bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a biodegradable polymer-based implant to release dual drugs for post-operative management of cataract surgery
Authors: Subhash Nayana E- , Nair Soumya , Srinivas Srilatha Parampalli , Theruveethi Nagarajan , Bhandary Sulatha V- , Guru BharathRaja 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCataract surgery is followed by post-operative eye drops for a duration of 4–6 weeks. The multitude of ocular barriers, coupled with the discomfort experienced by both the patient and their relatives in frequently administering eye drops, significantly undermines patient compliance, ultimately impeding the recovery of the patient. This study aimed to design and develop an ocular drug delivery system as an effort to achieve a drop-free post-operative care after cataract surgery. An implant was prepared containing a biodegradable polymer Poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), Dexamethasone (DEX) as an anti-inflammatory drug, and Moxifloxacin(MOX) as an antibiotic. Implant characterization and drug loading analysis were conducted. In vitro drug release profile showed that the release of the two drugs are correlated with the clinical prescription for post operative eye drops. In vivo study was conducted on New Zealand albino rabbits where one eye underwent cataract surgery, and the drug delivery implant was inserted into the capsular bag after placement of the synthetic intraocular lens (IOL). Borderline increase in the intraocular pressure (IOP) was noted in the test sample group. Slit-lamp observations revealed no significant anterior chamber reaction in all study groups. Histopathology study of the operated eye revealed no significant pathology in the test samples. This work aims at developing the intra ocular drug delivery implant which will replace the post-operative eye drops and help the patient with the post-operative hassle of eye drops.
Graphical abstract (created using BioRender.com)
Enhancing Power Lines Detection Using Deep Learning and Feature-Level Fusion of Infrared and Visible Light Images
Authors: Aboalia Hossam , Hussein Sherif , Mahmoud Alaaeldin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe detection of power lines is critical for flight safety, especially for drones and low-flying aircraft. Power line detection models help prevent collisions, reducing potential damage and preserving lives, while also safeguarding critical infrastructure. This has led to significant research efforts to develop accurate detection models. In this study, we employ paired infrared–visible power line datasets to train three distinct deep learning models. The first two models are sequential deep learning models based on VGG16 and AlexNet networks. They are tailored for detection in visible images, while they were optimized again for infrared images. For the third model, we introduce an innovative deep learning architecture utilizing Functional Application Programming Interface, affording us the flexibility to construct a multi-input model with shared layers. Our proposed model accepts paired images (visible and infrared) as inputs. Then, a feature-level fusion process is applied to merge the extracted features from both inputs and generate an enriched feature map. This approach amalgamates the advantages of visible images, which boast high resolution and rich texture features, with infrared images, which excel in high contrast and clear vision under adverse environmental conditions. Comparing the outcomes of the three models, our proposed model emerges as the front runner, boasting an impressive accuracy rate of 99.37%. Moreover, real-time processing was adopted by conducting ablation experiments to optimize the model and reduce the number of trainable parameters, resulting in an inference speed of 2.7 milliseconds per frame.
A volume-conservation particle shifting scheme for moving particle method simulating free-surface flow
Authors: Liu Xiaoxing , Wang Kai , Duan Guangtao , Zhang Shuai 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this study, a novel particle shifting scheme for the moving particle method simulating free surface flow is developed. The overall method is based on the framework of least square moving particle semi-implicit (LSMPS) method, enabling accurate and stable treatment of wall boundary without configuration of dummy or virtual wall particles. To avoid volume expansion, a volume-conservation particle shifting (VCPS) model is developed. An additional term considering the variation of particle numerical density is incorporated into the VCPS model to avoid volume expansion. Several numerical simulations are calculated to validate the effectiveness of the VCPS. It is demonstrated that LSMPS incorporating with VCPS shows satisfactory accuracy and superior capability to conserve volume.
Improvement in clinical features of hypercortisolism during osilodrostat treatment: findings from the Phase III LINC 3 trial in Cushing's disease
Authors: Pivonello R. , Fleseriu M. , Newell-Price J. , Shimatsu A. , Feelders R. A. , Kadioglu P. , Tabarin A. , Brue T. C. , Geer E. B. , Piacentini A. , Pedroncelli A. M. , Biller B. M. K. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Cushing’s disease is associated with substantial morbidity and impaired quality of life (QoL) resulting from excess cortisol exposure. The current study explored improvements in clinical signs and additional specific manifestations of hypercortisolism during osilodrostat (potent oral 11β-hydroxylase inhibitor) therapy by degree of control of mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC).

