bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of structural, dielectric, impedance, and mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite-modified barium titanate composites for biomedical applications
Authors: Ibrahim Khalid Elfaki , Kassim Hamoud A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This report presents the synthesis of pristine barium calcium titanate (BCT) and composite samples of [x(HA)–100 − x(BCT)]; (0 ≤ x ≤ 20) through solid-state reaction with microwave sintering. Hydroxyapatite (HA)–BCT composites have been developed to minimize grain growth, thereby boosting the material’s physical, mechanical, and electrical properties. The evaluated samples were examined for the Fourier transform-infrared spectra, and the results showed a correlation with the X-ray diffraction patterns. The real and imaginary dielectric permittivity was applied to determine the AC conductivity, and the findings indicate a drop in the frequency exponent values (S) from 1 to 0.67 for samples with x = 0. Similarly, for samples with x = 5, the value of S decreases from 0.90 to 0.55. For samples with x = 10, the value of S reduces from 0.7 to 0.54. Lastly, for samples with x = 20, the value of S decreases from 0.63 to 0.45. The exponent S and temperature relationship may be attributed to a thermal activation mechanism. The grains and grain boundary resistivity were estimated using a Cole–Cole plot, and the results showed that the grain boundary resistivity is higher in comparison to the resistivity exhibited inside the grains. This demonstrated the distinct electrical conductivity at the interfaces between the grains in comparison to the interior of the grains. The analysis of hardness indicates that the average hardness of the samples ranges from 5.22 to 4.77 GPa, which is maintained at different HA concentrations. The data suggest that this composite may have the potential to be a biomedically helpful substance.
Identification of tropical wood species in paper: a new chemotaxonomic method based on extractives
Authors: Flaig Max L. , Berger Jens , Wenig Philip , Olbrich Andrea , Saake Bodo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The European Deforestation Regulation 2023/1115 (EUDR) prohibits trading of wood and wood products obtained from illegal logging on the EU market. While the identification of solid wood via anatomy, chemistry and genetics has already been established, there is a lack of identification methods for pulp and paper that complement anatomy. This publication presents a newly developed chemotaxonomic method for identifying mixed tropical hardwood (MTH) species in pulp and paper products based on their extractives analyzed with thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). The measured data was processed and compared to identify marker substances and was then merged into a fingerprint database for identifying MTH species in paper of unknown composition. As database references, fully bleached kraft pulps were produced from 38 anatomically identified wood samples and then cryo-ball milled and extracted successively with n-hexane and acetone. The results show that the remaining wood extractives generated from bleached pulps are specific enough to find chemical relevant marker substances to detect MTH species. As chemical composition and anatomy are independent characteristics of wood, this paper makes a completely independent method available, which potentially improves the screening for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) protected species.
Effects of sildenafil on Doppler parameters, maternal and neonatal outcomes in the active labor phase of low-risk pregnancies: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Marsosi Vajiheh , Haghighi Ladan , Nasimi Parinaz Hamed , Ghaemi Marjan , Navaee Saimaz 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The benefits of sildenafil by increasing blood flow in the improvement of Doppler parameters of umbilical (UA), uterine (UtA), and fetal middle cerebral arteries (MCA) remain uncertain. On the other hand, insufficient blood flow during uterine contractions in labor can lead to decrease blood supply and fetal distress. Therefore, we aimed to assess the changes in fetal Doppler indices and maternal and neonatal outcomes following the use of sildenafil in the active phase of labor in low-risk pregnancies with healthy fetuses.

Methods
This randomized double-blinded controlled trial was conducted on 70 pregnant single low-risk, pregnant women. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups receiving sildenafil (n=35) or placebo (n=35) when the active phase of labor was initiated. Doppler parameters were assessed at baseline as well as 3 h after that. Indeed, the maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between groups.

Results
The Doppler parameters including the pulsatility index of MCA, UA, and left and right UtA remained unchanged after the administration of sildenafil. Neonatal outcomes including birth weight, PH of the umbilical artery, Apgar score, respiratory distress syndrome, and neonatal intensive care unit admission as well as maternal outcomes such as cesarean section rate and the occurrence of intrapartum/postpartum hemorrhage had no difference between groups.

Conclusions
The use of sildenafil in the active phase of labor in low-risk pregnancies may not be beneficial in improving Doppler parameters in MCA, umbilical, and uterine arteries and thus may not improve pregnancy outcomes.
Elucidating the Adoption of Electronic Information Resources: A Case Study of Kuwait University Library
Authors: Alrashidi Abdulaziz , AlAwadhi Suha 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Kuwait University Library has invested in electronic information resources (EIR) to facilitate users’ access to library materials. However, this has been insufficiently investigated to identify the factors that influence the use of EIR. Therefore, this study aims to explore the factors influencing the use of EIR by faculty members at Kuwait University, as the study further aims to enhance library services. Specifically, the study uses a modified technology acceptance model (TAM) to investigate whether the perceived ease-of-use, the perceived usefulness, and prior experience of using EIR affect their adoption. The EIR adoption, consequently, impacts the faculty’s academic performance. A mixed-method approach was adopted using the questionnaire and interview tools sequentially to collect primary data from faculty members at the College of Social Science, Kuwait University. Out of 116 questionnaires sent to participants, 48 were returned, yielding a 41 % response rate, which was supplemented with ten semi-structured interviews. The quantitative results, which were supported by the qualitative findings, indicate that the perceived ease-of-use, the perceived usefulness, and prior experience significantly influenced the adoption of EIR, and that adoption significantly impacted the academic performance. Moreover, the qualitative findings revealed the challenges that EIR users encountered. Recommendations and future research are also discussed.
Applying Different Concepts and Conceptions of Legitimacy to the International Level: Service, Free Group Agents, and Autonomy
Authors: Scherz Antoinette 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
International institutions are facing increasing criticism of the legitimacy of their authority. But what does it mean for an international institution to be legitimate? Arthur Applbaum’s latest book provides a convincing new concept of legitimacy, namely, the power-liability view, and a new normative conception, the free group agent account. However, it is not clear how they can be applied to the international level. First, this paper examines how different concepts of legitimacy can be applied to international institutions. Second, it assesses three different conceptions of legitimacy, namely, the service conception, Applbaum’s free group agent account and the autonomy-based conception for the international level. It outlines how on the last conception, international institutions’ legitimacy depends on three different aspects required to protect autonomy: the political power of the institution; its purpose; and its relation to other institutions. Finally, the paper argues that the creation of an international institution should be seen as part of relational legitimacy and that state consent plays an important role to protect the political autonomy of peoples.
Determination of rare earth elements in Algerian bentonites using k
0-NAA method
Authors: Hamidatou Lylia , Arbaoui Fahd , Chahra Radji , Slamene Hocine , Djebli Kamel , Boucherit Mohamed Nadir 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This work focused the determination of the rare earth elements (REE) in Algerian bentonites named Mos and Mag using k
0-NAA method. Eleven rare earth elements such as Ce, Nd, La, Sc, Sm, Yb, Tm, Ho, Tb, Eu and Lu were determined. Results revealed that the total light REE (LREE) in Mos (168 ppm) is higher than in Mag (68.5 ppm). In addition, the ratio of total LREE (LREE) to the total heavy rare earth elements (HREE) found to be 6.40 in Mag and 27.6 in Mos which indicates that Mos is highly rich with REE than Mag. Ce and Eu correspond to the highest and lower trace of REE in both bentonites, respectively. The concentration of Sc, Tb and Ho are comparable in two materials. All results are compared with other data of literature in terms of La, Sc, Ce, Nd, Sm and Yb. Amounts and the proportion of LREE comparing to THREE are discussed in this study.
Significance of thyroperoxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies in medically treated Graves’ disease
Authors: Constantinescu Stefan Matei , Hospel Julien , Daumerie Chantal , Alexopoulou Orsalia , Maiter Dominique , Burlacu Maria-Cristina 
Published: November 2023

Background
Thyroperoxidase (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin (TgAb) antibodies are highly prevalent in Graves’ disease (GD), but their significance is controversial.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed TPOAb and TgAb levels and evolution in 136 patients with newly diagnosed GD between 2000 and 2022, treated with anti-thyroid drugs (ATD) in a block-and-replace (B+R) regimen for at least 12 months and followed up for at least 1 year after ATD discontinuation or until disease relapse.

Results
At diagnosis, 98 out of 136 (72%) patients were TPOAb positive and 73 out of 136 (54%) patients were TgAb positive. The presence of TPOAb or TgAb antibodies at diagnosis was generally not related to GD presentation and did not influence the risk of relapse (P = 0.304 and P = 0.348, respectively). There was less TED (thyroid eye disease) in TgAb-positive patients than TgAb-negative patients at diagnosis (11 out of 73 (15.1%) versus 21 out of 63 (33.3%) P = 0.012). In contrast, the presence of TPOAb at diagnosis was not associated with TED (P = 0.354). The absence of TgAb at diagnosis (P = 0.05) and time to euthyroidism (P = 0.009), but not smoking or TRAb levels, were associated with TED in multivariate logistic regression. TPOAb and TgAb levels during treatment and after its discontinuation were not predictive of relapse, except for lower titers of TgAb at 18 months in patients who relapsed (P = 0.034).

Conclusion
In GD patients treated with a first course of ATD in a B+R regimen we observed lower titers of TgAb at the end of treatment in patients who relapsed and a significant protection against TED in patients with positive TgAb at diagnosis, irrespectively of TPOAb.
Flawed reports can harm: the case of supervised consumption services in Alberta
Authors: Salvalaggio Ginetta , Brooks Hannah , Caine Vera , Gagnon Marilou , Godley Jenny , Houston Stan , Kennedy Mary Clare , Kosteniuk Brynn , Livingston Jamie , Saah Rebecca , Speed Kelsey , Urbanoski Karen , Werb Dan , Hyshka Elaine 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSupervised consumption services have been scaled up within Canada and internationally as an ethical imperative in the context of a public health emergency. A large body of peer-reviewed evidence demonstrates that these services prevent poisoning deaths, reduce infectious disease transmission risk behaviour, and facilitate clients’ connections to other health and social services. In 2019, the Alberta government commissioned a review of the socioeconomic impacts of seven supervised consumption services in the province. The report is formatted to appear as an objective, scientifically credible evaluation of these services; however, it is fundamentally methodologically flawed, with a high risk of biases that critically undermine its authors’ assessment of the scientific evidence. The report’s findings have been used to justify decisions that jeopardize the health and well-being of people who use drugs both in Canada and internationally. Governments must ensure that future assessments of supervised consumption services and other public health measures to address drug poisoning deaths are scientifically sound and methodologically rigorous. Health policy must be based on the best available evidence, protect the right of structurally vulnerable populations to access healthcare, and not be contingent on favourable public opinion or prevailing political ideology.
Implementacija prenosnega EKG telesnega merilnika Savvy za presejanje motenj srčnega ritma na primarni zdravstveni ravni: intervencijska randomizirana kontrolirana študija
Authors: Vodička Staša 
Published: November 2023

Na Inštitutu Jožefa Štefana so v sodelovanju z zdravniki razvili osebni prenosni merilnik EKG Savvy, ki deluje v kombinaciji s pametnim telefonom in ga lahko uporabljamo pri bolnikih, ki tožijo za motnjami srčnega ritma. Cilj študije je bil analizirati uporabnost telekardiologije na primarni zdravstveni ravni z uporabo prenosnega EKG telesnega merilnika Savvy.
Metode: Vključili smo 400 bolnikov s sumom na motnjo srčnega ritma, ki so od oktobra 2016 do januarja 2018 obiskali svojega družinskega zdravnika v Zdravstvenem domu Ljubljana in Zdravstvenem domu Murska Sobota. Bolniki so bili razdeljeni v testno skupino, kjer so dobili prenosni EKG telesni merilnik, in kontrolno, kjer ga niso.
Rezultati: Študija je pokazala, da med testno in kontrolno skupino ni statistično pomembne razlike glede odkritih motenj ritma in ukrepov za zdravljenje bolnikov, bodisi z opazovanjem bodisi z dajanjem novega zdravila. V testni skupini pa je bilo h kardiologu napotenih bistveno manj kot v kontrolni skupini (p <0,001).
Twenty New Additions to the Flora of Telangana State, India
Authors: Swamy J. , Rasingam L. 
Published: November 2023

Twenty species are reported here as new additions to the flora of Telangana state from Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Kinnerasani and Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuaries. Out of twenty species, four species viz. Alysicarpus gautalensis Gholami & A.K.Pandey, Amorphophallus konkanensis Hett., S.R.Yadav & K.S.PatilÂ and Heterostemma disciflorum (Hook.f.) Swarupan. & Mangaly are endemic to Peninsular India. Brief descriptions, phenology and distribution and colour photos are provided for all species.
High-Temperature Lightweight Ceramics with Nano-sized Ferrites for EMI Shielding: Synthesis, Characterization, and Potential Applications
Authors: Abramovskis Vitalijs , Zalite Ilmars , Maiorov Mikhail , Baronins Janis , Singh Ashish Kumar , Lapkovskis Vjaceslavs , Goel Saurav , Shishkin Andrei 
Published: November 2023

Present study focuses on the synthesis and characterisation of a lightweight ceramic material with electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties, achieved using mullite containing micrometer-sized hollow spheres (cenospheres) and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. The research explores compositions with varying CoFe2O4 content, ranging from 0 up to 20 wt.%. Сonventional sintering in an air atmosphere is carried out at a temperature between 1100-1300 °C. The addition of ferrite nanoparticles was found to enhance the sintering process of cenospheres, resulting in improved material density and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the study reveals a direct correlation between the concentration of ferrite nanoparticles and the electromagnetic properties of the. By increasing the concentration of ferrite nanoparticles, the electromagnetic shielding effect of the material (saturation magnetization (Ms) and remanent magnetization (Mr)) was observed to strengthen. These findings provide valuable insights into the design and development of lightweight ceramic materials with enhanced electromagnetic shielding capabilities. The synthesized ceramic material holds promise for various applications that require effective electromagnetic shielding, such as in electronics, telecommunications, and aerospace industries.
Low-Molecular Collagen Peptide Supplementation and Body Fat Mass in Adults Aged ≥ 50 Years: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- Controlled Trial
Authors: Park Jeongbin , Kim Minji , Shin Hyeri , Ahn Hyejin , Park Yoo Kyoung 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to confirm whether collagen peptide supplementation for 12 week has a beneficial effect on body fat control in older adults at a daily physical activity level. Participants were assigned to either the collagen group (15 g/day of collagen peptide) or the placebo group (placebo drink). Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). In total, 74 participants (collagen group, n = 37; placebo group, n = 37) were included in the final analysis. The collagen group showed a significant reduction in total body fat mass compared with the placebo group, as evidenced by both BIA (p = 0.021) and DEXA (p = 0.041) measurements. Body fat mass and percent body fat of the whole body and trunk reduced at 12 weeks compared with baseline only in the collagen group (whole body: body fat mass, p = 0.002; percent body fat, p = 0.002; trunk: body fat mass, p = 0.001; percent body fat, p = 0.000). Total fat mass change (%) (collagen group, −0.49 ± 3.39; placebo group, 2.23 ± 4.20) showed a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.041). Physical activity, dietary intake, and biochemical parameters showed no significant difference between the groups. The results confirmed that collagen peptide supplementation had a beneficial effect on body fat reduction in older adults aged ≥ 50 years with daily physical activity level. Thus, collagen peptide supplementation has a positive effect on age-related changes.
SSIVD-Net: A Novel Salient Super Image Classification &amp; Detection Technique for Weaponized Violence
Authors: Aremu Toluwani , Zhiyuan Li , Alameeri Reem , Khan Mustaqeem , Saddik Abdulmotaleb El 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Detection of violence and weaponized violence in closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage requires a comprehensive approach. In this work, we introduce the Smart-City CCTV Violence Detection (SCVD) dataset, specifically designed to facilitate the learning of weapon distribution in surveillance videos. To tackle the complexities of analyzing 3D surveillance video for violence recognition tasks, we propose a novel technique called, SSIVD-Net (Salient-Super-Image for Violence Detection). Our method reduces 3D video data complexity, dimensionality, and information loss while improving inference, performance, and explainability through the use of Salient-Super-Image representations. Considering the scalability and sustainability requirements of futuristic smart cities, the authors introduce the Salient-Classifier, a novel architecture combining a kernelized approach with a residual learning strategy. We evaluate variations of SSIVD-Net and Salient Classifier on our SCVD dataset and benchmark against state-of-the-art (SOTA) models commonly employed in violence detection. Our approach exhibits significant improvements in detecting both weaponized and non-weaponized violence instances. By advancing the SOTA in violence detection, our work offers a practical and scalable solution suitable for real-world applications. The proposed methodology not only addresses the challenges of violence detection in CCTV footage but also contributes to the understanding of weapon distribution in smart surveillance. Ultimately, our research findings should enable smarter and more secure cities, as well as enhance public safety measures.
A comparison of psychosocial interventions for children with cancer and their families in low- and middle-income versus resource-rich developing countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.
Authors: Morsi Hisham , Akhtar Tooba , Balkaya Ozge , Miller Harriet Dean , Clapsaddle Jeanine , Clark Holly 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objectives: The provision of psychosocial care to address stressors accompanying a cancer diagnosis is instrumental in ensuring quality adjusted survival for children with cancer. Availability and delivery of these interventions is largely unknown in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and in resources rich developing countries.
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate and compare the published and unpublished reports of psychosocial interventions for children with cancer and their families in LMICs and resources rich developing countries.
Results: To be included in this review, studies must explore and report the impact of a psychosocial intervention on physical, mental, psychological and / or long-term health outcomes of children with cancer, their siblings, family members and carers. The impact must be reported or quantified according to a patient and family centered theoretical framework through the patient / family surveys or self-reports.
A comprehensive systematic search of relevant databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL and grey literature ProQuest databases) will be carried out using an exhaustive list of search terms to identify all related hits with no language or date restrictions. A pooled effect size will be quantified for the Meta-analysis.
This study will bridge a significant existing gap and guide relevant authorities.
1.28 Terabit-per-second all-silicon avalanche receiver
Authors: Peng Yiwei , Yuan Yuan , Sorin Wayne , Cheung Stanley , Huang Zhihong , Liang Di , Fiorentino Marco , Beausoleil Raymond 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

To meet the exponential growth in data traffic, silicon (Si) photonics has emerged as a promising technology for ultra-high-speed and low-cost optical interconnects. However, achieving high-performance photodetectors (PDs) on Si photonics requires integrating narrower-bandgap materials, resulting in more complex fabrication processes, higher cost, and yield issues. To address this challenge, we demonstrate an all-Si solution showing a cost-efficient 8-channel double-microring resonator (MRR) avalanche photodiode (APD)-based receiver (RX) with an aggregate data rate of 1.28 Tb/s. All channels show excellent uniformity in their device performance with a responsivity of 0.4 A/W, an ultra-low dark current of 1 nA, a high bandwidth of 40 GHz, and a 𝑘 value of 0.28. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of an all-Si RX supporting a record-high transmission data rate of 160 Gb/s per channel, along with ultralow electrical crosstalk of < -50 dB. This all Si optical RX can compete with the commercial heterojunction-based RXs and promises ~ 40% chip cost saving, thus paving the way to realize >3.2 Tb/s interconnects for future optical networks.