bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Ethno-mimicry Approach to Managing Buildings’ End-of-life Construction and Demolition Waste in Nigeria: Militating Factors and Improvement Measures
Authors: Abdullahi Aminu , Otasowie Kenneth Kenneth Otasowie Kenneth , Awuzie Bankole Osita , Aigbavboa Clinton 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The end-of-life phase of buildings has been regarded as the phase where the most unsustainable practices in the construction project lifecycle occur. This is due to the usual mismanagement of a significant amount of building material waste available during this phase. Recently, studies concerning how the mimicking of nature’s approach to waste management can serve as a panacea to such mismanagement have gained traction. However, an overt focus on the adoption of biomimetic principles by extant studies has been observed. Limited attention has been paid to any lessons to be learnt from pre-industrial societies on ways to harmoniously live with the earth in a sustainable manner and to deploy the same for effective management of building construction and demolition waste management. This study seeks to bridge this gap through an in-depth exploration of this nexus to establish the militating factors negating buildings’ end-of-life management practice by these native societies (ethno-mimicry) in Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach:
The study adopted a qualitative research design to achieve the study’s aim. The study engaged nineteen experts through semi-structured interviews in the city of Kano, Nigeria. The data was analysed using the thematic analysis approach.
Findings:
The study’s findings identified technology, illegality, harassment by law enforcement agencies, occupational health and safety, storage, regulations, amongst others as factors negating the growth and development of the ethno-mimicry approach to buildings’ end-of-life management by some preindustrial societies in Nigeria. Furthermore, standardisation, material database, policies and legislation are identified as improvement measures.
Originality:
The practices of native societies in Nigeria is trading on salvaged materials from demolished buildings have its challenges and this study revealed these challenges and the improvement measures.
Recommendation
: Based on the foregoing, the study recommends that policy makers in Nigeria and elsewhere should begin to consider the proffered measures of the study to address the challenges currently being faced by this preindustrial society in end-of-life management of buildings.
A Holistic Approach to Image Forensics: Integrating Image Metadata Analysis and ELA with CNN and MLP for Image Forgery.
Authors: NFOR KINTOH ALLEN , Armand Tagne Poupi Theodore , Kim Hee-Cheol 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In the face of the escalating use of image editing tools and the rapid progress of AI technology, the demand for robust image forgery detection techniques has become more pressing. This study introduces a comprehensive approach to image forgery detection, which integrates image metadata analysis and Error Level Analysis (ELA) with deep learning, specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Multilayer Perceptrons (MLPs). Using transfer learning, we evaluated seven pre-trained models alongside a custom innovative CNN model using the CASIAV2 dataset for binary classification of authentic and forged images. Metadata was extracted from all the images, and unique feature images were generated and used as inputs for all models by exploiting the differences between compressed and original images through ELA. Among the pre-trained models, VGG16, Xception, ResNet101, and MobileNetV2 demonstrated superior detection accuracy compared to the state-of-the-art models. However, our custom model surpassed six others, achieving an accuracy score of 99.08% with efficient training parameters. This study's results indicate significant advancements in image forgery detection, which has practical applications in forensic tools, automated detection systems, and educational purposes. An enhanced accuracy can benefit industries reliant on image authenticity, improve digital security protocols, protect intellectual property, and influence legal standards. Additionally, the methodology could extend to other domains like document and video authentication.
Investigation of Thermo-Physiological Comfort Characteristics of Knitted Fabrics Made from Regenerated Cellulose and Nylon Blended Mélange Yarn
Authors: Elahi M. Fazley , Hossain Md Anwar , Rahman Md. Atiqur , Siddique M. Rayhan , Bhuiyan Mohammed Rafin , Rahman Habibur , Islam Md. Reajul , Rashid Mohammad Rafiqur 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the comfort characteristics of mélange fabrics made from Tencel, Modal, Ecovero, and Bamboo fibers, each blended with 20% virgin nylon. The comfort properties of regenerated cellulosic fiber-blended mélange fabrics were evaluated by analyzing various parameters, including moisture management, breathability, hand feel, and thermal properties. Dimensional stability, spirality, pilling, and bursting strength were also examined to assess the physical performance of the fabrics. The experimental results revealed that Tencel-blended mélange fabric demonstrated superior comfort properties, offering better moisture management, breathability, hand feel, and thermal properties. Additionally, Tencel-blended mélange fabric showed higher bursting strength and optimal levels of dimensional stability and spirality compared to other regenerated cellulosic fiber-blended mélange fabrics. These findings underscore the suitability of Tencel-blended mélange fabrics for applications requiring excellent breathability, moisture management, and durability. The comprehensive analysis of various fabric blends provides valuable insights for optimizing fabric properties for specific end uses.
