bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selecting the Best Ring Road Around Hilla City to Improve Traffic Operation
Authors: Saadi Musllim Ali , Abdul Ameer Alwash Ali 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Hilla city, located in Babil Governorate, suffers from high traffic congestion, because it lacks ring roads to solve the problem of internal traffic congestion. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of ring roads in helping to solve traffic congestion. Three ring roads were proposed for the city and the changes in traffic performance are discussed. Each of these proposed ring roads will connect external roads connected to “60th Street” (the artery of Hilla city) with each other outside the city. Through the economic evaluation that was conducted, it became clear that the best proposed route that can be chosen is proposal No. 2, as it is the most economical among the proposed rings; its total cost amounted to approximately 90.5 billion Iraqi dinars. In order to investigate the impact of the proposed ring roads on the traffic level of service and access time, the Vissim program was used. It has been shown that adding a ring road to the city will contribute to reducing internal congestion by approximately 24%. It is also noticed that the level of service for 60th Street has improved from Level (F) to Level (C). Finally, future traffic volumes were calculated and analyzed for the year 2030. It was found that the level of service has worsened by one level; it has shifted from level of service (C) to (D) for 60th Street.
The Impact of Construction Structure Material on the Dynamic Response of Railway Bridges Under Passing of High-speed Trains
Authors: Mohammed Abd Al-Mohsen Ahmed , Muteb Haitham Hassan. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
With the development of life and its requirements increasing, it has become necessary to find means that reduce the time to meet them, and one of these means is high-speed trains. Many previous studies have dealt with different properties affecting the dynamic behavior of railway bridges. In this research, the effect of changing the structural material of part of the main bridge structure on its dynamic behavior were be studied. Two types of bridges were studied. The first is the steel-girder bridge, and the second is the polygonal concrete bridge. The bridge modeling was done through the program SAP2000 and the structural analysis of the study model was done by using the finite element method. Material and mechanical properties from laboratory experiments were used for previous studies. The results for the two dynamic behavior parameters that were tested showed larger values in the polygonal model of the bridge. It increases in the steel beam model by 59% for vertical displacement and by 45% for vertical acceleration. The vertical displacement values were within the limits of the international standard L/600, and the vertical acceleration was within the limits of the European standard 3.5 g. The best design for each speed should be determined by conducting more study, which should include testing models at various speeds.
Analysis of the Impact of Overloading for Trucks on the Design Life of Flexible Pavement
Authors: Al-Janabi Alia Jasem , Obaid Hayder Abbas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Premature deterioration of flexible pavements due to increased truck axle loads poses a significant challenge on Iraqi roadways. This study focuses on managing the properties of the wearing layer to achieve a better balance between the damage ratio and the longest design life at the expense of the binder layer’s properties. The pavement performance and design life assessment, considering fatigue cracking and rutting damage, was conducted using KENLAYER software, which employs Asphalt Institute design models and formulas to compute stresses and strains in the asphaltic pavement. The overload rate was also calculated in the range (from 2 to 40%). This rate regardless of overloading rate, the majority of trucks exceeded their legal limit except for some kinds which are [Type 2(T), Type 2(F), Type 3(T), Type 4(M), Type2-S2 (F), Type2-S3(F), Type2-S3(T) Type 3-S2(F) and Type 3-S3(T)] where were used to transport a specified material such as water, fuel, food and shipping container therefore, the overloading rate should be considered in the design and measured carefully according to truck type cargo. This study emphasizes the importance of considering heavy truck axle loads and their effects on pavement deterioration. The findings contribute to understanding the structural behavior of pavements subjected to overloading, providing insights for optimizing pavement design and improving the longevity of flexible pavements under challenging traffic conditions.
An optical fingerprint recognition method based on diffraction field
Authors: Wu Yixuan , Liu Yu , Zhu Haibitao , Tao Shaohua 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Biometric technology, which authenticates identities with high reliability and stability by comparing the unique characteristics of human bodies, is widely used in the fields of electronic labeling, information security, access control, etc. Fingerprint recognition technology, which has the advantages of easy operation, fast recognition and high safety, has become the mainstream of the information decryption and access control application. In this paper, we proposed an optical fingerprint recognition method, which fulfilled recognition by comparing the characteristic intensity distributions of the diffraction fields of fingerprints. We carried out experiments for the recognition of fingerprints from different fingers and the same finger, and cropped fingerprints. The recognition results verified the feasibility of the proposed method. The method has advantages in terms of operation speed, recognition accuracy, and tolerance for partial information loss, and provides an effective way in optical sensing.
Generalized quantum Arimoto–Blahut algorithm and its application to quantum information bottleneck
Authors: Hayashi Masahito , Liu Geng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Quantum information bottleneck was proposed by Grimsmo and Still (2016 Phys. Rev. A 94 012338) as a promising method for quantum supervised machine learning. To study this method, we generalize the quantum Arimoto–Blahut algorithm by Ramakrishnan et al (2021 IEEE Trans. Inf. Theory
67 946) to a function defined over a set of density matrices with linear constraints so that our algorithm can be applied to optimizations of quantum operations. This algorithm has wider applicability, and we apply our algorithm to the quantum information bottleneck with three quantum systems. We numerically compare our obtained algorithm with the existing algorithm by Grimsmo and Still. Our numerical analysis shows that our algorithm is better than their algorithm.
A modular GUI-based program for genetic algorithm-based feedback-assisted wavefront shaping
Authors: Anderson Benjamin R , O’Kins Andrew , Makrasnov Kostiantyn , Udby Rebecca , Price Patrick , Eilers Hergen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
We have developed a modular graphical user interface (GUI)-based program for use in genetic algorithm-based feedback-assisted wavefront shaping. The program uses a class-based structure to separate out the universal modules (e.g. GUI, multithreading, optimization algorithms) and hardware-specific modules (e.g. code for different SLMs and cameras). This modular design makes the program easily adaptable to a wide range of lab equipment, while providing easy access to a GUI, multithreading, and three optimization algorithms (phase-stepping, simple genetic, and microgenetic).
Social inequity in ageing in place among older adults in Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries: a mixed studies systematic review
Authors: Bolster-Foucault Clara , Vedel Isabelle , Busa Giovanna , Hacker Georgia , Sourial Nadia , Quesnel-Vallée Amélie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Most older adults wish to remain in their homes and communities as they age. Despite this widespread preference, disparities in health outcomes and access to healthcare and social support may create inequities in the ability to age in place. Our objectives were to synthesise evidence of social inequity in ageing in place among older adults using an intersectional lens and to evaluate the methods used to define and measure inequities.

