bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the ratio of coomassie and methylene blue dyes for a cost-effective and rapid staining of PET, PVC, PP, PS, LLDPE, LDPE, and HDPE
Authors: Li Lanxing , Dong Linyinxue , Tian Xuechen , Kianpoor Kalkhajeh Yusef , Yang Yixin , Gan Samuel Ken-En 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe ubiquitous presence of plastic brought on by the extensive use of plastic products calls for efficient and rapid plastic detection methods to detect and evaluate pollution. The commonly used Nile red dye takes many hours and is expensive while also not equally efficient across all the common plastic waste. To address this, we investigated the staining efficiency and optimized the ratio of a combined Coomassie brilliant blue and Methylene blue dye. In the optimisation process, Methanol-based Coomassie and Methylene blue dyes effectively stained the Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastics without compromising the plastic's integrity. Image analysis showed a generally better staining efficacy compared to Nile red. Through systematic experimentation, we identified specific optimal ratios of Coomassie (C) brilliant blue: Methylene (M) blue for various plastics: 5:5 (mass) for PVC, 7:3 (mass) for PET, and 8:2 (mass) for PP, LDPE, and HDPE. Additionally, the ratio of 10:0 (mass) was found suitable for PS and LLDPE. Given the cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and accessibility of the blue dyes in labs, the optimized ratio of the blue dyes makes it suitable for large-scale plastic staining across the six tested types of plastic, replacing Nile red.
Fabrication of Biomedical Electrodes Using Printing Approaches
Authors: Rajbhandari Grishmi , Nattestad Andrew , Liu Xiao , Beirne Stephen , Wallace Gordon G. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this review, we focus on the fabrication of electrodes, using printing techniques. Generally speaking, electrodes are comprised of a metal conductor with a metal lead (sometimes the same material) for the conduction of electrical current. Different inorganic and organic materials including metal, polymers, carbon, as well as their composites thereof, have been used for electrodes on different substrates. While material-dependent characteristics, including conductivity, optical transparency, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, determine the choice of material, printing, as the manufacturing method, offers precise control over the geometry and scale of electrodes for selective and sensitive performance. Both 2D- and 3D-printed electrodes have been widely used as sensors for electrochemical applications as well as quantification of biological compounds, establishing contact with biological surfaces and systems, finding application in medical diagnosis, therapy and treatment of various conditions. Costa et al. (Energy Storage Mater 28:216–234, 2020), Mensing et al. (Sustain Mater Technol 25:e00190, 2020) depict the difference between the 2D and 3D printing techniques which can be used for fabrication of 2D and 3D electrodes. The 3D structure of the electrode provides advantages over the 2d electrodes in terms of its catalytic properties through enhancement in its mass transfer process, adsorption efficiency and active exposure sites (Mensing et al. in Sustain Mater Technol 25:e00190, 2020).
Probiotic yoghurt-like fermented milk product enriched with Lactobacillus desidiosus and Lactobacillus fermentum: proximate composition, physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory evaluation during refrigerated storage
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Afzal , Hoque Md. Mozammel , Ahmed Monzur Morshed , Ahmed Tanvir 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe combination of multiple strains and multiple species in lactic acid bacteria-based fermented milk offers the potential for nutritional and sensory attributes, making it an attractive option for developing high-quality and health-promoting probiotic yoghurt-like fermented milk products. In the present study, four combinations of yoghurt-like fermented milk samples: Sample 1 (Control), Sample 2 (Lactobacillus desidiosus), Sample 3 (Lactobacillus fermentum), and Sample 4 (Lactobacillus desidiosus and Lactobacillus fermentum) were developed. Proximate composition (moisture, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate), physicochemical (pH, titratable acidity, syneresis, total soluble sloid), microbiological (Lactobacillus bacteria, yeast and mold, and coliform bacteria), and sensory properties (color, flavor, texture, taste, and overall acceptability) were assessed under refrigerator conditions (4 °C) from 0 to 28 days of storage period. Proximate composition differed significantly (p < 0.05) among samples for moisture (49.34–79.32%), ash (1.14–0.31%), protein (3.72–3.21%), fat (11.23–5.62%), and carbohydrate (33.11–12.98%). Yoghurt-like fermented milk containing Lactobacillus desidiosus as single or in combination with Lactobacillus fermentum resulted in reduced pH levels (6.02–3.49), total soluble solid (41.66–24.66%) and increased syneresis (30.04–65.52%), titratable acidity content (0.42–1.62%). Single or combination of Lactobacillus desidiosus and Lactobacillus fermentum significantly (p < 0.05) reduced Lactobacillus bacteria (8.17–6.01 Log CFU/g), yeast, and mold (1.45–1.19 Log CFU/g). Additionally, none of the samples of probiotic yoghurt-like fermented milk showed any detectable coliform count, indicating the possibility of prolonging the shelf life. The sample prepared by Lactobacillus desidiosus had the highest sensory ranking (8.10) at day 0 and during storage than other samples. In conclusion, the inclusion of Lactobacillus desidiosus and Lactobacillus fermentum strains in the composition of production starter cultures holds great promise. The utilization of these enriched starter cultures enables the production of healthy food products that maintain their quality throughout the entire storage period.
