bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heatmap-Based Active Shape Model for Landmark Detection in Lumbar X-ray Images
Authors: Choi Minho , Jang Jun-Su 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Medical staff inspect lumbar X-ray images to diagnose lumbar spine diseases, and the analysis process is currently automated using deep-learning techniques. The detection of landmarks is necessary in the automatic process of localizing the position and identifying the morphological features of the vertebrae. However, detection errors may occur owing to the noise and ambiguity of images, as well as individual variations in the shape of the lumbar vertebrae. This study proposes a method to improve the robustness of landmark detection results. This method assumes that landmarks are detected by a convolutional neural network-based two-step model consisting of Pose-Net and M-Net. The model generates a heatmap response to indicate the probable landmark positions. The proposed method then corrects the landmark positions using the heatmap response and active shape model, which employs statistical information on the landmark distribution. Experiments were conducted using 3600 lumbar X-ray images, and the results showed that the landmark detection error was reduced by the proposed method. The average value of maximum errors decreased by 5.58% after applying the proposed method, which combines the outstanding image analysis capabilities of deep learning with statistical shape constraints on landmark distribution. The proposed method could also be easily integrated with other techniques to increase the robustness of landmark detection results such as CoordConv layers and non-directional part affinity field. This resulted in a further enhancement in the landmark detection performance. These advantages can improve the reliability of automatic systems used to inspect lumbar X-ray images. This will benefit both patients and medical staff by reducing medical expenses and increasing diagnostic efficiency.
Rural Suicide: Demographics, Causes, and Treatment Implications
Authors: Prazak Michael , Bacigalupi Rachel , Hamilton Stephen C. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSuicide rates in rural areas are higher than urban areas and growing, with current treatment developments only exacerbating this discrepancy. Within individual factors, both age and gender relate to and intersect with personal values related to self-reliance and attitudes toward mental health difficulties and treatment to increase suicide risk. The lethality ubiquitous in rural environments and occupations is a leading factor in rural suicide rates, with other factors such as race alternately noted to be a key factor but with more mixed findings. The cultural values of rural communities as typically negative toward mental health disclosure and treatment contribute to the disengagement of rural communities from treatment that may otherwise prevent suicides, exacerbating the physical lack of treatment access many rural communities experience. Working within the primary care system alongside increased telehealth utilization are suggested to reduce rural suicide rates.
“In God We Trust”: An Exploratory Study of the Associations Between Religiosity and the Caregiving Experiences of Parents of Children with Rare Diseases in Poland
Authors: Domaradzki Jan , Walkowiak Dariusz 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMost children with a rare disease are cared for by their family members but parenting such a child is extremely demanding due to the complexity and severity of symptoms, with serious physical, emotional, social, and financial consequences for caregivers. Although religion may serve as a positive coping strategy, little is known about its role in helping caregivers manage the stress related to the burden of caregiving in Poland. Therefore, we surveyed 925 Polish family caregivers of children with rare diseases to understand the association between caregivers’ religiosity and their caring experiences. The findings suggest that parents’ religiosity is associated with a more positive caregiving experience, perceived quality of life, and experienced caregiving burden. While religious caregivers reported experiencing less distressing emotions and stressed the encouraging impact of their child’s disease on their life more often, non-religious caregivers experienced role captivity and role overload more frequently. Since religion may serve as a source of strength and a protecting factor against mental health problems and the burden of caregiving, healthcare professionals should be aware of the importance of religious and spiritual care, and caregivers’ religiosity should be considered an integral part of a holistic approach.
Persuasion and gender: experimental evidence from two political campaigns
Authors: Galasso Vincenzo , Nannicini Tommaso 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe investigate differential responses by gender to competitive persuasion in political campaigns. We implemented a survey and a field experiment during two mayoral elections in Italy. Eligible voters were exposed to a positive or negative campaign by an opponent. The survey experiment used on-line videos and slogans. The field experiment used door-to-door canvassing. In both experiments, gender differences emerge. Females vote more for the opponent and less for the incumbent when exposed to positive—as opposed to negative—campaigning. Males do the opposite. These differences cannot be explained by gender identification, ideology, or other voters’ observable attributes.
A Quantitative Method to Measure Oil-Separation Properties of Lubricating Greases
Authors: Hogenberk Femke , van den Ende Dirk , de Rooij Matthijn B. , Lugt Piet M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe oil-separation properties of lubricating greases are responsible for transporting base oil to the bearing contacts. Therefore, a good understanding of these properties is necessary to predict grease life based on physical grease properties. Currently, oil separation for small, aged grease samples collected from bearings, is studied using so-called maintenance tools. These tools give qualitative insight into the grease properties, e.g., increases or decreases in oil separation after ageing of the grease. In this work, a quantitative, lab-scale method to study oil separation is presented. Using this method, the amount of base oil transferred from a grease sample to a piece of blotting paper is measured based on the difference in light transmission through the oil stain and the dry paper. Translation of transmitted light intensity to oil concentration is accomplished using a modified Lambert-Beer’s law. This enables the determination of the instantaneous bleed rate and oil content. In combination with a physical model, this method can help to improve the understanding of the driving forces behind oil separation, e.g., the affinity pressure and permeability.
