bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement and removal of asbestos in residential dwellings to be demolished—urban transformation experience in Izmir, Turkey
Authors: Tetik Yılmaz Öğünç , Zümrüt İrem Bayram , Çamurcu Ayşe Gizem , Kale Özge Akboğa , Baradan Selim 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAsbestos has been used extensively in the construction industry for its superior insulation properties before its health hazards were discovered and its use eventually banned. It is likely that many residential buildings built before the 2000s in Turkey contain asbestos. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness of the potential danger of asbestos exposure during demolition work and to identify asbestos-containing materials and ensure their safe removal and disposal. This study is executed to determine the residential dwellings containing asbestos in Izmir, Turkey. The research included field studies to determine asbestos presence in the buildings that were damaged during the 2020 earthquake. Air measurements and bulk samples were taken from 50 buildings that would go through the demolition process. Eleven buildings were found to contain asbestos which corresponds to 22%. The detected asbestos type was 60% chrysotile (white asbestos). Results could be helpful for future demolition work, which are conducted in the same region that includes buildings with similar properties. Also, it is expected that the database created for this study could be useful in other studies in Turkey, where accurate statistical data related with asbestos measurements is essentially non-existent.
Bat Motion can be Described by Leap Frogging
Authors: Henley Lucy , Jones Owen , Mathews Fiona , Woolley Thomas E. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe present models of bat motion derived from radio-tracking data collected over 14 nights. The data presents an initial dispersal period and a return to roost period. Although a simple diffusion model fits the initial dispersal motion we show that simple convection cannot provide a description of the bats returning to their roost. By extending our model to include non-autonomous parameters, or a leap frogging form of motion, where bats on the exterior move back first, we find we are able to accurately capture the bat’s motion. We discuss ways of distinguishing between the two movement descriptions and, finally, consider how the different motion descriptions would impact a bat’s hunting strategy.
Evaluation of Healthcare Utilisation and Expenditures in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Undergoing Bariatric-Metabolic Surgery
Authors: Monpellier Valerie M. , Geurten Rose J. , Janssen Ignace M.C. , Ruwaard Dirk , Struijs Jeroen N. , van Dijk Peter R. , Bilo Henk J.G. , Elissen Arianne M.J. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Changes in healthcare utilisation and expenditures after bariatric-metabolic surgery (BMS) for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are unclear. We used the Dutch national all-payer claims database (APCD) to evaluate utilisation and expenditures in people with T2DM who underwent BMS.

Methods
In this cohort study, patients with T2DM who had BMS in 2016 were identified in the APCD. This group was matched 1:2 to a control group with T2DM who did not undergo BMS based on age, gender and healthcare expenditures. Data on healthcare expenditures and utilisation were collected for 2013–2019.

Results
In total, 1751 patients were included in the surgery group and 3502 in the control group. After BMS, total median expenditures in the surgery group stabilised (€ 3156 to € 3120) and increased in the control group (€ 3174 to € 3434). Total pharmaceutical expenditures decreased 28% in the surgery group (€957 to €494) and increased 55% in the control group (€605 to €936). In the surgery group, 67.1% did not use medication for T2DM in 2019 compared to 13.3% in the control group. Healthcare use for microvascular complications increased in the control group, but not in the surgery group.

Conclusion
BMS in people with T2DM stabilises healthcare expenditures and decreases medication use and care use for microvascular complications. In contrast, healthcare use and expenditures in T2DM patients who do not undergo surgery gradually increase over time. Due to the progressive nature of T2DM, it is expected that these differences will become larger in the long-term.

