bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Re-evaluating the choice of gamma stimulation frequency for the potential treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Henney Mark Alexander , Hansen Bianca Laura , Hansen Luna Skytte , Grønberg Manja Gersholm , Thorning-Schmidt Martin William , Hansen Henrik Enggaard , Nguyen Mai , Petersen Paul Michael , Clemmensen Line Katrine Harder , Carstensen Marcus , Madsen Kristoffer Hougaard 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

With recent advances in the potential usage of visual gamma stimulation at 40 Hz for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, there is motivation to evaluate adjacent frequencies to ensure that specifically 40 Hz is optimal.The choice of 40 Hz is based on studies over several decades that describe "40 Hz" oscillations with considerable frequency variability.As visual stimulation with luminance flicker may affect adherence in clinical trials due to its inherent perceived flickering, invisible spectral flicker (ISF) was proposed as a more comfortable alternative for entraining 40 Hz. This study investigates the ability of ISF to evoke acute gamma responses at several frequencies in the range of 36-44 Hz.
Twenty healthy volunteers were included in an electroencephalography (EEG) experiment with an initial eyes-open baseline recording followed by a stimulation paradigm using ISF at nine different frequencies (36-44 Hz, 1 Hz interval). The responses were evaluated as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) averaged over the occipital electrodes at the stimulation frequency and analysed using mixed-effect models. Evoked responses were compared to baseline and between frequencies.
The estimated SNR values showed the EEG power was significantly increased at all stimulation frequencies compared to baseline, but with no significant difference in SNR between stimulation frequencies. There was a significant subject effect, even when disregarding one subject who responded 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than the others. These results suggest that there is higher variability between subjects than between frequencies alone.
Our results indicate that ISF can induce steady-state visually evoked potentials at several frequencies in the low gamma range of 36-44 Hz. Across the population of participants, no preference or trend for any specific gamma stimulation frequency in the tested range was found. While the subject-stimulus interaction was significant, it described little variance and showed no specific patterns for individual preference of frequency.
Assisted Reproductive Technology and the risk of Fetal Congenital Heart Disease: insights from a Tertiary Care Referral Centre.
Authors: Piemonti Linda , Vettor Laura , Balducci Anna , Farina Antonio , Contro Elena 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate whether congenital heart diseases exhibit higher rates in pregnancies achieved through assisted reproductive technology (ART) compared to natural conception.
Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, multinomial logistic regression was employed to analyze the relationship between categories of congenital heart diseases and three conception groups (IVF, ICSI and natural pregnancies). The main outcome measure are risks of congenital heart disease categories in IVF and ICSI groups using the natural group as reference. We selected fetuses referred for fetal echocardiography to IRCCS Policlinico Sant’Orsola, Bologna, between January 2005 and November 2023, diagnosed with congenital heart diseases.
Results
We categorized the congenital heart diseases into six groups based on anatomical and embryological criteria. The estimated risk of left ventricular outflow tract, valvular, conotruncal and atrioventricular septal defects was lower in the IVF group compared to natural conception. The estimated risk of valvular and atrioventricular septal defects was lower in the ICSI group vs natural. Conversely, the risk for right heart anomalies was higher both in the IVF and ICSI groups compared to natural conception. Heart rhythm diseases were more frequent in IVF pregnancies. When comparing ART methods, valvular defects, conotruncal defects, and right heart anomalies were more frequently observed in the ICSI group, while atrioventricular septal defects were more common in the IVF group.
Conclusion
Significant differences were found in the occurrence of congenital heart diseases in pregnancies conceived through IVF and ICSI, versus those conceived naturally, underscoring the importance of further studying the underlying mechanisms of these associations.
Association Between Green Tea Drinking with Body Mass Index, Serum Lipid Profile and Prostate Specific-Antigen in a Ghanaian Population: A Cross- Sectional Study
Authors: Ntim Emmanuel , Nyamekye Samuel , Yeboah Kofi Oduro , Safianu Rufai , Djankpa Francis Tanam , Ainooson George Kwaw , Appiah Kwaku 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a major malignancy that affects men worldwide. Obesity, dyslipidaemia and elevated serum PSA are some common risk factors. Green tea is a popular beverage in some West African communities with a relatively low incidence of PCa. However, the association of green tea drinking with these PCa risk factors in that population remains unknown. This study aimed at investigating the association between green tea intake with serum lipid profile, body mass index (BMI) and serum PSA.
Methods: An analytical cross-section survey was conducted to compare serum lipid profile, BMI and serum PSA between green tea drinkers (GTD) and non-tea drinkers (NTD). A total of 415 men, 40 years or older, who gave their consent were assigned into four groups based on age: (40 – 49 years, 50 -59 years, 60 – 69 years, and 70+ years). BMI, serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides) and serum PSA levels were determined and compared between GTD and NTD.
Results: Significantly higher GTD with normal BMI were observed compared with NTD across all age groups and significantly lower odds of being overweight (obese) in GTD groups compared with NTD. Significantly lower atherogenic lipids were observed across all age categories in GTD compared to NTD. Further, lower odds of dyslipidaemia in GTD were observed compared with NTD across all age groups. Significantly lower mean serum PSA was observed in the older GTD age groups (60 – 69 and 70+) compared with the NTD and significantly lower odds of elevated serum PSA in GTD than NTD. However, no differences in mean PSA between GTD and NTD groups in the younger age groups. Weak positive correlations between serum PSA and BMI were observed in the NTD group regardless of the age category. However, significantly strong negative correlation between serum PSA and BMI among the older age GTD groups was observed compared with NTD.
Conclusions: Consumption of green tea was associated with reduced atherogenic serum lipids and improved BMI independent of age. Further, GTD was significantly associated with reduced serum PSA in older men but not in younger adults.
PSC-SBFL: combining PSC with SBFL to improve software fault localization
Authors: Guo Zhonghao , Ji Siwei , Xu Xinyue , Chen Xiangxian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Regression testing aims to confirm that program changes don't disrupt existing functionalities. Automated fault localization improves quality and efficiency of regression testing. Spectrum-Based Fault Localization (SBFL) is adept at identifying faults in program statements using test case execution data. However, SBFL overlooks faults due to structural anomalies and can't detect non-existent or redundant statements.
This study introduces Program Structure Check (PSC) to address the issue. In regression testing, historical program versions provide valuable information for fault localization. PSC compares the structure of the program being tested with programs of historical versions to find structural differences, like missing code. This increases suspicion scores at these locations. Experimental findings show PSC detects over 90% of structural bugs, with over 76% ranked highest on the suspicion list.
