bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electroencephalogram based human emotion classification for valence and arousal using machine learning approach
Authors: Chunawale Abhishek , Bedekar Mangesh 
Published: January 2024

<span>Humans have unique ability to express emotions and electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are one of the sought-after ways to analyze a person’s emotional state. However, extracting proper emotion related features from EEG and finding corresponding emotion is challenging because of complex nature of emotions and underlying brain activities. The objective of this paper is to address this issue for more accurate emotion classification based on EEG. It also compares feature extraction methods namely fast fourier transform (FFT) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT). DEAP dataset is used for classification of human emotions through support vector machine (SVM) and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithms by considering features such as standard deviation, mean, variance, power spectrum density (PSD) for FFT; and energy, entropy for DWT. It is observed that feature extraction from FFT yielded better results than DWT and KNN gave more accuracy of 96.61% for valence and 96.42% for arousal as compared to SVM. The proposed method based on PSD and FFT fared better than other existing ones in terms of accuracy when compared against different features and feature extraction techniques. This approach is expected to help researchers to understand feature extraction from EEG signals and decide proper features and techniques for better implementation.</span>
Maize seed variety identification model using image processing and deep learning
Authors: Gebeyehu Seffi , Sintayehu Shibeshi Zelalem 
Published: January 2024

<p><span>Maize is Ethiopia’s dominant cereal crop regarding area coverage and production level. There are different varieties of maize in Ethiopia. Maize varieties are classified based on morphological features such as shape and size. Due to the nature of maize seed and its rotation variant, studies are still needed to identify Ethiopian maize seed varieties. With expert eyes, identification of maize seed varieties is difficult due to their similar morphological features and visual similarities. We proposed a hybrid feature-based maize variety identification model to solve this problem. <br /> For training and testing the model, images of each maize variety were collected from the adet agriculture and research center (AARC), Ethiopia. A multi-class support vector machine (MCSVM) classifier was employed on a hybrid of handcrafted (i.e., gabor and histogram of oriented gradients) and convolutional neural network (CNN)-based feature selection techniques and achieved an overall classification accuracy of 99%.</span></p>
Low-Level Auditory Processing Correlates With Language Abilities: An ERP Study Investigating Sequence Learning and Auditory Processing in School-Aged Children
Authors: Kautto Anna , Railo Henry , Mainela-Arnold Elina 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Auditory processing and procedural learning deficits have been associated with language learning difficulties. We investigated the relationship of these skills and school-age language abilities in children with and without a history of late talking using auditory event related potentials (ERPs). Late talking (i.e., slow early language development) increases the risk of persistent language difficulties, but its causes remain unknown. Participants in this study were children with varying language abilities (n = 60). Half of the participants (n = 30) had a history of late talking. We measured procedural learning by manipulating the predictability of sine tone stimuli in a passive auditory ERP paradigm. Auditory processing was tested by examining how the presence of noise (increasing perceptual demands) affected the ERPs. Contrary to our hypotheses on auditory processing and language development, the effect of noise on ERPs did not correlate with school-age language abilities in children with or without a history of late talking. Our paradigm failed to reveal interpretable effects of predictability leaving us unable to assess the effects of procedural learning. However, better language abilities were related to weaker responses in a 75–175 ms time window, and stronger responses in a 150–250 ms time window. We suggest that the weak early responses in children with better language ability reflect efficient processing of low-level auditory information, allowing deeper processing of later, high-level auditory information. We assume that these differences reflect variation in brain maturation between individuals with varying language abilities.
Approaches to Measuring Language Lateralisation: An Exploratory Study Comparing Two fMRI Methods and Functional Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound
Authors: Bishop Dorothy V. M. , Woodhead Zoe V. J. , Watkins Kate E. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In this exploratory study we compare and contrast two methods for deriving a laterality index (LI) from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data: the weighted bootstrapped mean from the LI Toolbox (toolbox method), and a novel method that uses subtraction of activations from homologous regions in left and right hemispheres to give an array of difference scores (mirror method). Data came from 31 individuals who had been selected to include a high proportion of people with atypical laterality when tested with functional transcranial Doppler ultrasound (fTCD). On two tasks, word generation and semantic matching, the mirror method generally gave better agreement with fTCD laterality than the toolbox method, both for individual regions of interest, and for a large region corresponding to the middle cerebral artery. LI estimates from this method had much smaller confidence intervals (CIs) than those from the toolbox method; with the mirror method, most participants were reliably lateralised to left or right, whereas with the toolbox method, a higher proportion were categorised as bilateral (i.e., the CI for the LI spanned zero). Reasons for discrepancies between fMRI methods are discussed: one issue is that the toolbox method averages the LI across a wide range of thresholds. Furthermore, examination of task-related t-statistic maps from the two hemispheres showed that language lateralisation is evident in regions characterised by deactivation, and so key information may be lost by ignoring voxel activations below zero, as is done with conventional estimates of the LI.
Qui volunt eos cognoscere, Argonautas legant
Authors: Madeła Alexandra 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The late antique De excidio Troiae historia, supposedly written by a soldier in the Trojan War, Dares the Phrygian, encourages the reader to consult a work called Argonautae. This article discusses three possibilities of how to understand this reference—it could either be a comment by the real author of this pseudonymous work, or the supposed translator Nepos, or the ostensible author Dares. It argues that audiences in antiquity were familiar with the idea of literature written prior to the Trojan War, and debates the possibility that the Trojan Dares might refer to a poem about the Argonauts which was composed by the mythical Orpheus. It comes to the conclusion that the reference is intentionally ambiguous.
Wellbeing Perceptions of Humans Who “Borrow” and “Loan” Dogs in the Context of a Dog-Walk
Authors: Smith Catherine M. , Treharne Gareth J. , Carrington Lizz 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Dog-walking contributes positively to the wellbeing of humans; however, there is little evidence about any wellbeing benefits of dog-walking for “non-guardians.” We use the terminology “borrowers” to refer to non-guardians who borrow dogs to walk and “loaners” to refer to guardians who loan their dogs. In this qualitatively driven, mixed-methods study, we explored dog-walking and wellbeing for a sample of nine borrowers and four loaners. Data were collected from dog-walk-along interviews and participatory analysis sessions with borrowers, seated interviews with loaners, and supplementary questionnaires. Wellbeing of borrowers and loaners was analyzed using an existing theoretical model, Therapeutic Dog-walking Spaces, which led to two themes: “Balancing Wellbeing and Responsibility” and “Wellbeing and Trust.” Two novel theoretical spaces were identified: a “dog-space” and a “shaper space,” to further account for the role of borrowers and illustrate the active role that dogs and “shapers” like policymakers might play in enhancing therapeutic dog-walking spaces.
“Liking,” “Commenting,” and “Reposting”: Psychological Factors Associated to Online Animal Abuse
Authors: McGuirk Lauren Ryan , Alleyne Emma 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Advancements in technology and internet accessibility bring potential for new forms of offending behavior. Social Networking Sites (SNS) provide platforms for nonhuman animal abuse to be displayed and interacted with. There is a dearth of research into the characteristics of animal abuse perpetrated with the intent to be displayed on SNS. The aim of this study was to explore the psychological correlates of engagement with SNS content depicting animal abuse and likelihood to create new animal abuse content. One hundred and eighty-five university students completed an online questionnaire, which included their self-reported likelihood to engage with images of animal abuse on SNS (i.e., “like,” “comment,” “share,” and/or recreate). We found high levels of animal-oriented callousness, as opposed to other predicted factors (e.g., narcissism), were significantly related to likelihood to recreate animal abuse for display on SNS. The implications of the findings such as factors associated with bystander intervention are discussed.
An overview of rehabilitation approaches for focal hand dystonia in musicians: A scoping review
Authors: Catellani Ilaria , Arcuri Pasquale , Vita Fabio , Platano Daniela , Boccolari Paolo , Lanfranchi Elena , Fairplay Tracy , Tedeschi Roberto 
Published: January 2024

