bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurements of altitude and geographic latitude in Latin astronomy, 1100–1300
Authors: Nothaft C. Philipp E. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis article surveys measurements of celestial (chiefly solar) altitudes documented from twelfth- and thirteenth-century Latin Europe. It consists of four main parts providing (i) an overview of the instruments available for altitude measurements and described in contemporary sources, viz. astrolabes, quadrants, shadow sticks, and the torquetum; (ii) a survey of the role played by altitude measurements in the determination of geographic latitude, which takes into account more than 70 preserved estimates; (iii) case studies of four sets of measured solar altitudes in twelfth-century Latin sources; (iv) an in-depth discussion of the evidence relating to altitude measurements performed in Paris in the period 1281–1290. The findings from the last part indicate that by the end of the thirteenth century Parisian astronomer had developed rigorous standards of observational practice in which altitudes were typically measured to a precision of minutes of arc and with a level of accuracy higher than ± 0;5°, and sometimes exceeding ± 0;1°.
Preoperative BChE serves as a prognostic marker in patients with resectable AEG after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Gensthaler Lisa , Jomrich Gerd , Brugger Jonas , Kollmann Dagmar , Paireder Matthias , Bologheanu Milena , Horn Alexander , Riegler Franz M. , Asari Reza , Schoppmann Sebastian F. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
Diminished systemic serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), a biomarker for chronic inflammation, cachexia, and advanced tumor stage, has shown to play a prognostic role in various malignancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of pretherapeutic BChE levels in patients with resectable adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (AEG), treated with or without neoadjuvant therapy.

Methods
Data of a consecutive series of patients with resectable AEG at the Department for General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, were analyzed. Preoperative serum BChE levels were correlated to clinic-pathological parameters as well as treatment response. The prognostic impact of serum BChE levels on disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated by univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis, and Kaplan–Meier curves used for illustration.

Results
A total of 319 patients were included in this study, with an overall mean (standard deviation, SD) pretreatment serum BChE level of 6.22 (± 1.91) IU/L. In univariate models, diminished preoperative serum BChE levels were significantly associated with shorter overall (OS, p < 0.003) and disease-free survival (DFS, p < 0.001) in patients who received neoadjuvant treatment and/or primary resection. In multivariated analysis, decreased BChE was significantly associated with shorter DFS (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84–1.00, p 0.049) and OS (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.85–1.00, p < 0.49) in patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy. Backward regression identified the interaction between preoperative BChE and neoadjuvant chemotherapy as a predictive factor for DFS and OS.

Conclusion
Diminished serum BChE serves as a strong, independent, and cost-effective prognostic biomarker for worse outcome in patients with resectable AEG who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Differential diagnosis of adrenal adenomas and metastases using spectral parameters in dual-layer detector spectral CT
Authors: Wu Lei-di , Yue Xiao-fei , Wu Lin-xia , Yang Ming , Chen Yan , Yu Jie , Diao Nan , Zhang Xiao-hui , Zhu Liang-ru , Han Ping 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objective
To assess the diagnostic value of spectral parameters in differentiating adrenal adenomas from metastases based on dual-layer detector spectral CT (DLSCT).

Materials and methods
Patients with adenomas or metastases who underwent enhanced DLSCT of the adrenals were enrolled. The CT values of virtual non-contrast images (CTVNC), iodine density (ID) values, and Z-effective (Z-eff) values, the normalized iodine density (NID) values, slopes of spectral HU curves (s-SHC), and iodine-to-CTVNC ratios of the tumors were measured in each phase. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the diagnostic values.

