bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRA of the aorta using a Golden-Angle Radial Sparse Parallel (GRASP) sequence: comparison with conventional time-resolved Cartesian MRA (TWIST)
Authors: Calastra Camilla , Kleban Elena , Helfenstein Fabrice , Haupt Fabian , Peters Alan Arthur , Huber Adrian , von Tengg-Kobligk Hendrik , Jung Bernd 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose: to compare the application of two contrast-enhanced time-resolved magnetic resonance angiography sequences on an aortic diseases patient cohort: the conventional Cartesian-sampling-based, TWIST sequence, and the radial-sampling-based GRASP sequence. Radial-sampling-based techniques are less sensitive to motion than cartesian sampling and consequently are expected to improve the image quality in body parts subjected to motion.
Methods: 1.5T magnetic resonance angiography data from thirty patients (60.9±16.1y.o.) were assessed to investigate image quality as well as spatial and temporal blurring in the ascending aorta (AA), descending aorta (DA) and abdominal aorta (AbA).
Results: GRASP offered superior depiction of vascular structures in terms of vascular contrast for qualitative analysis (TWIST, reader 1: 1.6±0.5; reader 2: 1.9±0.4; reader 3: 1.1±0.4; GRASP, reader 1: 1.5±0.5; reader 2: 1.4±0.5; reader 3: 1.0±0.2) and vessel sharpness for qualitative (TWIST, reader 1: 1.9±0.6; reader 2: 1.6±0.6; reader 3: 2.0±0.3; GRASP, reader 1: 1.4±0.6; reader 2: 1.2±0.4; reader 3: 1.3±0.6) and quantitative analysis (TWIST, AA=0.12±0.04, DA=0.12±0.03, AbA=0.11±0.03; GRASP, AA=0.20±0.05, DA=0.22±0.06, AbA=0.20±0.05). Streaking artefacts of GRASP were stronger visible compared to TWIST (TWIST, reader 1: 2.2±0.6; reader 2: 1.9±0.3; reader 3: 2.0±0.5; GRASP, reader 1: 2.6±0.6; reader 2: 2.3±0.5; reader 3: 2.8±0.6).
Conclusion: GRASP outperformed TWIST in SNR, vessel sharpness and reduction in image blurring; streaking artifacts were stronger visible with GRASP, but did not affect diagnostic image quality.
A novel Cu9S8 antibacterial based on magnetic chestnut shell biochar for the removal of sulfonamides in water environment: Differential adsorption and mechanism study
Authors: Li Rui-peng , Hu Zheng-rong , Wang Xing , Chen Jun , Liu Qing-qing , Zhao Ying , Zhao Zhong-bao , Lu Xu-lin , Zhang Zhi-wei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In this study, hollow nanoflower spherical Cu9S8 and Cu9S8/Fe3O4@BC with adsorption and antibacterial properties was prepared by coprecipitation and solvothermal method, respectively. The adsorption results showed that the Cu9S8 exhibited excellent adsorption performance on sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs), especially for sulfamethoxazole (SMZ). The highest adsorption capacity of SMZ on Cu9S8 was 33.4 mg/g within 120 min. The fitting results of adsorption and desorption kinetics and thermodynamics, as well as the conditions such as pH value and ionic strength were compared. It was found that different interactions led to the differential adsorption of SAs by Cu9S8. The desorption experiment further elucidated its adsorption mechanism. The large desorption capacity indicates that SAs on Cu9S8 can be further recovered and treated. The auto-deposition characteristics of Cu9S8 and the hysteresis loop of Cu9S8/Fe3O4@BC were studied to effectively recover Cu9S8 from aquatic environments. Additionally, more than 99% of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coil) were exterminated by Cu9S8 and Cu9S8/Fe3O4@BC within 20 min. The above results suggested that the hollow nanoflower spherical Cu9S8 and Cu9S8/Fe3O4@BC composite materials can provide a new strategy for solving pollution problems and waste treatment.
