bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Projected costs of informal care for older people in England
Authors: Hu Bo , Cartagena-Farias Javiera , Brimblecombe Nicola , Jadoolal Shari , Wittenberg Raphael 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Health economics research and economic evaluation have increasingly taken a societal perspective, accounting for the economic impacts of informal care. Projected economic costs of informal care help researchers and policymakers understand better the long-term consequences of policy reforms and health interventions. This study makes projections of the economic costs of informal care for older people in England.

Methods
Data come from two national surveys: the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA, N = 35,425) and the Health Survey for England (N = 17,292). We combine a Markov model with a macrosimulation model to make the projections. We explore a range of assumptions about future demographic and epidemiological trends to capture model uncertainty and take a Bayesian approach to capture parameter uncertainty.

Results
We estimate that the economic costs of informal care were £54.2 billion in 2019, three times larger than the expenditure on formal long-term care. Those costs are projected to rise by 87% by 2039, faster than public expenditure but slower than private expenditure on formal long-term care. These results are sensitive to assumptions about future life expectancy, fertility rates, and progression of disabilities in the population.

Conclusions
Prevention schemes aiming to promote healthy aging and independence will be important to alleviate the costs of informal care. The government should strengthen support for informal caregivers and care recipients to ensure the adequacy of care, protect the well-being of caregivers, and prevent the costs of informal care from spilling over to other sectors of the economy.
Exploiting CNN’s visual explanations to drive anomaly detection
Authors: Fraccaroli Michele , Bizzarri Alice , Casellati Paolo , Lamma Evelina 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNowadays, deep learning is a key technology for many applications in the industrial area such as anomaly detection. The role of Machine Learning (ML) in this field relies on the ability of training a network to learn to inspect images to determine the presence or not of anomalies. Frequently, in Industry 4.0 w.r.t. the anomaly detection task, the images to be analyzed are not optimal, since they contain edges or areas, that are not of interest which could lead the network astray. Thus, this study aims at identifying a systematic way to train a neural network to make it able to focus only on the area of interest. The study is based on the definition of a loss to be applied in the training phase of the network that, using masks, gives higher weight to the anomalies identified within the area of interest. The idea is to add anOverlap Coefficientto the standard cross-entropy. In this way, the more the identified anomaly is outside theArea of Interest(AOI) the greater is the loss. We call the resulting lossCross-Entropy Overlap Distance(CEOD). The advantage of adding the masks in the training phase is that the network is forced to learn and recognize defects only in the area circumscribed by the mask. The added benefit is that, during inference, these masks will no longer be needed. Therefore, there is no difference, in terms of execution times, between a standard Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and a network trained with this loss. In some applications, the masks themselves are determined at run-time through a trained segmentation network, as we have done for instance in the "Machine learning for visual inspection and quality control" project, funded by the MISE Competence Center Bi-REX.
Embedded macrophages induce intravascular coagulation in 3D blood vessel-on-chip
Authors: Middelkamp H.H.T. , Weener H.J. , Gensheimer T. , Vermeul K. , de Heus L.E. , Albers H.J. , van den Berg A. , van der Meer A.D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMacrophages are innate immune cells that prevent infections and help in wound healing and vascular inflammation. While these cells are natural helper cells, they also contribute to chronic diseases, e.g., by infiltrating the endothelial layer in early atherosclerosis and by promoting vascular inflammation. There is a crosstalk between inflammatory pathways and key players in thrombosis, such as platelets and endothelial cells – a phenomenon known as ‘thromboinflammation’. The role of the embedded macrophages in thromboinflammation in the context of vascular disease is incompletely understood. Blood vessels-on-chips, which are microfluidic vascular cell culture models, have been used extensively to study aspects of vascular disease, like permeability, immune cell adhesion and thrombosis. Blood perfusion assays in blood vessel-on-chip models benefit from multiple unique aspects of the models, such as control of microvessel structure and well-defined flow patterns, as well as the ability to perform live imaging. However, due to their simplified nature, blood vessels-on-chip models have not yet been used to capture the complex cellular crosstalk that is important in thromboinflammation. Using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells and polarized THP-1 monocytes, we have developed and systematically set up a 3D blood vessel-on-chip with embedded (lipid-laden) macrophages, which is created using sequential cell seeding in viscous finger patterned collagen hydrogels. We have set up a human whole blood perfusion assay for these 3D blood vessels-on-chip. An increased deposition of fibrin in the blood vessel-on-chip models containing lipid-laden macrophages was observed. We anticipate the future use of this advanced vascular in vitro model in drug development for early atherosclerosis or aspects of other vascular diseases.
Graphical Abstract
On the adoption and effects of source code reuse on defect proneness and maintenance effort
Authors: Giordano Giammaria , Festa Gerardo , Catolino Gemma , Palomba Fabio , Ferrucci Filomena , Gravino Carmine 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSoftware reusability mechanisms, like inheritance and delegation in Object-Oriented programming, are widely recognized as key instruments of software design that reduce the risks of source code being affected by defects, other than to reduce the effort required to maintain and evolve source code. Previous work has traditionally employed source code reuse metrics for prediction purposes, e.g., in the context of defect prediction. However, our research identifies two noticeable limitations of the current literature. First, still little is known about the extent to which developers actually employ code reuse mechanisms over time. Second, it is still unclear how these mechanisms may contribute to explaining defect-proneness and mainten0ance effort during software evolution. We aim at bridging this gap of knowledge, as an improved understanding of these aspects might provide insights into the actual support provided by these mechanisms, e.g., by suggesting whether and how to use them for prediction purposes. We propose an exploratory study, conducted on 12Javaprojects–over 44,900 commits–of theDefects4Jdataset, aiming at (1) assessing how developers use inheritance and delegation during software evolution; and (2) statistically analyzing the impact of inheritance and delegation on fault proneness and maintenance effort. Our results let emerge various usage patterns that describe the way inheritance and delegation vary over time. In addition, we find out that inheritance and delegation are statistically significant factors that influence both source code defect-proneness and maintenance effort.
The alteration of apoptosis-related genes in female pelvic supportive tissues with regard to menopausal status
Authors: Saatli Bahadır , Kurt Serap , Çağlıyan Erkan , Kızıldağ Sefa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Purpose
We aimed to compare the expression levels of anti-apoptotic and proapoptotic genes in the parametrium, sacrouterine and round ligaments with respect to menopausal status in women presenting without any indication of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We hypothesized that apoptosis related gene expressions in female pelvic tissues may be altered during menopause.

