bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Professionalism-training in undergraduate medical education in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic setting in the Gulf Region: an exploration of reflective essays
Authors: Buhumaid Rasha , Otaki Farah , Czabanowska Katarzyna , Stanley Adrian , Ezimokhai Mutairu , Jackson Lisa , Ho Samuel B. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

BackgroundDespite the established need to prioritize professionalism-training in developing future physicians, very few medical programs in the Gulf Region embed in their curricula discrete contextualized courses aimed at developing the corresponding competencies, while fostering self-directed learning. This study aims at exploring the perception of undergraduate medical students in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic setting regarding their understanding of, and personal experience with professionalism through their engagement with the content of an innovative curriculum-based professionalism course, offered at a Medical School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.MethodsThe study used a qualitative phenomenological research design. Out of 33 students, 29 students had submitted reflective essays. The content of these essays was inductively analyzed following a six-step framework for conducting thematic analysis. The framework’s steps include familiarizing oneself with the data, generating initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and producing the report.FindingsThe inductive qualitative analysis generated theProfessionalism Learning Journeymodel. This conceptual model includes four interconnected themes:Awareness, Acknowledgement, Realization, and Application.The generated model depicts the trajectory that the learners appear to experience while they are engaging with the content of the course.ConclusionIntegrating a professionalism-training course into undergraduate medical curriculum is likely to be positively appraised by the learners. It raises their awareness, enables them to value the subject matter and the sophistication of its application, and empowers them to put into practice the taught principles, on an individual basis and collectively. This is especially true when the course is entrenched in constructivism experiential learning theory and designed to foster self-directed learning. The introduced conceptual model, in conjunction with the innovative professionalism-training course curriculum, can serve as a template for other competencies and other schools.
Electro-magneto-mechanical co-simulation in strongly coupled dynamic applications
Authors: Reato Federico Maria , Ricci Claudio , Cinquemani Simone , Misfatto Jan , Calzaferri Matteo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Multibody-based design methodologies are techniques that have seen an increasing use, both in industry and science, in the last few decades. This boost was made possible by the more and more performing computers and the increasingly reliable simulation software. Normally the analysis of large and complex mechanical systems tends to be decoupled to isolate the main macro phenomena and thus allow the models to be simulated by different techniques, tools, and algorithms. All these aspects highlight the difficulties of analysis of coupled heterogeneous systems. The strict interdependence between the different physical domains or different scales of analysis has clearly increased the difficulties in multibody prediction capabilities. An interesting new approach is represented by the multi-physics co-simulations technique where the global model of a coupled system is solved through the inter-exchange of effort and flows variables coming from events of different natures. The paper intends to propose a novel co-simulation architecture for the integration of the magnetic and analog electronic domains into the mechanic one through the implementation among the others of a Matlab-Python based bi-directional communication routine for the interexchange of effort and flow independent variables between the master model (multibody-based) and the equivalent circuit model developed through Spice® as well as the possibility to integrate the dynamic analysis of the 3D electro-magnetic field through the open package ESRF Radia®. To highlight the potentiality of the multi-domain architecture and to validate the results obtained from the co-simulation a comparison with the experimental results of a micro electro-magnetic actuated drive [1] are proposed.
The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on the Financial Performance of European Banks: A Simultaneous Equations Model
