bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factor structure of callous unemotional traits and its associations with morality in middle childhood in a German community sample
Authors: Wilke Jessica , Eilts Jule , Bäker Neele , Rademacher Annika 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe present study focuses on assessing the psychometric properties of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) in a German community sample of middle childhood participants. Previous research on the ICU has primarily been conducted in different samples and countries, with inconsistent results, i.e., different models in different samples and little attention given to German middle childhood populations. A critical need to deepen the understanding of callous-unemotional traits in middle childhood is urgently needed. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the factor structure of the ICU within a sample of children in middle childhood from Germany. A total of 824 children aged 7 to 12 years (M = 10.34, SD = 1.65) participated (52.18% boys). The ICU, a self-report measure, was employed to assess callous-unemotional traits in middle childhood. Additionally, this study also examines the relationship between callous-unemotional traits and morality. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to evaluate various model structures based on previous research. The best-fitting model was found to be a two-factor model consisting of callousness and uncaring factors. The moral self shows a stronger overarching association with the uncaring factor than with callousness. The study’s findings provide valuable insights into the applicability of the ICU across various age ranges, particularly in childhood, and the results are discussed in the context of other identified models and age groups and suggest that assessing CU traits requires a detailed perspective, taking into account other developmental factors.
Polycaprolactone-Based Composite Electrospun Nanofibers as Hybrid Biomaterial Systems Containing Hydroxyl- or Carboxylic Acid-Functionalized Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Bulbul Y. Emre , Dilsiz Nursel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractComposite electrospun nanofibers based on polycaprolactone (PCL) have shown promise in various biomedical applications due to their unique properties. This study investigates the effects of incorporating hydroxyl (–OH)- or carboxylic acid (–COOH)-functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into PCL matrices. Two types of functionalized additives, MWCNT-OH and MWCNT-COOH, were used at different concentrations (0.06 and 0.12 wt%). Various characterization techniques including FTIR, XRD, AFM, SEM, water contact angle analysis, and tensile strength testing were employed to evaluate changes in nanofiber morphology, crystallinity, surface topography, wettability, and mechanical properties. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity assays were conducted using HUVECs and L929 fibroblasts over 1-, 3-, and 5-day intervals. This study represents a novel examination of (–OH)- and (–COOH)-functionalized MWCNTs as additives in electrospun PCL biopolymer matrices. The findings indicate that incorporating small amounts of (–OH)- or (–COOH)-functionalized MWCNTs enhances the physicochemical characteristics of PCL nanofibers, making them more suitable for biomedical applications. While both types of functionalized MWCNT additives improved properties compared to pure PCL nanofibers, (–COOH)-functionalized MWCNT-incorporated nanofibers exhibited the most favorable features. In conclusion, this research highlights the potential of tailored PCL-based composite nanofibers containing functionalized MWCNTs as advanced biomaterial systems for biomedical applications, contributing to the development of innovative biomaterials for diverse biomedical contexts.
Strengthening Forest Landscape Restoration through Understanding Land Use Dynamics: Case Study of Tchamba Prefecture (Togo)
Authors: Hounkpati Kossi , Adjonou Kossi , Moluh Njoya Hamza , Hlovor Atsu K. Dogbeda , Kipkulei Harison Kiplagat , Sieber Stefan , Löhr Katharina , Kokou Kouami 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLand use and land cover (LULC) change remains a major concern in many countries. To examine how land is used for increased actions on forest landscape restoration (FLR) issues, this study analyses LULC changes from 1991 to 2022 and predict future patterns for the years 2050 in Tchamba Prefecture, Togo, using remote sensing and the Cellular Automata-Markov modelling technique. Results show that dense forests and gallery forests (18.85%), open forest/woodland (20.17%), and tree and shrub savannah (50.04%) were the predominant classes of the landscape in 1991. However, by 2022, most tree and shrub savannah had been converted to mosaic crop/fallow land (52.27%), open forest/woodland (19.32%), and plantation (7.09%). Thus, between 1991 and 2022, forest area decreased from 89.87% to 48.96%; a 45.52% reduction in coverage. Predictions are that open forest/woodland, tree and shrub savannah will decline, while mosaic crop/fallow land will increase (51.66%). However, slight increases were recorded in plantation (9.43%) and a slight balance in dense forests/gallery forests (16.17%). Consequently, forest area will slightly change between 2022 (48.96%) and 2050 (47.41%). These changes in LULC are associated to socio-economic pressures and political instability in the 1990s. So, the return to stability, the promotion of community forests as a key restoration model, and the valorisation of agroforestry species allows for the stabilisation of dense forests/gallery forests areas and an increase in plantation. Thus, it is therefore for all stakeholders involved in restoration processes to consider this information when planning FLR activities.