Methods
We conducted a mixed studies systematic review. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and AgeLine for quantitative or qualitative literature that examined social inequities in ageing in place among adults aged 65 and older in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries. Results of included studies were synthesised using qualitative content analysis guided by the PROGRESS-Plus framework.

Results
Of 4874 identified records, 55 studies were included. Rural residents, racial/ethnic minorities, immigrants and those with higher socioeconomic position and greater social resources are more likely to age in place. Women and those with higher educational attainment appear less likely to age in place. The influence of socioeconomic position, education and social resources differs by gender and race/ethnicity, indicating intersectional effects across social dimensions.

Conclusions
Social dimensions influence the ability to age in place in OECD settings, likely due to health inequalities across the lifespan, disparities in access to healthcare and support services, and different preferences regarding ageing in place. Our results can inform the development of policies and programmes to equitably support ageing in place in diverse populations.
Venkatapuram responds to “Positive epidemiology, revisited: the case for centering human rights and economic justice”
Authors: Venkatapuram Sridhar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This commentary responds to the article by Qureishi et al (Am J Epidemol. 2024;193(10):1313–1317) that criticizes a new proposal for “positive epidemiology.” They argue that positive epidemiology, as it is being proposed and conducted, ignores supraindividual social contextual factors that constrain the well-being of some individuals more than others, and it could exacerbate inequalities if applied at a population level, among other harms. They offer an alternative approach to defining causal factors that are helpful for well-being and seek to ground their view in human rights and economic justice frameworks. This commentary considers their criticisms of positive epidemiology and suggests that their alternative, as well as all research into positive health and well-being, would benefit from drawing on the ongoing debates and literature in health equity and justice philosophy. A coherent conception of health and well-being, the link between health/well-being and theories of justice, and the capabilities approach are discussed. The efforts at conducting epidemiology for the causes and distribution of good health and well-being grounded in justice are welcomed.
This article is part of a Special Collection on Mental Health.
Critical feminist epidemiology in action: reflections from a multidisciplinary partnership between Mujeres Unidas y Activas and academic researchers
Authors: Cohen Alison K , Flores Juanita , Jiménez María , Coll Kathleen M , López Nathalie , Quiles Taina B , Castillo Beda , Darwish Sajia , Rich Amy , Franco Marina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Critical feminist research addresses social inequities, encourages equitable partnerships between researchers and participants, and acknowledges that research can be inherently political. Building upon critical feminist research practices, community-based participatory research, and social and structural epidemiology, we propose the approach of critical feminist epidemiology. A critical feminist epidemiology approach can study community and population health inequities with an eye toward identifying interventions that reduce inequities, through research processes that center the lived experiences of people from minoritized genders. We describe how our interdisciplinary, community-led team used a critical feminist epidemiology approach for an applied public health research project. Mujeres Unidas y Activas, a community organizing nonprofit led by and for Latina and Indigenous immigrant women, partnered with academic researchers to conduct community-led research on how their approach to building community power affected the health and well-being of organization members and their families. Critical feminist epidemiology is a promising approach for conducting research that is grounded in and relevant to the lives of women and gender-expansive people. Building upon social epidemiology and community-based participatory research, critical feminist epidemiology can be a useful research approach to generate novel evidence to inform action toward health equity for communities and populations.
This article is part of a Special Collection on Methods in Social Epidemiology.
Assessing the Accuracy of Reporting of Hypertension on Death Certificates in Australia
Authors: Adair Tim , Li Hang , Rao Chalapati 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
There is insufficient evidence of how accurately hypertension is reported on death certificates, which are the primary evidence of causes of death. This study assesses the accuracy of reporting of hypertension on death certificates of decedents in Australia who previously had their blood pressure measured.

