bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multichannel laser diode to polymer waveguide array coupling with a double-aspheric lens
Authors: Kunze K. , Gossler C. , Reinhardt M. , Arnold M. , Schwenzer F. , Helke C. , Reuter D. , Keppeler D. , Moser T. , Schwarz U. T. 
Published: November 2023

An optical system for multichannel coupling of laser arrays to polymer waveguide array probes with a single biconvex lens is developed. The developed cylindrical module with 13 mm and 20 mm in diameter and length, respectively, enables coupling of eight individual optical channels using an aspheric lens. Specific coupling with crosstalk below −13dB for each channel and quasi-uniform coupling over all channels is achieved for a waveguide array with 100 µm lateral facet pitch at the incoupling site. The polymer waveguide technology allows for tapering of the lateral waveguide pitch to 25 µm toward the tip of the flexible waveguide array. SU-8 and PMMA are used as the waveguide core and cladding, respectively. The optical coupling module is designed as a prototype for preclinical evaluation of optical neural stimulators.
The effectiveness of interventions to reduce cardio-metabolic risk factors among regular street food consumers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: The pre-post findings from a cluster randomized trial (Registered by Pan African clinical trial registry with trial # PACTR202208642850935)
Authors: Kagaruki Gibson B. , Mahande Michael J. , Mayige Mary T. , Kreppel Katharina S. , Ngadaya Esther S. , Haydon Daniel , Kimaro Godfather D. , Mfinanga Sayoki G. , Bonfoh Bassirou 
Published: November 2023

Introduction
The healthy plate model (HPM) is a practical guide to modulate the portion of staple food in main meals, subsequently affecting the risks associated with Non-communicable Diseases include type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objective
This study investigated the effectiveness of health information and the healthy plate model on cardio-metabolic risk factors, knowledge and attitude towards T2DM prevention measures.

Methods
A pre-post analysis, as part of a cluster randomized trial with street food vendors and their customers, was implemented in three randomly selected districts in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Two vendor-customer clusters each with 15 and more vendors from each district were randomly assigned to receive either T2DM health information only (Intervention package1 [IP1]) or IP1 plus a subsidized meal with vegetables and fruits, following the principles of the HPM (Intervention package2 [IP2]). Within the clusters the participants were informed on the importance of the intervention they received. An intervention period lasted for three months from 1st April to 31st June 2019. We applied Generalized Linear Mixed Models and Bayesian Modelling (for sensitivity analysis) to assess the effectiveness of the interventions.

Results
Overall, 336 (IP2 = 175 and IP1 = 161) out of 560 (280/arm) previous study participants participated in evaluation. Diastolic BP was lower among IP2 participants in the evaluation than baseline AβC = -4.1mmHg (95%CI:-5.42 to -2.76). After adjusting for the interaction between IP2 and age of the consumers, the BMI was significantly lower among IP2 in the evaluation than baseline AβC = -0.7kg/m2 (95%CI: -1.17 to -0.23). With interaction between IP2 and income, BMI was higher in the IP2 in the evaluation than baseline AβC = 0.73kg/m2 (95%CI: 0.08 to 1.38). Systolic and diastolic BP were significantly lower among IP1 in the evaluation than baseline AβC = -3.5mmHg (95%CI:-5.78 to -1.24) and AβC = -5.9mmHg (95%CI:-7.34 to -4.44) respectively. Both the knowledge scores and positive attitudes towards T2DM prevention measures were higher in the evaluation than baseline in both interventions arms.

Conclusion
The positive effects on cardio-metabolic risk factors, knowledge and attitude were observed in both intervention arms. Due to interactions between IP2, age and income; designing interventions relating to food and cardio-metabolic risk factors, should consider combining socio-economic factors.
Patient-level explainable machine learning to predict major adverse cardiovascular events from SPECT MPI and CCTA imaging
Authors: Alahdab Fares , El Shawi Radwa , Ahmed Ahmed Ibrahim , Han Yushui , Al-Mallah Mouaz 
Published: November 2023

Background
Machine learning (ML) has shown promise in improving the risk prediction in non-invasive cardiovascular imaging, including SPECT MPI and coronary CT angiography. However, most algorithms used remain black boxes to clinicians in how they compute their predictions. Furthermore, objective consideration of the multitude of available clinical data, along with the visual and quantitative assessments from CCTA and SPECT, are critical for optimal patient risk stratification. We aim to provide an explainable ML approach to predict MACE using clinical, CCTA, and SPECT data.

Methods
Consecutive patients who underwent clinically indicated CCTA and SPECT myocardial imaging for suspected CAD were included and followed up for MACEs. A MACE was defined as a composite outcome that included all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or late revascularization. We employed an Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) approach to predict MACE using clinical, CCTA, and SPECT data. Various mainstream models with different sets of hyperparameters have been explored, and critical predictors of risk are obtained using explainable techniques on the global and patient levels. Ten-fold cross-validation was used in training and evaluating the AutoML model.

Results
A total of 956 patients were included (mean age 61.1 ±14.2 years, 54% men, 89% hypertension, 81% diabetes, 84% dyslipidemia). Obstructive CAD on CCTA and ischemia on SPECT were observed in 14% of patients, and 11% experienced MACE. ML prediction’s sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in predicting a MACE were 69.61%, 99.77%, and 96.54%, respectively. The top 10 global predictive features included 8 CCTA attributes (segment involvement score, number of vessels with severe plaque ≥70, ≥50% stenosis in the left marginal coronary artery, calcified plaque, ≥50% stenosis in the left circumflex coronary artery, plaque type in the left marginal coronary artery, stenosis degree in the second obtuse marginal of the left circumflex artery, and stenosis category in the marginals of the left circumflex artery) and 2 clinical features (past medical history of MI or left bundle branch block, being an ever smoker).

Conclusion
ML can accurately predict risk of developing a MACE in patients suspected of CAD undergoing SPECT MPI and CCTA. ML feature-ranking can also show, at a sample- as well as at a patient-level, which features are key in making such a prediction.
Using Fractional Super-Resolution to Improve Lossy Compression of Point Cloud Geometry
Authors:   University of Brasilia, Borges Tomás , Ferreira Renan ,   University of Brasilia, Garcia Diogo ,   University of Brasilia, de Queiroz Ricardo ,   University of Brasilia
Published: November 2023

We present a method for post-processing point clouds’ geometric information by applying a previously proposed fractional super-resolution technique to clouds compressed and decoded with MPEG’s G-PCC codec. In some sense, this is a continuation of that previous work, which requires only a downscaled point cloud and a scaling factor, both of which are provided by the G-PCC codec. For non-solid point clouds, an a priori down-scaling is required for improved efficiency. The method is compared to the GPCC itself, as well as machine-learning-based techniques. Results show a great improvement in quality over GPCC and comparable performance to the latter techniques, with the advantage of not needing any kind of previous training.
Complete Esophageal Obstruction: A Rare Complication of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Authors: Bentley Blake , Chanaa Fadi , Clayton Steven 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT
Complete esophageal obstruction (CEO) is a rare phenomenon usually observed after receiving head and neck radiation. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) is typically associated with minimal esophageal morbidity because of advancements in antisecretory medications. There are currently no documented reports of CEO in patients with ZES. Although surgeries are available for the treatment of CEO, there is no established method for endoscopic lumen restoration, given its rarity. This case documents potential sequala of modern-day patients with ZES.
Idiopathic Spontaneous Pneumoperitoneum and Call for a Multi-Institutional Database
Authors: Awe Adam M. , Burke Lauren M.B. , Long Millie , Natarajan Brahma , Overby David W. , Campbell Shannelle 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT
Idiopathic spontaneous pneumoperitoneum (ISP) refers to intraperitoneal air of unknown origin when other more common etiologies such as traumatic, intrathoracic, and gynecologic etiologies have been excluded. We present a case of a 42-year-old woman with insignificant history presenting with ISP who underwent exploratory laparoscopy and thorough diagnostic workup that was ultimately unrevealing. This case report adds to the existing literature of ISP, and the authors recommend initiating a multi-institutional database to improve our understanding of ISP and contribute to developing consensus guidelines for presumed ISP.
Integration of Systems and Services at Centro Universitário Senac - Santo Amaro Campus Aimed at Rationalizing Water Use and Minimizing Effluent Generation
Authors: Rogati Ivan Augusto Furini , Athiê Alessandro Augusto Rogick , Guimarães Debora Fernanda , Da Mota Lima César Augusto Silveira , Pinheiro Eduardo , Patricio Talita Thomaz 
Published: November 2023