An Efficient Binary Hybrid Equilibrium Algorithm for Binary Optimization Problems: Analysis, Validation, and Case Studies
Authors: Abdel-Basset Mohamed , Mohamed Reda , Hezam Ibrahim M. , Sallam Karam M. , Hameed Ibrahim A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBinary optimization problems belong to the NP-hard class because their solutions are hard to find in a known time. The traditional techniques could not be applied to tackle those problems because the computational cost required by them increases exponentially with increasing the dimensions of the optimization problems. Therefore, over the last few years, researchers have paid attention to the metaheuristic algorithms for tackling those problems in an acceptable time. But unfortunately, those algorithms still suffer from not being able to avert local minima, a lack of population diversity, and low convergence speed. As a result, this paper presents a new binary optimization technique based on integrating the equilibrium optimizer (EO) with a new local search operator, which effectively integrates the single crossover, uniform crossover, mutation operator, flipping operator, and swapping operator to improve its exploration and exploitation operators. In a more general sense, this local search operator is based on two folds: the first fold borrows the single-point crossover and uniform crossover to accelerate the convergence speed, in addition to avoiding falling into local minima using the mutation strategy; the second fold is based on applying two different mutation operators on the best-so-far solution in the hope of finding a better solution: the first operator is the flip mutation operator to flip a bit selected randomly from the given solution, and the second operator is the swap mutation operator to swap two unique positions selected randomly from the given solution. This variant is called a binary hybrid equilibrium optimizer (BHEO) and is applied to three common binary optimization problems: 0–1 knapsack, feature selection, and the Merkle–Hellman knapsack cryptosystem (MHKC) to investigate its effectiveness. The experimental findings of BHEO are compared with those of the classical algorithm and six other well-established evolutionary and swarm-based optimization algorithms. From those findings, it is concluded that BHEO is a strong alternative to tackle binary optimization problems. Quantatively, BHEO could reach an average fitness of 0.090737884 for the feature section problem and an average difference from the optimal profits for some used Knapsack problems of 2.482.
Impact of a pharmacy-driven MRSA nares screening protocol on vancomycin discontinuation in a tele-antimicrobial stewardship model
Authors: Trzebucki Alex M. , Davis Matthew R. , McCreary Erin K. , Cuccaro Susan , Bariola J. Ryan , Khadem Tina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
A pharmacist-driven protocol for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nares screening and empiric vancomycin discontinuation was instituted in a community healthcare system utilizing a tele-antimicrobial stewardship program to reduce inappropriate use of vancomycin. The protocol and associated intervention resulted in a significant decrease in both vancomycin utilization and the rate of acute kidney injury.
