bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robustness and reproducibility for AI learning in biomedical sciences: RENOIR
Authors: Barberis Alessandro , Aerts Hugo J. W. L. , Buffa Francesca M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI) techniques are increasingly applied across various domains, favoured by the growing acquisition and public availability of large, complex datasets. Despite this trend, AI publications often suffer from lack of reproducibility and poor generalisation of findings, undermining scientific value and contributing to global research waste. To address these issues and focusing on the learning aspect of the AI field, we present RENOIR (REpeated random sampliNg fOr machIne leaRning), a modular open-source platform for robust and reproducible machine learning (ML) analysis. RENOIR adopts standardised pipelines for model training and testing, introducing elements of novelty, such as the dependence of the performance of the algorithm on the sample size. Additionally, RENOIR offers automated generation of transparent and usable reports, aiming to enhance the quality and reproducibility of AI studies. To demonstrate the versatility of our tool, we applied it to benchmark datasets from health, computer science, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) domains. Furthermore, we showcase RENOIR’s successful application in recently published studies, where it identified classifiers for SET2D and TP53 mutation status in cancer. Finally, we present a use case where RENOIR was employed to address a significant pharmacological challenge—predicting drug efficacy. RENOIR is freely available at https://github.com/alebarberis/renoir.
Improvement of the production of bio-oil and biodiesel from Egyptian Jatropha seeds by using microwave and ultrasonic
Authors: Khater El-Sayed G. , AbdAlla Soha A. , Bahnasawy Adel H. , AbuHashish Hassan M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBio-diesel is used for engine as a replacement of diesel fuel which is characterized by lower emission, low pollution and renewable some of fuel. This study focus on how to enhance the production of bio-oil from Jatropha seeds by using microwave and ultrasonic as pre-treatments. To achieve that, the effects of extraction temperature (60, 80, 100 and 120 °C) and extraction screw speed (60, 90 and 120 rpm) on oil extraction yield and quality, extraction energy requirements and extraction time and were studied. Studying the effect of pretreatments by microwave and ultrasonic on the yield, energy and time of extraction were studied. The results most important indicate that the highest oil yield (25.1%) was recorded at 120 °C extraction temperature and 60 rpm screw speed. The energy required for extraction ranged from 8 to 11.5 W.h depending on temperature and speed of extraction. The results indicated that using both pretreatments improve the oil yield by 5.03% for microwave and by 6.75% for ultrasonic. Finally, the results concluded that to produce 1 kg of biodiesel you need 1.1 kg raw oil and consume from 2052.5 W.h energy requirement.
Policy makers believe money motivates more than it does
Authors: Jilke Sebastian , Keppeler Florian , Ternovski John , Vogel Dominik , Yoeli Erez 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo motivate contributions to public goods, should policy makers employ financial incentives like taxes, fines, subsidies, and rewards? While these are widely considered as the classic policy approach, a substantial academic literature suggests the impact of financial incentives is not always positive; they can sometimes fail or even backfire. To test whether policy makers are overly bullish about financial incentives, we asked county heads, mayors, and municipal government representatives of medium-to-large towns in Germany to predict the effects of a financial incentive on COVID-19 vaccination, and tested the exact same incentive in a field experiment involving all 41,548 inhabitants (clustered in 10,032 addresses) of the German town of Ravensburg. Whereas policy makers overwhelmingly predict that the financial incentive will increase vaccination—by 15.3 percentage points on average—the same financial incentive yielded a precisely estimated null effect on vaccination. We discuss when financial incentives are most likely to fail, and conclude that it is critical to educate policy makers on the potential pitfalls of employing financial incentives to promote contributions to public goods.
