bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy submental vestibular approach for early-stage papillary thyroid carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hindawi Mahmoud Diaa , Ali Ahmed Hamdy, G. , Qafesha Ruaa Mustafa , Soliman Wesam , Salem Haitham , Bali Eslam , Elrosasy Amr 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Our study aimed to compare the effectiveness and complications of the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy submental vestibular approach (TOETSMVA) versus the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) or conventional open thyroidectomy (COT) in patients with early-stage papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods
We searched online databases up to January 2024. The outcomes were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 and inverse variance.

Results
Seven studies (two RCTs and five retrospective cohort studies) were included. We established higher significance differences for TOETSMVA in comparison with TOETVA in terms of all primary outcomes; operation time, hospital stay, number of resected lymph nodes [MD -21.05, 95% CI= -30.98, -11.12; p < 0.0001], [MD -1.76, 95% CI= -2.21, -1.32, p < 0.00001], [MD -2.99, 95% CI= -19.75, 13.76, p < 0.73], [MD -0.83, 95% CI = -1.19 to -0.47; p < 0.00001], respectively, except the drainage volume, it showed no difference [MD -2.99, 95% CI= -19.75, 13.76, p < 0.73]. In secondary outcomes, it was favored only in mandibular numbness and return to normal diet outcomes. Additionally, TOETSMVA compared with COT showed a significant difference in drainage volume, pain, cosmetic effect, and satisfaction score.

Conclusions
TOETSMVA showed a significant improvement compared to the TOETVA in operation time, hospital stay, number of resected lymph nodes, mandibular numbness, and return to normal diet but did not show a difference in drainage volume. However, TOETSMVA was better in cosmetic effect, drainage volume, satisfaction, and pain scores compared with COT. Further RCTs with larger sample size, multicentral, and longer follow-up are necessary to evaluate the limitations.
Plasmodesmata dynamics in bryophyte model organisms: secondary formation and developmental modifications of structure and function
Authors: Wegner Linus , Ehlers Katrin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Main conclusion
Developing bryophytes differentially modify their plasmodesmata structure and function. Secondary plasmodesmata formation via twinning appears to be an ancestral trait. Plasmodesmata networks in hornwort sporophyte meristems resemble those of angiosperms.

Abstract
All land-plant taxa use plasmodesmata (PD) cell connections for symplasmic communication. In angiosperm development, PD networks undergo an extensive remodeling by structural and functional PD modifications, and by postcytokinetic formation of additional secondary PD (secPD). Since comparable information on PD dynamics is scarce for the embryophyte sister groups, we investigated maturating tissues of Anthoceros agrestis (hornwort), Physcomitrium patens (moss), and Marchantia polymorpha (liverwort). As in angiosperms, quantitative electron microscopy revealed secPD formation via twinning in gametophytes of all model bryophytes, which gives rise to laterally adjacent PD pairs or to complex branched PD. This finding suggests that PD twinning is an ancient evolutionary mechanism to adjust PD numbers during wall expansion. Moreover, all bryophyte gametophytes modify their existing PD via taxon-specific strategies resembling those of angiosperms. Development of type II-like PD morphotypes with enlarged diameters or formation of pit pairs might be required to maintain PD transport rates during wall thickening. Similar to angiosperm leaves, fluorescence redistribution after photobleaching revealed a considerable reduction of the PD permeability in maturating P. patens phyllids. In contrast to previous reports on monoplex meristems of bryophyte gametophytes with single initials, we observed targeted secPD formation in the multi-initial basal meristems of A. agrestis sporophytes. Their PD networks share typical features of multi-initial angiosperm meristems, which may hint at a putative homologous origin. We also discuss that monoplex and multi-initial meristems may require distinct types of PD networks, with or without secPD formation, to control maintenance of initial identity and positional signaling.
