bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visual Localization and Mapping in Dynamic and Changing Environments
Authors: Virgolino Soares João Carlos , Medeiros Vivian Suzano , Abati Gabriel Fischer , Becker Marcelo , Caurin Glauco , Gattass Marcelo , Meggiolaro Marco Antonio 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe real-world deployment of fully autonomous mobile robots depends on a robust simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) system, capable of handling dynamic environments, where objects are moving in front of the robot, and changing environments, where objects are moved or replaced after the robot has already mapped the scene. This paper proposes Changing-SLAM, a method for robust Visual SLAM in both dynamic and changing environments. This is achieved by using a Bayesian filter combined with a long-term data association algorithm. Also, it employs an efficient algorithm for dynamic keypoints filtering based on object detection that correctly identifies features inside the bounding box that are not dynamic, preventing a depletion of features that could cause lost tracks. Furthermore, a new dataset was developed with RGB-D data specially designed for the evaluation of changing environments on an object level, called PUC-USP dataset. Six sequences were created using a mobile robot, an RGB-D camera and a motion capture system. The sequences were designed to capture different scenarios that could lead to a tracking failure or map corruption. Changing-SLAM does not assume a given camera pose or a known map, being also able to operate in real time. The proposed method was evaluated using benchmark datasets and compared with other state-of-the-art methods, proving to be highly accurate.
Developing Disability-Focused Pre-Health and Health Professions Curricula
Authors: Bracken Rachel Conrad , Richman Kenneth A. , Garden Rebecca , Fischbein Rebecca , Bhambra Raman , Ragina Neli , Dawson Shay , Cascio Ariel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPeople with disabilities (PWD) comprise a significant part of the population yet experience some of the most profound health disparities. Among the greatest barriers to quality care are inadequate health professions education related to caring for PWD. Drawing upon the expertise of health professions educators in medicine, public health, nursing, social work, and physician assistant programs, this forum showcases innovative methods for teaching core disability skills and concepts grounded in disability studies and the health humanities. Each of the essays offers practical guidance for developing curricular interventions appropriate for students at various levels of training and familiarity with disability to be implemented in classroom discussions, case-based learning, lectures, panels, and clinical simulations across the full spectrum of pre-health and health professions education.
Thermal characterization, polymorphism, and stability evaluation of Se-NSAID derivatives with potent anticancer activity
Authors: Ramos-Inza Sandra , Almagro Eneko , Font María , Encío Ignacio , Plano Daniel , Sanmartín Carmen , Sirera Rafael , Lizarraga Elena 
Published: December 2023

AbstractStability, thermal characterization, and identification of possible polymorphism are relevant in the development of novel therapeutic drugs. In this context, thirty new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) derivatives containing selenium (Se) as selenoesters or diacyl diselenides with demonstrated anticancer activity were thermally characterized in order to establish thermal stability criteria and detect possible polymorphic forms. Compounds were analyzed by a combination of thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction techniques, and five different calorimetric behaviors were identified. Two compounds based on naproxen (I.3d and I.3e) and an indomethacin-containing derivative (II.2) presented two crystalline forms. The stability under acid, alkaline and oxidative conditions of selected polymorphs was also assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography. In addition, the cytotoxic activity of Se-NSAID crystalline polymorphs was studied in several cancer cell lines in vitro. Remarkably, no significant differences were found among the polymorphic forms tested, thus proving that these compounds are thermally qualified for further drug development.
Graphical abstract
FSR-SPD: an efficient chaotic multi-image encryption system based on flip-shift-rotate synchronous-permutation-diffusion operation
Authors: Raghuvanshi Ankita , Budhia Muskan , Patro K. Abhimanyu Kumar , Acharya Bibhudendra 
Published: December 2023