Enhancing foveal avascular zone analysis for Alzheimer’s diagnosis with AI segmentation and machine learning using multiple radiomic features
Authors: Yoon Je Moon , Lim Chae Yeon , Noh Hoon , Nam Seung Wan , Jun Sung Yeon , Kim Min Ji , Song Mi Yeon , Jang Hyemin , Kim Hee Jin , Seo Sang Won , Na Duk L. , Chung Myung Jin , Ham Don-Il , Kim Kyungsu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe propose a hybrid technique that employs artificial intelligence (AI)-based segmentation and machine learning classification using multiple features extracted from the foveal avascular zone (FAZ)—a retinal biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease—to improve the disease diagnostic performance. Imaging data of optical coherence tomography angiography from 37 patients with Alzheimer’s disease and 48 healthy controls were investigated. The presence or absence of brain amyloids was confirmed using amyloid positron emission tomography. In the superficial capillary plexus of the angiography scans, the FAZ was automatically segmented using an AI method to extract multiple biomarkers (area, solidity, compactness, roundness, and eccentricity), which were paired with clinical data (age and sex) as common correction variables. We used a light-gradient boosting machine (a light-gradient boosting machine is a machine learning algorithm based on trees utilizing gradient boosting) to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease by integrating the corresponding multiple radiomic biomarkers. Fivefold cross-validation was applied for analysis, and the diagnostic performance for Alzheimer’s disease was determined by the area under the curve. The proposed hybrid technique achieved an area under the curve of $$72.2\pm 4.2$$

72.2
±
4.2

%, outperforming the existing single-feature (area) criteria by over 13%. Furthermore, in the holdout test set, the proposed technique exhibited a 14% improvement compared to single features, achieving an area under the curve of 72.0± 4.8%. Based on these facts, we have demonstrated the effectiveness of our technology in achieving significant performance improvements in FAZ-based Alzheimer’s diagnosis research through the use of multiple radiomic biomarkers (area, solidity, compactness, roundness, and eccentricity).
Wear analysis of slideway in emulsion pumps based on finite element method
Authors: Wang Dalong , Li Ran , Liu Hao , Ye Jian 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWear is a common issue in the operation of emulsion pumps. When it becomes severe, it can lead to machine downtime and economic losses. This paper aims to investigate the wear phenomenon on the slideway of emulsion pumps using Archard’s wear model and the finite element method. The fretting friction and wear experiment was used to calibrate the parameters of the numerical model. Based on the established numerical model, a parametric analysis is conducted on the slideway experiencing the most severe wear. It is observed that the wear amount initially increases and then decreases as the crankshaft speed increases. Furthermore, a smaller clearance between the slide and the slider results in a reduced wear amount on the slideway. This study presents an effective numerical simulation method for studying the wear of emulsion pumps.
The influence of hydrocarbon generation on the sealing capability of mudstone caprock rich in organic matter
Authors: Yang Wei , Bai Yadong , Sun Xiujian , Wang Jiangong , Long Guohui , Li Hongzhe , Zuo Mingtao , Li Haipeng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo investigate the sealing capability of mudstone caprock during the evolution of organic matter (OM)-rich mudstone, a series of hydrous pyrolysis experiments were first conducted to examine the impact of hydrocarbon generation. The pore type, pore structure, porosity, and gas breakthrough pressure of pyrolytic residual samples were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, low pressure nitrogen adsorption measurements, porosimetry, and gas breakout core experiments. To model the environment at different depths, these six experiments on hydrous pyrolysis were performed at different temperatures, lithostatic pressures, and hydrodynamic pressures, while other experimental factors such as the original sample, heating time, and rate were kept constant. The results showed that during the thermal evolution process, hydrocarbons were generated from OM in mudstone, resulting in the formation of pores within the OM. Organic acids produced by hydrocarbon generation effectively dissolved minerals, leading to the creation of numerous dissolution pores. Changes in pore type led to changes in pore structure and porosity. The volume of micropores and macropores showed an increasing trend before reaching a Ro value of 1.41%. However, after passing this threshold, they began to decrease. The volume of mesopores showed a decreasing trend before reaching a Ro value of 1.32%. After 1.32%, they began to increase. The porosity was mainly affected by the pore volumes of the mesopores and macropores. The porosity exhibited two peaks: the first occurred at a Ro value of 0.72%, with a porosity level of 4.6%. The second occurred at a Ro value of 1.41% and a porosity level of 10.3%. The breakthrough pressure was a comprehensive reflection of these influences, and its trend exhibited a negative correlation with porosity (R2 = 0.886). For two high values of porosity, the breakthrough pressure corresponded to two low values. Smaller values of the breakthrough pressure indicated a poorer sealing capability of the mudstone caprock. Overall, hydrocarbon generation in the mudstone affected the sealing capability. The mudstone in the studied area exhibited good sealing at Ro below 1.32%. However, once above the 1.32% threshold, the fluctuations of the breakthrough pressure values exhibited considerable variability, requiring a comprehensive evaluation to assess its sealing capability.
