bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning Denoising Reconstruction for Improved Image Quality in Fetal Cardiac Cine MRI
Authors: Vollbrecht Thomas M , Hart Christopher , Zhang Shuo , Katemann Christoph , Sprinkart Alois M , Isaak Alexander , Attenberger Ulrike , Pieper Claus C , Kütting Daniel , Geipel Annegret , Strizek Brigitte , Luetkens Julian A 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate deep learning (DL) denoising reconstructions for image quality improvement of Doppler ultrasound (DUS)-gated fetal cardiac MRI in congenital heart disease (CHD).
Methods: Twenty-five fetuses with CHD (mean gestational age: 35±1 weeks) underwent fetal cardiac MRI at 3 Tesla. Cine imaging was acquired using a balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequence with Doppler ultrasound gating. Images were reconstructed using both compressed SENSE (bSSFP CS) and a pre-trained convolutional neural network trained for deep-learning denoising (bSSFP DL). Images were compared qualitatively based on a 5-point Likert scale (from 1=non-diagnostic to 5=excellent) and quantitatively by calculating the apparent signal-to-noise ratio (aSNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (aCNR). Diagnostic confidence was assessed for the atria, ventricles, foramen ovale, valves, great vessels, aortic arch, and pulmonary veins.
Results: Fetal cardiac cine MRI was successful in 23 fetuses (92%). Image quality of bSSFP DL cine reconstructions compared with standard bSSFP CS cine images was rated significantly higher regarding contrast (3 [interquartile range: 2-4] vs 5 [4-5], P<0.001) and endocardial edge definition (3 [2-4] vs 4 [4-5], P<0.001), whereas the level of artifacts deemed comparable (4 [3-4.75] vs 4 [3-4], P=0.40). bSSFP DL images had higher aSNR and aCNR compared with the bSSFP CS images (aSNR: 13.4±6.9 vs 8.3±3.6, P<0.001; aCNR: 26.6±15.8 vs 14.4±6.8, P<0.001). Diagnostic confidence of the bSSFP DL images was superior for the evaluation of cardiovascular structures (e.g., atria and ventricles: P=0.003).
Conclusion: DL image denoising provides superior quality for DUS-gated fetal cardiac cine imaging of CHD compared to standard CS image reconstruction.
Corporate Governance Compliance and Firm Performance: Evidence from Publicly Listed Firms in Ghana
Authors: Antwi Isaac Francis , Carvalho Carla , Carmo Cecília 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This research aims to investigate the corporate governance compliance practices of the listed firms in the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) and assess the levels of compliance on each recommended principle. The study developed a self-construction corporate governance compliance index using the six guidelines of the Ghana Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) six guideline principles on a sample of 33 firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange from 2009-2020. A content analysis was employed for the empirical analysis.
The study finds that total corporate governance compliance levels increased after the introduction of SEC's best guideline principles over the period under analysis. Also, among the six guideline principles of the SEC (2010), the financial affairs and audits registered the highest compliance level.
The study contributes to the existing literature by providing new evidence on compliance practice in the context of Ghanaian listed firms on the GSE, and the effects of individual guidelines principle of corporate governance compliance.
Tribological performance study of low-friction PEEK composites under different lubrication conditions
Authors: Wu Shibo , Yan Zhijun , Sun Haocheng , Liu Ze , Xue Lixia , Sun Tao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

To improve the friction and wear performance of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). In this paper, a low-friction PEEK-based composite with PEEK as the matrix material, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the solid lubricant, and poly-p-phenylene-terephthamide (PPTA) as the reinforcing material were prepared by compression molding technique, and then the optimal preparation condition for PEEK was gained by exploratory experiments. Finally, the tribological performance of PTFE/PPTA/PEEK composites was researched under dry friction and oil lubrication conditions. The microstructure of the wear mark was observed by scanning electron microscope and white light interference microscope, and the wear mechanism of PEEK and its composites under different lubrication conditions were analyzed. The results show that the main wear mechanisms of the friction pair consisting of PTFE/PPTA/PEEK composites and bearing steel are ploughing and adhesive wear. When the friction pair slides, PPTA reduces the wear of the composite caused by its high fiber strength and good thermal stability, and the coefficient of friction (COF) is reduced because the PTFE on the surface is pressed into a smooth, solid lubricating film. Whether under dry friction or oil lubrication conditions, the PEEK composites containing 25wt% PTFE and 6wt% PPTA both have the lowest wear and lower COF.
Cognitive Dissonance can Increase Consumption: On the effects of Inaccurate Explanations on User Behavior in Video-On-Demand Platforms
Authors: Hauck Marcel , Pagel Sven , Rothlauf Franz 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
On most video-on-demand platforms, recommender systems help users find relevant content. Many recommender systems can provide explanations (e.g., short texts) on why they make recommendations for an individual user. Existing literature assumes that explanations are accurate, meaning that they align with the recommended content. Thus, the effect of inaccurate explanations that do not fit the displayed content is unclear. In this large-scale, real-world randomized controlled trial, users of a major Public Service Media provider received recommendations either without explanations (baseline), with accurate explanations (control), or with some inaccurate explanations (treatment). For users who experience only a low percentage of inaccurate explanations, usage (click-through rate) is similar to the case where all explanations are accurate; for users who experience a higher percentage of inaccurate explanations, usage significantly increases (up to +7.8%). For the extreme case, where most explanations are inaccurate, usage significantly decreases (down to -15.8%). The increase in usage (click-through rate) when experiencing some inaccurate explanations can be explained by Festinger's theory of cognitive dissonance. It postulates that users confronted with inconsistent cognitions try to remove dissonant cognitions by investigating the reason for a dissonant recommendation through clicking on it. As expected, usage decreases if most of the shown explanations are inaccurate. The findings demonstrate the benefits of online user studies, which allow for deeper insights into the interplay between recommender systems and human users. Furthermore, such results that may seem at first counter-intuitive for the recommender system community can be explained when drawing on well-established theories explaining human behavior.
Copper oxide nanoparticles suppress retinal angiogenesis via inducing endothelial cell cuproptosis
Authors: Zhang Haorui , Cai Chang , Li Qing , Nie Zheng , Wang Mengzhu , Liu Yongxuan , Shen Wei , Song Hongyuan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background: Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have demonstrated versatile applications in antitumor and antibacterial contexts, however, their potential as an anti- angiogenesis agent remains unexplored. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the efficacy of CuO NPs in the treatment of pathological angiogenic retinopathy.
Results
We demonstrated that CuO NPs possess nano-sized dimensions and exhibit well biocompatibility. In vitro experiments revealed that CuO NPs impede the proliferation, tube formation, migration, and sprouting of HUVECs dose-dependently. Subsequently, in vivo findings showed that CuO NPs effectively suppressed the development of retinal vasculature in a mouse model, as well as alleviate pathological retinal angiogenesis in an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. Furthermore, RNA-seq and metabolomic analysis revealed that CuO NPs disrupt the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and induce cuproptosis. These results were further supported by the evaluation of metabolites and the expression of cuproptosis-related proteins.
Conclusions
The CuO NPs exhibit potential as effective anti-angiogenic platforms for the treatment of pathological retinal angiogenesis.
Ranking of potentially toxic pollutants and their impact on microbial communities in water bodies receiving wastewater discharges
Authors: Yordanova Veronika , Todorova Yovana , Kirilova-Belouhova Mihaela , Lyubomirova Valentina , Belovezhdova Iva , Mihaylova Veronika , Topalova Yana 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The contribution of urban sewage treatment plants to pollution with emerging contaminants is still underestimated and discharge zones are not always subject to adequate monitoring activities. In this study, we apply the combination of risk level ranking of a specific class of pollutants (potentially toxic elements) and assessment of the metabolic activity of sediment microbial communities. The ranking approach identifies the most harmful toxic elements in the local environment of the upper sub-catchment of the Iskar River, Bulgaria. The effect on microbial communities was assessed by the determination of the share of viable cells and the inhibition of their metabolic activity (fluorescent staining method with digital image analysis). The data showed that Hg and Cu came at the top of the list of concerns for the matrix of surface waters; Cu, Cd, and Pb pose the greatest risk in sediments. The microbial communities in the wastewater discharge area were affected by pollutants and by the high nutrients and organic content of the effluent. The applied approach has the potential to help us focus the future site-specific monitoring for pollution control in water bodies, receiving wastewater discharges, and contributes to a better understanding of the potential ecological risks from hazardous pollutants.
Irregular word reading as a marker of cognitive and semantic decline in Alzheimer’s disease rather than an estimate of premorbid intellectual abilities.
Authors: Marier Anna , Dadar Mahsa , Bouhali Florence , Montembeault Maxime 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Irregular word reading has been used to estimate premorbid intelligence in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia. However, reading models highlight the core influence of semantic abilities on irregular word reading, which shows early decline in AD. The general aim of this study is to determine whether irregular word reading is a valid estimate of premorbid intelligence, or a marker of cognitive and semantic decline in AD.
Method
681 healthy controls (HC), 104 subjective cognitive decline, 290 early and 589 late mild cognitive impairment (EMCI, LMCI) and 348 AD participants from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative were included. Irregular word reading was assessed with the American National Adult Reading Test (AmNART). Multiple linear regressions were conducted predicting AmNART score using diagnostic category, general cognitive impairment and semantic tests. A generalized logistic mixed-effects model predicted correct reading using extracted psycholinguistic characteristics of each AmNART words. Deformation-based morphometry was used to assess the relationship between AmNART scores and voxel-wise brain volumes, as well as with the volume of a region of interest placed in the left anterior temporal lobe (ATL).
Results
EMCI, LMCI and AD patients made significantly more errors in reading irregular words compared to HC, and AD patients made more errors than all other groups. Across the AD continuum, as well as within each diagnostic group, irregular word reading was significantly correlated to measures of general cognitive impairment / dementia severity. Neuropsychological tests of lexicosemantics were moderately correlated to irregular word reading whilst executive functioning and episodic memory were respectively weakly and not correlated. Age of acquisition, a primarily semantic variable, had a strong effect on irregular word reading accuracy whilst none of the phonological variables significantly contributed. Neuroimaging analyses pointed to bilateral hippocampal and left ATL volume loss as the main contributors to decreased irregular word reading performances.
Conclusions
Irregular word reading performances decline throughout the AD continuum, and therefore, premorbid intelligence estimates based on the AmNART should not be considered accurate in MCI or AD. Results are consistent with the theory of irregular word reading impairments as an indicator of disease severity and semantic decline.
Impact du comportement hydrophile des fibres de Bambusa Vugaris traitées dans un composite fibres/époxyde en fonctionnement dans le revêtement de maison
Authors: Ebanda Dieudonné EBANDA , Anyi Joseph NKONGHO , Nzengwa Ekmon MBANGUE , NGUIYA Sévérin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The aim of this study is to study the hygrothermal behavior of bamboo fibers extracted by the alkaline method (3% soda) and treated with acetylation for potential use in house and fence siding. 10 g of 5-year-old fibers of "bambusa vulgaris" was soaked in 400 ml of glacial acetic acid, with 50 ml of catalyst (sulphuric acid) for 4 h at 30 ° C. After extraction by the « Improved Hydrophilic Extraction Method » and treatment in the laboratory, the diameter and lateral area observed with a magnification of 2, a 16x eyepiece and a 40x lens using an optical microscope equipped with a Balow lens, show that the fibers were smoothed to more than 3.57%; The absorption studied over three temperature ranges (30 oC, 50 oC and 70 oC), shows that it has decreased by about 20% and can grow with temperature to the limit of 37% after 48 hours of quenching; The composite was manufactured in three types of structure; increasing the rate of treated fibers reduces the hydrophilic character of the composite, it becomes completely hydrophobic from 15%; Increasing the level of treated fibres reduces the hydrophilic character of the composite; and damage to the composite due to the hydrophilic effect of the treated bamboo fibers is less significant..
Pseudotumor of the stomach caused by hypereosinophilic syndromes: A case report and literature review
Authors: Xia Bihan , Lu Qing , Lv Xiuhe , Liu Yuzhi , Yang Jinlin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background Hypereosinophilic syndromes (HES) constitute a rare group of disorders marked by abnormal eosinophil accumulation in the blood or peripheral tissues. The clinical manifestations of HES can vary greatly, ranging from asymptomatic to life-threatening. Occasionally, HES can mimic organ-specific tumors or malignancies, posing diagnostic challenges and potential overtreatment.
Case Presentation We presented a 51-year-old female enduring epigastric pain, fatigue, and weight loss for 8 months. Endoscopy revealed a protuberant lesion with mucosal hyperemia in the stomach. Radiological assessments exhibited gastric wall thickness, lymphadenectasis, and irregular pulmonary nodules (5-15 mm). PET/CT demonstrated thickened gastric walls, multiple enlarged lymph nodes with heightened FDG uptake, resembling metastatic gastric carcinoma. The endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biopsy of perigastric lymph nodes revealed eosinophil infiltration. Absolute eosinophil count (AEC) was 580/μL, and total serum IgE level was 1850 IU/ml. Bone marrow biopsy showed no abnormalities. A tentative diagnosis of HES involving multiple organs, prominently the stomach, was established. Treatment initiated with a 3-day intravenous methylprednisolone course (80 mg/day), transitioning to oral prednisone. The dose was gradually reduced from 50 mg/day to a maintenance level of 15 mg/day over four months, complemented by monthly cyclophosphamide pulse treatments. The patient achieved complete clinical and biochemical remission without recurrence during the 1-year follow-up.
Conclusions Occasional mimicking of tumors in medical imaging by HES emphasizes the importance of biopsies, comprehensive organ evaluation, and excluding other potential causes. Systemic oral steroid use can serve as a diagnostic approach. Timely identification of HES-related pseudotumors and appropriate steroid treatment lead to a positive outcome without unnecessary intervention.
Ulasan Penyertaan Finalis Pertandingan Bakat Muda Sezaman 2021 Zon Sarawak: Ko-kreasi dan Seni di Lokasi
Authors: Mohamad Faizuan Mat  , Hasnul Jamal Saidon  
Published: September 2023

The 26th edition of the Young Contemporaries Awards 2021 (BMS2021) organised by the National Art Gallery, Malaysia for the first time introduced “Seni di Lokasi” (Art in Location) as a theme that allowed the artists freely to choose their own working and exhibition space. A total of 13 entries from Sarawak made it to the finals. Although, no main awards were won by participants from the Sarawak, but the concept and production methods of their works have the potential for the development of visual art activities, especially in Sarawak, and Malaysia in general. In critically evaluating the Sarawak participation artists from the concept and art-making view, it turns out that the understanding of art in location and method is quite different compared to other participants. The method used to produce artworks that directly involve the community is closely related to the chosen location. Therefore, this article further discusses Sarawak young artists’ pattern of thought through participation in BMS2021, especially related to concepts and methodologies of work.

Pertandingan Bakat Muda Sezaman (BMS) edisi ke-26 pada tahun 2021 anjuran Balai Seni Negara julung kali diadakan dengan temanya “Seni di Lokasi” yang memberi kebebasan kepada peserta untuk memilih sendiri lokasi untuk menghasilkan dan mempamerkan karya mereka. Sejumlah 13 penyertaan dari Sarawak berjaya ke peringkat akhir. Walaupun tiada anugerah utama dirangkul oleh peserta dari zon Sarawak, konsep dan kaedah penghasilan karya-karya mereka mempunyai potensi dalam pembangunan aktiviti seni visual di Sarawak, khasnya dan di Malaysia secara umumnya. Bagi menilai penyertaan seniman dari zon Sarawak secara kritikal daripada perspektif penghasilan karya, ternyata pemahaman tentang lokasi dan kaedah agak berbeza berbanding peserta yang lain. Kaedah penghasilan karya seni yang melibatkan komuniti secara langsung sangat berhubung kait dengan lokasi yang dipilih. Justeru, penulisan ini mengulas dengan lebih terperinci tentang corak pemikiran seniman muda Sarawak dalam edisi BMS kali ini terutamanya berkaitan konsep dan metodologi pengkaryaan.
THE UTILIZATION OF AUGMENTED REALITY TECHNOLOGY IN DETERMINING QIBLA DIRECTION (ANALYSIS OF MIQAT APPLICATIONS BY SAMER JOUDI)
Authors: Muttaqin Naufal Fazal 
Published: September 2023

Nowadays, around the world, there are numerous Qibla direction applications available on various websites and digital content providers. One of these is the Miqat application: Prayer Times, Qiblah, and Hilal Visibility, an augmented reality-based Android app for determining the direction of the Qibla. Samer Joudi, a geospatial technology specialist from the United Arab Emirates, released the Miqat app in 2015. As of November 20, 2022, more than 5,000,000 (five million) Android users had downloaded the Miqat app, giving it a rating of 4.6 out of 5. A 3D Qibla feature in the Miqat application uses augmented reality technology on the display to point users in the direction of the Kaaba. actual life. The results of this study are that the calculation method used by the Miqat application is the Vincenty formula, which is quite accurate (7 minutes difference from the calculation of the Istiwa'aini Qibla direction) because the Vincenty formula has high accuracy in determining the Qibla direction based on the ellipsoid shape of the earth. Then, determining the Qibla direction using the 3D Qibla feature with augmented reality technology is categorized as less accurate according to Slamet Hambali's level of accuracy, but still within tolerance limits according to Thomas Djamaluddin's level of accuracy. The accuracy of the Qibla direction of the Miqat application differs from 0o to 1o from the Qibla direction measured by Istiwa'aini.
Interfaces da poética da economia: o caso da Academia-escola Unileão
Authors: Macedo Xavier de Freitas Maria Luiza , Souza Santos Alana 
Published: September 2023

O presente artigo é fruto das inquietações acerca da busca de rebatimentos da “poética da economia”, defendida pelo Grupo Arquitetura Nova, em obras contemporâneas. Para tal, o texto usará para análise o edifício da Academia-escola Unileão, localizado na cidade de Juazeiro do Norte (CE), concebido pelo escritório Lins Arquitetos e Associados. O Grupo Arquitetura Nova, formado pelos arquitetos Flávio Império, Rodrigo Lefèvre e Sérgio Ferro, teve um curto período de atuação profissional mas abriu caminhos para importantes discussões acerca de uma nova expressão estética pautada no uso de tecnologias construtivas e materiais de baixo custo. Adentrando em investigar esses conceitos, o artigo tem como objetivo compreender como a estratégia de produzir arquitetura a partir de uma economia e simplicidade de materiais se expressa na arquitetura contemporânea, usando como objeto de estudo a Academia-escola Unileão, cuja materialidade se manifesta a partir da disponibilidade dos materiais da região; neste caso como protagonista, o tijolo maciço. A pesquisa de caráter essencialmente exploratória, possui como finalidade discutir os conceitos apontados a partir de uma análise crítica de uma obra arquitetônica da contemporaneidade. Para isso, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o assunto para embasar a discussão, bem como foi possível realizar uma entrevista com uma das arquitetas do projeto a ser analisado. E, assim, conclui-se que a poética da economia, ainda que seja uma vertente ligada à modernidade brasileira, também pode ser identificada em obras contemporâneas, como é o caso da Academia-escola Unileão.