bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are Move-In Ready Homes More Expensive?
Authors: Dutta Arnab , Green Richard K. , Panchapagesan Venkatesh , Venkataraman Madalasa 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMost residential homes in developing countries such as India sell before construction is complete. Completed or move-in ready homes command a premium because of the compounded cost of capital and uncertainty costs incurred over time from holding under-construction homes. In this paper, we use listing data from India’s six largest urban agglomerations (UAs) between 2010–2012 and show that sellers expect 2–15% move-in ready premia in five UAs. Moreover, in four UAs, individuals reselling homes expect five to eight percentage points higher move-in ready premia than developers selling new homes because of additional costs incurred by individuals from holding under-construction homes. We do not find any evidence of substantial speculative gains among individual resellers. At mean listed prices, the expected move-in ready premium is 383% of an average household’s annual income in Mumbai, India’s most expensive city. Our findings indicate that within the context of a developing country, lengthy construction times and expensive capital exacerbate already poor affordability conditions.
Noise-tolerant NMF-based parallel algorithm for respiratory rate estimation
Authors: Revuelta-Sanz Pablo , Muñoz-Montoro Antonio J. , Torre-Cruz Juan , Canadas-Quesada Francisco J. , Ranilla José 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe accurate estimation of respiratory rate (RR) is crucial for assessing the respiratory system’s health in humans, particularly during auscultation processes. Despite the numerous automated RR estimation approaches proposed in the literature, challenges persist in accurately estimating RR in noisy environments, typical of real-life situations. This becomes especially critical when periodic noise patterns interfere with the target signal. In this study, we present a parallel driver designed to address the challenges of RR estimation in real-world environments, combining multi-core architectures with parallel and high-performance techniques. The proposed system employs a nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) approach to mitigate the impact of noise interference in the input signal. This NMF approach is guided by pre-trained bases of respiratory sounds and incorporates an orthogonal constraint to enhance accuracy. The proposed solution is tailored for real-time processing on low-power hardware. Experimental results across various scenarios demonstrate promising outcomes in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency.
Partners in crime? Radical scepticism and malevolent global conspiracy theories
Authors: Schönbaumsfeld Genia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAlthough academic work on conspiracy theory has taken off in the last two decades, both in other disciplines as well as in epistemology, the similarities between global sceptical scenarios and global conspiracy theories have not been the focus of attention. The main reason for this lacuna probably stems from the fact that most philosophers take radical scepticism very seriously, while, for the most part, regarding ‘conspiracy thinking’ as epistemically defective. Defenders of conspiracy theory, on the other hand, tend not to be that interested in undermining radical scepticism, since their primary goal is to save conspiracy theories from the charges of irrationality. In this paper, I argue that radical sceptical scenarios and global conspiracy theories exhibit importantly similar features, which raises a serious dilemma for the ‘orthodox’ view that holds that while we must respond to radical scepticism, global conspiracy theories can just be dismissed. For, if, as I will show, both scenarios can be seen to be epistemically on a par, then either radical sceptical scenarios are as irrational as global conspiracy theories or neither type of scenario is intrinsically irrational. I argue for the first option by introducing a distinction between ‘local’ and ‘global’ sceptical scenarios and showing how this distinction maps onto contemporary debates concerning how best to understand the notion of a ‘conspiracy theory’. I demonstrate that, just as in the case of scepticism, ‘local’ conspiracies are, at least in principle, detectable and, hence, epistemically unproblematic, while global conspiracy theories, like radical scepticism, are essentially invulnerable to any potential counterevidence. This renders them theoretically vacuous and idle, as everything and nothing is compatible with what these ‘theories’ assert. I also show that radical sceptical scenarios and global conspiracy theories face the self-undermining problem: As soon as global unreliability is posited, the ensuing radical doubt swallows its children – the coherence of the sceptic’s proposal or the conspiracy theorist’s preferred conspiracy. I conclude that radical sceptical scenarios and global conspiracy theories are indeed partners in crime and should, therefore, be regarded as equally dubious.
Inequalities and Trends in Under-Five Mortality Between Formal and Informal Areas in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Lankoandé Bruno Yempabou , Compaoré Yacouba , Dianou Kassoum , Sanogo Souleymane , Soura Abdramane , Maïga Abdoulaye , Amouzou Agbessi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe physical expansion of the city of Ouagadougou, the capital and largest city of Burkina Faso, subsided in 2015 after the government banned land speculation that contributed to the growth and entrenchment of informal areas. The government subsequently implemented social policies such as free health care for pregnant women and children under 5 years of age. Against this background, we tested the convergence of under-5 mortality trends between formal and informal areas in the city between 2010 and 2019; data covering that period came from the Ouagadougou Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). The analyses included the calculation of all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates, the implementation of a Poisson regression model, and competing risk models. Over the study period, children in formal areas had lower mortality than those in informal areas. However, the inequality gap decreased over time due to a faster mortality decline in informal areas. This decline was explained by a rapid decline in deaths from malaria and other causes including sepsis, HIV/AIDS, measles, meningitis, and encephalitis. The pursuit of upgrading informal areas and the implementation of social policies targeting the poorest are likely to accelerate the mortality decline in Ouagadougou overall.
Osteosarcopenia in Finland: prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Blomqvist Matias , Nuotio Maria , Sääksjärvi Katri , Koskinen Seppo , Stenholm Sari 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Summary
This cross-sectional study investigated osteosarcopenia prevalence and its correlates among 2142 adults aged 55 and older in Finland. Findings show 3.9% had osteosarcopenia, while 13.8% and 11.1% had probable sarcopenia only or osteoporosis only, respectively. Osteosarcopenia was associated with low BMI, impaired mobility, ADL limitations and depression. Sarcopenia appeared to drive these associations more than osteoporosis. Osteosarcopenia may be a risk factor for functional decline, hospitalization, and institutionalization, warranting further research.