Open Source AI for Gray Matter Segmentation in 7T MRI
Authors: Moeskes Matthias , Baecke Sebastian , Bernarding Johannes , Lützkendorf Ralf 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Ultra-high-field MRI (UHF-MRI) at 7T is growing increasingly important for clinical diagnostics and research. However, UHF-MRI faces more challenges from susceptibility artifacts and B0-inhomogeneities, impacting segmentation procedures that are typically optimized for lower field strengths as UHF-MRI is not yet widely available across radiological sites. In this study, we assessed therefore, whether MONAI (The Medical Open Network for Artificial Intelligence), an open source framework for AI-based medical image segmentation, could be employed for accurately segmenting also UHF-MRI data as MONAI is trained on 3T datasets exhibiting different contrast behavior than 7T. For testing, we used a publicly accessible 7T-brain MRI dataset and compared the AI-based segmentations with segmentations yielded by the framework statistical parametric mapping (SPM). The segmentation accuracy was assessed through comparison of the mean balanced Hausdorff-Distance (bHD) with expert-level segmented ground truths. Statistical analysis (left-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank test) indicated that cortical and deep gray matter were more accurately segmented by MONAI than by SPM (mean bHD MONAI: 2.65x10-4 ; mean bHD SPM: 3.37x10-4). The findings demonstrate MONAI's ability to segment data more effectively than the standard functional MRI analysis tool SPM. This makes newest technology available for researchers not trained specifically in AI-based image segmentation.
Effect of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Imports on the Prevalence of Overweight among Underfive Children in Nine Eastern Africa Countries
Authors: Niragire François , Kwizera Lambert , Dushimimana Olive , Uwacu Florent 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Overweighting among children under five years of age is increasingly becoming a global health concern. This has a connection with international trade and its influence on the increasing availability and consumption of sugar in different forms. This study seeks to identify the effects of the import of sugar-sweetened beverages on the prevalence of overweight among children under five years of age in nine Eastern Africa countries (EAC).
Methods
This study analyzed data from the UN Comtrade Database and World Development Indicators (WDI) of the World Bank (WB) spanning from 2000–2022. The East African countries selected are Burundi, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Madagascar and Zimbabwe. With these panel data, the fixed-effect estimation approach was employed as a technique to study the effect.
Results
The analysis revealed that the imports of sugar-sweetened beverages such as milk drinks, tea and coffee, and water, including mineral and aerated drinks, had a negative effect on the incidence of overweight among children under five years old in the EAC, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, GDP per capita was found to be positively related to the incidence of overweight.
Conclusions
This study did not find any evidence that SSB consumption in EACs contributes to the prevalence of overweight among children under five years old. Only GDP growth per capita was found to have a positive effect on the prevalence of child overweight. The findings suggest that international trade policies and agreements should consider the effect of economic growth on adverse health outcomes among children under five years of age in EACs and other similar developing countries.
First complete genome of a rare recombinant GII.5[P16] norovirus found in Russian Siberia
Authors: Zhirakovskaia Elena , Tikunov Artem , Kravchuk Bogdana , Tikunova Nina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Noroviruses (family Caliciviridae) are common causes of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Multiple polymerase/capsid combinations have been identified among the norovirus genogroup GII, of which at least ten contain GII.P16 polymerase. During hospital-based surveillance (2003-2013) in Russia, we identified eight noroviruses with GII.P16 polymerase: GII.3[P16] (n=5), GII.16[P16] (n=2) and GII.5[P16]. This is the first report of the complete genome sequence of a previously undescribed recombinant GII.5[P.16] norovirus that was found in a child’s feces in 2010. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ORF1 and ORF2/3 of the strain GII.5[P.16]/RUS/Novosibirsk/Nsk-N490/2010 formed separate branches in cluster GII.P16 and GII.5, respectively.
Sleep and diurnal alternative polyadenylation sites associated with human APA-linked brain disorders
Authors: Flores Carlos C. , Pasetto Nickolas A. , Wang Hongyang , Dimitrov Alexander G. , Davis Jon F. , Jiang Zhihua , Davis Christopher J. , Gerstner Jason R. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Disruption of sleep and circadian rhythms are a comorbid feature of many pathologies, and can negatively influence many health conditions, including neurodegenerative disease, metabolic illness, cancer, and various neurological disorders. Genetic association studies linking sleep and circadian disturbances with disease susceptibility have mainly focused on changes in gene expression due to mutations, such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms. The interaction between sleep and/or circadian rhythms with the use of Alternative Polyadenylation (APA) has been largely undescribed, particularly in the context of other disorders. APA is a process that generates various transcript isoforms of the same gene affecting its mRNA translation, stability, localization, and subsequent function. Here we identified unique APAs expressed in rat brain over time-of-day, immediately following sleep deprivation, and the subsequent recovery period. From these data, we performed a secondary analysis of these sleep- or time-of-day associated PASs with recently described APA-linked human brain disorder susceptibility genes.