Physiological Assessment with iFR prior to FFR Measurement in Left Main Disease
Authors: Warisawa Takayuki , Cook Christopher M. , Ahmad Yousif , Howard James P. , Seligman Henry , Rajkumar Christopher , Toya Takumi , Doi Shunichi , Nakajima Akihiro , Nakayama Masafumi , Vera-Urquiza Rafael , Yuasa Sonoka , Sato Takao , Kikuta Yuetsu , Kawase Yoshiaki , Nishina Hidetaka , Al-Lamee Rasha , Sen Sayan , Lerman Amir , Matsuo Hitoshi , Akashi Yoshihiro J. , Escaned Javier , Davies Justin E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDespite guideline-based recommendation of the interchangeable use of instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) to guide revascularization decision-making, iFR/FFR could demonstrate different physiological or clinical outcomes in some specific patient or lesion subsets. Therefore, we sought to investigate the impact of difference between iFR and FFR-guided revascularization decision-making on clinical outcomes in patients with left main disease (LMD). In this international multicenter registry of LMD with physiological interrogation, we identified 275 patients in whom physiological assessment was performed with both iFR/FFR. Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) was defined as a composite of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization. The receiver-operating characteristic analysis was performed for both iFR/FFR to predict MACE in respective patients in whom revascularization was deferred and performed. In 153 patients of revascularization deferral, MACE occurred in 17.0% patients. The optimal cut-off values of iFR and FFR to predict MACE were 0.88 (specificity:0.74; sensitivity:0.65) and 0.76 (specificity:0.81; sensitivity:0.46), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was significantly higher for iFR than FFR (0.74; 95%CI 0.62–0.85 vs. 0.62; 95%CI 0.48–0.75; p = 0.012). In 122 patients of coronary revascularization, MACE occurred in 13.1% patients. The optimal cut-off values of iFR and FFR were 0.92 (specificity:0.93; sensitivity:0.25) and 0.81 (specificity:0.047; sensitivity:1.00), respectively. The AUCs were not significantly different between iFR and FFR (0.57; 95%CI 0.40–0.73 vs. 0.46; 95%CI 0.31–0.61; p = 0.43). While neither baseline iFR nor FFR was predictive of MACE in patients in whom revascularization was performed, iFR-guided deferral seemed to be safer than FFR-guided deferral.
Graphical abstract
Impact of Physiological Assessment with iFR and FFR on Clinical Outcomes of Patients with LMD. In the present study, physiological assessment, both with iFR and FFR, provided a high predictability of adverse cardiovascular event in LMD patients with revascularization deferral. Furthermore, the iFR-guided deferral strategy was safer as compared to FFR. Conversely, in patients in whom revascularization was performed for LMD, neither iFR nor FFR was predictive of cardiovascular event. AUC: area under the curve; FFR: fractional flow reserve; iFR: instantaneous wave-free ratio; LMD: left main coronary artery disease.