Purpose
Osteosarcopenia is a disorder consisting of concurrent osteoporosis and sarcopenia. This cross-sectional study using nationally representative data from Finland in 2000 aimed to determine the prevalence of osteosarcopenia in Finland. In addition, associations of sociodemographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, physical and mental function indicators, chronic conditions and various biomarkers with osteosarcopenia were examined.

Methods
The study included 2142 subjects aged 55 and over (mean age 68.0 years, SD 9.0). Probable sarcopenia was defined as grip strength < 27 kg for men and < 16 kg for women. Osteoporosis was defined as either ultrasound-based bone density measurement of T < -2.5, or self-reported, pre-existing diagnosis of osteoporosis. Participants were categorized into 4 groups: no sarcopenia and no osteoporosis, probable sarcopenia only, osteoporosis only, and osteosarcopenia. Information on sociodemographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, physical and mental function indicators, chronic conditions and various biomarkers were collected via structured interview, questionnaires, clinical examination, and blood and urine samples.

Results
The prevalence of probable sarcopenia, osteoporosis and osteosarcopenia was 13.8%, 11.1%, and 3.9%, respectively. Osteosarcopenia was associated with low BMI, slow gait speed, impaired mobility, impaired ability in the activities of daily living and depression. Of the two components, probable sarcopenia appeared to contribute to these associations more than osteoporosis.

