bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serious Games for the Treatment of Children with ADHD: The BRAVO Project
Authors: De Luca Valerio , Schena Annamaria , Covino Attilio , Di Bitonto Pierpaolo , Potenza Ada , Barba Maria Cristina , D’Errico Giovanni , De Paolis Lucio Tommaso 
Published: January 2024

AbstractChildren affected by attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit several symptoms characterized by inattention, impulsivity and motor hyperactivity that impair both school performance and everyday life. The BRAVO (Beyond the tReatment of the Attention deficit hyperactiVity disOrder) project dealt with the development of several serious games based on extended reality that help patients improve in self-control, respect for rules, attention and concentration. In order to achieve both logopaedic and behavioural educational goals, serious games were developed concerning three different categories: Topological Categories, Infinite Runner and Planning. Experimental tests conducted over a six-month period assessed the patients’ performance and the emotional impact of the games, also showing a general improvement in cognitive and behavioural functions.
Starch as a successful biodegradable nucleating agent in biodegradable PHBV/PHO blends
Authors: El-Taweel Safaa H. , Al-Hamdi Arwa 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe morphology and thermal properties of PHBV/PHO/starch blends are investigated using polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The crystallization behavior of the PHBV in PHBV/PHO was improved via the incorporation of a biodegradable nucleating agent, starch, as indicated by thermal analysis and polarized optical micrographs. The PHBV and PHO show phase separation in the blend. The XRD patterns of PHBV in blends are identical to those of neat PHBV. The Avrami exponents were not considerably impacted by the presence of PHO or starch. Furthermore, the nucleation constant, Kg, of the PHBV blends was evaluated using a modified Lauritzen–Hoffmann treatment. The Kg values indicated that the crystallization of PHBV in all blends occur in Regime III. PHO and starch have little impact on the maximum degradation temperature of PHBV.
Circadian clock gene expression and polymorphism in non-segmental vitiligo
Authors: Farag Azza Gaber Antar , Badr Eman A. E. , Ibrahim Asmaa Fahmy 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Vitiligo is an acquired and progressive mucocutaneous disease with the damage of functioning epidermal melanocytes. Metabolic syndrome is associated with inflammatory skin diseases incorporating vitiligo. The circadian dysfunction triggers the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, so our study aimed to determine the relationship between aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like gene, a ligand-activated transcription factor and sensor of environmental chemicals, expression and polymorphism with non-segmental vitiligo, as well as its effect on lipid profile.

Methods
This case-control study was handled on 50 non-segmental vitiligo patients (generalized (12) and localized type (focal; 24 and acrofacial; 14)) and 50 matched controls. Each subject was proposed for full history taking, clinical examinations, serum lipid profile, and measurement of BMAL1 gene expression in the blood, and BMAL1 rs2279287 polymorphism of DNA extract from whole blood by real time-PCR.

Results
We identified that total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein were significantly higher, but high-density lipoprotein was significantly lower in non-segmental vitiligo patients than in the control group. A significant increase in circadian gene expression in non-segmental vitiligo patients was observed, with more detection of the BMAL1 T/C genotype (92%) than the T/T genotype. There was a significant positive relationship between the level of the circadian gene and the vitiligo patient’s age, age of onset, and VIDA Score. The level of the circadian gene at Cutoff  ≥ 1.16 can predict the prognosis of vitiligo with a sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 84%, and accuracy of 81%.

Conclusion
The circadian gene has an active role in the progress of non-segmental vitiligo and targeting this gene could have a significant impact on its management.
Assisted Upscaling of Miscible CO2-Enhanced Oil Recovery Floods Using an Artificial Neural Network-Based Optimisation Algorithm
Authors: Ogbeiwi P. , Stephen K. D. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDue to the high computing cost of the fine-scale compositional simulations needed to effectively model miscible CO2 flooding, upscaling techniques are needed to approximate the behaviour of these fine-scale grids on more realistic coarse-scale models. The use of transport coefficients to better represent small-scale interactions, such as the time-dependent flux of the components within the hydrocarbon phases (molecular diffusion), and the pseudoisation of relative permeabilities to ensure the matching of large-scale effects, such as the volumetric fluxes of the phases, are two of these procedures. Most times, a mismatch between the phase fluxes of the integrated fine-scale and that of the coarse-scale is observed. By adjusting or calibrating some of the generated coarse-scale pseudo functions, such as the transport coefficients, absolute permeability, or relative permeability endpoints, the accuracy of the upscaling results can be improved. This procedure can be treated a reservoir history matching problem which is typically computationally expensive. In this study, we provide a framework for representing the dynamics of small-scale molecular diffusion and macro-scale heterogeneity-induced channelling related to miscible CO2 displacements on upscaled coarser grid reservoir models. The method used was based on the pseudoisation of relative permeability and transport coefficients and was applied to two benchmark reservoir models from the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). Our results demonstrated that using effectively calibrated transport coefficients improved the upscaling results, so that the calculated pseudo-relative permeability functions can be ignored. We proposed a unique approach to upscaling miscible floods that utilised a genetic algorithm and a neural-network-based proxy model to minimise the associated computing cost. The data-driven approximation model considerably decreased the computing cost associated with the assisted tuning technique, and the optimisation algorithm was used to reduce the error between the predictions of the upscaled models. In conclusion, the methodology described in this study effectively captured the small- and large-scale behaviour related to the miscible displacements on upscaled coarse-scale reservoir models while reduced associated computational costs.
Wool production and quality traits of pure- and crossbred Merino-type sheep
Authors: Theron P.G. , Brand T.S. , Cloete S.W.P. , van Zyl J.H.C 
Published: January 2024

