bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in mangrove canopy and cover in the Teacapan -Agua Brava Lagoon System (Marismas Nacionales), Mexico: An approach using open-access geospatial data
Authors: Berlanga-Robles César A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Mangroves face multiple threats, including land cover and land use changes, overexploitation, and contamination, resulting in local, regional, and global impacts. Understanding these changes is essential for conserving these important coastal ecosystems. Remote sensing provides detailed and long-term data and offers an invaluable advantage in such analyses. This study focuses on the Teacapan-Agua Brava Lagoon System in Mexico, integrating a GIS with open-access geospatial data, multiple Landsat 5 satellite images, MODIS vegetation index data (MOD13Q1 v. 6.1), and thematic maps of mangrove cover from various sources to analyze change trends in mangrove canopy and cover. Using the Mangrove Vegetation Index (MVI), mangroves were effectively distinguished from other cover classes (overall accuracy = 92%, Kappa coefficient = 0.93), resulting in an estimated mangrove cover of 67,334 ha in 2005. The Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) time series from 2005 to 2022 revealed a generally positive trend in mangrove canopy (p < 0.0001). The principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering identified four distinct clusters with varying EVI profiles. Of the total mangrove area, 3% was vulnerable (negative trend), 29% exhibited no significant trend, and 58% was resilient (positive trend). Data from CONABIO and Clark Labs resulted in different deforestation and reforestation trends (average annual deforestation rate of -0.87% and average annual reforestation rate of 0.49%, respectively). These findings underscore the complex and diverse trends in mangrove cover and canopy, emphasizing the need for continued research, standardized mapping, and consistent remote sensing approaches to conserve and manage mangroves and their valuable ecosystem services.
Harmonizing quality improvement metrics across global trial networks to advance paediatric clinical trials delivery
Authors: Attar Sabah , Price Angie , Hovinga Collin , Stewart Breanne , Lacaze-Masmonteil Thierry , Bonifazi Fedele , Turner Mark A. , Fernandes Ricardo M 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite global efforts to improve paediatric clinical trials, significant delays continue in paediatric drug approvals. Collaboration between research networks is needed to address these delays. This paper is a first step to promote interoperability between paediatric networks from different jurisdictions by comparing drivers for, and content of, metrics about clinical trial conduct.
Methods
Three paediatric networks, that focus on novel drugs and work with industry and academic Sponsors, Institute for Advanced Clinical Trials for Children, the Maternal Infant Child and Youth Research Network and conect4children have developed metrics. We identified the goal and methodology of each network to select metrics. We described the metrics of each network through a survey. We mapped consistency and divergence and came to consensus about core metrics that these networks could share.
Results
Metric selection was driven by site quality improvement in one network (11 metrics), by network performance in one network (13 metrics), and by both in one network (5 metrics). The domains of metrics were research capacity/capability, site identification / feasibility, trial start-up, and recruitment /enrolment. The network driven by site quality improvement did not have indicators for capacity/capability or identification/feasibility. 15 metrics for trial start up and conduct were identified. Metrics related to site approvals were found in all three networks. The themes for metrics can inform the development of ‘shared’ metrics.
Conclusion
We found disparity in drivers, methodology and metrics. Collaborative work to define inter-operable metrics globally is necessary and an approach to this is outlined.
Distance Estimation Based on Step Frequency Using Accelerometer Data
Authors: Al-Naimat Rami M , Harahsheh Khawlah M , Chen Chung-Hao 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In recent years, smartphone sensors have become one of the most important and easily available sensors to facilitate people's lives, especially in health care and positioning (indoor environments). However, the data coming from smartphone sensors can be distorted during the user’s movement such as irrelevant movements, walk mode, and speed of walking. This distortion (noise) impairs the estimated distance accuracy (accumulative error) which increases with increasing walking distance. In addition, the accuracy of the distance traveled is affected by the user's speed, as the speed affects the step length. This work proposes a novel approach for calculating step length in an indoor environment using data from a smartphone sensor. The contribution of this work is to determine the dynamic step length and to increase the accuracy of the distance traveled measurement, through the use of a step frequency that can provide the user's speed, and through the determination of the step error criterion that will be used in adjusting the distance traveled. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves 99.11 percent accuracy over existing approaches when a pedestrian is walking in multiple mode changes.