Graphical Abstract
Cadaveric study of ergonomics and performance using a robotic exoscope with a head-mounted display in spine surgery
Authors: Demetz Matthias , Abramovic Anto , Krigers Aleksandrs , Bauer Marlies , Lener Sara , Pinggera Daniel , Kerschbaumer Johannes , Hartmann Sebastian , Fritsch Helga , Thomé Claudius , Freyschlag Christian F. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe conventional microscope has the disadvantage of a potentially unergonomic posture for the surgeon, which can affect performance. Monitor-based exoscopes could provide a more ergonomic posture, as already shown in pre-clinical studies. The aim of this study was to test the usability and comfort of a novel head-mounted display (HMD)-based exoscope on spinal surgical approaches in a simulated OR setting. A total of 21 neurosurgeons naïve to the device were participated in this prospective trial. After a standardized training session with the device, participants were asked to perform a single-level thoracolumbar decompression surgery on human cadavers using the exoscope. Subsequently, all participants completed a comfort and safety questionnaire. For the objective evaluation of the performance, all interventions were videotaped and analyzed. Twelve men and nine women with a mean age of 34 (range: 24–57) were participating in the study. Average time for decompression was 15 min (IqR 9.6; 24.2); three participants (14%) terminated the procedure prematurely. In these dropouts, a significantly higher incidence of back/neck pain (p = 0.002 for back, p = 0.046 for neck pain) as well as an increased frequency of HMD readjustments (p = 0.045) and decreased depth perception (p = 0.03) were documented. Overall, the surgeons’ satisfaction with the exoscope was 84% (IqR 75; 100). Using a standardized, pre-interventional training, it is possible for exoscope-naïve surgeons to perform sufficient spinal decompression using the HMD-based exoscope with a high satisfaction. However, inaccurate HMD setup prior to the start of the procedure may lead to discomfort and unsatisfactory results.
Insulin pump treatment vs. multiple daily insulin injections in patients with poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a comparison of cardiovascular effects
Authors: Tremamunno Saverio , Tartaglione Linda , Telesca Alessandro , Rizzi Alessandro , Felici Tamara , Mazzotta Francesco , De Vita Antonio , Rizzo Emanuele , Cambise Nello , Belmusto Antonietta , Pitocco Dario , Lanza Gaetano Antonio 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Aims
Both hyperglycaemia and large glycaemic variability are associated with worse outcomes in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), possibly causing sympatho-vagal imbalance and endothelial dysfunction. Continuous subcutaneous insulin injection (CSII) improves glycemic control compared to multiple daily insulin injections (MDI). We aimed to assess whether CSII may improve cardiac autonomic and vascular dilation function compared to MDI.

Methods
We enrolled T2DM patients without cardiovascular disease with poor glycaemic control, despite optimized MDI therapy. Patients were randomized to continue MDI (with multiple daily peripheral glucose measurements) or CSII; insulin dose was adjusted to achieve optimal target ranges of blood glucose levels. Patients were studied at baseline and after 6 months by: 1) flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitrate-mediated dilation (NMD) of the brachial artery; 2) heart rate variability (HRV) by 24-hour ECG Holter monitoring (HM). 7-day continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was performed in 9 and 8 patients of Group 1 and 2, respectively.

Results
Overall, 21 patients were enrolled, 12 randomized to CSII (Group 1) and 9 to MDI (Group 2). The daily dose of insulin and Hb1AC did not differ significantly between the 2 groups, both at baseline and at follow-up. Glucose variability showed some significant improvement at follow-up in the whole population, but no differences were observed between the 2 groups. Both FMD and NMD, as well as HRV parameters, showed no significant differences between the 2 groups at 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions
In this randomized small study we show that, in T2DM patients, CSII achieves a similar medium-term glycemic control compared to MDI, without any adverse effect on the cardiovascular system.
