bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Draw procedures for balanced 3-team group rounds in sports competitions
Authors: Laliena Pablo , López F. Javier 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We propose procedures for draws in sports tournaments that will achieve balanced groups of size 3. We start by developing an efficient algorithm that finds all possible balanced groupings; that is, allocations of teams to groups such that the strength of all groups lies between two bounds. The algorithm uses comparison results to discard large sets of unfeasible allocations and backtracking. We then define pot-and-ball draws that randomly pick one of the balanced groupings. Our draw procedures ensure that all groups are of (virtually) identical competitive levels, thereby enhancing the overall fairness and interest of the tournament.
Genome-wide patterns of diversity in the European midwife toad complex: phylogeographic and conservation prospects
Authors: Ambu Johanna , Caballero-Díaz Carlos , Sánchez-Montes Gregorio , Nicieza Alfredo G. , Velo-Antón Guillermo , Hernandez Axel , Delmas Claudine , Trochet Audrey , Wielstra Ben , Crochet Pierre-André , Martínez-Solano ĺñigo , Dufresnes Christophe 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Assessing how genetic diversity is spatially structured underlies many research questions in evolutionary ecology and contributes to understanding the factors implicated in population declines and extirpations, facilitating identification of conservation priorities and decision-making. In this study, we surveyed genomic diversity using genotyping by sequencing in the six subspecies of the midwife toad Alytes obstetricans/almogavarii complex, a group of amphibians from southwestern Europe threatened by habitat loss, climate change and chytridiomycosis. We first illustrate how the structure evident in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA microsatellites is discordant with the respective distributions of subspecies and patterns of admixture between them. We further document a deeply-divergent mtDNA haplogroup unique to Central Spain that is not reflected by the nuclear diversity, likely corresponding to a ghost mtDNA lineage. Patterns of genetic diversity and structure differ among and within subspecies. The Pyrenean endemics A. a. almogavarii and A. a. inigoi form homogenous genetic groups with high levels of heterozygosity, while the more widespread A. o. pertinax, A. o. boscai and A. o. lusitanicus are geographically structured across the Iberian Peninsula, comprising both genetically diverse and impoverished populations. Finally, A. o. obstetricans probably persisted in a composite glacial refugium north of the Pyrenees, from which it recently expanded across Western Europe, losing much of its genetic variation. Our results should be considered in future red list assessments, management unit delimitation, and ex-situ conservation efforts, and are also relevant to study chytrid epidemiology, for which A. obstetricans has been a model organism for nearly three decades.
Social Worker Attitudes towards Psychedelics
Authors: Sims Eva Nowakowski , Holzworth Joshua 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The use of psychedelics in treating mental health disorders is gaining attention due to a growing evidence base and pending FDA approval. Very little is known regarding what social workers know and how they feel about psychedelics as a treatment for mental health disorders. The purpose of this study was to explore social worker attitudes towards psychedelics and social worker knowledge and interest in using psychedelics with psychological support (PAT). One hundred sixty-eight social workers (69.3% female, 73.1% white) completed an online survey. Overall, social workers had positive attitudes towards psychedelics. Previous use with psychedelics, previous training with psychedelics, being male, and non-Christian predicted positive attitudes toward psychedelics. Only 19% reported they were knowledgeable about delivering psychedelics with psychological support, indicating a lack of knowledge, but 75% were interested in learning more about incorporating psychedelics with psychological support, pointing to the need for specialized training.