Results
Ninety-nine patients with 106 adrenal lesions (63 adenomas, 43 metastases) were included. In the venous phase, all spectral parameters were significantly different between adenomas and metastases (all p < 0.05). The combined spectral parameters showed a better diagnostic performance in the venous phase than in other phase (p < 0.05). The iodine-to-CTVNC value had a larger area under the ROC curve (AUC) than the other spectral parameters in the differential diagnosis of adenomas and metastases, with a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 74.4% and 91.9%, respectively. In the differential diagnosis of lipid-rich adenomas, lipid-poor adenomas and metastases, the CTVNC value and s-SHC value also had a larger AUC than the other spectral parameters, with a diagnostic sensitivity of 97.7%, 79.1% and specificity of 91.2%, 93.1%, respectively.

Conclusion
On DLSCT, the combined spectral parameters in the venous phase could help better distinguish adrenal adenomas from metastases. The iodine-to-CTVNC, CTVNC and s-SHC values had the highest AUC values in differentiating adenomas, lipid-rich adenomas and lipid-poor adenomas from metastases, respectively.
Nodal frozen section + elective neck dissection as an alternative to sentinel lymph node biopsy for the management of cT1-2N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients: a viability and accuracy study
Authors: Battaglia Salvatore , Crimi Salvatore , Piombino Eliana , Villari Loredana , Maugeri Claudia , Minervini Giuseppe , Cicciù Marco , Bianchi Alberto 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is characterized by a high aggressiveness and a tendency to metastasize. The management of the neck in cT1-2N0 patients c follows three strategies: watchful waiting, elective neck dissection (END) or sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The aim was to assess the viability of intraoperative frozen sections of the nodes of cT1-2N0 to spot occult metastases as an alternative to SLNB, performing a modified radical neck dissection (MRND) in intraoperatively positive patients. Methods: The patients were treated at the Maxillo-Facial Surgery Unit of Policlinico San Marco of Catania between 2020 and 2022. END was performed in all patients, including frozen section examination of at least one clinically suspicious node per level. In case of positivity after frozen section examination, neck dissection was extended to levels IV and V. Results: All frozen sections were compared with a definitive test after paraffin inclusion. During surgery, 70 END were performed, and 210 nodes were analyzed with frozen sections. Among the 70 END, 52 were negative after frozen Sects. (156 negative nodes), and surgery was ended. Five of the 52 negative ENDs resulted in pN + after paraffin inclusion (9.6%), which underwent postoperative adjuvant treatment. The sensibility of our END + frozen section method was 75%, while the specificity of our test was 94%. The negative predictive value was 90,4%.

Conclusions
Elective neck dissection + intraoperative frozen section could be an alternative to SLNB to spot occult nodal metastases in cT1-2N0 OSCC due to the opportunity to perform a one-step diagnostic/therapeutic procedure.
Nearly k-Distance Sets
Authors: Frankl Nóra , Kupavskii Andrey 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe say that a set of points $$S\subset {{\mathbb {R}}}^d$$

S
⊂

R

d

is an $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-nearly k-distance set if there exist $$1\le t_1\le \ldots \le t_k$$

1
≤

t
1

≤
…
≤

t
k

, such that the distance between any two distinct points in S falls into $$[t_1,t_1+\varepsilon ]\cup \cdots \cup [t_k,t_k+\varepsilon ]$$

[

t
1

,

t
1

+
ε
]

∪
⋯
∪

[

t
k

,

t
k

+
ε
]

. In this paper, we study the quantity $$\begin{aligned} M_k(d) = \lim _{\varepsilon \rightarrow 0}\max {\{|S|:S\,\text { is an}\, \varepsilon \text {-nearly}\, k\text {-distance set in}\,{{\mathbb {R}}}^d\}} \end{aligned}$$

M
k

(
d
)

=

lim

ε
→
0

max

{
|
S
|
:
S

is an

ε
-nearly

k
-distance set in

R

d

}

and its relation to the classical quantity $$m_k(d)$$

m
k

(
d
)

: the size of the largest k-distance set in $${{\mathbb {R}}}^d$$

R

d

. We obtain that $$M_k(d)=m_k(d)$$

M
k

(
d
)