Foliar application of pyroligneous acid acts synergistically with fertilizer to improve the productivity and phytochemical properties of greenhouse-grown tomato
Authors: Ofoe Raphael , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad Nasir , Thomas Raymond H. , Abbey Lord 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPyroligneous acid (PA) is rich in bioactive compounds and known to have the potential to improve crop productivity and phytochemical content. However, the synergistic effect of PA and fertilizer has not been thoroughly studied. In this study, we assessed the biostimulatory effect of different rates of foliar PA application (i.e., 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2% PA/ddH2O (v/v)) combined with full rate (i.e., 0.63, 0.28, 1.03 g) and half rate of nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) fertilizer on the yield and nutritional quality of greenhouse-grown tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Scotia’). Plants treated with 0.25% and 0.5% PA showed a significantly (p < 0.001) higher maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and increased potential photosynthetic capacity (Fv/Fo), especially when combined with the full NPK rate. Leaf chlorophyll was significantly (p < 0.001) increased by approximately 0.60 and 0.49 folds in plants treated with 2% PA and full NPK rate compared to no spray and water, respectively. Total number of fruits was significantly (p < 0.001) increased by approximately 0.56 folds with the 2% PA irrespective of the NPK rate. The combined 2% PA and full NPK rate enhanced total fruit weight and the number of marketable fruits. Similarly, fruit protein, sugar and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity were significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced by the combined 2% PA and full NPK rate. In contrast, the 0.5% PA combined with half NPK rate increased fruit carotenoid and phenolic contents while the 2% PA plus half NPK rate enhanced fruit flavonoid content. Generally, the synergistic effect of PA and NPK fertilizer increased fruit elemental composition. These showed that foliar application of 2% PA with full NPK rate is the best treatment combination that can be adopted as a novel strategy to increase the productivity and quality of tomato fruits. However, further study is required to investigate the molecular basis of PA biostimulatory effect on plants.
Exploring the diversity of uncommon oral yeast species and associated risk factors among substance abusers in southwestern Iran
Authors: Ghojoghi Aynaz , Khodavaisy Sadegh , Mahmoudabadi Ali Zarei , Nazar Eisa , Fatahinia Mahnaz 
Published: January 2024

AbstractYeast species are a group of coexistent microorganisms in the oral cavity that can cause opportunistic infections in vulnerable individuals, including addicts. This study aimed to identify the yeast species profile responsible for oral yeast colonization (OYC) and the associated risk factors in patients with substance use disorder (SUD) in Ahvaz, Iran. Oral samples were collected from drug users hospitalized in 12 addiction treatment centers, and the related clinical information was mined. Oral yeast species were identified using 21-plex PCR and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2). A total of 244 yeast strains were identified from 245 individuals with substance abuse.Candida albicanswas the most common species (37.7%) and non-albicans Candidawas responsible for 57.7% of OYC, primarilyC. dubliniensis(33.2%) andC. glabrata(11.9%). Moreover, uncommon oral yeasts constituted 5.3% of species, includingSaccharomyces cerevisiae,Clavispora lusitaniae,Pichia kluyveri,Geotrichum candidum,Magnusiomyces capitatus,Hanseniospora opuntiae,Wickerhamomyces subpelliculosus,Trichosporon asahii,andAureobasidium pullulans. Importantly, OYC exhibited associations with such factors as duration of drug use, daily drug consumption rate, opioid utilization, oral drug administration, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) score. The present study is the pioneering investigation revealing the prevalence and diversity of oral yeast species, along with associated risk factors, in individuals with SUD in southwestern Iran. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of developing efficient and cost-effective diagnostic methods tailored for resource-constrained settings.
