bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies on AI application in pronunciation teaching based on Qupeiyin app through smart phone
Authors: Xue Wei , Zhao Yanan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study focuses on applying Qupeiyin, a mobile phone app, to pronunciation teaching among English major students. Through a 16‐week teaching experiment implemented in control and experimental classes among English major freshmen, with the help of pre‐test, post‐test, questionnaire and assisting tools like EXCEL and SPSS, this study concluded that Qupeiyin app‐assisted pronunciation teaching is effective in improving students' pronunciation proficiency in both segmental and suprasegmental features. Students' error rate in pronunciation decreased significantly. The reason for the positive effects in pronunciation teaching are as follows: (1) multimedia learning materials such as colourful pictures and text, interesting music and songs, authentic readings and dialogues in the app attract students and arouse their interest in learning pronunciation through dubbing; (2) the targeted pronunciation knowledge is transformed into an interesting dubbing activity with explicit teaching aims, which renders the pronunciation teaching more intuitive and easier to understand; (3) Qupeiyin divides a short video into multiple utterances of several seconds, and each utterance of the video can be played and repeated over and over again, giving students enough chance to practice each sound and making them more engaged in the practice so that students may not think too much of Chinese pronunciation; and (4) students feel learning while being entertained the dubbing activity is an entertaining activity in itself, they achieve a sense of accomplishment through dubbing without less pressure.
Age, growth, and trophic ecology of the Redeye Bass, an alien invader of California rivers
Authors: Chasnoff Beth , Moyle Peter B. , Young Matthew J. , Crain Patrick K. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
The Redeye Bass Micropterus coosae is a piscivore introduced into California, which has become a threat to the state's endemic freshwater fishes. It has eliminated native fishes from the middle reaches of the Cosumnes River, our study stream, which is the largest stream without a major dam on its main stem in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River drainage, central California, USA. We thoroughly documented its novel life history and ecology in California to shed light on why it has been such a successful invader despite its relatively small native range.

Methods
Over 4000 stable carbon and nitrogen isotope samples were utilized to refine our understanding of fish trophic position within the river food web, along with a stable isotope mixing model that accounts for uncertainty in trophic enrichment data.

Result
Growth was slow, with an adult size range of 9–25 cm standard length (SL), although few were larger than 15-cm SL (5–6 years old). Stable isotope analyses showed that Redeye Bass dominate the river ecosystem to the exclusion of most native fishes, occupying multiple trophic levels and microhabitats. Adults largely consumed non-native crayfish and large aquatic insects, while juveniles consumed aquatic insects, the size of prey increasing with Redeye Bass length. There was no evidence of cannibalism. Redeye Bass have effectively occupied the diverse trophic positions of at least four native fish species and have altered the trophic position of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in sites where they co-occur with bass.

Conclusion
The introduction of Redeye Bass poses a continuing threat to native stream fishes in California and elsewhere.
Functional turnover in a prairie river fish community over 130 years
Authors: Clancy Niall G. , McFarland Jonathan A. , Ahern Megan G. , Walters Annika W. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
In many Great Plains rivers, functional turnover—the change in proportional dominance of members in biological communities that fill certain ecological roles—has occurred due to impoundment and habitat alteration. The Powder River of Montana and Wyoming remains one of the few unregulated prairie rivers, but long-term monitoring is limited, so we analyzed changes over time at the functional, assemblage, and species levels.

Methods
We used fish sampling data from 43 different sources collected from 1893 to 2022 to analyze trends in fish communities.

Result
Across the main-stem Powder River, Sand Shiner Miniellus stramineus and Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus substantially increased in abundance, whereas Sturgeon Chub Macrhybopsis gelida decreased. While most other species did not show significant changes in relative abundance (although the always rare Lake Chub Couesius plumbeus may have been extirpated), significant functional turnover occurred in the upper river due to increases in generalist feeders, predators, omnivores, and cavity-guarding species, with declines in benthic feeders, invertivores, and pelagic broadcast spawners, among others. Community and functional changes were more substantial in the upper river than in the lower river, possibly due to augmented streamflow from a major tributary.