Methods
The study groups consisted of pre-menopausal (n = 10) and menopausal (n = 10) females who did not have POP symptoms. Three different types of tissue samples (Parametrium, Round Ligament and Sacrouterine Ligament) were obtained and RNA was isolated from these tissues. After purifying and quantifying RNA samples, qPCR was used to determine the expression levels of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic genes.

Results
BCL-2 gene expression levels were significantly lower in all the tissues of menopausal patients compared to those of premenopausal patients. In comparison to premenopausal patients, the sacrouterine ligament tissue BAD expression level was significantly high (p = 0.035), and the BCL-2/BAD ratio was significantly lower in menopausal patients (p = 0.006).

Conclusion
Apoptosis-related protein levels change during menopause; pro-apoptotic gene expressions decrease and anti-apoptotic gene expressions increase. The significant alteration of BCL-2 and BAD expression in sacrouterine ligament with respect to menopausal status was observed and this suggested that when compared to other pelvic tissues, the sacrouterine ligament, which plays a crucial role for genital organs in restoring normal pelvic anatomy and providing support, could be affected more by menopause.
Creating a treadmill running video game with smartwatch interaction
Authors: Marín-Lora Carlos , Chover Miguel , Martín Micaela Yanet , García-Rytman Linda 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn recent years, indoor or at-home sports have experienced significant growth. However, monotony is a common challenge in these static physical activities. Exergames, a genre of video games that combines physical activity and entertainment, have emerged as an attractive solution. Nevertheless, running on a treadmill and engaging in other activities simultaneously presents additional challenges. The balance and concentration required during running while interacting with a video game demand a special focus on the design of the Exergame. This paper presents a mobile Exergame designed specifically for treadmill running, utilizing interaction with a smartwatch. The game offers natural environments where, through smartwatch technology, it interprets the player's movements, transforming them into running speed and interactive actions by detecting gestures within the game. The main objective is to provide users with a satisfying gaming experience tailored to the characteristics of treadmill running. Particular emphasis has been placed on prioritizing the playful component of this Exergame, recognizing its relevance in the context of treadmill running. To evaluate the achievement of objectives and the proposed hypothesis, a comparative study was conducted between the proposed Exergame and a treadmill running simulator. Participants experienced both experiences and subsequently completed the Game Experience Questionnaire (GEQ), specifically the In-game GEQ version. The results obtained indicate that participants had a better gaming experience in the Exergame than in the simulator. These findings highlight the importance of prioritizing the playful component in Exergames and provide guidelines for future improvements and developments in the field.
Assessing emerging and priority micropollutants in sewage sludge: environmental insights and analytical approaches
Authors: Rede Diana , Teixeira Ivan , Delerue-Matos Cristina , Fernandes Virgínia Cruz 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe application of sewage sludge (SS) in agriculture, as an alternative to manufactured fertilizers, is current practice worldwide. However, as wastewater is collected from households, industries, and hospitals, the resulting sludge could contaminate land with creeping levels of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and microplastics, among others. Thus, the sustainable management of SS requires the development of selective methods for the identification and quantification of pollutants, preventing ecological and/or health risks. This study presents a thorough evaluation of emerging and priority micropollutants in SS, through the lens of environmental insights, by developing and implementing an integrated analytical approach. A quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction method, coupled with gas chromatography and liquid chromatography, was optimized for the determination of 42 organic compounds. These include organophosphorus pesticides, organochlorine pesticides, pyrethroid pesticides, organophosphate ester flame retardants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The optimization of the dispersive-solid phase for clean-up, combined with the optimization of chromatographic parameters, ensured improved sensitivity. Method validation included assessments for recovery, reproducibility, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). Recoveries ranged from 59.5 to 117%, while LODs ranged from 0.00700 to 0.271 µg g-1. Application of the method to seven SS samples from Portuguese wastewater treatment plants revealed the presence of sixteen compounds, including persistent organic pollutants. The quantification of α-endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide, was consistently observed in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.110 to 0.571 µg g-1. Furthermore, the study encompasses the analysis of agronomic parameters, as well as the mineral and metal content in SS samples. The study demonstrates that the levels of heavy metals comply with legal limits. By conducting a comprehensive investigation into the presence of micropollutants in SS, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the environmental and sustainable implications associated with SS management.
Graphical Abstract
Intra-urban variability of long-term exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 in five cities in Colombia
Authors: Rodriguez-Villamizar Laura A. , Rojas Yurley , Grisales Sara , Mangones Sonia C. , Cáceres Jhon J. , Agudelo-Castañeda Dayana M. , Herrera Víctor , Marín Diana , Jiménez Juan G. Piñeros , Belalcázar-Ceron Luis C. , Rojas-Sánchez Oscar Alberto , Ochoa Villegas Jonathan , López Leandro , Rojas Oscar Mauricio , Vicini María C. , Salas Wilson , Orrego Ana Zuleima , Castillo Margarita , Sáenz Hugo , Hernández Luis Álvaro , Weichenthal Scott , Baumgartner Jill , Rojas Néstor Y. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRapidly urbanizing cities in Latin America experience high levels of air pollution which are known risk factors for population health. However, the estimates of long-term exposure to air pollution are scarce in the region. We developed intraurban land use regression (LUR) models to map long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the five largest cities in Colombia. We conducted air pollution measurement campaigns using gravimetric PM2.5 and passive NO2 sensors for 2 weeks during both the dry and rainy seasons in 2021 in the cities of Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín, and combined these data with geospatial and meteorological variables. Annual models were developed using multivariable spatial regression models. The city annual PM2.5 mean concentrations measured ranged between 12.32 and 15.99 µg/m3 while NO2 concentrations ranged between 24.92 and 49.15 µg/m3. The PM2.5 annual models explained 82% of the variance (R2) in Medellín, 77% in Bucaramanga, 73% in Barranquilla, 70% in Cali, and 44% in Bogotá. The NO2 models explained 65% of the variance in Bucaramanga, 57% in Medellín, 44% in Cali, 40% in Bogotá, and 30% in Barranquilla. Most of the predictor variables included in the models were a combination of specific land use characteristics and roadway variables. Cross-validation suggests that PM2.5 outperformed NO2 models. The developed models can be used as exposure estimate in epidemiological studies, as input in hybrid models to improve personal exposure assessment, and for policy evaluation.
Risikowahrnehmung und Einstellungen bezüglich E-Zigarettenkonsum von jungen Erwachsenen: Ergebnisse aus Fokusgruppen
Authors: Behr Renate U. E. , Schleberger Sarah , Gali Kathleen , Pischke Claudia R. 
Published: December 2023

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund
Der Anstieg des Konsums elektronischer Zigaretten bei jungen Erwachsenen sowie das offensive Marketing an diese Zielgruppe erfordert die Entwicklung von effektiven und nachhaltigen Strategien zur Prävention. Ziele dieser Studie waren daher, Risikowahrnehmung und Einstellungen bezüglich des Konsums von E‑Zigaretten bei jungen Erwachsenen zu untersuchen sowie aus Sicht der Zielgruppe und Akteur:innen der Suchtprävention wirksame Kommunikationskanäle und -inhalte für präventive Angebote zu identifizieren.

Methoden
Es wurden zwei Fokusgruppen mit jungen Erwachsenen an einem Berufskolleg durchgeführt, unterteilt in Nutzer:innen von E‑Zigaretten (n = 5) und Nicht-Nutzer:innen (n = 7) sowie eine Fokusgruppe mit Akteur:innen der Suchtprävention (n = 5). Eine inhaltsstrukturierende qualitative Inhaltsanalyse wurde vorgenommen, um die Ergebnisse zusammenzufassen.

Ergebnisse
Unabhängig von Alter, Nutzerstatus und sozialer Stellung beschrieben die Schüler:innen die Verfügbarkeit einer Vielzahl von aromatischen Flüssigkeiten und E‑Zigarettenprodukten als positive Aspekte des Konsums und hielten E‑Zigaretten für weniger schädlich als Tabakrauch. Soziale Motive wurden als wichtige Triebkräfte für Einstieg und Konsum genannt, insbesondere im schulischen Umfeld. Nutzer:innen bewerteten soziale Medien als irrelevant für ihren Konsum, während Akteur:innen ihre Schlüsselrolle für die Initiation beschrieben. Beide Gruppen betrachteten jedoch soziale Medien als einen wichtigen Kanal für Präventionsmaßnahmen.

Schlussfolgerung
Weitere Forschung zum E‑Zigarettenkonsum junger Erwachsener mit unterschiedlichem Bildungshintergrund und in unterschiedlichen Settings ist erforderlich, um zielgruppenadäquate und Setting-bezogene Präventionsstrategien zu entwickeln und deren Umsetzung zu prüfen.
Remission in Type 2 Inflammatory Diseases: Current Evidence, Unmet Needs, and Suggestions for Defining Remission in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Caminati Marco , De Corso Eugenio , Ottaviano Giancarlo , Pipolo Carlotta , Schiappoli Michele , Seccia Veronica , Spinelli Francesca Romana , Savarino Edoardo Vincenzo , Gisondi Paolo , Senna Gianenrico 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose of Review
The development of biological therapies for type 2 inflammatory diseases raises the possibility of addressing remission in those dis-immune conditions. No consensus exists for a definition of remission in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This review aims to critically evaluate the published data to provide the basis for defining remission in CRSwNP.

Recent Findings
The published evidence has yet to provide an unequivocal definition on remission in type 2 inflammatory diseases, in part reflecting differences in approaches to diagnosis and follow-up. A multidimensional evaluation is necessary when considering complete remission, including clinical, inflammatory, and histologic criteria, but how to combine or tailor the three perspectives according to disease severity at baseline or timing of assessment of treatment category is yet to reach consensus. We suggest defining remission starting from the approach taken in asthma and eosinophilic esophagitis, that is, including the resolution of symptoms and improvements in objective parameters of disease severity and/or inflammatory activity. Future studies and consensuses should provide validated criteria with cutoffs for the day-to-day definition of remission.

Summary
The definition of remission in CRSwNP should include the following criteria, to be verified and maintained for a period of ≥ 12 months: absence of symptoms (nasal obstruction, loss of smell, rhinorrhea as the main ones); no impact of symptoms on quality of life; no need of surgery; no chronic or rescue medications (systemic corticosteroids or antibiotics); and recovery of smell function, possibly evaluated by objective test. Assessment of underlying inflammation should also be considered once accurate and feasible biomarkers are available in clinical practice.
Relative Effectiveness of a Radionuclide (210Pb), Surface Elevation Table (SET), and LiDAR At Monitoring Mangrove Forest Surface Elevation Change
Authors: MacKenzie Richard A. , Krauss Ken W. , Cormier Nicole , Eperiam Eugene , van Aardt Jan , Kargar Ali Rouzbeh , Grow Jessica , Klump J. Val 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSea-level rise (SLR) is one of the greatest future threats to mangrove forests. Mangroves have kept up with or paced past SLR by maintaining their forest floor elevation relative to sea level through root growth, sedimentation, and peat development. Monitoring surface elevation change (SEC) or accretion rates allows us to understand mangrove response to SLR and prioritizes resilient ecosystems for conservation or vulnerable ecosystems for restoration. We compared three methods to measure SEC and accretion in mangrove forests: 210Pb, surface elevation tables (SETs), and a terrestrial light detection and ranging system (compact biomass LiDAR—CBL). Lead-210 accretion rates were not significantly different than SET SEC rates and differences between the two methods (− 2 to 2 mm/year) were within the error of our measurements. Lead-210 only measures accretion in the upper meter of sediment and cannot capture deeper subsurface processes (e.g., subsidence, compaction) that SETs can. The lack of differences suggests the following: (1) surface processes in the active root zone are influencing forest floor elevation more than subsurface processes, (2) subsurface processes were not large enough to effect elevation, or (3) the SETs were not installed deep enough to capture subsurface processes. CBL SEC rates did not differ significantly from SET SEC rates. The larger spatial scale of the CBL scans resulted in significantly different SEC rates from some of the plots. This was due to the CBL measuring areas missed by the SET. The greater number of points measured by CBL (~ 30,000 vs 36) increased precision and lowered standard error. The traditional SET/rSET method is currently 3–10 × cheaper than the 210Pb or CBL method, respectively, and can accurately track changes in forest floor elevation. Costs of the use of LiDAR are likely to decrease in the future with the advent of newer and more cost-effective technology.