bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Employing post classification comparison to detect land use cover change patterns and quantify conversions in Abakaliki LGA Nigeria from 2000 to 2022
Authors: Onuegbu Francis E. , Egbu Anthony U. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRapid urbanization is restructuring landscapes across sub-Saharan Africa. This study employed post-classification comparison of multi-temporal Landsat imagery to characterize land cover changes in Abakaliki Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria between 2000 and 2022, addressing the need for empirical baselines to guide sustainable planning. Four classes were considered and images classified with overall accuracy of 95% for the year 2000 and 97% for the year 2022. Notably, 21,000 hectares of vegetation were lost, while built-up and bare land increased by 7500 and 13,700 hectares respectively. Spatial patterns revealed built-up encroachment from vegetation and bare land; this establishes the first standardized quantification of Abakaliki LGA’s shifting landscape, with results supporting compact development models while conserving ecological services under ongoing transformations. The study makes a significant contribution by establishing an empirical baseline characterizing Nigeria's urbanization trajectory essential for evidence-based stewardship of regional resources and livelihoods in a period of accelerating change.
An adapted model predictive control MPPT for validation of optimum GMPP tracking under partial shading conditions
Authors: Siddique Muhammad Abu Bakar , Zhao Dongya , Rehman Ateeq Ur , Ouahada Khmaies , Hamam Habib 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe energy generation efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems is compromised by partial shading conditions (PSCs) of solar irradiance with many maximum power points (MPPs) while tracking output power. Addressing this challenge in the PV system, this article proposes an adapted hybrid control algorithm that tracks the global maximum power point (GMPP) by preventing it from settling at different local maximum power points (LMPPs). The proposed scheme involves the deployment of a 3 × 3 multi-string PV array with a single modified boost converter model and an adapted perturb and observe-based model predictive control (APO-MPC) algorithm. In contrast to traditional strategies, this technique effectively extracts and stabilizes the output power by predicting upcoming future states through the computation of reference current. The boost converter regulates voltage and current levels of the whole PV array, while the proposed algorithm dynamically adjusts the converter's operation to track the GMPP by minimizing the cost function of MPC. Additionally, it reduces hardware costs by eliminating the need for an output current sensor, all while ensuring effective tracking across a variety of climatic profiles. The research illustrates the efficient validation of the proposed method with accurate and stable convergence towards the GMPP with minimal sensors, consequently reducing overall hardware expenses. Simulation and hardware-based outcomes reveal that this approach outperforms classical techniques in terms of both cost-effectiveness and power extraction efficiency, even under PSCs of constant, rapidly changing, and linearly changing irradiances.
Modelling interest in co-adoption of electric vehicles and solar photovoltaics in Australia to identify tailored policy needs
Authors: Hajhashemi Elham , Sauri Lavieri Patricia , Nassir Neema 
Published: April 2024

AbstractElectric vehicles (EVs) and solar photovoltaic systems (PVs) are two technologies that are gaining popularity in households as a means of reducing carbon emissions and improving energy security. However, little is known about the characteristics of households that adopt these technologies jointly. This study investigates the adoption patterns of electric vehicles and solar photovoltaics in Australia. We explain the likelihood of consumers belonging to four distinct groups (those who adopt both PVs and EVs, those who only adopt EVs, those who only adopt PVs, and those who adopt none) based on demographic and attitudinal factors. Using survey data from a representative sample of 2219 Australian heads of households, we found that dwelling ownership, ownership of a home energy management system, gender, and household size were significant predictors of the joint adoption of EVs and PVs. While both pro-environmental and pro-technology attitudes demonstrated a significant role in shaping PV-EV co-adoption patterns, the latter has a much stronger effect than the former. Based on the results, we identified that actions are needed in three key areas to encourage co-adoption: reducing technology adoption constraints associated with living arrangements (such as dwelling type and ownership), providing bundled financial incentives for both technologies, and fostering technology awareness and perceived usefulness among consumers.
DCDC2 inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation and ameliorates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Liu Qing-Qing , Chen Jing , Ma Tao , Huang Wei , Lu Cui-Hua 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLiver fibrosis, as a consequence of chronic liver disease, involves the activation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) caused by various chronic liver injuries. Emerging evidence suggests that activation of HSC during an inflammatory state can lead to abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Investigating novel strategies to inhibit HSC activation and proliferation holds significant importance for the treatment of liver fibrosis. As a member of the doublecortin domain-containing family, doublecortin domain containing 2 (DCDC2) mutations can lead to neonatal sclerosing cholangitis, but its involvement in liver fibrosis remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the role of DCDC2 in liver fibrosis. Our findings revealed a reduction in DCDC2 expression in both human fibrotic liver tissues and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse liver fibrotic tissues. Furthermore, exposure to transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-β1) stimulation resulted in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in DCDC2 expression. The overexpression of DCDC2 inhibited the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen alpha 1 (Col1α1), and reduced the activation of HSC stimulated with TGF-β1. Additionally, we provided evidence that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was involved in this process, wherein DCDC2 was observed to inhibit β-catenin activation, thereby preventing its nuclear translocation. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that DCDC2 could attenuate the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like processes of HSC. In vivo, exogenous DCDC2 could ameliorate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. In summary, DCDC2 was remarkably downregulated in liver fibrotic tissues of both humans and mice, as well as in TGF-β1-activated HSC. DCDC2 inhibited the activation of HSC induced by TGF-β1 in vitro and fibrogenic changes in vivo, suggesting that it is a promising therapeutic target for liver fibrosis and warrants further investigation in clinical practice.
The genetic relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus and risk of primary ovarian failure from a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Xiangfei , Mao Ruolin , Wang Meng , Zhu Lixia , Jin Lei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPrevious studies investigating the relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary ovarian failure (POF) generated conflicting results. To data, no mendelian randomization study has been applied to examine this association. In this study, genetic instruments for exposure (SLE) were selected from a GWAS study with 5201 cases and 9066 noncases. Outcome data for POF and three reproductive traits (age at menarche, age at menopause, and age at first live birth) were obtained from other eligible GWASs. To estimate causal association, the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method (the main analyse), MR Egger test, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode were applied. Moreover, sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness of the results. Estimated by the IVW method, SLE was suggested to be causally related to the risk of POF (OR = 1.166, 95% CI 1.055–1.289, P = 0.003) and delayed age at first live birth (OR = 1.006, 95% CI 1.002–1.010, P = 0.007), with no evidence of a causal association between SLE and age at menopause or menarche. The estimates were robust according to sensitivity analysis. In conclusion, the two-sample MR study supported a causal association between SLE and POF from a genetic aspect.
Assessment of using Google Trends for real-time monitoring of infectious disease outbreaks: a measles case study
Authors: Wang Dawei , Lang John Cameron , Chen Yao-Hsuan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMeasles remains a significant threat to children worldwide despite the availability of effective vaccines. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation by leading to the postponement of supplementary measles immunization activities. Along with this postponement, measles surveillance also deteriorated, with the lowest number of submitted specimens in over a decade. In this study, we focus on measles as a challenging case study due to its high vaccination coverage, which leads to smaller outbreaks and potentially weaker signals on Google Trends. Our research aimed to explore the feasibility of using Google Trends for real-time monitoring of infectious disease outbreaks. We evaluated the correlation between Google Trends searches and clinical case data using the Pearson correlation coefficient and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient across 30 European countries and Japan. The results revealed that Google Trends was most suitable for monitoring acute disease outbreaks at the regional level in high-income countries, even when there are only a few weekly cases. For example, from 2017 to 2019, the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.86 (p-value< 0.05) at the prefecture level for Okinawa, Japan, versus 0.33 (p-value< 0.05) at the national level for Japan. Furthermore, we found that the Pearson correlation coefficient may be more suitable than Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient for evaluating the correlations between Google Trends search data and clinical case data. This study highlighted the potential of utilizing Google Trends as a valuable tool for timely public health interventions to respond to infectious disease outbreaks, even in the context of diseases with high vaccine coverage.