Epidemiology and Risk Factors Predicting Mortality in Neonates with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: A Multicentre Retrospective Study.
Authors: Singh Radhika , Jeena Prakash M , Tinarwo Partson , Adhikari Miriam 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in term and post-term neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). Numerous antenatal and intrapartum risk factors are associated with mortality, and it is crucial for obstetricians to avoid these risk factors and for neonatologists to institute adequate therapy to improve outcomes.
Aim
To determine the predictors of mortality in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome
Methods
This retrospective study reviewed data from four regional hospitals over three years from 01 January 2015 to 31 December 2017. During the study period, data were recorded with regard to sex, mode of delivery, gestational age, maternal age, asphyxia, Apgar score at one and five minutes, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and respiratory support of neonates with MAS.
Results
Of the 187 neonates identified with MAS, 30 died, with a case fatality rate of 16%. Ninety-seven (51.9%) neonates were diagnosed with asphyxia, 91 (48.7%) with seizures, and 55 (27.3%) with PPHN. The factors associated with mortality were male sex (p = 0.009), a low Apgar (< 7 at five minutes) (p = 0.003), asphyxia (p ≤ 0.001), any form of resuscitation (p = 0.003 and < 0.001), bag-mask ventilation (BMV) and cardiac massage, respectively, and the presence of PPHN (p = 0.007) and air leakage (p = 0.002). After adjusting for all variables, the presence of asphyxia and air leakage were significantly associated with mortality, with ORs of 39.79 (3.93–1151) and 79.46 (3.53–2985), respectively.
Conclusion
Meconium aspiration syndrome is a significant cause of mortality. Asphyxia and air leakage are significant contributors to mortality in neonates with MAS. Continuous fetal monitoring, early recognition of fetal distress, and timely intervention during the intrapartum period are crucial for preventing asphyxia. Postnatally, neonates with MAS should be managed appropriately to prevent PPHN and air leakage, and seizures should be well controlled.
MyoRegenTrack: Quantifying the Recovery Process of Skeletal Muscle on HE-Stained Images via Learning from Label Proportion
Authors: Yamaoka Yu , Seno Shigeto , Chan Weng Ian , Iwamori Kanako , Fukada Soichiro , Matsuda Hideo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Visual observing muscle tissue regeneration is used to measure experimental effect size in biological research to discover the mechanism of muscle strength decline due to illness or aging. Quantitative computer imaging analysis for support evaluating the recovery stage has not been established because of the localized nature of recovery and the difficulty in selecting image features for cells in recovery stages. We constructed MyoRegenTrack for segmenting cells and classifying their regeneration stage in hematoxylin-eosin (HE) stained images. A straightforward approach to classification is supervised learning. However, obtaining detailed annotations for each fiber in a whole slide image is impractical regarding cost and accuracy. Thus, we propose to learn individual fiber stage classification utilizing the proportions of fiber stages depending on the days after muscle injection to induce regeneration. We extract implicit multidimensional features from the HE-stained tissue images and train a classifier using weakly supervised learning, guided by their class proportion for elapsed time on recovery. We confirmed the effectiveness of MyoRegenTrack by comparing its results with expert annotations. A comparative study of the recovery relation between two different muscle injections shows that the analysis result using MyoRegenTrack is consistent with findings from previous studies.
ART: An Efficient Framework for Automated Regression Testing for C/C++ Projects
Authors: Do Minh-Hieu , Tran Hoang-Viet , Pham-Ngoc Hung 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Regression testing, a critical phase in a software life cycle, often incurs significant time and cost for software companies, underscoring the need for an effective automated regression testing method. This paper introduces an efficient framework, ART, designed for automated regression testing of C/C++ projects. The fundamental concept of ART is to employ the Concolic testing method for comprehensive automated test generation for the initial version of a software product. Upon testing the updated version of the software, ART identifies all modifications in the new version. Subsequently, ART utilizes a change impact analysis (CIA) method, Wave-CIA, to determine the impact set of components in the updated software version. Ultimately, ART applies the Concolic testing method exclusively to the modified and impacted components. As a result, ART significantly reduces the time and cost associated with regression testing of the updated version. Preliminary experimental results indicate that ART can reduce the required testing time for the new version of a software product by up to 92%. Further discussions regarding the ART framework are provided in the paper.
How Does Self-esteem Alleviate Death Anxiety in Youth Populations? The Mediating Role of Security
Authors: Yu Jingxian , Hu Ziping , Liang Yongqi , Peng Huan , Li Na , Liu Hanjiao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

With the widespread use of the Internet and social media, youth groups are suffering deaths with increasing frequency. Studies have shown that self-esteem and a sense of security can reduce death anxiety, but a detailed explanation of the relationship is still lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the interrelationship and potential pathways of death anxiety, self-esteem, and security in young people. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shenzhen and Shaoguan, Guangdong Province, China, to collect general data, death anxiety scores, self-esteem scores, and security scores. A total of 623 valid questionnaires were collected from November to May 20232024. The results showed that both self-esteem and a sense of security could significantly predict death anxiety in reverse. Moreover, the sense of security engagement mediated the relationship between self-esteem and death anxiety. Although there is a high level of death anxiety in young people, measures to enhance self-esteem and a sense of security can help alleviate anxiety and promote physical and mental health.