Multiple linear regression and gene expression programming to predict fracture density from conventional well logs of basement metamorphic rocks
Authors: Hasan Muhammad Luqman , M. Tóth Tivadar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFracture identification and evaluation requires data from various resources, such as image logs, core samples, seismic data, and conventional well logs for a meaningful interpretation. However, several wells have some missing data; for instance, expensive cost run for image logs, cost concern for core samples, and occasionally unsuccessful core retrieving process. Thus, a majority of the current research is focused on predicting fracture based on conventional well log data. Interpreting fractures information is very important especially to develop reservoir model and to plan for drilling and field development. This study employed statistical methods such as multiple linear regression (MLR), principal component analysis (PCA), and gene expression programming (GEP) to predict fracture density from conventional well log data. This study explored three wells from a basement metamorphic rock with ten conventional logs of gamma rays, thorium, potassium, uranium, deep resistivity, flushed zone resistivity, bulk density, neutron porosity, sonic porosity, and photoelectric effect. Four different methods were used to predict the fracture density, and the results show that predicting fracture density is possible using MLR, PCA, and GEP. However, GEP predicted the best fracture density with R2 > 0.86 for all investigated wells, although it had limited use in predicting fracture density. All methods used highlighted that flushed zone resistivity and uranium content are the two most significant well log parameters to predict fracture density. GEP was efficient for use in metamorphic rocks as it works well for conventional well log data as the data is nonlinear, and GEP uses nonlinear algorithms.
Lightweight ASIP Design for Lattice-Based Post-quantum Cryptography Algorithms
Authors: Akçay Latif , Yalçın Berna Örs 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLattice-based cryptography (LBC) algorithms are considered suitable candidates for post-quantum cryptography (PQC), as they dominate the standardization process put forward by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Indeed, three of the four key encapsulation mechanism (KEM) algorithms in the third round of the process are based on computationally hard lattice problems. On the other hand, there is an urgent need for processor designs that can run PQC algorithms efficiently, especially for embedded systems. This study presents an application-specific instruction set processor (ASIP) design for the Kyber, Saber, and NewHope algorithms based on transport triggered architecture (TTA). Custom hardware accelerators are added to the baseline processor architecture for computation-intensive steps without applying any software optimization to the reference code. We compared FPGA and ASIC implementations of our design with the prominent RISC-V cores and instruction set extension studies in the literature. According to the results, the proposed design offers greater efficiency, better performance, and lower resource utilization than its competitors in most cases.
Integral use of brewery wastes as carbon and nitrogen sources for the bioproduction of succinic acid
Authors: Escanciano Itziar A. , Blanco Ángeles , Santos Victoria E. , Ladero Miguel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Circular bioeconomy is one of the major socio-economic objectives for the twenty-first century, which includes the use of biomass waste and its transformation through environmentally friendly processes into biorefinery building blocks. Among these compounds, succinic acid (SA) obtained by fermentation stands out. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using beer bagasse and spent brewer’s yeast as carbon and nitrogen sources for the bioproduction of SA with Actinobacillus succinogenes. The use of a progressive enzymatic treatment liberated simple monosaccharides and peptides that were used by the microorganism, in a subsequent fermentation. Compared to the use of commercial xylose and yeast extract, the used of beer wastes obtained better yields (0.77 g g −1) and selectivity (76%), though with a slightly lower productivity (0.15 g L −1 h −1). Finally, an unstructured non-segregated kinetic model was successfully fitted, facilitating the future performance of bioreactor design, techno-economic analysis, scaling of the process, or design of a control system.
Chen–Ricci inequality for anti-invariant Riemannian submersions from conformal Kenmotsu space form
Authors: Wani Towseef Ali , Lone Mehraj Ahmad 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe aim of this paper is twofold: first, we obtain various curvature inequalities which involve the Ricci and scalar curvatures of horizontal and vertical distributions of anti-invariant Riemannian submersion defined from conformal Kenmotsu space form onto a Riemannian manifold. Second, we obtain the Chen–Ricci inequality for the said Riemannian submersion. The equality cases of all the inequalities are studied. Moreover, these curvature inequalities are studied under two different cases: the structure vector field $$\xi $$
ξ
being vertical or horizontal.
