bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ADTnorm: Robust Integration of Single-cell Protein Measurement across CITE-seq Datasets
Authors: Gottardo Raphael , Zheng Ye , Caron Daniel , Kim Ju , Jun Seong , Tian Yuan , Mair Florian , Stuart Kenneth , Sims Peter 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

CITE-seq enables paired measurement of surface protein and mRNA expression in single cells using antibodies conjugated to oligonucleotide tags. Due to the high copy number of surface protein molecules, sequencing antibody-derived tags (ADTs) allows for robust protein detection, improving cell-type identification. However, variability in antibody staining leads to batch effects in the ADT expression, obscuring biological variation, reducing interpretability, and obstructing cross-study analyses. Here, we present ADTnorm (https://github.com/yezhengSTAT/ADTnorm), a normalization and integration method designed explicitly for ADT abundance. Benchmarking against 14 existing scaling and normalization methods, we show that ADTnorm accurately aligns populations with negative- and positive-expression of surface protein markers across 13 public datasets, effectively removing technical variation across batches and improving cell-type separation. ADTnorm enables efficient integration of public CITE-seq datasets, each with unique experimental designs, paving the way for atlas-level analyses. Beyond normalization, ADTnorm includes built-in utilities to aid in automated threshold-gating as well as assessment of antibody staining quality for titration optimization and antibody panel selection. Applying ADTnorm to a published COVID-19 CITE-seq dataset allowed for identifying previously undetected disease-associated markers, illustrating a broad utility in biological applications.
Understanding medical students’ intercalation decisions to preserve the clinical academic pipeline: a mixed-method survey
Authors: Lim Jun Jie , Roberts Chris , Graham Olivia , Coady Sophie , Topliss Jack , Staton Carolyn 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Clinical academics are pivotal in advancing innovations by integrating clinical practice with education and research. The clinical academic workforce in the UK has struggled with a persistent shortage, now reaching a critical point. A recent nationwide decline in medical students opting for intercalated degrees, which provide early research exposure during undergraduate medical education, significantly contributed to the workforce crisis. However, the underlying factors for this recent decline in intercalation remain unclear. This study investigates the factors influencing medical students' decisions to intercalate, focusing on personal motivations, and perceived value in the context of rising living costs and changing national policies.
Methods:
We utilised a mixed-methods survey to explore the factors influencing medical students' decisions regarding intercalation. Quantitative data from closed-ended questions were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to identify associations between variables. Thematic analysis of qualitative data from open-ended questions was conducted using Vroom's expectancy theory as an interpretive lens.
Results:
A total of 50 students completed the questionnaire. The chi-square test demonstrated a significant association (p = 0.001) between the cost-of-living crisis and the decision to intercalate. The thematic analysis of non-intercalators highlighted the theme of financial burden, including reduced student loans, increased debt, and family financial stress. Conversely, we developed the theme of effective financial strategies and support systems from intercalators. The perception of career benefits significantly influenced intercalation decisions (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a change in policy to remove extra consideration for intercalated degree holders in UK foundation applications significantly affected decisions (p = 0.014). Thematic analysis of non-intercalators identified the lack of perceived career advantage, including a loss of extrinsic motivation and perceived unrecognition. Intercalators cited long-term career benefits, research skills and confidence, portfolio building and networking as their primary motivators.
Conclusions:
Our study provided new insights into the socioeconomic, policy-related, and motivational differences among students that influence intercalation decisions. Financial constraints and the removal of extra consideration for intercalated degrees in physician training selection were major deterrents, particularly for students from diverse backgrounds. Future research should focus on developing targeted interventions to mitigate challenges and support a diverse and equitable clinical academic workforce.
Monetary Policy and Racial Differentials in Labor Market Outcomes
Authors: Weise Charles , Petkov Tsvetomir 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This paper examines the empirical relationship between monetary policy and racial and ethnic labor market outcomes. Estimating structural vector autoregressions with external instruments, we find a much larger response of labor outcome gaps than has been documented in previous literature. These differential outcomes persist for Black workers of both sexes even within the same age group and level of educational attainment, while Hispanic and white responses are similar within such groupings. Estimates based on individual-level data show that differences in demographic characteristics account for a large portion of the response of Hispanic-white employment gaps to economic downturns, but not of Black-white employment gaps. Our results suggest that monetary policy contractions may have a substantially disparate effect on Black and Hispanic workers.
