bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stereo-based Height Restriction Bar Estimation
Authors: Li Baojun , Liu Zeyang , Wang Xiaochao , Wang Weiming 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Height restriction bars (HRBs) are diverse in appearance and widely distributed on roads, which can effectively protect bridges and other structures from damage. On the other hand, these HRBs also bring safety issues and economic losses. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to detect and warn HRBs in advance. The highway scene environment is extremely complex, the shapes of HRBs are usually non-standard, and the vehicle driving tracks are diverse, which bring great difficulties and challenges to the detection of HRBs. Existing methods for HRBs measurement and warning have several limitations, such as the high equipment costs and insufficient accuracy for real-time requirements. To overcome these limitations, this paper proposes a novel and automatic measuring algorithm for HRBs based on binocular camera. In this algorithm, HRBs are detected by YOLOX and the disparity data is filtered using a multi-step and multi-scale method. Based on the detected HRB, a robust algorithm is proposed to measure the distance and height, which can effectively prevent the accidents caused by HRB. In the proposed algorithm the Kalman filtering and RANSAC are used to improve the measurement accuracy. A new HRB dataset named HRB23 is constructed. The effectiveness and performance of the proposed algorithms are demonstrated on a set of real-life and virtual HRB scenarios.
Selective phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor roflumilast reduces inflammation and lung injury in models of betacoronavirus infection in mice
Authors: Beltrami Vinícius Amorim , Martins Flávia Rayssa Braga , Martins Débora Gonzaga , Queiroz-Junior Celso Martins , Félix Franciel Batista , Santos Felipe Rocha Silva , Lacerda Larisse Souza Barbosa , Resende Letícia Cassiano , Costa Victor Rodrigues Melo , Soriani Frederico Marianetti , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Costa Vivian Vasconcelos , Pinho Vanessa 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective We aimed to understand the therapeutic potential of roflumilast to treat MHV-3 and SARS-CoV-2 lung infections, considering the anti-inflammatory effects of PDE4 inhibitors.Methods Roflumilast was administered as part of a therapeutic strategy at a dose of 1 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg or as part of a prophylactic strategy at a dose of 10 mg/kg in MHV-3-infected mice and at a dose of 10 mg/kg in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Lung histopathology, chemokines (CXCL-1 and CCL2), cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF, IFN-γ, IL-10 and TGFβ), neutrophil lung immunohistochemical staining (Ly6G+ cells), viral titration plaque assay, real-time PCR virus detection, and blood cell counts were examined.Results In the higher dose, treatment with roflumilast reduced lung injury in SARS-CoV-2 or MHV-3-infected mice without compromising viral clearance. In MHV-3-infected mice, the reduced lung injury was associated with decreased pulmonary chemokine levels and neutrophil accumulation in perivascular and peribronchiolar areas. However, roflumilast enhanced lung injury in MHV-3-infected mice in the prophylactic treatment strategy.Conclusion Our findings indicate that roflumilast has a time- and dose-dependent effect on reducing lung injury in betacoronavirus infection mouse models. Given the protection induced by roflumilast in inflammation, this suggests that PDE4 targeting could be a promising therapeutic avenue worth exploring.
Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Driving Factors of 777 National-level Traditional Villages in Yunnan Province: A Study Based on GWR Model and Geodetector
Authors: Yuan Xi , Li Yijiao , Song Yuhong , Lu Hongyi , Wang Yi , Ge Beichen , Wang Jing 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Traditional villages (TVs) constitute an integral segment of China’s cultural heritage, encapsulating diverse values. This research scrutinizes 777 national-level TVs spanning six batches in Yunnan Province. Spatial distribution patterns were examined via the nearest neighbor index, kernel density, and Moran’s I. A comprehensive framework for driving factor analysis was devised, encompassing four principal categories and twelve subcategories of natural, spatial, social, and regional cultural factors. The driving factors influencing the distribution of TVs at the provincial scale were analyzed using geographically weighted regression (GWR) models and geodetector, thoroughly investigating the spatial autocorrelation and heterogeneity of TVs in Yunnan. The results reveal: (1) Three spatial nucleus areas of national-level TVs in Yunnan Province are discerned in western, northwestern, and southeastern Yunnan. The global Moran’s I is 0.66, with 61.9% of TVs displaying clustering. (2) The spatial configuration of national-level TVs in Yunnan Province is collectively impacted by twelve factors, exhibiting significant spatial heterogeneity. Natural factors dictate the location and development scale of TVs, with slopes exerting the strongest influence. Among spatial factors, the proximity between villages and roads manifests the most substantial impact. The driving force of per capita GDP, categorized as a social factor, attains a value of 0.119. Regional cultural factors present the strongest overall driving force, with intangible cultural heritage and cultural relic protection units generally demonstrating a positive correlation, albeit with some negative correlations in specific locales. (3) Intangible cultural heritage (X11) emerges as the single factor with the highest driving force, bearing a p-value of 0.326. The interaction between intangible cultural heritage (X11) and cultural relic protection units (X12) reveals the most robust interactive driving force, possessing an explanatory power of 0.745, indicating that these two factors, with the highest explanatory power, constitute the most critical driving combination. These insights can furnish decision-making support for the holistic development and preservation of TVs in plateau mountainous regions and guide the sustainable evolution of TV cultural heritage clusters in Yunnan.
Eliminating Recall &amp; Proxy Bias in Household Travel Surveys: Sample Correction Methodology under the Core-Satellite Fusion Paradigm
Authors: Li Melvyn , Wang Kaili , Habib Khandker Nurul 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Travel diary is one of the fundamental methods for collecting data critical for transportation planning, demand modelling, and analyses. Self-reported household travel surveys are known for recall and proxy biases. Both biases lead to underreporting of travel demand in the dataset. On the other hand, travel diaries collected through GPS-based methods are exempted from recall and proxy biases. Thus, this study will investigate the recall and proxy bias in self-reported travel surveys and propose correction procedures. The investigation and correction will be conducted under the core-satellite paradigm of urban passenger travel surveys under the core-satellite survey design paradigm. The study uses the Transportation Tomorrow survey (TTS) in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area (GTHA) as the core dataset. The Google Timeline Travel Survey (GTTS) will be used as the satellite survey. The direct comparison between the core and satellite surveys shows that respondents who participated in both TTS and GTTS demonstrated bias-free diary reporting in the self-reported core survey. However, significant recall and proxy bias are identified for individuals who directly participate in the TTS but refuse to participate in GTTS and the proxy respondents in the TTS. Then, this study proposes a correction procedure based on respondents’ willingness-to-participate estimation for satellite surveys, dataset filtration, and re-weighting techniques. The effectiveness of the correction procedure is empirically demonstrated in this study.
An antimicrobial microneedle patch promotes functional healing of infected wounds through controlled release of adipose tissue-derived apoptotic vesicles
Authors: Ma Yue , Dong Jia , Li Maojiao , Du Xinya , Yan Zhengbin , TIAN Weidong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The high incidence and mortality rates associated with acute and chronic wound infections impose a significant burden on global healthcare systems. Based on the management of wound infection, the reconstruction and regeneration of rich skin appendages are essential for the recovery of mechanical strength and physiological function of the regenerated skin tissue. Novel therapeutic approaches are a requisite for enhancing the healing of infected wounds and promoting the regeneration of skin appendages. Herein, a novel antimicrobial microneedle patch has been fabricated for the transdermal controlled delivery of adipose tissue-derived apoptotic vesicles (ApoEVs-AT@MNP) for the treatment of infected wounds, which is expected to achieve high-quality scarless healing of the wound skin while inhibiting the bacteria in the infected wound. The microneedle patch (MNP) system possesses adequate mechanical strength to penetrate the skin, allowing the tips to remain inside tissue for continuous active release of biomolecules, and subsequently degrades safely within the host body. In vivo transplantation demonstrates that ApoEVs-AT@MNP not only inhibits bacterial proliferation in infected wounds but also significantly promotes effective and rapid scarless wound healing. Particularly noteworthy is the ability of ApoEVs-AT@MNP to promote the rapid formation of mature, evenly arranged hair follicles in infected wounds, observed as early as 8 days following implantation, which is essential for restoring the skin function. This rapid development of skin appendages has not been reported this early in previous studies. Therefore, ApoEVs-AT@MNP has emerged as an excellent, painless, non-invasive, and highly promising treatment for infected wounds.