=

m
k

(
d
)

for $$k=2,3$$

k
=
2
,
3

, as well as for any fixed k, provided that d is sufficiently large. The last result answers a question, proposed by Erdős, Makai, and Pach. We also address a closely related Turán-type problem, studied by Erdős, Makai, Pach, and Spencer in the 90s: given n points in $${{\mathbb {R}}}^d$$

R

d

, how many pairs of them form a distance that belongs to $$[t_1,t_1+1]\cup \cdots \cup [t_k,t_k+1]$$

[

t
1

,

t
1

+
1
]

∪
⋯
∪

[

t
k

,

t
k

+
1
]

, where $$t_1,\dots ,t_k$$

t
1

,
⋯
,

t
k

are fixed and any two points in the set are at distance at least 1 apart? We establish the connection between this quantity and a quantity closely related to $$M_k(d-1)$$

M
k

(
d
-
1
)

, as well as obtain an exact answer for the same ranges k, d as above.
Novel memetic of beluga whale optimization with self-adaptive exploration–exploitation balance for global optimization and engineering problems
Authors: Hussien Abdelazim G. , Khurma Ruba Abu , Alzaqebah Abdullah , Amin Mohamed , Hashim Fatma A. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractA population-based optimizer called beluga whale optimization (BWO) depicts behavioral patterns of water aerobics, foraging, and diving whales. BWO runs effectively, nevertheless it retains numerous of deficiencies that has to be strengthened. Premature convergence and a disparity between exploitation and exploration are some of these challenges. Furthermore, the absence of a transfer parameter in the typical BWO when moving from the exploration phase to the exploitation phase has a direct impact on the algorithm’s performance. This work proposes a novel modified BWO (mBWO) optimizer that incorporates an elite evolution strategy, a randomization control factor, and a transition factor between exploitation and exploitation. The elite strategy preserves the top candidates for the subsequent generation so it helps generate effective solutions with meaningful differences between them to prevent settling into local maxima. The elite random mutation improves the search strategy and offers a more crucial exploration ability that prevents stagnation in the local optimum. The mBWO incorporates a controlling factor to direct the algorithm away from the local optima region during the randomization phase of the BWO. Gaussian local mutation (GM) acts on the initial position vector to produce a new location. Because of this, the majority of altered operators are scattered close to the original position, which is comparable to carrying out a local search in a small region. The original method can now depart the local optimal zone because to this modification, which also increases the optimizer’s optimization precision control randomization traverses the search space using random placements, which can lead to stagnation in the local optimal zone. Transition factor (TF) phase are used to make the transitions of the agents from exploration to exploitation gradually concerning the amount of time required. The mBWO undergoes comparison to the original BWO and 10 additional optimizers using 29 CEC2017 functions. Eight engineering problems are addressed by mBWO, involving the design of welded beams, three-bar trusses, tension/compression springs, speed reducers, the best design of industrial refrigeration systems, pressure vessel design challenges, cantilever beam designs, and multi-product batch plants. In both constrained and unconstrained settings, the results of mBWO preformed superior to those of other methods.
Impact of partial pressure of arterial oxygen and radiologic findings on postoperative acute exacerbation of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Azuma Yoko , Sakamoto Susumu , Homma Sakae , Sakai Takashi , Koezuka Satoshi , Kamemura Megumi , Tochigi Naobumi , Iyoda Akira 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To establish accurate diagnostic criteria and predictors of treatment response for postoperative acute exacerbation (AE) in patients with lung cancer and idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP).

Methods
Among 93 patients with IIP who underwent surgery for lung cancer, suspected postoperative AE developed in 20 (21.5%). Patients were divided into a progressive AE group, comprising patients with bilateral alveolar opacities and decreasing PaO2 ≥ 10 mmHg (n = 5); an incipient AE group, comprising patients with unilateral alveolar opacities and decreasing PaO2 ≥ 10 mmHg (n = 10); and an indeterminate AE group, comprising patients with alveolar opacities but decreasing PaO2 < 10 mmHg (n = 5).