Distractor inhibition by alpha oscillations is controlled by an indirect mechanism governed by goal-relevant information
Authors: Jensen Ole 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe role of alpha oscillations (8–13 Hz) in cognition is intensively investigated. While intracranial animal recordings demonstrate that alpha oscillations are associated with decreased neuronal excitability, it is been questioned whether alpha oscillations are under direct control from frontoparietal areas to suppress visual distractors. We here point to a revised mechanism in which alpha oscillations are controlled by an indirect mechanism governed by the load of goal-relevant information – a view compatible with perceptual load theory. We will outline how this framework can be further tested and discuss the consequences for network dynamics and resource allocation in the working brain.
Survey of research on confidential computing
Authors: Feng Dengguo , Qin Yu , Feng Wei , Li Wei , Shang Ketong , Ma Hongzhan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAs the global data strategy deepens and data elements accelerate integrating and flowing more rapidly, the demand for data security and privacy protection has become increasingly prominent. Confidential computing emerges as a crucial security technology to solve security and privacy problem, and it is also a hot subject of in contemporary security technologies. Leveraging collaborative security in both hardware and software, it builds a trusted execution environment to ensure confidentiality and integrity protection for data in use. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the development process of confidential computing, summarizing its current research status and issues, which focuses on the security requirements for data security and privacy protection. Furthermore, it deeply analyses the common technical features of confidential computing, and proposes a trusted confidential computing architecture based on collaborative hardware and software trust. Then, it elaborates on the research status and issues of confidential computing from four aspects: hardware security, architecture and key technologies, applications, and standards and evaluation. Finally, this paper provides a synthesis and outlook for the future development of confidential computing. In summary, confidential computing is currently in a rapidly developing stage and will play an important role in cyber security in the future.
Hierarchical optimal dispatching method of transmission system operators‐distribution system operators cooperated integrated energy system considering gas‐thermal equivalence model
Authors: Zhou Suyang , Du Shixiang , Gu Wei , Pei Rui , Wu Xinhong , Wang Zerong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe integrated energy system (IES) is moving towards the large‐scale cooperation between transmission system operators (TSO) and distribution system operators (DSO) with the coupling of electricity, heating, and gas networks. The conventional optimization method is not time‐efficient for solving such a large‐scale problem when taking account of the cooperation of TSO‐DSO of the IES. To solve such a problem, this paper proposed a hierarchical optimization framework for TSO‐DSO cooperated IES. To further improve the computation efficiency, the equivalent models of heating and gas system that retain the heating inertia characteristic and gas pipe storage characteristic are presented. A computation method for the TSO‐DSO cooperated IES is also proposed from the hierarchical distributed optimization perspective. The case study confirms the efficacy of the proposed gas‐thermal equivalent model in significantly enhancing computational speed. Furthermore, the proven effectiveness of the hierarchical distributed optimization approach in leveraging the full potential of flexible resources in transmission and distribution systems while safeguarding internal information privacy enables the development of robust dispatching strategies for each system.