Objective To provide a comprehensive overview of rehabilitation treatment strategies for focal hand dystonia (FHD) in musicians, examining their evolution and effectiveness. Data Sources A systematic search of five databases, PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane Library, Trip, and Google Scholar, to identify relevant articles on FHD rehabilitation. The last search was performed on 20 December 2023. Methods Inclusion criteria were applied to 190 initially identified articles, resulting in 17 articles for review. Exclusions were made for duplicates, irrelevant titles, abstracts, and non-rehabilitation interventions. Results Ten different rehabilitation approaches were identified over 20 years. While no definitive intervention protocol exists, a multimodal approach is commonly recommended. Conclusions This scoping review underscores the diversity of rehabilitation strategies for FHD. It suggests the potential of multimodal approaches, emphasizing the need for further large-scale clinical efficacy studies.
Vision loss due to atypical bilateral edema of the optic nerve in a patient with hereditary angioedema: A case report
Authors: Castellino Niccolò , Dammino Edoardo , Scollo Davide , Russo Andrea , Livia Francesca , Neri Sergio , Avitabile Teresio , Giardino Francesco 
Published: January 2024

Purpose To describe a rare case of vision loss due to bilateral edema of the optic nerve in a patient with Hereditary Angioedema, treated with prophylactic C1-esterase inhibitor. Methods A 60-year-old Caucasian male affected by Hereditary Angioedema with unknown genetic defect (HAE- UNK) was admitted to our hospital presenting bilateral vision loss (best corrected visual acuity of 20/32 in the right eye and hand motion in the left eye) during an HAE attack. Intravenous administration of C1- esterase inhibitor (C1-INH, 1500 IU, Berinert, CSL Behring) determined the resolution of facial and periorbital swelling, however visual impairment persisted, in contrast with previous attacks experienced by the patient. Fundus examination revealed a vital optic disc without papilledema in both eyes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head and orbits showed bilateral edema of the optic nerve sheath. Treatment with intravenous and oral steroids was ineffective. Subsequently, a prophylactic treatment strategy with subcutaneous C1-esterase inhibitor was started (7000 IU every four days). Results Complete regression of edema of the optic nerves was observed by imaging at two months of follow-up after chronic treatment with C1-esterase inhibitor (7000 IU every four days). Complete restoration of visual acuity was achieved (BCVA 20/20 in both eyes) and multimodal imaging of the optic nerves demonstrated the absence of anatomical and functional damage. Conclusion Patients affected by HAE may show atypical presentation with edema of the optic nerves without involvement of the optic nerve head. They may significantly benefit from prophylactic and chronic treatment with C1-esterase inhibitor.
Clinical Experience of External Application of Clearing Heat and Removing Dampness in Relieving Grade 2 to 3 Rash Caused by Programed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1)/Programed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Inhibitors: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Chen Shu-yi , Zhao Fang-min , Yu Rui , Sun Lin , Yin Yu-dan , Zhang Gao-chen-xi , Yang Jia-yao , Shu Qi-jin 
Published: January 2024