Assessing the therapeutic potential and safety of traditional anti-obesity herbal blends in Palestine
Authors: Hawash Mohammed , Jaradat Nidal , Salhi Nihal Ayman , Shatreet Beesan , Asbah Areej Abu , Hawash Yousra Hijazi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe use of traditional herbal remedies has been a common practice for centuries across different cultures to treat various ailments. In Palestine, traditional herbal medicines are widely used, but their efficacy and safety have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the biological activity and toxicity of two traditional herbal blends often used to treat obesity in the West Bank region of Palestine. Two herbal blends with a total of eight plants were chosen based on their historic use and availability. The plant aqueous extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and cytotoxic activities. The results showed that these blends have potent antifibrotic, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. While their activities on α-amylase and lipase enzymes (main targets) showed moderate activities. Therefore, our results showed that Herbal Blend 2 was more potent than Herbal Blend 1 on all investigated targets. Herbal Blend 2 showed significant activities as an antioxidant, antifibrotic, and anticancer activities with IC50 values of 68.16 ± 2.45, 33.97 ± 1.14, and 52.53 ± 0.78 µg/mL against DPPH, LX-2, and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively. While it is IC50 values on α-amylase and lipase enzymes were 243.73 ± 1.57 and 1358.39 ± 2.04 µg/mL, respectively. However, the use of anti-cancer plants can be challenging due to their cytotoxic effects on the body. We urge individuals to exercise caution when using natural remedies and to seek medical advice before incorporating them into their health regimens. This study provides valuable insight into the potential health benefits of traditional herbal remedies and emphasizes the importance of responsible usage.
Eugenol alleviates acrylamide-induced rat testicular toxicity by modulating AMPK/p-AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and blood–testis barrier remodeling
Authors: Saleh Dalia O. , Baraka Sara M. , Jaleel Gehad A. Abdel , Hassan Azza , Ahmed-Farid Omar A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effects of eugenol treatment on reproductive parameters in acrylamide (ACR)-intoxicated rats. The study evaluated alterations in relative testes and epididymides weights, sperm quality, serum hormonal status, seminal plasma amino acids, testicular cell energy and phospholipids content, oxidative and nitrosative stress parameters, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/ phosphoinositide 3-kinase/phosphor-protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (AMPK/PI3K/p-AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway, blood–testis barrier (BTB) remodeling markers, testicular autophagy and apoptotic markers, as well as histopathological alterations in testicular tissues. The results revealed that eugenol treatment demonstrated a significant improvement in sperm quality parameters, with increased sperm cell concentration, progressive motility live sperm, and a reduction in abnormal sperm, compared to the ACR-intoxicated group. Furthermore, eugenol administration increased the levels of seminal plasma amino acids in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, eugenol treatment dose-dependently improved testicular oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers by increasing oxidized and reduced glutathione levels and reducing malondialdehyde and nitric oxide contents as compared to ACRgroup. However, eugenol treatment at a high dose restored the expression of AMPK, PI3K, and mTOR genes, to levels comparable to the control group, while significantly increasing p-AKT content compared to the ACRgroup. In conclusion, the obtained findings suggest the potential of eugenol as a therapeutic agent in mitigating ACR-induced detrimental effects on the male reproductive system via amelioration of ROS-mediated autophagy, apoptosis, AMPK/p-AKT/mTOR signaling pathways and BTB remodeling.