JEL classifications: E52, J15
Improved Skin Cancer Detection with 3D Total Body Photography: Integrating AI Algorithms for Precise Diagnosis
Authors: Syed Sadia , Albalawi Eid Mohammad 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Skin cancer remains a formidable global health challenge, necessitating precise and timely diagnostic methodologies. This study focuses on advancing the field through the development and evaluation of deep learning algorithms tailored for skin cancer detection using 3D Total Body Photography (3D-TBP). Leveraging the ISIC 2024 dataset, comprising a diverse array of high-resolution skin lesion images, our approach integrates rigorous data preprocessing, sophisticated model architecture design, and meticulous performance evaluation.
The dataset underwent meticulous curation and augmentation to bolster model robustness and generalizability. A specialized convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture was crafted, specifically optimized for analysing single-lesion crops extracted from 3D-TBP images. This CNN framework leverages transfer learning, combining efficient feature extraction with finely tuned classification layers to maximize diagnostic accuracy.
Training was conducted on a high-performance computing platform, employing advanced techniques such as batch normalization and dropout regularization to mitigate overfitting and enhance model generalization. Hyperparameter tuning and cross-validation protocols were rigorously implemented to ensure optimal model configuration and validation.
Evaluation metrics were cantered on the partial area under the ROC curve (pAUC) with a focus on achieving an 80% true positive rate (TPR), aligning closely with competition benchmarks and clinical diagnostic requirements. Our developed CNN model demonstrated robust performance during validation, surpassing an impressive pAUC of 85% on the test dataset. Notably, the model exhibited superior discriminatory abilities across various skin types and lesion morphologies, effectively distinguishing between malignant and benign lesions.
In conclusion, this study presents a cutting-edge AI-driven approach for skin cancer detection using 3D-TBP, showcasing substantial advancements in automated dermatological diagnosis. The findings underscore the potential of AI technologies to revolutionize clinical practice, offering enhanced diagnostic precision and efficiency. This research paves the way for further exploration and deployment of AI-driven solutions in dermatology, aiming to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery.
Business Strategies and Market Adaptation: A Cross-Economic Perspective
Authors: Daodu Ladi , Bhaumik Prof Amiya 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Business strategies vary across different economies and the dynamics of business environments lead to diverse approaches to strategy development and implementation. Responding to changing environments, customer preferences, and competitive pressures determines how well and sustainable markets or firms adapt. This paper provides an overview of the business strategies and market adaptation across high and low economies with case studies on the export of information and communication technology goods and foreign direct investment in both economies. The finding reveals a significant difference in information and communication technology export and foreign direct investment in different economies. Also, businesses in lower economies can compete in markets and attract foreign investors. Markets in developed economies lean toward standardization compared to their counterpart, while taking advantage of high population, innovation and diverse culture in low economies would ensure market sustainability. However, adopting mitigation strategies in both economies would help navigate bottlenecks in business establishment.
JEL: I10, M10, 032
Detoxification and democratisation of DNA gel electrophoresis
Authors: Hu I Ian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Classic DNA electrophoresis systems such as TAE and TBE have been known for being inferior and not fit for purpose and superseded by dedicated systems such as sodium borate and lithium acetate. Lithium and borate have disadvantages of price and toxicity to the environment respectively. With the popularisation of 3D printed gel tanks, the author proposes a gel system composed of common household items, namely monosodium Glutamate and cream of Tartar. The GT gel system is shown to have sufficient resolving power, speed, utility, and cost structure for any starting molecular biology lab or home lab.
Preferred techniques for forest mushrooms cooking by residents of contaminated areas of the Bryansk region in the remote period after the Chernobyl accident
Authors: Varfolomeeva K. V. , Zelentsova S. A. , Repin V. S. 
Published: July 2024

The article presents results of the analysis of questionnaire survey data on preferences in the choice of cooking methods of different types of forest mushrooms by residents of the most contaminated south-western districts of the Bryansk region in the remote period after the Chernobyl accident. In the period from 2019 to 2022, the employees of Federal Budgetary Institution of Science «Saint-Petersburg Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene after Professor P.V. Ramzaev» conducted a face-to-face questionnaire survey of the adult population. In addition to general questions about the respondent, the questionnaires included questions about the species composition of the mushroom basket, the volume and proportion of consumption of each type of mushroom by the respondent and his family members (both in the current and last year), as well as methods of culinary processing of the mushrooms consumed. Based on the analysis of individual survey data, a group of 1 311 respondents, whose diet included various types of mushrooms, was selected. Analysis of the survey results showes that respondents prefer to process a large proportion of freshly picked forest mushrooms (59%) for long-term storage (pickling, freezing, drying, salting, etc.); 41% of mushrooms are consumed immediately. The most popular pretreatments of freshly picked mushrooms are washing and boiling (34 and 26%, respectively). When freezing, pickling and pickling up to 97% of respondents carry out pre-treatment (rinsing, soaking and / or boiling) of freshly picked mushrooms. Less popular methods of the mushroom preparation (from 2 to 4%) are pickling, drying and frying of fresh mushrooms with their subsequent preservation. Thus, the majority of respondents actively use various types of culinary processing with the use of preliminary stages of technological processing in the form of rinsing, soaking and (or) boiling. The use of the above methods of pre-cooking of freshly harvested mushrooms leads to a decrease in the 137Cs content in the consumed product.