AbstractVery little information is available on the quality of wool produced by terminal crosses out of wool producing dam lines. This study was therefore undertaken to elucidate the wool quality traits of four crossbred lines relative to Merinos and Dohne Merinos, which served as dam lines. Each dam line was mated to rams of their own breed as well as to Dormer or Ile de France rams to create four crossbred lines, namely, Dohne x Dormer, Dohne x Ile de France, Merino x Dormer, and Merino x Ile de France, in addition to the purebred Dohne Merino and Merino lines. Four rams and four ewes from each of these lines were reared up to one year of age under optimal growth conditions and shorn at the end of that time. Fleeces were weighed and samples collected for analysis. Neither sex nor genotype influenced clean fleece weight or clean yield percentage, but fibre diameter differed between genotypes. Purebred Merino had the finest wool (18.26 μm) and the Merino x Dormer cross the coarsest (26.01 μm). However, all lines still produced wool that could be used in manufacturing clothing, while fleeces showed good uniformity. The two purebred lines had the highest comfort factor (> 98%). The crossbred lines produced a similar quantity of wool as the purebreds, although of poorer quality. All genotypes except Merino x Dormer appear to produce wool that could be processed into garments, although the crossbred wool would only be suitable for outerwear.
An Evaluation of Radon Concentrations in Arin Lake, Bitlis
Authors: Çelik Şule Karatepe , Bal Sultan Şahin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractArin Lake, situated in the Bitlis province, is a soda lake that holds significant ecological importance as a habitat for migratory bird species such as flamingos and white-headed ducks. In order to investigate the potential radiation exposure to the environment and living organisms in the area, radon concentration levels and dose calculations were determined for water samples collected from 27 different points in Arin Lake. The radon levels were determined using the AlphaGUARD PQ2000 PRO radon monitoring system, which has the range of 2–2.106 Bqm−3. The results of the radon concentration measurements are between 0.06 and 0.39 Bq/L, with a mean of value of 0.17 Bq/L. The annual effective doses for ingestion (Deff-ing) and inhalation (Deff-inh) were calculated at values ranging from 0.14 to 0.99 µSv/year. The radon levels were found to be lower than international standard values. Furthermore, the outcomes of this research were subjected to comparison with other studies in the literature.
A bio-chemo-hydro-mechanical model of transport, strength and deformation for bio-cementation applications
Authors: Bosch Jose A. , Terzis Dimitrios , Laloui Lyesse 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBio-cementation through microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) has the potential to overcome several technical and environmental limitations of conventional cement-based soil improvement techniques. While a significant amount of research has been directed towards better understanding and controlling MICP processes, there is still a lack of multiphysical formulations that can be used for the design of real geotechnical applications in which both the treatment extent and its strength and deformability need to be evaluated. This paper presents the development and application of a comprehensive bio-chemo-hydro-mechanical model that can be used for designing MICP treatments with the finite element method. To overcome the limitations of current approaches based on elasticity, the formulation involves an elastoplastic constitutive model based on Mohr–Coulomb that can predict the strength increase of MICP-improved soils. The model can easily be calibrated with existing experimental results. The scope of model application is demonstrated through the case of a 2D shallow foundation strengthening. Results reveal that the questions of what level of cementation to target and how to distribute cementation efficiently are of equal importance to ultimately serve the needs of specific geotechnical problems, such as those of bearing capacity.
Mechanical behaviour and grain breakage characteristics of Tibetan glacial tills under triaxial compression
Authors: Zeng Zhi-Xiong , Zhang Li-Min , Xu Zheng-Dan , Zarch M. Kamali 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDeglaciation due to warming climate has left a great amount of glacial tills in ravine slopes and channels in southern Tibet, which can lead to destructive debris flows and pose great threats to downstream residents and infrastructures. The mechanical properties and grain size characteristics of glacial tills are key factors that influence the initiation and development of these debris flows. In this work, a series of consolidated undrained (CU) triaxial compression tests under different confining pressures were carried out on Zelongnong glacial tills at various relative densities of 9.2%, 49.5%, 69.0% and 88.7%. The grain size distribution change before and after the CU tests was also determined. Results show that the glacial tills at relative densities of 9.2%, 49.5% and 69.0% exhibited a remarkable strain-softening and contractive behaviour during shearing, while those at a relative density of 88.7% presented a dilatant behaviour. As the relative density increased, the shear strength, elastic modulus and shearing friction angle increased, reducing the liquefaction potential. Based on the increasing rate of mechanical resistance with the increasing relative density, a critical value of 69.0% was identified to appreciate the distinct mechanical responses of the specimens. From the grain size distributions before and after CU tests, the content of grains with a diameter larger than 0.85 mm decreased due to the grain breakage while that of grains smaller than 0.3 mm increased. The higher the specimen relative density, the larger the grain breakage ratio owing to the increasing friction resistance. This grain breakage in turn causes a downward shift of the critical state line on the plane of void ratio and mean effective stress.
Adapting Schools to Climate Change with Green, Blue, and Grey Measures in Barcelona: Study Protocol of a Mixed-Method Evaluation
Authors: Sanz-Mas Marta , Ubalde-López Mònica , Borràs Sílvia , Brugueras Sílvia , Continente Xavier , Daher Carolyn , Marí-Dell’Olmo Marc , López María José 
Published: January 2024