Cercles de qualité pédagogique (CQP) : une recherche-action visant à optimiser la formation des cliniciens enseignants en cabinet
Authors: Pereira Miozzari Anne Catherine , Sader Julia , Gillabert Cédric , Bideau Martine , Meynard Anne , Paschoud Anca , Diana Alessandro , Sommer Johanna , Rieder Arabelle , Audétat Marie Claude 
Published: April 2024

Contexte et problématique : Les stages en cabinet privé de médecine de famille offrent l’opportunité aux étudiants de développer les compétences nécessaires à la prise en charge ambulatoire. Les cliniciens enseignants qui accueillent les étudiants au sein de leur cabinet (CEC) doivent développer des outils pédagogiques spécifiques pour faire face aux difficultés rencontrées lors des supervisions. Ils peuvent ainsi participer à la formation de la relève médicale dans le domaine de la médecine de famille tout en développant une posture pédagogique qui les aidera dans la gestion de leur double rôle de clinicien et enseignant. Les programmes de formation pédagogique des cliniciens doivent s’adapter aux réalités de leur pratique. En effet, l’activité clinique en cabinet implique des contraintes de temps et de structure entraînant des conséquences sur la forme et le contenu de l’enseignement qui y est délivré. Objectif : Rapporter le processus et les résultats d’une démarche de recherche-action visant à élaborer un programme de formation visant à mieux répondre aux besoins pédagogiques des cliniciens-enseignants en cabinet accueillant dans leur cabinet des étudiants en troisième année de master pendant leur mois de stage. Méthodes : Deux équipes (recherche en éducation médicale et formation pédagogique) de l’Institut de médecine de famille et de l’enfance de la Faculté de médecine, à Genève, Suisse, ont développé un modèle de formation destiné aux cliniciens enseignants accueillant dans leur cabinet les étudiants de dernière année d’études de médecine, en tenant compte des spécificités de ce contexte d’enseignement et en mettant en commun leurs savoirs et expériences selon une méthodologie inspirée des principes de la recherche action collaborative. Résultats : La mise à l’essai de ce nouveau modèle de formation s’est heurtée à la réalité pandémique, obligeant les différents acteurs – cliniciens, formateurs et chercheurs – à s’adapter aux nouvelles contraintes et limites. Depuis 2023, ce modèle de formation est toujours d’actualité ; il s’enrichit au fur et à mesure de sa pratique, il est apprécié des participants et constitue désormais la pierre angulaire du programme de formation continue pédagogique des cliniciens enseignants en cabinet. Conclusion : Les cercles de qualité pédagogique apportent aux CEC des outils pédagogiques centrés sur leurs besoins directement applicables sur leur terrain d’enseignement et ce, malgré les distances sociales.
Morbus Osgood-Schlatter – eine häufige Knieerkrankung bei aktiven
Heranwachsenden
Authors: Guldhammer Vad Clara 
Published: April 2024

ZusammenfassungViele Eltern jugendlicher Sportler fürchten M. Osgood-Schlatter. Das ist verständliche, denn nicht selten
werden die Beschwerden chronisch und beenden vorzeitig die sportliche Laufbahn Heranwachsender. Umso
wichtiger, dass Physiotherapeuten die Ursachen, mögliche Komplikationen und geeignete Maßnahmen kennen,
um Betroffenen die Rückkehr zum Sport zu ermöglichen.
Transition bei der Sichelzellkrankheit – Empfehlungen der Transitionsinitiative Sichelzellkrankheit
Authors: Böll Janine , Alashkar Ferras , Aramayo-Singelmann Carmen , Hoferer Anette , Jarisch Andrea , Kamal Haytham , Oevermann Lena , Schwarz Michaela , Cario Holger 
Published: April 2024

ZusammenfassungDie Sichelzellkrankheit (SCD) stellt eine seltene, aber äußerst komplexe, multisystemische Erkrankung dar, die eine umfassende interdisziplinäre und spezialisierte Versorgung und daher neue strukturelle Voraussetzungen erfordert. Neben der Versorgung dieser chronisch kranken Patienten stellt insbesondere der Transitionsprozess eine vulnerable Phase, mit maßgebendem Einfluss auf die weitere Behandlung, dar. Erschwerend kommt hinzu, dass fast ausschließlich Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund betroffen sind – mit häufigen Verständigungs- und Verständnisschwierigkeiten. Ein nationaler Leitfaden für einen standardisierten Prozess der Transition von Sichelzell-Patienten liegt bislang in Deutschland nicht vor. Im Rahmen eines strukturierten Konsensusprozesses entwickelte die „Transitionsinitiative Sichelzellkrankheit“ auf Basis der S3-Leitlinie zur Transition der DGfTM (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Transitionsmedizin e. V.) spezifische Empfehlungen für eine strukturierte Transition von SCD-Patienten. Diese sollen den vulnerablen Prozess bei dieser komplexen Erkrankung erleichtern, die adäquate Weiterbehandlung sichern und damit krankheitsspezifische akute und chronische Komplikationen, aber auch psychische, soziale, berufliche und gesellschaftliche Probleme verhindern. Neben der Verbesserung der Lebensqualität, der medizinischen Versorgung und des Überlebens ergeben sich daraus auch relevante gesundheitsökonomische Aspekte. Zur Unterstützung des Prozesses wurden Dokumente entwickelt (u. a. Fragebögen zur Transitionsbereitschaft, detaillierte Transitionsepikrise), die, wie auch zusätzliche allgemeine Informationen zur Transition bei SCD, unter https://www.sichelzellkrankheit.info/transition/ zu finden sind.
