bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate and COVID-19 transmission: a cross-sectional study in Africa
Authors: Koanda Ousmane , Yonaba Roland , Tazen Fowé , Karoui Héla , Sidibé Mohamed Lamine , Lèye Babacar , Diop Mamadou , Andrianisa Harinaivo Anderson , Karambiri Harouna 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe role of climate in the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission appears to be controversial, as reported in earlier studies. In Africa, the subject is poorly documented. In this study, over the period from January 1st, 2020 to September 31, 2022, the daily variations in cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19 for each African country (54 countries) are modelled through time-series-based approaches and using meteorological factors as covariates. It is suggested from the findings that climate plays a role in COVID-19 transmission since at least one meteorological factor is found to be significant in 32 countries. In decreasing order, the most often occurring meteorological factors are dewpoint temperature, relative and absolute humidity, average temperature and solar radiation. Most of these factors show a lagged effect with confirmed cases (between 0 and 28 days). Also, some meteorological factors exhibit contrasting effects on COVID-19 transmission, resulting in both positive and negative association with cumulative cases, therefore highlighting the complex nature of the interplay between climate and COVID-19 transmission.
Microwave-assisted of new derivatives of polyimine conjugated polymer based on Schiff base: synthesis, characterization, and photo-physical properties as a photoluminescent materials
Authors: Kenawy El-Refaie , Ghazy Ahmed R. , Rizk Hala F. , Shendy S. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe condensation of pyrrole-2,5-dicarbaldehyde (1) with 5-(2-amino-4-phenylthiazol-5-yl)-4-phenylthiazol-2-amine (2) and/or 5-(4-Amino-phenyl)-4-phenylthiazol-2-amine (3) gave new poly(Z)-N-((5-(iminomethyl)-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)methylene)-5-(2-((E)-(5-(iminomethyl)-I-pyrrol-2-yl)methyleneamino)-4-phenylthiazol-5-yl)-4-phenylthiaol-2-amine (P1) and/or poly(E)-N-((5-(iminomethyl)-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)methylene)-5-(4-((E)-(5-(iminomethyl)-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)methyleneamino)phenyl)-4-phenylthiaol-2-amine (P2) as a novel conjugated polymer by microwave irradiation and traditional heating.. It is evident that the microwave irradiation technique quickly raised the molecular weight of polyimines. In addition to quantifying the molecular weight of the resultant polyimines. All the polyimines were characterized using FTIR, XRD, H1NMR, TGA, and DSC. The optical characteristics of polyimine derivatives were investigated using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer. The absorption spectra showed a main absorption band around 372 nm for polyimine (P1) and 381 nm for polyimine (P2). The optical energy was calculated and found to be 2.49 and 2.68 eV. The photoluminescence of the polyimine derivatives was measured and analyzed by spectrofluorometer and Laser photoluminescence experiment and the emission color was studied using CIE graphs. The fluorescence spectra showed an emission peak at 548 nm for polyimine (P1) with yellow green color in CIE graph, while for polyimine (P2) the emission band was located at 440.5 nm with blue color in CIE graph. Photoluminescence quantum yield PLQY was measured for the polyimine P1 and P2 in both liquid and Solid states and indicated the AIE behavior of the polyimines. TD-DFT simulations were applied to the polyimine derivatives where the structures were geometrically optimized and the spectroscopic characterizations were evaluated.