Objective: In China, grade 2 to 3 immune-related rash will probably lead to the interruption of immunotherapy. Corticosteroid (CS) is the main treatment, but not always effective. The external application of clearing heat and removing dampness, which is represented by Qing-Re-Li-Shi Formula (QRLSF), has been used in our hospital to treat immune-related cutaneous adverse events (ircAEs) for the last 5 years. The purpose of this study was to discuss its efficacy and safety in the treatment of grade 2 to 3 rash. Methods: A retrospective study of patients with grade 2 to 3 immune-related rash in our hospital from December 2019 to December 2022 was conducted. These patients received QRLSF treatment. Clinical characteristics, treatment outcome, and health-related quality of life (HrQoL) were analyzed. Results: Thirty patients with grade 2 to 3 rash (median onset time: 64.5 days) were included. The skin lesions of 24 cases (80%) returned to grade 1 with a median time of 8 days. The accompanying symptoms were also improved with median time of 3 to 4 days. The addition of antihistamine (AH) drug didn’t increase the efficacy of QRLSF (AH + QRLSF: 75.00% vs QRLSF: 83.33%, P = .66). No significant difference was observed in the efficacy of QRLSF treatment regardless of whether patients had previously received CS therapy (untreated population: 88.24% vs treated population: 69.23%, P = .36). During 1-month follow-up, 2 cases (8.33%) underwent relapses. In terms of HrQoL, QRLSF treatment could significantly reduce the median scores of all domains of Skindex-16, including symptoms (39.58 vs 8.33, P < .0001), emotions (58.33 vs 15.48, P < .0001), functioning (46.67 vs 13.33, P < .0001) and composite (52.60 vs 14.06, P < .0001). Conclusion: External application of clearing heat and removing dampness was proven to be an effective and safe treatment for such patients. In the future, high-quality trials are required to determine its clinical application in the field of ircAEs.
Person-centered maternity care during childbirth and associated factors among mothers who gave birth at public health institutions of Debre Markos town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alelign Yaregal Admasu , Melesse Misganaw Fikrie , Beka Endihnew , Alemu Addisu Alehegn , Ejigu Meskele Neway , Asres Chernet Getnet 
Published: January 2024

Background: Person-centered maternity care is a crucial scheme for a positive childbirth experience. It enhances facility-based delivery, improves patient–provider communication, and increases women’s satisfaction. However, there is limited evidence on the magnitude of person-centered care and certain variables were missed in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assessed the magnitude of person-centered maternity care during childbirth and associated factors at health institutions of Debre Markos town, Ethiopia. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at public health institutions of Debre Markos town. Participants were enrolled using systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face exit interviews, cleaned, coded, and entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 then exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. After generating simple linear regression analysis, variables with p-value ⩽ 0.25 were fitted into multivariable linear regression model and p-value < 0.05 was declared statistically significant with 95% CI for β. Finally, study findings were presented using texts, tables, and figures. Results: In this study, 380 women participated, with a response rate of 98.19%. The respondent’s mean person-centered maternity care score was 56.83 with 95% CI: (55.83, 57.83). Mean score for sub-scale was 15.08 for dignity and respect, 14.42 for communication and autonomy, and 27.33 for supportive care. Commencing antenatal care during third trimester (β = −4.86, 95% CI: −8.22, −1.49), caesarean delivery (β = −5.78, 95% CI: −7.68, −3.87), college and above educational level of women (β = 3.75, 95% CI: 1.11, 6.39), being multiparous (β = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.85, 5.55), and health center delivery (β = 6.59, 95% CI: 4.17, 9.02) were factors significantly associated with person-centered maternity care. Conclusion: This study showed person-centered maternity care was low compared with World Health Organization standards. This informs local policymakers, district health offices, institutional healthcare administrators, and healthcare professionals of the discrepancies in achieving international standards of quality care.
A human anti-matriptase-2 antibody limits iron overload, α-globin aggregates, and splenomegaly in β-thalassemic mice
Authors: Wake Matthew , Palin Anaïs , Belot Audrey , Berger Mathieu , Lorgouilloux Megane , Bichon Margot , Papworth Jonathan , Bayliss Luke , Grimshaw Benjamin , Rynkiewicz Natalie , Paterson Jemima , Poindron Alicia , Spearing Erin , Carter Emily , Hudson Robyne , Campbell Millie , Petzer Verena , Besson-Fournier Céline , Latour Chloé , Largounez Amélie , Gourbeyre Ophélie , Fay Alexis , Coppin Hélène , Roth Marie-Paule , Theurl Igor , Germaschewski Volker , Meynard Delphine 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Iron plays a major role in the deterioration of β-thalassemia. Indeed, the high levels of transferrin saturation and iron delivered to erythroid progenitors are associated with production of α-globin precipitates that negatively affect erythropoiesis. Matriptase-2/TMPRSS6, a membrane-bound serine protease expressed in hepatocytes, negatively modulates hepcidin production and thus is a key target to prevent iron overload in β-thalassemia. To address safety concerns raised by the suppression of Tmprss6 by antisense oligonucleotides or small interfering RNA, we tested a fully human anti-matriptase-2 antibody, RLYB331, which blocks the protease activity of matriptase-2. When administered weekly to Hbbth3/+ mice, RLYB331 induced hepcidin expression, reduced iron loading, prevented the formation of toxic α-chain/heme aggregates, reduced ros oxygen species formation, and improved reticulocytosis and splenomegaly. To increase the effectiveness of RLYB331 in β-thalassemia treatment even further, we administered RLYB331 in combination with RAP-536L, a ligand-trapping protein that contains the extracellular domain of activin receptor type IIB and alleviates anemia by promoting differentiation of late-stage erythroid precursors. RAP-536L alone did not prevent iron overload but significantly reduced apoptosis in the erythroid populations of the bone marrow, normalized red blood cell counts, and improved hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Interestingly, the association of RLYB331 with RAP-536L entirely reversed the β-thalassemia phenotype in Hbbth3/+ mice and simultaneously corrected iron overload, ineffective erythropoiesis, splenomegaly, and hematological parameters, suggesting that a multifunctional molecule consisting of the fusion of RLYB331 with luspatercept (human version of RAP-536L) would allow administration of a single medication addressing simultaneously the different pathophysiological aspects of β-thalassemia.
Does a simplified algorithm and integrated HCV care model improve linkage to care, retention, and cure among people who inject drugs? A pragmatic quality improvement randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Klaman Stacey L. , Godino Job G. , Northrup Adam , Lewis Sydney V. , Tam Aaron , Carrillo Carolina , Lewis Robert , Matthews Eva , Mendez Blanca , Reyes Letty , Rojas Sarah , Ramers Christian 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
As many as 2.4 million Americans are affected by chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in the United States.In 2018, the estimated number of adults with a history of HCV infection in San Diego County was 55,354 (95% CI: 25,411–93,329). This corresponded to a seroprevalence of 2.1% (95% CI: 2.1–3.4%). One-third of infections were among PWID. Published research has demonstrated that direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have high efficacy and can now be used by primary care providers to treat HCV. In addition, limited evidence exists to support the effectiveness of simplified algorithms in clinical trial and real-world settings. Even with expanded access to HCV treatment in primary care settings, there are still groups, especially people who inject drugs (PWID) and people experiencing homelessness, who experience treatment disparities due to access and treatment barriers. The current study extends the simplified algorithm with a streetside ‘one-stop-shop’ approach with integrated care (including the offer of buprenorphine prescriptions and abscess care) using a mobile clinic situated adjacent to a syringe service program serving many homeless populations. Rates of HCV treatment initiation and retention will be compared between patients offered HCV care in a mobile clinic adjacent to a syringe services program (SSP) and homeless encampment versus those who are linked to a community clinic’s current practice of usual care, which includes comprehensive patient navigation.

Methods
A quasi-experimental, prospective, interventional, comparative effectiveness trial with allocation of approximately 200 patients who inject drugs and have chronic HCV to the "simplified care" pathway (intervention group) or the "usual care" pathway (control group). Block randomization will be performed with a 1:1 randomization.

Discussion
Previous research has demonstrated acceptable outcomes for patients treated using simplified algorithms for DAAs and point-of-care testing in mobile medical clinics; however, there are opportunities to explore how these new, innovative systems of care impact treatment initiation rates or other HCV care cascade outcomes among PWID.

Trial registration
We have registered our study with ClinicalTrials.gov, a resource of the United States National Library of Medicine. This database contains research studies from United States and other countries around the world. Our study has not been previously published. The ClinicalTrials.gov registration identifier is NCT04741750.