Effects of fishing capacity and environmental parameters on landings of Hexanchus griseus in the Sea of Marmara
Authors: Kabasakal Hakan , Uzer Uğur , Karakulak F. Saadet 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Between July 1967 and December 2023, 136 bluntnose sixgill sharks, Hexanchus griseus, were caught in the Sea of Marmara (SoM). Although a generalised linear model (GLM) and Mann-Kendal trend analysis both showed an increasing trend in landings per year, the estimated smooth splines of the GLM regression trend line highlights a drastic decline in landings of H. griseus after 2017. An accumulation curve generated based on annual landings and registered fishing capacity per year in the SoM predicted an increase in landings per fishing capacity; however, despite fluctuations in landings between 2009 and 2016, landings declined drastically after this period. While the depths at which landed bluntnose sixgill sharks were caught ranged from 10 to 1,000 m since the early 2000s, the majority of specimens were caught in the shallow waters of the continental shelf. Deteriorating environmental conditions and increasing deoxygenation in the deep waters of the SoM coincide in time with a decrease in the depth at which bluntnose sixgill sharks are caught over the continental shelf. The available evidence suggests an ongoing process of vertical habitat compression that appears to be increasing the vulnerability of H. griseus to commercial fisheries in the SoM.
Risk perception, barriers and working safely with silica dust in construction. A psychological network approach
Authors: Jansen Tom , Benken Myrthe von den , Lunansky Gabriela , Moll Evi van , Lammers Marre 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
In the construction industry workers are frequently exposed to hazardous substances. To explore and describe construction workers’ barriers and motives to (not) work safely with hazardous substances, we examined their perspectives on the health risks, perceived barriers and intention to use preventive measures with regard to silica dust. Specifically, we studied perspectives on the use of face masks, dust collection on power tools, and using a vacuum instead of a broom.
Method
Semi-structured interviews (n = 13) and a pen and paper survey (n = 187) were administered on construction and training sites. Only executive workers could participate in the study. We approached the behaviour of using specific preventive measures as an emergent property of a complex network of interacting psychological variables. To analyze the structure of these ‘behavioural decision networks’ we applied a psychological network.
Results
Construction workers were generally aware their health is at risk from working with silica dust. At the same time, they are not very concerned about that risk. Network analysis suggests that concern does play a moderate role in the behavioural decision networks, suggesting that a lack of concern may encourage unsafe behaviour. Construction workers’ level of automaticity to use specific preventive measures was relatively low. Barriers to use preventive measures such as time and effort play a relatively important role in the networks. A general intention to work safely hardly played any role in the networks, while a specific intention to use preventive measures played a more prominent role. Age and work experience did not play a role in the network. Non-parametric tests and descriptive comparison of networks suggest differences in for example the relative importance of specific variables.
Conclusions
For two preventive measures, different variables may be more successful intervention points to foster safe work. Increasing levels of concern, improving automaticity of use, addressing specific intention to use preventive measures in risk communication, and offering preventive measures at time and location where relevant tasks are performed, are discussed as possible intervention points to foster working safely with silica dust in construction. Future studies should further substantiate these findings.
Long-term surveys of ungulates’ effects on tree and shrub species in mountainous forests – a valuable outcome or a biased picture?