We combine PSC with SBFL, termed PSC-SBFL, and test it on public assemblies to assess bug location effects. Results indicate that adding PSC to SBFL enhances bug ranking by approximately 93% and reduces manual code checking by about 34% when all bugs are identified. Compared to another SBFL-based method, PSC-SBFL demonstrates superior bug localization. These findings underscore how combining PSC and SBFL algorithms enhances bug localization accuracy, expedites bug identification, and boosts software quality.
Composite of graphene oxide from rice husks with copper nanoparticles immobilized: synthesis and application in catalytic dye degradation
Authors: Bastidas Elsy , Rodriguez Maria , Castillo Jimmy 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Graphene and its derivatives, such as graphene oxide, have a wide range of applications in industry, especially in electronics, electrode construction, catalyst in electro- and photocatalytic reactions, etc. This work presents results from the synthesis of graphene oxide sheets (GOs) from rice husks ash and its modification by incorporating copper nanoparticles. Rice husks, a low-value waste product generated in large quantities, were thermally treated to obtain a mixture of natural carbons with silica. This carbonaceous material was then reacted with potassium hydroxide to produce GOs. The GOs were modified using an impregnation and reduction process to immobilize copper metal nanoparticles onto their surface and obtain graphene oxide with CuO nanoparticles in their surface (GOs-CuO). The synthesized composites were characterized by FTIR, SEM, BET, XRD, and AFM, demonstrating that the formed structure is composed of graphene with predominantly copper oxide nanoparticles adsorbed on its surface. The band gap for the synthesized structures was determined by finding a significant decrease in the band gap of graphene oxide when copper nanoparticles are incorporated. Catalytic capacities of synthetized samples were tested in the decomposition reaction of pollutants, using Rhodamine B (RhB) as a model molecule due to its environmental persistence and toxicity. Both GOs and GOs-CuO effectively degraded RhB, with GOs-CuO demonstrating a 8-fold faster kinetic rate, highlighting its potential for pollutant remediation applications.
Radiological impact of the operation of two Steam Power Plants on the activity levels of 232Th, 226Ra and 40K in the sediments at Semarang and Cirebon, Indonesia
Authors: Muslim-Muslim Muslim , Wulandari Sri Yulina , Maslukah Lilik , Febriansyah Ivan Putra Ihsan , Prihatiningsih Wahyu Retno 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The radiological concentration and distribution of natural radionuclides of 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K in the surface sediments of two steam power plants (SPP) vicinity were investigated. Sediment samples were analyzed for radionuclides, organic matter, and grain size composition. The average concentration activity for 232Th, 226Ra and 40K in Semarang are 71.485 Bq·kg−1; 29.645 Bq·kg−1 and 570.459 Bq·kg−1 and in Cirebon 90.593 Bq·kg−1; 41.709 Bq·kg−1 and 725.788 Bq·kg−1, respectively. According to the Indonesian standards concentrations are still below the recommended values. The radionuclide concentration levels were influenced more by proximity to coal resources, than other factors such as organic content,sediment texture, and hydrodynamic processes. These data can be considered baseline data in this region and used as reference or baseline information. Thus, the data obtained in this study did not show any significant radiological health risk to the ecosystem in nearby areas of two SPP. Radiological parameters such as absorbed dose rate (Din), activity utilization index (AUI), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDEin), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), and hazard indices (Hex, Hin) showed some excess values when compared to standards.However, they were still comparable to values from other parts of the world.
The Association between Blood Benzene Levels and Severe Periodontal Disease in a Nationally Representative Adult US Population
Authors: Hamoud Basel , Alfailakwi Meshari , Aljalahmah Hessah , Almael Fatema , Alsaeedi Sarah , Saleh Khaled , Ahmad Bushra , Alqaderi Hend 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives Benzene, a common environmental pollutant, is linked to a variety of adverse health effects. However, its impact on oral health remains underexplored. This study investigated the association between blood benzene levels and severe periodontitis, a progressive oral inflammatory condition, using a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.Methods Cross-sectional data from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. Severe periodontitis was defined according to the CDC/AAP case definition. A weighted multivariable logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between blood benzene concentration and severe periodontitis, adjusting for potential confounders. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to investigate the role of cotinine, a biomarker of smoking, as a mediator of the relationship between benzene and severe periodontitis.Results The study sample consisted of 4,669 participants. After adjusting for confounding factors, a one-unit increase in blood benzene levels was associated with a 2.83-fold greater odds of severe periodontitis (OR = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.67, 4.82; p = 0.001). SEM analysis revealed an indirect effect of blood benzene concentrations on severe periodontitis through blood cotinine levels.Conclusion This study provides evidence of a positive association between higher blood benzene levels and severe periodontitis in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. These findings suggest that cotinine, a biomarker of smoking, mediates the relationship between benzene exposure and severe periodontitis. These results highlight the importance of considering environmental factors and smoking in the complex etiology of periodontal disease.
Acceptance of generative AI in higher education: A latent profile analysis of policy guidelines
Authors: Ioku Tomohiro , Kondo Sachihiko , Watanabe Yasuhisa 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Bard are quickly changing higher education, bringing both opportunities and challenges. This study examines how top-ranked universities differ in their acceptance of generative AI, applying a latent profile analysis to classify universities based on their acceptance levels and four institutional characteristics: the ratio of international students, citation per faculty, academic reputation, and faculty-student ratio. The results revealed four distinct profiles. Profile 1 includes universities with a strong opposition to unauthorized AI use, underscoring academic integrity, and boasting high international student ratios and research output. Profile 2 consists of universities supportive of responsible AI use, despite lower international presence and research output, highlighting the role of a supportive environment. Profile 3 represents universities with a neutral stance on AI, focusing on ethical usage while having strong international presence but struggling with research output. Profile 4 also adopts a neutral stance, with high academic reputations and research output but moderate international presence and lower faculty-student ratios. These findings are in line with previous research on AI acceptance at the student and faculty levels, highlighting the importance of supportive environments and clear institutional policies. This study provides valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and academic institutions navigating the integration of generative AI technologies.
Indicadores antropométricos e de aptidão física nos escalões de formação no atletismo na Província de Maputo
Authors: Tchonga Francisco Almeida , Capatania Baptista Foscoro , Chavane Félix Salvador , Mucavel Linda , Rinaldi Natália Madalena 
Published: June 2024