MultiCOVID: a multi modal deep learning approach for COVID-19 diagnosis
Authors: Hardy-Werbin Max , Maiques José Maria , Busto Marcos , Cirera Isabel , Aguirre Alfons , Garcia-Gisbert Nieves , Zuccarino Flavio , Carbullanca Santiago , Del Carpio Luis Alexander , Ramal Didac , Gayete Ángel , Martínez-Roldan Jordi , Marquez-Colome Albert , Bellosillo Beatriz , Gibert Joan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe rapid spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 led to a global overextension of healthcare. Both Chest X-rays (CXR) and blood test have been demonstrated to have predictive value on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis on different prevalence scenarios. With the objective of improving and accelerating the diagnosis of COVID-19, a multi modal prediction algorithm (MultiCOVID) based on CXR and blood test was developed, to discriminate between COVID-19, Heart Failure and Non-COVID Pneumonia and healthy (Control) patients. This retrospective single-center study includes CXR and blood test obtained between January 2017 and May 2020. Multi modal prediction models were generated using opensource DL algorithms. Performance of the MultiCOVID algorithm was compared with interpretations from five experienced thoracic radiologists on 300 random test images using the McNemar–Bowker test. A total of 8578 samples from 6123 patients (mean age 66 ± 18 years of standard deviation, 3523 men) were evaluated across datasets. For the entire test set, the overall accuracy of MultiCOVID was 84%, with a mean AUC of 0.92 (0.89–0.94). For 300 random test images, overall accuracy of MultiCOVID was significantly higher (69.6%) compared with individual radiologists (range, 43.7–58.7%) and the consensus of all five radiologists (59.3%, P < .001). Overall, we have developed a multimodal deep learning algorithm, MultiCOVID, that discriminates among COVID-19, heart failure, non-COVID pneumonia and healthy patients using both CXR and blood test with a significantly better performance than experienced thoracic radiologists.
Fluoroquinolone and beta-lactam antimicrobials induce different transcriptome profiles in Salmonella enterica persister cells
Authors: Mattiello S. P. , Barth V. C. , Scaria J. , Ferreira C. A. S. , Oliveira S. D. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHere, we investigate the transcriptome profiles of two S. Enteritidis and one S. Schwarzengrund isolates that present different persister levels when exposed to ciprofloxacin or ceftazidime. It was possible to note a distinct transcript profile among isolates, time of exposure, and treatment. We could not find a commonly expressed transcript profile that plays a role in persister formation after S. enterica exposure to beta-lactam or fluoroquinolone, as only three DEGs presented the same behavior under the conditions and isolates tested. It appears that the formation of persisters in S. enterica after exposure to ciprofloxacin is linked to the overexpression of genes involved in the SOS response (recA), cell division inhibitor (sulA), iron-sulfur metabolism (hscA and iscS), and type I TA system (tisB). On the other hand, most genes differentially expressed in S. enterica after exposure to ceftazidime appeared to be downregulated and were part of the flagellar assembly apparatus, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, carbon metabolism, bacterial secretion system, quorum sensing, pyruvate metabolism pathway, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. The different transcriptome profiles found in S. enterica persisters induced by ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime suggest that these cells modulate their response differently according to each stress.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of food handling practices in Ghana vis-a-vis the associated factors among food handlers during 2009 and 2022
Authors: Tuglo Lawrence Sena , Mishra Snehasish , Mohapatra Ranjan K. , Kortei Nii Korley , Nsor-Atindana John , Mulugeta Henok , Lu Qingyun , Kwabla Mavis Pearl , Patu Agabus Tetteh , Chaudhuri Tania , Tuglo Jessica Dzigbordi , Das Subrata Narayan , Sakre Sylvia Mawusinu , Affram Komla Sylvester , Doku Alfred 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFoodborne diseases (FBDs) are a major public health concern, especially in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, such as Ghana, where poor food handling practices (FHPs) are prevalent. To estimate the pooled proportion of good FHPs and the associated factors among Ghanaian food handlers, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to aid scholars, practitioners and policymakers in devising FBD-preventable interventions. The scientific databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, African Journals Online, ProQuest, and Directory of Open Access Journals were systematically searched until April 19, 2023, for relevant literature. Observational studies meeting the inclusion criteria of reported good FHPs among food handlers were included. Three authors independently searched the database, assessed the risks of bias and extracted the data from the shortlisted articles. A random-effects model with the DerSimonian and Laird model was used to estimate the pooled effect size of FHPs and the pooled odds ratio (POR) of FHP-associated factors. Out of the 2019 records collated, 33 with a total sample size of 6095 food handlers met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. The pooled proportion of good FHPs among Ghanaian food handlers was 55.8% [95% Cl (48.7, 62.8%); I2 = 97.4%; p < 0.001]. Lack of food safety training [POR = 0.10; 95% CI (0.03, 0.35); p = 0.001] and inadequate knowledge of food hygiene [POR = 0.36; 95% CI (0.01, 10.19); p < 0.001] were identified as the critical good FHP-associated factors. The study showed that the proportion of good FHPs among Ghanaian food handlers was 55.8%. To increase knowledge of food hygiene among food handlers, the Ghanaian Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) is recommended to provide regular training on food safety for the well-being of the general public.
