bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advancing democratic processes in Ecuador: A case study on neural network‐driven OCR for election report verification
Authors: Asimbaya José Alejandro Mosquera , Ramírez Gabriel M. , Díaz‐Arancibia Jaime 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn Ecuador, scepticism surrounding electoral outcomes underscores the need for a reliable system to ensure transparent election results. Manual verification demands a more efficient approach due to the vast volume of election reports. This research introduces an automated system leveraging Artificial Intelligence to process results from Ecuador's three recent national elections.MethodsThe system, designed with a three‐layer architecture, extracts, processes, analyses, classifies and compares election results. We thoroughly analysed the National Electoral Council of Ecuador (CNE) web pages for effective data extraction and processing. Rigorous unit and acceptance tests validated the system's functionality. A classifier model, trained using data augmentation techniques, achieved a 98% accuracy rate.ResultsWhile the system boasts high efficiency, we identified three errors, accounting for less than 5% of the total fields processed. Notably, the quality of scanned reports and illegible handwritten numbers posed challenges for the classifier.ConclusionsThe system's deployment by an authorized entity in Ecuador could enhance the CNE's information verification. Despite some errors, the system's potential is clear. Future work includes refining classifiers, verifying officer signatures, and expanding the system's scope, aiming for a more transparent electoral process.
Probabilistic interval prediction method based on shape‐adaptive quantile regression
Authors: Li Lin , Wang Hua , Liu Yepeng , Zhang Fan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis article introduces customized screening ensemble with shape‐adaptive quantile regression (CseAQR), a novel probabilistic interval forecasting method built upon the quantile regression model. CseAQR utilizes ensemble learning to perform adaptive quantile regression prediction, which can handle the heteroscedasticity feature in time series data by using a weighted adaptive allocation loss function to enhance the adaptability of the basic quantile regression model on the dataset. The model performance predictor is used to select the optimal ensemble learner combination, assign reasonable adaptive weights to it, and obtain a preliminary prediction interval through weighted aggregation. Combining ensemble learners not only improves the accuracy and robustness of prediction intervals but also ensures the commutativity required for conformal prediction. Finally, the conformal prediction method is applied to locally adjust the prediction interval, constructing a more consistently aligned prediction interval with the actual data on a narrower basis.
Bayesian joint species distribution model selection for community‐level prediction
Authors: Itter Malcolm S. , Kaarlejärvi Elina , Laine Anna‐Liisa , Hamberg Leena , Tonteri Tiina , Vanhatalo Jarno 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimJoint species distribution models (JSDMs) are an important tool for predicting ecosystem diversity and function under global change. The growing complexity of modern JSDMs necessitates careful model selection tailored to the challenges of community prediction under novel conditions (i.e., transferable models). Common approaches to evaluate the performance of JSDMs for community‐level prediction are based on individual species predictions that do not account for the species correlation structures inherent in JSDMs. Here, we formalize a Bayesian model selection approach that accounts for species correlation structures and apply it to compare the community‐level predictive performance of alternative JSDMs across broad environmental gradients emulating transferable applications.InnovationWe connect the evaluation of JSDM predictions to Bayesian model selection theory under which the log score is the preferred performance measure for probabilistic prediction. We define the joint log score for community‐level prediction and distinguish it from more commonly applied JSDM evaluation metrics. We then apply the joint community log score to evaluate predictions of 1918 out‐of‐sample boreal forest understory communities spanning 39 species generated using a novel multinomial JSDM framework that supports alternative species correlation structures: independent, compositional dependence and residual dependence.Main conclusionsThe best performing JSDM included all observed environmental variables and compositional dependence modelled using a multinomial likelihood. The addition of flexible residual species correlations improved model predictions only within JSDMs applying a reduced set of environmental variables highlighting potential confounding between unobserved environmental conditions and residual species dependence. The best performing JSDM was consistent across successional and bioclimatic gradients regardless of whether interest was in species‐ or community‐level prediction. Our study demonstrates the utility of the joint community log score to compare the predictive performance of JSDMs and highlights the importance of accounting for species dependence when interest is in community composition under novel conditions.