METHODS
Blood pressure data from the 2014–2015 and 2017–2018 National Health Surveys were linked to death registration data from July 2015 to December 2021 (average 3.3 years from survey to death). The percentage of decedents with hypertension reported on the death certificate was calculated according to blood pressure level and previous diagnosis of hypertension.

RESULTS
Hypertension was reported on the death certificate of 20.2% (95% confidence interval 12.1%–28.3%) of decedents who had very high to severe blood pressure (160/100 mm Hg and above), 14.5% (10.3%–18.8%) who had high blood pressure (140 to &lt;160 / 90 to &lt;100 mm Hg), 14.1% (10.8%–17.4%) who had normal to high blood pressure (&lt;140/90 mm Hg) and who took hypertension medication, and 17.8% (13.6%–22.0%) who had been diagnosed with hypertension. Where the decedent had very high to severe blood pressure, hypertension was reported for 27.9% (14.1%–41.8%) of deaths if they had been diagnosed with hypertension, and 21.7% (9.6%–33.7%) where another cardiovascular disease was reported on the death certificate.

CONCLUSIONS
Hypertension mortality in Australia is only reported for a minority of deaths of people with high or very high to severe blood pressure; this is also found for those with a prior diagnosis of hypertension.
A case report of elevated bromide levels from pyridostigmine bromide for treatment of myasthenia gravis
Authors: Defayette Aubrey , Anibaldi Elizabeth , Abad Ajay , Ibegbu Chinazom , Silvestri Nicholas , Doobay Ravi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Elevated serum bromide levels can cause dermatological, gastrointestinal, and neurological abnormalities. As bromide and chloride are both halogens, bromide may interfere with chloride assays, causing a falsely high serum chloride concentration and a low or negative anion gap. There is a paucity of data describing bromide toxicity from high doses of pyridostigmine bromide (PB). This case report describes a patient with an elevated bromide level with neurological symptoms from a therapeutic dose of PB.

Summary
A 37-year-old male with myasthenia gravis secondary to type B2 thymoma following thymectomy presented in myasthenic crisis. He required mechanical ventilation and was managed with steroids, intravenous immune globulin, plasmapheresis, and PB. On day 9, the patient experienced acute agitation. He had an anion gap of 2 mEq/L and a chloride concentration of 109 mEq/L. The plasma creatinine concentration was 0.63 to 1.15 mg/dL and urine output was 0.76 to 1.79 mL/kg/h throughout his admission. All other laboratory values were normal. The daily dose of PB was 660 mg on day 9, but the patient received 76 mg of intravenous PB over the first few days of his admission with the largest dose in 24 hours equal to 48 mg. On day 10, the patient’s bromide level was 37 μg/mL. His agitation was initially managed with quetiapine, followed by PB dose reduction. To our knowledge, there are 2 cases in the literature of bromide toxicity secondary to PB. These patients experienced neurological symptoms with bromide levels of 88 to 90 μg/mL. Bromide concentrations of more than 12 μg/mL are associated with a higher risk of neuronal dysfunction demonstrated as disturbances on an electroencephalogram, and levels greater than 50 μg/mL are considered toxic. While our patient’s bromide level was not as high as those previously reported, no other causes for his agitation were identified.