Atualmente, é uma necessidade para o desenvolvimento prospetivo do atletismo, a caracterização precoce dos praticantes desta modalidade de acordo com etapas de treino. A presente pesquisa adquire maior importância com base nos indicadores que permitem uma avaliação oportuna na aptidão física e antropométrica na respetiva orientação dos praticantes nas diferentes etapas da formação. O objetivo é de averiguar a influência das medidas antropométricas e indicadores aptidão física na seleção dos atletas para escalões de formação na Província de Maputo em Moçambique. Foram envolvidos 19 atletas do escalão de iniciação no atletismo, da província de Maputo em Moçambique, com idades entre 11 a 16 anos (10 masculinos e 9 femininos) provenientes da zona periurbana. Foram coletadas variáveis Sociodemográficas (idade, sexo, zona de residência e nível de escolaridade), Antropométricas (peso corporal, altura e a cintura) e Aptidão Física (resistência abdominal, impulsão horizontal, suspensão na barra). Recorreu-se á estatística descritiva para extrair e comparar as percentagens, o qui-Quadrado para comparar as categorias das variáveis sociodemográficas. Todas análises foram feitas no software SPSS versão 22 com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Os resultados mostram 70% dos atletas do sexo masculino com baixo peso com melhor classificação (Bom) para a impulsão horizontal e o sexo feminino apresentaram dados no sentido inverso, (80%) com peso normal. No teste de suspensão na barra, os atletas do sexo masculino foram classificados como excelentes em relação as raparigas. Os atletas do sexo masculino com baixo peso tende apresentaram melhor classificação na resistência abdominal (Bom=62.5% e Excelente=66.7%) em relação ao sexo feminino (Bom=66.7% e Excelente=60.0%) com peso normal. Quanto ao perímetro da cintura, os atletas do sexo masculino são classificados com baixo peso (63.6%) e do sexo feminino com peso normal (62.5%), posiciona-os na zona saudável. O estudo concluiu que a prática do atletismo não esta influenciar nos indicadores antropométricos e na aptidão física desta população do estudo. O Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) não foi determinante para influenciar mudanças nos resultados.
Tunable linear feedback control of urban drainage systems using models defined purely from data
Authors: Adrian Dantzer Travis , Kerkez Branko 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
Real-time and model-predictive control promises to make urban drainage systems (UDS) adaptive, coordinated, and dynamically optimal. Though early implementations are promising, existing control algorithms have drawbacks in computational expense, trust, system-level coordination, and labor cost. Linear feedback control has distinct advantages in computational expense, interpretation, and coordination. However, current methods for building linear feedback controllers require calibrated software models. Here we present an automated method for generating tunable linear feedback controllers that require only system response data. The controller design consists of three main steps: (1) estimating the network connectivity using tools for causal inference, (2) identifying a linear, time-invariant (LTI) dynamical system which approximates the network, and (3) designing and tuning a feedback controller based on the LTI urban drainage system approximation. The flooding safety, erosion prevention, and water treatment performance of the method are evaluated across 190 design storms on a separated sewer model. Strong results suggest that the system knowledge required for generating effective, safe, and tunable controllers for UDS is surprisingly basic. This method allows near-turnkey synthesis of controllers solely from sensor data or reduction of process-based models.
Escarabajos coprófagos (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae, Aphodiinae) en una zona urbana del Caribe colombiano
Authors: Sermeño-Correa Carlos , Taboada Carlos , Taboada-Verona Carlos 
Published: June 2024

En las áreas urbanas se pueden encontrar pequeños fragmentos de bosque; sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre el valor de estos parches de vegetación para mantener la biodiversidad y cómo esta responde a la urbanización. Dada la escasez de conocimiento de grupos de la familia Scarabaeidae en las zonas urbanas del norte de Colombia y la utilidad de estos organismos como modelos ecológicos, en esta investigación se determinó la riqueza y la estructura de escarabajos coprófagos en un parque ecológico ubicado en la ciudad de Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia. Para el estudio se realizaron cuatro jornadas de muestreo, con la instalación de trampas pitfall cebadas para la captura de las especies. Se recolectaron 321 individuos pertenecientes a siete géneros y 12 especies de la subfamilia Scarabaeinae, y una especie de la subfamilia Aphodiinae. De este modo se evidenciaron especies exclusivas de bosque seco tropical. Los valores más altos de abundancia se encontraron para Dichotomius agenor y Canthon mutabilis, con 77 y 57 individuos respectivamente. Los análisis reflejaron una mayor abundancia del gremio telecópridos, seguido por paracópridos, aunque estos últimos dominaron en términos de riqueza. Esta investigación demuestra la importancia de áreas verdes dentro de la matriz urbana para el mantenimiento de las especies dentro de las ciudades.
A Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Herbal Extract Combination Compared to 3% Minoxidil Solution for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Trial
Authors: Cheyasak Nutjira , Hu Thitiwut , Jaruchanapongtorn Sasipa , Triwatcharikorn Jidapa , Palawisuth Siriwan 
Published: June 2024