The Absence of Gastrointestinal Redox Dyshomeostasis in the Brain-First Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease Induced by Bilateral Intrastriatal 6-Hydroxydopamine
Authors: Homolak Jan , Joja Mihovil , Grabaric Gracia , Schiatti Emiliano , Virag Davor , Babic Perhoc Ana , Knezovic Ana , Osmanovic Barilar Jelena , Salkovic-Petrisic Melita 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe gut-brain axis plays an important role in Parkinson’s disease (PD) by acting as a route for vagal propagation of aggregated α-synuclein in the gut-first endophenotype and as a mediator of gastrointestinal dyshomeostasis via the nigro-vagal pathway in the brain-first endophenotype of the disease. One important mechanism by which the gut-brain axis may promote PD is by regulating gastrointestinal redox homeostasis as overwhelming evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a key role in the etiopathogenesis and progression of PD and the gastrointestinal tract maintains redox homeostasis of the organism by acting as a critical barrier to environmental and microbiological electrophilic challenges. The present aim was to utilize the bilateral intrastriatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) brain-first PD model to study the effects of isolated central pathology on redox homeostasis of the gastrointestinal tract. Three-month-old male Wistar rats were either not treated (intact controls; CTR) or treated bilaterally intrastriatally with vehicle (CIS) or 6-OHDA (6-OHDA). Motor deficits were assessed with the rotarod performance test, and the duodenum, ileum, and colon were dissected for biochemical analyses 12 weeks after the treatment. Lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity, low-molecular-weight thiols, and protein sulfhydryls, the activity of total and Mn/Fe superoxide dismutases, and total and azide-insensitive catalase/peroxidase were measured. Both univariate and multivariate models analyzing redox biomarkers indicate that significant disturbances in gastrointestinal redox balance are not present. The findings demonstrate that motor impairment observed in the brain-first 6-OHDA model of PD can occur without concurrent redox imbalances in the gastrointestinal system.
Horizontal licensing in vertically related markets
Authors: Bakaouka Elpiniki 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe study the incentives of a downstream firm that sources its core input from a vertically integrated supplier to license its patented technology to an external firm. Licensing transforms the licensee into both a direct downstream competitor and a customer of the supplier. The vertically integrated supplier trades with his competitors/customers through a two-part tariff contract. We find that the incumbent opts for licensing when the supplier provides the input to both the licensor and the licensee. Although licensing intensifies downstream competition, the licensor benefits from the lower input cost and the supplier from the expansion of the market. Licensing incentives in a vertical market are weaker compared to a one-tier market. Moreover, licensing has a positive impact on both consumer and total welfare. Finally, licensing incentives and welfare enhancement continue to occur under a wider set of conditions such as different types of licensing contracts, input trading contracts and market structures.
AI or Your Lying Eyes: Some Shortcomings of Artificially Intelligent Deepfake Detectors
Authors: Harris Keith Raymond 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDeepfakes pose a multi-faceted threat to the acquisition of knowledge. It is widely hoped that technological solutions—in the form of artificially intelligent systems for detecting deepfakes—will help to address this threat. I argue that the prospects for purely technological solutions to the problem of deepfakes are dim. Especially given the evolving nature of the threat, technological solutions cannot be expected to prevent deception at the hands of deepfakes, or to preserve the authority of video footage. Moreover, the success of such technologies depends on institutional trust that is in short supply. Finally, outsourcing the discrimination between the real and the fake to automated, largely opaque systems runs the risk of undermining epistemic autonomy.