Eisensupplementation bei Patienten mit chronisch-entzündlicher Darmerkrankung: Empfehlungen zur praxisnahen Vorgehensweise
Authors: Stratmann Katharina , Hentschel Viktoria , Zeuzem Stefan , Blumenstein Irina , Klaus Jochen 
Published: April 2024

ZusammenfassungDer Eisenmangel ist die vorherrschende Ursache einer Anämie. Vor allem bei Patienten mit einer chronisch-entzündlichen Darmerkrankung (CED) spielt die Eisenmangelanämie eine große Rolle und stellt die häufigste extraintestinale Manifestation und CED-assoziierte systemische Komplikation dar. Das Vorliegen einer Anämie führt bei Patienten mit einer CED zu einer Reduktion der Lebensqualität und ist assoziiert mit Einschränkungen der körperlichen, emotionalen und kognitiven Funktion. Darüber hinaus geht sie mit einer erhöhten Hospitalisierungsrate einher. Aus diesem Grund ist die Eisensupplementation von besonderer Bedeutung. Zur Behandlung des Eisenmangels werden orale und intravenöse Eisenpräparate verwendet. Aufgrund mangelnder Resorptionsfähigkeit und gastrointestinalen Nebenwirkungen der oralen Substitution rückt die intravenöse Supplementierung immer mehr in den Vordergrund. Gegenüber der intravenösen Verabreichung bestehen allerdings immer noch gewisse Bedenken.Mithilfe dieses Reviews wollen wir das Thema der Eisensubstitution bei Patienten mit einer CED aufgreifen, gegenwärtige Leitlinienempfehlungen diesbezüglich zusammenfassen, sowie eine praxisnahe Vorgehensweise an die Hand geben.
Achalasia Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Huang Jianbin , Su Huang , Lin Jiejun , Zhu Fangchao , Jiang Xiaofen , Pan Jie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Rationale The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to health complications beyond respiratory symptoms, revealing multi-organ involvement, including potential gastrointestinal implications.
Patient Concerns We present a case of a 40-year-old female without any history of achalasia who developed symptoms of the condition following a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Unusually, multiple esophageal ulcers were identified, which are not typically associated with achalasia.
Diagnosis Achalasia and esophageal ulcers were confirmed through a series of examinations, including barium swallow, CT scan, and upper endoscopy. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining of esophageal biopsy specimens revealed the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, suggesting direct viral involvement.
Interventions The patient was treated with calcium channel blockers and proton pump inhibitors and later underwent a peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) procedure following the resolution of her COVID-19 infection.
Outcome After the POEM procedure, the patient made a good recovery.
Lessons This case underscores the potential for SARS-CoV-2 to trigger gastrointestinal complications and emphasizes the need for ongoing patient management and further research into the long-term implications of COVID-19. Despite the single-case nature of this report, it contributes to the expanding understanding of the diverse and multi-systemic impact of COVID-19.