bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Objective quality assessment of medical images and videos: review and challenges
Authors: Rodrigues Rafael , Lévêque Lucie , Gutiérrez Jesús , Jebbari Houda , Outtas Meriem , Zhang Lu , Chetouani Aladine , Al-Juboori Shaymaa , Martini Maria G. , Pinheiro Antonio M. G. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractQuality assessment is a key element for the evaluation of hardware and software involved in image and video acquisition, processing, and visualization. In the medical field, user-based quality assessment is still considered more reliable than objective methods, which allow the implementation of automated and more efficient solutions. Regardless of increasing research on this topic in the last decade, defining quality standards for medical content remains a non-trivial task, as the focus should be on the diagnostic value assessed by expert viewers rather than the perceived quality from naïve viewers, and objective quality metrics should aim at estimating the first rather than the latter. In this paper, we present a survey of methodologies used for the objective quality assessment of medical images and videos, dividing them into visual quality-based and task-based approaches. Visual quality-based methods compute a quality index directly from visual attributes, while task-based methods, being increasingly explored, measure the impact of quality impairments on the performance of a specific task. A discussion on the limitations of state-of-the-art research on this topic is also provided, along with future challenges to be addressed.
Weekly streamflow forecasting of Rhine river based on machine learning approaches
Authors: Khozani Zohreh Sheikh , Precht Elimar , Ionita Monica 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe Rhine River is a vital waterway in Europe, crucial for navigation, hydropower generation, and ecosystem health. Thus, accurately forecasting its streamflow is essential for effective water resource management. This study explored the utilization of several Machine Learning (ML) techniques including Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP), Support Vector Regression (SVR), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), for forecasting weekly streamflow for the Rhine River. Meteorological data (e.g., precipitation, temperature, vapor pressure deficit) collected from meteorological stations situated on the main river course (i.e., Mannheim and Worms) spanning from 2013 to 2023 were used as predictors. Two scenarios were considered for predicting weekly streamflow according to the results of the best input combination. According to the results streamflow is most significantly predicted by precipitation, vapor pressure, and relative humidity, while average and maximum temperatures play a smaller role. Various quantitative and visually-oriented evaluation metrics were employed to validate and compare the performance of the proposed models. It found that the XGBoost outperformed than other algorithms in prediction of weekly streamflow in Rhine River. Overall, weekly streamflow forecasting for the Rhine River is crucial for effective water resource management, navigation, hydropower generation, flood control, and ecosystem health. By providing timely insights into flow variations and identifying the optimal predictors, weekly forecasts empower stakeholders to make informed decisions and ensure the Rhine’s continued sustainability.
“It Wasn’t Meant for Gays”: Lesbian Women’s and Gay Men’s Reactions to the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory
Authors: Bravestone Lee , Hammond Matthew D. , Muise Amy , Cross Emily J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractResearchers can unintentionally reinforce societal prejudice against minoritized populations through the false assumption that psychological measurements are generalizable across identities. Recently, researchers have posited that gender and sexually diverse (GSD) people could feel excluded or confused by the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI) due to its overtly heteronormative statements like “A man is incomplete without the love of a woman.” Yet, the ASI is used for indexing the endorsement of sexism in GSD samples and across diverse populations. An ideal test of these experiences is to directly consult GSD participants for their reactions. In the current study, we report a reflexive thematic analysis of lesbian women and gay men’s (N = 744) feedback immediately after completing the ASI. Four themes characterized participants’ reactions to the ASI: Exclusion: Heteronormative items erase diverse genders and sexualities, Confusion: Inability to meaningfully respond due to heteronormativity, Hope: Exclusion understood as a necessary sacrifice toward progress, and Distress: Exclusion inflicts distress by reflecting societal prejudice. The themes captured the experience that many participants found heteronormative assumptions salient in the ASI and had varied reactions to the heteronormativity. Our results extend prior research that questions the generalizability of results drawn from the ASI, especially studies including GSD participants. We discuss the implications of the continued use of the ASI and encourage researchers to critically evaluate underlying theories and assumptions to ensure participants can engage with measures as intended.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Adults with Osteogenic Sarcoma
Authors: Robinson Michael J. , Davis Elizabeth J. 
Published: October 2024

Opinion StatementOsteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in adolescents and adults. The 5-year survival rate is 65% when localized; however, survival drops dramatically to 10-20% in cases of metastatic disease. Therapy for osteosarcoma saw its first significant advancement in the 1970-80’s, with the introduction of our current standard of care, consisting of the neo/adjuvant treatment regimen methotrexate, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), and cisplatin (collectively referred to as MAP) and surgical resection. Since MAP, development of a better therapeutic approach has stalled, creating a plateau in patient outcomes that has persisted for 40 years. Despite substantial research into a variety of pathways for novel treatment options, clinical trials have not produced sizeable improvements in outcomes. In this article, we discuss our current neoadjuvant standard of care therapy, followed by a review of contemporary therapeutic options, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Lastly, we consider the challenges hindering the success of novel treatment options and future research directions.
Post-COVID-19-pandemic changes and clinical characteristics of invasive group a streptococcal infections from 2015 to 2023
Authors: Tomidis Chatzimanouil Markos K. , Rößler Susann , Nurjadi Dennis , Iakovidis Isidoros , Berner Reinhard , Toepfner Nicole , Bornstein the Dresden G. A. S. Study Group: S , Aschoff Roland , Bornhäuser Martin , Güldner Andreas , Gunzer Florian , Herold Johannes , Schultz Jurek , Wimberger Pauline , Zahnert Thomas 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Since winter 2022, invasive GAS (iGAS) infections have re-emerged in Europe, causing severe diseases in children and adults. We aimed to examine whether this reported post-pandemic increase was associated with an increased disease severity and/or a shift in clinical disease phenotypes.

Methods
We performed detailed clinical phenotyping of patients hospitalized with iGAS infections at a 1410-bed tertiary German Medical Center from 01/2015 to 09/2023.

Results
One hundred seventy-eight patients were included: 50 children (28.1%) and 128 adults (71.9%). IGAS infections of Q1/2023 exceeded the pre-pandemic average by 551% (1200% for children). The mean age of affected patients shifted significantly post-pandemically (49.5 ± 26.5 to 32.4 ± 28.2 years of age, p < 0.05), mainly due to the higher percentage of children affected with iGAS infections (15.2% pre-pandemic, 44.2% post-pandemic). CFR was significantly lower for children (2%) compared to adults (11.7%) (p < 0.05) and decreased from 13% to 6.5% post-pandemically (p = 0.148). Duration of antibiotic therapy (13.5 (10 to 21) to 10 (9 to 14) days), length of hospital (10 (4 to 25) to 7 (5 to 15) days), and ICU stay (7.0 (2.5 to 18.0) to 5.0 (3.0 to 8.5) days) were shorter post-pandemically. Despite the higher post-pandemic percentage of affected children, PICU admissions (57% before to 32% after), use of catecholamines (28.6% to 11.8%), invasive ventilation (35.7% to 17.6%) and CFR (7% to 0%) were all lower after the pandemic.

Conclusion
Children were at higher risk for iGAS infections post-pandemically. The surge of post-pandemic iGAS infections was not accompanied by increased iGAS-associated morbidity and mortality.
Friction Stir-Based Techniques: An Overview
Authors: El-Zathry Noah E. , Akinlabi Stephen , Woo Wai Lok , Patel Vivek , Mahamood Rasheedat M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Friction stir-based techniques (FSTs), originating from friction stir welding (FSW), represent a solid-state processing method catering to the demands of various industrial sectors for lightweight components with exceptional properties. These techniques have gained much more attraction by providing an opportunity to tailor the microstructure and enhance the performance and quality of produced welds and surfaces. While significant attention has historically been directed towards the FSW process, this review delves into the working principles of FSTs, exploring their influence on mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of various materials. Additionally, emphasis is placed on elucidating the advancement of hybrid FSW processes for both similar and dissimilar metal components, aimed at enhancing welding quality through meticulous control of grain textures, structures, precipitation, and phase transformations. Finally, the review identifies current knowledge gaps and suggests future research directions. This review paper synthesises academic literature sourced from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases, supplemented by additional sources such as books from the last 15 years.
Gradient-Layered MXene/Hollow Lignin Nanospheres Architecture Design for Flexible and Stretchable Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Haonan , Hao Cheng , Fu Tongtong , Yu Dian , Howe Jane , Chen Kaiwen , Yan Ning , Ren Hao , Zhai Huamin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWith the rapid development of flexible wearable electronics, the demand for stretchable energy storage devices has surged. In this work, a novel gradient-layered architecture was design based on single-pore hollow lignin nanospheres (HLNPs)-intercalated two-dimensional transition metal carbide (Ti3C2Tx MXene) for fabricating highly stretchable and durable supercapacitors. By depositing and inserting HLNPs in the MXene layers with a bottom-up decreasing gradient, a multilayered porous MXene structure with smooth ion channels was constructed by reducing the overstacking of MXene lamella. Moreover, the micro-chamber architecture of thin-walled lignin nanospheres effectively extended the contact area between lignin and MXene to improve ion and electron accessibility, thus better utilizing the pseudocapacitive property of lignin. All these strategies effectively enhanced the capacitive performance of the electrodes. In addition, HLNPs, which acted as a protective phase for MXene layer, enhanced mechanical properties of the wrinkled stretchable electrodes by releasing stress through slip and deformation during the stretch-release cycling and greatly improved the structural integrity and capacitive stability of the electrodes. Flexible electrodes and symmetric flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors capable of enduring 600% uniaxial tensile strain were developed with high specific capacitances of 1273 mF cm−2 (241 F g−1) and 514 mF cm−2 (95 F g−1), respectively. Moreover, their capacitances were well preserved after 1000 times of 600% stretch-release cycling. This study showcased new possibilities of incorporating biobased lignin nanospheres in energy storage devices to fabricate stretchable devices leveraging synergies among various two-dimensional nanomaterials.
The Temporal-Political Dimensions of Green Colonialism through Wind Power Development at Fosen, Norway
Authors: Ellingsen Henrikke Sæthre 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe 2021 Fosen verdict challenged Norway’s human rights reputation, stating that wind power development in Indigenous South Saami reindeer herding territories violated the Saami herders’ human rights. Previous research has described the development as a form of green colonialism. This article expands our comprehension of some central dynamics of green colonialism in contemporary Norway by exploring the temporal-political dimensions of wind power development. This qualitative study collected data from conversations, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis and applied a decolonial analytical approach. The results showed that the Norwegian government employed different temporal-political strategies before and after the verdict. Initially, urgency was used to justify why the Saami herders had to be forced to give up land for the ‘greater good of society.’ After the verdict stated that Indigenous rights had been violated, the government spent over two years finding ‘good solutions,’ showing how time use changed from urgency to delay. The article’s findings indicate that the Norwegian state’s use of time may be an intrinsic part of how green colonialism plays out in the research context and further suggest that time can be a political tool in asymmetrical colonial relations by connecting the strategies to time ontologies and power.
Physico-chemical properties and microstructure of bentonite in highly alkaline environments
Authors: Harrou Achraf , Lechheb Mahdi , El Ouahabi Meriam , Fagel Nathalie , Gharibi Elkhadir 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Cementitious materials and their alkaline pore fluids can change the structure of bentonite used as a raw material for road embankments or concrete storage of garbage cans. This study investigated the alteration of montmorillonite-rich bentonite from northeast Morocco (Trebia deposit, Nador) in alkaline media rich in Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, or K+. Specimens based on raw bentonite mixed with variable proportions of oxides (CaO, MgO) or hydroxides (NaOH, KOH) and water were prepared and aged for 28 days. Mineralogical composition by X-ray diffraction (XRD) was determined on raw bentonite and specimens to follow phase changes. Chemical composition and thermal characteristics were determined for raw bentonite and specimens by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA). Microstructural evolution and alteration of the external surface of bentonite were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX) analysis. XRD results of bentonite-CaO mixture demonstrated the formation of gels (e.g. C-S-H) and calcite. When the amount of CaO added increased, excess portlandite and the precipitation of calcite in the outer surface of bentonite occurred, stopping pozzolanic reaction and consequently decreasing the compressive strength of specimens. On the other hand, the addition of MgO allowed the formation of brucite. Sodalite and cancrinite were neoformed with the addition of 32 wt.% NaOH after 28 days of hydration. The addition of hydroxides (NaOH or KOH) to bentonite did not reveal any setting due to the absence of the formation of cementitious phases.
The effects of stratification on the near wake of 6 : 1 prolate spheroid
Authors: Ohh Chan-Ye , Spedding Geoffrey R. 
Published: October 2024

An experimental study has been conducted on the near wake of a 6 : 1 spheroid, in both uniform and stratified backgrounds. The pitch angle,

$\theta$

, was varied from

$0^\circ \text { to }20^\circ$

. When

$\theta = 0^\circ$

, stratification decreases the characteristic wake element spacing so a characteristic Strouhal number (

$St$

) increases from 0.32 to 0.4. However, a similar measure scaled on wake momentum thickness shows the wake spacing to converge on those measured for other bluff and streamlined bodies. There is an apparent effect of Reynolds number, which changes the location of separation lines and hence the initial wake thickness. When

$\theta > 0^\circ$

, the wake is a combination of the usual drag wake together with a collection of streamwise vortices that have separated from the body, and this wake geometry can evolve in ways that are measurably different from the zero incidence case. These differences may be limited to the near wake, as the later evolution appears to converge with previous bluff- and streamlined bodies, with normalised wake height,

$L_V = 0.5$

and centreline velocity,

$\bar {u}_0 = 0.3$

at

$Nt = 10$

, as the early wake enters the non-equilibrium regime with similar values to previously studied stratified wakes. In the presence of density stratification, the inclined wake itself generates large-scale internal wave undulations with time scale

$2{\rm \pi} /N$

, even when the background stratification is not strong and a body-based Froude number is

$O(10)$

. The geometry and strengths of the primary streamwise vortices are not symmetric, mirroring previous results from experiments and computations in the literature.
Exploring cultural, social, and biological factors influencing obesity onset in two racial-ethnic groups in Quibdó, Colombia
Authors: Castro-Prieto Paula Andrea , Molano-Moreno Daniela , Lucumí Diego I. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Obesity rates in Colombia are increasing, with variations among racial and ethnic groups. Studies on adult obesity often address socio-economic status, gender, and education but neglect racial-ethnic influences, notably in areas like Quibdó. Therefore, based on the theory of triadic influence, we conducted a qualitative study to identify biobehavioural, social, and cultural phenomena that, from the perspectives of the participants, influence the onset of obesity in Afro-Colombian and indigenous in Quibdó in 2022. The stratification variables were race, ethnicity (Afro-Colombian and Indigenous), and educational level (secondary or higher). Based on a literature review of qualitative studies that commonly explored food culture, nutritional status, and physical activity in analysing obesity within racial and ethnic populations, we incorporated these categories into our research methodology through semi-structured interviews. A framework analysis was used as a qualitative methodology to organise and analyse the collected data. We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews, 13 with the Afro-Colombian population and eight with indigenous inhabitants. The results indicate that cultural beliefs, forced displacement/migration, and alterations in public order have resulted in changes in food security, food culture, and physical activity practices, affecting the onset of obesity. Notably, distinctions in cultural beliefs regarding food culture and health as factors influencing obesity were observed between Afro-Colombians and the Indigenous populations; however, educational differences within the same racial ethnic group were not predominant. Findings indicate obesity is influenced by cultural, social, and biobehavioural factors, especially in regions with racial-ethnic communities facing complex conditions, necessitating targeted racial-ethnic public health policies.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised withdrawal study of adjunctive brexpiprazole maintenance treatment for major depressive disorder
Authors: McIntyre Roger S. , Sundararajan Kripa , Behl Saloni , Hefting Nanco , Jin Na , Brewer Claudette , Hobart Mary , Thase Michael E. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective:
To compare time to relapse in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) stabilised on antidepressant treatment (ADT) + brexpiprazole who were randomised to continued adjunctive brexpiprazole or brexpiprazole withdrawal (switch to placebo).

Methods:
This Phase 3, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm, randomised withdrawal study enrolled adults with MDD and inadequate response to 2–3 ADTs. All patients started on adjunctive brexpiprazole 2–3 mg/day (Phase A, 6–8 weeks). Patients whose symptoms stabilised (Phase B, 12 weeks) were randomised 1:1 to adjunctive brexpiprazole or adjunctive placebo (Phase C, 26 weeks). The primary endpoint was time to relapse in Phase C. Depression rating scale score changes were secondary endpoints.

Results:
1149 patients were enrolled and 489 patients were randomised (ADT + brexpiprazole n = 240; ADT + placebo n = 249). Median time to relapse was 63 days from randomisation in both treatment groups for patients who received ≥1 dose. Relapse criteria were met by 22.5% of patients (54/240) on ADT + brexpiprazole and 20.6% (51/248) on ADT + placebo (hazard ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.78–1.67; p = 0.51, log-rank test). Depression scale scores improved during Phases A–B and were maintained in Phase C. Mean weight increased by 2.2 kg in Phases A–B and stabilised in Phase C.

Conclusion:
Time to relapse was similar between continued adjunctive brexpiprazole and brexpiprazole withdrawal; in both groups, ∼80% of stabilised patients remained relapse free at their last visit. Adjunctive brexpiprazole therapy was generally well tolerated over up to 46 weeks, with minimal adverse effects following brexpiprazole withdrawal.
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03538691. Funding: Otsuka, Lundbeck.
Renal expression of calcium and phosphorus transporters: contrasting responses to dietary calcium and microbial phytase in broilers and growing pigs
Authors: Hu Yixin , Bikker Paul , Hendriks Wouter H. , van Krimpen Marinus M. , van Baal Jürgen 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEnhanced dietary Ca intake linearly increases intestinal Ca absorption in pigs, but not in broilers, suggesting potential differences in whole body Ca homeostasis. To determine the role of kidney in Ca homeostasis in these species, we varied in growing pigs in experiment (Exp) 1, the dietary Ca content 2·0 v. 9·6 g/kg and phytase 0 v. 500 FTU/kg, in broilers, in Exp 2 the dietary Ca/retainable P from 1·3 to 2·8 and phytase 0 v. 1000 FTU/kg, and in Exp 3 dietary Ca/P from 0·50 to 1·75. Increasing dietary Ca reduced renal mRNA expression of Ca-related transporters (TRPV5, TRPV6, CaBP-D28k and NCX1) and tight junctions (CLDN-12 and −16) in pigs, indicating Ca reabsorption was reduced to maintain Ca homeostasis. In broilers (Exp 2), high dietary Ca increased renal TRPV6, CaBP-D28k and CLDN-2 mRNA, indicating an increased capacity for Ca reabsorption. Moreover, the effect of dietary Ca was enhanced by inclusion of dietary phytase in pigs but reduced in broilers. Furthermore, increasing dietary Ca upregulated inorganic phosphate transporter 1 (PiT-1), while phytase downregulated xenotropic and polytropic retrovirus receptor 1 (XPR1) mRNA expression in pigs; in broilers, dietary Ca downregulated renal mRNA expression of Na-dependent phosphate transporter IIa (NaPi-IIa), PiT-1, PiT-2 and XPR1, while phytase downregulated NaPi-IIa but upregulated PiT-2 and XPR1 mRNA expression. In Exp 3, Ca/P effect on transporter mRNA expression was largely consistent with Exp 2. In conclusion of this study, together with previously measured data about Ca and P homeostasis, in pigs the kidneys play a more regulatory role in Ca homeostasis than in broilers where the intestine is more important for regulation.