Conclusion
Elevated bromide levels from therapeutic PB can occur, and monitoring of these levels should be considered.
Sarah Orne Jewett’s China
Authors: Sy Lloyd Alimboyao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This essay reads Sarah Orne Jewett’s Deephaven (1877) to show how chinaware could be used to delineate American identity in late nineteenth-century fiction. As I show, china’s aura of exoticism—reflected in its very name—could be deployed by regionalist writers to prop up local identity. Importantly, Jewett’s characters make china the centerpiece of their bequeathals so that the foreign is the vehicle by which generations exert influence over the present. Chinaware’s utility reifies the association of Asian identity with objectification. The town more generally appropriates Chinese signifiers and objects in their creation of a distinct spirit. I argue that towns perform this subsumption of the international in the service of the regional to position themselves in an intriguing position with regards to the national: distinct but also useful. Authors like Jewett show how the regional can, in part, deviate from the national by offering a tame and safe version of exoticism. The stakes of materiality thus include the determination of American belonging.
Losing the West, Finding Western Worlds
Authors: Goodman Audrey 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
“Losing the West, Finding Western Worlds” explores how recent critical work in Western American studies breaks apart the region’s foundational myths and invites readers and reviewers to revise understandings of this popular, enduring, and protean genre. Reflecting on four studies that interrogate Western American fiction, film, and comic books (two monographs by British scholars Mark Asquith and Neil Campbell; a study of the Black Western by film historian Mia Mask; and a collection of essays edited by Christopher Conway and Antoinette Sol on varieties of comic book westerns produced around the world), the essay considers how this diverse cohort of scholars pursues a common imperative to unlearn “the West” and sets new directions for literary and cultural studies of the region. Through rereadings of the work of writers and actors who fracture and reassemble the heroic settler narrative from the perspective of outsiders, these critics contend, the West can emerge as a place whose stories offer more complete understandings of the past, whose heroes illuminate the political challenges of the present, and whose writers provide the right words for imagining a better future.
A continental-scale analysis reveals the latitudinal gradient of stomatal density across amphistomatous species: evolutionary history vs. present-day environment
Authors: Liu Congcong , Huang Kexiang , Zhao Yifei , Li Ying , He Nianpeng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Amphistomy is a potential method for increasing photosynthetic rate; however, the latitudinal gradients of stomatal density across amphistomatous species and their drivers remain unknown.

Methods
Here, the adaxial stomatal density (SDad) and abaxial stomatal density (SDab) of 486 amphistomatous species–site combinations, belonging to 32 plant families, were collected from China, and their total stomatal density (SDtotal) and stomatal ratio (SR) were calculated.

Key Results
Overall, these four stomatal traits did not show significant phylogenetic signals. There were no significant differences in SDab and SDtotal between woody and herbaceous species, but SDad and SR were higher in woody species than in herbaceous species. Besides, a significantly positive relationship between SDab and SDad was observed. We also found that stomatal density (including SDab, SDad and SDtotal) decreased with latitude, whereas SR increased with latitude, and temperature seasonality was the most important environmental factor driving it. Besides, evolutionary history (represented by both phylogeny and species) explained ~10- to 22-fold more of the variation in stomatal traits than the present-day environment (65.2–71.1 vs. 2.9–6.8 %).

Conclusions
Our study extended our knowledge of trait–environment relationships and highlighted the importance of evolutionary history in driving stomatal trait variability.
Effects of host size on progeny sex and survivorship of Hymenoepimecis pinheirensis
Authors: Xavier Gabriel Máximo , Gonzaga Marcelo Oliveira , de Castro Vitor Campos , Silva William Dias , Valentim Alisson Montanheiro , Rios Moura Rafael 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Parasitoid larvae consume their hosts to obtain the nutritional resources required for their development. Parasitoid wasps can optimally select the size of their hosts by laying unfertilized and fertilized eggs according to the amount of biomass available for consumption by the larvae. However, parasitoids may eventually experience low host availability within the optimal range of body sizes, affecting the survival of their offspring. In this study, we identified a situation in which all available hosts (Leucauge volupis) were smaller than those previously observed to be parasitized by Hymenoepimecis pinheirensis at the same study site. Therefore, we investigated how these parasitoids can bypass the scarcity of ideal hosts. Female wasps biased their oviposition toward the largest L. volupis females available. In this suboptimal scenario, they did not oviposit only unfertilized eggs, which developed into relatively small offspring (males). In this situation, they lay fertilized eggs mainly on larger spiders. Larval mortality was high, but the larvae attached to the larger spiders were more likely to complete their development. In general, H. pinheirensis females managed to target the best hosts available but could not delay the oviposition of fertilized eggs or avoid offspring mortality. Here, we discuss the potential causes of asynchronies in the life cycles of parasitoid wasps and their hosts, the availability of optimal hosts, and how these factors may affect their populations.