Authors: Nopp-Mayr Ursula , Lechner Wolfram , Reimoser Susanne , Reimoser Friedrich 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Ungulate herbivory might induce different effects on the diversity and growth of trees and shrubs. The density, distribution, and the species of ungulates as well as plant communities’ composition and other factors determine whether ungulate herbivory promotes or limits plants’ diversity and growth. The impacts of ungulates on woody plants is commonly surveyed with exclosure-control approaches. In practice, such surveys frequently only cover short periods of time, addressing immediate management needs. Long-term surveys, documenting lasting effects of ungulate herbivory, are highly needed, but still rare. However, the general transferability of outcomes of long-term surveys might be limited due different disturbing factors. This study addresses two basic aspects of long-term monitoring in mountainous forests, based on a unique 30-year data set: (1) Possible long-term effects of herbivores on forest vegetation (e.g., species/structural diversity of woody plants) and (2) potential biases of a long-term survey. In our study, diversity of woody plant species showed great variability with no significant impact of ungulate herbivory. The presence of ungulates had a significantly negative effect on the vertical structural diversity and growth of trees. Due to the slower growth on control plots, it took trees longer to reach a 160 cm height-threshold with their terminal shoots than on exclosure plots. Our long-term control-exclosure data set indeed reflected a potential bias towards specific site conditions. This included several factors, like site-specific growth patterns of trees, occurrences of natural abiotic disturbances that influence the functional life of exclosures, and others.
Exploring Moral Injury in Researchers in a Paediatric Humanitarian Research Setting: A Qualitative study from the Mavrovouni Closed Controlled Access Center, Lesvos, Greece
Authors: Benjeddi Hanaâ , Dittborn Mariana , Hirst Molly , Terzidis Agis , Kuip Martijn , Gruppen Mariken , Brierley Joe 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Moral injury refers to the emotional distress experienced when an individual's moral or ethical beliefs are violated. This concept has been widely studied in a number of disciplines, but limited attention has been given to the moral injury experienced by researchers in the humanitarian setting. This paper aims to explore the ethical challenges and resulting moral injury faced by paediatric humanitarian researchers in the Mavrovouni Closed Controlled Access Center, Lesvos, Greece.
Methods
Based on a qualitative approach, we conducted three ethics support workshops with 5 to 10 participants each, in which they were invited to discuss the moral dilemmas they were experiencing in their research work. Sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed; transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
Seven main themes were developed: community and system-level considerations, witnessing and moral responsibility, conflicting duties, participant benefit misconception, coping strategies, cultural aspects, and theories of change. These themes highlight the diverse ethical dilemmas researchers face in this field.
Conclusion
Researchers reported feelings pointing to a risk of moral injury if these issues are not adequately addressed. The results of this study will contribute to the development of support systems for researchers working in sensitive data collection and promote a more sustainable and healthy research practice.
Association between diabetes mellitus and adhesive capsulitis of shoulder: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Wenqiang , Lou Jing , Huangfu Weizhong , Han Dezhi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
The objective of this study was to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between diabetes mellitus and adhesive capsulitis of shoulder (ACS).
Method
A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was performed using publicly available genome-wide association study statistics. To determine whether diabetes was causally associated with adhesive capsulitis of shoulder, two datasets on diabetes among Europeans from the GWAS catalogue and adhesive capsulitis of shoulder among Europeans from FinnGen were extracted and the data were analyzed using inverse variance-weighted, MR Egger regression, weighted medians, weighted modes and simple modes. Sensitivity analysis and heterogeneity analysis were then used to assess the stability and reliability of the results.
Results
MR analysis showed causality between type 1 diabetes and ACS (odds ratio [OR] = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.85–1.11, P<0.05). No significant causal effect of type 2 diabetes on ACS (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.95–1.13, P = 0.414). The Cochran Q test showed only a low level of heterogeneity between the type 1 diabetes and ACS data sets (Q = 106.0431, p = 0.045). Not heterogeneous between T2DM and ACS. Egger-intercept and funnel plots for data did not show multidirectional and asymmetry at the gene level.
Conclusion
The study was the first to find a negative association between type 1 diabetes and the risk of developing adhesive capsulitis of shoulder in European people. No cause-and-effect genetic link was found between type 2 diabetes and shoulder adhesive capsulitis.
A single Management Unit but specific conservation strategies between two major nesting areas of the critically endangered loggerhead turtle in New Caledonia.
Authors: Bourgogne Hugo , Bonneville Claire Daisy , Read Tyffen C. , Chateau Olivier , Lafage Dominique , Barbier Maxime , Bardet Marion , Derville Solène , Frayssinet Alizée , Oremus Marc 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) South Pacific subpopulation is classified as 'Critically Endangered’ in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, based on its estimated demographic decline. The Southern Province of New Caledonia shelters two distinct major nesting areas for this subpopulation, aggregating approximately 10–25% of all reported nesting activities at the ocean basin scale. A prejudicial knowledge gap subsisted in whether the nesting population of these two nesting areas are part of a single or two distinct Management Unit(s), which could have significant implications for conservation strategies to be implemented. Based on a dataset collected from November 2016 to March 2023, we evaluated the sex-specific connectivity of loggerhead turtles over various temporal scales using three complementary methodologies: satellite telemetry (intra-annual), Capture-Mark-Recapture surveys (inter-annual) and molecular analysis (inter-generations). Our results suggest that reproductive populations from both nesting areas form a unique genetic stock, and that the gene flow is presumably ensured by males, contrasting with the high fidelity to nesting areas shown by females. Considering that both nesting areas show heterogeneous habitat conformations and substantial differences in the associated threat levels, this study highlights the importance to consider both the site-specific aspects and the more global Management Unit scale to ensure a prioritized and coherent conservation strategy. Not considering those aspects could result in management failure and loss of local population segments.
Early diagnosis of hereditary angioedema in children: priority should be given to genetic test.
Authors: Bocquet Alexis , Pagnier Anne , Boccon-gibod Isabelle , defendi Federica , Hardy Gaelle , Bouillet Laurence 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background : When the diagnosis of HAE is known in a family and a child is born, the question of early diagnosis at birth arises. Indeed, the first attacks may appear as early as birth. The importance of early diagnosis comes up against biological issues: C1 Inhibitor (C1 INH) and C4 levels can be low at birth, generally in the range of 60 to 100% of adult reference values, due to the immaturity of the complement system. As most of complement proteins, their levels normalize after one year of life. We report the opposite case, in two newborns.
Case presentation: A women with well documented hereditary angioedema type II C1Inh deficiency gave birth to 2 children 4 years apart. The 2 children had a functional C1Inh assay at 8 and 7 months of age respectively: the results showed a normal functional C1Inh level. A genetic investigation was nevertheless carried out, which revealed the presence of the mother’s mutation in both children. Monitoring of C1Inh function at 3 and 4 years of age finally showed a pathological reduction in C1Inh function.
Conclusion : These cases lead us to recommend, for the early detection of children, genetic research of the mutation of the index parent in the child rather than the C1Inh assay
Synthetic Biology: Pioneering the Next Bio Revolution for a sustainable planet
Authors: Al-Salihi Suhad A. A. , Ford Kathryn L. , Mahyudin Murnita M. , Bunawan Hamidun 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Synthetic biology, or “SynBio”, cleverly mimics nature to help achieve sustainability goals and meet civilisation's needs. It enables the transition to an economic paradigm based on biological processes. Although synthetic biology is an embryonic technology, it has demonstrated its worth. It can be part of the technological toolkits in reducing the human impact on the natural ecosystem by replacing waste-challenging processes mainly used in industrial production and people's daily activities. This review summarises the potential of synthetic biology in the bio-based economy. It also covers the current trends, the implementation of emerging innovations, the connection between technologies, and the challenges involved. Our aim is to outline the areas in which synthetic biology holds promise for tackling the pressing challenges faced by humankind and the planet, including food security, climate change and infectious diseases. Along the way, we will include specific and tangible examples to illustrate this potential.