Parental sensitivity and intrusiveness with mothers and fathers: Associations between parental behavioral activation/inhibition and infant temperament
Authors: Bailes Lauren G. , Lickenbrock Diane M. , Swift Alyssa R. , Rios Logan J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the factors contributing to sensitive parenting is crucial to optimize infant social and emotional functioning. Research has supported the association between parents' personality and parenting quality, but findings are inconsistent when examining various global personality measures. Further, it is likely that the interaction between parent‐level (e.g., personality) and infant‐level characteristics (e.g., temperament) are more strongly associated with caregiving quality. Most studies examining predictors of parenting quality have only included mothers, compared to fathers. The current study examined the interaction between parental personality and infant temperament and associations with parental sensitivity and intrusiveness with mothers and fathers. The participants included families (n = 102) when the infants were 4, 6, and 8 months old. Using parent report measures and a face‐to‐face play task, significant main effects of maternal behavioral inhibition on parenting behaviors were observed for mothers. A Behavioral Activation X Infant Negative Reactivity interaction predicted both maternal sensitivity and intrusiveness, whereas a Behavioral Inhibition X Infant Surgency predicted paternal intrusiveness. In summary, the results revealed support for the goodness‐of‐fit perspective between parents' personality and infant temperament.
Increased safety in periodontal surgery: Doppler ultrasound for detection of relevant palatal blood vessels—A proof‐of‐concept and cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bartha Valentin , Grünfeld Dan , Kopunic Aleksandra , Klein Christian , Wolff Diana , Ratka‐Krüger Petra , Woelber Johan Peter , Meller Christian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimTo evaluate the suitability of a Doppler ultrasound probe in detecting the greater palatine artery or its greater branches non‐invasively.Materials and MethodsThe palatal mucosa of 108 participants (median age 34 years, 51 female) was systematically divided into transversal sectors, each aligning with the positions of the upper molars (M), premolars (P) and canine teeth (C), aiming to facilitate precise and consistent localization of the detected palatal blood vessel across different patients. Blood flow of the palatal blood vessels, presumably, was located by scanning the palatal vault bilaterally using an 8‐MHz ultrasound probe linked to a transducer. The distance to the corresponding tooth was measured using a millimetre‐scale periodontal probe.ResultsWithin the regions of M2 to P1, the ultrasound transducer gave a delimitable acoustic pulse signal in 80%–98% of all measurements. The measured median distances between the determined position of the artery and the corresponding teeth ranged from 13 to 15 mm, with smaller distances in the anterior region. In several sectors, the distance was significantly higher for men (C: p = .048; P1: p = .041, M1: p < .01; M2: p = .034).ConclusionsUse of the Doppler ultrasound transducer might be a promising approach to non‐invasively detect relevant palatine blood vessels preoperatively. It, therefore, might have the potential to reduce the risk of accidental injury during palatal surgery.
Celiac disease in children and adolescents with Down syndrome: behavioural, adaptive and sleep profiles
Authors: Fucà E. , Costanzo F. , Galassi P. , Celestini L. , Valentini D. , Vicari S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit higher risk for celiac disease (CD) than general population. Although literature suggests CD could be associated with behavioural problems in both paediatric and adult age, such association has been poorly explored in children and adolescents DS. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate differences in emotional/behavioural difficulties, adaptive skills and sleep problems between children with DS with and without CD.MethodsData were retrospectively collected from a database including data from 381 individuals with DS (3–18 years). The final sample included 65 participants, 27 with co‐occurring CD and 38 age, IQ, sex and body mass index‐matched controls without CD. Emotional/behavioural difficulties, adaptive skills and sleep problems were assessed through parent report questionnaires.ResultsNo group differences emerged in emotional/behavioural difficulties, whereas participants in the CD group showed better adaptive skills in the practical domain than control group. Weak differences emerged in sleep problems.ConclusionsYouth with DS and co‐occurring CD do not exhibit more emotional and behavioural problems than youth with DS without co‐occurring CD but exhibit better adaptive skills in the practical domain.
Investigation of the interface of fungal mycelium composite building materials by means of low‐vacuum scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Lehmann Christian , Schmidt Bertram , Stephan Dietmar , Meyer Vera 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLow‐vacuum scanning electron microscopy (low‐vacuum SEM) is widely used for different applications, such as the investigation of noncoated specimen or the observation of biological materials, which are not stable to high vacuum. In this study, the combination of mineral building materials (concrete or clay plaster) with a biological composite (fungal mycelium composite) by using low‐vacuum SEM was investigated.Fungal biotechnology is increasingly gaining prominence in addressing the challenges of sustainability transformation. The construction industry is one of the biggest contributors to the climate crises and, therefore, can highly profit from applications based on regenerative fungal materials. In this work, a fungal mycelium composite is used as alternative to conventional insulating materials like Styrofoam. However, to adapt bio‐based products to the construction industry, investigations, optimisations and adaptations to existing solutions are needed. This paper examines the compatibility between fungal mycelium materials with mineral‐based materials to demonstrate basic feasibility. For this purpose, fresh and hardened concrete specimens as well as clay plaster samples are combined with growing mycelium from the tinder fungus Fomes fomentarius. The contact zone between the mycelium composite and the mineral building materials is examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).The combination of these materials proves to be feasible in general. The use of hardened concrete or clay with living mycelium composite appears to be the favoured variant, as the hyphae can grow into the surface of the building material and thus a layered structure with a stable connection is formed.In order to work with the combination of low‐density organic materials and higher‐density inorganic materials simultaneously, low‐vacuum SEM offers a suitable method to deliver results with reduced effort in preparation while maintaining high capture and magnification quality. Not only are image recordings possible with SE and BSE, but EDX measurements can also be carried out quickly without the influence of a coating. Depending on the signal used, as well as the magnification, image‐recording strategies must be adapted. Especially when using SE, an image‐integration method was used to reduce the build‐up of point charges from the electron beam, which damages the mycelial hyphae. Additionally using different signals during image capture is recommended to confirm acquired information, avoiding misinterpretations.
The COVID‐19 pandemic and adolescents' and young adults' experiences at school: A systematic narrative review
Authors: Benner Aprile D. , Harrington Madeline K. , Kealy Carmen , Nwafor Chidozie E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic upended the lives of adolescents and young adults across the globe. In response to the pandemic onset, educational institutions were forced to pivot to online learning, a new teaching and learning format for most secondary and university students. This systematic narrative review summarizes findings from 168 publications spanning 56 countries on students' educational outcomes and school climate as well as the internal assets and contextual supports that promoted academic well‐being during the pandemic. Our findings suggest that young people commonly reported declines in their academic‐related outcomes and school‐based relationships due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Internal assets (e.g., intrinsic motivation and self‐efficacy) and contextual supports (i.e., relationships with teachers, peers, and parents) promoted academic well‐being during the pandemic. Next steps for research on young people's academic well‐being during the pandemic are suggested.
A perspective on policies and practices regarding access to and quality of healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities in Zambia
Authors: Namulwanda Makambe , Nijhof Kim , Mwembeshi Helen , Kunda Richard , Ng'uni Kamima , Bevelander Kirsten , Boot Fleur Heleen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractZambia is a low‐income country on the African continent which is facing a high rate of health inequalities. Although the government has made efforts to reform the organization of healthcare to reduce inequalities, the practical implementation of disability policies remains challenging. Specifically, people with intellectual disabilities (ID) face barriers to accessing healthcare services in Zambia, due to geographic or socioeconomic factors, stigma, and limited specialized health professionals. This perspective paper provides an overview of the current policy and organization on the healthcare provision for people with ID. It presents the key challenges people with ID face in Zambia to access quality healthcare services. Additionally, we provide examples of good practices with a community approach. We discuss policy implementation of disability rights, including access to healthcare, the impact of raising knowledge and awareness about people with ID, and how gathering contextual information through research can help to reduce inequalities. Community and culturally sensitive approaches to improve access to healthcare for people with ID in Zambia are crucial. We call for close collaboration between the fields of research and practice to combine expertise and strengthen the impact and possibilities of scaling good practices within Zambia.
Rok from B. subtilis: Bridging genome structure and transcription regulation
Authors: Erkelens Amanda M. , van Erp Bert , Meijer Wilfried J. J. , Dame Remus T. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBacterial genomes are folded and organized into compact yet dynamic structures, called nucleoids. Nucleoid orchestration involves many factors at multiple length scales, such as nucleoid‐associated proteins and liquid–liquid phase separation, and has to be compatible with replication and transcription. Possibly, genome organization plays an intrinsic role in transcription regulation, in addition to classical transcription factors. In this review, we provide arguments supporting this view using the Gram‐positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis as a model. Proteins BsSMC, HBsu and Rok all impact the structure of the B. subtilis chromosome. Particularly for Rok, there is compelling evidence that it combines its structural function with a role as global gene regulator. Many studies describe either function of Rok, but rarely both are addressed at the same time. Here, we review both sides of the coin and integrate them into one model. Rok forms unusually stable DNA–DNA bridges and this ability likely underlies its repressive effect on transcription by either preventing RNA polymerase from binding to DNA or trapping it inside DNA loops. Partner proteins are needed to change or relieve Rok‐mediated gene repression. Lastly, we investigate which features characterize H‐NS‐like proteins, a family that, at present, lacks a clear definition.