Conclusion
According to representative population-based study, about every fifth person with probable sarcopenia also has osteoporosis. Mobility and ADL limitations were more common among people with osteosarcopenia than those with osteoporosis or probable sarcopenia alone. Future studies are needed to examine osteosarcopenia as an independent risk factor for functional decline, hospitalization, and institutionalization.
Evaluation of a cross-sectoral care model including novel telemedical concepts for diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (SLEEP WELL)
Authors: Hempen Annette , Mattinger Elena , Hienzsch Aurelia , Jeck Jacqueline , Nacke Nina , zur Nieden Pauline , Schwarze Katharina , Neumann Anja , Schöbel Christoph ,   SLEEP WELL consortium (BARMER; DAK Gesundheit; IKK classic; Techniker Krankenkasse; Clinic for Sleep Medicine Grand Arc GmbH, Duesseldorf; Clinic for Pneumology, Allergology, Sleep & Respiratory Medicine, KEM | Evang. Clinics Essen-Mitte; MuM—Medizin und Mehr eG Bünde; GIG—Gesellschaft für Integrierte Gesundheitsversorgung Bochum; University Hospital Essen, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology [IMIBE]; Institute for Health Care Management and Research [MedMan], University of Duisbu
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common organic sleep disorder. Nocturnal positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is the first-line treatment, although positive effects can only be expected with regular and long-term use. In view of the increasing OSA prevalence, interface problems in existing care are becoming apparent, leading to inadequate care and long waiting times for diagnosis and treatment. This also has an impact on treatment adherence and support.

Hypothesis
A telemedically supported patient pathway leads to timely diagnosis and needs-based initiation of treatment and improves adherence. This leads to an improved quality of life.

Patients and methods
In a prospective randomized controlled multicenter study, patients with clinically suspected OSA are treated according to guidelines with or without the help of telemedicine (telemedicine and control groups). A total of n = 4448 patients will be included. After guideline-compliant diagnosis and treatment initiation, patients will be followed for up to 12 months, whereby patients in the telemedicine group receive additional telemedical sleep medicine support. For n = 371 patients in the telemedicine group, it will also be investigated whether home-based telemedically supported initiation of PAP therapy under polygraphic control is expedient in the case of a high clinical pre-test probability, clear diagnostic polygraphy findings, and a low comorbidity burden. The new care services will be reimbursed to the participating medical service providers using project funds. In addition to a clinical evaluation, a health economic analysis of secondary data from patients of the participating health insurance funds (TKK, BARMER, DAK, and IKK classic) will be carried out. Primary outcome is sleepiness-related quality of life measured with the standardized functional outcomes of sleep questionnaire (FOSQ). Secondary endpoints are patient-reported outcomes (daytime sleepiness, treatment satisfaction), number of guideline-compliant treatments, PAP therapy adherence, and cost effectiveness and cost utility of the new forms of care. The satisfaction of the medical service providers will also be evaluated.

Results
The results of the study are expected at the end of the third quarter of 2025.

Registration of the study
DRKS00027895
Design for assembly principles applied to deformable parts, a natural frequency based methodology for interfaces design
Authors: Maltauro Mattia , Vargiu Elisa , Meneghello Roberto , Concheri Gianmaria 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this paper, a possible application of the DfA (Design for Assembly) principles to deformable parts is proposed. The efficiency of an assembly is expressed with the DfA index, which is influenced by the number of parts compared to the “minimum number of parts” and the assembly time. Deformable parts, if unsupported, can exhibit deformations outside functional limits; however, when assembled, they often need to behave like rigid parts. To achieve the necessary rigidity, a large number of constraints are added. Having a high number of anchor points between a part and the rest of the assembly induces a high assembly time and therefore a low DfA index. This paper aims to provide a methodological framework for designers to define optimal anchor point locations to achieve the desired rigidity with the minimum number of anchor points possible, thereby minimizing assembly time and maximizing the DfA Index. The procedure is based on modal analysis. Subsequent anchor points are added until the predefined rigidity measure, as the natural frequency, is reached. The procedure is validated through a simple case study and then applied to two cases derived from actual industrial applications. It is also shown how the procedure allows for an actual reduction of anchor points.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Selenium Pre-treatment in Mitigating Cadmium-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Heuer Rachael M. , Falagan-Lotsch Priscila , Okutsu Jessica , Deperalto Madison , Koop Rebekka R. , Umeh Olaedo G. , Guevara Gabriella A. , Noor Md Imran , Covington Myles A. , Shelton Delia S. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCardiovascular diseases are a rampant public health threat. Environmental contaminants, such as Cadmium (Cd), a toxic metal, are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Given that human exposure to Cd is increasing, there is a need for therapies to ameliorate Cd toxicity. Selenium (Se), an essential trace element, has been proposed to rescue the effects of Cd toxicity, with mixed effects. Se's narrow therapeutic window necessitates precise dosing to avoid toxicity. Here, we assessed the effects of various waterborne Cd and Se concentrations and sequences on cardiac function using zebrafish (Danio rerio). We showed that Cd induced pericardial edemas and modified heart rates in zebrafish larvae in a concentration-dependent manner. To identify the therapeutic range of Se for Cd-induced cardiotoxicity, zebrafish embryos were treated with 0, 10, 50, 100, 150, or 200 μg/L Se for 1–4 days prior to exposure to 2.5 and 5 μg/L Cd. We found that a 50 µg/L Se pre-treatment before 2.5 μg/L Cd, but not 5 μg/L Cd, reduced the prevalence of pericardial edemas and ameliorated Cd-induced bradycardia in zebrafish. Zebrafish exposed to 10 and 50 μg/L of Se for up to 4 days showed typical heart morphology, whereas other Se-exposed and control fish presented pericardial edemas. Longer Se pre-treatment durations led to fewer incidences of pericardial edemas. Overall, this study highlights the importance of optimizing Se concentrations and pre-treatment periods to harness its protective effects against Cd-induced cardiotoxicity. These findings provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for reducing Cd-related cardiovascular damage in humans.
Graphical Abstract
Girls in Pieces: An Exploration of Ethnic Identity in Two Anglo-Latina University Students
Authors: Vázquez April 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe multiracial population is the fastest-growing demographic in American society, increasing at three times the rate of the population as a whole. Because the majority of multiracial and multiethnic individuals are children and adolescents, the issue has important implications for the future of American schools. Using Rockquemore and Brunsma’s racial identity taxonomy, I analyzed the interview and reading group response data of two Anglo-Latina students at a large research university in the mid-Atlantic region to determine which identity options they chose and how they experienced living as multiracial individuals in the USA. Emergent themes included the students’ identification with the fictional protagonist of Gabi, A Girl in Pieces, being assigned a racial identity by others that did not match their self-determined identity, a sense of loss, and the experience of racial discrimination.
Validation of advanced hybrid SPECT/CT system using dynamic anthropomorphic cardiac phantom
Authors: Gelbart Elad , Krakovich Alexander , Sherm Yigal , Rabin Gilad , Ratner Hagit , Scheinowitz Mickey , Goldkorn Ronen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Objective
Myocardial blood flow (MBF) assessment can provide incremental diagnostic and prognostic information and thus the validation of dynamic SPECT is of high importance. We recently developed a novel cardiac phantom for dynamic SPECT validation and compared its performance against the GE Discovery NM 530c. We now report its use for validation of a new hybrid SPECT/CT System featuring advanced cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) technology in a ring array detector design (StarGuide™, GE HealthCare).

Methods
Our recently developed cardiac phantom with injected technetium-99m radiotracer was used to create physiological time activity curves (TACs) for the left ventricular (LV) cavity and the myocardium. The TACs allow the calculation of uptake rate (K1) and MBF. The StarGuide system was used to acquire and process the TACs, and these were compared to the TACs produced by the phantom and its mathematical model. Fifteen (15) experiments with different doses representing various MBF values were conducted, and a standard statistic tool was applied for significance.

Results
The TACs produced by the StarGuide system had a significant correlation (p < 0.001) with the reference TACs generated by the phantom both for the LV (r = 0.94) and for the myocardium (r = 0.89). The calculated MBF difference between the system and the phantom was 0.14 ± 0.16 ml/min/g and the average relative absolute difference was 13.2 ± 8.1%. A coefficient of variance of ≤ 11% was observed for all MBF subranges. The regional uptake rate values were similar to the global one with a maximum difference of 5%.