Beat-to-beat blood pressure variability, hippocampal atrophy, and memory impairment in older adults
Authors: Lohman Trevor , Sible Isabel , Engstrom Allison C. , Kapoor Arunima , Shenasa Fatemah , Head Elizabeth , Sordo Lorena , Alitin John Paul M. , Gaubert Aimee , Nguyen Amy , Rodgers Kathleen E. , Bradford David , Nation Daniel A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability (BPV) predicts age-related hippocampal atrophy, neurodegeneration, and memory decline in older adults. Beat-to-beat BPV may represent a more reliable and efficient tool for prospective risk assessment, but it is unknown whether beat-to-beat BPV is similarly associated with hippocampal neurodegeneration, or with plasma markers of neuroaxonal/neuroglial injury. Independently living older adults without a history of dementia, stroke, or other major neurological disorders were recruited from the community (N = 104; age = 69.5 ± 6.7 (range 55–89); 63% female). Participants underwent continuous blood pressure monitoring, brain MRI, venipuncture, and cognitive testing over two visits. Hippocampal volumes, plasma neurofilament light, and glial fibrillary acidic protein levels were assessed. Beat-to-beat BPV was quantified as systolic blood pressure average real variability during 7-min of supine continuous blood pressure monitoring. The cross-sectional relationship between beat-to-beat BPV and hippocampal volumes, cognitive domain measures, and plasma biomarkers was assessed using multiple linear regression with adjustment for demographic covariates, vascular risk factors, and average systolic blood pressure. Elevated beat-to-beat BPV was associated with decreased left hippocampal volume (P = .008), increased plasma concentration of glial fibrillary acidic protein (P = .006), and decreased memory composite score (P = .02), independent of age, sex, average systolic blood pressure, total intracranial volume, and vascular risk factor burden. In summary, beat-to-beat BPV is independently associated with decreased left hippocampal volume, increased neuroglial injury, and worse memory ability. Findings are consistent with prior studies examining visit-to-visit BPV and suggest beat-to-beat BPV may be a useful marker of hemodynamic brain injury in older adults.
Investigation of Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Properties, and Molecular Docking in Different Roasting Stages of Coffee Beans
Authors: Aytar Erdi Can , Aydın Betül 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of coffee beans at different roasting stages, namely green coffee, filter-roasted coffee, and espresso-roasted coffee. Using a Golden Roaster machine, specific roasting profiles were developed to achieve distinct flavor characteristics: an intense flavor and balanced acidity for espresso, and a balanced, complex taste for filter coffee. Results indicate that filter-roasted coffee exhibits the highest radical scavenging activity, as evidenced by its lowest IC50 value for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition. Green coffee demonstrates superior iron chelation activity, while filter-roasted coffee contains the highest flavonol content and espresso-roasted coffee has the highest flavonoid content. Bacterial sensitivity tests show that both filter-roasted and espresso-roasted coffee are effective against certain strains, including Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identifies key compounds such as caffeine and 4,4-dimethyl-3-(3-methylbut-3-enylidene)-2-methylenebicyclo [4.1.0] heptane in filter-roasted coffee, and 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl) buta-1,3-diene in espresso-roasted coffee. Molecular docking and in silico molecule’s absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADME) studies suggest potential pharmaceutical applications for coffee compounds. These findings provide valuable insights into coffee’s complex chemistry and its health-related properties. Additionally, the importance of coffee profiling in bioprocesses is highlighted by the need to carefully analyze the profiling process to optimize the biological effects and health benefits of these compounds. Coffee profiling not only enhances consumer taste experiences but also contributes to a better understanding of coffee’s potential health benefits by effectively identifying biomolecules and nutrients for use in bioprocesses.

Graphical Abstract
In vitro models of the choroid plexus and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier: advances, applications, and perspectives
Authors: Schwerk Christian , Schroten Horst 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe choroid plexus (CP), a highly vascularized endothelial–epithelial convolute, is placed in the ventricular system of the brain and produces a large part of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Additionally, the CP is the location of a blood–CSF barrier (BCSFB) that separates the CSF from the blood stream in the CP endothelium. In vitro models of the CP and the BCSFB are of high importance to investigate the biological functions of the CP and the BCSFB. Since the CP is involved in several serious diseases, these in vitro models promise help in researching the processes contributing to the diseases and during the development of treatment options. In this review, we provide an overview on the available models and the advances that have been made toward more sophisticated and “in vivo near” systems as organoids and microfluidic lab-on-a-chip approaches. We go into the applications and research objectives for which the various modeling systems can be used and discuss the possible future prospects and perspectives.
