bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Feature Medical Segmentation Network: an adaptable deep learning paradigm for high-performance 3D brain lesion segmentation in medical imaging
Authors: Zaman Asim , Hassan Haseeb , Zeng Xueqiang , Khan Rashid , Lu Jiaxi , Yang Huihui , Miao Xiaoqiang , Cao Anbo , Yang Yingjian , Huang Bingding , Guo Yingwei , Kang Yan 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionIn neurological diagnostics, accurate detection and segmentation of brain lesions is crucial. Identifying these lesions is challenging due to its complex morphology, especially when using traditional methods. Conventional methods are either computationally demanding with a marginal impact/enhancement or sacrifice fine details for computational efficiency. Therefore, balancing performance and precision in compute-intensive medical imaging remains a hot research topic.MethodsWe introduce a novel encoder-decoder network architecture named the Adaptive Feature Medical Segmentation Network (AFMS-Net) with two encoder variants: the Single Adaptive Encoder Block (SAEB) and the Dual Adaptive Encoder Block (DAEB). A squeeze-and-excite mechanism is employed in SAEB to identify significant data while disregarding peripheral details. This approach is best suited for scenarios requiring quick and efficient segmentation, with an emphasis on identifying key lesion areas. In contrast, the DAEB utilizes an advanced channel spatial attention strategy for fine-grained delineation and multiple-class classifications. Additionally, both architectures incorporate a Segmentation Path (SegPath) module between the encoder and decoder, refining segmentation, enhancing feature extraction, and improving model performance and stability.ResultsAFMS-Net demonstrates exceptional performance across several notable datasets, including BRATs 2021, ATLAS 2021, and ISLES 2022. Its design aims to construct a lightweight architecture capable of handling complex segmentation challenges with high precision.DiscussionThe proposed AFMS-Net addresses the critical balance issue between performance and computational efficiency in the segmentation of brain lesions. By introducing two tailored encoder variants, the network adapts to varying requirements of speed and feature. This approach not only advances the state-of-the-art in lesion segmentation but also provides a scalable framework for future research in medical image processing.
Determinants of breast cancer among women attending oncology units in selected health facilities of Hawassa City, Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia, 2023: case-control study
Authors: Kebede Selamawit , Alemu Tsegaye , Mekonnen Ashenafi 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe incidence of breast cancer (BC) is rampantly increasing in developing countries particularly Ethiopia. Unfortunately, the morbidity and mortality rates are sharply increasing, and because of this, families are suffering from socioeconomic crises. Despite this, there is limited evidence on the determinants of breast cancer in Ethiopia as well as in the study area.ObjectiveTo identify the determinants of BC among women attending oncology units in selected hospitals in Hawassa City, Ethiopia, in 2023.MethodA hospital-based, case-control study with 300 patients (75 cases and 225 controls) was carried out in Hawassa from June to July 2023. A simple random sampling technique was used to select cases and controls. Data were collected via pretested and structured digitally installed questionnaires with Kobo collection/smartphones. The data were exported from the server to SPSS version 27 for analysis. Descriptive analysis of univariate, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression data was conducted to determine the associations between breast cancer incidence and independent factors.ResultsA total of 300 women participated in this study for a response rate of 100%. The mean ( ± SD) ages of the respondents were 37.2 ( ± 14.8) and 36.6 ( ± 15.1) years for the cases and controls, respectively. According to the multivariate logistic regression model, postmenopausal status [AOR: 2.49; 95% CI (1.18, 5.23)], family history of cancer [AOR: 2.33; 95% CI (1.12, 4.82)], oral contraceptives [AOR: 2.74; 95% CI (1.34, 5.99)], overweight and/or obesity [AOR: 2.29; 95% CI: (1.14, 4.59)], and consumption of solid oil [AOR: 2.36; 95% CI (1.20, 4.67)] were independently associated with BC risk.ConclusionThis study revealed important risk factors for BC. Therefore, women should adopt healthier lifestyles through healthy nutrition and regular exercise to reduce the risk of developing BC. In addition, early detection and regular screening are proactive approaches for detecting BC.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhanced resistance to low-temperature weak-light stress in snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.) through physiological and transcriptomic responses
Authors: Li Wei , Wu Haiying , Hua Junkai , Zhu Chengshang , Guo Shaoxia 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionLow temperature (LT) and weak light (WL) seriously affects the yield and quality of snapdragon in winter greenhouse. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) exert positive role in regulating growth and enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in plants. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms by AMF improve the LT combined with WL (LTWL) tolerance in snapdragon remain mostly unknown.MethodsWe compared the differences in root configuration, osmoregulatory substances, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant enzyme defense systems and transcriptome between AMF-inoculated and control groups under LT, WL, low light, and LTWL conditions.ResultsOur analysis showed that inoculation with AMF effectively alleviated the inhibition caused by LTWL stress on snapdragon root development, and significantly enhanced the contents of soluble sugars, soluble proteins, proline, thereby maintaining the osmotic adjustment of snapdragon. In addition, AMF alleviated reactive oxygen species damage by elevating the contents of AsA, and GSH, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR). RNA-seq analysis revealed that AMF regulated the expression of genes related to photosynthesis (photosystem I related proteins, photosystem II related proteins, chlorophyll a/b binding protein), active oxygen metabolism (POD, Fe-SOD, and iron/ascorbate family oxidoreductase), plant hormone synthesis (ARF5 and ARF16) and stress-related transcription factors gene (bHLH112, WRKY72, MYB86, WRKY53, WRKY6, and WRKY26) under LTWL stress.DiscussionWe concluded that mycorrhizal snapdragon promotes root development and LTWL tolerance by accumulation of osmoregulatory substances, activation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems, and induction expression of transcription factor genes and auxin synthesis related genes. This study provides a theoretical basis for AMF in promoting the production of greenhouse plants in winter.
Wildfires and social media discourse: exploring mental health and emotional wellbeing through Twitter
Authors: García Yury E. , Villa-Pérez Miryam Elizabeth , Li Kuang , Tai Xiao Hui , Trejo Luis A. , Daza-Torres Maria L. , Montesinos-López J. Cricelio , Nuño Miriam 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThe rise in global temperatures due to climate change has escalated the frequency and intensity of wildfires worldwide. Beyond their direct impact on physical health, these wildfires can significantly impact mental health. Conventional mental health studies predominantly rely on surveys, often constrained by limited sample sizes, high costs, and time constraints. As a result, there is an increasing interest in accessing social media data to study the effects of wildfires on mental health.MethodsIn this study, we focused on Twitter users affected by the California Tubbs Fire in 2017 to extract data signals related to emotional well-being and mental health. Our analysis aimed to investigate tweets posted during the Tubbs Fire disaster to gain deeper insights into their impact on individuals. Data were collected from October 8 to October 31, 2017, encompassing the peak activity period. Various analytical methods were employed to explore word usage, sentiment, temporal patterns of word occurrence, and emerging topics associated with the unfolding crisis.ResultsThe findings show increased user engagement on wildfire-related Tweets, particularly during nighttime and early morning, especially at the onset of wildfire incidents. Subsequent exploration of emotional categories using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) revealed a substantial presence of negative emotions at 43.0%, juxtaposed with simultaneous positivity in 23.1% of tweets. This dual emotional expression suggests a nuanced and complex landscape, unveiling concerns and community support within conversations. Stress concerns were notably expressed in 36.3% of the tweets. The main discussion topics were air quality, emotional exhaustion, and criticism of the president's response to the wildfire emergency.DiscussionSocial media data, particularly the data collected from Twitter during wildfires, provides an opportunity to evaluate the psychological impact on affected communities immediately. This data can be used by public health authorities to launch targeted media campaigns in areas and hours where users are more active. Such campaigns can raise awareness about mental health during disasters and connect individuals with relevant resources. The effectiveness of these campaigns can be enhanced by tailoring outreach efforts based on prevalent issues highlighted by users. This ensures that individuals receive prompt support and mitigates the psychological impacts of wildfire disasters.
Dry sliding wear and friction performance of zirconium dioxide tribopairs
Authors: Bailey Richard , Sun Yong 
Published: April 2024

Zirconium is an attractive engineering material owing to its commendable temperature, corrosion resistance, and excellent biocompatibility. Despite these merits, its industrial applicability is hindered by elevated wear and friction in tribological settings. Previous research has concentrated on unmatched pair contacts involving zirconium and alumina primarily due to the exceptional hardness. However, there is a noticeable dearth of literature on the matched pair contact condition for zirconium dioxide. Thermal oxidation is a promising and cost-effective method to address the suboptimal tribological performance and enhance the mechanical and electrochemical properties of zirconium. In this study, thermal oxidation is employed to produce a 6-μm-thick oxide layer in an air furnace at 650°C for 6 h. Subsequently, the resulting surface coating was tribologically tested using a pin-on-disc tribometer against two distinct counterface materials, namely, alumina and zirconium dioxide, in a dry and unlubricated environment. The findings reveal that matched contact between the zirconium dioxide tribopair is unfavorable, leading to elevated friction and wear rates. Consequently, this configuration should be avoided in dry contact situations characterized by high contact pressures. However, under lower contact pressures, the wear performance is acceptable. Furthermore, when combined with lubrication, this system may have potential applications in bio-tribological systems.
Measuring the impact of dental service quality on revisit intention using an extended SERVQUAL model
Authors: Sharka Rayan , Sedayo Lamer , Morad Majd , Abuljadayel Jameel 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe pursuit of quality services can lead to both service enhancement and increased motivation to visit dental centers for oral health treatment.AimsThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of dental center service quality factors on revisit intention among adult patients by applying an extended service quality model (SERVQUAL).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between September and November 2023 in the outpatient waiting areas and clinical settings of Umm Al-Qura University Dental Teaching Hospital (UQU-DTH). A sample of 355 patients was invited by the convenience sampling method. The data was collected through a validated Arabic version of the extended SERVQUAL questionnaire. A hierarchical regression analysis was used to assess the incremental effects of the extended SERVQUAL factors on the intention of patients to revisit the UQU-DTH while controlling for demographic variables. Cronbach alpha was used to examine the internal consistency of each model factor.ResultsA total of 330 completed responses were received, with a 93% response rate. The findings indicated that demographic variables such as age and level of education contribute to some extent but become negligible when the extended SERVQUAL factors are included in the model. Moreover, the extended SERVQUAL model factors substantially improved the model. Three factors were found to positively and significantly affect the revisit intention, namely, “staff-related factors,” “cost-effectiveness,” and “responsiveness.” Overall, the model explained 65.6% of the variance in the revisit intention (R2 = 0.656, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe findings present a unique model that may be used to better understand the factors that influence patients' intentions to revisit dental centers in an educational setting. Additionally, it identified elements that dental center quality management needs to prioritize and address.
Assessing the individual relationships between physical test improvements and external load match parameters in male professional football players—a brief report
Authors: Byrkjedal Per Thomas , Bjørnsen Thomas , Luteberget Live Steinnes , Ivarsson Andreas , Spencer Matt 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThis study aimed to explore whether a meaningful improvement in physical performance following an in-season strength training intervention can be related to external load match parameters at an individual level in professional male football players.MethodsEight male professional football players (25.4 ± 3.1 years, 184.1 ± 3.4 cm, 79.3 ± 2.2 kg) completed a 10-week strength intervention period in addition to football-specific training and matches. Commonly used physical and external load measures were assessed before and after intervention. Physical performance improvements had to exceed the measurement’s typical error and the smallest worthwhile difference (SWD) to be considered meaningful. External load match parameters were assessed before and after the intervention period using SWD and non-overlap of all pairs (NAP) analysis. A Bayesian pairwise correlation analysis was performed to evaluate relationships between changes in physical performance and external load match parameters.ResultsThree players displayed meaningful improvements in two to five physical performance measures. However, positive changes exceeding the SWD and positive effects in NAP results were observed for all players in external load match parameters. Kendall's tau correlation analysis showed evidence (base factor &gt;3) for only one correlation (maximum speed − decelerations, τ = −0.62) between the changes in physical performance and external load measures, while the remaining comparisons exhibited no relation.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that improvements in physical performance may not necessarily translate to improvements in external load match parameters. Further research, with larger sample sizes, is needed to understand potential mechanisms between acute and chronic physical performance changes and football external load parameters during training and matches.
Sleeve resection with end-to-end anastomosis in the reconstruction of tracheal defects exceeding six rings: a clinical feasibility study and safety assessment
Authors: Xia Xin , Zhu Xiaoli , Zhu Yingying , Diao Wenwen , Chen Xingming 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesReconstruction is always required for tracheal defects and sleeve resection with end-to-end anastomosis is the most common used. The aim of the study was to present surgical techniques and evaluate the outcomes of sleeve resection with end-to-end anastomosis in the reconstruction of tracheal defects exceeding six rings.MethodsThe study included patients with primary or secondary malignancies and tracheal stenosis from 2014 to 2019, who were treated with sleeve resection exceeding six tracheal rings, and reconstructed with end-to-end anastomosis. Airway status and patient outcomes were the principal follow-up measures.ResultsA total of 16 patients were enrolled in the study including three primary tracheal malignancies, 12 invasive thyroid carcinomas and one with tracheal stenosis. The extent of tracheal resection ranged from seven to nine rings, and the primary end-to-end anastomosis was performed in all 16 patients. Performance of tracheostomy or cricothyroidotomy was done in 6 patients with decannulation at a median of 42 days (range, 28–56). No anastomotic dehiscence, infection or bleeding occurred postoperatively, and all 16 patients maintained an unobstructed airway through the end of follow-up.ConclusionsSleeve resection reconstructed with end-to-end anastomosis can serve as an appropriate therapeutic strategy for the tracheal defects even exceeding six rings. Adequate laryngeal release is the key to surgical success.
Norm-Resolvent Convergence for Neumann Laplacians on Manifold Thinning to Graphs
Authors: Cherednichenko Kirill D. , Ershova Yulia Yu. , Kiselev Alexander V. 
Published: April 2024

Norm-resolvent convergence with an order-sharp error estimate is established for Neumann Laplacians on thin domains in Rd, d≥2, converging to metric graphs in the limit of vanishing thickness parameter in the “resonant” case. The vertex matching conditions of the limiting quantum graph are revealed as being closely related to those of the δ′ type.
Bifidobacterium longum Subsp. infantis Promotes IgA Level of Growing Mice in a Strain-Specific and Intestinal Niche-Dependent Manner
Authors: Ding Mengfan , Li Bowen , Chen Haiqin , Ross Reynolds Paul , Stanton Catherine , Zhao Jianxin , Chen Wei , Yang Bo 
Published: April 2024

Throughout infancy, IgA is crucial for maintaining gut mucosal immunity. This study aims to determine whether supplementing newborn mice with eight different strains of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis might regulate their IgA levels. The strains were gavaged to BALB/C female (n = 8) and male (n = 8) dams at 1–3 weeks old. Eight strains of B. longum subsp. infantis had strain-specific effects in the regulation of intestinal mucosal barriers. B6MNI, I4MI, and I10TI can increase the colonic IgA level in females and males. I8TI can increase the colonic IgA level in males. B6MNI was also able to significantly increase the colonic sIgA level in females. B6MNI, I4MI, I8TI, and I10TI regulated colonic and Peyer’s patch IgA synthesis genes but had no significant effect on IgA synthesis pathway genes in the jejunum and ileum. Moreover, the variety of sIgA-coated bacteria in male mice was changed by I4MI, I5TI, I8TI, and B6MNI. These strains also can decrease the relative abundance of Escherichia coli. These results indicate that B. longum subsp. infantis can promote IgA levels but show strain specificity. Different dietary habits with different strains of Bifidobacterium may have varying effects on IgA levels when supplemented in early infancy.
X-ray Diffraction Line Profile Analysis of Natural Calcite Minerals found in Southern Philippines by Williamson-Hall Method
Authors: Dardo Raymond Benedict C. , Jagus Rommel J. , Imura Masataka , Banal Ryan G. 
Published: April 2024

This study employs the Williamson–Hall (W–H) models to examine the microstrains and crystallite sizes of CaCO3 occurring as calcite in limestone samples found in General Santos City and Sarangani Province, Southern Philippines. Using both the Uniform Deformation Model (UDM) and Uniform Stress Deformation (USDM) models, computations for average sizes were established to be identical, implying minimal strain influence. The consistency of resulting measurements extends to the microstrain, revealing uniform results for all samples. Correlation between crystallite sizes and microstrains in the calcite crystals was observed, where high-purity calcites exhibited larger crystallite sizes and microstrains. The crystallite sizes decrease with microstrains for calcites with higher Mg concentration, a finding that can be attributed to lattice distortion and the formation of defects. The release of stress forms these defects, thereby resulting in a reduction of microstrains. Moreover, the distinctly variable responses to strain exhibited by the samples could be influenced by either their anisotropic properties or other additional components. The W–H models, used jointly with UDM and USDM consistently predicted crystallite sizes, and thus offer valuable insights into the uniform stress responses of calcites. These promising results notwithstanding, USDM is shown to be especially relevant for anisotropic samples owing to the display deviations of crystallite sizes, a key feature of anisotropic natural calcites. The microscopic analysis is expected to provide additional understanding regarding the state of the limestone samples.
Structure factorielle des aptitudes. Étude réalisée sur un groupe de garçons de 6me
Authors: Larcebeau Solange 
Published: April 2024

Une batterie composée de 12 tests d’aptitudes a été appliquée à 440 garçons appartenant à des classes de 6e de lycées ou de collèges.
On a comparé pour chaque test les résultats obtenus par les élèves des sections classiques et modernes.
Les intercorrélations des 12 tests ont été calculées pour l’ensemble du groupe et pour chaque section : classique et moderne. On a fait l’analyse factorielle de chacune des matrices de corrélations : ensemble du groupe , modernes, classiques, par les méthodes de Thurstone (facteurs obliques et facteurs orthogonaux de second ordre) et de Burt (facteurs de groupe).
On a pu comparer ainsi la structure factorielle obtenue sur cet échantillon d’élèves de 6e à la structure obtenue sur des élèves de C.M.2 qui avaient été soumis à une batterie parallèle. Les structures factorielles des sections classique et moderne ont également été comparées.
Valeur des tests d’aptitude intellectuelle appliqués au cours moyen 2e année
Authors: Larcebeau Solange 
Published: April 2024

On a cherché à préciser la valeur de deux épreuves d’aptitude intellectuelle appliquées à des garçons en deuxième année de Cours moyen : Cahier E.C.11 et P.M.38.
La validité concourante et la validité pronostique (après deux ans) ont été successivement éprouvées en fonction de critères de réussite scolaire, sur environ 120 garçons.
En outre, d’après les réponses d’une centaine de jeunes gens, on a cherché à établir une relation entre les résultats des tests passés au C.M.2 et le niveau scolaire ou professionnel atteint par les sujets au bout de sept ans.
Dans ces différentes optiques la valeur des tests d’aptitude paraît incontestable, bien que la réussite dépende aussi, pour une part importante, de facteurs de motivation.