Conclusions
Our newly developed dynamic cardiac phantom was used for validation of the dynamic hybrid SPECT/CT CZT-based system (StarGuide™, GE). The accuracy and precision of the system for assessing MBF values were high. The new StarGuide system can reliably perform dynamic SPECT acquisitions over a wide range of myocardial perfusion flow rates.
The recovery and independence of elbow flexion and forearm supination after Oberlin II transfer in brachial plexus injuries: a long term follows up study
Authors: Acharya A. M. , Hegde Nikhil , Bhat Anil K. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The Oberlin II double fascicular nerve transfer has been evaluated extensively for objective outcomes for elbow flexion in brachial plexus injuries (BPI). However, there is limited information available on the recovery pattern of supination and patient-reported activity in the long-term. Our study aimed to assess the functional results with a minimum of five years of follow-up.

Methods
We evaluated patients with a minimum of five years after the Oberlin II procedure for post-traumatic BPI. They were evaluated using MRC grading, range of active movements, QuickDASH score and activity to check elbow flexion and forearm supination independent of finger and wrist flexion.

Results
18 out of 26 patients responded with a mean follow-up of 79.4 months (range: 61–98). 16 (88.9%) (p < 0.000) patients recovered to achieve active elbow flexion and forearm supination of either MRC grade 3 power or more. The average range of active elbow flexion was 113.9° (range: 0–140°) and active supination was 67.8° (0–90°). Patients who achieved grade 3 flexion or higher were found to regain supination after a delay. The recovery continues even after two years of surgery. The mean QuickDASH score was 21.8 (range: 2.3–63.6). There’s a significant inverse correlation between QuickDASH with both flexion and supination (p < .001 and < 0.05). 15 patients (83.3%) could demonstrate a dissociation of elbow and forearm movements from digital and wrist movements.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrated reliable functional results with independent elbow flexion, forearm supination and acceptable patient-reported outcomes for Oberlin II procedure in BPI.
Evaluating the Psychometric Properties of the Gratitude Questionnaire in a Chinese Sample: Comparing the 6-Item and 5-Item Versions
Authors: Fung Sai-fu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Objectives
There are controversies related to the item composition of the Gratitude Questionnaire-Six-Item Form (GQ-6). Recent literature has suggested removing Item 6 from the scale. This study evaluated both the 6- and 5-item versions and proposed an adapted Chinese version.

Method
Nine hundred and three undergraduate students were recruited for this psychometric evaluation study. The internal consistency, concurrent validity, and construct validity of the GQ-6 were evaluated.

Results
The results showed that the 5-item Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-5), which excludes Item 6, demonstrated better internal consistency (α = 0.74) compared to the original 6-item version (GQ-6) (α = 0.59). Both the 6-item and 5-item versions of the Gratitude Questionnaire exhibited good concurrent validity with well-established measures of self-esteem, life satisfaction, happiness, and mental well-being, as reported in the gratitude literature. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results indicated that the 5-item version possessed better construct validity than the original version. The CFA results also supported a unidimensional factor structure for the GQ-5 after post-hoc modifications.

Conclusions
The findings suggest that the GQ-5 demonstrates better psychometric properties compared to the original GQ-6. These results will assist researchers in choosing the appropriate version of the Gratitude Questionnaire for research studies conducted in different Chinese contexts.

Preregistration
This study is not preregistered.
Topological prevalence of variable speed of convergence in the deterministic chaos game
Authors: Leśniak Krzysztof , Snigireva Nina , Strobin Filip 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLet A be the attractor of a Banach contractive iterated function system (IFS) on a complete space. We prove that the orbit generated by a typical (in the sense of Baire category) driver recovers A with every possible speed. Our result extends the one from the paper: Leśniak et al. (Chaos 32(1):013110, 2022). We also show that our result is optimal from a certain point of view.