AbstractImages are a crucial component in contemporary data transmission. Numerous images are transmitted daily through the open-source network. This paper presents a multi-image encryption scheme that utilises flip-shift-rotate synchronous-permutation-diffusion (FSR-SPD) processes to ensure the security of multiple images in a single encryption operation. The proposed encryption technique distinguishes itself from current multi-image encryption methods by utilising SPD operation and rapid FSR-based pixel-shuffling and diffusion operation. The SPD is a cryptographic technique that involves the simultaneous application of permutation and diffusion methods. The FSR-based process involves the manipulation of pixels through three different operations, namely flipping, shifting, and rotating. In the process of encryption, the image components of red, green, and blue colours are merged into a single composite image. The large image is partitioned into non-overlapping blocks of uniform size. The SPD technique is employed to tackle each specific block. The encryption method is efficient and expeditious as it exhibits high performance with both FSR and SPD procedures. The method employs a single, fixed-type, one-dimensional, piecewise linear chaotic map (PWLCM) for both the permutation and diffusion phases, resulting in high efficiency in both software and hardware. The proposed method is assessed using key space, histogram variance, neighbouring pixel correlation, information entropy, and computational complexity. The proposed method has a much bigger key space than the comparative method. Compared to comparison approaches, the suggested solution reduces encrypted picture histogram variance by 6.22% and neighbouring pixel correlations by 77.78%. Compared to the comparison technique, the proposed scheme has a slightly higher information entropy of 0.0025%. Other multiple-color image encryption methods are more computationally intensive than the suggested method. Computer simulations, security analysis, and comparison analysis evaluated the proposed methodology. The results show it outperforms multiple images encrypting methods.
Evaluation of the toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles obtained by a chemical route on the nasal respiratory epithelium of the biomodel Mus musculus
Authors: Mosquera-Murillo K. E. , Castañeda-Manquillo A. M. , Ángel-Camilo K. L. , Arciniegas-Grijalba P. A. , de Valdenebro M. M. Ramírez , Mosquera-Sanchez L. P. , Meza-Cabrera I. A. , Rodriguez-Paez J. E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractZinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have antimicrobial and a number of other properties, rendering apt their use in biomedicine, environmental remediation, agriculture, and other fields. Given the potential use of these nanoparticles (NPs) in these areas, it is necessary to determine their toxic effects on biological systems. This work therefore analyzed the histological changes in the respiratory nasal epithelium of Mus musculus biomodels exposed to atmospheres containing ZnO-NPs at different concentrations (6, 15, and 40 mg/m3). The NPs were synthesized using the Pechini polymeric complex method and characterized using techniques such as IR and Raman spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ZnO-NPs obtained had a wurtzite-type structure, with spheroidal morphology and a particle size of ~ 50 nm, and the Raman spectrum showed the presence of defects in its structure. The results of the treatments to which the biomodels were subjected showed that the inhalation of ZnO-NPs caused significant morphological changes in their nasal epithelium (squamous metaplasia and vascular congestion) and an acute inflammatory response when exposed to high concentrations of NPs (40 and 15 mg/m3).
Graphical Abstract
Incidental findings in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans for implant treatment planning: a retrospective study of 404 CBCT scans
Authors: Biel Philippe , Jurt Alice , Chappuis Vivianne , Suter Valerie G. A. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To investigate the prevalence of incidental findings and need for further dental treatment and analyse the influence of size of field-of-view (FOV) and age in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for pre-implant planning.

Methods
404 CBCT scans were examined retrospectively for incidental findings and need for further dental treatment. Incidental finding-frequencies and need for further treatment were assessed for different age (< 40 years, 40–60 years, > 60 years) and FOV groups (small, medium, large). Intraexaminer and interexaminer agreements were evaluated.

Results
In 82% of the scans at least one incidental finding was found, with a total of 766 overall. More incidental findings were found in scans with large FOV (98% vs. 72%, OR = 22.39 large vs. small FOV, p < 0.0001) and in scans of patients > 60 years (OR = 5.37 patient’s age > 60 years vs. < 40 years, p = 0.0003). Further dental treatment due to incidental findings was needed in 31%. Scans with large FOV were more likely to entail further treatment (OR = 3.55 large vs. small FOV, p < 0.0001). Partial edentulism and large FOV were identified as risk factors for further treatment (p = 0.0003 and p < 0.0001). Further referral of the patient based on incidental findings was judged as indicated in 5%. Intra- and inter-examiner agreements were excellent (kappa = 0.944/0.805).

Conclusions
A considerable number of incidental findings with need for further dental treatment was found in partially edentulous patients and in patients > 60 years. In pre-implant planning of elderly patients, the selection of large FOV CBCT scans, including dentoalveolar regions not X-rayed recently, help to detect therapeutically relevant incidental findings.
Management of selected waste generated during cable production
Authors: Studziński Waldemar , Gackowska Alicja , Dadzibóg Michał 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe subject of the research was the recovery of raw materials from waste generated in the production of cable insulation and the management of aluminum sludge. It was found that 49% (w/w) acetophenone, 6.8% (w/w) α-methylstyrene, and 17.2% (w/w) cumyl alcohol can be recovered from waste with a loss on ignition of 95% and used in various industries. A gas chromatograph equipped with a mass spectrometry detector was used to identify the recovered compounds. A waste distillation process was proposed to remove the water layer and obtain a concentrated acetophenone fraction. A method of neutralizing the water fraction and distillation residues is presented. The proposed waste management method is an alternative method to the currently used thermal transformation method. In turn, aluminum sludge was used to produce aluminum sulfate, which was used in the plant’s sewage treatment plant as a coagulant. The effect of this action was a reduction of 67% in the content of total iron, 60% of trivalent iron, and 32% of chemical oxygen demand. The above-mentioned examples of waste management are part of a closed-loop waste management strategy.
Swiss Agricultural Life Cycle Assessment: A method to assess the emissions and environmental impacts of agricultural systems and products
Authors: Nemecek Thomas , Roesch Andreas , Bystricky Maria , Jeanneret Philippe , Lansche Jens , Stüssi Martin , Gaillard Gérard 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Agricultural production, which dominates the environmental impacts of the food sector, has specific characteristics that need to be considered in life cycle assessment (LCA) studies. Agricultural systems are open, difficult to manage and control, strongly depend on natural resources and their impacts are highly variable and influenced by soil, climate and farm management. A specific framework, efficient methods and tools are thus needed to adequately assess the environmental impacts of agricultural systems.

Methods
We present the Swiss Agricultural Life Cycle Assessment (SALCA) concept and method, developed for a detailed and specific analysis of agricultural systems. It comprises rules for the definition of system boundaries, functional unit and allocation, emission models, a life cycle inventory (LCI) database, calculation tools, impact assessment methods and concepts for analysis, interpretation and communication. This paper focuses on emission models for gaseous N, nitrate leaching, P emissions to water, soil erosion, pesticides, heavy metals, emissions from animal production and impact assessment methods for soil quality and biodiversity. The models are calculated at the crop, field, animal group and farm levels and are integrated in a consistent and harmonised framework, which is ensured by exchanging intermediate results between models.

Results and discussion
The SALCA concept has been applied in numerous LCA studies for crops and crop products, cropping systems, animal husbandry systems and animal products, food and feed products, farms and product groups, the agrifood sector and food systems. The SALCA methodology has also been a backbone of the LCI databases ecoinvent, AGRIBALYSE and the World Food LCA database. The strengths of SALCA lie in its comprehensiveness, specificity to agriculture, harmonisation, broad applicability, consistency, comparability, flexibility and modularity. The extensive data demand and the high complexity, however, limit the application of SALCA to experts. The geographical scope is limited to Central and Western Europe, with a special focus on Switzerland. However, due to the modular and flexible design, an adaptation to other contexts is feasible with reasonable effort.

Conclusions
SALCA enables answering a wide range of research questions related to environmental assessment and is applicable to various goals and scopes. A further development would be the inclusion of the social and economic dimensions to perform a full sustainability analysis in the SALCAsustain framework.
Outcomes of Warfarin Home INR Monitoring vs Office-Based Monitoring: a Retrospective Claims-Based Analysis
Authors: Van Beek Andrea , Moeyaert Mariola , Ragheb Bishoy , Price Erika , MacEwan Joanna P. , Ahmed Naseeruddin , Ansell Jack 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Home INR testing (patient self-testing) is feasible and effective for warfarin patients but little is known about real-world differences in outcomes for patients using PST versus laboratory-based INR monitoring.

Objective
To compare the safety/efficacy of patient self-testing of real-world warfarin therapy versus office/lab-based monitoring of therapy.

Design/Setting/Participants/Exposure
A retrospective claims-based analysis of warfarin patients enrolled in the MarketScan® Commercial Claims and Encounters and Medicare databases between January 1, 2013, and March 30, 2020. Stratification was based on INR testing method: patient self-testing versus testing at physicians’ offices/local laboratory. The probability of adverse events in each cohort was determined after adjusting for demographic and baseline clinical characteristics using a repeated measures analysis.

Main Measures
Rates of all adverse events: deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, bleeding, and stroke. A secondary outcome of interest was emergency department visits.

Key Results
A total of 37,837 patients were included in the analysis: 1592 patients in the patient self-testing group and 36,245 in the office-based therapy group. After adjusting for demographic and baseline clinical characteristics, patients in the office-based group had statistically significantly higher rates of all adverse events (incidence rate ratio [IRR]=2.07, 95% CI [1.82, 2.36]), and specific adverse events including thromboembolism (IRR=4.38, 95% CI [3.29, 5.84]), major bleed (IRR=1.45, 95% CI [1.28, 1.64]), and stroke (IRR=1.30, 95% CI [1.05, 1.61]) than patients in the patient self-testing group. Office-based patients also had a statistically significant higher rate of emergency department visits than patient self-testing patients (IRR = 1.65, 95% CI [1.47, 1.84]).

Conclusions/Relevance
This analysis of real-world claims data shows lower rates of stroke, thromboembolism, and major bleeding, as well as fewer emergency department visits, with patient self-testing compared to office-based/lab INR monitoring. Our finding that PST is safe and effective among current users suggests that more patients may benefit from its use.
Operationalizing ambiguity in sustainability science: embracing the elephant in the room
Authors: Lazurko Anita , Haider L. Jamila , Hertz Tilman , West Simon , McCarthy Daniel D. P. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAmbiguity is often recognized as an intrinsic aspect of addressing complex sustainability challenges. Nevertheless, in the practice of transdisciplinary sustainability research, ambiguity is often an ‘elephant in the room’ to be either side-stepped or reduced rather than explicitly mobilized in pursuit of solutions. These responses threaten the salience and legitimacy of sustainability science by masking the pluralism of real-world sustainability challenges and how research renders certain frames visible and invisible. Critical systems thinking (CST) emerged from the efforts of operational researchers to address theoretical and practical aspects of ambiguity. By adapting key concepts, frameworks, and lessons from CST literature and case studies, this paper aims to establish (1) an expansive conceptualization of ambiguity and (2) recommendations for operationalizing ambiguity as a valuable means of addressing sustainability challenges. We conceptualize ambiguity as an emergent feature of the simultaneous and interacting boundary processes associated with being, knowing, and intervening in complex systems, and propose Reflexive Boundary Critique (RBC) as a novel framework to help navigate these boundary processes. Our characterization of ambiguity acknowledges the boundary of a researcher’s subjective orientation and its influence on how ambiguity is exposed and mediated in research (being), characterizes knowledge as produced through the process of making boundary judgments, generating a partial, contextual, and provisional frame (knowing), and situates a researcher as part of the complexity they seek to understand, rendering any boundary process as a form of intervention that reinforces or marginalizes certain frames and, in turn, influences action (intervening). Our recommendations for sustainability scientists to operationalize ambiguity include (1) nurturing the reflexive capacities of transdisciplinary researchers to navigate persistent ambiguity (e.g., using our proposed framework of RBC), and (2) grappling with the potential for and consequences of theoretical incommensurability and discordant pluralism. Our findings can help sustainability scientists give shape to and embrace ambiguity as a fundamental part of rigorous sustainability science.
Loss-guided stability selection
Authors: Werner Tino 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn modern data analysis, sparse model selection becomes inevitable once the number of predictor variables is very high. It is well-known that model selection procedures like the Lasso or Boosting tend to overfit on real data. The celebrated Stability Selection overcomes these weaknesses by aggregating models, based on subsamples of the training data, followed by choosing a stable predictor set which is usually much sparser than the predictor sets from the raw models. The standard Stability Selection is based on a global criterion, namely the per-family error rate, while additionally requiring expert knowledge to suitably configure the hyperparameters. Model selection depends on the loss function, i.e., predictor sets selected w.r.t. some particular loss function differ from those selected w.r.t. some other loss function. Therefore, we propose a Stability Selection variant which respects the chosen loss function via an additional validation step based on out-of-sample validation data, optionally enhanced with an exhaustive search strategy. Our Stability Selection variants are widely applicable and user-friendly. Moreover, our Stability Selection variants can avoid the issue of severe underfitting, which affects the original Stability Selection for noisy high-dimensional data, so our priority is not to avoid false positives at all costs but to result in a sparse stable model with which one can make predictions. Experiments where we consider both regression and binary classification with Boosting as model selection algorithm reveal a significant precision improvement compared to raw Boosting models while not suffering from any of the mentioned issues of the original Stability Selection.
Specification procedures for multivariate stable-Paretian laws for independent and for conditionally heteroskedastic data
Authors: Meintanis Simos G. , Nolan John P. , Pretorius Charl 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe consider goodness-of-fit methods for multivariate symmetric and asymmetric stable Paretian random vectors in arbitrary dimension. The methods are based on the empirical characteristic function and are implemented both in the i.i.d. context as well as for innovations in GARCH models. Asymptotic properties of the proposed procedures are discussed, while the finite-sample properties are illustrated by means of an extensive Monte Carlo study. The procedures are also applied to real data from the financial markets.
Liver-Directed Therapy for Neuroendocrine Tumor Metastases in the Era of Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy
Authors: Rabei Rana , Fidelman Nicholas 
Published: December 2023

Opinion statementThe treatment of neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) liver metastases involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes liver-directed therapies (LDT) and systemic treatments, such as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). LDT has demonstrated efficacy in rapidly reducing tumor bulk, improving symptoms, and delaying disease progression. Interventional radiologists should be consulted prior to switching therapy for patients with progressive or symptomatic neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases. Long-term follow-up data on the safety of Yttrium-90 radioembolization before and after PRRT remain limited. Therefore, a more conservative approach may be to preferentially employ transarterial embolization (TAE) or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for patients’ somatostatin receptor-avid disease who may be future candidates for PRRT. Notable exceptions where radioembolization may be a preferred treatment strategy may be patients with history of biliary tract instrumentation, asymmetric unilobar disease distribution, and rapidly progressive diffuse liver involvement. Selection of local treatment modality, sequencing, and combination of LDT with systemic therapy require further investigation.