Background
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) affects both men and women. Standard treatments include topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, which can cause undesirable side effects. Therefore, a natural herbal extract is required for an alternative treatment.

Objectives
This study aims to assess both the efficacy and safety profiles of an herbal extract comprising a combination of dihydroquercetin glucoside, epigallocatechin gallate glucoside, zinc, and glycine, compared to the minoxidil solution for the treatment of AGA.

Methods
About 30 males and 30 females were recruited. The males and females were divided equally into two groups (n=30), randomly receiving either a minoxidil solution or herbal extraction twice a day for 24 weeks. Clinical efficacy, total hair count, and hair mass index (HMI) were evaluated.

Results
A total of 30 males and 30 females completed the study. The total hair counts (hairs/cm2) at baseline in the herbal group and minoxidil group were 334.8±108.8 and 368.3±178.4, respectively, and the total hair counts at 24 weeks in the herbal group and minoxidil group were 345.0±119.2 and 391.5±183.1 (p<0.001, p<0.001), respectively. The HMI in the herbal and minoxidil groups significantly increased by 25.83±17.18 and 33.70±15.17 (p=0.001, p<0.001) at 24 weeks. However, there was no significant difference in total hair count and HMI between the two groups at 24 weeks (p= 0.250, p=0.065). No local adverse effects were observed in both groups.

Conclusions
The non-significant difference in efficacy and safety to minoxidil solution suggests that the herbal extraction could be an alternative treatment for AGA.

Clinical Trial Registration Number
TCTR20220927001.