bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative assessment of uncrushed-river concrete mix of Hari-River, and Kamar-kalaq: The two widely used concrete mix in Herat, Afghanistan
Authors: Alkozay Arif , Faqiri Amanollah , Moheb Noman , Ahmadi Khalid Ahmad , Sadat Sayed Naqibullah , Saddeqi Mohammad Yaser , Jamshidi Ahmad Fawad , sayedi Mir mohammad rateb , Mohammadi Safiullah 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Concrete, as a cornerstone of modern construction, heavily relies on the quality of its constituent materials, particularly aggregates. Among the critical factors contributing to high-quality concrete are proper gradation, absence of clay particles, and angular shape of aggregates. Adhering to these standards typically results in concrete with superior strength. However, aggregates sourced from riverbeds often possess a natural gradation, contain clay particles, and have rounded shapes. This study delves into a comparative analysis of aggregates sourced from two widely utilized riverbed regions, namely Hari-River and Kamar-Kalaq, situated within Herat province, Afghanistan. Given that over 90% of concrete in Herat province is sourced from these two riverbeds, the findings of this study carry immense significance. The research meticulously examines key parameters, including clay content, gradation, aggregate shape, and compressive strength, to determine the optimal choice for concrete production. Methodologically, samples were acquired following ASTM standards, and rigorous testing procedures were conducted, encompassing clay particle analysis, sieve analysis, and strength testing. The results reveal significant disparities between the two regions, with Hari-River demonstrating superior characteristics across various metrics. Particularly noteworthy is Hari-River's lower clay content, superior gradation, and higher compressive strength compared to Kamar-Kalaq.
Distance decay reveals contrasting effects of land-use types on arthropod community homogenization
Authors: Decker Orsi , Muller Jorg , Uhler Johannes , Redlich Sarah , Chao Anne , Steffan-Dewenter Ingolf , Tobisch Cynthia , Ewald Jörg , Englmeier Jana , Fricke Ute , Ganuza Cristina , Haensel Maria , Morinière Jérôme , Zhang Jie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Global biodiversity decline with increasing land-use intensity is supposedly linked to the homogenization of species communities across landscapes. However, the contribution of landscape homogenization to insect diversity loss is still largely untested. We compared an indicator for community homogenization, the distance decay slope between four local habitats of increasing land-use intensity, from forests to managed grasslands, to arable lands and to settlements, imbedded in near-natural, agricultural and urban regions. This comparison was based on 12k arthropod species from 400 families, covering an area of 70.500 km2. Distance decay – taking rarity and species traits into account - identified grasslands as the most homogenous local land-use type. In contrast, settlements and arable lands showed the most heterogeneous arthropod communities between locations. Large and low-mobility species communities were the most heterogeneous in space, but distance decay patterns were dependent on local land-use. Regional landscape type modified local land-use patterns: near-natural landscapes lowered, while agricultural landscapes increased the impact of homogenisation. Based on our findings we recommend enhanced conservation efforts particularly in grasslands to reverse current homogenization, while settlements and arable lands could be more strongly considered in insect beta-biodiversity heterogenization.
Relationship between Macronutrients and Energy Intake and Liver Serum Transaminase Levels in Elderly Athletes and Non-Athletes: Findings from the Neyshabur Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Bilondi Hossein Taghizade , Arabi Seyyed Mostafa , Mohammadzadeh Fatemeh , Mirhafez Seyed Reza , Ostadrahimi Alireza 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Evaluating liver health and influential factors is crucial in the elderly population. Lifestyle factors like nutrition and exercise may impact liver function. This study aimed to investigate the association between macronutrients and energy intake with serum levels of aminotransferases in elderly Iranian athletes and non-athletes.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 811 elderly participants (369 athletes, 442 non-athletes) from the Neyshabur Longitudinal Study on Aging (NeLSA). Dietary intake was evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire. Serum Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were measured. Regression Analyzes evaluated the associations between macronutrient intake and liver enzymes, adjusting for potential confounding variables.