Quality in Otolaryngology: History, the Current State, and Possible Future Developments
Authors: Mehta Vikas 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
To help clinicians gain an understanding of quality improvement (QI) and value-based care (VBC) in healthcare, with a specific emphasis on otolaryngology. This review also attempts to examine the future landscape of QI and VBC, and emphasize the need for active physician participation.

Recent Findings
Many efforts are underway to help define quality otolaryngologic care including otolaryngology-specific reporting measures, clinical practice guidelines, and a large, specialty-specific patient database (Reg-ent). Certain subspecialties (facial plastics and laryngology) and populations are underrepresented in the current literature.

Summary
QI and VBC will become increasingly important as more alternative payment models (APMs) are investigated and implemented by governmental and commercial payors. Physician participation will be integral in ensuring appropriateness of these APMs, specifically with regard to defining quality care and optimizing value for patients.
CD20 + T lymphocytes in isolated Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and type 3 autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Stramazzo Ilaria , Mangino Giorgio , Capriello Silvia , Romeo Giovanna , Ferrari Silvia Martina , Fallahi Poupak , Bagaglini Maria Flavia , Centanni Marco , Virili Camilla 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
CD20+ T cells represent up to 5% of circulating T lymphocytes. These cells have been shown to produce higher levels of IL-17A and IFN-γ than those of CD20− T lymphocytes. Some reports described the role of CD20+ T cells in autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis possibly due to their ability to produce these inflammatory cytokines. This study is aimed at describing the behavior of CD20+ T lymphocytes in the most frequent autoimmune disorder, i.e., Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), presenting isolated or associated to further autoaggressive disorders in a frame of poly-autoimmunity.

Methods
The study group encompasses 65 HT patients: 23 presenting in isolated form (IT) and 42 with an associated non-endocrine autoimmune disorder [16 with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), 15 with nonsegmental vitiligo (VIT), and 11 with celiac disease (CD)]. Twenty healthy donors act as control group (HD). Chronic use of interfering drugs, severe or chronic disorders, and pregnancy and lactation were used as exclusion criteria. Whole blood samples (100 µl) were stained with fluorescent-labeled antibodies (anti-CD45, anti-CD3, anti-CD19, anti-CD16, anti-CD56, anti-CD4, anti-CD8, anti-CD20). Red blood cells were then lysed by adding 1 ml of hypotonic buffer, and samples were acquired on a Flow Cytometer.

Results
CD3+CD8+CD20+ T lymphocytes’ percentages, were significantly higher in the whole group of autoimmune patients compared to healthy donors (p = 0.0145). Dividing HT patients based on the type of presentation of autoimmune thyroiditis, CAG group showed the highest percentage of these cells as compared to HD and CD (p = 0.0058). IT patients showed higher percentages of CD3+ CD8+CD20+ cells than those of HD patients although not reaching statistical significance. However, dividing IT group based on thyroid function, hypothyroid patients showed higher CD8+CD20+ cell percentages than those of HD and euthyroid patients (p = 0.0111). Moreover, in IT patients, these cells were negatively correlated with FT4 levels (p = 0.0171; r = −0.4921).

Conclusions
These preliminary findings indicate that CD8+CD20+ T cells are activated in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and may behave differently according to the presence of poly-autoimmunity and hypothyroidism.
Effects of dust controls on respirable coal mine dust composition and particle sizes: case studies on auxiliary scrubbers and canopy air curtain
Authors: Animah F. , Keles C. , Reed W. R. , Sarver E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractControl of dust in underground coal mines is critical for mitigating both safety and health hazards. For decades, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has led research to evaluate the effectiveness of various dust control technologies in coal mines. Recent studies have included the evaluation of auxiliary scrubbers to reduce respirable dust downstream of active mining and the use of canopy air curtains (CACs) to reduce respirable dust in key operator positions. While detailed dust characterization was not a focus of such studies, this is a growing area of interest. Using preserved filter samples from three previous NIOSH studies, the current work aims to explore the effect of two different scrubbers (one wet and one dry) and a roof bolter CAC on respirable dust composition and particle size distribution. For this, the preserved filter samples were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis and/or scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray. Results indicate that dust composition was not appreciably affected by either scrubber or the CAC. However, the wet scrubber and CAC appeared to decrease the overall particle size distribution. Such an effect of the dry scrubber was not consistently observed, but this is probably related to the particular sampling location downstream of the scrubber which allowed for significant mixing of the scrubber exhaust and other return air. Aside from the insights gained with respect to the three specific dust control case studies revisited here, this work demonstrates the value of preserved dust samples for follow-up investigation more broadly.