Comparison of drying systems in terms of energy consumption, effective mass diffusion, exergy efficiency and improvement-sustainability index in the valorizations of waste tomatoes by thermal processes
Authors: TAŞOVA Muhammed , DURSUN Samet Kaya , BAYRAM Nurullah 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In this study, the effect of carrier agent added at the rates of 5% and 10% to tomatoes with physical defects that have no market value and the effects of convective (CD), vacuum (VD), hybrid (HD), temperature controlled microwave (MTCM) methods on the energy parameters of powder production processes were investigated. The products reached their final moisture values in the shortest time with the MTCM method and in the longest time with the CD method. Effective moisture diffusion varied between 8.01x10− 8-1.97x10− 6 m2/s. It has been determined that MTCM has the lowest energy consumption. SMER values of drying processes varied between 0.0018329–0.007384 kg/kWh. SEC values ranged between 546.76-135.42 kWh/kg. Exin, Exout, Exevap, Ex-Vdryer, Ex-Vdrying, SI and IP values of drying processes are 3.65–4.54 J/s, 3.13–3.43 J/s, 10.91–14.17 kJ/kg, 2.94–3.72, 0.72–0.90, respectively. The values varied between 3.60–9.99 and 0.34–0.91. It has been observed that the VD method is more advantageous than other drying methods in terms of exergy energy values. The MTCM method was found to be more advantageous in terms of drying time and energy consumption parameters.
Influence of supplementary cementitious material on CO2 balance of cracked RC members in their whole life cycle
Authors: Wang Xiao Hui , Tu Jing-Ting , Val Dimitri V. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The building construction industry is a significant source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. To reduce CO2 emissions, supplementary cementitious materials are widely used in the concrete. At the same time, during the service life and post-demolition period of the reinforced concrete (RC) members, atmospheric CO2 is absorbed by carbonation. In the present paper, influence of the supplementary cementitious material (SCM) on CO2 balance, i.e., the difference between the CO2 emissions and uptakes, of cracked RC members in their whole life cycle (including the service and post-demolition periods) is evaluated. Three types of concrete — ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete and two ‘green’ concretes (one with 30% of fly ash (FA) and the other one with 50% ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS)), are considered. The carbonation depths in the cracked RC members are estimated based on the results of accelerated carbonation tests of cracked RC test specimens made from the same types of concrete. Corrosion initiation times, service life and repair times of the cracked RC beams are determined under different exposure conditions. Finally, the CO2 emissions and absorptions of the cracked RC members are assessed over their whole life cycle. The resulting CO2 balance assessments on cracked RC beams made from the same types of concrete in the test show that, from the view of the whole life cycle, the OPC RC members have a noticeably worse environmental impact than the RC members made from the GGBS concretes; while the RC members from the GGBS concrete are more environmentally friendly than those from the FA concrete.
Identifying Immune Cell Infiltration and Effective Diagnostic Biomarkers in DCM by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Cao Ruifeng , Ji Junchen , Zhang Yang , Zhang Nuoqi , Ren Wenshuai , Wang Yaling 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a primary cardiomyopathy of unknown etiology that is common in children and older adults. Nevertheless, the absence of noticeable symptoms and suitable biomarkers pose obstacles to the timely detection and management of DCM.
Results
By comparing samples from dilated cardiomyopathy and controls, 629 differentially expressed genes were identified. Combined with WGCAN results, a total of 13 hub genes were identified by finding the intersection of DEGs and OS-related modular genes. The ROC curve correction results showed that these hub genes had a good predictive ability for DCM, and the GO and KEGG results showed that the hub genes and related genes were mainly enriched in the transmembrane transport of transporters and nucleotide metabolism, suggesting that hub genes induced the occurrence of DCM by affecting normal transmembrane transport and metabolism of genetic materials. The results of immune cell infiltration also showed five types of immune cells (activated B cells, natural killer cells, CD56dim natural killer cells, macrophages, and monocytes) were significantly more infiltrated in the DCM group than in the control group, suggesting that DCM patients have a different immune microenvironment from ordinary people.
Conclusion
In this study, we used transcriptome technology to study DCM and identified 13 hub genes between the experimental and control groups, and subsequent validation demonstrated the potential of these hub genes as potential biomarkers for DCM. These findings may provide new insights into the clinical diagnosis of DCM.
Unraveling time-inhibition mechanisms in mammalian cell-free protein synthesis
Authors: Mansour Abbas , Kipper Kalle , Pulk Arto 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We present a highly efficient human HEK293-based cell-free in vitro protein synthesis (CFPS) system that produces 300 µg/ml of reporter protein. The main challenge with the CFPS assay is its limited activity for a few hours, during which all protein is synthesized. If the activity of the CFPS system can be extended, more protein can be produced. The time-dependent inhibition has been studied in the yeast system, but not much is known in the mammalian system. We used the HEK293 CFPS assay to investigate the reasons for time inhibition. We observed that the main culprit is the energy regeneration system, which is depleted quickly. We also demonstrate that the CFPS assay can be used with other mammalian cells or tissues, as evidenced by the active human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y-based CFPS assay. We observe differences between the yeast and mammalian systems; for example, there is no need to add creatine kinase (CK) as the native CK is functional. This knowledge helps to reduce the costs of CFPS-based systems for biotechnological purposes.
Scale of sensitivity to bullshit: Development and evidence of validity in adult population
Authors: Ferrer-Urbina Rodrigo , Sepúlveda-Páez Geraldy , Rodríguez-Fuentes Bárbara 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Research on misinformation has acquired great relevance in the era of social media given the massive social, sanitary and political impacts it has. In this context, fake information without any specific purpose (bullshit) is being spread with ease on social media. It is relevant to identify people's characteristics that could moderate the credibility that they give to misinformation. Sensitivity and receptivity to bullshit has evidence to be a relevant factor. However, despite the interest in this construct, the available instruments are scarce and generated from experimental expositions or ad hoc scales without enough psychometric support, which limits the development of related research. Hence, the purpose of this study was to develop a brief scale to be incorporated in large studies that contains evidence of reliability and validity to measure sensitivity to bullshit in the adult population. We conducted a psychometric study in general population, with a preliminary exploratory phase (n = 118) and a confirmatory phase (n = 603) using ESEM. The final instrument is constituted by 14 items and two dimensions (Sense and Nonsense). We present reliability evidence through McDonald’s omega along with internal validity evidence through ESEM. Furthermore, it has evidence of invariance between men and women and evidence of validity related to other variables (conspirations, paranormal beliefs, naive skepticism). Finally, we discussed the reaches and limitations of this instrument, as well as its possible application in social and health psychology.
Body weight and eating attitudes influence depression improvement in children with eating disorders: a prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Suzuki Yuichi , Nagamitsu Shinichiro , Eshim Nobuoki , Inoue Takeshi , Otani Ryoko , Sakuta Ryoichi , Iguchi Toshiyuki , Ishii Ryuta , Uchida Soh , Okada Ayumi , Kitayama Shinji , Koyanagi Kenshi , Suzuki Yuki , Sumi Yoshino , Takamiya Shizuo , Fujii Chikako , Fukai Yoshimitsu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Pediatric patients with eating disorders in a multicenter joint study on 11 facilities were enrolled and prospectively investigated to determine whether improvement in body weight, eating attitudes, and psychosocial factors in children with eating disorders would also improve depression.
Methods: In this study, 91 patients were enrolled between April 2014 and March 2016. The severity of underweight was assessed using the body mass index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), eating behavior was assessed using the children's eating attitude test (ChEAT26), the outcome of childhood eating disorders was assessed using the childhood eating disorder outcome scale, and depression was assessed using the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) score.
Results: After 12 months of treatment, depression was evaluated in 62 of the 91 cases where it was evaluated at the initial phase. There was no difference in background characteristics between the included patients and the 29 patients who dropped out. A paired-sample t-test revealed a significant decrease in CDI scores after 12 months of treatment (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 2.401–7.373) and a significant increase in the BMI-SDS (p < 0.001, 95% CI: −2.41973–1.45321). Multiple regression analysis revealed that BMI-SDS and ChEAT26 scores at the initial phase were beneficial in CDI recovery. In addition, BMI-SDS at the initial phase was useful for predicting BMI-SDS recovery after 12 months of treatment.
Conclusions: Depression in children with eating disorders improved with therapeutic intervention on body weight and eating attitudes.
Trial registration: Not applicable.
Management of industrial wine residues: Physicochemical, bacterial and fungal dynamics during composting processes
Authors: Echeverría-Vega Alex , Espinoza-Mondaca Almendra , Arqueros-Sanhueza Eduardo , Mellado-Quintanilla Denisse , Roa-Roco Rosa , González Alvaro , Morales-Vera Rodrigo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Composting is a process of exothermic oxidative microbial degradation and stabilization of organic residues. The microorganisms driving the process, which are determined by temperature, change during the different phases. The main objective of this research was to study both physicochemical and microbiological dynamics during the composting process of wine industry residues composed by exhausted grape pomace and stalks supplemented by sludge from a winery wastewater treatment plant. Three composting windrows of 41 m3 were constructed with 0, 10 and 20% sludge addition. Physical–chemical parameters were assessed following the Test Method for the Examination of Composting and Compost (TMECC), and the diversity and dynamics of bacterial and fungal communities involved in this process were assessed by a high-throughput sequencing metabarcoding approach. After six months of aerated turned windrow composting, it was observed that the addition of sludge increased moisture, bulk density, and pH. No effect of the sludge on the macronutrient composition of compost was observed. Bacterial and fungal dynamics showed significant differences depending on the addition of sludge and a high amount of beneficial microorganisms and a low presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms in the final compost. Beneficial fungal phosphorus solubilizers, such as Aspergillus and Talaromyces, were found. Streptomyces and Mycobacterium were the most abundant beneficial bacteria. Finally, the addition of sludge results in a significant increase in the percentage of beneficial microorganisms in the final products.