Color image restoration by filtering methods: a review
Authors: Salamat Nadeem , Missen Malik Muhammad Saad , Akhtar Nadeem , Mustahsan Muhammad , Surya Prasath V. B. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDigital images are corrupted with noise, and image denoising is an important step in image processing modules. In this review, the latest developments in filtering methods for color image restoration are analyzed. These algorithms are compared in terms of objective image quality measures and divided into major classes, such as spatial domain, switching and wavelet filtering methods. These classes are based on the particular methodology used in image denoising algorithms and further subdivided to show their classification in terms of noise models utilized, application style, and stages the filters applied in images. In particular, we present a review of filtering methods in color image denoising, published over the past two decades. Our classification and succinct descriptions of color image restoration by these mathematical filtering techniques and their characterizations can help choose the appropriate ones for various downstream image processing tasks.
Fuzzy Cognitive Map for Evaluating Critical Factors Causing Rockbursts in Underground Construction: A Fundamental Study
Authors: Hosseini Shahab , Armaghani Danial Jahed , He Xuzhen , Pradhan Biswajeet , Zhou Jian , Sheng Daichao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe rockburst phenomenon in excavation endeavours reveals a multitude of complexities and obstacles that significantly impact both the technical and financial dimensions of project execution. Investigating critical rockburst factors in underground excavations is of considerable importance for addressing pivotal safety issues and operational complexities within the field of underground excavation projects. This research proposes an innovative approach based on an expert-based fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) framework, aiming to identify and prioritize the key critical rockburst factors prevalent in underground excavations and tunnelling. A tailored cognitive map of the parameters of problem was constructed, integrating 56 critical and critical factors meticulously curated by a team of seasoned managers, engineers, deputy managers, trainee engineers and assistant managers. The structured cognitive map was meticulously developed, considering the relative weights of the identified critical factors and their intricate interrelationships—all informed by the invaluable insights and expertise of seasoned engineers in the field. Subsequently, the cognitive map underwent a systematic solution process, whereby the causal relationships and influences amongst the identified critical factors were analysed and factored in. The outcomes of the comprehensive analysis unveiled several critical factors: lack of rockburst risk assessments, high in situ stress, presence of rock seams and weak layers, rock quality variations, and geological heterogeneity as the most paramount concerns demanding immediate attention and strategic intervention. By adopting the proposed FCM approach and leveraging the collective expertise of industry professionals, this research offers a robust and systematic framework for comprehensively assessing and addressing the key challenges associated with rockburst events in underground excavations and tunnelling projects, thereby fostering enhanced project performance and efficacy within the field.
PEGylation renders carnosine resistant to hydrolysis by serum carnosinase and increases renal carnosine levels
Authors: Zhang Shiqi , Yang Guang , Zhang Qinqin , Fan Yuying , Tang Mingna , Shen Liuhai , Zhu Dongchun , Zhang Guiyang , Yard Benito 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCarnosine’s protective effect in rodent models of glycoxidative stress have provided a rational for translation of these findings in therapeutic concepts in patient with diabetic kidney disease. In contrast to rodents however, carnosine is rapidly degraded by the carnosinase-1 enzyme. To overcome this hurdle, we sought to protect hydrolysis of carnosine by conjugation to Methoxypolyethylene glycol amine (mPEG-NH2). PEGylated carnosine (PEG-car) was used to study the hydrolysis of carnosine by human serum as well as to compare the pharmacokinetics of PEG-car and L-carnosine in mice after intravenous (IV) injection. While L-carnosine was rapidly hydrolyzed in human serum, PEG-car was highly resistant to hydrolysis. Addition of unconjugated PEG to carnosine or PEG-car did not influence hydrolysis of carnosine in serum. In mice PEG-car and L-carnosine exhibited similar pharmacokinetics in serum but differed in half-life time (t1/2) in kidney, with PEG-car showing a significantly higher t1/2 compared to L-carnosine. Hence, PEGylation of carnosine is an effective approach to prevent carnosine degradations and to achieve higher renal carnosine levels. However, further studies are warranted to test if the protective properties of carnosine are preserved after PEGylation.