Chemistry of Semiconductors
Authors: Pizzini Sergio 
Published: October 2023

Silicon, germanium, and compound semiconductors, among which silicon carbide, gallium arsenide and gallium nitride are the most representative examples, play a withstanding role in the world economy, since they were and still are the keys for the advancement of modern microelectronics and optoelectronics, with a wealth of sister technologies relevant for renewable energy solutions and advanced spectroscopy applications.
This textbook will cover the synthesis, spectroscopic characterisation and optimisation of semiconductor materials, accounting for the most recent developments in the field of nanomaterials. It will be of great interest for scholars and instructors to have the chance to look at semiconductor science with a basic chemical approach.
Homopolar semiconductors (silicon and germanium) are examined first, considering the role of these materials in modern microelectronics and in photovoltaics. Compound semiconductors (for example, carbides, arsenides, tellurides, nitrides) are also discussed in detail, considering that the chemistry of their preparation is even more critical and their role in photonic applications is strategic.
Authored by a leading expert in the field, this easily accessible text is appropriate for advanced undergraduates and postgraduates studying materials science and technology.
Deep Neck Contouring: Indications and Techniques
Authors: Bogari Ahmad , Cakmak Ozcan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA deep comprehension of key anatomical issues, along with the targeted application of suitable therapies, is vital for attaining exceptional neck contours. Traditional surgical approaches often focus solely on modifying subcutaneous fat and, occasionally, the platysma muscle, neglecting subplatysmal structures. This narrow focus may yield less-than-ideal results and potentially exacerbate existing issues, leading to additional contour abnormalities that prove challenging to correct. In fact, in most cases, there are additional factors deep to the platysma—such as subplatysmal fat, the anterior bellies of the digastric muscles, perihyoid fascia, and the submandibular glands—that contribute to obtuse neck contours. For these patients, accessing the neck through a submental incision allows for precise management of these deep neck structures as required. Unfamiliarity with deep anatomical structures can deter surgeons from performing subplatysmal procedures due to unwarranted concerns about increased complication risks. However, both published clinical series and our clinical experience indicate favorable long-term outcomes with natural, refined, harmonious neck contours and a minimal rate of complications. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, describing indications, strategies, and providing a step-by-step description of the senior author's techniques for mastering deep neck contouring.
Development of a Practical Synthetic Method for Clinical Candidate 3-(2-{3-[(2,4-Diamino-6-ethylpyrimidin-5-yl)oxy]propoxy} phenyl)propanoic acid (P218) and Its Hydroxylated Metabolites
Authors: Srimongkolpithak Nitipol , Vorasin Onanong , Phumjan Tanawat , Saepua Siriporn , Iwaniuk Daniel , Kamchonwongpaisan Sumalee , Yuthavong Yongyuth , Thongpanchang Chawanee 
Published: October 2023

Abstract3-(2-{3-[(2,4-Diamino-6-ethylpyrimidin-5-yl)oxy]propoxy}phenyl)propanoic acid, known as P218, has demonstrated great potency and safety in preclinical and human studies. However, the previous synthetic methods for P218 gave low yields and required hazardous reagents and challenging procedures. In this study, we have successfully developed a decagram-scale synthetic route for P218 with practical and scalable methods for large-scale production. Furthermore, this is also a first report of a novel synthetic approach for P218-OH, a hydroxylated metabolite of P218, by modification of our discovery route. Our synthetic procedures for P218 and P218-OH are a significant advancement in drug development processes, including manufacturing processes and drug metabolism studies.
Eight Years Experience of Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Vahid , Rezazadehkermani Mohammad , Algharah Ali Abdulridha Abbas , Bananzadeh Alimohammad , Shahidinia Seyedeh Saeideh , Haghazali Mehrdad 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive method for management of different proctologic conditions. Despite widespread use of this method, it is not used widely in Iran. This report is about to describe the application of TEM in managing different proctologic conditions in a tertiary colorectal referral center in Iran regarding methods and complications.
Methods All of the patients' documents such as procedure, method, early postop complications and further operations were actively reviewed and the data were entered in to the database.
Results Since 2012 till the end of 2020 chart review was done and 150 cases of TEM operation were found. The most frequent procedure that was done was resection procedure. Using different energy devices during surgery or suturing versus not suturing the defect were not associated with complication. There was a case of in hospital mortality and one case delayed perianal fistula following TEM. Measurement of lesion distance from anal verge was not significantly different using TEM or colonoscopy. Villous adenomas detected in colonoscopy were mostly associated with malignancy. In evaluated resected lesions most of cases had free base and distance from anal verge or using different energy devices were not associated with obtaining free base.
Conclusion TEM is a safe minimal invasive procedure with acceptable complications that could be helped in managing different proctologic conditions and the results of reviewing our patients revealed the same results that is reported from other colorectal centers.
The sub-dimensions of metacognition and their influence on modeling competency
Authors: Hidayat Riyan , Hermandra  , Ying Sharon Tie Ding 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMathematical modeling is indeed a versatile skill that goes beyond solving real-world problems. Numerous studies show that many students struggle with the intricacies of mathematical modeling and find it a challenging and complex task. One important factor related to mathematical modeling is metacognition which can significantly impact expert and student success in a modeling task. However, a notable gap of research has been identified specifically in relation to the influence of metacognition in mathematical modeling. The study’s main goal was to assess whether the different sub-dimensions of metacognition can predict the sub-constructs of a student’s modeling competence: horizontal and vertical mathematization. The study used a correlational research design and involved 538 participants who were university students studying mathematics education in Riau Province, Indonesia. We employed structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS version 18.0 to evaluate the proposed model. The measurement model used to assess metacognition and modeling ability showed a satisfactory fit to the data. The study found that the direct influence of awareness on horizontal mathematization was insignificant. However, the use of cognitive strategies, planning, and self-checking had a significant positive effect on horizontal mathematization. Concerning vertical mathematization, the direct effect of cognitive strategy, planning, and awareness was insignificant, but self-checking was positively related to this type of mathematization. The results suggest that metacognition, i.e., awareness and control over a person’s thinking processes, plays an important role in modeling proficiency. The research implies valuable insights into metacognitive processes in mathematical modeling, which could inform teaching approaches and strategies for improving mathematical modeling. Further studies can build on these findings to deepen our understanding of how cognitive strategies, planning, self-assessment, and awareness influence mathematical modeling in both horizontal and vertical contexts.
