bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of training sample size, sampling design and prediction model on soil mapping with proximal sensing data for precision liming
Authors: Schmidinger Jonas , Schröter Ingmar , Bönecke Eric , Gebbers Robin , Ruehlmann Joerg , Kramer Eckart , Mulder Vera L. , Heuvelink Gerard B. M. , Vogel Sebastian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSite-specific estimation of lime requirement requires high-resolution maps of soil organic carbon (SOC), clay and pH. These maps can be generated with digital soil mapping models fitted on covariates observed by proximal soil sensors. However, the quality of the derived maps depends on the applied methodology. We assessed the effects of (i) training sample size (5–100); (ii) sampling design (simple random sampling (SRS), conditioned Latin hypercube sampling (cLHS) and k-means sampling (KM)); and (iii) prediction model (multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forest (RF)) on the prediction performance for the above mentioned three soil properties. The case study is based on conditional geostatistical simulations using 250 soil samples from a 51 ha field in Eastern Germany. Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and root-mean-square error (RMSE) were used to evaluate model performances. Results show that with increasing training sample sizes, relative improvements of RMSE and CCC decreased exponentially. We found the lowest median RMSE values with 100 training observations i.e., 1.73%, 0.21% and 0.3 for clay, SOC and pH, respectively. However, already with a sample size of 10, models of moderate quality (CCC > 0.65) were obtained for all three soil properties. cLHS and KM performed significantly better than SRS. MLR showed lower median RMSE values than RF for SOC and pH for smaller sample sizes, but RF outperformed MLR if at least 25–30 or 75–100 soil samples were used for SOC or pH, respectively. For clay, the median RMSE was lower with RF, regardless of sample size.
Cyberspace Outlaws – Coding the Online World
Authors: Broman Morgan M. , Finckenberg-Broman Pamela , Bird Susan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOnline gaming creates unique public spaces of interaction. These spaces are both highly controlled but also able to slip through the regulatory net, as domestic legislation struggles to respond to fast-changing interjurisdictional environments. Inter- and transdisciplinary research hold potential to respond to questions surrounding the regulation of these online spaces, by exploring multiple perspectives. The authors of this paper each come from a unique starting point in their exploration of these issues. The paper will examine three spaces of regulation in online game world environments. It will look at (1) rules and regulations that governs online interaction in virtual spaces, (2) the ‘code’ that controls behaviour through game architecture, and (3) the laws that are developed by players inside the game world. The first part will analyse whether domestic law can be adequate to regulate a space that is not geographically fixed. The second will discuss how the coding of the game and its architecture regulate behaviours within the space. The last is a “bottom-up” regulatory system, originating within the gaming community. Where do these three layers of regulation interact with each other? What are the unique languages of these spaces? This paper is a starting point for further investigation into the regulation of online behaviours through interwoven rule systems.
SkewEngine: enhancing performance of intensive calculations on regular meshes
Authors: Romero Felipe , Ortigosa Pilar M. , Bandera Gerardo , Romero Luis F. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn various applications such as hyperspectral data manipulation, MRI data exploration, or viewshed identification in digital elevation models, performing arithmetic operations on each point of a data mesh that involves other points can lead to computationally intractable problems. This paper presents SkewEngine, a tool designed to improve the performance of intensive calculations on regular 2-D data meshes, such as images, multispectral data volumes, or digital elevation models. SkewEngine addresses this problem by reorganizing the mesh in memory according to a preferred spatial direction, enabling more efficient execution of intensive calculations. It is demonstrated that SkewEngine offers significant speed improvements for various test cases, suggesting its usefulness in a broader range of applications requiring intensive data processing on regular meshes.
On the Futaki invariant of Fano threefolds
Authors: Sektnan Lars Martin , Tipler Carl 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe study the zero locus of the Futaki invariant on K-polystable Fano threefolds, seen as a map from the Kähler cone to the dual of the Lie algebra of the reduced automorphism group. We show that, apart from families 3.9, 3.13, 3.19, 3.20, 4.2, 4.4, 4.7 and 5.3 of the Iskovskikh–Mori–Mukai classification of Fano threefolds, the Futaki invariant of such manifolds vanishes identically on their Kähler cone. In all cases, when the Picard rank is greater or equal to two, we exhibit explicit 2-dimensional differentiable families of Kähler classes containing the anti-canonical class and on which the Futaki invariant is identically zero. As a corollary, we deduce the existence of non Kähler–Einstein cscK metrics on all such Fano threefolds.
A New Procedure-Based Assessment of Operative Skills in Gastric Bypass Surgery, Evaluated by Video Fragment Rating
Authors: Kaijser Mirjam A. , van Ramshorst Gabrielle H. , van Wagensveld Bart A. , Veeger Nic J. G. M. , Pierie Jean-Pierre E. N. ,   Expert panel of Dutch and Belgian Bariatric Surgeons, Damen Stefan L. , van Det Marc J. , Emous Marloes , van den Ende Esther D. , Jutte Ewoud H. , Hazebroek Eric J. , Hof Gerhard van’t , Klaassen René A. , Langenhoff Barbara S. , Liem Ronald S. L. , Marsman Hendrik A. , Nienhuijs Simon W. , van Nieuwenhove Yves 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Feedback on technical and procedural skills is essential during the training of residents and fellows. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of a newly created instrument for the assessment of operative skills using laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) video fragments.

Materials and Methods
A new procedure-based assessment (PBA) was created by combining LRYGB key steps with a 5-point independence scale. LRYGB performed by residents and surgeons with different levels of expertise were video recorded. Fragments of the pouch creation, gastro-jejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy, were review by 12 expert bariatric surgeons and the operative skills assessed with the PBA, Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS), and the Bariatric OSATS (BOSATS). The PBA was compared to the OSATS and BOSATS. Mean scores for all items of the different assessments were summarized and compared using a T-test.

Results
The scores of the procedural steps were combined and compared for all levels. The mean scores for beginner, intermediate, and expert level were 2.71, 3.70, and 3.90 for the PBA; for the OSATS 1.84, 2.86, and 3.44; and for the BOSATS 2.78, 3.56, and 4.19. Each of these assessments differentiated between the three skill levels (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion
The PBA discriminates well between different levels of operative skills. Similar patterns were found for the OSATS and BOSATS, showing that the randomly selected video fragments are representative samples for assessing skill level. Future research will demonstrate whether these results can be extrapolated to clinical training, and which scores allow for procedure certification.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of Preoperative Quadruple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori on Bariatric Surgery Metabolic Outcomes
Authors: Goday Albert , Bagán Andrea , Casajoana Anna , Serra Carme , Pera Manuel , Villatoro Montserrat , Legido Teresa , Julià Helena , Climent Elisenda , Castañer Olga , Flores Le Roux Juana A , Olano Miguel , Pedro-Botet Juan , Benaiges David 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To assess the effects of Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication with an omeprazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and metronidazole (OCAM) regimen on the metabolic profile and weight loss 12 months after bariatric surgery (BS).

Methods
Retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort of patients with morbid obesity undergoing BS. HP presence was tested preoperatively by gastric biopsy and treated with OCAM when positive. Short-term metabolic outcomes and weight loss were evaluated.

Results
HP infection was detected in 75 (45.7%) of the 164 patients included. OCAM effectiveness was 90.1%. HP-negative patients had a greater reduction in glucose levels at 3 (−14.6 ± 27.5 mg/dL HP-treated vs −22.0 ± 37.1 mg/dL HP-negative, p=0.045) and 6 months (−13.7 ± 29.4 mg/dL HP-treated vs −26.4 ± 42.6 mg/dL HP-negative, p= 0.021) and greater total weight loss (%TWL) at 6 (28.7 ± 6.7% HP-treated vs 30.45 ± 6.48% HP-negative, p= 0.04) and 12 months (32.21 ± 8.11% HP-treated vs 35.14 ± 8.63% HP-negative, p= 0.023).

Conclusions
Preoperative treatment with OCAM has been associated to poorer glycemic and weight loss outcomes after BS. More research is needed on the influence of OCAM on gut microbiota, and in turn, the effect of the latter on metabolic and weight loss outcomes after BS.

Graphical Abstract
RAFT agent effect on graft poly(acrylic acid) to polypropylene glycol fumarate phthalate
Authors: Sarsenbekova Akmaral Zh. , Zhumanazarova Gaziza M. , Yildirim Ertan , Tazhbayev Yerkeblan M. , Kudaibergen Gulshakhar K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the physical and chemical properties of new-generation polymeric materials during the synthesis is very important in obtaining the desired product in design and production. Chemical, thermal, and physical parameters as well as degradation kinetics of the resins developed especially in recent years are the main stages that determine the polymer composition process that affects material selection. In this study, the potential to use RAFT agent (2-cyano-2-propyldodecyltrithiocarbonate, CPDT) in the synthesis of new polymers based on polypropylene fumarate phthalate has revealed important properties. To exemplify, the concentration of the RAFT agent affects the polymer-based mesh density associated with the yield of the product. Changes in swelling behavior and thermodynamic parameters of polymers synthesized in the presence of RAFT agent were observed. Chemical composition and stability characterizations of the synthesized grafted polymers were performed by FT-IR, 13C, 1H-NMR spectroscopy and TGA. The grafted polymers analyzed by SEM morphology were found to have hydrogel sorption potential showed signs of a loose surface and the formation of a layered and porous structure in comparison with the grafted polymers. The resulting compounds have a high swelling capacity and increased yield. At the same time, this study will shed light on the thermodynamic calculations of the graft polymers in order to determine or predicting the polymer composition.
Graphical abstract
Straightforward method for brassinosteroid detection in microalgae
Authors: Futó Péter , Kutasi József , Lengyel Edina , Futó Máté , Murvai Nikoletta , Jancsó Mihály , Bernát Gábor 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBiostimulants, including phytohormones, are of high agricultural importance. Thus far, several methods have been developed for phytohormone detection/determination in microalgal cultures. Most of them require expensive, state-of-the-art machinery which often has limited availability in developing, agricultural countries. The main goal of our study was to develop a cheap and straightforward method for brassinosteroid determination in microalgal cultures. We used a Klebsormidium strain whose genus members have reportedly high brassinosteroid content. Using brassinolide standard, we compared the response of four different rice cultivars in a rice lamina inclination bioassay (RLIA), and from these found the variety ‘Koshihikari’ the most suitable one. A dynamic response over a broad concentration range from 0.001 to 0.1 mg/L brassinolide concentration was observed. Attempts with commonly used mechanical methods for disrupting Klebsormidium cells resulted in only negligible brassinolide release, while methanolic extraction liberated almost all cellular brassinosteroids. To overcome the negative effect of methanol on rice lamina inclination, solid-phase extraction was applied to get rid of methanol from the assay. The estimated brassinolide concentration in Klebsormidium culture by RLIA was validated using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS).
Bored Stones–Star Stones–Ancestral Stones: A Sub-Saharan Perspective of the Ritualised Relationship Between Humans and Perforated Stones
Authors: Lombard Marlize 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBored stones are prolific in South Africa and found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Most are surface finds, but some have been excavated from Pleistocene Stone Age deposits dating to between about 11,000 to 45,000 years ago. Others are found in association with late Holocene Iron Age farmer occupations, and in some places, they have been used during historical times. The relationships between humans and these objects, therefore, transcend socio-economical boundaries. The stones are mostly thought of as weights for digging sticks—but some groups in sub-Saharan Africa also had/have ritualised, symbolic relationships with them. Here, I explore bored stones in their ritual and spiritual contexts, drawing largely on historical accounts. I also provide a summary of archaeological finds to demonstrate the possible time depth of such relationships.
Stem Cell and Neural Progenitor Cell Therapy for Neurogenic Bladder—Where Are We in 2023?
Authors: Isali Ilaha , Wong Thomas R. , Hijaz Adonis 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
This review aims to consolidate the currently available literature regarding the treatment of neurogenic bladder (NGB) with stem cells or neural progenitor cells (NPCs).

Recent Findings
Several promising studies published in the past 5 years suggest therapeutic potential of stem cells in treating NGB. In vitro models of NGB have demonstrated the efficacy of stem cells from varying sources to induce nerve regeneration while simultaneously improving bladder function parameters. Additionally, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were found to inhibit fibrosis through the TGF-β1 signaling pathway while their effects were potentiated by elevated levels of BDNF or SDF-1. Among induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), it was noted that autophagy inducers improved regenerative effects. NPCs, in a recent clinical trial, also underscored the potential for translating stem cell therapies into practice.

Summary
Stem cells offer a potentially revolutionary regenerative medicine strategy for treatment of NGB. Many in vivo trials are promising, but there is a distinct shortage of clinical trials attempting to translate this success into human subjects. In the future, research should be directed towards understanding the complex mechanisms of stem cell-based therapy while moving towards the clinical applications of the technology.
Protective and Enabling Factors That Facilitate Undercover Police Work: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Cajada Lucia , Stephenson Zoe , Bishopp Darren 
Published: February 2024

AbstractInadequate coping strategies in dealing with occupational stress have been linked to negative outcomes such as burnout. Research in police forces has somewhat overlooked protective factors that sustain this type of work. This study aimed to explore coping and detection avoidance strategies that enable police officers to be effective undercover operatives. This qualitative study was part of a wider mixed methods project. Participants were recruited from a Portuguese Police Force. Twenty-five police officers with undercover/plainclothes experience were interviewed using non-probability purposive sampling. Results of the study identified seven themes which addressed the research aims: ‘Secrecy’, ‘Work Satisfaction’, ‘Undercover Tactics’, ‘Stress’, ‘Deception’, ‘Support’ and ‘Things to Improve’. Overall, the findings of this study provide some support to the scarce literature available on this topic. The study indicates that participants generally seem able to cope well with detection avoidance strategies (e.g. secrecy, adaptation to the environment, use of cover stories/improvisation, deception and submersion to fictitious identities). Having an appropriate selection of undercover operatives is crucial to determine their psychological health and safety. The need for more research in this area is highlighted and discussed in reference to alternative study designs. In addition, an overview of implications for practice is provided.
Complex Decisions in HIV-Related Cryptococcosis: Addressing Second Episodes of Cryptococcal Meningitis
Authors: Musubire Abdu , Kagimu Enock , Mugabi Timothy , Meya David B. , Boulware David R. , Bahr Nathan C. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
This review highlights the difficulties in diagnosing and treating persons with a prior history of cryptococcal meningitis who improve but suffer from a recurrence of symptoms. This scenario is well known to those who frequently care for patients with cryptococcal meningitis but is not well understood. We highlight major gaps in knowledge.

Recent Findings
We recently summarized our experience with 28 persons with paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) and 81 persons with microbiological relapse. CD4 count and cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell count were higher in IRIS than relapse but neither was reliable enough to routinely differentiate these conditions.

Summary
Second-episode cryptococcal meningitis remains a difficult clinical scenario as cryptococcal antigen, while excellent for initial diagnosis has no value in differentiating relapse of infection from other causes of recurrent symptoms. Updated research definitions are proposed and rapid, accurate diagnostic tests are urgently needed.
An Integrated Care Approach to Improve Well-Being in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Fabi Alessandra , Rossi Alessandro , Mocini Edoardo , Cardinali Ludovica , Bonavolontà Valerio , Cenci Cristina , Magno Stefano , Barberi Vittoria , Moretti Antimo , Besharat Zein Mersini , Iolascon Giovanni , Baldari Carlo , Ferretti Elisabetta , Botticelli Andrea , Paris Ida , Scambia Giovanni , Migliaccio Silvia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer (BC) treatment has recently been revolutionized by the introduction of newer targeted agents, that helped tailoring therapies around the single patient. Along with increased survival rates, a careful evaluation of diet, lifestyle habits, physical activity, emotional and psychological experiences linked to the treatment journey, is now mandatory. However, a true proposal for an omnicomprehensive and “integrative” approach is still lacking in literature.

Methods
A scientific board of internationally recognized specialists throughout different disciplines designed a shared proposal of holistic approach for BC patients.

Results
A narrative review, containing information on BC treatment, endocrinological and diet aspects, physical activity, rehabilitation, integrative medicine, and digital narrative medicine, was developed.

Conclusions
In the context of a patient-centered care, BC treatment cannot be separated from a patient’s long-term follow-up and care, and an organized interdisciplinary collaboration is the future in this disease’s cure, to make sure that our patients will live longer and better.

Trial Registration
NCT05893368: New Model for Integrating Person-based Care (PbC) in the Treatment of Advanced HER2-negative Breast Cancer (PERGIQUAL). Registration date: 29th May 2023.
Endo-Surgical Force Feedback System Design for Virtual Reality Applications in Medical Planning
Authors: Bici Michele , Guachi Robinson , Bini Fabiano , Mani Sooraj Francis , Campana Francesca , Marinozzi Franco 
Published: February 2024

AbstractVirtual reality (VR) applications for surgical planning and mentoring are currently becoming more widespread. Within these fields of applications, haptic systems are crucial to help the understanding of the feedback provided by the tissue during the interaction with the surgical tool. The accuracy of the VR scenario is related to many aspects, among them the ability of the haptic device to provide the force feedback and thus the adoption of proper characterization and modeling of the soft tissue behavior during deformation. This paper presents the current development concerning a VR environment to be equipped with a force feedback haptic device to simulate and experience clamping in colorectal surgery. The reaction at the clamp handle is provided starting from a FEA of the contact between the surgical tool and the tissue, coupled with the kinematic analysis of the mechanism. Connecting the virtual scenario to a microcontroller board, the reaction force is applied to the the haptic device, shaped as a clamping tool handle, so that the user may experience the tissue impedence during clamping. By simulations made through Simscape, a concept is evaluated according to some simulation paths that involve common scenarios of the virtual reality experience (such as collision, partial or total clamping operation). The novelty of the research regards the system design oriented to increase the accuracy of the soft tissue material behaviour through a preliminary off-line dedicated FEA investigation. Through Simulink simulations, the system design is verified so that the VR system set-up may be carried out. The results highlighted: (a) a good correspondence among the theoretical study of the reference kinematism that the haptic device must reproduce; (b) the implementation of a bilinear material model, derived off-line from FEA, is suitable to capture hyperelastic and geometric non-linearities of the soft tissue; (c) the feasibility of the open loop haptic control in accordance to the explored kinematism. The final goal of the research is to propose a system design approach able to tune the VR experince for teaching and mentoring through a in-house set-up easy to be tailored.
Equine Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Tenocytes are Insensitive to a Combination of Inflammatory Cytokines and Have Distinct Molecular Responses Compared to Primary Tenocytes
Authors: Smith Emily J. , Beaumont Ross E. , Dudhia Jayesh , Guest Deborah J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTissue fibrosis following tendon injury is a major clinical problem due to the increased risk of re-injury and limited treatment options; however, its mechanism remains unclear. Evidence suggests that insufficient resolution of inflammation contributes to fibrotic healing by disrupting tenocyte activity, with the NF-κB pathway being identified as a potential mediator. Equine embryonic stem cell (ESC) derived tenocytes may offer a potential cell-based therapy to improve tendon regeneration, but how they respond to an inflammatory environment is largely unknown. Our findings reveal for the first time that, unlike adult tenocytes, ESC-tenocytes are unaffected by IFN-γ, TNFα, and IL-1β stimulation; producing minimal changes to tendon-associated gene expression and generating 3-D collagen gel constructs indistinguishable from unstimulated controls. Inflammatory pathway analysis found these inflammatory cytokines failed to activate NF-κB in the ESC-tenocytes. However, NF-κB could be activated to induce changes in gene expression following stimulation with NF-κB pharmaceutical activators. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differences between cytokine and NF-κB signalling components between adult and ESC-tenocytes, which may contribute to the mechanism by which ESC-tenocytes escape inflammatory stimuli. Further investigation of these molecular mechanisms will help guide novel therapies to reduce fibrosis and encourage superior tendon healing.
Graphical Abstract