A conversational agent for creating automations exploiting large language models
Authors: Gallo Simone , Paternò Fabio , Malizia Alessio 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe proliferation of sensors and smart Internet of Things (IoT) devices in our everyday environments is reshaping our interactions with everyday objects. This change underlines the need to empower non-expert users to easily configure the behaviour of these devices to align with their preferences and habits. At the same time, recent advances in generative transformers, such as ChatGPT, have opened up new possibilities in a variety of natural language processing tasks, enhancing reasoning capabilities and conversational interactions. This paper presents RuleBot +  + , a conversational agent that exploits GPT-4 to assist the user in the creation and modification of trigger-action automations through natural language. After an introduction to motivations and related work, we present the design and implementation of RuleBot +  + and report the results of the user test in which users interacted with our solution and Home Assistant, one of the most used open-source tools for managing smart environments.
Enhancing the quality of lentil proteins via combination with whey proteins based on a dual process: a novel strategy through the incorporation of complexation and fermentation
Authors: Alrosan Mohammad , Tan Thuan-Chew , Easa Azhar Mat , Gammoh Sana , Alu’datt Muhammad H. , Kubow Stan , Almajwal Ali Madi , Razzak Mahmood Ammar A. , Al-Qaisi Ali , Bawadi Hiba 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing a distinguished alternative to human consumption of animal-based proteins. The application of lentil proteins in the food industry is typically limited due to their poor solubility and digestibility. An innovative method of balancing lentil-whey protein (LP-WP) complexes with higher-quality protein properties was established to address this issue, which coupled a pH-shifting approach with fermentation treatment. The results showed that microorganisms in the water kefir influenced the quality of protein structures and enhanced the nutritional values, including increasing the total phenolic compounds and improving the flavor of fermented LP-WP complexes. The protein digestibility, pH values, microbial growth, total soluble solids, and total saponin and phenolic contents were hydrolyzed for 5 days at 25 °C. The FTIR spectrophotometer scans indicated significant (P < 0.05) changes to the secondary protein structure components (random coil and α-helix). This study showed that combining pH-shifting with fermentation treatment improves lentil and whey proteins’ structure, protein quality, and nutritional benefits.
How do testing and test-potentiated learning versus worked example method affect medium- and long-term knowledge in abstract algebra for pre-service mathematics teachers?
Authors: Muzsnay Anna , Zámbó Csilla , Szeibert Janka , Bernáth László , Szilágyi Brigitta , Szabó Csaba 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe retention of foundational knowledge is crucial in learning and teaching mathematics. However, a significant part of university students do not achieve long-term knowledge and problem-solving skills. A possible tool to increase further retention is testing, the strategic use of retrieval to enhance memory. In this study, the effect of a special kind of testing versus worked examples was investigated in an authentic educational setting, in an algebra course for pre-service mathematics teachers. The potential benefits of using tests versus showing students worked examples at the end of each practice session during a semester were examined. According to the results, there was no difference between the effectiveness of the two methods in the medium term—on the midterm that students took on the 6th week and the final that students took on the 13th week of the semester, the testing group performed the same as the worked example group. However, testing was more beneficial regarding long-term retention in studying and solving problems in abstract mathematics. Analyzing the results of the post-test that students took five months after their final test, the authors found that the improvement of those students who learned the material with testing was significantly larger than that of the worked example group. These findings suggest that testing can have a meaningful effect on abstract algebra knowledge and a long-lasting impact on solving complex, abstract mathematical problems.