The Effect of School Principals’ Empowering Leadership Behaviors on Well-Being at Work: The Mediating Role of Organizational Ostracism
Authors: Okçu Veysel , Cemaloğlu Necati , Ay İnan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the impact of empowering leadership exhibited by school principals on teachers’ perspectives on organizational ostracism and well-being at work in educational settings in Türkiye. Applying a cross-sectional research design, we collected responses from 603 teachers in different provinces. The results reveal that empowering leadership has a positive impact on teachers’ well-being. Furthermore, empowering leadership practices significantly diminish teachers’ perceptions of ostracism, thus cultivating a positive and inclusive work environment. Our findings emphasize the pivotal role of organizational ostracism in mediating the relationship between empowering leadership and well-being at work, highlighting the importance of empowering leadership in creating a healthy and supportive school setting. These insights offer valuable guidance to school leaders, teachers, and policymakers in crafting conducive work environments, enhancing teacher–principal relationships, and promoting overall teacher well-being.
Lubrication performance of graphene in the sliding electrical contact interface
Authors: Wang Lv , Tang Qian , Liang Tao , Liu Chenxu , Sun Deen , Wang Shu , Li Jingchuan , Zhang Sam , Meng Yonggang , Huang Yuehua 
Published: August 2024

AbstractElectrical contact materials are increasingly widely used, but the existing electric contact lubricants still have lots of room for improvement, such as anti-wear performance and lubrication life. Due to the excellent electrical and lubrication properties, graphene shows great potential in lubricating the sliding electrical contact interface, but there is a lack of relevant research. Some researchers have studied the lubrication performance of graphene between the gold-coated/TiN-coated friction pair at an ultra-low current. However, the lubrication performance of graphene on more widely used electrical contact materials such as copper and its alloys under larger and more commonly used current or voltage conditions has not been reported. In this paper, we study the lubrication performance of graphene in the copper and its alloys sliding electrical contact interface under usual parameters, which is explored through four aspects: different substrates—copper and brass, different test methods—constant voltage and constant current, different normal loads and durability test. The experiments demonstrate that graphene can significantly reduce the friction and wear on brass and copper under the above test methods and parameters, with low contact resistance at the same time. Our work is expected to provide a new lubricant for electrical contact materials and contribute to enriching the tribological theory of graphene.
Activating Fenton-like reaction by hydrochars containing persistent free radicals derived from various pomelo peel components
Authors: Zhang Chaoyang , Jiang Zili , Sun Wanxue , Tang Yuyuan , Zhang Zhanying , Shi Changrong , Ruan Xiuxiu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTo reveal the influence of the diversity of precursors on the formation of environmental persistent free radicals (EPFRs), pomelo peel (PP) and its physically divided portion, pomelo cuticle (PC), and white fiber (WF) were used as precursors to prepare six hydrochars: PPH-Fe, PCH-Fe, WFH-Fe, PPH, PCH, and WFH with and without Fe(III) addition during hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). PPH-Fe and WFH-Fe had higher EPFRs content (9.11 × 1018 and 8.25 × 1018 spins·g−1) compared to PPH and WFH (3.33 × 1018 and 2.96 × 1018 spins·g−1), indicating that iron-doping favored EPFRs formation. However, PCH-Fe had lower EPFRs content (2.78 × 1018 spins·g−1) than PCH (7.95 × 1018 spins·g−1), possibly due to excessive iron leading to the consumption of the generated EPFRs. For another reason, the required Fe(III) amount for EPFRs formation might vary among different precursors. PC has a lower concentration of phenolic compounds but 68–97% fatty acids, while WF and PP are rich in cellulose and lignin. In the Fenton-like reaction, oxygen-centered radicals of hydrochar played a significant role in activating H2O2 and efficiently degrading bisphenol A (BPA). Mechanisms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in hydrochar/H2O2 system were proposed. EPFRs on hydrochar activate H2O2 via electron transfer, creating ·OH and 1O2, leading to BPA degradation. More importantly, the embedded EPFRs on the hydrochar's inner surface contributed to the prolonged Fenton-like reactivity of PPH-Fe stored for 45 days. This study demonstrates that by optimizing precursor selection and iron doping, hydrochars can be engineered to maximize their EPFRs content and reactivity, providing a cost-effective solution for the degradation of hazardous pollutants.