Authors: SLAMA Mehrez BEN , HAMOUDA Sinda BEN 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study examines the effect of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on the financial performance of 27 European banks during the period of 2011 to 2018. Using panel data and the simultaneous equation model, our research has shown that the implementation of corporate social responsibility practices has a negative impact on the financial performance of banks. This finding is significant as it highlights the potential trade-offs that banks may face when implementing CSR initiatives. However, it is important to note that this does not mean that banks should abandon these practices altogether. CSR practices can have important benefits for society and the environment, and it is crucial for banks to find a balance between financial goals and social and environmental responsibilities.
Ransomware Detection with Opcode Analysis and GAN-Based Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Zhong Qinian , Kang Qian 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study introduces an innovative approach to ransomware detection utilizing opcode analysis combined with Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). Focusing on the dynamic nature of modern ransomware threats, the research develops a method that leverages unsupervised learning to detect both known and novel ransomware variants. The study begins by examining the evolution of ransomware, from its initial focus on Windows-based systems to the current sophisticated attacks on various platforms. It then explores the implementation of a GAN-based model, capable of discerning ransomware through complex opcode patterns. Experimental results demonstrate the model's effectiveness across several ransomware families, with high accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-scores. The research further delves into the implications of advanced ransomware detection techniques, challenges in adapting to evolving ransomware strategies, the integration of AI in cybersecurity, and future directions in ransomware mitigation. This paper contributes significantly to the field of cybersecurity by providing an advanced, adaptable, and efficient tool for ransomware detection, marking a step forward in combating the increasing ransomware threat.
Performance Degradation Caused by Ionization of the Released Gas Molecules in W-band Gyrotron Traveling Wave Tube Based on A Simplified Ionization Model
Authors: Wang Yu , Liu Guo , Jiang Wei , Yao Yelei , Wang Jianxun , Luo Yong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Analysis of the performance degradation for W-band lossy ceramic-loaded gyrotron traveling wave tubes (gyro-TWTs) caused by ionization of the released gas molecules is presented in this paper. The gas is released from the lossy ceramics during high average or continuous wave operation and ionized by colliding with the high-energy gyrating electrons. A potential well will be formed by the diffusion and accumulation of the ionization particles after the collision and then degrade the gyro-TWT performance. This process has been simulated based on a simplified model by introducing an equivalent ionization source combining ions and electrons. With a vacuum of 2.1*10-6 Pa, the theoretically calculated initial energy and equivalent ionization current are 0.01 eV and 0.5 A, respectively. It leads to a deterioration in the output power stability of the gyro-TWT. The performance degradation including spectrum, and field pattern caused by gas ionization is also given and analyzed. One of the primary causes is the quality (pitch factor and velocity spread) degradation of the electron beam. According to the simulation and hot test experiments, the vacuum should be maintained below 2.1*10-6 Pa for stabilizing the amplified operation.
Identification of culturable bacteria associated with the rhizosphere of Lablab purpureus growing in Namibia
Authors: Kavishe Faith Fransisca , Uzabakiriho Jean Damascène , Kennedy Jeya , Chimwamurombe Percy 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Dolichos lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet)) is a multipurpose drought tolerant protein-rich legume crop native to Africa and grown in warm temperate to tropical climates for its edible seeds and manure. Lablab purpureus holds significant benefits to subsistence farmers and offers a great promise for sustainable crop productivity, especially in marginalised areas. Its uses range from human consumption as a vegetable to improving soil fertility, and as forage. Notwithstanding Lablab purpureus crucial potential functions in Namibia, there is currently limited information regarding the plant’s rhizosphere bacteria. The study aimed at identifying Lablab purpureus’ natural rhizosphere