Diversity and abundance of hopper complex in rice agroecosystems under natural farming
Authors: Sharma Aarushi , Sharma Pawan kumar , Sharma Prem chand , Sood Ajay k , Kumar Arun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Rice, a staple food for half of the world's population, faces various pest problems, of which hoppers complex, infests all crop stages posing significant threat to rice production in many parts of India. Field surveys conducted in low and mid hills of Himachal Pradesh identified nine hopper species across five localities, with Cofana spectra exhibiting highest relative abundance and emerging as the eudominant species in Zone I, and dominant in Zone II followed by Sogatella furcifera and Nephotettix nigropictus. The species diversity and evenness was more in Zone II, while Zone I boasted higher species richness. Peak species richness occurred during heading, with maximum diversity and evenness being observed at tillering stage. Population dynamics fluctuated across growth stages, with hopper count in 2022 being notably higher particularly in Shahpur. S. furcifera peaked with 8.00 hoppers/5 sweeps during tillering, N. nigropictus with 6.50 hoppers/5 sweeps during heading, and C. spectra with 11.31 hoppers/5 sweeps during the heading stage. Temperature strongly influenced the hoppers activity, with S. furcifera primarily associated with maximum temperature, and N. nigropictus and C. spectra with minimum temperature and rainfall. This study provides essential insights for effective pest management in rice cultivation under natural farming conditions in Himachal Pradesh.
Building Climate Resilient Health Systems: Panacea for Mitigating Climate Change Effects in Nigeria
Authors: Schrage Pia , Adeyanju Gbadebo Collins 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Climate change has devastating effects on human health as well as the functioning and effectiveness of health systems, because it acts as a multiplier of existing stressors, intensifying pressure and exposing vulnerabilities. In the Sub-Saharan Africa region, Nigeria is projected to suffer from a variety of detrimental effects of climate change, leading to poor population health outcomes. Since 2007, climate change effects have led to over 800,000 deaths and affects the life expectancy of over 26 million people annually. Her health system is considered most vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to the accumulation of its vulnerability, leading to food insecurity, extreme weather and spread of diseases. Building climate resilience health system is key to combating the effects on health, hence the goal of this study.
Methods
The method design was qualitative using Key Informant Interviews. Participants were purposively included through a criterion-based snowball sampling approach. They were recruited through referrals and search on “LinkedIn” based on predefined inclusion criteria. A total of eighteen participants were recruited: representing government, civil society organizations and academia. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide and audio recorded using the Zoom online communication software. Data were analyzed deductively and inductively using MAXQDA software.
Results
Although adequate knowledge of the effects of climate change on health was noticeable such as heat wave, drought, flooding, irregular rainfall, climate-induced spread of diseases. However, there were: absence of consideration for climate risks and vulnerability in the health policies and plans; mitigation of climate change effects was not articulated in the health policies or programs; inadequate knowledge of and capacity to support climate resilience health system; climate-informed or resilient health policies and programs are not priority in view of other equally competing healthcare challenges. Other outcomes included insufficient funding, inadequate trained healthcare workers, overburdened healthcare system, knowledge gap between the scientific and policymaking communities.
Conclusion
Climate change is a multiplier of current health system stressors. Therefore, building climate resilient health system is as a firewall against those stressors long-term. A climate resilient health system is cost-effective, but the up-front investments need to be made now.
Exploring the Challenges Faced by Tertiary Students in Developing Formal Presentation Skills and Possible Solutions in an EFL Context
Authors: Hassan S. M. Razib , Roy Sukanto 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This research aims to identify Bangladeshi undergraduates’ weaknesses in formal presentations and to discern feasible ways to enhance their formal presentation skills. The study is both quantitative and qualitative in nature where the data were collected through the questionnaire responses of 311 randomly selected Bangladeshi undergraduates, the formal presentations observations of 140 randomly selected Bangladeshi undergraduates, and the semi-structured interviews of 18 randomly selected faculty members and employers. Results show that the tertiary level learners of Bangladesh perform poorly in formal presentations mainly because they do not know how to consolidate an argument, and they do not know how to communicate with the audience. The paper recommends as well how tertiary students can sincerely communicate something valuable when they know and believe what they want to say, and they know the audience and care about them.