Práticas ambientais da pecuária em propriedades rurais em Nova Marilândia/MT - Brasil
Authors: Prates Lima Jonatas , Silva Juscelia Victor Garcia , Grzebieluckas Cleci 
Published: July 2024

O aumento gradativo da população exige que a produção de alimentos acompanhe sua evolução, contudo, de maneira sustentável e em equilíbrio com o meio ambiente. A pesquisa tem como objetivo identificar as práticas ambientais da pecuária em propriedades do Município de Nova Marilândia – Mato Grosso/Brasil. A pesquisa se caracteriza do tipo descritiva, abordagem qualitativa, e usou da estratégia estudo de caso. Os instrumentos de coleta foram formulários semiestruturados, entrevistas e observação in loco. Participaram da pesquisa quatro produtores que têm como atividade a pecuária. Inicialmente, foram identificadas quais práticas ambientais são utilizadas no manejo da pecuária. Os resultados revelaram que a maioria das propriedades não utilizam práticas ambientais sustentáveis, porém, realizam algumas ações de forma parcial e que atendem a legislação ambiental.
A 2D numerical model for simulating landslide dam failure and induced morphological changes considering multi-layer and non-uniform sediments
Authors: Yang Jiangtao , Soares-Frazao Sandra , Shi Zhenming , Shen Danyi 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
Landslide dams are formed by the blockage of rivers with landslides or any debris flows. Such dams are prone to failure and therefore, simulation of their failure and induced morphological changes is of great importance for hazard mitigation. Multi-layer and non-uniform sediments are usually observed in landslide dam materials, but these are rarely considered in simulations. In this paper, a two-dimensional numerical model considering multi-layered and non-uniform sediments is proposed. The model solves the shallow water equations, the Exner equation considering the different size fractions and Hirano's active layer equation based on a finite volume scheme in a weakly coupled approach. Two experimental tests are used to assess the applicability and accuracy of the model. The results show that it can well simulate the flow and morphological changes, as well as the surface coarsening and fining phenomena related to multi-layer and non-uniform sediments. The numerical results of dam failure process and morphological changes are in overall good agreement with the experiments, but the peak discharge and bed elevation tend to be underestimated when finer material is considered. Finally, the influence of sediments fractions and active layer depth on numerical results, as well as the limitations of the model are discussed.
Overview of the low-cost technologies for household water treatment in developing countries
Authors: John Mdee Ombeni , Lwasa Amina , Sadiki Nasra 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

This study explored various low-cost water treatment technologies that are used to minimize levels of pathogens and contaminants in raw water. The paper focused on techniques such as cloth filtration, boiling, chlorination, and solar water disinfection. In the communities, cloth filtration is applied as the initial step of treating raw water with the proper choice of cloth fabrics followed by either boiling, chlorination or solar water disinfection. In low-income communities with unclean burning fuel sources, boiling was found to be the preferred method. Chlorination was also a popular technique associated with the challenges of low or high levels of free chlorine at the point of use and disinfection by-products. Solar water disinfection required optimal residence time and detection sensors for microorganism inactivation. Overall, the paper provided valuable insights into the different low-cost water treatment techniques that are commonly used for household applications, particularly in developing countries.
Study on the sustainable utilisation of water resources in semi-arid megacities of China based on water footprint
Authors: Li Na , Zhang Rui , Shu HePing , He AnRong , Zhang XiaoYan , Wang XinYuan 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
As urbanisation continues to accelerate in China, the contradiction between rapid economic development and water scarcity in semi-arid cities is becoming increasingly evident. Consequently, the study of the relationship between water resources use and economic growth is of particular importance. Lanzhou City was selected as the study area, an evaluation index system was established to comprehensively evaluate the status of water resources utilisation, meanwhile, the water footprint method and Tapio decoupling model were adopted to measure the decoupling status between water utilisation and economic development from 2002 to 2021. The result showed that the total water footprint and per capita water footprint followed an increasing and then decreasing trend. The water footprint varied significantly by industrial sector, with agriculture accounting for 72.87% of total water use. The self-sufficiency rate of water resources was above 96.5%. The economic value increased substantially from 22.25 CNY/m3 in 2002 to 183.99 CNY/m3 in 2021. The water scarcity index and the pressure index were high, with annual mean values of 0.96 and 1, respectively. Water consumption and economic growth are generally decoupled weakly and strongly, with the number of strong decoupling occurrences increasing significantly from 2011 to 2021.
Mother’s experience in providing complementary food to stunted children
Authors: Putri Syeptri Agiani , Novayelinda Riri , Indriati Ganis , Zukhra Ririn Muthia , Amir Yufitriana , Tampubolon Nurhannifah Rizky , Delfitri Meri 
Published: July 2024

<p><strong><em>Background:</em></strong><em> Stunting is a condition of growth failure in children resulting from malnutrition for a long time since the first 1000 days of life. One of the factors causing stunting is chronic malnutrition so that children have a small height for their age. </em><em>This stunting condition will have an impact on children's health, such as impaired brain development, cognitive development, growth faltering, and low immune system.</em><em> Stunting treatment is carried out starting from the first 1000 days of a child’s life until the child is 6 years old. Providing</em><em> </em><em>complementary food</em><em> is also one of the specific nutritional interventions in the program to accelerate stunting management. </em><em>Complementary food</em><em> has an important role in improving the quality of health in order to optimize children's growth and development from the age of 6 months. </em></p><p><strong><em>Objectives:</em></strong><em> This research aims to explore mothers experience in providing complementary food to stunted children.</em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Methods:</em></strong><em> This research uses a qualitative method with a descriptive phenomenological design. Participants were selected using purposive sampling techniques, resulting in 6 participants. The research data was analyzed thematically using the Colaizzi method. </em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Results:</em></strong><em> This research found themes, namely: 1) The mother's feelings when the child was first discovered to be stunted, 2) The causes of stunting, 3) The age at which the child was discovered to be stunted, 4) History of </em><em>complementary food</em><em>, 5) Handling of stunting, 6) Support in caring for the child with stunting. </em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Conclusions: </em></strong><em>Knowledge about mothers' experiences in providing MP-ASI to stunted children will help to determine appropriate interventions to improve the quality of life for stunted children. Education about giving </em><em>complementary food</em><em> to children with stunting conditions must be optimized to reduce the incidence of stunting in children in Indonesia, especially in Riau. </em></p>
The effect of combining post-partum yoga and pelvic floor training on life quality of post-partum mothers
Authors: Udayani Ni Putu Mirah Yunita , Pramita Aswitami Ni Gusti Ayu , Maryani Ni Made Septiari 
Published: July 2024

<p><strong><em>Background:</em></strong><em> Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that the postpartum phase has the highest rates of maternal death and morbidity. In the first year following childbirth, almost 50% of women experience mental health issues and declining life quality scores on the physical-emotional dimension significantly. <strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to determine the effect of the combination of postpartum yoga and pelvic floor training on the life quality of postpartum mothers. </em></p><p><strong><em>Methods: </em></strong><em>This research was a </em><em>Quasy Experimental </em><em>Pre-Posttest Design </em><em>of n</em><em>onequivalent </em><em>c</em><em>ontrol </em><em>g</em><em>roups</em><em> which was conducted from February to August 2023 in </em><em>Mengwi I Health Center, Badung Regency</em><em>, Bali. The sample in this study consisted of 36 postpartum mothers in the control group and 36 postpartum mothers in the intervention group. Pre-data was in the form of quality of life before the intervention was given to the control and intervention groups and post-data was taken after the intervention was given and then data analysis was carried out using the Mann-Whitney test and the Wilcoxon test. </em></p><p><strong><em>Results</em></strong><em>: The results showed that the mean value of the increase in life quality scores in the intervention group was greater than the control group. In the 1<sup>st</sup> domain (physical healthiness) there was a significant difference between the two groups after study (p-value = 0.000). In the 2<sup>nd</sup> domain (psychological well-being) there was a significant difference between the two groups after study (p-value = 0.000). In the 3rd domain (social relationship) there was a significant difference between the two groups after study (p-value = 0.000). In the 4<sup>th</sup> domain (environmental dimension) there was a significant difference between the two groups after study (p-value = 0.000). Lastly, in the 5<sup>th</sup> domain (general healthiness) there was a significant difference between the two groups after study (p-value = 0.000). </em></p><p><strong><em>Conclusions:</em></strong><em> There is an increase in the life quality of postpartum mothers after being given a combination of postpartum yoga and pelvic floor training. </em></p>