Arthrodesis of distal interphalangeal and thumb interphalangeal joint: a retrospective cohort study of 149 cases
Authors: Silvano Philip , Pantzar-Castilla Evelina , Lundqvist Eva 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Arthrodesis of finger joints is often the last line of treatment of severe pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or mallet finger. At the Department of Orthopedic and Hand Surgery, Örebro University Hospital in Sweden, the Kirschner-wire technique was standard until 2020, when the headless compression screw technique was introduced as a complement. There is no consensus on which method is superior. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes and complications associated with distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and thumb interphalangeal (IP) joint arthrodesis, and to see whether these correlated with patient-dependent and treatment-related factors.
Methods
In a retrospective cohort study, we evaluated a total of 149 consecutive arthrodeses (118 DIP joint and 31 thumb IP joint) performed at Örebro University Hospital between 2012 and 2022. The primary outcome was risk factors for complications after arthrodesis.
Results
Osteoarthritis was the most common indication (56%) for arthrodesis. The majority of the patients were females (74%), and the median age was 62 (range 18–86). The complication frequency was 35%, with infection being the most common (25%). Time to completed follow up was < 12 weeks in the majority of the cases (58%). There were no significant differences in complication rate between the 136 joints operated using Kirschner wire and the 13 joints operated using headless compression screws. There was no significant increased risk of complications among smokers or patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Diabetes and surgeon experience had a significant influence on the risk of complication (p = 0.036 and p = 0.006, respectively).
Conclusions
Osteoarthritis was the most common indication for arthrodesis and postoperative complications occurred at a rate similar to that reported in the existing literature. Diabetes and surgeon experience were identified as factors increasing the risk of postoperative complications in these DIP/thumb IP joint arthrodeses. However, there was no significant difference between the two techniques (Kirschner wire and headless compression screws) regarding complications. Further studies are needed in order to determine the optimal type of operation and choice of implant.
Trial registration: Researchweb CRIS #280998, 26th of July 2023
Statins In High Risk Populations For Primary And Secondary Prevention, Do We Need To Do More?
Authors: Kitchlew Rizwana , Mukhtar Haseeb , Farooqi Mobeen , Ijaz Muhammad Tayyab , Aslam Zainab 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose:
Pakistan grapples with a substantial prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, notably diabetes and hypertension. Statin therapy's well-established role in preventing cardiovascular events aligns with the 2022 USPSTF and the AHA/ACC 2018 guidelines for primary and secondary prevention of CVD. This study aims to scrutinize the prevailing practices of statin prescription within the Pakistani population and identify potential gaps necessitating attention.
Method:
Using convenience sampling, data was collected in person via face-to-face interviews. A self-designed questionnaire was employed, with subjects providing informed consent. Approval from the Ethical Review Committee of CMH LMC & IOD was obtained. A sample of 400, surpassing the calculated size of 385, was collected, and IBM-SPSS-23 facilitated data entry and statistical analysis.
Result:
Approximately 69% of participants were on statins, exhibiting a mean usage duration of 52 months. The majority (95.5%) of subjects were aged 40 or older, predominantly male, and residing in urban areas. Prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus was 73.8% and 67.8%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis indicated significantly higher odds of statin use among individuals with a matriculation-level educational background. The sample was stratified into group 1 (primary prevention, n=256) and group 2 (secondary prevention, n=141). 57.8% and 90.1% patients were on statins in the two groups respectively.
Conclusion:
Our study affirms the elevated prevalence of CVD risk factors in the Pakistani population. Significantly, notable disparities were observed between established guidelines and the current practices of statin prescription, underscoring the imperative for targeted interventions to bridge these gaps.
Comparative Study on Convolutional Neural Network and Regression Analysis to Evaluate Uniaxial Compressive Strength of Sandy Dolomite
Authors: Xu Wei , Wang Meiqian , Liu Wenlian , Liu Haiming , Li Hongmei , Wang Qinghua 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Sandy dolomite is a kind of widely distributed rock. The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of sandy dolomite is an important metric in the application in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, and underground engineering. Direct measurement of UCS is costly, time-consuming, and even infeasible in some cases. To address this problem, we establish an indirect measuring method based on the convolutional neural network (CNN) and regression analysis (RA). The new method is straightforward and effective for UCS prediction, and has significant practical implications. To evaluate the performance of the new method, 158 dolomite samples of different sandification grades are collected for testing their UCS along and near the Yuxi section of the Central Yunnan Water Diversion (CYWD) Project in Yunnan Province, Southwest of China. Two regression equations with high correlation coefficients are established according to the RA results, to predict the UCS of sandy dolomites. Moreover, the minimum thickness of sandy dolomite was determined by the Schmidt hammer rebound test. Results show that CNN outperforms RA in terms of prediction the precision of sandy dolomite UCS. In addition, CNN can effectively deal with uncertainty in test results, making it one of the most effective tools for predicting the UCS of sandy dolomite.