Conclusion
Functional turnover within the upper river was substantial despite the relative stability of most individual species, even when the Sand Shiner—the most significantly increasing species—was excluded from analysis. This suggests small but consistent increases and decreases within functional groups, which cumulatively are likely impacting the ecosystem. We hypothesize a complex set of mechanisms causing these changes that offer avenues for future work. The collation of data from disparate studies and the resampling of even a limited number of historical fish collection locations can greatly aid in identifying potential fish community changes in systems where monitoring is limited.
The International Institute of Humanitarian Law and Cultural Property Protection in Armed Conflict
Authors: Greppi Edoardo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe piece explores the historical path and rationale that led the international community to the negotiation and then adoption, in 1954, of the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, focusing on some very specific peculiarities of this legal instrument, as well as on its original role within the wider IHL body of law. With a special emphasis on the provisions relating to the dissemination of the legal principles outlined by the Convention, the analysis thus presents the key elements of the research and training mission carried out, in more than half a century of activity, by the International Institute of Humanitarian Law in Sanremo (Italy) and abroad.
Defending the Mainstream, Women and Neoliberalism Under the Howard Government (1996–2007)
Authors: Johnson Carol 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis chapter focuses on Australian government policy but also provides relevant international examples. The advent of the Howard government was to see a major “weaponization” of gender equality arguments and policy. Liberal Party feminists became increasingly marginalised as the socially conservative right became dominant. Influenced by UK Thatcherite and especially US Reaganite conservative, neoliberal framing, the Howard government depicted itself as protecting so-called mainstream Australians against politically correct, elite, special interests who were trying to rip off Australian taxpayers by obtaining government largesse. Howard, in particular, exhibited a form of grandfatherly protective masculinity, in which he pledged to protect Australians from social change while ensuring rising standards of living. Feminist organisations were clearly included as “special interests” seeking government largesse. Consequently, various women’s services, advocacy groups and government women’s policy units were subject to budget cuts. Furthermore, Howard argued that previous Labor governments had disadvantaged stay-at-home mothers. The result was that Australia’s previously innovative gender policy regime went backwards under the impact of Anglosphere neoliberalism and social conservatism.
Framing a Business Case for Equality: Women Under the Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison Governments (2013–2022)
Authors: Johnson Carol 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis chapter focuses on Australian government policy but also provides relevant international examples. It analyses the Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison Coalition governments, arguing that their policy framework was more sympathetic to a neoliberal version of market-friendly gender equality than Howard’s Coalition government, despite continuing social conservative influences. Prime Minister Turnbull had more moderate Liberal views on social issues but was constrained by the influence of the right within the Liberal Party. Abbott and Morrison were religious social conservatives, albeit from a Catholic and Pentecostal background respectively. Abbott used US-influenced socially conservative arguments to oppose same-sex marriage and Morrison tried to mobilise US-style campaigns against gender ideology and transgender issues. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the gender-blind nature of the government’s market-driven policies. Meanwhile, feminist mobilisations around sexual scandals in parliament also contributed to Morrison’s defeat.
Current Situation and Future of Precision Agriculture in Thailand
Authors: Jintrawet Attachai , Yasuyuki Kono 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe traditional agricultural research and improvement framework, based on the reductionism paradigm, that form the conceptual basis of agriculture today, are insufficient to address the demands of various actors. Precision Agriculture (PA), paradigms and technologies, have their origins in improving the efficiency of farm-level agricultural resource management based on understanding-driven/data-driven paradigm (UDP), especially modeling and decision support systems (DSS). DSS can be further developed into PA Simulators and are relevant to agricultural systems in a small-farm context. UDP paradigm is systemically creating new collaborative learning and evolving predictive capacity, which create opportunities to co-manage limited resources. In Thailand since 2015, PA was considered as a means of helping policy makers, researchers, and farmers to deal with increased information, increasingly complex decisions and to professionalize their activities. PA has been widely proposed and developed as providing a basis for improving sustainability of farm-level resource management. However, PA has, up-to-now and in practice, had limited impact in many farm-level resource management contexts, in particular land and labor resources in Thailand. Failures can be attributed to non-delivery, inaccessible technologies and un-coordinated-isolated-silo-short-term-based agencies/actors of government institutions. We have conducted a series of forums on PA for fruit crops with groups of experts and key stakeholders during late 2020 to early 2021. Four plausible future scenarios of PA for fruit crops in Thailand were formulated based on trends and drivers in social, technology, economy, environment, policy and value contexts. It was concluded that policy makers, with long-term political wills, must reinvent the entire institutional system to take advantage of emerging analog and digital technologies. The new system should meet demands and challenges of the BCG model (Bio-Circular-Green economy model). The model called for inclusiveness of actors, i.e., small farms and multi-disciplinary scientists for long-term vision and goal.
$$C^*$$-Algebras Associated to Transfer Operators for Countable-to-One Maps
Authors: Bardadyn Krzysztof , Kwaśniewski Bartosz K. , Lebedev Andrei V. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOur initial data is a transfer operator L for a continuous, countable-to-one map $$\varphi :\Delta \rightarrow X$$