AbstractUnder the framework of the Urban Innovative Actions program of the European Commission, in 2020, 11 primary schools in Barcelona were transformed into climate shelters by implementing green, blue, and grey measures. Schoolyards were also opened to the local community to be used during non-school periods. Here we present the study protocol of a mixed-method approach to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions in terms of improving environmental quality and health for users. We evaluated school level through the following: (1) quantitative pre-post quasi-experimental study, and (2) qualitative evaluation. The quantitative study included measures of (a) environmental variables (collected via low-cost and non-low-cost sensors), (b) students’ health and well-being (collected via health questionnaires, attention levels test, and systematic observations), and (c) teachers’ health and well-being (collected via thermal comfort measurements and health questionnaires). The qualitative methods evaluated the perceptions about the effects of the interventions among students (using Photovoice) and teachers (through focus groups). The impact of the interventions was assessed at community level during summer non-school periods through a spontaneous ethnographic approach. Data collection started in August 2019 and ended in July 2022. The evaluation provides the opportunity to identify those solutions that worked and those that need to be improved for future experiences, as well as improve the evaluation methodology and replication for these kinds of interventions.
Pose-based tremor type and level analysis for Parkinson’s disease from video
Authors: Zhang Haozheng , Ho Edmond S. L. , Zhang Francis Xiatian , Del Din Silvia , Shum Hubert P. H. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Current methods for diagnosis of PD rely on clinical examination. The accuracy of diagnosis ranges between 73 and 84%, and is influenced by the experience of the clinical assessor. Hence, an automatic, effective and interpretable supporting system for PD symptom identification would support clinicians in making more robust PD diagnostic decisions.

Methods
We propose to analyze Parkinson’s tremor (PT) to support the analysis of PD, since PT is one of the most typical symptoms of PD with broad generalizability. To realize the idea, we present SPA-PTA, a deep learning-based PT classification and severity estimation system that takes consumer-grade videos of front-facing humans as input. The core of the system is a novel attention module with a lightweight pyramidal channel-squeezing–fusion architecture that effectively extracts relevant PT information and filters noise. It enhances modeling performance while improving system interpretability.

Results
We validate our system via individual-based leave-one-out cross-validation on two tasks: the PT classification task and the tremor severity rating estimation task. Our system presents a 91.3% accuracy and 80.0% F1-score in classifying PT with non-PT class, while providing a 76.4% accuracy and 76.7% F1-score in more complex multiclass tremor rating classification task.

Conclusion
Our system offers a cost-effective PT classification and tremor severity estimation results as warning signs of PD for undiagnosed patients with PT symptoms. In addition, it provides a potential solution for supporting PD diagnosis in regions with limited clinical resources.
Experimental Validation is Always Required for Molten Oxide Electrolysis Laboratory Crucibles
Authors: Ford Kathryn T. , Marshall Aaron T. , Watson Matthew J. , Bishop Catherine M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMolten oxide electrolysis (MOE) is a promising electrochemical route to de-carbonize primary and secondary metal production. Developing MOE processes starts with laboratory experiments at temperatures > $$1000\,^\circ{\rm C}$$

1000

∘

C

lasting ~10 hours and requiring long heating/cooling times to protect furnace hardware. Before investigating MOE processes, crucibles must be selected that tolerate the required temperatures while minimizing chemical interactions with the oxide to control melt contamination and contain the melt. Unfortunately no general procedure guiding MOE crucible selection is documented. Here we focus on laboratory crucibles in air for two MOE melts: titania-sodia at $$1100\,^\circ{\rm C}$$