Results
The progressive AE group had significantly higher 90-day mortality (80%) than the incipient AE group (10%, P = 0.017) or the indeterminate AE group (0%, P = 0.048). Bilateral opacities may indicate advanced AE and poor prognosis, whereas unilateral opacities may indicate an early stage of AE and a good prognosis. PaO2 < 10 mmHg may indicate conditions other than AE.

Conclusions
In patients with lung cancer and IIP, decreasing PaO2 and HRCT findings may allow for the initiation of rapid and accurate treatment strategies for postoperative AE.
“Foggy sounds like nothing” — enriching the experience of voice assistants with sonic overlays
Authors: Esau-Held Margarita , Marsh Andrew , Krauß Veronika , Stevens Gunnar 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAlthough Voice Assistants are ubiquitously available for some years now, the interaction is still monotonous and utilitarian. Sound design offers conceptual and methodological research to design auditive interfaces. Our work aims to complement and supplement voice interaction withsonic overlaysto enrich the user experience. Therefore, we followed a user-centered design process to develop a sound library for weather forecasts based on empirical results from a user survey of associative mapping. After analyzing the data, we created audio clips for seven weather conditions and evaluated the perceived combination of sound and speech with 15 participants in an interview study. Our findings show that supplementing speech with soundscapes is a promising concept that communicates information and induces emotions with a positive affect for the user experience of Voice Assistants. Besides a novel design approach and a collection of sound overlays, we provide four design implications to support voice interaction designers.
Exploration of the potential common pathogenic mechanisms in COVID-19 and silicosis by using bioinformatics and system biology
Authors: Tian Yunze , Yu Beibei , Zhang Yongfeng , Zhang Sanpeng , lv Boqiang , Gong Shouping , Li Jianzhong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSilicosis is an occupational lung disease that is common worldwide. In recent years, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has provided daunting challenges to public healthcare systems globally. Although multiple studies have shown a close link between COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases, the inter-relational mechanisms between COVID-19 and silicosis remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the shared molecular mechanisms and drug targets of COVID-19 and silicosis. Gene expression profiling identified four modules that were most closely associated with both diseases. Furthermore, we performed functional analysis and constructed a protein–protein interaction network. Seven hub genes (budding uninhibited by benzimidazoles 1 [BUB1], protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 [PRC1], kinesin family member C1 [KIFC1], ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 [RRM2], cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 3 [CDKN3], Cyclin B2 [CCNB2], and minichromosome maintenance complex component 6 [MCM6]) were involved in the interaction between COVID-19 and silicosis. We investigated how diverse microRNAs and transcription factors regulate these seven genes. Subsequently, the correlation between the hub genes and infiltrating immune cells was explored. Further in-depth analyses were performed based on single-cell transcriptomic data from COVID-19, and the expression of hub-shared genes was characterized and located in multiple cell clusters. Finally, molecular docking results reveal small molecular compounds that may improve COVID-19 and silicosis. The current study reveals the common pathogenesis of COVID-19 and silicosis, which may provide a novel reference for further research.
Multi-criteria evaluation of suitable locations for temporary disaster waste storage sites: the case of Cavite, Philippines
Authors: Lontoc Geline D. , Diola Ma. Brida Lea D. , Peralta Mathew Harvey T. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractOne of the problems that arise due to typhoon and flooding is the generation of large volumes of disaster wastes, which poses threats to the environment and human health when not managed properly. This study focused on the identification of suitable locations of temporary storage sites (TSS) for disaster wastes using geographic information system to address gaps in disaster waste management. A set of criteria for selection was established based on the guidelines of the United Nations Environment/Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Joint Unit (UNEP/OCHA), with constraints set based on existing guidelines and past studies. Map layers were standardized using Boolean logic, and the criteria were analyzed using ArcGIS Pro and Google Earth Pro. Areas in the Province of Cavite having high disaster risks, particularly Cavite City, Noveleta, and Kawit, were selected as study sites. From the analysis, a total of 18 TSS candidates were identified. It was determined that land use and distances from fishponds and built-up areas were the most sensitive criteria as they cover large portions of the area. For each TSS candidate, a 15-min service area map was generated using the ArcGIS Pro Network Analyst which showed that selected locations may serve multiple cities/municipalities.
Tourism composite spatial indicators through variography and geographically weighted principal components analysis
Authors: Palma Monica , De Iaco Sandra , Cappello Claudia , Distefano Veronica 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe definition of an index to synthesize the tourism appeal of a holiday destination is complex due to the effect of different aspects, such as the economic, socio-demographic, cultural, geographical ones regarding both demand and supply-side. In this paper, several spatially-referenced factors, related to the tourism attractiveness, are analyzed through the geographically weighted principal components analysis (GWPCA). However, the automatic setting of its kernel bandwidth, often used in practice, provides sometimes a not satisfactory result, since it is too small, with possible abrupt variation in the spatial domain, or too large, disregarding the spatial dependence. For this reason, a new approach, based on variography and minimum spatial correlation distance characterizing the covariates, is proposed for the GWPCA. A comparison with respect to the outputs of the GWPCA, based on automatic fitting, is discussed. Moreover, tourism composite spatial indicators are developed in order to support the policy makers in planning possible actions to boost tourism over the region of interest.
Relational HR Practices in Malaysian SMEs: An Ethics of Care Perspective
Authors: Au Wee Chan , Stephens Siân , Ahmed Pervaiz K. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAdopting an Ethics of Care theoretical framework, this paper aims to investigate the way in which the owner-mangers (OMs) of small and medium-sized enterprises in Malaysia engage in human resource management. Based on in-depth interviews with 48 OMs, the findings show that HRM practices occur within the remit of management but are described by the managers in terms of relational obligations and cannot be fully accounted for using a strategic, instrumental, or critical lens. The present study highlights the importance of the caring attitudes of OMs who adopt a humanistic management approach, responding to the varied needs of their employees and the obligations which are inherent to relationships between humans.
A culturally informed model to enhance breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings: perspectives of American Indian adults and healthcare providers in rural New Mexico
Authors: Mishra Shiraz I. , Adsul Prajakta , Leekity Samantha , Rodman Joseph , Sussman Andrew L. , Kelly Keith , Sheche Judith , Faber Thomas , Shah Vallabh 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations have some of the lowest cancer screening rates compared to other racial/ethnic populations. Using community-based participatory research methods, we sought to characterize knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and approaches to enhance breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer screening.

Methods
We conducted 12 focus groups between October 2018 and September 2019 with 96 eligible AI adults and healthcare providers, recruited using non-probability purposive sampling methods from the Zuni Pueblo in rural New Mexico. We used the Multi-level Health Outcomes Framework (MHOF) to conduct a qualitative content analysis identifying mutable systems- and individual- level constructs important for behavior change that we crosslinked with the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommended evidence-based interventions (EBIs) or approaches.

Results
Salient systems-level factors that limited uptake of cancer screenings included inflexible clinic hours, transportation barriers, no on-demand service and reminder systems, and brief doctor–patient encounters. Individual-level barriers included variable cancer-specific knowledge that translated into fatalistic beliefs, fear, and denial. Interventions to enhance community demand and access for screening should include one-on-one and group education, small media, mailed screening tests, and home visitations by public health nurses. Interventions to enhance provider delivery of screening services should include translation and case management services.

Conclusions
The MHOF constructs crosslinked with CPSTF recommended EBIs or approaches provided a unique perspective to frame barriers and promoters of screening utilization and insights for intervention development. Findings inform the development of culturally tailored, theoretically informed, multi-component interventions concordant with CPSTF recommended EBIs or approaches aimed at improving cancer screening.