Protective Effect of Apelin-13 on D-Glutamic Acid-Induced Excitotoxicity in SH-SY5Y Cell Line: An In-Vitro Study
Authors: Oruç Kadriye Yağmur , Oruç Aykut , Ağtürk Gökhan , Yanar Karolin , Seymen Hakkı Oktay 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Excitotoxicity, resulting from excessive accumulation of glutamate in the extracellular space, leads to neuronal cell death. This study investigates the protective effects of Apelin-13 on D-glutamic acid-induced excitotoxicity in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, an in vitro model for neurodegenerative diseases. Unlike the commonly studied L-glutamic acid, this research focuses on D-glutamic acid to understand its specific impacts. SH-SY5Y cells were treated with varying concentrations of D-glutamic acid and Apelin-13, followed by analyses at 12 and 24 hours to evaluate cell viability, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory cytokine levels. Cell viability assays revealed significant cytotoxic effects of D-glutamic acid at doses of 10 mM and 20 mM, reducing viability by over 50%. However, Apelin-13 treatment mitigated these effects, especially at 2 µg/mL, enhancing cell viability and reducing inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1β and TNF-α). Apelin-13 also increased anti-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-10 and TGF-β1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), indicating its neuroprotective role. Oxidative stress markers, including ROS, AGE, AOPP, DT, and T-SH, were significantly elevated by D-glutamic acid but effectively reduced by Apelin-13. The neuroprotective mechanisms of Apelin-13 involve modulation of cAMP/PKA and MAPK signaling pathways, enhancing BDNF synthesis and suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. This study is the first to demonstrate the effects of D-glutamic acid on SH-SY5Y cells. It highlights Apelin-13’s potential as a therapeutic agent against excitotoxicity-induced neuronal damage, emphasizing its ability to modulate key molecular pathways involved in inflammation and oxidative stress. Further in vivo studies are warranted to explore the long-term neuroprotective effects of Apelin-13 in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Intraoperative dysglycemia among nondiabetic patients undergoing surgeries: A prospective study in the Palestinian hospitals
Authors: Gara Hiba , Natour Adan , Hugi Samah , Jaber Mohammad , Maqboul Iyad , Khelfeh Nashat , Houmran Diaa , Kanaan Mohammad , Ghanem Nadeen , Ibrahim Leen , AbuAlrub Ibraheem , Sawafta Nawras , Hamed Alaa , Shawahna Ramzi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Intraoperative dysglycemia is a common health issue among surgical patients in different healthcare systems around the world. This prospective study was conducted to assess the incidence of intraoperative dysglycemia among patients undergoing surgeries in the Palestinian practice.
Methods
This was a prospective study that was conducted in the period between 29th October 2023 until 1st January 2024. The demographics, clinical, and surgical characteristics of the patients were obtained using a standardized data collection form. Capillary blood glucose levels were measured preoperatively, before the induction of anesthesia, after the induction of anesthesia, during surgery, and after surgery.
Result
A total of 374 patients were included in this study. Of the patients, 211 (56.4%) were younger than 35 years, 205 (54.8%) were females, and 256 (68.4%) were either overweight or obese. Obstetrics and gynecological, abdominal, and orthopedic surgeries were the most common surgeries in this study. The majority of the patients (69.3%) received general anesthesia. The delta change in blood glucose after induction of anesthesia was significantly higher among the patients were never married (p = 0.021), were operated for 1 h or more (p = 0.024), received general anesthesia (p = 0.001), did not experience heart rate changes (p = 0.004), and received steroid (p = 0.050). The delta change in blood glucose during surgery was significantly higher among the patients who received intraoperative dextrose (p < 0.001) and were operated for 1 h or more (p = 0.020). Similarly, the delta change in blood glucose after surgery was significantly higher among the patients who received intraoperative dextrose (p < 0.001), crystalloid (p = 0.045), blood transfusion (p = 0.010), were operated for 1 h or more (p = 0.005), received general anesthesia (p = 0.014), experience heart rate changes (p = 0.015), and received steroid (p = 0.002).
Conclusion
Intraoperative dysglycemia occurred among patients who underwent surgeries in the Palestinian practice. This intraoperative dysglycemia was associated with certain demographic and surgical variables. Anesthesiologists, surgeons, and providers of perioperative care services should consider monitoring blood glucose levels preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively.