bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing Covariates Effects on Bivariate Reference Regions
Authors: Lado‐Baleato Óscar , Roca‐Pardiñas Javier , Cadarso‐Suárez Carmen , Gude Francisco 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTCorrelated clinical measurements are routinely interpreted via comparisons with univariate reference intervals examined side by side. Multivariate reference regions (MVRs), i.e., regions that characterize the distribution of multivariate results, have been proposed as a more adequate interpretation tool in such situations. However, MVR estimation methods have not yet been fully developed and are rarely used by physicians. The multivariate distribution of correlated measurements might change with certain patient characteristics (e.g., age or gender), and their effect on the shape of an MVR can be complex, involving interaction terms. For instance, the reference region shape for a given set of continuous covariates might vary across groups with respect to the value of a categorical variable. This paper examines the use of a bootstrap‐based hypothesis test for examining the effect of covariates on bivariate reference regions, testing the effect of factor‐by‐region interactions. An estimation algorithm based on smoothing splines was used to construct the bivariate reference region for a pediatric anthropometric dataset, and the bootstrapping procedure was used to determine the effect of age and gender on the shape of the reference region. (Height, weight) bivariate distribution was shown to depend on the interaction between age and gender. The bootstrapping procedure confirmed that a bivariate growth chart is desirable over univariate age‐gender body mass index (BMI) percentile curves. Whereas the well‐known BMI criterion detects only two atypical situations (i.e., underweight, overweight), the bootstrap‐tested bivariate reference region detected abnormally large or small body frames for different ages and genders.
Sample Size Adjustment in Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trials
Authors: Wu Liwen , Wang Junyao , Wahed Abdus S. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTClinical trials are often designed based on limited information about effect sizes and precision parameters with risks of underpowered studies. This is more problematic for SMARTs where strategy effects are based on sequences of treatments. Sample size adjustment offers flexibility through re‐estimating sample size during the trial to ensure adequate power at the final analysis. While this adaptation is common for standard clinical trials, corresponding methods to perform sample size adjustment have not been adapted to SMARTs. In this paper, we propose a sample size adjustment procedure for SMARTs. Sample sizes are re‐calculated at the interim analysis based on the conditional power derived from a bivariate non‐central chi‐square distribution. We demonstrate through simulation studies that even with an underpowered initial sample size due to miss‐specified parameters at the design stage, the proposed method can maintain desirable power at the end of the study, and additional resources are only invested in trials that show promising conditional power at the interim analysis.
Evaluating Meta‐Learners to Analyze Treatment Heterogeneity in Survival Data: Application to Electronic Health Records of Pediatric Asthma Care in COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Bo Na , Jeong Jong‐Hyeon , Forno Erick , Ding Ying 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAn important aspect of precision medicine focuses on characterizing diverse responses to treatment due to unique patient characteristics, also known as heterogeneous treatment effects (HTE) or individualized treatment effects (ITE), and identifying beneficial subgroups with enhanced treatment effects. Estimating HTE with right‐censored data in observational studies remains challenging. In this paper, we propose a pseudo‐ITE‐based framework for analyzing HTE in survival data, which includes a group of meta‐learners for estimating HTE, a variable importance metric for identifying predictive variables to HTE, and a data‐adaptive procedure to select subgroups with enhanced treatment effects. We evaluate the finite sample performance of the framework under various observational study settings. Furthermore, we applied the proposed methods to analyze the treatment heterogeneity of a written asthma action plan (WAAP) on time‐to‐ED (Emergency Department) return due to asthma exacerbation using a large asthma electronic health records dataset with visit records expanded from pre‐ to post‐COVID‐19 pandemic. We identified vulnerable subgroups of patients with poorer asthma outcomes but enhanced benefits from WAAP and characterized patient profiles. Our research provides valuable insights for healthcare providers on the strategic distribution of WAAP, particularly during disruptive public health crises, ultimately improving the management and control of pediatric asthma.
Achieving Ultralow Lattice Thermal Conductivity and High Thermoelectric Performance in Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 Alloys via Introducing Organic & Inorganic Nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Tao , Li Shujing , Wang Ziyuan , Ge Zhenhua , Zhang Yongsheng , Xin Hongxing , Li Di , Zhang Jian , Qin Xiaoying 
Published: January 2025

AbstractN‐type Bi2Te2.7Se0.3(BTS) is a state‐of‐the‐art thermoelectric material owing to its excellent thermoelectric properties near room temperatures for commercial applications. However, its performance is restricted by its comparatively low figure of merit ZT. Here, it is shown that a 14% increase in power factor (PF) (at 300 K) can be reached through incorporation of inorganic GaAs nanoparticles due to enhanced thermopower originating from the energy‐dependent carrier scattering. Besides, further incorporation of organic nanophase PEDOT: PSS can reduce its lattice thermal conductivity by 59% due to the strong scattering of middle‐ and low‐frequency phonons. As a result, a peak ZT value of ZTmax ≈ 1.31 (at 373 K) and an average ZTave ≈ 1.10 (300–473 K) are achieved for the BTS/(0.4 wt.% GaAs + 0.5 wt.% PEDOT: PSS) sample. The present work demonstrates that incorporation of organic–inorganic nanophase is an effective way to improve the performance of BTS.
Intolerance of Ambiguity Mediates the Links Between Systems Thinking With Dichotomous Thinking and Attributional Complexity in a Canadian Sample
Authors: Davis Adam C. , Stroink Mirella L. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTDichotomous thinking is often employed to break down and simplify wicked problems (e.g., climate change) arising from complex adaptive systems (CASs). However, these dilemmas display emergent properties that cannot be reduced to the individual systemic parts. In contrast, systems thinking is considered to be essential in understanding the behaviour of CASs. The capacity to work with the ambiguity of CASs and wicked problems has been posited to be an integral aspect of a systems mindset. If so, this may help to explain why systems thinkers are believed to be disinclined towards dichotomous thinking and why they prefer multicausal explanations for complex phenomena. Across 359 Canadian undergraduate participants, results showed that systems thinking negatively predicted dichotomous thinking and positively predicted attributional complexity. Intolerance of ambiguity partially mediated both of these associations. Therefore, systems thinkers may avoid using dichotomous modes of thought and prefer multicasual attributions because they are comfortable dealing with ambiguity.
Longitudinal joint in decked bulb‐tee beams for accelerated bridge construction with ribbed GFRP bars: Ultimate load and fatigue evaluation
Authors: Khalafalla Imad Eldin , Sennah Khaled 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAccelerated bridge construction (ABC) techniques have gained prominence due to their potential to minimize construction time and traffic disruptions while enhancing sustainability. This study investigates the use of ultra‐high‐performance concrete (UHPC) and glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars to address critical challenges in bridge durability and longevity. A novel UHPC‐filled precast deck joint was developed for a decked bulb‐tee (DBT) girder system, utilizing GFRP bars to eliminate corrosion‐related issues typical of steel reinforcement. Two actual‐size, GFRP‐reinforced, precast concrete deck slabs were erected to perform fatigue tests using the footprint of the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC) truck wheel loading to verify the design. Each slab had 200 mm thickness, 2500 mm width, and 3500 mm length in the direction of traffic and rest over braced twin steel girders. The closure strip between connected precast slabs has a width of 125 mm with a vertical shear key. GFRP bars in the precast slab projected into the closure strip with a headed end to provide a 100 mm embedment length. Two types of fatigue tests were performed (i) accelerated variable amplitude cyclic loading and (ii) constant amplitude cyclic loading, followed by loading the slab monotonically to failure. Results demonstrated the system's superior fatigue performance and high ultimate load capacity, making it a promising solution for durable, efficient bridge construction.
Value of anatomopathological examination in goats with a positive comparative intradermal tuberculin test as part of a tuberculosis control programme
Authors: Navarro Jose A. , Sanchez Joaquin , Buendia Antonio J. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundCaprine tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium caprae. A tuberculosis control programme has been implemented using the comparative intradermal tuberculin (CIT) test. However, infection with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculsis and infection with or vaccination against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) may have a negative impact on specificity. Therefore, a postmortem examination is necessary to verify the tuberculosis status of each animal where positive predictive value is low.MethodsThirty‐seven CIT‐positive goats from 14 herds with a previously tuberculosis‐free status were slaughtered between 2015 and 2020, and postmortem examination was carried out at the School of Veterinary Medicine of Murcia.ResultsAnatomopathological examination ruled out the presence of tuberculosis lesions. In 23 of the goats, the anatomopathological examination revealed the presence of the paucibacillary form of paratuberculosis (associated with MAP infection), and in another six goats, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection was confirmed. Positive reactors have not reappeared in any of the herds in the annual CIT tests up to the year 2023.LimitationsOnly those herds that sent their positive animals to the veterinary school were included in the study. Participation in the postmortem analysis was not mandatory for farmers.ConclusionsAnatomopathological examination is a useful, rapid and economically viable tool to determine the tuberculosis status of goat herds.
Association of the SNP in akirin 2 Gene With Growth and Carcass Traits in Zavot Cattle
Authors: Ertan Osman Tufan , Arzik Yunus , Daldaban Fadime , Arslan Korhan , Akyuz Bilal 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the genetic factors that influence meat yield is crucial due to the economic importance of average daily live weight gain (ADWG) in livestock. This study investigates the relationship between the c.*188G>A SNP in the 3′‐UTR region of the akirin 2 gene and growth traits in Zavot cattle, focusing on the gene's role in muscle development. Genotyping of the c.*188G>A SNP was conducted using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, revealing frequencies of 0.09 for AA, 0.75 for AG and 0.16 for GG genotypes, respectively. Our findings demonstrate a significant association between this SNP and ADWG, as well as percentage. These results suggest that the c.*188G>A SNP within akirin 2 could serve as a valuable DNA marker for predicting ADWG and percentage traits in Zavot cattle.
Autonomy Within Sovereignty: The Multiscalar Hydropolitics of the Kurdistan Regional Government
Authors: Meihami Rozita , Andik Behnam , Jafari Milad , Mianabadi Hojjat , Houshmand Ehsan , Talebi Mahshid 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the hydropolitical issues faced by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) within domestic and international contexts. Domestically, water politics and hydraulic missions of the KRG are primarily shaped by disputes with the Iraq Federal Government (IFG) over territory, oil revenue distribution, and the historical pursuit of Kurdish independence. On the international stage, the KRG's water management is influenced by large‐scale upstream hydro‐infrastructural development, the economic benefits of oil transactions, conflict involving Kurdish nonstate armed groups, and the IFG's domestic and foreign policies. Employing a historical approach to hydropolitics, this paper, through a focused review of secondary data, underscores the domestic and international dimensions of the KRG's transboundary water politics. The findings reveal that power dynamics underpin both water conflict and cooperation—the KRG strives for quasi‐independent autonomy while grappling with the IFG's pursuit of maintaining centralized territorial control. Water, therefore, in the Tigris basin, has transformed into an instrument for regional actors to exert political pressure and pursue their respective interests.
Heat transfer analysis in hydromagnetic two‐phase Williamson fluid through tilted channel: Applications of gold and silver nanoparticles in solar thermal energy
Authors: Nazeer Mubbashar , Almohammadi Saja Mohammad , Radwan Neyara , Ahmad Wakeel 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe heat transfer analysis in Poiseuille hydromagnetic multiphase flow of Williamson fluid suspended by gold and silver nanoparticles is discussed through the inclined channel under the impact of no‐slip boundary conditions. The present conducted research is novel as no one has explored the heat transfer analysis in the fluid‐particle suspension model of electrically conducting Williamson fluid mixed with gold and silver nanoparticles through steeply inclined channel. The highly nonlinear complex partial differential equations are transformed into simplified form by using the appropriate dimensionless transformation then obtain the analytical solution by adopting the regular perturbation method. The perturbation solution is also compared with the numerical solution. The velocity and temperature profiles are significantly affected by Hartmann number. Approximately 19% (gold suspension) and 20% (silver suspension) increment is observed in fluid phase and particle velocities respectively. The multiphase flow of non‐Newtonian (Williamson) fluid provides greater heat transfer to the system with the suspension of gold (10%) and silver (13%) nanoparticles as compared to multiphase Newtonian fluid with these suspensions. The heat transfer rate of multiphase flows is greater than single‐phase flows. The current study will help to understand the flow and heat transfer mechanism of two‐phase flows with the suspension of gold and silver nanoparticles through inclined parallel plates under the impact of the constant magnetic field. Further, the current study can help to design modern solar cell devices to store more solar energy due to the low heating release of considered nanoparticles. The present research is original and has not been conducted before.
Co-creation of Knowledge
Authors: Poto Margherita Paola , Vita Laura , Peftiyev Igor , Madani Zia , Peftieva Olena 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
(English) This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of co-creation as a methodological approach, specifically within the context of ocean literacy. It is structured into five sections, each aimed at deepening the understanding and practical application of co-creation. Section 1 sets the stage by outlining the chapter’s scope and structure. Section 2 defines co-creation, starting from its relevance in climate law studies, then describes its two components, and then focuses on its specific application in ocean literacy. In Sect. 3, the concept of knowledge co-creation is aligned with the two thematic pathways. This section bridges the theoretical foundations with the practical implications of co-creation in enhancing ocean literacy. Section 4 examines the co-creation process by reflecting on the guiding questions used during the OIN Living Laboratory in Copenhagen, in May 2024. These questions played a crucial role in directing the discussions and activities of the working group, showcasing a structured approach to exploring co-creation that could be replicated in future projects. The chapter culminates in Sect. 5, which presents the ideas developed by the co-creation group during the Living Laboratory, demonstrating how co-creation can be effectively understood and implemented in ocean literacy. This section translates theoretical concepts into practical, actionable insights, enabling readers to experiment with and apply co-creation approaches and contribute to ocean literacy.
Ocean Literacy Accessibility
Authors: Ahmed Dana , Poto Margherita Paola , Heckman Stéphanie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract (English)
This chapter explores the practical aspects of accessibility in ocean literacy, embodying the principles of Dana Ahmed’s approach to blue education as demonstrated in her project, EcoSpectrum. The focus is on pragmatic strategies to enhance inclusivity and accessibility within the realm of ocean education, ensuring that learning about the ocean is an opportunity available to all. Central to the chapter is the embedded ocean literacy activity designed to foster inclusion within educational settings. This activity serves as a practical example of how educators and facilitators can integrate accessible practices into their teaching methodologies. Additionally, the chapter explores various case studies where creativity has been a pivotal element in delivering effective ocean literacy programmes. The case studies highlight innovative approaches that merge artistic expression with educational content, making ocean literacy engaging and accessible to diverse audiences. The chapter concludes with insights from Stéphanie Heckman, our visual facilitator who has collaborated with Dana Ahmed in her projects. Heckman’s contribution through the development of infographics has been instrumental in providing visually engaging formats that enhance understanding and retention. Her work exemplifies the synergy between visual art and education, further emphasizing the role of creativity in making ocean science accessible to all. Overall, this chapter not only highlights the importance of inclusion and accessibility in ocean literacy but also contributes significantly to the toolkit by providing practical tools and inspiring examples that advocate for an inclusive approach to learning about the ocean.
The AURORAL Privacy Approach for Smart Communities Based on ODRL
Authors: Cimmino Andrea , Cano-Benito Juan , García-Castro Raúl 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Over the past decade, smart cities have developed significantly, while rural areas have lagged. The AURORAL project aims to bridge this gap by offering a decentralised, semantically interoperable platform tailored for rural concerns. This platform not only facilitates the exchange of data but also adds features such as data validation or privacy policies for the users. This paper explores how AURORAL uses the ODRL language to allow users to establish and enforce privacy policies, thereby enhancing data privacy control.
Decentralized Management of IoT Platform Federations and Data Marketplaces
Authors: Pietri Ilia , Darzanos George , Spanos Georgios , Karadimou Dimitra , Papaioannou Thanasis G. , Stamoulis George D. , Votis Konstantinos , Tzovaras Dimitrios 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm has been rapidly adopted in a plethora of application domains, promoting the development of a variety of smart services relying on data from different sources. As a consequence, Sensing-as-a-Service is also gaining popularity, enabling IoT data providers and consumers to share, exchange and trade IoT data. In such a data-driven ecosystem, data marketplaces play a pivotal role, which besides the need for interoperable solutions, necessitates also sophisticated market mechanisms that ensure trusted and secure data exchange. In this paper, we present the IoTFeds solution which offers a complete open source interoperability framework combined with blockchain technologies, and thus provides a decentralized federation management and marketplace platform. The IoTFeds platform enables trustworthy and secure transactions allowing the creation and monetization of composite IoT data services offered by multiple federated data providers.
Higher Social Choice
Authors: Macías-Virgós E. , Pereira-Sáez M. J. , Simón-García I. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The problem of finding a social choice function in a given space of preferences has been dominated by Arrow’s and Chichilnisky’s Impossibility Theorems. Based on previous work by Carrasquel, Lupton and Oprea, in this paper, we use tools from Algebraic Topology to introduce a notion of higher social choice complexity that determines the minimum number of local social choices that must be aggregated to cover all possible individual preferences. We prove that this invariant is bounded between two known topological invariants, the higher topological complexity and its symmetric version. This result shifts the focus onto the topological structure of the preference space when studying social choice processes.
Implant irritation and removal rates in operatively treated multiple rib fractures: a 49-month follow-up study
Authors: Peuker Felix , Haveman Roelien A. , Houwert Roderick M. , Bosch Thomas P. , Hoepelman Ruben J. , Minervini Fabrizio , Beeres Frank J. P. , van de Wall Bryan J. M. ,   on behalf of the NEXT study group
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Little is known about the prevalence, impact and change of the symptoms after implant removal due to irritation in multiple rib fractures. This study aims to explore these aspects to improve treatment decision-making.

Methods
Data was collected from two hospitals in the Netherlands and Switzerland. The study included only adults with operatively treated multiple rib fractures, regardless of whether the fractures were flail or non-flail. The primary outcome was the incidence of implant removal due to irritation. Secondary outcomes included implant irritation not leading to removal, other postoperative complications, and remission rates after implant removal. These outcomes were assessed during a follow-up phone call using a standardized questionnaire.

Results
Hundred-twenty patients were identified, with 83 (69.2%) completing the final follow-up after a median of 49 months (IQR 40–59). Twenty-five (30.1%) patients experienced implant irritation, of whom four (4.8%) got their implant removed. Two (2.4%) reported significant improvement, one (1.2%) moderate, and one (1.2%) no improvement of symptoms.

Conclusion
Implant irritation in patients with multiple rib fractures is a common problem, even years after surgery, without guaranteed symptom improvement post-removal. These results provide an additional argument to be more selective in offering rib fixation to patients with multiple rib fractures in the first place.