Happy Holidays? Evidence from Chinese Stock Exchanges
Authors: Kenney Margaret A. T. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThere is a consensus in the finance literature that stock markets generally perform well ahead of holidays. However, I argue that this relationship does not hold in the Chinese context, given that public holidays are associated with increased collective action and repression. I propose two possible mechanisms: (1) Chinese investors take cues from the political environment and will thus act more conservatively in the market prior to public holidays or (2) the government increases intervention to stabilize the stock market during these periods. I test this relationship using daily stock exchange data from Shanghai and Shenzhen. In addition, I corroborate the theoretical mechanism by testing whether there is similar conservatism before focal points on the dissident calendar. This research note contributes to our understanding of the Chinese investment market and raises general questions about the representativeness of the finance literature. In addition, this research speaks to the costs of authoritarianism and preserving social stability in these contexts.
Evidence-based recruitment strategies for clinical research: Study personnel’s and research participants’ perceptions about successful methods of outreach for a U.S. Autism-Research Cohort
Authors: Goin-Kochel Robin P. , Lozano Ivana , Duhon Gabrielle , Marzano Gabriela , Daniels Amy , Law J. Kiely , Diehl Katharine , Green Snyder LeeAnne , Feliciano Pamela , Chung Wendy K. ,   SPARK Consortium
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Under enrollment of participants in clinical research is costly and delays study completion to impact public health. Given that research personnel make decisions about which strategies to pursue and participants are the recipients of these efforts, we surveyed research staff (n = 52) and participants (n = 4,144) affiliated with SPARK (Simons Foundation Powering Autism for Knowledge) – the largest study of autism in the U.S. – to understand their perceptions of effective recruitment strategies.

Methods:
In Study 1, research personnel were asked to report recruitment strategies that they tried for SPARK and to indicate which ones they would and would not repeat/recommend. In Study 2, SPARK participants were asked to indicate all the ways they heard about the study prior to enrollment and which one was most influential in their decisions to enroll.

Results:
Staff rated speaking with a SPARK-study-team member (36.5%), speaking with a medical provider (19.2%), word of mouth (11.5%), and a live TV news story (11.5%) as the most successful strategies. Participants most often heard about SPARK via social media (47.0%), speaking with a medical provider (23.1%), and an online search (20.1%). Research personnel’s and participants’ views on effective recruitment strategies often differed, with the exception of speaking with a medical provider.

Conclusion:
Results suggest that a combination of strategies is likely to be most effective in reaching diverse audiences. Findings have implications for the selection of strategies that meet a study’s specific needs, as well as recruitment-strategy “combinations” that may enhance the influence of outreach efforts.
Enforcement of Multilateral Trade Regulation by Non-State Actors – Desirable and Feasible?
Authors: Alexovičová Iveta 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSince its inception, the inter-state dispute settlement system of the World Trade Organisation has generally been praised for effectively protecting the rule of law in international trade relations. While the relatively recent dismantling of this system does not necessarily mean the end of the WTO nor of the binding nature of its rules, the current crisis may be a good opportunity to reconsider the role of the rule of law in international trade relations and the ways in which it could further be accommodated. One suggestion, occasionally raised in the past, would be strengthening the enforcement of WTO rules by opening it to private action, either before national courts or through international adjudication. After all, the latter has been widely available to foreign investors covered by thousands of international investment agreements in force for decades. This contribution recalls the reasons behind the current lack of private enforcement of WTO law and argues that developments in international trade relations and experiences with investor-state dispute settlement are likely to work against rather than in favor of its introduction in the foreseeable future. Increased transparency and institutionalisation of non-state actors’ role in trade enforcement is therefore recommended instead.
Potential threats of glacial lake changes to the Sichuan-Tibet Railway
Authors: Peng Menger , Zhang Guoqing , Yu Jinyuan , Wang Weicai , Xu Fenglin , Rinzin Sonam 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The Sichuan-Tibet Railway, China's second inland railway to Tibet, is currently being constructed and will run between Chengdu and Lhasa. It will cross the southeastern Tibetan Plateau and be surrounded by glacial lakes, some of which may pose a threat of glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) events. Both the specific location and the outburst susceptibility of these glacial lakes are largely unknown. In this study, we mapped the glacial lakes using declassified Corona KH-4 and Hexagon KH-9 from the 1960s and Sentinel-2 imagery from 2020 and assessed their spatio-temporal changes. GLOF-susceptibility criteria were established based on historical GLOF events. The results show that the total area (number) of glacial lakes has increased by 22% (20%) from 126.1 ± 2.4 km2 (1662 lakes) in the 1960s to 153.6 ± 11.1 km2 (1994 lakes) in 2020. Of these lakes, this study identified 38 very high and 85 high GLOF-susceptibility lakes; mainly distributed along the Bomi-Nyingchi railway section in the Parlung Zangbo River basin. Four of the very high GLOF-susceptibility glacial lakes may pose a threat to the railway and will require monitoring. The insights from this study can be used to mitigate the risk of GLOFs during the construction and maintenance of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway.
ON MATRICES ARISING IN FINITE FIELD HYPERGEOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
Authors: KUMABE SATOSHI , SAAD HASAN 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLehmer [‘On certain character matrices’, Pacific J. Math.6 (1956), 491–499, and ‘Power character matrices’, Pacific J. Math.10 (1960), 895–907] defines four classes of matrices constructed from roots of unity for which the characteristic polynomials and the kth powers can be determined explicitly. We study a class of matrices which arise naturally in transformation formulae of finite field hypergeometric functions and whose entries are roots of unity and zeroes. We determine the characteristic polynomial, eigenvalues, eigenvectors and kth powers of these matrices. The eigenvalues are natural families of products of Jacobi sums.
MULTIPLE LOOSE MAPS BETWEEN GRAPHS
Authors: FENILLE MARCIO COLOMBO 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGiven maps
$f_1,\ldots ,f_n:X\to Y$
between (finite and connected) graphs, with
$n\geq 3$
(the case
$n=2$
is well known), we say that they are loose if they can be deformed by homotopy to coincidence free maps, and totally loose if they can be deformed by homotopy to maps which are two by two coincidence free. We prove that: (i) if Y is not homeomorphic to the circle, then any maps are totally loose; (ii) otherwise, any maps are loose and they are totally loose if and only if they are homotopic.
Propagation of anisotropic Gabor wave front sets
Authors: Wahlberg Patrik 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe show a result on propagation of the anisotropic Gabor wave front set for linear operators with a tempered distribution Schwartz kernel. The anisotropic Gabor wave front set is parametrized by a positive parameter relating the space and frequency variables. The anisotropic Gabor wave front set of the Schwartz kernel is assumed to satisfy a graph type criterion. The result is applied to a class of evolution equations that generalizes the Schrödinger equation for the free particle. The Laplacian is replaced by any partial differential operator with constant coefficients, real symbol and order at least two.
Implementation of hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) in yogurt production
Authors: Aslani Ramin , Mazaheri Yeganeh , Jafari Maryam , Sadighara Parisa , Molaee-aghaee Ebrahim , Ozcakmak Sibel , Reshadat Zahra 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to review hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) in the dairy industry for the production of yogurt. The food safety management system (FSMS) was implemented over the last several decades with several amendments. The need for practical and proactive procedures in the dairy industry was identified so that HACCP implementation could ensure that consumers would always have safe food. The concept of HACCP is a systemic and science-based method that can result in safe dairy products such as yogurt based on the complete analysis of manufacturing processes, recognition of hazards potentially present at all stages of production, and risk prevention. In yogurt production, raw milk receipt, pasteurization, packaging, and storage are the steps most susceptible to contamination and were considered critical control points. Further steps also need to be implemented to achieve other related control measures, and these will be discussed.
Psychological aspects of vestibular disorders: a national survey of clinical practice
Authors: Smith Laura J , Pyke Wesley , Wilkinson David , Travers-Hill Emma , Surenthiran SS 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study examines how psychological aspects of vestibular disorders are currently addressed highlighting any national variation.MethodAn online survey was completed by 101 UK healthcare professionals treating vestibular disorders. The survey covered service configurations, attitudes towards psychological aspects and current clinical practice.ResultsNinety-six per cent of respondents thought there was a psychological component to vestibular disorders. There was a discrepancy between perceived importance of addressing psychological aspects and low confidence to undertake this. Those with more experience felt more confident addressing psychological aspects. History taking and questionnaires containing one or two psychological items were the most common assessment approaches. Discussing symptoms and signposting were the most frequent management approaches. Qualitative responses highlighted the interdependence of psychological and vestibular disorders which require timely intervention. Barriers included limited referral pathways, resources and interdisciplinary expertise.ConclusionAlthough psychological distress is frequently identified, suitable psychological treatment is not routinely offered in the UK.
Diagnostic criteria and core outcome set development for necrotising otitis externa: the COSNOE Delphi consensus study
Authors: Lodhi Sirat , Dodgson Kirsty , Dykes Michael , Vishwanath Veena , Bazaz Rohit , Mathur Sachin , Watson Glen , Cartwright Katherine , Pearson Amy , Wearmouth Deborah , List Richard , Yates Phillip , Dixon Joanna , Puveendran Arullendran , Wilson Margarita , Watson Katherine , Cullinan Milo , Mentias Youssef , Capper Ruth , Jewes Linda , Wallis Sebastian , Hamilton David , Adams Brook , Khalid-Raja Mamoona , Faris Barzo , Khan Maha , Linton Stefan , Abrar Rohma , Owen Eloise , Bisbinas Vasiliki , Ijaz Ali , Lau Kimberley , Timms Sara , Bruce Jack , Stapleton Emma 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveEvidence for necrotising otitis externa (NOE) diagnosis and management is limited, and outcome reporting is heterogeneous. International best practice guidelines were used to develop consensus diagnostic criteria and a core outcome set (COS).MethodsThe study was pre-registered on the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) database. Systematic literature review identified candidate items. Patient-centred items were identified via a qualitative study. Items and their definitions were refined by multidisciplinary stakeholders in a two-round Delphi exercise and subsequent consensus meeting.ResultsThe final COS incorporates 36 items within 12 themes: Signs and symptoms; Pain; Advanced Disease Indicators; Complications; Survival; Antibiotic regimes and side effects; Patient comorbidities; Non-antibiotic treatments; Patient compliance; Duration and cessation of treatment; Relapse and readmission; Multidisciplinary team management.Consensus diagnostic criteria include 12 items within 6 themes: Signs and symptoms (oedema, otorrhoea, granulation); Pain (otalgia, nocturnal otalgia); Investigations (microbiology [does not have to be positive], histology [malignancy excluded], positive CT and MRI); Persistent symptoms despite local and/or systemic treatment for at least two weeks; At least one risk factor for impaired immune response; Indicators of advanced disease (not obligatory but mut be reported when present at diagnosis). Stakeholders were unanimous that there is no role for secondary, graded, or optional diagnostic items. The consensus meeting identified themes for future research.ConclusionThe adoption of consensus-defined diagnostic criteria and COS facilitates standardised research reporting and robust data synthesis. Inclusion of patient and professional perspectives ensures best practice stakeholder engagement.
Developing an accurately sized tonsil tie simulator: a prospective, observational study to measure the anatomical distance from the incisor teeth to the inferior tonsillar pole in a paediatric population
Authors: Eleftheriadou Aikaterini , Taylor Addison , Krishnan Madhankumar , Street Ian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study is to measure the distance from the midline of the upper incisors to the lower pole of the tonsils in paediatric patients of varying ages. This will enable the design of accurately sized tonsil tie simulators.MethodsTwo hundred patients between 1 year and 16 years old were recruited in this prospective observational study. The patient's age and the mean distance from the midline of the upper incisors to the lower pole of the tonsils were plotted into a scatter plot and the line of best fit was calculated.ResultsThe equation for the line of best fit was: distance (mm) = 1.9604 × age (digitalised years) + 72.436.ConclusionThis is the first study to measure the anatomical distance from the upper incisor teeth to the inferior tonsillar pole in a paediatric population. This can be used to accurately size tonsil tie simulators and enhance their fidelity.