bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study protocol for the Evaluation of the Movember and Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Veterans and First Responders Mental Health Grant Program
Authors: Lukersmith Sue , Salvador-Carulla Luis , Woods Cindy , Niyonsenga Theo , Gutierrez-Colosia Mencia R. , Mohanty Itismita , Garcia-Alonso Carlos R. , Diaz-Milanes Diego , Perez Jose A. Salinas. , Davey Rachel , Aryani Amir 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
In the course of their work, first responders (police, firefighters, paramedics/ambulance personnel, emergency services), and military personnel are regularly exposed to challenging events involving life-threatening situations, serious injury and fatalities. Cumulative exposure to critical incidents and often life-threatening events leads to a significant risk for Veterans and First Responders (VFRs) developing mental ill health and disorders. Two philanthropic organisations, Movember and Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, funded 15 organisations to conduct 25 preventative and early intervention Projects through a Grant Program, across seven countries (2021 – 2024). The Projects aim to improve the mental health and wellbeing of VFRs, their families/significant others. This paper describes the methods to be used for the external evaluation of the Projects and Grant Program. The evaluation aims to: identify which Projects and their strategies are effective and have a positive impact on VFRs and their families, provide value for money; and assess the return on investment for the Grant Program funders.
Methods
The evaluation will take an ecosystem real-world approach, which recognises the context and manages the complexities involved. The evaluation will use multi-step mixed methods and novel approaches across three perspectives: the Projects; comparisons across Projects; and the grant program overall. Embedded in the evaluation design are methods, knowledge sharing and organisational learning activities for all stakeholders during and beyond the evaluation. Data will be collected by the Projects (de-identified for evaluators) and the evaluation team on input, throughputs, and output indicators. The analysis tools include: the Global Impact Analytics Framework, statistical analysis for sustained improvements for individuals and organisational outcomes, performance evaluation using an efficient decision support approach, social return on investment or similar cost analysis and return on investment for the overall grant program, use of a Co-op platform which visually links Projects’ connected data to other open source information to gain new insights, and finally the assessment of the project’s use of a gendered lens.
Discussion
The complexity and heterogeneity of Projects implemented in the real world presents significant evaluation challenges and limitations. However, the formative and summative learning gained through the evaluation will be highly relevant to all stakeholders involved.
Study Registration: The impact analysis of the Movember Veterans and First Responders Grant Program was registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) Registration doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IOVNK89
The Comprehensive In Vitro Propagation and Genetic Homogeneity Analysis of Cryptocoryne crispatula var. yunnanensis: Addressing the Conservation Concerns for an Endangered Species in China and the Mekong Basin
Authors: Sakulsathaporn Arpakorn , Mapanao Ratchaneegorn 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study focused on the propagation of the endangered aquatic plant species Cryptocoryne crispatula var. yunnanensis, threatened by hydropower dam construction in Thailand and classified as endangered in China. The objective was to propagate the species using shoot explants. A sterilization method with a 45.45% success rate involved treating shoots with 0.01% HgCl2 for 90 minutes and 5% commercial bleach (6% NaOCl) for 20 minutes. The study investigated the effect of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, supplemented with 0.5 mg/L NAA and 1-4 mg/L cytokinins (BA, kinetin, and TDZ), on shoot initiation and proliferation. TDZ was found to be more effective than BA and kinetin in enhancing shoot growth. The optimal shoot induction, averaging 7.14 shoots per explant, occurred in MS medium with 0.5 mg/L NAA and 3 mg/L TDZ. A medium of 0.5 mg/L NAA and 1 mg/L TDZ significantly increased shoot proliferation, yielding an average of 23.75 shoots per explant. The most successful ex vitro rooting and acclimatization method involved 1X vitamin stock MS medium with 0.5 mg/L IBA, followed by transfer to plastic pots with a 1:1 sand and vermiculite mix, achieving a 73.33% survival rate and an average of 6.31 roots per explant. Genetic uniformity and stability of the propagated clones were verified using ISSR markers. This protocol enhances the conservation efforts for C. crispatulavar. yunnanensis by supporting its multiplication and preservation in synthetic habitats.
Addressing Concerns of Access and Distribution of Health Workforce: A Discrete Choice Experiment to Develop Rural Attraction and Retention Strategies in Southwestern Ethiopia.
Authors: Hilo Abdela Alte 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: There exists a shortage of healthcare workers in Ethiopia, with an uneven distribution between urban and remote areas. To formulate effective policy intervention aimed at attracting and retaining health workers in remote regions, this study examines the stated preferences of health workers when selecting health jobs.
Methods: A Discrete Choice Experiment was conducted with health workers in the Aari and South Omo Zone of the South Ethiopia region from September to November 2022 to gather insights into their job preferences. After conducting literature review, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews salary, education, housing, location, timeliness of payment, medicine and equipment, management culture, and infrastructure attributes included in the study. To assess the relative importance of these job attributes and account for heterogeneity in preferences and scales, I used a mixed logit model with full correlation between utility coefficients. I conducted willingness to pay analysis using delta method and probability of job uptake for single incentive and combination of incentives based on results from the mixed logit model.
Results: All eight attributes were statistically significant with the expected signs and demonstrated the existence of preference heterogeneity. Education, salary, and housing were of most concern to health workers when deciding their future workplace. Health workers are willing to trade a significant portion of their salary for improvements in other aspects of the job. Sub-group analysis showed that health workers with no rural background were willing to pay more to work at the zone center than health workers who lived in rural area for more than a year. The probability to work in rural area increases by 61% if education is offered to health workers after one year of service. Cost-effectiveness analysis revealed that raising salary is the most cost-effective incentive to attract and retain health workers. However, packages of incentives are always preferred over single incentive.
Conclusion: Health workers express willingness to relocate to or continue serving in rural and remote areas, contingent upon improved working conditions Both monetary and non-monetary policy interventions should be considered by policymakers to attract and retain health workers to distant locations of southwestern Ethiopia.
Preoperative albumin-to-fibrinogen ratio is a prognostic factor for patients with early non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chi Chuanzhen , Xu Yihan , Li Qi , Li Li , Wang Yuchao , Wang Yan , Xu Chunhua 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have shown that albumin-to-fibrinogen ratio (AFR) is a novel prognostic biomarker in various diseases. In this study, we investigated the correlation between preoperative AFR and clinical outcomes in patients with early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Methods
A total of 212 stage I NSCLC patients who underwent surgical resection were enrolled in this study. Risk factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional regression analyses. The association between OS, RFS and AFR was assessed by the Kaplan–Meier method using log-rank test.
Results
The AFR was significantly associated with tumor stage. Preoperative AFR was an effective predictor for OS in NSCLC patients with a cut-off value of 10.36 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.785 (P < 0.001). The univariate and multivariate Cox analyses indicated that AFR was an independent prognostic factor for both OS and RFS (P < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier analysis confirmed that patients with high AFR levels showed significantly higher RFS (P = 0.016) and OS (P = 0.041) than those with low AFR levels.
Conclusions
This study indicated that elevated preoperative AFR might be an independent prognostic factor for early NSCLC patients.
Alanine mutation of the targeting subunit of the myosin phosphatase, MYPT1 at threonine 696 reduces cGMP-reactivity of murine femoral arteries
Authors: Lubomirov Lubomir T. , Weber Greta , Metzler Doris , Bust Maria , Korotkova Tatyana , Hescheler Jürgen , Pfitzer Gabriele , Grisk Olaf 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The femoral artery (FA) is the largest vessel of the hind limb circulation whose proper tone-regulation ensures adequate blood supply of muscle tissue. We investigated whether alanine mutation of the targeting subunit of myosin-light-chain-phosphatase (MLCP), MYPT1 at threonine696 (MYPT1-T696A/+) affects reactivity of young and old FAs (y-FAs and o-FAs) to activation of nitric-oxide/soluble-guanylate-cyclase/protein-kinase-G cascade (NO/sGC/PKG). Contractile responses of the vessels were measured by wire myography. Phosphorylation of the regulatory-light-chain of myosin at serine19 (MLC20-S19), MLCP-inhibitory subunit, MYPT1-T696, the PKG-sensitive site of MYPT1, S668 (MYPT1-S668) as well as the regulatory phosphorylation eNOS at T1177 (eNOS-T1177) were determined in arterial homogenates by western blot. In FAs from all ages and genetic groups, MYPT1-T696-mutation did not alter vascular diameter and the reactivity to the thromboxaneA2-analogue U46619 and the RhoA-associated kinase inhibitor Y27632. By contrast, the mutation attenuated the relaxing effect of exogenous NO (DEA-NONOate) in y-FAs and the effect of a direct sGC-activation by cinaciguat in both age groups. MYPT1-T696-mutation also attenuated acetylcholine induced relaxation, but only in o-FAs. Accordingly, only in old MYPT-T696A/+-FAs alanine mutation diminished acetylcholine effect on MLC20-S19- and MYPT1-T696. Interestingly, neither regulatory eNOS-T1177 phosphorylation nor MYPT1-S668 were altered by MYPT1-T696 mutation or aging. These findings suggest that alanine mutation of MYPT1-T696 diminishes the ability of NO/cGMP/PKG-system to relax FAs in old age. Our data support the view that well balanced phosphorylation of MYPT1 and in particular at the T696-residue of the protein is essential for the proper vascular reactivity, especially in elderly.
Updated Results of 3,050 Non-melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) Lesions in 1725 Patients Treated with High Resolution Dermal Ultrasound-Guided Superficial Radiotherapy, A Multi-institutional Study
Authors: Moloney Mairead , Kaczmarski Peter , Zheng Songzhu , Malik Ariana , Ladd Daniel , Serure Donna , Harris Peyton M. , Yu Lio 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Image-guided superficial radiation therapy (IGSRT) using a high resolution dermal ultrasound, is becoming an attractive non-surgical curative treatment option for nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). We previously reported IGSRT treatment results from a multi-institutional study of 1616 patients with 2917 NMSC lesions (Yu et al. Oncol Ther 2021, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40487-021-00138-4) showing excellent local control (LC) of 99.3% with mean follow-up of 69.8 weeks (16.06 months).
Methods: This abstract analyzes an additional 93 patients with 133 lesions, updates previous findings with longer follow-up, using Kaplan-Meier statistics, and performs subgroup analysis. A total of 1709 patients with 3,050 Stage 0, I, and II NMSC lesions treated from 2017 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.
Results: Lesions received a median of 20 fractions of 50, 70, or 100 kilovoltage(kV) IGSRT using image guidance. Average follow-up was 25.06 months (108.9 weeks) with a maximum follow up of 65.6 months (285.0 weeks) for the entire cohort. 68 patients expired from unrelated causes with no-evidence of disease (NED) at last follow-up prior to death, thus Disease-Free-Survival (DFS) was 100%. Overall, 3,027 of 3,050 lesions achieved an absolute LC of 99.2%. Overall absolute LC for BCC, SCC, and SCCis was 99.0%, 99.2%, and 99.8%, respectively. No additional late complications were found to date as of January 2022.
Discussion: These updated results demonstrate that IGSRT continues to achieve a high level of LC with low complication rates. IGSRT should be considered an attractive first-line option for the non-surgical treatment of NMSC.
Effect of conventional cigarette smoking and recent heated tobacco products on CAD/CAM restorative materials
Authors: Makkeyah Fatma , Sergany Omar El , Shamel Mohamed , Ankily Mahmoud Al 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective: To determine the effects of conventional cigarette smoking (CS) and recent heated tobacco products (HTPs) on the surface roughness and color stability of different indirect restorative materials.
Methods: One hundred disc-shaped samples were constructed of three different restorative CAD/CAM materials: lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (IPS e.max CAD; Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein), zirconia (BruxZir® Zirconia, Glidewell, USA) and polyetheretherketone (BioHPP® bredent GmbH, Germany). Of the IPS e.max CAD and the Bruxzir samples, 20 samples were glazed, and 20 samples were polished, while the BioHPP samples were all polished according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Fifty samples were subjected to conventional cigarette smoking (LM, Philip Morris International Inc., Egypt), and fifty samples were exposed to heated tobacco product smoking (Heets, Russet selection, Philip Morris International Inc., Italy). Six hundred cigarettes/heets representing 30 days of medium smoking behavior (20 cigarettes/day) were used. Before and after exposure to smoke, the surface roughness of all the samples was measured using JITAI8101 surface roughness tester (Beijing Jitai Tech Detection Device Co., Ltd, China, and the color parameters were assessed using VITA Easyshade Advance 4.01 (VITA shade, VITA made, VITA).
The surface topography was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy to determine changes in the surface chemical composition.
Results: Both types of smoking caused significant increases in the surface roughness of all the samples. Compared with HTP, conventional cigarette smoking induced significantly greater changes in the surface roughness of polished surfaces. Compared with HTP, conventional cigarette smoking caused a significantly greater change in color, and zirconia had the greatest effect on color change, while peek had the least effect.
Conclusion: Exposure to different types of smoking induce changes in the surface topography and color of different esthetic restorative materials. Compared with HTP, conventional cigarette smoke has a greater effect on the surface roughness and color stability of esthetic restorative materials. The glazed surfaces showed less change in surface topography than did the polished surfaces. Zirconia showed better color stability when compared to peek.
Proposing a Computational Modeling Framework for Generating Masonry Wall Units, Enhancing the Information Within a BIM
Authors: McClymonds Austin D. , Asadi Somayeh , Leicht Robert M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In recent decades, the construction industry has undergone a technological shift incorporating innovative technologies, such as robotics. However, information requirements must be met to integrate robotics further. Currently, building information models (BIM) contain substantial project information that can be leveraged for robots to create construction tasks, but for some building systems, the level of development (LOD) is inadequate to support these new requirements. Therefore, this study proposes a framework to increase the LOD of building systems by considering location information (X, Y, Z), orientation, material type, and component I.D. The computational modeler, Dynamo, is leveraged to increase the model’s LOD, extract information, and facilitate robotic task execution in the future. A case study is presented for multiple masonry room configurations developed in Autodesk Revit, where masonry units are generated and placed into design locations based on the geometry of the wall system. The case study used concrete masonry units (CMU) and standard brick. The number of partial-sized and full-sized blocks for each configuration was recorded, along with the computational time required to generate the units. It was observed that room configurations with more openings had longer computational times when compared to rooms constructed from the same material. After running the script, the model is reviewed to ensure accuracy and prevent overlaps or gaps in the model. The workflow provides insight into the methods used to interpret model geometry and extract information.
Clinical and Prognostic Implications of Electrocardiography and Holter Monitoring Findings in Patients with Light chain Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Fingrova Zdenka , Havranek Stepan , Kuchynka Petr , Habasko Jan , Linhart Ales , Palecek Tomas 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Cardiac involvement in light chain amyloidosis (AL-CA) represents an infiltrative heart disease. The aim of the study was to recognize differences between patients suffering from light chain amyloidosis with and without cardiac involvement in 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) and 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring.
Methods: We prospectively analyzed clinical profile, echocardiographic pattern, ECG and 24hr Holter monitoring findings in 39 (median 66 [IQR 62;71] years, 62% males) consecutive patients with AL amyloidosis.
Results: Out of all patients, AL-CA was confirmed in 26 (67%) subjects. All patients with AL-CA manifested at least one pathology on 12-lead ECG, which contrasted with a low prevalence of abnormal ECG findings in patients without cardiac involvement (54%), p < 0.001. Abnormal Holter ECG findings were documented in 77% and 62% of patients with and without AL-CA. During 19 (7; 59) months of follow-up, 19 (73%) patients with AL-CA died. The mortality rate was significantly lower in patients with QRS < 100ms and QTc < 450ms (both p < 0.05), respectively. The absence of any pathology on 12-lead ECG had a negative predictive value of 100% for the presence of AL-CA.
Conclusion: Standard 12-lead ECG seems to be a method with a relevant negative predictive value for the exclusion of AL-CA. The duration of QRS as well as QTc intervals seem to be a marker of early mortality of patients with AL-CA.
Comparative Analysis of Path Following Algorithms for Small Fixed Wing Surveying UAVs
Authors: kapeel ebrahim , Kamel Ahmed M. , Safwat Ehab 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Surveying using UAVs is one of the recent applications that have widely spread in recent decades. UAV Mapping and surveying are powerful and intellegent technique for land surveying and have a privilege over classical methods as its more faster, reliable, efficient, more accurate, and more cost efficient. One of the critical challenges in these types of UAVs’ autopilot design is the guidance (path following) technique which should be accurately designed to ensure precise tracking of the desired waypoints. Furthermore, there is a crucial need to increase the final accuracy of the assigned fixed or maneuvering points. In this research, several path following techniques based on geometric relations is designed, tested, and verified with the UAV model. In addition, a comparative analysis between these different algorithms is analyzed to choose the optimum technique which is to be implemented with the flight controller. Besides, the simulation is verified with different percentages of wind disturbance and aero dynamics coefficients up to 60% uncertainitiy. Finally, Simulation results show the superiority of the Non-Linear Guidance Law (NLGL) as the optimum path following.
ECTR-YOLOv5:Pedestrian detection in dense scenes based on improved YOLOv5
Authors: wu yiheng , li laichun , liu taihui , meng wei , wu chenwei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Pedestrian detection technology has reached a relatively mature level in sparse environments. However, accurate pedestrian detection in packed scenes still presents challenges owing to factors such as occlusion, high crowd density, and scale changes. This study proposes a pedestrian detection algorithm for dense scenes based on the YOLOv5 model and several key modifications have been introduced to enhance performance, First, the backbone network incorporates the new attention mechanism network module. This addition improves pedestrian detection accuracy across multi-scale changes by effectively integrating both channel and spatial information. Second, the connection of the P2 layer is implemented to enhance the capture of features at different scales. This is particularly beneficial in reducing the missed detection rate of distant pedestrians. Third, using a Weighted Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network neck network not only reduces model complexity in neck networks but also efficiently and quickly achieves multi-scale fusion. Finally, the prediction network is augmented with the adaptive spatial feature fusion block (ASFF). This integration enhances multi-scale feature maps, accommodating spatial variation in prediction uncertainty. Experimental results demonstrate that the optimized YOLOv5(ECTR-YOLOv5) achieves performance improvements across both the WiderPerson and CrowdHuman datasets. These enhancements showcase excellent performance and robustness under varying environmental conditions, rendering the algorithm more suitable for real-time target detection applications. In summary, the proposed modifications to the YOLOv5 model, as embodied in ECTR-YOLOv5, represent a significant advancement in addressing the challenges of accurate pedestrian detection in packed scenes. The algorithm's improved performance and robustness make it well-suited for deployment in real-world scenarios where detection is in densely populated environments.