Methods
LINC 3 (NCT02180217) was a prospective, open-label, 48-week study of osilodrostat (starting dose: 2 mg bid; maximum: 30 mg bid) that enrolled 137 adults with Cushing’s disease and mUFC > 1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). mUFC (normal range 11‒138 nmol/24 h), cardiometabolic parameters (blood pressure, weight, waist circumference, body mass index, total cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, glycated haemoglobin), physical manifestations of hypercortisolism (facial rubor, striae, fat distribution, bruising, hirsutism [females], muscle atrophy) and QoL were evaluated. mUFC was defined as controlled if ≤ ULN, partially controlled if > ULN but ≥ 50% reduction from baseline, and uncontrolled if > ULN and < 50% reduction from baseline. Concomitant medications were permitted throughout the study.

Results
At weeks 24 and 48, respectively, mUFC was controlled in 93 (67.9%) and 91 (66.4%) patients, partially controlled in 20 (14.6%) and 13 (9.5%), and uncontrolled in 24 (17.5%) and 33 (24.1%). Overall, mean improvements from baseline in cardiometabolic at week 24 were greater in patients with controlled or partially controlled versus uncontrolled mUFC; at week 48, improvements occurred irrespective of mUFC control. Generally, physical manifestations and QoL progressively improved from baseline irrespective of mUFC control.

Conclusions
Improvements in clinical signs and additional specific manifestations of hypercortisolism associated with Cushing’s disease occurred alongside decreases in mUFC.
Trial registration NCT02180217 (first posted July 2014).
Return on Investment of Three-Year Accelerated Programs for Students, Medical Schools, Departments, and Community
Authors: Santen Sally A. , Gonzalez-Flores Alicia , Coe Catherine L. , Partin Michael , Brenner Judith M. , Nalin Peter M. , Macerollo Allison A. , Cangiarella Joan , Saavedra Arthur , Leong Shou Ling 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBuilding on the initial accelerated pathway programs in the 1970s to increase workforce, nearly 30 schools have launched accelerated 3-year pathways (A3YP) during the past decade. The authors based on their educational roles, experiences, and scholarship with A3YP provide this perspective of the argument for A3YP and potential disadvantages for each group—students, schools, residencies, departments, and community. When schools consider innovations, they might consider A3YPs for multiple reasons; this perspective helps provide justification for the program and broadly considers return on investment (ROI). The ROI for students includes decreased debt, reduced costs and stress associated with the fourth-year residency applications, and a directed pathway with facilitated transition into a residency program with accompanying professional identity development. Disadvantages for students include early specialty commitment, risk of deceleration, and condensed curriculum. The ROI for schools includes recruiting and retaining students, who will then transition more easily into residency and stimulating innovation. Residency programs gain residents with known skills, who have been a part of the department for 3 years. In addition, fewer residency slots for interviewing leads to saving recruitment administrative costs and time. Finally, many programs are intended to increase the workforce, since students who come to the region for medical school and transition directly into residency are likely to stay in the region. Disadvantages include increased curricular complexity for the medical school, increased administrative support, and advising resources. Finally, several of the accelerated programs attract matriculants from diverse backgrounds contributing to the diversity of the medical school, residency program, and community workforce.
Multicriteria group decision making for prioritizing IoT risk factors with linear diophantine fuzzy sets and MARCOS method
Authors: Jayakumar Vimala , Kannan Jeevitha , Kausar Nasreen , Deveci Muhammet , Wen Xin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn a dynamic world of technological advances, the Internet of Things (IoT) is a transformational and widespread force that has revolutionized the way we communicate with our surroundings and regulate our environments. It offers several advantages but also introduces inherent risks. In this study, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the risks associated with IoT and employ the effectiveness of a Linear Diophantine Fuzzy Set to rank the risk factors. Because of the significant uncertainties frequently present in IoT contexts, the use of a fuzzy framework is invaluable in discerning and addressing these risks. The primary contribution is to employ the Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to the Compromise Solution (MARCOS) method and linear diophantine fuzzy sets to propose a multi-criteria group decision-making method (MCGDM) for ranking attributes to facilitate risk prioritization, enabling consumers to determine the crucial hazards in their IoT systems. Furthermore, we implement a comparative study and a sensitivity analysis to demonstrate the robustness of our proposed methodology. The insights obtained from our research not only improve the awareness of IoT hazards but also enable organizations and individuals to make informed decisions when navigating IoT fields. By proactively addressing these risks, we endorse the development and secure deployment of IoT technology.