Genetic parameter estimates and selection gain for multiple traits in white Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata) in Ghana
Authors: Darkwa Kwabena , Adjei Emmanuel Amponsah , Chamba Emmanuel B. , Sayibu Alhassan , Amegbor Isaac Kodzo , Agyapong Freda Ansaah , Sayibu Ziblila , Sayibu Ibrahim , Kangmennaang Martain , Issifu Muazu , Agre Paterne A. , Adebola Patrick , Asfaw Asrat 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Quantifying selection gains enables a more targeted assessment of breeding program effectiveness, highlighting opportunities for strategic improvement and optimized genetic advancement in white Guinea Yam. This study assessed genetic parameters and gain for key traits in a white Guinea yam (D. rotundata) breeding population. A total of 81 genotypes were evaluated for two seasons using a 9 × 9 lattice design with three replicates. Data was collected on yam mosaic virus disease severity, tuber yield and tuber dry content for genetic analysis. Broad sense heritability was generally high (> 60) for most of the traits. At the same time, the corresponding genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was exceptionally high (30.28–93.96%) for tuber yield, tuber flesh oxidation, average tuber weight and number of tubers per plant, suggesting additive genetic effects. A multi-trait selection index of the 5% highest performing genotypes revealed positive genetic gain for plant vigour, tuber length, and width, tuber weight per plant, average tuber weight and fresh tuber yield. The genetic gain was, however, negative for tuber dry matter content compared to the check varieties, necessitating a modification of the current breeding scheme such that post-harvest food quality is not sacrificed for tuber yield. Ranking of the breeding lines based on the multi-trait selection index identified four lines (TDr1700004_014, TDr1700004_113, TDr1700001_112 and TDr1700002_090) with high genetic merits for all the economic traits. These lines can be used as potential trait progenitors and evaluated further for possible release as new varieties. Our results decipher the genetic control and provide an overview of the performance of the breeding program for key traits in white Guinea yam.
Interpretable optimisation-based approach for hyper-box classification
Authors: Liapis Georgios I. , Tsoka Sophia , Papageorgiou Lazaros G. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Data classification is considered a fundamental research subject within the machine learning community. Researchers seek the improvement of machine learning algorithms in not only accuracy, but also interpretability. Interpretable algorithms allow humans to easily understand the decisions that a machine learning model makes, which is challenging for black box models. Mathematical programming-based classification algorithms have attracted considerable attention due to their ability to effectively compete with leading-edge algorithms in terms of both accuracy and interpretability. Meanwhile, the training of a hyper-box classifier can be mathematically formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model and the predictions combine accuracy and interpretability. In this work, an optimisation-based approach is proposed for multi-class data classification using a hyper-box representation, thus facilitating the extraction of compact IF-THEN rules. The key novelty of our approach lies in the minimisation of the number and length of the generated rules for enhanced interpretability. Through a number of real-world datasets, it is demonstrated that the algorithm exhibits favorable performance when compared to well-known alternatives in terms of prediction accuracy and rule set simplicity.
Red blood cell segmentation and classification using hybrid image processing-squeezenet model
Authors: K. T. Navya , Prakash Nihar , Prasad Keerthana , Singh Brij Mohan Kumar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In medical diagnostics, blood testing is considered to be one of the most important clinical examination tests. Manual microscopic inspection of blood cells is time-consuming and subjective. Therefore, an automated blood cell classification system that will help a pathologist to identify the components of blood and diagnose the diseases pertaining to those cells, in a fast and efficient manner is useful. Due to multiple variable factors such as cell types, different stains and magnifications, and data complexities such as cell overlapping, inhomogeneous intensities, background clutters and image artifacts, development of a model for automated diagnosis of blood cells is an arduous task. This paper presents a robust and accurate method of segmenting and classifying the blood cells in Peripheral Blood Smear (PBS) images. The method involves a pre-processing step consisting of Decorrelation Stretching (DCS), followed by histogram matching for stain normalization and a Fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm for the segmentation of Red Blood Cells (RBCs). The segmented blood cells were then counted and classified as normal and abnormal along with the type of abnormalities using the SqueezeNet Deep Learning (DL) model which offered an average classification accuracy of 97.9%.
Hypothalamic GHRH
Authors: Carlos Dieguez , Miguel López , Felipe Casanueva 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Despite initial discovery in pancreatic tumors, GHRH is a 44-amino acid peptide primarily expressed in the hypothalamus. Recent RNA sequencing clarifies GHRH expression: predominantly hypothalamic in humans, with some basal ganglia presence, while extending to additional central nervous system (CNS) regions in other species. GHRH binds to its G-protein coupled receptor (GHRHR) in the arcuate (ARC), ventromedial (VMH), and periventricular (PeN) nuclei of the hypothalamus to exert its effects. Notably, the highest non-brain expression is found in somatotroph cells of the pituitary, directly targeting growth hormone (GH) production. GHRH is the primary regulator of pulsatile GH secretion, counteracted by somatostatin. While early models proposed alternating GHRH/somatostatin bursts, others implicate somatostatin as the primary regulator of GH pulse timing. These models fail to fully explain species and gender differences, particularly regarding nutritional status. The discovery of ghrelin, acting via GHS-R1a on GHRH neurons, significantly advanced understanding of GH regulation. Ghrelin interacts intricately with GHRH, modulating its expression and neuronal activity. Ghrelin also exerts GHRH-independent GH stimulation and synergizes with GHRH. The crucial role of GHRH in GH regulation is demonstrated by its key involvement in the action of other GH regulators, such as leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and orexins. However, these interactions have also revealed that the physiological effects of GHRH extend far beyond its canonical role as a GH secretagogue. In this context, GHRH is thought to be a key regulator of the sleep-wake cycle and may be involved in whole-body energy homeostasis. The objective of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on GHRH and to discuss the potential pleiotropic effect of this hypothalamic neuropeptide, far beyond its classical action as regulator of the somatotroph axis.
Shifting boundaries, extended minds: ambient technology and extended allostatic control
Authors: White Ben , Clark Andy , Guènin-Carlut Avel , Constant Axel , Di Paolo Laura Desirée 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This article applies the thesis of the extended mind to ambient smart environments. These systems are characterised by an environment, such as a home or classroom, infused with multiple, highly networked streams of smart technology working in the background, learning about the user and operating without an explicit interface or any intentional sensorimotor engagement from the user. We analyse these systems in the context of work on the “classical” extended mind, characterised by conditions such as “trust and glue” and phenomenal transparency, and find that these conditions are ill-suited to describing our engagement with ambient smart environments. We then draw from the active inference framework, a theory of brain function which casts cognition as a process of embodied uncertainty minimisation, to develop a version of the extended mind grounded in a process ontology, where the boundaries of mind are understood to be multiple and always shifting. Given this more fluid account of the extended mind, we argue that ambient smart environments should be thought of as extended allostatic control systems, operating more or less invisibly to support an agent’s biological capacity for minimising uncertainty over multiple, interlocking timescales. Thus, we account for the functionality of ambient smart environments as extended systems, and in so doing, utilise a markedly different version of the classical thesis of extended mind.
Workload and clinical impact of MRI-based extension of reperfusion therapy time window in acute ischaemic stroke—a prospective single-centre study
Authors: Takács Tímea Tünde , Magyar-Stang Rita , Szatmári Szabolcs , Sipos Ildikó , Saftics Katalin , Berki Ádám József , Évin Sándor , Bereczki Dániel , Varga Csaba , Nyilas Nóra , Bíró István , Barsi Péter , Magyar Máté , Maurovich-Horvat Pál , Böjti Péter Pál , Pásztor Máté , Szikora István , Nardai Sándor , Gunda Bence 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Current European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines recommend extended time window reperfusion therapies (4.5–9 h for thrombolysis, 6–24 h for thrombectomy) based on advanced imaging. However, the workload and clinical benefit of this strategy on a population basis are not known. To determine the caseload, treatment rates, and outcomes in the extended as compared to the standard time windows. All consecutive ischaemic stroke patients within 24 h of last known well between 1st March 2021 and 28th February 2022 were included in a prospective single-centre study. Treatment eligibility in the extended time windows or wake-up strokes recognized within 4 h was based on current ESO guideline criteria using MRI DWI-PWI or DWI-FLAIR mismatch. MRI was only available during working hours (8–20 h); otherwise, CT/CTA was used. Clinical outcome in treated patients was assessed at three months. Among the 777 admitted patients, 252 (32.4%) had MRI. The thrombolysis rate was 119/304 (39.1%) in standard and 14/231 (6.1%) in the extended time window. The thrombectomy rate was 34/386 (8.8%) in standard and 15/391 (3.8%) in the extended time window. Independent clinical outcomes (mRS ≤ 2) were not statistically different in early and late-treated patients both for thrombolysis (48% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.25) and thrombectomy (38.4% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.99). Even with a limited availability of advanced imaging extending therapeutic time windows resulted in an 11.7% increase in thrombolysis and a 44% increase in thrombectomy with comparable clinical outcomes in early and late-treated patients at the price of a twofold burden in clinical and advanced imaging screening.
Comparative analysis of carbon stock and litter nutrient concentration in tropical forests along the ecological gradient in Kenya
Authors: Namaswa Timothy , Mandila Brexidis , Hitimana Joseph , Kananu Judith 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The study determined the carbon stocks and litter nutrient concentration in tropical forests along the ecological gradient in Kenya. This could help understand the potential of mitigating climate change using tropical forest ecosystems in different ecological zones, which are being affected by climate change to a level that they are becoming carbon sources instead of sinks. Stratified sampling technique was used to categorize tropical forests into rain, moist deciduous and dry zone forests depending on the average annual rainfall received. Simple random sampling technique was used to select three tropical forests in each category. Modified consistent sampling technique was used to develop 10 main 20 m × 100 m plots in each forest, with 20 2 m × 50 m sub-plots in each plot. Systematic random sampling technique was used in selecting 10 sub-plots from each main plot for inventory study. Non-destructive approach based on allometric equations using trees’ diameter at breast height (DBH), total height and species’ wood specific gravity were used in estimating tree carbon stock in each forest. Soil organic carbon (SOC) and litter nutrient concentration (total phosphorus and nitrogen) were determined in each forest based on standard laboratory procedures. The results indicated that, whilst trees in rain forests recorded a significantly higher (p < 0.001) DBH (20.36 cm) and total tree height (12.1 m), trees in dry zone forests recorded a significantly higher (p < 0.001) specific gravity (0.67 kg m−3). Dry zone tropical forests stored a significantly lower amount of total tree carbon of 73 Mg ha−1, compared to tropical rain forests (439.5 Mg ha−1) and moist deciduous tropical forests (449 Mg ha−1). The SOC content was significantly higher in tropical rainforests (3.9%), compared to soils from moist deciduous (2.9%) and dry zone forests (1.8%). While litter from tropical rain forests recorded a significantly higher amount of total nitrogen (3.4%), litter from dry zone forests recorded a significantly higher concentration of total phosphorus (0.27%). In conclusion, ecological gradient that is dictated by the prevailing temperatures and precipitation affects the tropical forests carbon stock potential and litter nutrient concentration. This implies that, the changing climate is having a serious implication on the ecosystem services such as carbon stock and nutrients cycling in tropical forests.
Cost analysis of limb salvage: comparing limb revascularisation and amputation in patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischaemia (CLTI) at University Hospital Limerick
Authors: Toomey Anne Marie , Leahy Fiona , Purtill Helen , O’Brien Norma , O’Donovan Emer , Ahmed Zeeshan , Medani Mekki , Moloney Tony , Kavanagh Eamon G. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is increasing globally. An increase in PAD in an ageing population inevitably results in an increase in incidence of Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia (CLTI). Loss of a limb is a life-changing event with immeasurable cost to the individual, while the potential financial benefit of saving a limb is not well documented.

Aims
The focus of this study was to estimate the cost associated with surgical interventions used in the treatment of CLTI compared with amputation.

Methods
The cost to treat a CLTI diagnosis in 124 patients was analysed in an acute tertiary referral hospital over a 13-month study period. The analysis included staffing, medical devices used, number of blood components used and the length of stay. Statistical methods included descriptive statistical data and the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results
The median cost, associated with length of stay, post-amputation and post-revascularisation (hybrid) was €61,313 [IQR = €44,417, €83,331] and €46,573 [IQR = €25,687, €58,554] respectively, p < 0.001.
The total median cost for length of stay for amputees in an acute hospital, rehabilitation and a prosthetic limb was €88,820 [IQR = €74,486, €110,248].
The median surgical cost of an amputation was €2,064 [IQR = €1,342, €2,866], whilst the median surgical cost of a revascularisation procedure (hybrid) was €5,966 [IQR = €4,380, €7,723], p < 0.001, inclusive of total blood components transfused.

Conclusion
Revascularisation surgical interventions are more expensive than amputation, however, the length of stay, rehabilitation and prosthetic limb costs, for a patient undergoing a major limb amputation, is significantly more costly.
Mathematical modelling of hollow microneedle-mediated transdermal drug delivery
Authors: Benbrook Neil , Zhan Wenbo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Hollow microneedles represent a promising approach for overcoming the protective barrier of the stratum corneum, facilitating direct drug infusion into viable skin tissue and thereby enhancing the efficacy of transdermal delivery. However, delivery outcomes across different skin layers and into the systemic circulation can vary substantially due to the diverse properties of drug delivery systems, clinical settings, and environmental factors. The optimal strategies for enhancing the efficiency of hollow microneedle-mediated transdermal drug delivery remain to be elucidated. This study employs mathematical modelling and a reconstructed skin model with realistic anatomical structures to investigate drug transport and accumulation across different skin layers and into the bloodstream under different delivery conditions. The modelling results reveal the crucial role of interstitial fluid flow in determining drug transport in this transdermal delivery. Delivery outcomes of each skin layer and blood exhibit distinct responses to changes in delivery conditions. Specifically, increasing the vascular permeability or nanocarrier diffusivity raises drug concentration in the blood or reticular dermis, respectively, while leading to reductions in other skin layers. The use of microneedles with narrower infusion channels can only enhance drug availability in the viable epidermis. Optimisation requires a tailored approach to several parameters depending on the target skin layer, including drug release rate, infusion rate, infusion duration, and microneedle length. Environmental factors that promote trans-epidermal water loss can increase drug concentration in the viable epidermis but have a limited impact on deeper skin tissues. The findings support the selection or customisation of hollow microneedles and nanocarriers to address specific therapeutic needs, such as targeting specific skin layers or systemic circulation, while minimising the risk of side effects from high drug concentrations in normal tissues. This study provides guidance for optimising transdermal drug delivery systems.

Graphical Abstract
Scaling up soil electrokinetic removal of inorganic contaminants based on lab chemical and biological optimizations
Authors: Abou-Shady A. , Eissa D. , Yaseen R. , Ibrahim G. A. Z. , Osman M. A. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
One efficient physiochemical method for removing pollutants from soils, particularly those with low permeability, is soil electrokinetic remediation (SEKR). For the ex-situ laboratory scale, we have introduced the perforated cathode pipe SEKR system (PCPSS). The first effort to examine scaling up PCPSS for removing inorganic pollutants from real contaminated soil is presented in this article. First, the effects of various enhanced chemical and biological additives (ECBA) with soil were examined in order to maximize the PCPSS (i.e. HNO3, EDTA, biosurfactant with bacterial broth culture, powder of crude extracted biosurfactant, and formic acid). After then, the PCPSS was scaled up using the best ECBA and solar energy as a power source. When formic acid was combined with actual polluted soil, the findings demonstrated the high effectiveness of the PCPSS (laboratory scale) in removing inorganic contaminants. By combining biosurfactant with bacterial broth culture, nitric acid, and formic acid, the electroosmosis flow was enhanced. Solar energy has demonstrated the capacity to run the PCPSS in the scale-up experiment, which makes it an excellent substitute for the SEKR upscaling unit’s power source. From the center of the PCPSS scale-up, the inorganic contaminants were removed in the following descending order: Cd (50%) > Pb (48%) > Mn (40%) > Sr (39%) > Zn (23%) > Cr (20%) > Cu (16%) > Ni (15%). Nearly the same pattern was seen for the removed inorganic pollutants from the region behind the PCPSS scale-up unit’s center. The PCPSS scale-up unit will undergo ongoing modifications to increase the removal efficiency of inorganic pollutants from actual polluted soils.

Graphical abstract