1100

∘

C

and neodymia-boria at $$1300\,^\circ{\rm C}$$

1300

∘

C

. After shortlisting generic crucible materials using Ashby’s method, thermodynamic predictions were made for all-oxide titania-sodia charges using FactSage and cup test experiments were conducted on (i) all-oxide and carbonate charges for titania-sodia and (ii) neodymia-boria charges. While magnesia was predicted to be the best crucible for the titania-sodia melt, alumina was the best choice for both oxide and carbonate charges. The grain boundary networks of both magnesia and YSZ were infiltrated by the oxide and carbonate charges. Platinum was the best crucible for neodymia-boria melts. We show that compositional control during long, high-temperature MOE experiments requires experimental validation for specific chemistries every time.
Microbial contaminated paper substrate: UV–Vis–NIR spectra of model systems
Authors: Gál Lukáš , Paračková Patrícia , Kaliňáková Barbora , Šimonová Simona , Reháková Milena , Čeppan Michal 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study aims to study the possibility of distinguishing the UV–Vis–NIR spectra of filamentous fungi on a paper substrate from the background. Model samples of five filamentous fungi were used: Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Trichoderma atroviride. The model samples were cultivated on paper substrates, and two methods, cross-validation (CV) and principal component analysis (PCA), were utilised to compare their spectra with the reference background spectra. The results of the CV analysis indicated that certain combined spectra sets of Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Trichoderma atroviride, Aspergillus niger, and Alternaria alternata, at specific surface concentrations, exhibited two active components, signifying distinguishable differences from the background spectra. Additionally, the score scatter diagrams derived from PCA revealed clusters of samples, further confirming the distinguishability of the filamentous fungi spectra from the background. However, for Trichoderma atroviride, the scatter diagram demonstrated a relatively large scattering of points, impeding the resolution of spectra with a surface concentration of 2 105 cm−2 due to measurement inaccuracies. Based on the combined results of CV and PCA, the study concluded that the lower threshold of measurability for UV–Vis–NIR spectra varied among the different filamentous fungi. For example, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Trichoderma atroviride exhibited a threshold around a surface concentration of 2 106 cm−2, while Aspergillus niger had a threshold around 2 105 cm−2, and Alternaria alternata had a threshold around 2 103 cm−2. In summary, this research provides insights into the distinguishability of filamentous fungi spectra on the paper substrate from background spectra using spectral analysis techniques, offering potential applications in fungal identification and characterisation.
Beyond text: Marketing strategy in a world turned upside down
Authors: Wang Xin , Bendle Neil , Pan Yinjie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAnalyzing unstructured text, e.g., online reviews and social media, has already made a major impact, yet a vast array of publicly available, unstructured non-text data houses latent insight into consumers and markets. This article focuses on three specific types of such data: image, video, and audio. Many researchers see the potential in analyzing these data sources, going beyond text, but remain unsure about how to gain insights. We review prior research, give practical methodological advice, highlight relevant marketing questions, and suggest avenues for future exploration. Critically, we spotlight the machine learning capabilities of major platforms like AWS, GCP, and Azure, and how they are equipped to handle such data. By evaluating the performance of these platforms in tasks relevant to marketing managers, we aim to guide researchers in optimizing their methodological choices. Our study has significant managerial implications by identifying actionable procedures where abundant data beyond text could be utilized.
Unraveling the Olmec rubber balls from El Manatí, Mexico: a technological and compositional analysis
Authors: Pérez Nora A. , Guzmán Víctor Hugo , Ruvalcaba José Luis , de Lucio Oscar G. , Pérez Miguel , Nagaya Alan , Cano Nathael , Mitrani Alejandro , Esquivel Baldomero , Tapia Everardo , León Mayra , del Pilar Ponce María , del Carmen Rodríguez María , Ortiz Ponciano 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis work presents an analysis towards a description of the manufacturing technique of the Olmec rubber balls found at the offerings at El Manatí. The results present this procedure from the extraction of the Mesoamerican rubber from the Castilla elastica tree, discussing its composition and origin of the rubber balls analyzed towards the production of strips that are rolled to make the ball round form. This characterization was achieved through a series of imaging techniques (radiography imaging, UV-induced fluorescence imaging, and optical microscopy) and portable non-destructive and non-invasive analyses (XRF and FTIR) performed on the collection of archaeological rubber balls and compared with contemporary made rubber balls in the region near El Manatí. The methodology was complemented with laboratory chemical analytical techniques (13C NMR-MAS, FTIR, CEA, and GC-MS) applied to selected Olmec rubber microsamples. The new physical and chemical data obtained was also interpreted considering conservation science, to help understand the alterations and transformation processes that the balls have undergone since their recovery in the 1980s.