bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges faced by Iraqi academics in career advancement and promotion
Authors: Dakhil Zainab Atiyah , Skuk Moatamn , Al-Jorani May 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Considering the lack of data from Iraq on the challenges faced by academics regarding academic advancement, we aimed to explore the main challenges faced by academic faculty members in Iraq in achieving academic advancement and promotion. A cross sectional 24-item Google form survey was shared via social media; 130 Iraqi academics responded. Lack of research funding and poor research infrastructure were the most common barriers for academic advancement. Most academics agreed that the cost of promotion requirements is considered a lot compared to their income. This is the first study that has explored this issue in Iraq and suggests future strategies to overcome these barriers.
Reifying dynamical algebra: Maximal ideals in countable rings, constructively
Authors: Blechschmidt Ingo , Schuster Peter 
Published: April 2024

The existence of a maximal ideal in a general nontrivial commutative ring is tied together with the axiom of choice. Following Berardi, Valentini and thus Krivine but using the relative interpretation of negation (that is, as “implies 0 = 1”) we show, in constructive set theory with minimal logic, how for countable rings one can do without any kind of choice and without the usual decidability assumption that the ring is strongly discrete (membership in finitely generated ideals is decidable). By a functional recursive definition we obtain a maximal ideal in the sense that the quotient ring is a residue field (every noninvertible element is zero), and with strong discreteness even a geometric field (every element is either invertible or else zero). Krull’s lemma for the related notion of prime ideal follows by passing to rings of fractions. By employing a construction variant of set-theoretic forcing due to Joyal and Tierney, we expand our treatment to arbitrary rings and establish a connection with dynamical algebra: We recover the dynamical approach to maximal ideals as a parametrized version of the celebrated double negation translation. This connection allows us to give formal a priori criteria elucidating the scope of the dynamical method. Along the way we do a case study for proofs in algebra with minimal logic, and generalize the construction to arbitrary inconsistency predicates. A partial Agda formalization is available at an accompanying repository.11 See https://github.com/iblech/constructive-maximal-ideals/. This text is a revised and extended version of the conference paper (In Revolutions and Revelations in Computability. 18th Conference on Computability in Europe (2022) Springer). The conference paper only briefly sketched the connection with dynamical algebra; did not compare this connection with other flavors of set-theoretic forcing; and sticked to the case of commutative algebra only, passing on the generalization to inconsistency predicates and well-orders.
Heating load prediction in buildings using decision tree machine learning method
Authors: Yan Huiming , Yan Zilin , Wang Weiling , Liu Shuyue 
Published: April 2024

In recent years, the burgeoning imperative of energy-efficient building management practices has surged dramatically, underscoring an urgent mandate for comprehensive studies that integrate cutting-edge optimization algorithms with precise heating load forecasting techniques. These studies are not merely endeavors; they represent concerted efforts to increase building energy efficiency and address mounting concerns regarding sustainability and resource utilization. In the intricate domain of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, energy optimization challenges are being meticulously confronted through rigorous exploration and the application of innovative problem-solving methodologies. This pioneering study introduces groundbreaking methodologies by seamlessly integrating two state-of-the-art optimization algorithms— the Red Fox Optimization and the Golden Eagle Optimizer— with the Decision Tree model. This fusion is aimed at enhancing the accuracy of heating load predictions and streamlining HVAC system optimization processes, marking a significant leap toward achieving heightened energy efficiency and operational efficacy in building management practices. The study emphasizes the significance of precise heating load prediction in advancing energy efficiency, realizing cost savings, and fostering environmental sustainability in building management. Furthermore, it delves into the multifaceted impact of various building features on heating load, encompassing variables such as glazing area, orientation, height, relative compactness, roof area, surface area, and wall area. These insights furnish actionable intelligence for refined decision-making processes in both building design and operation. Based on the results, the DT single model experienced the weakest performance among the three models, with R2 = 0.975 and RMSE = 1.608. The model DTFO (DT + FOX) achieves an extraordinary R2 value of 0.996 and RMSE value of 0.961 for heating load prediction, surpassing the performance benchmarks set by other models. This achievement holds considerable promise for aiding engineers in crafting energy-efficient buildings, particularly within the swiftly evolving landscape of smart home technologies.
Association of Misfolded α-Synuclein Derived from Neuronal Exosomes in Blood with Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis and Duration
Authors: Schaeffer Eva , Kluge Annika , Schulte Claudia , Deuschle Christian , Bunk Josina , Welzel Julius , Maetzler Walter , Berg Daniela 
Published: April 2024

Background: Misfolded α-synuclein can be detected in blood samples of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients by a seed amplification assay (SAA), but the association with disease duration is not clear, yet. Objective: In the present study we aimed to elucidate whether seeding activity of misfolded α-synuclein derived from neuronal exosomes in blood is associated with PD diagnosis and disease duration. Methods: Cross-sectional samples of PD patients were analyzed and compared to samples of age- and gender-matched healthy controls using a blood-based SAA. Presence of α-synuclein seeding activity and differences in seeding parameters, including fluorescence response (in arbitrary units) at the end of the amplification assay (F60) were analyzed. Additionally, available PD samples collected longitudinally over 5–9 years were included. Results: In the cross-sectional dataset, 79 of 80 PD patients (mean age 69 years, SD = 8; 56% male) and none of the healthy controls ( n = 20, mean age 70 years, SD = 10; 55% male) showed seeding activity (sensitivity 98.8%). When comparing subgroups divided by disease duration, longer disease duration was associated with lower α-synuclein seeding activity (F60: p < 0.001). In the longitudinal analysis 10/11 patients showed a gradual decrease of α-synuclein seeding activity over time. Conclusions: This study confirms the high sensitivity of the blood-based α-synuclein SAA applied here. The negative association of α-synuclein seeding activity in blood with disease duration makes this parameter potentially interesting as biomarker for future studies on the pathophysiology of disease progression in PD, and for biologically oriented trials in this field.
Diverse ideas about the value of Official Statistics systems
Authors: Roy Ken 
Published: April 2024

This paper offers an initial overview of different ideas about the value of Official Statistics systems. For the purposes of this paper, an Official Statistics ‘system’ is taken to cover the set of organisations (within a country) that are involved in the production, communication, use and governance of Official Statistics. The paper seeks to analyse the stated ambitions for, or the claims about, these systems that are contained within a sample of formal corporate documents mainly produced by different national statistical organisations. These sources offer a range of diverse ideas about different types of value that societies may secure from having well-functioning Official Statistics systems. There are some foundational ideas of value that are often referenced – including the ambition that good Official Statistics will enable good (or better) decision-making by governments and others, which in turn will generate positive outcomes for society. The analysis also flags a range of ambitions for wider outcomes that might be secured by well-functioning Official Statistics systems – for example, outcomes for citizens (enabling them to be better informed, represented and empowered), outcomes for governments (contributing to a better more effective governmental process) or outcomes in terms of having better informed public debate. Collectively these concepts could inform any wider framework developed to communicate the potential value of Official Statistics systems, complementing the more specific expressions of value that might emerge directly from the views and judgements of users.
Feature shared multi-decoder network using complementary learning for Photon counting CT ring artifact suppression
Authors: Cui Wei , Lv Haipeng , Wang Jiping , Zheng Yanyan , Wu Zhongyi , Zhao Hui , Zheng Jian , Li Ming 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: Photon-counting computed tomography (Photon counting CT) utilizes photon-counting detectors to precisely count incident photons and measure their energy. These detectors, compared to traditional energy integration detectors, provide better image contrast and material differentiation. However, Photon counting CT tends to show more noticeable ring artifacts due to limited photon counts and detector response variations, unlike conventional spiral CT. OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively address this issue, we propose a novel feature shared multi-decoder network (FSMDN) that utilizes complementary learning to suppress ring artifacts in Photon counting CT images. METHODS: Specifically, we employ a feature-sharing encoder to extract context and ring artifact features, facilitating effective feature sharing. These shared features are also independently processed by separate decoders dedicated to the context and ring artifact channels, working in parallel. Through complementary learning, this approach achieves superior performance in terms of artifact suppression while preserving tissue details. RESULTS: We conducted numerous experiments on Photon counting CT images with three-intensity ring artifacts. Both qualitative and quantitative results demonstrate that our network model performs exceptionally well in correcting ring artifacts at different levels while exhibiting superior stability and robustness compared to the comparison methods. CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, we have introduced a novel deep learning network designed to mitigate ring artifacts in Photon counting CT images. The results illustrate the viability and efficacy of our proposed network model as a new deep learning-based method for suppressing ring artifacts.
Utilizing “E-Cooperative” Financial Technology For Business Sustainability
Authors: Elya Dasuki Rima , Khairil Bustaman Muhammad 
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on cooperative business activities. Business management models and mass marketing and direct selling are difficult to implement because of the high risk of spreading COVID-19 through direct interaction. Therefore, innovative efforts are needed so that the cooperative's business is running well so that the sustainability of the cooperative's business is maintained. Utilization of information technology is an alternative to solve the problem impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through the development of e-cooperatives, which are information technology-based media to facilitate virtual cooperative business management. E-cooperative is an alternative that allows the management of cooperatives with less contact. The stages of development are carried out through; identification of requirements/requirements definition, system and software design, implementation and unit testing, integration and system testing, operation and maintenance. The implementation of the e_cooperative application is expected to help manage cooperatives effectively and efficiently and facilitate cooperative management so that it has a positive impact on the business development of members, so that cooperatives and their members can remain productive and carry out economic activities during the COVID-19 pandemic by running a less contact economy. This paper is an introductory paper that forms the basis for research preparation so that research is carried out systematically
Investigation of Flow and Combustion Technology Changes in a Device Nozzle for Natural Gas as a Result of Mixing in Hydrogen
Authors: Lévai Emese , Laza Tamás 
Published: April 2024

The efforts of the European Union (2021, EU Regulation on Gas and Hydrogen Networks) have been waiting for a solution to the problem of -even if only partial- independence from natural gas. The article shows the effects on the combustion technical parameters and equipment, if the 100% natural gas plant is replaced with a certain proportion of hydrogen. The article examines how it affects the combustion technical parameters of natural gas user equipment if the gas that feeds them is replaced by hydrogen-natural gas mixtures of different proportions. The results show that with the introduction of hydrogen, the Wobbe number decreases, and with this equipment, hydrogen can be added to the natural gas in an amount of 23 V/V% so that it meets the standards. When examining the flame propagation speed, we conclude that it is expected that the flame will not burn back at this ratio. The work promotes the progress of natural gas-hydrogen co-combustion technologies, as it examines a special part of the combustion equipment, the nozzle, and the flow engineering processes taking place in it. With the help of this model, we successfully investigated the excess air resulting from various natural gas-hydrogen mixtures in the case of a given geometry, but the model, with its mathematical additions, also proves that mixing in hydrogen generally reduces the amount of incoming air.
Limit State of Bake Hardened Stamped Interstitial-free Steel Automotive Parts Caused by Local Thickness Reduction
Authors: Klejch Filip , Schmidová Eva 
Published: April 2024

Current trends in the complex shapes of modern automobiles lead to the need for extremely formable materials for deep drawing applications. In general Interstitial–Free (IF) steels present the solution for this purpose. In addition, the cold stamping process is influenced by a variety of input factors that must be correctly adjusted. An imperfection in one of the inputs may cause stamping defects even with deep drawing materials. Limit states may then appear in the form of cracks or unacceptable thinning in the critically stressed areas of the stamped parts. For this reason, a general focus is placed on the use of non-destructive methods and inspection of stamped parts after stamping for potential subsequent modification of the stamping process. The presented work deals with the material analyses of stamped parts made of Bake-Hardened Interstitial-Free steel, including the local thickness reduction of the material, leading to the occurrence of crack propagation. The focus of the work was placed on the critical influencing factors resulting from the limit states presented. The evaluation of the material flow and the local plastic response was carried out using a cylindrical indentation method. In addition, the SEM analyses showed the importance of the deformation capacity of the surface coating which proved to be one of the decisive parameters for the occurrence of limit states.
Impacto de la tecnológica educativa en estudiantes de bachillerato, institución Emilio Isaías Abihanna, en Ecuador
Authors: Valdiviezo Corella Blanca Mercedes , Jácome Segovia Diego Fernando , Alfonso Caveda Duniesky 
Published: April 2024

Introducción: el estudio investigativo se centra en el impacto de la tecnología en la educación, específicamente en el curso de emprendimiento y gestión para estudiantes de tercer año de bachillerato en la Unidad Educativa Emilio Isaías Abihanna, Ecuador. Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de la tecnología educativa en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de emprendimiento y gestión en estudiantes de tercero de bachillerato en la Unidad Educativa Emilio Isaías Abihanna. Metodología: la metodología empleada fue cualitativa y descriptiva, utilizando observación y un cuestionario de 10 preguntas dirigido a 42 estudiantes. Los datos recopilados revelaron la importancia de la tecnología para mejorar la participación, la memoria y la creatividad en el aprendizaje. Antes de la implementación de la tecnología educativa, las clases carecían de interacción y colaboración entre estudiantes, resultando desmotivadoras. Resultados: la encuesta inicial indicó que el 29% utilizaba dispositivos para estudiar, mientras que el 71% no lo hacía. Sin embargo, el 83% consideraba esencial la tecnología para el aprendizaje, aunque el 17% no lo veía así. Respecto al uso de software educativo, el 71% se sentía cómodo, mientras que el 29% mostraba incomodidad, representando un desafío para mejorar el interés en su uso. Después de la integración de la tecnología, se observó un aumento significativo del 83% en el uso de dispositivos por parte de los estudiantes. El 90% percibió la importancia de la tecnología en el aprendizaje, notando un cambio positivo en la comprensión de las asignaturas y una mayor eficiencia en el estudio. El 95% experimentó una mejora en la colaboración entre compañeros gracias a la tecnología educativa. Conclusiones: la investigación sostiene que el uso adecuado de la tecnología en la educación, guiado por los docentes, promueve el desarrollo personal de los estudiantes y mejora su calidad de vida.
Synthesis and toxicity assessment of Coffea arabica extract-derived gold nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin in lung cancer cell cultures
Authors: Trejo-Teniente Isaí , Jaramillo-Loranca Blanca Estela , Vargas-Hernández Genaro , Villanueva-Ibáñez Maricela , Tovar-Jiménez Xochitl , Olvera-Venegas Patricia Nayeli , Tapia-Ramírez José 
Published: April 2024

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, despite the many treatments available, cancer patients face side effects that reduce their quality of life. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel strategies to increase the efficacy of treatments. In this study, gold nanoparticles obtained by green synthesis with Coffea arabica green bean extract were loaded with Doxorubicin, (a highly effective but non-specific drug) by direct interaction and using commercial organic ligands that allow colloidal dispersion at physiological and tumor pH. Conjugation of these components resulted in stable nanohybrids at physiological pH and a tumor pH release dependent, with a particle size less than 40 nm despite having the ligands and Doxorubicin loaded on their surface, which gave them greater specificity and cytotoxicity in H69 tumor cells.
The treatment efficacy of bone tissue engineering strategy for repairing segmental bone defects under diabetic condition
Authors: Wang Xiangsheng , Xiang Can , Huang Chunhua , Cheng Hanxiao , Zhou Zhentao , Zhang Jufang , Xie Hui 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a systematic disease which exert detrimental effect on bone tissue. The repair and reconstruction of bone defects in diabetic patients still remain a major clinical challenge. This study aims to investigate the potential of bone tissue engineering approach to improve bone regeneration under diabetic condition.MethodsIn the present study, decalcified bone matrix (DBM) scaffolds were seeded with allogenic fetal bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and cultured in osteogenic induction medium to fabricate BMSC/DBM constructs. Then the BMSC/DBM constructs were implanted in both subcutaneous pouches and large femoral bone defects in diabetic (BMSC/DBM in DM group) and non-diabetic rats (BMSC/DBM in non-DM group), cell-free DBM scaffolds were implanted in diabetic rats to serve as the control group (DBM in DM group). X-ray, micro-CT and histological analyses were carried out to evaluate the bone regenerative potential of BMSC/DBM constructs under diabetic condition.ResultsIn the rat subcutaneous implantation model, quantitative micro-CT analysis demonstrated that BMSC/DBM in DM group showed impaired bone regeneration activity compared with the BMSC/DBM in non-DM group (bone volume: 46 ± 4.4 mm3 vs 58.9 ± 7.15 mm3, *p &lt; 0.05). In the rat femoral defect model, X-ray examination demonstrated that bone union was delayed in BMSC/DBM in DM group compared with BMSC/DBM in non-DM group. However, quantitative micro-CT analysis showed that after 6 months of implantation, there was no significant difference in bone volume and bone density between the BMSC/DBM in DM group (199 ± 63 mm3 and 593 ± 65 mg HA/ccm) and the BMSC/DBM in non-DM group (211 ± 39 mm3 and 608 ± 53 mg HA/ccm). Our data suggested that BMSC/DBM constructs could repair large bone defects in diabetic rats, but with delayed healing process compared with non-diabetic rats.ConclusionOur study suggest that biomaterial sacffolds seeded with allogenic fetal BMSCs represent a promising strategy to induce and improve bone regeneration under diabetic condition.
Association between SARS-CoV-2 gene specific Ct values and COVID-19 associated in-hospital mortality
Authors: Sikhosana Mpho L. , Welch Richard , Musekiwa Alfred , Makatini Zinhle , Ebonwu Joy , Blumberg Lucille , Jassat Waasila 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundSince there are currently no specific SARS-CoV-2 prognostic viral biomarkers for predicting disease severity, there has been interest in using SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cycle-threshold (Ct) values to predict disease progression.ObjectiveThis study assessed the association between in-hospital mortality of hospitalized COVID-19 cases and Ct-values of gene targets specific to SARS-CoV-2.MethodsClinical data of hospitalized COVID-19 cases from Gauteng Province from April 2020-July 2022 were obtained from a national surveillance system and linked to laboratory data. The study period was divided into pandemic waves: Asp614Gly/wave1 (7 June–22 Aug 2020); beta/wave2 (15 Nov 2020–6 Feb 2021); delta/wave3 (9 May–18 Sept 2021) and omicron/wave4 (21 Nov 2021–22 Jan 2022). Ct-value data of genes specific to SARS-CoV-2 according to testing platforms (Roche-ORF gene; GeneXpert-N2 gene; Abbott-RdRp gene) were categorized as low (Ct &lt; 20), mid (Ct20–30) or high (Ct &gt; 30).ResultsThere were 1205 recorded cases: 836(69.4%; wave1), 122(10.1%;wave2) 21(1.7%; wave3) and 11(0.9%;in wave4). The cases' mean age(±SD) was 49 years(±18), and 662(54.9%) were female. There were 296(24.6%) deaths recorded: 241(81.4%;wave1), 27 (9.1%;wave2), 6 (2%;wave3), and 2 (0.7%;wave4) (p &lt; 0.001). Sample distribution by testing platforms was: Roche 1,033 (85.7%), GeneXpert 169 (14%) and Abbott 3 (0.3%). The median (IQR) Ct-values according to testing platform were: Roche 26 (22–30), GeneXpert 38 (36–40) and Abbott 21 (16–24). After adjusting for sex, age and presence of a comorbidity, the odds of COVID-19 associated death were high amongst patients with Ct values 20–30[adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 2.25; 95% CI: 1.60–3.18] and highest amongst cases with Ct-values &lt;20 (aOR 3.18; 95% CI: 1.92–5.27), compared to cases with Ct-values &gt;30.ConclusionAlthough odds of COVID19-related death were high amongst cases with Ct-values &lt;30, Ct values were not comparable across different testing platforms, thus precluding the comparison of SARS-CoV-2 Ct-value results.