The effect of geomorphic and anthropogenic factors on the karst spring occurrence (case studies of central Zagros Mountain Range, Iran)
Authors: Ghadimi Mehrnoosh , Esmaili Samaneh , Hosseini Seyedmoosa , Kiani Mohammadali 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Karst groundwaters are vulnerable and essential resources that require comprehensive management for protection and preservation. For this purpose, awareness of effective factors are required for the development of karst water resources and their quality management. Identifying the spatial distribution of springs in karst settings is important for a better understanding of groundwater flow because springs are the terminal sites of karst flow networks which are understudied. This study aims to identify the location of karst spring occurrence with an emphasis on geomorphic factors using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Logistic Regression (LR) model. As the case studies in this research, the Lordegan and Shahrekord karst basins located in Iran’s Zagros Mountains were selected. Nine factors influencing spring occurrence are considered and classified into four major groups: geological layer (lithology and distance from fault), hydrology layer (distance from river and drainage density), geomorphological layer (slope, aspect, elevation, and plan curvature), and anthropogenic layer (land use/land cover). The potential map of karst groundwater spring weighed by AHP was classified into five classes (very low, low, moderate, high, and very high) and both basins were in very high to moderate class. The geological layer (i.e., lithology and distance from faults) was the most significant geomorphological factor in the Lordegan basin, with the weight of 56.3%, whereas the topographical layer (i.e., slope, aspect, elevation, and curvature) was in the Shahrekord basin, with the weight of 38.4%. Due to the high-altitude of the studied basins (1944 to 3297 m), the land use/land cover layer had the lowest weight. According to the AHP results, 76.9% of the springs in the Lordegan basin and 60% in the Shahrekord basin are in the very high class spring groundwater potential zone. The LR model was also used to simulate the appearance of springs. The Relative Operating Characteristics (ROC) of the LR model in the Lordegan and Shahrekord basins were 0.9 and 0.85, respectively. Also, the LR results show that 38.4% of the springs in the Lordegan basin and 60% of the springs in the Shahrekord basin are in the very high class spring groundwater potential zone.
WITHDRAWN: Rare metal mineralization and geochemical characterization of El Mansouri Ring Complex, Northern Arabian Nubian Shield: Implications for petrogenesis and tectonic setting
Authors: SALEH Gehad M. , EMAD Baaha M. , NASR T. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors due to author disagreement with the posting of the preprint. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Exact Solution of Vinti Orbital Motion
Authors: Shepperd Stanley 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The Elliptic Integrals of the Vinti analytic satellite orbital motion theory are converted to a form suitable for computer evaluation. This advance will facilitate closed-form Vinti algorithms that are more compact, more accurate (i.e. exact to machine accuracy), and valid over a wider range of orbits than series expansion techniques.
The Impact of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Combined with High-Intensity Interval Training on Pulmonary and Diaphragmatic Function in Sedentary Young Adults
Authors: Luo Yu , Yang Fangjuan , Ma Tian , Guo Junxia , Ren Zhe , Wu Hao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) provides significant adjunctive benefits in treating various diseases. However, some studies suggest that HBO may impair pulmonary function. A sedentary lifestyle contributes to declines in both pulmonary and diaphragmatic functions, while physical activity might mitigate these effects. This study aims to explore the combined effects of HBO and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on pulmonary and diaphragmatic functions in sedentary young adults.
Methods: Fifty-four sedentary young adults (27 males, 27 females) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the hyperbaric oxygen intervention group (HBO group, n=18), the high-intensity interval training group (HIIT group, n=18), and the combined hyperbaric oxygen and high-intensity interval training group (HBO-HIIT group, n=18). Pulmonary and diaphragmatic functions were assessed using specific metrics before and after an 8-week intervention.
Results: Significant differences in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak inspiratory flow (PIF), and diaphragm thickness during inspiration (DT-Edi) were observed across all three groups pre- and post-intervention (P < 0.05). The HBO-HIIT group exhibited significant improvements in pulmonary function metrics and DT-Edi compared to the HBO group (P < 0.05 for all metrics). Moreover, the HBO-HIIT group showed substantial differences in PIF and DT-Edi compared to the HIIT group (P < 0.05 for all). The HIIT group displayed significant improvements in forced vital capacity (FVC) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) compared to the HBO group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that HBO intervention does not impair pulmonary function. Combining HBO with HIIT significantly enhances pulmonary and diaphragmatic functions in sedentary young adults, with superior results to either intervention alone.
LeafGenEx-A Novel Method for Generating Healthy and Diseased Wheat Leaf Images using CycleGAN
Authors: Patel Jigna , Pachchigar Aditya , Patel Jitali 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

LeafGenEx, an innovative approach to wheat leaf disease detection, uses data augmentation, deep learning, and explainable AI to improve disease detection accuracy. The procedure starts with preprocessing methods, such as image flipping, rotation, and cropping, to extend the original dataset. Segmentation is eventually carried out utilising a pre-trained ResNet network and GradCAM, allowing for exact identification of disease-affected regions. An upgraded CycleGAN model is used to produce synthetic images of healthy and diseased leaves, yielding a higher Fréchet Inception Distance (FID) score than previous DCGAN and CycleGAN models. The generated images are combined with the original dataset to form a comprehensive dataset for training a deep learning detection model. To categorise leaf images according to their different diseases, the authors use a method based on transfer learning with InceptionV3. GradCAM, an explainable AI approach, is used to evaluate the deep learning model's results and determine the most important leaf sections for disease detection. LeafGenEx's effectiveness is proved by its capacity to generate high-quality synthetic images, improve disease detection accuracy, and produce interpretable data, making it an important tool for precision agriculture and early disease intervention.
“I will fight tooth and nail for my recovery”: A typology of individuals in long-term recovery from addiction
Authors: Elbaz Ayala , Gueta Keren , Ronel Natti 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Recovery from addiction is a complex process that involves changes in an individual’s environment, behavior patterns, and self-perception. Long-term recovery (LTR) denotes enduring changes that occur over a period of five years or longer. While previous research has focused mainly on the typology of substance users, the present study sought to establish the typology of individuals in LTR from the perspective of various stakeholders. Accordingly, using a qualitative phenomenological approach, it examined the perceptions of individuals who have recovered from substance and behavioral addictions (n = 30), family members (n = 8), and professional therapists (n = 9), to gain a diverse and integrated perspective of LTR. To this end, participants were recruited from a therapeutic community, outpatient clinics, and NA fellowships, and took part in a semi-structured, in-depth interview. Findings suggest there are five distinct types of individuals in LTR, that we have dubbed the Fighter, the Avoidant, the Wanderer, the Devout, and the Comrade. These five types are differentiated by three primary parameters: identity, recovery goals, and central recovery strategies. Based on these findings, it appears that this recovery identity serves as a transitional stage, that helps individuals resume their typical course of action in sustained recovery once it becomes more stable. This typology highlights the multifaceted nature of the addiction recovery phenomenon, and incorporates distinct insights from previous research about identity changes and recovery strategies, by presenting them as distinct recovery types. Therapeutic interventions at various stages of recovery may utilize this typology to tailor treatment to the unique needs of individual clients.
A method for size estimation of bearing faults from vibration signals based on denoising, envelope and WPD
Authors: Muñoz Manuel , Vicuña Cristian , Leaman Félix 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

An efficient fault prognosis for bearings remains still as an open challenge within the industry. Bearing damage is primarily derived from wear or surface fatigue in rotational machinery. This damage especially at early stages , is difficult to characterize due to the weakness of the vibration signal and external interferences, which is why advanced signal processing is required. To tackle this challenge, this study introduces the DEW method, a combination of Wavelet Denoising, Envelope, and Wavelet Packet Decomposition, to estimate the size of a bearing fault located in inner and/or outer races. This method is validated with a dataset of varying rotational speeds, loads, and fault sizes obtained from open-access sources. The application of the method enabled the estimation of a confidence interval for fault size under different conditions. Despite some observed inconsistencies, the method showed more accurate results with increased load, fault size, or decreased speed. In the case of simulated signals , good results were achieved even in scenarios with up to 10 [dB] of signal-to-noise ratio. However, for the evaluation with the dataset, this estimation proved insufficient due to the amount of noise present, which attenuated the components of interest, especially the input peak.
Constructing a prognostic model based on MPT-related genes and investigate the characteristics of immune infiltration in bladder cancer
Authors: Yang Lei , Zhang Zhiqiang , Xu Mengfan , Shang Muhan , Wang Haibing 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Exploring the expression of Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Dependent Necrosis lncRNAs (MPTDNLs) in bladder cancer and elucidate their precise function within the tumor microenvironment and impact on prognosis.
Methods: We employed a comprehensive bioinformatics approach to investigate MPTDNLs in bladder cancer. Gene expression data, clinical data, and mutation data of bladder cancer were obtained from TCGA database.
Results: We developed a new prognostic model incorporating 6 lncRNAs. The predictive efficacy of this model for bladder cancer prognosis was validated. Furthermore, through this prognostic model, we investigated the influence of MPTDNLs on the tumor microenvironment and drug sensitivity.
Conclusion: This study presents a novel prognostic framework for bladder cancer that holds great potential for enhancing prognostic prediction accuracy and optimizing treatment strategies for patients with this disease.
Impacts of Anxiety Levels and Personality Traits on Patient Cooperation during Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE): A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Li Ao-Ling , Li Jing , Pu Qi , Guo Xiao-Xiao , Chang Xue-Jiao , Li Xin-Yu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery conducted for the correction of myopia and astigmatism exhibits excellent safety, efficacy, and predictability. However, poor intraoperative cooperation may lead to various adverse outcomes, including ablation decentration, suction loss, and incision tear. Moreover, it is difficult for surgeons to predict the occurrence of poor cooperation prior to the surgery. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the impact of anxiety and personality traits on cooperation during SMILE surgery to assist surgeons in identifying patients at high risk for poor cooperation.
Methods
A nested case-control study was conducted at Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between June 2022 and August 2022. Participants were categorized as those exhibiting excellent or poor cooperation based on their performance during surgery. Anxiety levels were quantified using the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T). Personality traits were evaluated using the four subscales of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-RSC), namely, psychoticism (P-scale), extraversion (E-scale), neuroticism (N-scale), and lie scale (L-scale).
Results
The incidence rates were higher for the first-eye procedure compared to the second-eye procedure. The anxiety levels demonstrated an initial trend of increase followed by a decrease, both prior to and after the surgery (P < 0.05). The poor cooperation group presented higher STAI-S scores (P < 0.05) 30 min prior to surgery compared to the excellent cooperation group. Patients with poor cooperation during the procedures for both eyes exhibited higher anxiety levels compared to those with poor cooperation during just the first eye (STAI-S: 11.02 ± 3.05 vs 12.32 ± 3.0, P = 0.016; STAI-T: 10.30 ± 2.87 vs 11.89 ± 2.91, P = 0.002). The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that higher STAI-S and STAI-T scores were associated with a higher risk of poor cooperation (P < 0.05). In the neuroticism scale, scores above 61.5 were associated with a higher risk of poor cooperation (first-eye OR = 1.9; P < 0.05, second-eye OR = 2.395, P < 0.05) compared to scores below 38.5.
Conclusion
Patients with elevated anxiety levels and typical neurotic personality traits are more likely to exhibit poor cooperation during SMILE surgery.