Evaluation of the strength performance and microstructural properties of different based metakaolin blended cements containing greenly synthesized nanosilica
Authors: Raheem Akeem Ayinde , Abdulwahab Rasheed , Ikotun Bolanle Deborah , Adetoro Ezekiel Adeyemi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe drive towards improving the properties of cement composite thus making it eco-friendly, sustainable, and durable, has been the focus of the construction industry. Kaolin is one of the pozzolans that have been investigated in recent times, but its reactivity is influenced by its source. In addition, the problem of homogenous mixing onsite and early strength development of pozzolana blended cement are evident. This research focused on the strength and microstructural properties of factory-produced metakaolin blended cement incorporated with green nanosilica. Kaolin samples were obtained from three locations and calcinated at 700 ℃ for 1 h. Metakaolin was interground with 10% Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) clinker at the factory. Binder-sand ratio (1:3) with a water-binder ratio of 0.5 was adopted for batching the mortar. Nanosilica was added to the mortar at: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5%, respectively. Prisms of 40 × 40 × 160 mm were cast and cured for 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, 90, 180, 270, and 365 days, respectively. The flexural and compressive strengths of prisms including the water absorption of cubes were evaluated. 10% MK addition enhanced the mechanical properties of the mortar with MK C having the highest enhancement. Incorporation of 1% nanosilica enhanced strengths at early and later ages, as well as refinement in the pores of the mortar with increasing nanosilica.
Consequences of increased temperature on the abundances of epilithic cyanobacteria and macroalgae in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Kibria Golam 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe ongoing global warming is likely to cause changes in the growth and species composition of aquatic epilithic communities. To be able to predict such changes, a field study was conducted in the cooling water discharge area of a nuclear power plant that releases brackish cooling water to the Baltic Sea at Forsmark. The power plant creates a temperature gradient in the field from 0 to ca. 8 °C above normal temperature. The project was concentrated on the growth and distribution of four dominant taxa in the upper littoral zone: the colonial cyanobacterium Rivularia atra and the three filamentous macroalgae Cladophora glomerata (green), Ulva spp. (green) and Ceramium tenuicorne (red). Overall, Cladophora increased strongly, Ulva spp. increased slightly and Ceramium decreased strongly in abundance with higher water temperature. For Rivularia these results were corroborated in a laboratory experiment and studied in more detail. The colonies collected at 18 °C in the field were experimentally exposed to 18 °C, 22 °C and 26 °C in climate chambers for 50 days. Growth rates were highest in 18 °C and lowest in 22 and 26 °C. Addition of extra stress in the form of a heavy metal (copper) decreased growth in all temperatures, but highest growth rates still occurred in 18 °C. Rivularia was less stressed in 18 °C than in 22 °C and 26 °C, which was shown by, higher chlorophyll a (chla) concentration, higher photosynthetic performance (measured as electron transport rate by pulse amplitude modulated fluorescence), lower zeaxanthin concentration and a lower carotenoids:chla ratio.
Effect of hydrogel on survival and growth of Grevillea robusta seedlings under semi-arid field condition
Authors: Garedew Efrem , Woldemariam Zewdie , Eshete Negash , Anjulo Agena , Tesema Teshome 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWater scarcity limits the survival and growth of planted-out seedlings in Ethiopia’s semi-arid regions. Hydrogel, recently introduced in Ethiopia, is a super-absorbent polymer to reduce water stress. This study investigated its effect on the early survival and growth of Grevillea robusta seedlings in semi-arid areas. Relevant soil characteristics were analyzed. Four hydrogel levels (control, 3, 5, and 7 g/plant) were applied to the bottom of planting holes in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Survival, Height, and Root Collar Diameter were measured at 6 and 14 months after planting. One-way ANOVA assessed hydrogel effects. No significant positive effects of hydrogel on survival or early growth compared to the control (0 g/plant) were observed in the sandy-loam soil. These findings suggest limited benefit under the study’s specific conditions. Further research is crucial to explore the potential of hydrogels, considering broader ranges of application rates and methods, tree species, and environmental conditions. This knowledge may support forest restoration efforts in the face of severe land degradation, climate change, and variability in Ethiopia.
L’éthique et l’éthos de la profession chez les avocats en droit criminel et en droit social
Authors: Jean-Bouchard Évelyne , Noreau Pierre 
Published: May 2024

RésuméQuelle relation les avocats entretiennent-ils avec les exigences éthiques de leur profession? Ce texte pose l’hypothèse qu’il existe un décalage entre la définition déontologique, universelle et abstraite établie par le Code de déontologie des avocats et les prises de décisions éthiques prises au quotidien par les professionnels du droit dans le contexte de leur domaine de pratique et des relations qu’ils tissent avec leurs clients, leurs collègues et l’administration judiciaire. Ainsi, nous avons identifié les différents sites de socialisation où les professionnels sont susceptibles de faire l’apprentissage des normes propres à leur pratique. Nous nous sommes alors plus directement intéressés aux dimensions systémiques et institutionnelles de celle-ci. À partir des résultats d’une série d’entretiens semi-directifs menés auprès d’avocats en droit criminel et en droit social, nous avons pu constater que leurs prises de décisions éthiques étaient fortement influencées par les manières d’être et les logiques de pratique au sein de leur communauté, c’est-à-dire par l’ethos spécifique à leur profession.
Cross-Country Discrepancies in Monkeypox Vaccine Hesitancy Among Postgraduate and Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Hussein Mai , Siddiq Abdelmonem , Ismail Horeya M. , Mansy Norhan , Ellakwa Doha El-Sayed , Nassif Mohammed , Hussein Areej A. , Abdullah Alzedaar Jubran K. , Iloanusi Chukwuagoziem A. , Omran Murad O. , Rourou Khalil M. , Suvvari Tarun K. , Yazbek Saja , Ghazy Ramy M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Medical students hold significant importance, as they represent the future of healthcare provision. This study aimed to explore psychological antecedents towards the monkeypox (mpox) vaccines among postgraduate and undergraduate medical students across countries.

Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical students aged 18 years old and above in 7 countries; Egypt, Romania, Malaysia, and Yemen, Iraq, India, and Nigeria. We used social media platforms between September 27 and November 4, 2022. An anonymous online survey using the 5C scale was conducted using snowball and convenience Sampling methods to assess the 5 psychological antecedents of vaccination (i.e., confidence, constraints, complacency, and calculation, as well as collective responsibility).

Results:
A total of 2780 participants were recruited. Participants’ median age was 22 years and 52.1% of them were males. The 5C psychological antecedents of vaccination were as follows: 55% were confident about vaccination, 10% were complacent, 12% experienced constraints, and 41% calculated the risk and benefit. Lastly, 32% were willing to be vaccinated for the prevention of infection transmission to others. The Country was a significant predictor of confidence, complacency, having constraints, and calculation domains (P < 0.001). Having any idea about the mpox vaccine was linked to 1.6 times higher odds of being more confident [OR = 1.58 (95% CI, 1.26–1.98), P < 0.001] Additionally, living in a rural area significantly increased complacency [OR = 1.42 (95% CI, 1.05–1.95), P = 0.024] as well as having anyone die from mpox [OR = 3.3 (95% CI, 1.64–6.68), P < 0.001]. Education level was associated with increased calculation [OR = 2.74 (95% CI, 1.62–4.64), P < 0.001]. Moreover, being single and having no chronic diseases significantly increased the calculation domain [OR = 1.40 (95% CI, 1.06–1.98), P = 0.02] and [OR = 1.54 (95% CI, 1.10–2.16), P = 0.012] respectively. Predictors of collective responsibility were age 31–45 years [OR = 2.89 (95% CI, 1.29–6.48), P = 0.01], being single [OR = 2.76 (95% CI, 1.94 -3.92), P < 0.001], being a graduate [OR = 1.59 (95% CI (1.32–1.92), P < 0.001], having no chronic disease [OR = 2.14 (95% CI, 1.56–2.93), P < 0.001], and not knowing anyone who died from mpox [OR = 2.54 (95% CI, 1.39–4.64), P < 0.001), as well as living in a middle-income country [OR = 0.623, (95% CI, 0.51–0.73), P < 0.001].

Conclusions:
This study underscores the multifaceted nature of psychological antecedents of vaccination, emphasizing the impact of socio-demographic factors, geographic location, and awareness, as well as previous experiences on individual attitudes and collective responsibility towards vaccination.
Monthly rainfall prediction using artificial neural network (case study: Republic of Benin)
Authors: Aïzansi Arsène Nounangnon , Ogunjobi Kehinde Olufunso , Ogou Faustin Katchele 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Complex physical processes that are inherent to rainfall lead to the challenging task of its prediction. To contribute to the improvement of rainfall prediction, artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed using a multilayer perceptron (MLP) approach to predict monthly rainfall 2 months in advance for six geographically diverse weather stations across the Benin Republic. For this purpose, 12 lagged values of atmospheric data were used as predictors. The models were trained using data from 1959 to 2017 and tested for 4 years (2018–2021). The proposed method was compared to long short-term memory (LSTM) and climatology forecasts (CFs). The prediction performance was evaluated using five statistical measures: root mean square error, mean absolute error, mean absolute percentage error, coefficient of determination, and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) coefficient. Furthermore, Taylor diagrams, violin plots, box error, and Kruskal–Wallis test were used to assess the robustness of the model’s forecast. The results revealed that MLP gives better results than LSTM and CF. The NSE obtained with the MLP, LSTM, and CF models during the test period ranges from 0.373 to 0.885, 0.297 to 0.875, and 0.335 to 0.845, respectively, depending on the weather station. Rainfall predictability was more accurate, with 0.512 improvement in NSE using MLP at higher latitudes across the country, showing the effect of geographic regions on prediction model results. In summary, this research has revealed the potential of ANN techniques in predicting monthly rainfall 2 months ahead, supplying valuable insights for decision-makers in the Republic of Benin.
Stretch Goals and Radical Creativity: Cognitive Flexibility as a Key Contingency
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Xu Yuping , Yu Ziyi , Wu Bingqing , Wang Zijing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAlthough some organizations encourage employees to generate radical ideas by implementing stretch goals, the relationship between stretch goals and radical creativity is complicated. Unfortunately, existing research has not adequately addressed this issue. Therefore, we integrate signaling theory with creativity-related research and propose that the interaction between stretch goals and cognitive flexibility predicts employees' willingness to take risks, thereby influencing their engagement in radical creative activities and ultimately affecting their radical creativity. To test our hypotheses, we conduct two empirical studies. The results suggest that, for employees with high cognitive flexibility, stretch goals increase their willingness to assume risks, thus leading to improved engagement in radical creative activities and enhancing their radical creativity. Conversely, for employees with low cognitive flexibility, stretch goals decrease their willingness to take risks, which hampers their engagement in radical creative activities and their radical creativity. The theoretical contributions and practical implications of this study are also discussed.
Some congruences for 12-coloured generalized Frobenius partitions
Authors: Cui Su-Ping , Gu Nancy S. S. , Tang Dazhao 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn his 1984 AMS Memoir, Andrews introduced the family of functions $c\phi_k(n)$, the number of k-coloured generalized Frobenius partitions of n. In 2019, Chan, Wang and Yang systematically studied the arithmetic properties of $\textrm{C}\Phi_k(q)$ for $2\leq k\leq17$ by utilizing the theory of modular forms, where $\textrm{C}\Phi_k(q)$ denotes the generating function of $c\phi_k(n)$. In this paper, we first establish another expression of $\textrm{C}\Phi_{12}(q)$ with integer coefficients, then prove some congruences modulo small powers of 3 for $c\phi_{12}(n)$ by using some parameterized identities of theta functions due to A. Alaca, S. Alaca and Williams. Finally, we conjecture three families of congruences modulo powers of 3 satisfied by $c\phi_{12}(n)$.