bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring complications following cranioplasty after decompressive hemicraniectomy: A retrospective bicenter assessment of autologous, PMMA and CAD implants
Authors: Pfnür A. , Tosin D. , Petkov M. , Sharon O. , Mayer B. , Wirtz C. R. , Knoll A. , Pala A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCranioplasty (CP) after decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) is a common neurosurgical procedure with a high complication rate. The best material for the repair of large cranial defects is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate different implant materials regarding surgery related complications after CP. Type of materials include the autologous bone flap (ABF), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), calcium phosphate reinforced with titanium mesh (CaP-Ti), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and hydroxyapatite (HA). A retrospective, descriptive, observational bicenter study was performed, medical data of all patients who underwent CP after DHC between January 1st, 2016 and December 31st, 2022 were analyzed. Follow-up was until December 31st, 2023. 139 consecutive patients with a median age of 54 years who received either PMMA (56/139; 40.3%), PEEK (35/139; 25.2%), CaP-Ti (21/139; 15.1%), ABF (25/139; 18.0%) or HA (2/139; 1.4%) cranial implant after DHC were included in the study. Median time from DHC to CP was 117 days and median follow-up period was 43 months. Surgical site infection was the most frequent surgery-related complication (13.7%; 19/139). PEEK implants were mostly affected (28.6%; 10/35), followed by ABF (20%; 5/25), CaP-Ti implants (9.5%; 2/21) and PMMA implants (1.7%, 1/56). Explantation was necessary for 9 PEEK implants (25.7%; 9/35), 6 ABFs (24.0%; 6/25), 3 CaP-Ti implants (14.3%; 3/21) and 4 PMMA implants (7.1%; 4/56). Besides infection, a postoperative hematoma was the most common cause. Median surgical time was 106 min, neither longer surgical time nor use of anticoagulation were significantly related to higher infection rates (p = 0.547; p = 0.152 respectively). Ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation prior to CP was noted in 33.8% (47/139) and not significantly associated with surgical related complications. Perioperative lumbar drainage, due to bulging brain, inserted in 38 patients (27.3%; 38/139) before surgery was protective when it comes to explantation of the implant (p = 0.035). Based on our results, CP is still related to a relatively high number of infections and further complications. Implant material seems to have a high effect on postoperative infections, since surgical time, anticoagulation therapy and hydrocephalus did not show a statistically significant effect on postoperative complications in this study. PEEK implants and ABFs seem to possess higher risk of postoperative infection. More biocompatible implants such as CaP-Ti might be beneficial. Further, prospective studies are necessary to answer this question.
Macrophages and angiogenesis in human lymphomas
Authors: Ribatti Domenico , Tamma Roberto , Annese Tiziana , Ingravallo Giuseppe , Specchia Giorgina 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA link exists between chronic inflammation and cancer and immune cells, angiogenesis, and tumor progression. In hematologic malignancies, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a significant part of the tumor microenvironment. Macrophages are classified into M1/classically activated and M2/alternatively activated. In tumors, TAMs are mainly constituted by M2 subtype, which promotes angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, repair, and remodeling, suppressing adaptive immunity, increasing tumor cell proliferation, drug resistance, histological malignancy, and poor clinical prognosis. The aim of our review article is to define the role of TAMs and their relationship with the angiogenesis in patients with lymphoma reporting both an analysis of main published data and those emerging from our studies. Finally, we have discussed the anti-angiogenic approach in the treatment of lymphomas.
Impacts of Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction-V and Deep Learning Image Reconstruction Algorithms on Robustness of CT Radiomics Features: Opportunity for Minimizing Radiomics Variability Among Scans of Different Dose Levels
Authors: Zhong Jingyu , Wu Zhiyuan , Wang Lingyun , Chen Yong , Xia Yihan , Wang Lan , Li Jianying , Lu Wei , Shi Xiaomeng , Feng Jianxing , Dong Haipeng , Zhang Huan , Yao Weiwu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the influence of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V (ASIR-V) and deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) on CT radiomics feature robustness. A standardized phantom was scanned under single-energy CT (SECT) and dual-energy CT (DECT) modes at standard and low (20 and 10 mGy) dose levels. Images of SECT 120 kVp and corresponding DECT 120 kVp-like virtual monochromatic images were generated with filtered back-projection (FBP), ASIR-V at 40% (AV-40) and 100% (AV-100) blending levels, and DLIR algorithm at low (DLIR-L), medium (DLIR-M), and high (DLIR-H) strength levels. Ninety-four features were extracted via Pyradiomics. Reproducibility of features was calculated between standard and low dose levels, between reconstruction algorithms in reference to FBP images, and within scan mode, using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). The average percentage of features with ICC > 0.90 and CCC > 0.90 between the two dose levels was 21.28% and 20.75% in AV-40 images, and 39.90% and 35.11% in AV-100 images, respectively, and increased from 15.43 to 45.22% and from 15.43 to 44.15% with an increasing strength level of DLIR. The average percentage of features with ICC > 0.90 and CCC > 0.90 in reference to FBP images was 26.07% and 25.80% in AV-40 images, and 18.88% and 18.62% in AV-100 images, respectively, and decreased from 27.93 to 17.82% and from 27.66 to 17.29% with an increasing strength level of DLIR. DLIR and ASIR-V algorithms showed low reproducibility in reference to FBP images, while the high-strength DLIR algorithm provides an opportunity for minimizing radiomics variability due to dose reduction.
An Automatic Framework for Nasal Esthetic Assessment by ResNet Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Ashoori Maryam , Zoroofi Reza A. , Sadeghi Mohammad 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNasal base aesthetics is an interesting and challenging issue that attracts the attention of researchers in recent years. With that insight, in this study, we propose a novel automatic framework (AF) for evaluating the nasal base which can be useful to improve the symmetry in rhinoplasty and reconstruction. The introduced AF includes a hybrid model for nasal base landmarks recognition and a combined model for predicting nasal base symmetry. The proposed state-of-the-art nasal base landmark detection model is trained on the nasal base images for comprehensive qualitative and quantitative assessments. Then, the deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) and multi-layer perceptron neural network (MLP) models are integrated by concatenating their last hidden layer to evaluate the nasal base symmetry based on geometry features and tiled images of the nasal base. This study explores the concept of data augmentation by applying the methods motivated via commonly used image augmentation techniques. According to the experimental findings, the results of the AF are closely related to the otolaryngologists’ ratings and are useful for preoperative planning, intraoperative decision-making, and postoperative assessment. Furthermore, the visualization indicates that the proposed AF is capable of predicting the nasal base symmetry and capturing asymmetry areas to facilitate semantic predictions. The codes are accessible at https://github.com/AshooriMaryam/Nasal-Aesthetic-Assessment-Deep-learning.
Parallel homological calculus for 3D binary digital images
Authors: Díaz-del-Río Fernando , Molina-Abril Helena , Real Pedro , Onchis Darian , Blanco-Trejo Sergio 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTopological representations of binary digital images usually take into consideration different adjacency types between colors. Within the cubical-voxel 3D binary image context, we design an algorithm for computing the isotopic model of an image, called (6,26)-Homological Region Adjacency Tree ((6,26)-Hom-Tree). This algorithm is based on a flexible graph scaffolding at the inter-voxel level called Homological Spanning Forest model (HSF).Hom-Treesare edge-weighted trees in which each node is a maximally connected set of constant-value voxels, which is interpreted as a subtree of the HSF. This representation integrates and relates the homological information (connected components, tunnels and cavities) of the maximally connected regions of constant color using 6-adjacency and 26-adjacency for black and white voxels, respectively (the criteria most commonly used for 3D images). The Euler-Poincaré numbers (which may as well be computed by counting the number of cells of each dimension on a cubical complex) and the connected component labeling of the foreground and background of a given image can also be straightforwardly computed from its Hom-Trees. Being$$I_D$$IDa 3D binary well-composed image (whereDis the set of black voxels), an almost fully parallel algorithm for constructing theHom-Treevia HSF computation is implemented and tested here. If$$I_D$$IDhas$$m_1{\times } m_2{\times } m_3$$m1×m2×m3voxels, the time complexity order of the reproducible algorithm is near$$O(\log (m_1{+}m_2{+}m_3))$$O(log(m1+m2+m3)), under the assumption that a processing element is available for each cubical voxel. Strategies for using the compressed information of theHom-Treerepresentation to distinguish two topologically different images having the same homological information (Betti numbers) are discussed here. The topological discriminatory power of theHom-Treeand the low time complexity order of the proposed implementation guarantee its usability within machine learning methods for the classification and comparison of natural 3Dimages.
Mapping the susceptibility of reefs to rubble accumulation across the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Leung Shu Kiu , Mumby Peter J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDisturbance-induced rubble accumulations are described as “killing fields” on coral reefs as coral recruits suffer high post-settlement mortality, creating a bottleneck for reef recovery. The increasing frequency of coral bleaching events, that can generate rubble once coral dies, has heightened concerns that rubble beds will become more widespread and persistent. But we currently lack the tools to predict where rubble is most likely to accumulate. Here, we developed a modelling framework to identify areas that are likely to accumulate rubble on forereef slopes across the Great Barrier Reef. The algorithm uses new high-resolution bathymetric and geomorphic datasets from satellite remote sensing. We found that 47 km of reef slope (3% of the entire reef surveyed), primarily in the southern region, could potentially reach 50% rubble cover. Despite being statistically significant (p < 0.001), the effects of depth and aspect on rubble cover were minimal, with a 0.2% difference in rubble cover between deeper and shallower regions, as well as a maximum difference of 0.8% among slopes facing various directions. Therefore, we conclude that the effects of depth and aspect were insufficient to influence ecological processes such as larval recruitment and recovery in different coral communities. Maps of potential rubble accumulation can be used to prioritise surveys and potential restoration, particularly after major disturbances have occurred.
Examining the impact of digital financial inclusion on economic development in urban and rural areas of China using remote sensing
Authors: Li Jiaqi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe expansion and penetration of digital financial inclusion have provided new impetus to economic development. With the aim of investigating the non-spatial and spatial effects of digital financial inclusion on urban and rural economic development, we target 31 provinces from 2011 to 2019 and complement the research gap by processing luminosity-corrected GDP and land cover images to generate urban and rural GDP statistics. This study highlights the following conclusions: first, digital financial inclusion has positively localized effects on rural economic development. Additionally, the spatial spillover effect of digital financial inclusion in rural regions is more profound than that of traditional finance. Last, digital financial inclusion has spatial spillover effects in narrowing urban-rural inequality that traditional finance lacks. Overall, our research provides new insights into the role of digital financial inclusion in urban and rural areas.
Health-Oriented Environmental Categories, Individual Health Environments, and the Concept of Environment in Public Health
Authors: Malsch Annette K. F. , Killin Anton , Kaiser Marie I. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe term ‘environment’ is not uniformly defined in the public health sciences, which causes crucial inconsistencies in research, health policy, and practice. As we shall indicate, this is somewhat entangled with diverging pathogenic and salutogenic perspectives (research and policy priorities) concerning environmental health. We emphasise two distinct concepts of environment in use by the World Health Organisation. One significant way these concepts differ concerns whether the social environment is included. Divergence on this matter has profound consequences for the understanding of health and disease, for measures derived from that understanding targeting health promotion and disease prevention, and consequently, for epistemic structures and concept development in scientific practice. We hope to improve the given situation in public health by uncovering these differences and by developing a fruitful way of thinking about environment. Firstly, we side with the salutogenic conception of environment as a health resource (as well as a source of health risks). Secondly, we subdivide the concept of environment into four health-oriented environmental categories (viz., natural, built-material, socio-cultural, and psychosocial) and we link these with other theoretical notions proposed in the health sciences literature. Thirdly, we propose that in public health ‘environment’ should be understood as consisting of all extrinsic factors that influence or are influenced by the health, well-being, and development of an individual. Consequently, none of the four categories should be excluded from the concept of environment. We point out the practical relevance and fruitfulness of the conception of environment as a health source and frame this in causal terms, representing individual health environments as causal networks. Throughout, we side with the view that for the design of human health-promoting settings, increased attention and consideration of environmental resources of salutogenic potential is particularly pressing.
Three perspectives on leadership in higher education: traditionalist, reformist, pragmatist
Authors: Macfarlane Bruce , Bolden Richard , Watermeyer Richard 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThere is a fragmented and complex literature about higher education leadership representing a diversity of ideological perspectives about its nature and purposes. Internationally, the literature has been strongly shaped by the importation of concepts and theories from management studies and a tradition of scholarship led by university leader-researchers. Drawing on an extensive literature review—drawing on over 250 books, book chapters, reports and journal articles—this paper identifies three key perspectives. The Traditionalist perspective is concerned with the cultural context, arguing that the import of neoliberal business practices into university leadership and management has undermined academic self-governance. The Reformist perspective focuses on values from a social justice perspective arguing for a more democratic and inclusive style of leadership including participation from historically under-represented groups. Finally, the Pragmatist perspective is more functionally focused in identifying the capabilities, skills and competences needed for effective leadership in universities at all levels. These three perspectives provide important insights into the culture, values and competences of university leadership reflecting the distinctive culture of higher education (traditionalist), its values as a reflection of wider society (reformist) and how best to practically manage and achieve positive change in such an environment (pragmatist). An appreciation of these perspectives and the skills, values and knowledge embedded in the literature will facilitate the evolution of leadership development and practice in alignment with contemporary organisational needs and societal expectations.
Using remote-sensing and citizen-science data to assess urban biodiversity for sustainable cityscapes: the case study of Athens, Greece
Authors: Ziliaskopoulos Konstantinos , Laspidou Chrysi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractContextUrban biodiversity is an important and growing research area as cities continue to expand and human populations concentrate in urban centers. In order to effectively conserve urban biodiversity and inform future urban planning, a thorough understanding of the patterns and underlying factors affecting biodiversity is essential. However, a methodology of assessing urban biodiversity that would be replicable to different cities has been challenging, primarily due to data limitation on habitats and species in urban areas.ObjectivesIn response to these challenges, this work implements a biodiversity analysis framework, adapted for the municipality of Athens, Greece, a city that is facing its own unique challenges in preserving biodiversity while accommodating urban growth. The analysis granularity is at the zipcode level.MethodsA k-means clustering scheme that leads to theclassification of urban habitats is incorporated using earth observation data, while citizen science-generated species occurrence data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) platform is used for biodiversity analysis and validation. This integrative approach allows us to account for fine-scale environmental variation, which plays a crucial role in species' abundances and distributions in urban settings.ResultsOur analysis shows that the fact that almost 80% of the Athens land cover is impervious and lacks vegetation has serious effects on biodiversity in the city, which is very limited and is only abundant in Urban Green areas. The city’s dense urban fabric, followed by intense cementification, lack of open streams and noisy large arterial roads take a toll on urban species occurrences, which are up to 100 times less than the green and blue areas.ConclusionsThis work highlights the significance of zipcode-level analyses in understanding the complex interplay between urbanization and biodiversity. Furthermore, it shows that it is possible to assess urban biodiversity using free and open satellite data, without previously acquiring a high-resolution species occurrence dataset through field surveys, thus providing a comprehensive understanding of urban biodiversity patterns in cities like Athens.
Smart Bags and Smartphone for On-The-Spot Detection of Bleached Garlic
Authors: Sundarrajan Balachandar , Goel Ina , Sathe Aashutosh , Prabhu Anusha , Mani Naresh Kumar 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis work outlines the fundamental principles underlying food science and nutrition, particularly garlic adulteration and detection. Few of the bioactive components in garlic, such as allicin and sulphur, have been associated with various health advantages. However, garlic adulteration using sodium hypochlorite (as a bleaching agent to enhance the texture and physical appearance) is highly harmful and at times can be lethal as well. A quick and accurate way for spotting bleached garlic is considered of paramount importance to circumvent adulteration. Herein, we developed smart bags using thread-based devices for detecting garlic bleached with sodium hypochlorite. Smart bags saturated with 1% w/v phenolphthalein indicator was found to be effective in detecting the presence of bleach adulteration in garlic. Furthermore, we have utilized smartphone integrated with Allium Detect application for the quantitative analysis of sodium hypochlorite on garlic. This dual approach offers several advantages over traditional detection techniques, as it allows for the detection of bleached garlic in minutes through a colour change from colourless to pink. This detection approach encompasses high sensitivity, specificity, and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, this innovative solution not only ensures the quality and safety of garlic but also has the potential to extend its benefits to other produce. The utilization of this reliable and efficient colorimetric detection approach not only fosters awareness but also advances public health by empowering individuals or non-expert to make accurate decisions regarding their food choices.
The Use of the Voice Trainer App for Vocal Control in People with a Degenerative Ataxia: A Pilot Intervention Study
Authors: Knuijt S. , Nonnekes J. , van de Warrenburg B. P. C. , Nijkamp M. , Scholten S. , de Swart B. J. M. , Kalf J. G. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDysarthria is disabling in persons with degenerative ataxia. There is limited evidence for speech therapy interventions. In this pilot study, we used the Voice trainer app, which was originally developed for patients with Parkinson’s disease, as a feedback tool for vocal control. We hypothesized that patients with ataxic dysarthria would benefit from the Voice trainer app to better control their loudness and pitch, resulting in a lower speaking rate and better intelligibility. This intervention study consisted of five therapy sessions of 30 min within 3 weeks using the principles of the Pitch Limiting Voice Treatment. Patients received real-time visual feedback on loudness and pitch during the exercises. Besides, they were encouraged to practice at home or to use the Voice trainer in daily life. We used observer-rated and patient-rated outcome measures. The primary outcome measure was intelligibility, as measured by the Dutch sentence intelligibility test. Twenty-one out of 25 included patients with degenerative ataxia completed the therapy. We found no statistically significant improvements in intelligibility (p = .56). However, after the intervention, patients were speaking slower (p = .03) and the pause durations were longer (p < .001). The patients were satisfied about using the app. At the group level, we found no evidence for an effect of the Voice trainer app on intelligibility in degenerative ataxia. Because of the heterogeneity of ataxic dysarthria, a more tailor-made rather than generic intervention seems warranted.