bacteria. Isolation of rhizosphere bacteria involved the use of general media (Luria Bertani agar and tryptic soy agar); selective media such as Rhizobium and Yeast Extract Mannitol (YEM) Congo red from soil sample extracts. Eighty-five strains of bacteria were isolated and were subsequently identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The results showed that they belonged to the following genera, Bacillus, Streptomyces, Exiguobacterium, Stutzerimonas, Rhizobium, Acidovorax, Agrobacterium, Psychrobacter, Priestia, Planococcus, Bhargavaea, Stenotrophomonas, Caulobacter, Peribacillus, Niallia, Athrobacter, Sphingobium, Enterobacter, Sphingobacterium, Sinorhizobium, Flavobacterium, Microbacterium, Metabacillus, Neobacillus, and Pseudomonas which are reported to have growth promoting substances. The study highlighted the potential use of these plant growth promoting rhizobacteria for inocula production or biofertilisers for enhancing growth and nutrient content of beans and other crops under field conditions. The study was the first report of Lablab purpureus’s rhizosphere associated bacteria in Namibia.
Testing measurement invariance in a conditional likelihood framework by considering multiple covariates simultaneously
Authors: Draxler Clemens , Kurz Andreas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This article addresses the problem of measurement invariance in psychometrics. In particular, its focus is on the invariance assumption of item parameters in a class of models known as Rasch models. It suggests a mixed effects or random intercept model for binary data together with a conditional likelihood approach of both estimating and testing the effects of multiple covariates simultaneously. The procedure can also be viewed as a multivariate multiple regression analysis which can be applied in longitudinal designs to investigate effects of covariates over time or different experimental conditions. This work also derives four statistical tests based on asymptotic theory and a parameter-free test suitable in small sample size scenarios. Finally, it outlines generalizations for categorical data in more than two categories. All procedures are illustrated on real-data examples from behavioral research and on a hypothetical data example related to clinical research in a longitudinal design.
Contribution of genomic surveillance to the detection and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variants during the 6 pandemic waves in the Central African Republic from 2020 to 2023
Authors: Rafaï Clotaire Donatien , Lango-Yaya Ernest , Belizaire Marie Roseline Darnicka , Adonis Ouoko Fa-Ti-Gbia Maurel Annicet , Roungou Jean- Baptiste , SENZONGO Oscar , KOFFI Prof Boniface 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to strengthen diagnostic and genomic surveillance capacities. The Central African Republic was able to manage 5 waves of disease during health monitoring and integrated genomic surveillance as a surveillance tool in 2021.
The aim of this study was to report surveillance data from the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health and describe the landscape of circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Materials and methods: This retrospective, descriptive observational study over a period of 3 years (ranging from April 2020 to November 2023) was carried out on a population of consenting volunteers from throughout the CAR and tested by RT‒PCR on nasopharyngeal samples with sufficient information in the LNBCSP database. Sequencing is largely carried out at the INRB in KINSHASA and from May 2023 at the LNBCSP.
Results and discussion: Out of 97,864 RT‒PCR tests carried out, 9,764 were positive, which corresponds to a prevalence of 9.98%. The average age of the patients was 39.97 ± 13.76 years, and the sex ratio (M/F) was 2.12. RT‒PCR positivity was significantly associated with age (p=0.001), sex (p=0.013) and clinical manifestations. Ten variants circulated during the 5 waves recorded. The landscape of circulating variants was dominated by the Omicron (B.1.1.529) and Delta (B.1.617.2) variants and especially by B.1.620 and B.640, which marked the second wave in CAR-T cells.
Conclusion: This retrospective series provides key information for understanding the history of the COVID-19 pandemic in the CAR. Risk factors were identified, and the variant circulation landscape was described. Strengthening national genomic surveillance capacities would help the country adopt a better response against this pandemic.
Digital Full-mouth Rehabilitation for Complex Cases Involving Severe Deep Overbite and Worn Dentition: A Case Report
Authors: Jannati Pooya , Afrashtehfar Kelvin I. , Vakili Faranak , Alikhasi Marzieh 
Published: January 2024

Introduction:
The demand for aesthetic restorations in dentistry has led to full-mouth reconstructions or rehabilitations (FMRs) as a viable solution for treating patients with worn and altered teeth. This study presents a clinical case report of a middle-aged patient with severe tooth wear and deep overbite with digital workflows.

Case Presentation:
The case report highlighted the successful application of digital technology in the comprehensive rehabilitation of a patient with worn dentition, showcasing improved esthetics, function, and patient comfort. The case report demonstrated the potential benefits of this rapid approach in achieving successful outcomes. Digital CAD/CAM technology is a solution for optimizing the prosthetic workflow, achieving time and cost efficiency, and delivering high-quality dental restorations.

Conclusion:
Future primary studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups can further validate the FMR digital approaches.
Clinical Performance of Two CAD/CAM Fabricated Ceramic Restorations with Different Designs for MIH Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Montaser Ayat G. , Hashem Sara N. , Ali Menna-Allah S. , Fathy Nour Alhoda , Safwat Hebatullah Ahmed , Eldehna Alaa M. 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Molars affected with severe molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) require extensive restorations, which do not last for a long time and often require treatment in the form of onlays or full coverage restorations.

Objective:
A randomized clinical trial evaluated the clinical performance of two CAD/CAM fabricated ceramic restorations, Vita Suprinity (VS) and Vita Enamic (VE), with different preparation designs, occlusal veneer and endocrown, for rehabilitation of the first permanent molar affected by MIH.

Materials and Methods:
The study was registered with NCT05434884 clinical trial ID with 68 patients ranging from 8 to 13 years old, who attended the dental clinic of Al-Azhar University, Girls Branch, and suffering from a severe form of molar incisor hypomineralization. The patients were divided equally into two groups, group I, i.e., occlusal veneer (OV) group, and group II, i.e., endocrown (EN) group, according to different preparation designs related to different severity levels of first permanent molars’ hypomineralization (moderate and severe); each group was subdivided equally and randomly into two subgroups, subgroup A, i.e., Vita Suprinity (VS), and subgroup B, i.e., Vita Enamic (VE), according to the material used for fabrication of the restoration. The survival and success rates of restorations were assessed using the clinical United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria at 1 week, and 3, 6, 12, and 18 months' recall times after cementation, and statistical analysis was performed.

Results:
There was no statistically significant difference between groups and subgroups in terms of all evaluation parameters during the whole observational period.

Conclusion:
Based on observations, occlusal veneer and endocrown designs fabricated from CAD/CAM VS and VE showed similar clinical success in the rehabilitation of first permanent molars with severe MIH over 18 months of evaluation.
An Audit of Saudi Dental Students’ Opinions and Attitudes toward Digital Dentistry
Authors: Madfa Ahmed A. , Al-Ibrahim Ibrahim K. , Alshammary Freah L. , Alharbi Salwa M. , Alharbi Bandar B. 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Digital technologies have gained prominence recently and are increasingly essential to the development of dentistry. Hence, the aim of this research was to examine the utilization of digital technology among dental students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methods:
Electronic surveys were delivered to dental students in Saudi Arabia in a random manner. A total of 816 questionnaires were collected, of which 778 were considered eligible for inclusion in the study. The survey sought data pertaining to gender, age, and educational level, and individuals' involvement in the study was entirely voluntary. The participants were instructed to fill out the questionnaires in accordance with their observations and personal experiences. The acquired data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, which included numerical values and percentages. The statistical analyses employed in this study involved the utilization of the Chi-square test and Fisher's Exact test to evaluate the obtained outcomes.

Results:
Out of a total of 778 students, 758 (97.43%) possessed knowledge regarding digital dentistry, of which 715 (91.9%) acquired knowledge through their college education. Conversely, a comparatively smaller subset of 20 students (2.6%) lacked awareness regarding digital dentistry. The findings of the study indicate that interns and clinical students exhibited significantly greater levels of knowledge compared to preclinical students (p < 0.01). In relation to the implementation of digital dentistry in clinical practice, 677 (87.0%) responded yes, whereas 101 (13.0%) expressed a negative viewpoint. In the context of digital technology utilization, 695 (89.3%), expressed the view that digital dentistry is advantageous in terms of diagnostic capabilities. Conversely, 79 (10.2%), held the belief that digital dentistry has the potential to effectively facilitate clinical treatment. A total of 766 (98.5%) participants had a positive perception regarding the enhancement of dental procedure quality through the implementation of digital dentistry. 737 students (94.7%) expressed the belief that digital dentistry would ultimately supplant conventional dental services. A significant majority of the sample 765 (98.3%) replied yes to both questions regarding higher learning outcomes and the necessity of acquiring skills and training.

Conclusion:
The findings of this study found that dental students possess a strong understanding of digital technology, perhaps serving as a source of motivation for engaging in practice.
Enhancing Organic Carbon Content in Tropical Soils: Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Adekiya Aruna Olasekan , Alori Elizabeth Temitope , Ogunbode Timothy Oyebamiji , Sangoyomi Titilayo , Oriade Opeyemi Abosede 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Tropical soils are characterized by low soil organic carbon (SOC) contents, which can negatively impact soil fertility, water retention, overall agricultural productivity, and food security.

Objective:
This paper aimed to review and synthesize the current body of literature on the restoration of SOC in tropical soils.

Methods:
A total of about 152 related articles were downloaded from electronic journal databases using search keywords, such as organic carbon (OC), conservation tillage, intercropping, biochar, and tropical soil. We discussed conservation tillage practices, such as reducing soil disturbance and respiration from the soils, as a means to promote soil OC sequestration. We also highlighted the importance of crop residue retention, which not only increases organic matter inputs and soil nutrients but also promotes soil water retention and reduces soil erosion.

Results:
Cover crops and crop rotation are identified as effective practices to cover bare ground during planting seasons, reduce erosion, and prevent nutrient losses through leaching and runoff. Additionally, we review the role of fertilizer application, manure and compost application, intercropping, agroforestry, and biochar as strategies to enhance OC content in tropical soils. We highlight the benefits of incorporating organic amendments, such as manure and compost, to improve soil structure and water-holding capacity. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from biomass pyrolysis, as a strategy to sequester OC in tropical soils.

Conclusion:
Overall, this review provides insights into various strategies that can be implemented to increase the OC content of tropical soils, which can have multiple benefits for soil health, agricultural productivity, and climate change mitigation. Further research and implementation of these practices can contribute to mitigating climate change, conserving soil resources, and promoting sustainable agriculture in tropical regions.
PRKCA and TCF4 Genetic Variants in Anxiety Symptoms and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in a Sample of Colombian Subjects Selected on the Basis of High Anxiety Scores
Authors: Leon Rodriguez Daniel Arturo , Montes Lucía Uribe , Quiñones Breyner Joel , Zamora Santiago , Moreno Lina , Villamil William , González-Giraldo Yeimy , Baez Sandra , Forero Diego A. , Trujillo-Güiza Martha Liliana 
Published: January 2024

Objective:
There are several anxiety disorders leading to a high burden of disease around the world, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The heritability of GAD suggests that genetic factors play an important role in its development; however, further research in this area is needed in Latin America. This study aimed to analyze the possible association between two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs2244497 and rs1452789, located in the PRKCA and TCF4 genes with anxiety symptoms and GAD based on high anxiety scores in a sample of selected Colombian subjects.

Methods:
We evaluated 303 participants using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Zung’s Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (ZSAS). Subjects with high scores in both scales (according to established cut-off points) participated in a psychiatric evaluation for the diagnosis of GAD. TaqMan assays were employed to genotype the SNPs, and statistical analyses were performed using logistic and linear regression.

Results:
In a sample of Colombian subjects selected on the basis of high anxiety scores, we found a significant association between the rs2244497 SNP in the PRKCA gene and higher scores in anxiety symptoms, where people carrying the T/T genotype had the highest scores for HADS scale. However, we did not observe this association in people diagnosed with GAD. In addition, the SNP in TCF4 (rs1452789) did not have an association with anxiety symptoms or GAD diagnosis.

Conclusion:
This study contributes to the analysis of the molecular basis of anxiety disorders in selected Latin American samples. However, further studies are necessary to understand the role of rs2244497 SNP in the PRKCA gene and the risk for higher scores in anxiety symptoms.