At Centro Universitário Senac - Santo Amaro Campus, several systems and services have been developed, whose integration, respecting sustainability and industrial ecology premises, promote the rationalization of water use, minimization of effluent generation, and reduction of the institution's socio-environmental impacts. With a total area of 154,000 m2, the campus's occupancy rate can reach 9,594 people/day. By installing faucets and showers with a timer and flow reducer, aiming to reduce water consumption and waste, a 30% reduction in monthly consumption was achieved. An Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) with an anaerobic UASB type stage, associated with an aerobic microbiological treatment system, processes more than 300 m3/day of effluent, treating practically 100% of the wastewater generated by the campus activities, which is converted into reuse water, subsequently used for garden irrigation, facade and floor cleaning, toilet flushing, water recharge for the air conditioning system's heat exchangers, and increasing the volume of treated water returned to the groundwater through a contaminated water treatment plant. A solar water heating system with recirculation provides hot water for kitchens and locker rooms without increasing energy and water consumption on the campus. The pool water is treated with ozone gas, more effective than chlorine and less aggressive to the environment. Education for Sustainability regularly carried out with campus users complements the integration of the systems and services offered.
Direct synthesis based sliding mode controller design for unstable second order with dead-time processes with its application on continuous stirred tank reactor
Authors: Ali Mohammed Hasmat , Anwar Md Nishat 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Unstable processes are challenging to control because they have one or more positive poles that produce unrestrained dynamic activity. Controlling such unstable plants becomes more challenging with the occurrence of the delay. This article presents a novel direct synthesis based sliding mode controller design for unstable second order plus dead-time processes. A sliding surface with three parameters has been considered. The continuous control law, which is responsible for maintaining the system mode to the desired sliding surface mode, has been obtained using the direct synthesis approach. The discontinuous control law parameters have been obtained using the differential evolution optimization technique. A desired reference model is considered for the direct synthesis method, and an objective function is constituted in terms of performance measure (integral absolute error) and control effort measure (total variation of controller output) for the optimization approach. Illustrative examples show the superiority of the proposed controller design method over recently reported literature, especially in terms of load rejection. The proposed controller approach is further extended to control the temperature of a nonlinear chemical reactor. Furthermore, the robustness of the proposed controller is also investigated for plant parametric uncertainty.
Loess and geotourism potential of the Braničevo District (NE Serbia): From overexploitation to paleoclimate interpretation
Authors: Antić Aleksandar , Radaković Milica G. , Marjanović Miloš , Marković Slobodan B. , Perić Zoran M. , Spalević Velibor , Momčilović Oliver , Kostadinović Milica , Marković Rastko , Tomić Nemanja 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe use of loess as a resource for paleoclimatic research is quite well established. In Serbia, a significant number of loess sequences have been preserved in old brickyards. The results of the previously conducted research indicate extremely valuable data that enable a better understanding of the mid- to late Pleistocene climatic evolution in this part of Europe, as well as human dispersal from Africa to Europe via the so-called Danubian migration corridor. The aim of this study is to evaluate the geotourism potentials of the loess profiles in Požarevac (northeastern Serbia). The goal is to determine their geotourism potential for paleoclimate interpretation. The Modified Geoheritage Assessment Model method has identified exceptional geotourism potentials that can be implemented in the tourism market. Paleoclimatic data can serve as indicators for the development of scientific visitor centers for the promotion and popularization of paleoclimate science and museums, which will affirm sustainable socio-economic development through multidisciplinary interpretation. By combining geological, paleoclimatic, archaeological, biological, and other values that reveal natural and anthropogenic events from the distant past, it is possible to create a very competitive geotourism destination, whose sustainability can be passed on to future generations.
The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 induces inflammation and EMT of lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts through the upregulation of GADD45A
Authors: Cai Jiehao , Ma Wenjie , Wang Xiangshi , Chang Hailing , Wei Zhongqiu , Li Jingjing , Zeng Mei 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts poorly express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, and the study aimed to investigate the role of the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on inflammation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in two lung cell lines and to understand the potential mechanism. Lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and fibroblasts (MRC-5) were treated with the spike protein, then inflammatory and EMT phenotypes were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Transwell, and western blot assays. RNA-sequence and bioinformatic analyses were performed to identify dysregulated genes. The roles of the candidate genes were further investigated. The results showed that treatment with 1,000 ng/mL of spike protein in two lung cell lines caused increased levels of IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL1, and CXCL3, and the occurrence of EMT. RNA-sequence identified 4,238 dysregulated genes in the spike group, and 18 candidate genes were involved in both inflammation- and EMT-related processes. GADD45A had the highest verified fold change (abs), and overexpression of GADD45A promoted the secretion of cytokines and EMT in the two lung cell lines. In conclusion, the spike protein induces inflammation and EMT in lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts by upregulating GADD45A, providing a new target to inhibit inflammation and EMT.
Photonic advantage of optical encoders
Authors: Huang Luocheng , Tanguy Quentin A. A. , Fröch Johannes E. , Mukherjee Saswata , Böhringer Karl F. , Majumdar Arka 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Light’s ability to perform massive linear operations in parallel has recently inspired numerous demonstrations of optics-assisted artificial neural networks (ANN). However, a clear system-level advantage of optics over purely digital ANN has not yet been established. While linear operations can indeed be optically performed very efficiently, the lack of nonlinearity and signal regeneration require high-power, low-latency signal transduction between optics and electronics. Additionally, a large power is needed for lasers and photodetectors, which are often neglected in the calculation of the total energy consumption. Here, instead of mapping traditional digital operations to optics, we co-designed a hybrid optical-digital ANN, that operates on incoherent light, and is thus amenable to operations under ambient light. Keeping the latency and power constant between a purely digital ANN and a hybrid optical-digital ANN, we identified a low-power/latency regime, where an optical encoder provides higher classification accuracy than a purely digital ANN. We estimate our optical encoder enables ∼10 kHz rate operation of a hybrid ANN with a power of only 23 mW. However, in that regime, the overall classification accuracy is lower than what is achievable with higher power and latency. Our results indicate that optics can be advantageous over digital ANN in applications, where the overall performance of the ANN can be relaxed to prioritize lower power and latency.
Women in chemistry: remarkable progress, but are we there yet?
Authors: Wu Marinda Li 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The chemistry enterprise continues to evolve, becoming increasingly more diverse and inclusive. Likewise, opportunities and roles for women in the chemistry enterprise have evolved. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, women faced tremendous obstacles pursuing a career in chemistry. Through determination, hard work – and with some good fortune – a few pioneering role models were able to overcome challenges. Countless women have followed in their footsteps. For example, the percentage of PhDs in science awarded to women in the United States has quadrupled over the past 50 years to over 30 %. In addition, the frequency of women elected to professional chemical society leadership or awarded a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry has increased significantly over the past 25 years, even accelerating in the last 5–10 years. Yet, the progress is uneven and much remains to be done to reach gender parity. There are major differences across countries in representation by women researchers in science and technology. In addition, there are significant gender gaps in faculty at top global universities in chemistry departments, as well as in governance at the largest publicly traded U.S. chemical companies. Moreover, progress is needed to reach gender equity in U.S. chemist compensation. However, I am optimistic that women will continue to progress and move towards parity. Like previous women leaders of the global chemistry enterprise, tomorrow’s successful women will have the passion, courage, and determination to overcome challenges and achieve the equity and opportunities they deserve.
A Comparative Study of the Performance of Handmade Papers Used for Mounting in China, Korea, and Japan
Authors: Yoo Dongyoung , Qiao Chengquan , Gong Decai 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The properties of handmade paper used for mounting and conservation of paintings and calligraphy on paper is crucial to the quality and lifespan of such objects. Mounting papers from China, Korea, and Japan vary greatly in performance due to different papermaking methods and fibre materials. In this study, eight types of handmade paper widely used in China, Korea, and Japan were selected for comprehensive comparative analysis investigating their pH as well as optical, mechanical, and ageing properties. The study showed that traditional hanji, improved hanji, and thin Mino paper made of pure kozo fibres performed best in terms of mechanical properties. Among the additives mixed with kozo fibres, clam shell powder was identified as a substance that improves pH and stability of optical properties. Xuan paper Mianliao was found to be a suitable material for mounting hand scrolls and hanging scrolls due to its softness and ageing properties. Traditional hanji, improved hanji, and thin Mino paper are less flexible than xuan paper Mianliao and are considered more suitable for uses other than for mounting scrolls. This study will provide a reference for improving the quality of handmade paper and a theoretical basis for the selection of such papers for the conservation of paintings and calligraphy on paper.
Accuracy of Intraset Repetitions-in-Reserve Predictions During the Bench Press Exercise in Resistance-Trained Male and Female Subjects
Authors: Refalo Martin C. , Remmert Jacob F. , Pelland Joshua C. , Robinson Zac P. , Zourdos Michael C. , Hamilton D. Lee , Fyfe Jackson J. , Helms Eric R. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Refalo, MC, Remmert, JF, Pelland, JC, Robinson, ZP, Zourdos, MC, Hamilton, DL, Fyfe, JJ, and Helms, ER. Accuracy of intraset repetitions-in-reserve predictions during the bench press exercise in resistance-trained male and female subjects. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2023—This study assessed the accuracy of intraset repetitions-in-reserve (RIR) predictions to provide evidence for the efficacy of RIR prescription as a set termination method to inform proximity to failure during resistance training (RT). Twenty-four resistance trained male (n = 12) and female (n = 12) subjects completed 2 experimental sessions involving 2 sets performed to momentary muscular failure (barbell bench press exercise) with 75% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM), whereby subjects verbally indicated when they perceived to had reached either 1 RIR or 3 RIR. The difference between the predicted RIR and the actual RIR was defined as the “RIR accuracy” and was quantified as both raw (i.e., direction of error) and absolute (i.e., magnitude of error) values. High raw and absolute mean RIR accuracy (−0.17 ± 1.00 and 0.65 ± 0.78 repetitions, respectively) for 1-RIR and 3-RIR predictions were observed (including all sets and sessions completed). We identified statistical equivalence (equivalence range of ±1 repetition, thus no level of statistical significance was set) in raw and absolute RIR accuracy between (a) 1-RIR and 3-RIR predictions, (b) set 1 and set 2, and (c) session 1 and session 2. No evidence of a relationship was found between RIR accuracy and biological sex, years of RT experience, or relative bench press strength. Overall, resistance-trained individuals are capable of high absolute RIR accuracy when predicting 1 and 3 RIR on the barbell bench press exercise, with a minor tendency for underprediction. Thus, RIR prescriptions may be used in research and practice to inform the proximity to failure achieved upon set termination.