Graphical abstract
Effect of Na2SiO3/NaOH rate and natural zeolite content on basalt fiber reinforced eco-efficient slag-based geopolymer mortar synthesis
Authors: Efe Murat , Öz Ali , Bayrak Barış , Kaplan Gökhan , Aydın Abdulkadir Cüneyt 
Published: August 2024

AbstractConsidering that industrial wastes such as granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and fly ash (FA) will be released less or more in the future, developing geopolymer composites with natural pozzolans is a critical issue today. In this study, geopolymer composites with different SS (sodium silicate)/SH (sodium hydroxide) rates (2.0, 2.5 and 3.0) were produced by NZ reinforcement at 5%, 10% and 15%, and their physicomechanical, transport, high-temperature resistance, microstructure, carbon footprint and cost features were investigated. Geopolymer composites had been heat-cured for 8 h at 80 °C. The porosity of geopolymer composites varies between 5.2 and 7.2%, while their water absorption is between 3.4 and 6.9%. The dry unit weight of all geopolymer composites is less than 2300 kg/m3. The compressive strength of the geopolymer composite with an SS/SH rate of 3 and an NZ rate of 5% was about 75 MPa, and the compressive strength of the geopolymer composite with an SS/SH rate of 2 and an NZ rate of 15% was about 40 MPa. The capillary water absorption value of geopolymer composites is generally less than 1 kg/m2. While the compressive strength of geopolymer composites exposed to 600 °C ranged from 21.2 to 40.5 MPa, using 5% and 10% NZ generally improved the high-temperature resistance. The carbon emission of geopolymer composites was between 391.4 and 400.8 kgCO2/kg, while the cost increased only slightly with increasing NZ content. As a result, NZ content of 10% when the SS/SH rate is 2.5 and NZ content of 5% when the SS/SH rate is 3 improves many features of geopolymer composites.
Optimized Technique for College Students Job Searching Strategies Using Fuzzy Logic Control with Cuckoo Search Algorithm
Authors: Xiao Youping , Liu Fei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCollege students face uncertainties during job searches due to a lack of career planning, unclear objectives, and ineffective search strategies, leading to poor employment outcomes. Fuzzy Control (FC) based Job Search Strategies (JS2) are proposed in this research as an optimized technique named FC-JS2-TSC. This technique combines Takagi-Sugeno (TS) fuzzy inference with Cuckoo (C) search optimization. The primary goals are improving individualized advice and creating an integrated system to deal with job search concerns. The FC uses fuzzy logic and sets to model uncertainties such as vague job desires and ever-changing market circumstances. Individual student profiles and preferences are used to fine-tune methods by cuckoo search. Through experimental validation, we can see that FC-JS2-TSC outperforms previous methods in terms of both job strategy selection and results. As a measure of system efficacy, the results demonstrate a high Cronbach's alpha reliability of 0.96, a low RMSEA of 0.04 and 96.6% regarding job offers. By adjusting tactics in response to uncertainty, the innovative FC-JS2-TSC algorithm facilitates data-driven, personalized decision-making, ultimately leading to more efficient job searches. It has an integrated design that combines optimization with fuzzy logic's uncertainty handling to ensure students have the best possible chance of success in their job searches.
Reflection: Moral Firms and the Future of Capitalism
Authors: Henderson Rebecca M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCapitalism has taken many forms over the last 500 years. This short essay asks whether rediscovering the idea that corporations have a moral duty to contribute to the social good might help create a form of capitalism capable of addressing the massive problems that we face. I argue that the property view of the corporation, or the idea that the sole goal of the corporation should be to maximize investor returns, might once have been appropriate, but is currently causing enormous damage. I suggest that the entity view of the corporation, or the view that the primary purpose of the corporation is to serve the common good, has a long history, and is currently remerging in ways that have the potential to help reform capitalism in powerful ways.
Radical Mercantilism and Fascist Italy’s East African Empire
Authors: Turtur Noelle 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis article traces the evolution of Italian strategies for imperial expansion from the decades after unification—when many came to believe that imperial conquest would more advantageously position Italy in the liberal capitalist global economy—to the height of the fascist colonial project in the Horn of Africa—when the fascists tried to break with the liberal global economy and construct a new, radical mercantilist and corporatist empire. Taking inspiration from their predecessors, the fascist regime extracted capital, resources, and labor from Africans and Italians to finance its war against the Ethiopian empire and its colonization of the Horn. While the war temporarily stimulated Italian industry, employed hundreds of thousands of work-hungry Italians, and consolidated the regime’s many corporatist institutions, it drained Italy’s reserves and alarmed the Duce’s allies among Italy’s industrial and financial elite. The regime, thus, shifted strategies, focusing on reducing the cost of the empire by exploiting African workers, eliminating inefficient small enterprises, and creating vast concessions for Italian industrialists. Conquering new territories and markets, acquiring a variety of primary resources, and empowering industry, Mussolini and the radical mercantilist-corporatists aimed to resolve Italy’s perceived under-development, by placing Italy at the center of a great fascist Eurafrican empire that could dictate the terms of its engagement with the rest of the world.