Objective Neighborhood-Level Disorder Versus Subjective Safety as Predictors of HIV Transmission Risk and Momentary Well-Being
Authors: Panlilio Leigh V. , Preston Kenzie L. , Bertz Jeremiah W. , Moran Landhing M. , Tyburski Matthew , Hertzel Sara K. , Husami Shireen , Adan Fatumastar , Epstein David H. , Phillips Karran A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMental health and HIV risk behavior have been studied with ecological momentary assessment (EMA), but this approach has not been combined with tracking of activity space (where people go and what they encounter there) in people with HIV and their social relations, who may be HIV+ or HIV−. Activity space represents a modifiable risk or protective factor for behavior related to health status and quality of life, in both clinical and nonclinical populations. We conducted an observational study with 286 participants (243 HIV+ and 43 HIV−), roughly matched for socioeconomic status and neighborhood of residence via three waves of snowball sampling. Each participant carried a smartphone for up to 4 weeks, making 5 randomly prompted entries and 1 end-of-day entry each day, plus self-initiated event-contingent entries for sexual activity and drug use. Responses to randomly prompted items provided subjective evaluations of the safety of the participant’s current social and physical environment (the place they were and the people they were with). GPS-based location tracking—coupled with publicly available statistic indicating neighborhood-level physical disorder and socioeconomic disadvantage—provided an indicator of each participant’s exposure to objective psychosocial hazard. We examined possible relationships of these objective and subjective environmental exposures with risky sexual and intravenous drug-use behavior, knowledge and utilization of antiretroviral treatment and prophylaxis, and momentary mental health (mood and stress, which relate to risky behavior and overall well-being). We found that both risky behavior and mental health were more related to participants’ subjective evaluations of their activity space than to objective measures of neighborhood-level disorder, suggesting that, even within an objectively hazardous neighborhood, people who find a niche they perceive as socially and physically safe may engage in less risky behavior and have better well-being.Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT01571752.
Understanding Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability of Home-based Comprehensive Sexual Health Care: A Realist Review
Authors: Goense Cornelia Johanna Dorothy , Doan Thuan-Huong P. , Kpokiri Eneyi E. , Evers Ymke J. , Estcourt Claudia S. , Crutzen Rik , Klausner Jeffrey D. , Tang Weiming , Baraitser Paula , Hoebe Christian J.P.A. , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H.T.M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis review identifies which elements of home-based comprehensive sexual health care (home-based CSH) impacted which key populations, under which circumstances. A realist review of studies focused on home-based CSH with at least self-sampling or self-testing HIV and additional sexual health care (e.g., treatment, counseling). Peer-reviewed quantitative and qualitative literature from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and PsycINFO published between February 2012 and February 2023 was examined. The PRISM framework was used to systematically assess the reach of key populations, effectiveness of the intervention, and effects on the adoption, implementation, and maintenance within routine sexual health care. Of 730 uniquely identified records, 93 were selected for extraction. Of these studies, 60% reported actual interventions and 40% described the acceptability and feasibility. Studies were mainly based in Europe or North America and were mostly targeted to MSM (59%; 55/93) (R). Overall, self-sampling or self-testing was highly acceptable across key populations. The effectiveness of most studies was (expected) increased HIV testing. Adoption of the home-based CSH was acceptable for care providers if linkage to care was available, even though a minority of studies reported adoption by care providers and implementation fidelity of the intervention. Most studies suggested maintenance of home-based CSH complementary to clinic-based care. Context and mechanisms were identified which may enhance implementation and maintenance of home-based CSH. When providing the individual with a choice of testing, clear instructions, and tailored dissemination successful uptake of STI and HIV testing may increase. For implementers perceived care and treatment benefits for clients may increase their willingness to implement home-based CSH. Therefore, home-based CSH may determine more accessible sexual health care and increased uptake of STI and HIV testing among key populations.