Adjectival intensification in West Germanic
Authors: Van Olmen Daniel 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This article investigates the forms and functions of adjectival intensification in West Germanic. With corpus data
from different discourse types, we challenge claims that German tends to use synthetic means and Dutch is between German and
English but more like English in its preference for analytic ones. Our results show that all three languages, and Afrikaans too,
favor analytic intensifiers but also that only English employs synthetic ones to a lesser extent. The other languages are found to
use synthetic forms more especially in literature. The study also offers corpus-based support for an earlier hypothesis that both
English and German prefer amplifying to downtoning adjectives. We show that this tendency exists more pronouncedly in Afrikaans
and Dutch too and that English speech stands out with more functionally ambiguous intensifiers. The article also explores possible
explanations for its findings in (dis)similarities in word formation, discourse types’ linguistic potential and politeness
Micromachining of nickel and nickel-based alloy surfaces using composite signal
Authors: Wang Xin , Peng Yan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Electrochemical micromachining refers an unconventional technology in the field of machining. With this technology, the ultrashort pulse power supplies are extensively used to address the issue of excessive machining of non-processing areas. However, the reduction of pulse duration is the only effective strategy to enhance the processing accuracy in ultra-short pulse electrochemical microfabrication. Nonetheless, the high cost of equipment and unsuitability in practical production has limited its progress. To resolve this issue, this paper proposes the use of a composite signal in electrochemical micromachining instead of ultrashort pulses. By changing the signal waveform during machining, the energy required for processing can be reduced with the same electromotive force input, thereby reducing the current used to decompose the anode in the circuit and effectively improving machining accuracy. This approach was employed to manufacture micro-structures on a pure nickel sheet, achieving micron-scale accuracy. Moreover, the same level of superior machining accuracy can be achieved when machining micro-structures on hard-to-cut super alloy plates.
Fault diagnosis method of weak vibration signal based on improved VMD and MCKD
Authors: Ke Zeyang , Liu Hanzhong , Shi Jianquan , Shi Bojun 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
During the manufacturing process of electronic equipment, objects such as tin beads and glue blocks may be left in the electronic equipment, causing failure of the electronic equipment. This paper uses experimental equipment to collect weak vibration signals on the surface of electronic equipment. In view of the nonlinear and non-stationary characteristics of the vibration signal and its easy to be masked by strong background noise, a fault diagnosis method of weak vibration signal based on improved variational mode decomposition (VMD) and maximum correlation kurtosis deconvolution (MCKD) is proposed. Cosine factors and adaptive weights are introduced to improve the convergence accuracy of the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). The envelope spectrum peak factor is used as the adaptability function of the improved whale algorithm (IWOA) to optimize the parameters of VMD and MCKD. Firstly, based on the decomposition results of weak fault signals by IWOA-VMD, the optimal modal components are selected. Secondly, the fault impact component in the optimal modal component is enhanced based on the IWOA-MCKD algorithm. Finally, the fault characteristic frequency is extracted through the envelope spectrum. The feasibility and superiority of the proposed optimization method are verified through simulation signal analysis and actual case study.
Sky-view images aided NLOS detection and suppression for tightly coupled GNSS/INS system in urban canyon areas
Authors: Wang Jingrong , Liu Jingnan , Zhang Shoujian , Xu Bo , Luo Yarong , Jin Ronghe 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Although the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and inertial navigation system (INS) integration framework has many advantages compared to the standalone GNSS and INS systems, its accuracy can be severely degraded in urban canyon areas, due to non-line-of-sight (NLOS) signals. Detection and suppression of NLOS signals are the key to improving the location accuracy of urban areas. Therefore, this paper proposes a method for NLOS detection using the improved region growing algorithm on sky-view images captured by a fish-eye camera. After obtaining NLOS detection results, this paper constructs a weighted model with an adaptive scale factor to suppress the influence of NLOS signals. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the performance of NLOS detection and suppression. On this basis, a tightly coupled GNSS/INS integration system based on an extended Kalman filter is developed and tested on the vehicle equipment. Results show that the proposed method outperforms the traditional GNSS single point positioning (SPP) and tightly coupled GNSS SPP/INS integration on positioning accuracy. The root mean square error can be reduced by 33.7% and 24.6% in the north and east directions respectively. It indicates that the tightly coupled GNSS SPP/INS integration aided by the fish-eye camera has certain research value and potential on positioning in urban canyon areas.