Results: For elderly athletes, higher calorie intake (β=0.0020, 95% CI: 0.0006, 0.0035, p=0.005), protein intake (β=0.0549, 95% CI: 0.0143, 0.0955, p=0.008), and carbohydrate intake (β=0.0107, 95% CI: 0.0033, 0.0181, p=0.005) were significantly associated with increased ALT levels in adjusted models. Higher carbohydrate intake (β=0.0061, 95% CI: 0.0021, 0.0100, p=0.003) and calorie intake (β=0.0009, 95% CI: 0.0001, 0.0017, p=0.018) were also associated with a notable increase in AST levels in elderly athletes. For elderly non-athletes, only higher protein intake (β=0.0411, 95% CI: 0.0046, 0.0777, p=0.027) was significantly associated with increased ALT levels, while none of the nutritional factors were associated with a notable change in AST levels in adjusted models for non-athletes.
Conclusions: This study found higher calorie, protein, and carbohydrate intake were associated with increased liver enzymes ALT and AST in elderly individuals, particularly athletes. For athletes, all three nutrients were linked to elevated ALT, while only carbohydrates and calories impacted AST. For non-athletes, only protein affected ALT. These findings suggest tailored nutritional strategies may be needed to preserve liver health in active aging populations.
Fostering Empathy in Medical Students by "Social Responsibility in Health"
Authors: MALAKCIOGLU CEM 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Many positive effects of social responsibility topics like volunteerism on students' empathy levels and prevention of social conflicts can be found in the recent literature. In Social Responsibility in Health (SRH) course, stories of people living in different conditions were told to the medical students. They were asked to put themselves in the shoes of people living in difficult conditions and to find solutions for various problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SRH course on the empathy levels of medical students.
Methods
Between October 2022 and February 2023, 136 medical students from İstanbul Medeniyet University voluntarily participated in this intervention evaluation study. Empathy Assessment Scale with three subscales (social interaction, cognitive behavior, and emotional identification) was applied to the intervention (n = 62) and control (n = 74) groups in the beginning (pretest) and the end (posttest) of the course. Due to normal distribution of the data, t-tests were utilized for statistical analysis.
Results
Intervention group had significantly higher total empathy (p < .05) and emotional identification (p < .01) mean posttest scores with respect to pretest. There was no significant difference for social interaction and cognitive behavior empathy dimensions in the intervention group between pretest and posttest. Also, all empathy scores at posttest were significantly higher in the intervention than the control group (p < .01).
Conclusions
SRH course positively affected empathy levels of medical students, especially their emotional identification with others. Including social responsibility-themed courses telling stories of people in difficult situations in the medical curriculum will positively affect the empathic skills of medical students.
Trial registration:
Not applicable
Ruxolitinib in Acute and Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Real Life Long-Term Experience in a Multi-Centre Study for Adult and Pediatric Patients, on Behalf of GETH-TC
Authors: Pérez-Simón José A , Escamilla-Gomez Virginia , García-Gutiérrez Valentín , Alcalde-Mellado Patricia , Mahillo Beatriz Astibia , Chinea Anabelle , Lopez-Corral Lucia , Acera-Gómez Marina , Ochando Melissa Torres , Borrego Asunción Borrero , Pinedo Leslie González , Zudaire Teresa , Gonz�lez-Vicent Marta , Benzaquén Ana , Izquierdo Isabel , Cantó Pedro Asensi , Montoro Juan , Martin-Dominguez Francisco , Orti Guillermo , Valcarcel David , Benítez-Carabante Maria Isabel , Diaz-de-Heredia Cristina , Giró Eloi Cañamero , Coll Christelle Ferrà i , García-Cadenas Irene , Redondo Sara , Sisinni Luisa , Perez-Martinez Antonio , Mussetti Alberto , Garcia-Mañó Lucia , Palomo Pilar , González-Sierra Pedro , Jurado Manuel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Ruxolitinib has been approved for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients ≥ 12 years with steroid refractory graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). However, real-life studies are needed to confirm the results of clinical trials and further assess its efficacy in special populations. We performed a descriptive, retrospective, multi-centre study of 352 adults and 42 pediatric patients treated with ruxolitinib for steroid-refractory acute or chronic GvHD. Among 119 and 233 adult patients with acute and chronic GvHD, overall response rate (ORR) was 58.8% (CR 33.6%) and 65.7% (CR 18.5%), respectively. Corticosteroids were withdrawn in 59.2% and 40.1%, and ruxolitinib in 47.2% and 34.8% in the acute and chronic groups of responders. Among 29 and 13 pediatric patients with acute and chronic GvHD, ORR was 82.7% (CR 51.7%) and 100% (CR 23%), respectively. Among responder patients, corticosteroids were withdrawn in 72.7% and 50%, and ruxolitinib in 75% and 30.7% in both groups respectively. Ruxolitinib in the real world setting, showed similar results as compared to clinical trials. Its efficacy is maintained in subsequent lines of treatment. In the pediatric population, the data are more favourable. In the long-term follow-up, corticosteroids, ruxolitinib and other inmunosuppressive drugs could be eliminated in a remarkably proportion of patients.
Policy Design and Enactment in a Federalist School System: Understanding Contextual Responsiveness in Educational Governance
Authors: Jutzi Michelle , Wicki Thomas , Grgic Marina , Hostettler Ueli 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This article examines the design and enactment of a Media and Information Literacy (MIL) curriculum within the decentralized, federalist Swiss education system. It explores how power dynamics between federal and state actors shape education policy. In Switzerland, cantons possess significant autonomy in interpreting national policy, leading to diverse approaches in response to societal shifts such as the growing need for digital skills. The data shows that the design of the national curriculum involved stakeholder dialogue and aimed for inclusivity. The expert interviews highlight this collaborative process behind national policy design. Furthermore, the article profiles six sub-unit governments (cantons) revealing varied strategies in MIL policy enactment. Qualitative data integration and the formulation of vignettes illustrates the iterative nature of policy design and enactment, demonstrating that not all cantons align with national policy. The Swiss case underscores how societal demands often precede national policy, emphasizing the importance of contextual responsiveness in educational governance. Overall, the analysis provides insights into the complex interplay between national authority, sub-unity governments, and societal needs in shaping education policy, particularly in the area of MIL.
Comparison Studies on Mechanical Properties, Microstructural Changes and Heat-Affected-Zone (HAZ) of Tig- And Laser Welded en AW 6082-T6
Authors: Fauzi Elfi Rahayu Imam , Mokhtar Mohd Najib Ali 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

During fusion welding of aluminium alloy, the heat-affected zone (HAZ) reduces mechanical strength of component, particularly in 6000 series alloys, where the reduction can be 30%-50%. This softening phenomenon is not adequately addressed in current design standards such as Eurocode 9 and the British Standard Institution (BSI) Standard. In the present study, comprehensive experimental work is conducted to investigate the influence of welding methods and parameters on the occurrence of HAZ. Through experimental analysis of tungsten inert gas (TIG) and laser welding coupons, the severity and extension of HAZ were compared using tensile strength, hardness values and microstructure distribution. From this study, it is evident that tensile strength and hardness values of welded components significantly depended on heat input, welding speed, and welding method. The strength reduction in laser-welded components was inconsistent with that of TIG-welded components. However, the extent of HAZ was much narrower in laser-welded components than in TIG welding. In terms of microstructural analysis, the grain size was significantly increased after the welding processes. The orientation of the grain was found to be different for each welding method and was greatly influenced by the welding speed and temperature gradient of the weld pool. From this work, a comparison of mechanical properties and microstructural changes in TIG and laser-welded components can provide a basis to further improve the current design standards, particularly on the softening factor of welded joining. The results will significantly contribute to the enhancement of welding quality in the industrial joining practice.
YOLO-ESFM:A Multi-scale YOLO Algorithm for Sea Surface Object Detection.
Authors: Yan Fei , Chen Keyu , Cheng En , Qu Puhui , Ma Jikang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Environmental perception and object detection are pivotalresearch topics in the marine domain. The sea surface presents unique challenges, including harsh weather conditions, wave interference, and multi-scale targets, often resulting in suboptimal detection results. To address these issues, we present an innovative solution: integrating the Efficient Scale Fusion Module (ESFM) into the advanced YOLO architecture, resulting in the enhanced model, YOLO-ESFM. The ESFM serves as both the backbone and detection head of the network, significantly improving performance compared to the baseline models in YOLOv5s, YOLOv7-tiny, and YOLOv7. Furthermore, to tackle the limitations of the CIOU in YOLOv7, we introduce an improved method, ZIOU, which has been rigorously evaluated and proven effective on the Sea Surface Target Dataset. Comparative studies demonstrate that YOLO-ESFM not only maintains efficiency in terms of parameters and FLOPs but also surpasses YOLOv7 in detection accuracy on both the Sea Surface Target Dataset and the PASCAL VOC 07+12 Dataset.
WITHDRAWN: The role of students’ higher-order thinking skills in the relationship between academic achievements and machine learning using generative AI chatbots
Authors: Pellas Nikolaos 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Students' perspectives on using generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and machine learning are crucial in shaping the design, development, and implementation of their learning projects across various disciplines. Cognitive thinking, a key aspect of AI-related machine learning, aims to replicate human intelligence and behavior. However, the relation between cognitive thinking and knowledge acquisition is not always clear. Therefore, it is essential for students to engage in higher-order thinking, which allows them to critically analyze diverse viewpoints, assess their relevance, and understand the complex relationship between cognitive thinking and knowledge acquisition. This empirical study investigates the role of higher-order thinking skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity, in the relationship between academic achievements and attitudes toward machine learning technologies using generative AI chatbots. Four hundred sixteen undergraduate students (n = 416) from diverse academic backgrounds voluntarily took part in a project, in which they designed and developed generative AI chatbots in media and information literacy courses. The findings indicate that creativity mediated the relationship between academic achievements and attitudes toward machine learning, but its moderating impact was not significant. Problem-solving and critical thinking did not show significant mediating effects on attitudes toward machine learning, while they showed significant moderating effects in the connection between academic performance and attitudes toward machine learning. This study contributes by elucidating the interrelationships between students’ higher-order thinking skills, academic performance, and attitudes on the use of AI and machine learning technologies. By highlighting the mediating role of creativity and the moderating effects of problem-solving and critical thinking, this study offers a deeper understanding of how these skills shape students' perceptions of AI. The findings have significant implications for educational practices, suggesting that fostering higher-order thinking skills is crucial in preparing students to embrace AI and machine learning technologies.
A Dosimetric Comparison of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Lung Tumors: Plans of Gamma Knife, and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy, Dynamic Multileaf Collimator Plans based on Linear Accelerator
Authors: Duan Wenyue , Wu Huajian , Zhu Yanmei , Zhao Genghao , Zhang Chuanhao , Jiang Jianing , Fan Zhijun , Wang Zhe , Wang Ruoyu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective This study evaluates dosimetric differences in Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for lung tumors using plans of Gamma Knife, and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), Dynamic Multileaf Collimator (DMLC) plans based on Linear Accelerator, aiming to inform the reader of appropriate treatment strategy selection.
Methods Ten patients with 23 lung tumor lesions treated with SBRT at Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University were analyzed. Plans of Gamma Knife, and VMAT, DMLC plans based on Linear Accelerator were created for each lesion, totaling 18 plans per type. Lesions were treated with 30-50 Gy in 5-10 fractions. Dosimetric parameters, including gradient index (GI), heterogeneity index (HI), conformity index (CI), and doses to the plan target volumes (PTVs), the gross tumor volumes (GTVs) and organs at risk (OARs) were compared.
Results Plans of Gamma Knife showed superior HI and GI, higher PTV and GTV doses, and reduced doses to the ipsilateral and contralateral lungs, esophagus, spinal cord, and heart compared to VMAT and DMLC plans (p< 0.05). However, Plans of Gamma Knife required longer delivery times. When comparing VMAT and DMLC plans，VMAT plans had shorter delivery times than DMLC plans, but required more monitor units (MUs). Additionally, DMLC plans delivered a lower mean dose to the ipsilateral lung compared to VMAT plans.
Conclusions Gamma Knife SBRT plans achieves steeper dose falloff and minimizes radiation to normal lung tissue compared to VMAT and DMLC plans, but with longer delivery times. VMAT and DMLC plans displayed similar dose distributions for lung SBRT.
Strategic Joining and Optimal Pricing in the Hybrid Cloud System with Risk-sensitive Service Requests
Authors: Zhao Yiqian , Zhu Sheng , Wang Jinting 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We investigate a hybrid cloud system consisting of a private cloud and a public cloud along with highly and lowly risk-sensitive customers (denoted by H-and L-customers, respectively). Customers arrive in the system according to a Poisson process, and upon arrival, they decide to join a private cloud, or to join a hybrid cloud, or refuse to join any cloud based on a reward-cost structure. Specifically, for H-customers, if their expected benefit of joining a private cloud is negative, they will abandon the hybrid cloud system. For L-customers, they will compare the expected benefits of joining each of two clouds and then choose the cloud with higher benefit. Based on customers' strategic behavior, we explore the optimal decision-making problem in the hybrid cloud system. In virtue of a queueing-game approach, we analyze the equilibrium joining strategies of two types of customers. Moreover, taking into account various cooperation scenarios between customers, the optimal joining strategies of customers in different cases are derived. It is found that to maximize the utility for all customers, low risk-sensitive customers should be encouraged to join the public cloud. Furthermore, we investigate the optimal pricing issue for cloud services with subsidiary and discuss the revenue-maximization pricing of these two cloud resources numerically.
Medical Educator’s Attitudes and Experiences of Teaching Clinical Skills Online to Undergraduate Medical Students: Learning from COVID 19 and Future Implications
Authors: Qi Ziqiao , Aziz Wajeeha , Butler Ceri 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Traditional hands-on instruction of clinical skills in undergraduate medical education faced a paradigm shift with the emergence of COVID-19. Online teaching through virtual learning environments swiftly replaced traditional methods, necessitating an urgent reassessment of clinical skills education. Despite this, a knowledge gap persists regarding the effective delivery and integration of online clinical skills teaching within established medical curricula. This study investigated UK based medical educators and their experiences teaching clinical skills in an online environment enforced by social distancing. From these results we aimed to better understand how aspects of online teaching can be strategically employed within the current landscape of medical education to optimize practical skills acquisition.Methods: A cross-sectional study design employing a survey with closed and open-ended questions was utilized. The survey was hosted through the online survey platform EU Qualtrics and approved by the Education Leads Advisory Group of the Medical Schools Council for further distribution to medical educators. The results were analysed by frequency of answers with accompanying thematic analysis.Results: This study gathered responses from 22 medical educators of various seniority across 11 UK universities. Educators had low levels of knowledge regarding pre-COVID-19 online teaching. During the pandemic, sessions were often conducted remotely, with F2F teaching resuming under strict measures. Educators believed that online teaching, particularly for non-practical skills, offered engagement and flexibility. While the majority preferred a blended approach, there was hesitation in completely replacing F2F teaching. Educators expressed a strong belief in F2F as the most effective means of skills teaching, emphasizing the importance of supervision and hands-on practice. Despite uncertainties, educators acknowledged the benefits of online learning, emphasizing the need for proper resources and training for successful integration into clinical skills teaching.Conclusion: While there is preference for online teaching in non-practical skills, educators continued to express reservations about fully replacing F2F clinical skills teaching due to technological challenges and limited digital fluency. The overall preference among educators leaned towards a blended approaching utilising both modalities, harnessing benefits of online teaching such as flexibility while retaining the advantages of traditional methods.