φ
:
Δ
→
X

defined on an open subset of a locally compact Hausdorff space X. Then L may be identified with a ‘potential’, i.e. a map $$\varrho :\Delta \rightarrow X$$

ϱ
:
Δ
→
X

that need not be continuous unless $$\varphi $$
φ
is a local homeomorphism. We define the crossed product $$C_0(X)\rtimes L$$

C
0

(
X
)

⋊
L

as a universal $$C^*$$

C
∗

-algebra with explicit generators and relations, and give an explicit faithful representation of $$C_0(X)\rtimes L$$

C
0

(
X
)

⋊
L

under which it is generated by weighted composition operators. We explain its relationship with Exel–Royer’s crossed products, quiver $$C^*$$

C
∗

-algebras of Muhly and Tomforde, $$C^*$$

C
∗

-algebras associated to complex or self-similar dynamics by Kajiwara and Watatani, and groupoid $$C^*$$

C
∗

-algebras associated to Deaconu–Renault groupoids. We describe spectra of core subalgebras of $$C_0(X)\rtimes L$$

C
0

(
X
)

⋊
L

, prove uniqueness theorems for $$C_0(X)\rtimes L$$

C
0

(
X
)

⋊
L

and characterize simplicity of $$C_0(X)\rtimes L$$

C
0

(
X
)

⋊
L

. We give efficient criteria for $$C_0(X)\rtimes L$$

C
0

(
X
)

⋊
L

to be purely infinite simple and in particular a Kirchberg algebra.
Hecke algebra action on twisted motivic Chern classes and K-theoretic stable envelopes
Authors: Koncki Jakub , Weber Andrzej 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Let G be a linear semisimple algebraic group and B its Borel subgroup. Let

$${\mathbb {T}}\subset B$$

T
⊂
B

be the maximal torus. We study the inductive construction of Bott–Samelson varieties to obtain recursive formulas for the twisted motivic Chern classes of Schubert cells in G/B. To this end we introduce two families of operators acting on the equivariant K-theory

$${\text {K}}_{\mathbb {T}}(G/B)[y]$$

K
T

(
G
/
B
)

[
y
]

, the right and left Demazure–Lusztig operators depending on a parameter. The twisted motivic Chern classes coincide (up to normalization) with the K-theoretic stable envelopes. Our results imply wall-crossing formulas for a change of the weight chamber and slope parameters. The right and left operators generate a twisted double Hecke algebra. We show that in the type A this algebra acts on the Laurent polynomials. This action is a natural lift of the action on

$${\text {K}}_{\mathbb {T}}(G/B)[y]$$

K
T

(
G
/
B
)

[
y
]

with respect to the Kirwan map. We show that the left and right twisted Demazure–Lusztig operators provide a recursion for twisted motivic Chern classes of matrix Schubert varieties.
Effectiveness of Exosome Treatment in Androgenetic Alopecia: Outcomes of a Prospective Study
Authors: Ersan Mert , Ozer Emre , Akin Ozlem , Tasli Pakize Neslihan , Sahin Fikrettin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Objective
Harnessing the regenerative capabilities of stem cell-derived exosomes holds great promise for developing novel hair growth therapies, offering hope for individuals experiencing hair loss or alopecia. This aimed to elucidate the effect of “foreskin-derived mesenchymal stromal cells derived exosome” injection into the scalp on hair density in patients with androgenetic alopecia and the contribution of this treatment on patient satisfaction.

Method
This prospective study included 30 male patients, aged between 22 and 65, with hair type III-VI according to the Norwood-Hamilton scale. Characterization of the stem cell exosomes was performed with the nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), hair densities were calculated via digital imaging analysis, and patient satisfaction was questioned with a modified survey.

Results
NTA results showed a characteristic distribution of peaks for exosomes 139.7 ± 2.3 nm in diameter. A statistically significant increase in hair density was observed in the 4th and 12th weeks after treatment (p < 0.05). Patient-reported satisfaction revealed a statistically significant difference in the answers given in the 12th week compared to the 4th week (p < 0.05). No side effects or complications were observed after exosome injection.

Conclusion
Foreskin-derived mesenchymal stromal cells derived exosome injection increased hair density, with sustained patient satisfaction throughout the study. The exosome application resulted in no side effects.

Level of Evidence IV
This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Automatic personal identification using a single CT image
Authors: Heinrich Andreas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Computer vision (CV) mimics human vision, enabling computers to automatically compare radiological images from recent examinations with a large image database for unique identification, crucial in emergency scenarios involving unknown patients or deceased individuals. This study aims to extend a CV-based personal identification method from orthopantomograms (OPGs) to computed tomography (CT) examinations using single CT slices.

Methods
The study analyzed 819 cranial computed tomography (CCT) examinations from 722 individuals, focusing on single CT slices from six anatomical regions to explore their potential for CV-based personal identification in 69 procedures. CV automatically identifies and describes interesting features in images, which can be recognized in a reference image and then designated as matching points. In this study, the number of matching points was used as an indicator for identification.

Results
Across six different regions, identification rates ranged from 41/69 (59%) to 69/69 (100%) across over 700 possible identities. Comparison of images from the same individual achieved higher matching points, averaging 6.32 ± 0.52% (100% represents the maximum possible matching points), while images of different individuals averaged 0.94 ± 0.15%. Reliable matching points are found in the teeth, maxilla, cervical spine, skull bones, and paranasal sinuses, with the maxillary sinuses and ethmoidal cells being particularly suitable for identification due to their abundant matching points.

Conclusion
Unambiguous identification of individuals based on a single CT slice is achievable, with maxillary sinus CT slices showing the highest identification rates. However, metal artifacts, especially from dental prosthetics, and various head positions can hinder identification.

Clinical relevance statement
Radiology possesses a multitude of reference images for a CV database, facilitating automated CV-based personal identification in emergency examinations or cases involving unknown deceased individuals. This enhances patient care and communication with relatives by granting access to medical history.

Key Points

Unknown individuals in radiology or forensics pose challenges, addressed through automatic CV-based identification methods.

A single CT slice highlighting the maxillary sinuses is particularly effective for personal identification.

Radiology plays a pivotal role in automated personal identification by leveraging its extensive image database.
Checking vesicourethral anastomosis for urinary extravasation during radical prostatectomy: is it still necessary in the robotic era? A prospective, randomized case-control study
Authors: Ozveren Bora , Karsiyakali Nejdet , Ozgen Mahir Bulent , Turkeri Levent 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the role of intraoperative control of the watertightness of vesicourethral anastomosis extravasation control (VUAEC) in predicting vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) healing and early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods
100 patients who underwent RARP between October 2020 and May 2023 were consecutively included in the study. Preoperatively, the patients were randomized to undergo VUAEC (Group-A) or not (Group-B). Patients in Group-A were evaluated in 2 subgroups: those with no extravasation observed during VUAEC (Group-A1; n = 31 (62%)) and those with extravasation (Group-A2; n = 19 (38%)). On the 8th post-operative day, a gravity cystogram (GC) was performed on all patients to assess VUA healing.

Results
There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of clinical features, drain removal time, length of hospital stay, extravasation on GC, catheter removal time and postoperative complications (p > 0.05, for each). There was also no statistically significant difference between the subgroups in terms of drain removal time, length of hospital stays, catheter removal time (p > 0.05, for each). In Group-A2, urinary extravasation on GC was found in a greater percentage, but the difference remained statistically insignificant (p = 0.082).

Conclusions
Performing intraoperative VUAEC did not have a significant role in the prediction of VUA healing and early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing RARP. The current study did not identify a substantial clinical benefit of routine intraoperative VUAEC.
P﻿raktische Anleitung zur Implantation nicht-transvenöser ICD-Systeme
Authors: Duncker David , Albert Karolin , Rillig Andreas , Sommer Philipp , Heeger Christian-Hendrik , Gunawardene Melanie , Rolf Sascha , Jansen Henning , Estner Heidi , Althoff Till , Maurer Tilman , Tilz Roland , Iden Leon , Johnson Victoria , Steven Daniel 
Published: August 2024

ZusammenfassungAls Alternative zu transvenösen ICD-Systemen sind aktuell zwei nichttransvenöse ICD-Systeme verfügbar: Der seit einigen Jahren etablierte subkutane ICD (S-ICD) verfügt über eine prästernale Elektrode, die subkutan implantiert wird und die eine Schockfunktion sowie in begrenztem Umfang auch eine Post-Schock-Stimulation bietet. Außerdem ist in Europa seit 2023 der extravaskuläre ICD (EV-ICD) erhältlich, welcher ebenfalls ohne transvenöse Elektroden auskommt und die Möglichkeit bietet, Patienten mit einer antibradykarden und antitachykarden Stimulation in Kombination mit einer herkömmlichen ICD-Funktion zu versorgen. Bei diesem Device erfolgt die Elektrodenimplantation substernal. Erste Implantationsergebnisse sind im Hinblick auf Sicherheit und Effektivität vielversprechend. Beide Systeme umgehen einige mögliche Komplikationen transvenöser Elektroden. Dieser Artikel soll eine praktische Übersicht der Implantationsschritte und möglicher Komplikationen geben.
Olfactory training: perspective from people who were disturbed by their smell problems
Authors: Li Zetian , Pellegrino Robert , Kelly Christine , Hummel Thomas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Olfactory training (OT) is an effective and affordable option in the treatment of olfactory dysfunction. Despite significant progress in the field in recent years, some factors influencing OT participation remain unclear.

Methods
Based on an anonymous online survey orchestrated by AbScent.org the present study enrolled 450 participants and divided them into OT (n = 161) and No OT (n = 289) groups based on their OT participation. Participants also provided information on demographics, medical history, quality of life, OT duration for those who engaged in OT, and the reasons for non-participation in OT among those who did not.

Results
Patients who had greater loss of quality of life participated more in OT. Similarly, more participation was observed in patients who noticed an improvement in their ability to smell. Notably, most of the sample engaged in OT trained less than four weeks (73%). In the No OT group, the primary barrier to OT participation was the unawareness of OT treatment (37%) and these barriers differed by age, where older people expressed interest but were unaware of OT treatment, while younger individuals exhibited more cautiousness about its effectiveness.

Conclusion
Lower quality of life drives active OT participation. Limited training periods and unawareness of OT serve as potential barriers to olfactory recovery. Clinicians should actively promote the background of OT and underscore the significance of adhering to the “prescribed” training regimen.