Eco-friendly approaches to phytochemical production: elicitation and beyond
Authors: Jalota Kritika , Sharma Vikas , Agarwal Chiti , Jindal Suruchi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHighly ameliorated phytochemicals from plants are recognized to have numerous beneficial effects on human health. However, obtaining secondary metabolites directly from wild plants is posing a great threat to endangered plant species due to their over exploitation. Moreover, due to complicated structure and stereospecificity chemical synthesis of these compounds is a troublesome procedure. As a result, sustainable and ecofriendly in vitro strategy has been adopted for phytochemicals production. But, lack of fully differentiated cells lowers down cultured cells productivity. Consequently, for enhancing yield of metabolites produced by cultured plant cells a variety of methodologies has been followed one such approach includes elicitation of culture medium that provoke stress responses in plants enhancing synthesis and storage of bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, for conclusive breakthrough in synthesizing bioactive compounds at commercial level in-depth knowledge regarding metabolic responses to elicitation in plant cell cultures is needed. However, technological advancement has led to development of molecular based approaches like metabolic engineering and synthetic biology which can serve as promising path for phytochemicals synthesis. This review article deals with classification, stimulating effect of elicitors on cultured cells, parameters of elicitors and action mechanism in plants, modern approaches like metabolic engineering for future advances.Graphical Abstract
An Inertial Iterative Algorithm for Approximating Common Solutions to Split Equalities of Some Nonlinear Optimization Problems
Authors: Mewomo O. T. , Ogwo G. N. , Alakoya T. O. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce a new inertial Tseng’s extragradient method with self-adaptive step sizes for approximating a common solution of split equalities of equilibrium problem (EP), non-Lipschitz pseudomonotone variational inequality problem (VIP) and fixed point problem (FPP) of nonexpansive semigroups in real Hilbert spaces. We prove that the sequence generated by our proposed method converges strongly to a common solution of the EP, pseudomonotone VIP and FPP of nonexpansive semigroups without any linesearch procedure nor the sequential weak continuity condition often assumed by authors when solving non-Lipschitz VIPs. Finally, we provide some numerical experiments for the proposed method in comparison with related methods in the literature. Our result improves, extends and generalizes several of the existing results in this direction.
Construction and transformation method of 3D models based on the chain-type modular structure
Authors: Zhang Yuxiao , Wang Jin , Zhang Dongliang , Lu Guodong , Chen Long 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study proposes a method of constructing and transforming three-dimensional (3D) models that can convert a 3D model into a chain-type modular configuration and realize the mutual transformation between different configurations with a straight chain as the intermediate state through standard folding steps. A method for detailed representation of voxels is proposed. Based on detailed voxels, an accelerated generation algorithm for the connection forest, which can describe the possible chain configurations, is developed. The foldability verification of the configurations and the generation of the folding operations are realized according to the folding rules. A collision detection algorithm based on encoding and projection is also introduced to detect collisions in the process of folding sequence generation. In this work, an interactive platform is established for users to calculate the input model transformation through simple operations and obtain a simulation animation of the folding operations. The experimental cases prove the effectiveness of the method in constructing and transforming the chain-type modular configurations of the input 3D models.
Financial assessment of groundwater and rainwater treatments for school clean water supply
Authors: Pandyaswargo Andante Hadi , Azmi Novri , Darwinsyah  , Onoda Hiroshi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe global primary school population has experienced a significant increase, in line with the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal number 4 which strives to ensure inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education, fostering lifelong learning opportunities for all. However, not all schools, especially in developing countries, have access to a sufficient supply of clean water. For example, a 2021 World Bank study found that almost half (47%) of schools in Indonesia have no access to soap and flowing water, which is critical to disease prevention. In this study, we featured a case study of a school in Indonesia that mainly obtains its clean water supply from pumped underground water and treats it with reverse osmosis technology. This study analyzed the potential financial savings from adding combinations of a rainwater harvesting system, an adsorption–filtration system, an ultraviolet radiation disinfection system, and solar photovoltaics to the existing underground water pumping system in a case study school. We utilize local data encompassing factors such as rainfall intensity, facility investment, operation, and maintenance costs in the evaluation of financial performance for each scenario, employing methods such as net present value (NPV), benefit–cost ratio (BCR), and payback period. The findings indicate that the adoption of constructed scenario 1, incorporating an adsorption filtration system and UV disinfection, yields superior financial outcomes in this study. Scenario 1 results in 167,890 IDR NPV over its 12-year lifespan, 1.10 BCR, and a payback period as short as 2 months. The results from this study provide knowledge about the potential financial gains and technological alternatives for other schools in developing countries without access to a centralized clean water or energy supply.
Coupling direct powder deposition with spark plasma sintering: a new approach towards rapid prototyping
Authors: Airoldi L. , Brucculeri R. , Baldini P. , Morganti S. , Grande M. Actis , Gobber F. S. , Auricchio F. , Anselmi-Tamburini U. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a modified material jetting technology based on a piezoelectric-driven powder deposition, hence direct powder deposition (DPD), combined with pressure-assisted rapid sintering. This is a new approach toward the rapid production of metal and ceramic materials with complex geometries. The combined deposition of two loose powders within the same container, layer by layer, allows realizing complex shapes without the use of any binder or dispersing medium. The resulting green sample is then sintered by field assisted sintering (FAST) or spark plasma sintering (SPS) operating in a pseudo-isostatic mode. This combination of DPD and FAST/SPS allows great versatility, as it can be extended to a wide range of materials and composites without any significant modification of the setup. Moreover, the use of FAST/SPS densification allows the realization of fully sintered samples in less than one hour.
Enhanced denitrification driven by a novel iron-carbon coupled primary cell: chemical and mixotrophic denitrification
Authors: Wu Ruofan , Jeyakumar Paramsothy , Bolan Nanthi , Zhai Xu , Wang Hailong , Pan Minghui , Lian Jiapan , Cheng Liping , Li Jiangzhou , Hou Minghei , Cui Yonghe , Yang Xiaoe , Dai Kuai 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIron-carbon micro-electrolysis system is a promising method for promoting electron transfer in nitrate removal. However, many traditional approaches involving simple physical mixing inevitably suffered from the confined iron-carbon contact area and short validity period, leading to the overuse of iron. Here, a ceramsite-loaded microscale zero-valent iron (mZVI) and acidified carbon (AC) coupled-galvanic cell (CMC) was designed to support chemical, autotrophic and heterotrophic denitrification. Long-term experiments were conducted to monitor the nitrogen removal performance of denitrification reactors filled with CMC and thus optimized the denitrification performance by improving fabrication parameters and various operating conditions. The denitrification contributions test showed that the chemical denitrification pathway contributed most to nitrate removal (57.3%), followed by autotrophic (24.6%) and heterotrophic denitrification pathways (18.1%). The microbial analysis confirmed the significant aggregation of related denitrifying bacteria in the reactors, while AC promoted the expression of relevant nitrogen metabolism genes because of accelerated uptake and utilization of iron complexes. Meanwhile, the electrochemical analysis revealed a significantly improved electron transfer capacity of AC compared to pristine carbon. Overall, our study demonstrated the application of a novel mZVI-AC coupled material for effective nitrate removal and revealed the potential impact of CMC in the multipathway denitrification process.
Graphical Abstract
JPPF: Multi-task Fusion for Consistent Panoptic-Part Segmentation
Authors: Muralidhara Shishir , Jagadeesh Sravan Kumar , Schuster René , Stricker Didier 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPart-aware panoptic segmentation is a problem of computer vision that aims to provide a semantic understanding of the scene at multiple levels of granularity. More precisely, semantic areas, object instances, and semantic parts are predicted simultaneously. In this paper, we present our joint panoptic part fusion (JPPF) that combines the three individual segmentations effectively to obtain a panoptic-part segmentation. Two aspects are of utmost importance for this: first, a unified model for the three problems is desired that allows for mutually improved and consistent representation learning. Second, balancing the combination so that it gives equal importance to all individual results during fusion. Our proposed JPPF is parameter-free and dynamically balances its input. The method is evaluated and compared on the Cityscapes panoptic parts (CPP) and Pascal panoptic parts (PPP) datasets in terms of PartPQ and Part-Whole Quality (PWQ). In extensive experiments, we verify the importance of our fair fusion, highlight its most significant impact for areas that can be further segmented into parts, and demonstrate the generalization capabilities of our design without fine-tuning on 5 additional datasets.