The mediating effect of hope agency on perceived stress and professional burnout among Polish corporate employees
Authors: Szcześniak Małgorzata , Falewicz Adam , Wnuk Marcin , Bielecka Grażyna , Madej Daria 
Published: January 2024

AbstractJob burnout is considered an outcome of prolonged exposure of employees to stress. Although many studies have focused on the presence of a direct association between stress and burnout, we still know very little about mediators that indirectly play a role in this relationship. Previous analyses have determined that self-efficacy acts as a mechanism that explains the overall relationship between stress and burnout. However, there is no such evidence to support the mediatory function of hope. Therefore, the main aim of the current study was to verify whether self-efficacy, hope pathways, and hope agency are mediators in this relationship. The study included 408 Polish-speaking adults who completed the Perceived Stress Scale, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Dispositional Hope Scale. The outcomes indicated a positive correlation of stress with the overall burnout score, as well as all subscales. Moreover, hope agency was a mediator, thus suggesting that there is also an indirect relationship between stress and job burnout. Therefore, it can be assumed that higher stress is associated with lower motivation to generate and sustain the actions needed to reach the goals. Consequently, lower hope agency may lead stressed employees to greater exhaustion and reduced personal accomplishment.
Choroidal remodeling following different anti-VEGF therapies in neovascular AMD
Authors: Boscia Giacomo , Pozharitskiy Nikolai , Grassi Maria Oliva , Borrelli Enrico , D’Addario Marina , Alessio Giovanni , Boscia Francesco , Viggiano Pasquale 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate choroidal morphology remodeling in AMD-associated type 1 macular neovascularization using two different anti-VEGF drugs. We registered 73 treatment-naïve eyes with a diagnosis of exudative AMD and type 1 MNV. Patients received 3 monthly intravitreal aflibercept (n = 36, aflibercept group [AG]) or brolucizumab (n = 37, brolucizumab group [BG]). Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and anatomical (structural optical coherence tomography) parameters were collected at “T1 control”, before the loading phase (LP) of intravitreal injection, and at “T2 control”, 1 month after the last injection. The main outcomes measured were choroidal vascularity index (CVI), sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and central macular thickness (CMT). Our results displayed significant SFCT reduction in both groups between T1 and T2 (p < 0.05), We did not find choroidal vascularity modifications (p > 0.05) after the loading aflibercept injections. Moreover, only the BG displayed a significant choroidal remodeling (stromal choroidal area [SCA], total choroidal area [TCA] and CVI) at T2 (p < 0.05). In particular, a relevant stromal and total choroidal volume reduction was noted, accompanied by an increase in CVI. To conclude, the latter modifications of the choroidal morphology were found significant between two groups (p < 0.05). Our analysis showed a significant impact of brolucizumab on choroidal morphology in eyes affected by type 1 nAMD. This effect was found relevant when compared with aflibercept.
Initial stroke severity and discharge outcome in patients with muscle mass deficit
Authors: Han Minho , Lim In Hwan , Hong Soon-Ho , Nam Hyo Suk , Heo Ji Hoe , Kim Young Dae 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the association between muscle mass deficit and the initial severity of ischemic stroke. The impact of muscle mass deficit on the discharge outcome was also evaluated. This retrospective study included 660 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent bioelectrical impedance analyses. We compared the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, occurrence of moderate stroke (NIHSSS ≥ 5) at admission, and unfavorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≥ 2) at discharge between patients with and without muscle mass deficit using Poisson and logistic regression analyses. The mean age of the study patients was 65.6 ± 13.0, and 63.3% were males. Muscle mass deficit was present in 24.4% of patients. Muscle mass deficit was significantly and independently associated with NIHSS score or moderate stroke (all p < 0.05). This association was noted regardless of patient characteristics. Among the respective NIHSS items, muscle mass deficit was significantly associated with facial palsy, motor function of the arm or leg, limb ataxia, and dysarthria. Muscle mass deficit also led to unfavorable functional outcome, which was mediated by the initial NIHSS score. In conclusion, muscle mass deficit is associated with higher NIHSS score and unfavorable functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke.