancer survivors, clinicians, and researchers
Authors: Venchiarutti Rebecca L. , Dhillon Haryana , Ee Carolyn , Hart Nicolas H. , Jefford Michael , Koczwara Bogda 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Multimorbidity is common in people with cancer and associated with increased complexity of care, symptoms, mortality, and costs. This study aimed to identify priorities for care and research for cancer survivors with multimorbidity.

Methods
A Delphi consensus process was conducted. Elements of care and research were based on Australia’s National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions, a literature review, and expert input. In Round 1, health professionals, cancer survivors, and researchers rated the importance of 18 principles, 9 enablers, and 4 objectives. In Round 2, new elements were rated and all elements were ranked.

Results
In Round 1, all elements reached consensus for care delivery; three principles and one enabler did not reach consensus for research and were eliminated. One principle and two enablers were added, reaching consensus. In the final list, 19 principles, 10 enablers, and 4 objectives were included under care delivery; 14 principles, 9 enablers, and 4 objectives were included under research. For care delivery, principles of ‘survivorship’ and ‘self-management’ were ranked highest, and ‘peer support’ and ‘technology’ were the most important enablers. For research, ‘survivorship’ and ‘coordinated care’ were the highest-ranked principles, with ‘peer support’ and ‘education’ the most important enablers.

Conclusion
Most elements apply to the general population and cancer survivors; however, additional elements relevant to survivorship need consideration when managing multimorbidity in cancer survivors.

Implications for Cancer Survivors
Chronic disease frameworks should be more inclusive of issues prioritised by people with, managing, or researching cancer through interdisciplinary approaches including acute and primary care.
Effects of COVID-19 on Irish general practice activity from 2019 to 2021: a retrospective analysis of 500,000 consultations using electronic medical record data
Authors: O’Callaghan Michael E. , Glynn Liam G. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
General practice (GP) is crucial to primary care delivery in the Republic of Ireland and is almost fully computerised. General practice teams were the first point of contact for much COVID-19-related care and there were concerns routine healthcare activities could be disrupted due to COVID-19 and related restrictions.

Aims
The study aimed to assess effects of the pandemic on GP activity through analysis of electronic medical record data from general practice clinics in the Irish Midwest.

Methods
A retrospective, descriptive study of electronic medical record data relating to patient record updates, appointments and medications prescribed across 10 GP clinics over the period 2019–2021 inclusive.

Results
Data relating to 1.18 million record transactions for 32 k patients were analysed. Over 500 k appointments were examined, and demographic trends presented. Overall appointment and prescribing activity increased over the study period, while a dip was observed immediately after the pandemic’s arrival in March 2020. Delivery of non-childhood immunisations increased sixfold as a result of COVID-19, childhood immunisation activity was maintained, while cervical smears decreased in 2020 as the screening programme was halted. A quarter of consultations in 2020 and 2021 were teleconsultations, and these were more commonplace for younger patients.

Conclusions
General practice responded robustly to the pandemic by taking on additional activities while maintaining routine services where possible. The shift to teleconsulting was a significant change in workflow. Analysing routinely collected electronic medical record data can provide valuable insights for service planning, and access to these insights would be beneficial for future pandemic responses.
Finite Element Simulation of Opening Angle Response of Porcine Aortas Using Layer Specific GAG Distributions in One and Two Layered Solid Matrices
Authors: Ghadie Noor M. , St-Pierre Jean-Philippe , Labrosse Michel R. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Recent studies have identified an effect of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) on residual stresses in the aorta, underscoring the need to better understand their biomechanical roles.

Methods
Aortic ring models for each of the ascending, arch and descending thoracic regions of the porcine thoracic aorta were created in FEBioStudio, using a framework that incorporates the Donnan osmotic swelling in a porous solid matrix. The distribution of fixed charge densities (FCD) through the thickness of the tissue was prescribed as calculated from experimentally quantified sulfated GAG mural distributions. Material parameters for the solid matrix, modeled using a Holmes–Mow constitutive law, were optimized using data from biaxial tensile tests. In addition to modelling the solid matrix as one layer, two layers were considered to capture the differences between the intima-media and the adventitia, for which various stiffness ratios were explored.

Results
As the stiffness of the adventitia with respect to that of the media increased, the simulated opening angle increased. The opening angle also decreased from the ascending to the descending thoracic region in both one- and two-layered solid matrices models. The simulated results were compared against the experimental contribution of GAG to the opening angle, as previously quantified via enzymatic GAG-depletion. When using one layer for the solid matrix, the errors between the simulated opening angles and the experimental contribution of GAG to the opening angle were respectively 28%, 15% and 23% in the ascending, arch and descending thoracic regions. When using two layers for the solid matrix, the smallest errors in the ascending and arch regions were 21% and 5% when the intima-media was modelled as 10 times stiffer, and as twice stiffer than the adventitia, respectively, and 23% in the descending thoracic regions when the intima-media and adventitia shared similar mechanical properties.

Conclusions
Overall, this study demonstrates that GAG partially contribute to circumferential residual stress, and that GAG swelling is one of several regulators of the opening angle. The minor discrepancies between simulated and experimental opening angles imply that the contribution of GAG extends beyond mere swelling, aligning with previous experimental indications of their interaction with ECM fibers in determining the opening angle.
Avatars and the Value of Human Uniqueness
Authors: Sweeney Paula 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDanaher and Nyholm (Philosophy & Technology 37:106, 2024) explore whether avatar technology makes humans less valuable by making them less scarce. They identify two forms of human scarcity, intrinstic scarcity and instrumental scarcity, and explore how each is impacted by avatar representation. Here I argue that avatars cannot make humans less scarce but that, nevertheless, the use of avatar technology can undermine the value of human uniqueness.
No reduced serum serotonin levels in patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19
Authors: Mathé Philipp , Götz Veronika , Stete Katarina , Walzer Dietrich , Hilger Hanna , Pfau Stefanie , Hofmann Maike , Rieg Siegbert , Kern Winfried V. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Approximately 10–20% of patients previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), presenting with fatigue and neurocognitive dysfunction along various other symptoms. Recent studies suggested a possible role of a virally induced decrease in peripheral serotonin concentration in the pathogenesis of PASC. We set out to verify this finding in an independent and well-defined cohort of PASC patients from our post-COVID-19 outpatient clinic.

Methods
We performed a retrospective case–control study including 34 confirmed PASC patients and 14 healthy controls. Clinical assessment encompassed physician examination as well as questionnaire based evaluation. Eligibility required ongoing symptoms for at least 6 months post-PCR-confirmed infection, relevant fatigue (CFS ≥ 4), and no other medical conditions. Serum serotonin was determined by LC–MS/MS technique.

Results
Serum serotonin levels in PASC patients did not significantly differ from healthy controls. Most subjects had normal serotonin levels, with no subnormal readings. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in serotonin levels based according to predominant fatigue type, high overall fatigue score or depression severity.

Conclusion
We postulate that peripheral serotonin is no reliable biomarker for PASC and that it should not be used in routine diagnostic. Therapy of PASC with serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or tryptophane supplementation should not be based solely on the assumption of lowered serotonin levels.
Discharge management after anaphylaxis
Authors: Faihs Valentina , Ring Johannes , Brockow Knut , Beyer Kirsten , Rietschel Ernst , Schnadt Sabine , Stöcker Britta , Treudler Regina , Worm Margitta , Klimek Ludger 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPeople who have suffered from anaphylaxis often experience far-reaching consequences in everyday life. Unfortunately, discharge management after successful acute treatment is often still inadequate. In order to prevent further reactions in the future and improve the patient’s quality of life, there are several points that should be addressed or followed upon discharge from acute treatment. These include taking a detailed medical history to identify potential triggers, documenting the acute therapy, recommending further allergological assessment and prescribing an emergency kit for self-help including an adrenaline auto-injector—with education and practice on how to use it, including a written emergency plan. In addition, recommendations for avoiding potential triggers and information on patient organizations are helpful. This article aims to provide an up-to-date overview of discharge management after successful acute treatment of anaphylaxis. Remember: “After anaphylaxis also means potentially before the next anaphylaxis.”
Using Bone Char as a Renewable Resource of Phosphate Fertilizers in Sustainable Agriculture and its Effects on Phosphorus Transformations and Remediation of Contaminated Soils as well as the Growth of Plants
Authors: Amin Abu El-Eyuoon Abu Zied 
Published: October 2024

AbstractRecycling slaughterhouse waste such as bone and converting it into bone char is a promising environmentally friendly, low-cost strategy in a circular economy and an important source of phosphorus. Therefore, this review focused on the impacts of bone char on the availability, dynamics, and transformations of phosphorus in soils as well as plant growth and utilizing bone char in remediating contaminated soils by heavy metals. Bone char is material produced through bone pyrolysis under limited oxygen at 300–1050 °C. Bone char applications to the soils significantly increased phosphorus availability and plant growth. Agricultural practices such as co-applying organic acids or sulfur or nitrogen fertilizers with bone char in some soils played an important role in enhanced phosphorus availability. Also, co-applying bone char with phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms enhanced plant growth and phosphorus availability in the soils. Applying bone char to the soils changed the dynamics and redistribution of phosphorous fractions, enhanced fertility, promoted crop growth and productivity, reduced heavy metals uptake by plants in contaminated soil, and decreased heavy metals bioavailability. Bone char has shown positive performance in remediating soils contaminated by heavy metals. Bone char proved its efficiency in sustainable agriculture and practical applications as an alternative source of phosphate fertilizers, it is safe, cheap and helps in remediating contaminated soils by heavy metals. Using bone char as a slow-release fertilizer is potentially beneficial because it reduces the hazard of excessive fertilizing and nutrient leaching which have negative impacts on the ecosystem.
The conductor model of consciousness, our neuromorphic twins, and the human-AI deal
Authors: Benitez Federico , Pennartz Cyriel , Senn Walter 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCritics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) posit that artificial agents cannot achieve consciousness even in principle, because they lack certain necessary pre-conditions present in biological agents. Here we highlight arguments from a neuroscientific and neuromorphic engineering perspective as to why such a strict denial of consciousness in artificial agents is not compelling. Based on the construction of a co-evolving neuromorphic twin, we argue that the differences between a developing biological and artificial brain are not fundamental and are vanishing with progress in neuromorphic architecture designs mimicking the human blueprint. To characterise this blueprint, we propose the Conductor Model of Consciousness (CMoC) that builds on neuronal implementations of an external and internal world model, while gating and labelling information flows. An extended turing test lists functional and neuronal correlates of biological consciousness that are captured by the CMoC. These correlates provide the grounding for how biological or artificial agents learn to distinguish between sensory activity generated from outside or inside of the brain, how the perception of these activities can itself be learned, and how the information flow for learning an internal world model is orchestrated by a cortical meta-instance, which we call the conductor. Perception comes with the distinction of sensory and affective components, with the affective component linking to ethical questions that are inherent in our multidimensional model of consciousness. Recognizing the existence of a blueprint for a possible artificial consciousness encompasses functional, neuronal and ethical dimensions, begging the question: How should we behave towards agents that are akin to us in the inner workings of their brains? We sketch a human-AI deal, balancing the growing cognitive abilities of artificial agents, and the possibility to relieve them from suffering of negative affects, with a protection for the rights of humans.
Application of a Prediction Problem-Based Learning (PPBL) Method in an Undergraduate Biomechanics Course
Authors: Shady Sally F. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Challenge
As biomedical engineers revolutionize medicine, biomedical engineering programs must adapt to the diverse learning styles of the current student population. Students are learning in new ways and instructional strategies need to be adopted.

Novel Initiative
Understanding generational attributes is crucial for developing effective teaching pedagogy. Generation Z, also known as “zoomers” and “digital natives,” will dominate higher education for the next decade. In response to the shift of how students are learning, a new teaching method called Prediction Problem-Based Learning (PPBL) was implemented in an undergraduate Biomechanics course. PPBL combines the retrieval of information with problem-based learning to enhance student engagement and active learning.

Reflection
Comparing this method to traditional teaching approaches demonstrated significant improvements in a course learning outcome and exam performances among students exposed to PPBL. These results suggest that PPBL fosters a deeper understanding of the material and promotes a more effective learning strategy. Further analysis and testing of this method are recommended to confirm its efficacy and explore its potential for broader application in biomedical engineering educational courses. This innovative approach aligns with the needs of Generation Z learners, who thrive in interactive and technology-enhanced educational environments, thereby providing greater opportunities for academic success and professional preparedness.