The Role of Migration for Workplace Safety in Italy
Authors: Aldieri L. , Nese A. , Vinci C. P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUsing microdata from the Labour Force Survey (2009–2019) and special Labour Force Surveys conducted in 2007, 2013, and 2020 in Italy, this study examines (i) whether immigrants are more likely than native-born workers to experience occupational injuries and job-related health problems and (ii) the effects of immigration on the allocation of occupational risks. We also contribute to the literature in this context by considering differences between natives and immigrants that may exist outside individual characteristics (age, gender), such as education, the age at which immigrants entered Italy and the length of stay. We find that immigrants are involved in riskier and more unsafe tasks; moreover, immigration in the last decade has led to a reduction in the average physical burden of native-born workers. Our results have important policy implications because they might be weighed against the racist sentiments of the local community.
The Influence of Peers on the Gender Divide Within Secondary Technology Education in Aotearoa, New Zealand
Authors: Zanchi Fabia , Watson Penelope 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAccording to New Zealand government statistics, there is a consistent male–female divide within technology education in secondary schools, resulting in an ongoing underrepresentation of male students in fashion and textiles and female students in computer science and resistant materials learning areas. This underrepresentation is concerning as it contradicts the inclusion promoted in the New Zealand Curriculum and may contribute to reduced opportunities for a talented and diverse workforce. A large body of literature is dedicated to the underrepresentation of female students in STEM fields and has predominantly focused on female students in mathematics and science. However, minimal research focuses on the technology curriculum within the Aotearoa New Zealand context. This qualitative exploratory study investigated students’ perceptions of gender-typing and gender stereotypes within technology education and the experiences of students engaged in technology subjects in which they are gender minorities. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews. The findings from the thematic analysis revealed that peers and the need for social connection impacted the experiences of gender minority students in their class and influenced their subject selection.
Investigation of three-dimensional model reconstruction and fractal characteristics of crack propagation in jointed sandstone
Authors: Liu Ziqi , Zheng Lulin , Zuo Yujun , Liu Hao , Hou Yuanjiang , Zhu Zehua , Hao Zhibin , Wang Xiaokun , Huang Gang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe presence of random joints, cracks, and other defects significantly affects the meso-damage mechanism and macro-mechanical behavior of the rock. This study employed micro-CT scanning, digital image processing (DIP), and the rock failure process analysis system (RFPA3D) to reconstruct a genuine mesostructure, creating a three-dimensional (3D) numerical model of jointed sandstone. Under uniaxial stress, this model facilitated the meso-damage evolution process of prefabricated cracks in sandstone with varying dip angles. Additionally, the influence of jointed sandstone heterogeneity and prefabricated cracks with various dip angles on its failure mode and meso-damage mechanical properties were investigated. Utilizing the MATLAB platform, a 3D box dimension algorithm was developed to analyze the fractal characteristics of the mesodamage evolution in the sample. This algorithm enabled the quantitative characterization of the meso-damage evolution of sandstone. This study categorized three types of sandstone final failure modes: composite shear failure, shear failure along the joint surface, and tensile failure. Additionally, linear variations in the elastic modulus and compressive strength of the jointed sandstone were observed with increasing prefabricated fracture inclination, highlighting significant anisotropy. The presence of joints was found to induce and control the failure mode of sandstone. The meso-damage evolution process of sandstone was described in terms of the fractal dimension, indicating that more severe damage corresponded to a larger fractal dimension. This approach offers a novel statistical method for studying the progression of rock damage.