Artificial intelligence in optical lens design
Authors: Yow Ai Ping , Wong Damon , Zhang Yueqian , Menke Christoph , Wolleschensky Ralf , Török Peter 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTraditional optical design entails arduous, iterative stages that significantly rely on the intuition and experience of lens designers. Starting-point design selection has always been the major hurdle for most optical design problem, and different designers might produce different final lens designs even if using the same initial specification. Lens designers typically choose designs from existing lens databases, analyse relevant lens structures, or explore patent literature and technical publications. With increased processing capability, producing automated lens designs using Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches is becoming a viable alternative. Therefore, it is noteworthy that a comprehensive review addressing the latest advancements in using AI for starting-point design is still lacking. Herein, we highlight the gap at the confluence of applied AI and optical lens design, by presenting a comprehensive review of the current literature with an emphasis on using various AI approaches to generate starting-point designs for refractive optical systems, discuss the limitations, and suggest a potential alternate approach for further research.
Skeletal muscle quantity and quality evaluation in heart failure: comparing thoracic versus abdominopelvic CT approaches
Authors: Mirzai Saeid , Persits Ian , Martens Pieter , Estep Jerry D. , Wilson Tang W. H. , Chen Po-Hao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGiven the critical role of skeletal muscle in healthy aging, low muscle mass (myopenia) and quality (myosteatosis) can be used as predictors of poor functional and cardiometabolic outcomes. Myopenia is also a part of sarcopenia and malnutrition diagnostic criteria. However, there is limited evidence for using chest computed tomography (CT) to evaluate muscle health. We aimed to compare chest CT landmarks to the widely used L3 vertebra for single-slice skeletal muscle evaluation in patients with heart failure (HF). Patients admitted for acute decompensated HF between January 2017 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Body composition measurements were made on CT of the chest and abdomen/pelvis with or without contrast one month before discharge. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) and intermuscular adipose tissue percentage (IMAT%) were calculated at several thoracic levels (above the aortic arch, T8, and T12) and correlated to the widely used L3 level. A total of 200 patients were included, 89 (44.5%) female. The strongest correlation of thoracic SMI (for muscle quantity) and IMAT% (for muscle quality) with L3 was at the T12 level (r = 0.834, p < 0.001 and r = 0.757, p < 0.001, respectively). Cutoffs to identify low muscle mass for T12 SMI (derived from the lowest sex-stratified L3 SMI tertile) were 31.1 cm²/m² in men and 26.3 cm²/m² in women. SMI and IMAT% at T12 had excellent correlations with the widely used L3 level for muscle quantity and quality evaluation in patients with HF.
Constitutional artisans: James Buchanan and Vincent Ostrom on artifactual man, the constitutional attitude, and the political economy of constitutional design
Authors: Lewis Paul , Meadowcroft John 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the relationship between the work of James Buchanan and Vincent Ostrom. It adds to existing work by providing a comprehensive analysis of Buchanan’s and Ostrom’s changing views about how the ‘logical foundations of constitutional democracy’ should be conceptualised. The paper traces how in the 1960s and 1970s Ostrom took inspiration from the rational choice analysis of constitutional democracy in Buchanan and Tullock’s The Calculus of Consent, explaining how it shaped his reading of key texts in political theory and his analysis of public administration. It then discusses how Buchanan subsequently drew on Ostrom’s notion of artifactual man in developing his understanding of the ‘constitutional attitude’ necessary for individuals to engage in institutional design. It then explores how, from the mid-to-late 1990s, Ostrom became increasingly critical of Buchanan’s reliance on rational choice theory for his analysis of constitutional decision-making, identifying this as a key difference between their views.
The economy and career choices scale: Construction and initial validation
Authors: Santilli Sara , Ginevra Maria Cristina , Hartung Paul J. , Soresi Salvatore , Nota Laura 
Published: July 2024

AbstractToday’s youth have grown up according to a largely neoliberal dominance. To assess youth’s views of the economy in relation to their career choices, we developed the Economy and Career Choices Scale (ECCS). Two studies involving Italian youth were conducted to develop the scale and examine its psychometric properties. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) conducted with two groups of high-school students confirmed the two-factor structure, specifically related to thoughts more consistent with a neoliberal view of the economy and thoughts in tune with a more equitable and supportive conception of it. Moreover, correlational analyses were conducted with the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale and Views of the Future Scale.