Gene transfer agents: The ambiguous role of selfless viruses in genetic exchange and bacterial evolution
Authors: Fogg Paul Christopher Michael 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGene transfer agents (GTAs) are genetic elements derived from ancestral bacteriophages that have become domesticated by the host. GTAs are present in diverse prokaryotic organisms, where they can facilitate horizontal gene transfer under certain conditions. Unlike typical bacteriophages, GTAs do not exhibit any preference for the replication or transfer of the genes encoding them; instead, they exhibit a remarkable capacity to package chromosomal, and sometimes extrachromosomal, DNA into virus‐like capsids and disseminate it to neighboring cells. Because GTAs resemble defective prophages, identification of novel GTAs is not trivial. The detection of candidates relies on the genetic similarity to known GTAs, which has been fruitful in α‐proteobacterial lineages but challenging in more distant bacteria. Here we consider several fundamental questions: What is the true prevalence of GTAs in prokaryote genomes? Given there are high costs for GTA production, what advantage do GTAs provide to the bacterial host to justify their maintenance? How is the bacterial chromosome recognized and processed for inclusion in GTA particles? This article highlights the challenges in comprehensively understanding GTAs' prevalence, function and DNA packaging method. Going forward, broad study of atypical GTAs and use of ecologically relevant conditions are required to uncover their true impact on bacterial chromosome evolution.
Gluten sensitivity based on HLA genotyping in patients with epilepsy in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia
Authors: Bhaskar Shalini , Reffien Nur Malina Mat , Teh Lay Kek , Raymond Azman Ali , Salleh Mohd Zaki 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionGluten sensitivity (GS) is present in approximately 1% of the Malaysian population (Yap et al., PLoS One, 10, 2015, e0121908). GS is associated with several neurological conditions including epilepsy. Individuals with GS often exhibit a genetic predisposition associated with human leukocyte antigens (HLA) (Cecilio & Bonatto, Arq Bras Cir Dig, 28, 2015, 183). The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of GS based on HLA genotyping in patients with epilepsy (PWE).MethodIn total, 50 PWE and 50 controls were recruited. DNA was extracted from the venous blood samples and genotyped for HLA‐DQ2.2, DQ2.5, DQ7 and DQ 8. In this study, GS was diagnosed if any subject showed positive for one or more of the HLA‐DQ alleles. The type of epilepsy and number of antiseizure medication (ASM) used were recorded.ResultsOnly 2 alleles (HLA‐DQ 2.2 & HLA‐DQ8) were detected among 46 out of 100 subjects. 18 PWE and 19 controls were positive for HLA‐DQ8 (p = 0.836). 9 of the PWE, but no controls were positive for HLA‐DQ 2.2 (p = 0.003). 8 of these 9 PWE who were positive for HLA‐DQ 2.2 were also positive for HLA‐DQ8 (double positive), and these patients required multiple ASM for seizure control (p = 0.006).ConclusionHLA‐DQ2.2 was seen highly prevalent in PWE. The double positives required more than one ASM for seizure control postulating malabsorption of ASM in these individuals. These findings suggest that HLA‐DQ genotyping may be a valuable additional test in PWE especially in those needing more than one ASM. Prescribing gluten‐free diet (GFD) to PWE with GS may potentially be an additional measure to achieve seizure control.
Between hope and disillusionment: ECMO seen through the lens of nurses working in a neonatal and paediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Jucker Jovana A. , Cannizzaro Vincenzo , Kirsch Roxanne E. , Streuli Jürg C. , De Clercq Eva 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundUsing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in paediatric and neonatal intensive care units (PICU/NICU) creates ethical challenges and carries a high risk for moral distress, burn out and team conflicts.AimThe study aimed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors affecting moral distress when using ECMO for infants and children by examining the attitudes of ECMO nurses.MethodsFour focus groups discussions were conducted with 21 critical care nurses working in a Swiss University Children's Hospital. Purposive sampling was adopted to identify research participants. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsUnlike “miracle machine” stories in online media reports, specialized nurses working in PICU/NICU expressed both their hopes and fears towards this technology. Their accounts also contained references to events and factors that triggered experiences of moral distress: the unspeakable nature of the death of a child or infant; the seemingly lack of honest and transparent communication with parents; the apparent loss of situational awareness among doctors; the perceived lack of recognition for the role of nurses and the variability in end‐of‐life decision‐making; the length of time it takes doctors to take important treatment decisions; and the resource intensity of an ECMO treatment.ConclusionThe creation of a multidisciplinary moral community with transparent information among all involved health care professionals and the definition of clear treatment goals as well as the implementation of paediatric palliative care for all paediatric ECMO patients should become a priority if we want to alleviate situations of moral distress.Relevance for Clinical PracticeThe creation of a multidisciplinary moral community, clear treatment goals and the implementation of palliative care for all paediatric ECMO patients are crucial to alleviate situations of moral distress for nurses, and thus to improve provider well‐being and the quality of patient care in PICU/NICU.