bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robust visual tracking using very deep generative model
Authors: AlBasiouny Eman R. , Attia Abdel-Fattah , Abdelmunim Hossam E. , Abbas Hazem M. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDeep learning algorithms provide visual tracking robustness at an unprecedented level, but realizing an acceptable performance is still challenging because of the natural continuous changes in the features of foreground and background objects over videos. One of the factors that most affects the robustness of tracking algorithms is the choice of network architecture parameters, especially the depth. A robust visual tracking model using a very deep generator (RTDG) was proposed in this study. We constructed our model on an ordinary convolutional neural network (CNN), which consists of feature extraction and binary classifier networks. We integrated a generative adversarial network (GAN) into the CNN to enhance the tracking results through an adversarial learning process performed during the training phase. We used the discriminator as a classifier and the generator as a store that produces unlabeled feature-level data with different appearances by applying masks to the extracted features. In this study, we investigated the role of increasing the number of fully connected (FC) layers in adversarial generative networks and their impact on robustness. We used a very deep FC network with 22 layers as a high-performance generator for the first time. This generator is used via adversarial learning to augment the positive samples to reduce the gap between the hungry deep learning algorithm and the available training data to achieve robust visual tracking. The experiments showed that the proposed framework performed well against state-of-the-art trackers on OTB-100, VOT2019, LaSOT and UAVDT benchmark datasets.
The influence of Chile’s food labeling and advertising law and other factors on dietary and physical activity behavior of elementary students in a peripheral region: a qualitative study
Authors: Pfister Franziska , Pozas Claudia 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
In 2016, Chile implemented the Food Labeling and Advertising Law to fight childhood obesity through front-of-package food labelling, marketing restrictions and school activities and programs. Nevertheless, little is known on its influence on key stakeholders in vulnerable peripheral regions of the country. This study aimed at identifying important influencing factors including the Food Labeling and Advertising Law on dietary habits and physical activity patterns of second graders in Chile, as perceived by school representatives and the children themselves.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews with four school directors and 17 groups of three second graders, informal interviews with 9 key teachers and 4 food services staff complemented with documented observations were carried out in four primary schools of the Chilean city of Punta Arenas, in the Magallanes Punta Arenas region. The different sources allowed for triangulation of results.

Results
FLAL seems to have a negligible influence on young children’s diet and physical activity in the study region. Barriers are children’s deeply rooted dietary habits, excessive screen-time, the parents’ lacking problem awareness, limited time for parenting practices and bad role modeling. Environmental barriers are overloaded schools due to insufficient coordination between governmental entities, lacking funds for sound teacher training and unsafe neighborhoods limiting children’s play.

Conclusions
Policy interventions aimed at reducing childhood obesity need to include and empower schools, families and local communities as active partners and consider their framework conditions for greater influence on dietary habits and physical activity.
Blood python (Python brongersmai) strike kinematics and forces are robust to variations in substrate geometry
Authors: Jurestovsky Derek J. , Joy Sidarth P. , Astley Henry C. 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT
Snake strikes are some of the most rapid accelerations in terrestrial vertebrates. Generating rapid body accelerations requires high ground reaction forces, but on flat surfaces snakes must rely on static friction to prevent slip. We hypothesize that snakes may be able to take advantage of structures in the environment to prevent their body from slipping, potentially allowing them to generate faster and more forceful strikes. To test this hypothesis, we captured high-speed video and forces from defensive strikes of juvenile blood pythons (Python brongersmai) on a platform that was either open on all sides or with two adjacent walls opposite the direction of the strike. Contrary to our predictions, snakes maintained high performance on open platforms by imparting rearward momentum to the posterior body and tail. This compensatory behavior increases robustness to changes in their strike conditions and could allow them to exploit variable environments.
Segmentation of Chest X-Ray Images Using U-Net Model
Authors: Kamil Mohammed Y. , Hashem Sahar A. 
Published: January 2023

Medical imaging, such as chest X-rays, gives an acceptable image of lung functions. Manipulating these images by a radiologist is difficult, thus delaying the diagnosis. Coronavirus is a disease that affects the lung area. Lung segmentation has a significant function in assessing lung disorders. The process of segmentation has seen widespread use of deep learning algorithms. The U-Net is one of the most significant semantic segmentation frameworks for a convolutional neural network. In this paper, the proposed U-Net architecture is evaluated on 565 datasets divided into 500 training images and 65 validation images, For chest X-ray. The findings of the experiments demonstrate that the suggested strategy successfully achieved competitive outcomes with 91.47% and 89.18% accuracy, 0.7494 and 0.7480 IoU, 19.23% and 26.11% loss for training and validation images, respectively.
Interferon-gamma release assay and chest X-ray to classify intraocular tuberculosis among clinically undifferentiated uveitis
Authors: Riasanti Mei , Putera Ikhwanuliman , Jessica Priscilla , Waliyuddin Muhammad Zakiy , Tagar Faiz Alwan , Karlina CH Andini , Aziza Yulia , Susiyanti Made , Edwar Lukman , Sitompul Ratna , La Distia Nora Rina 
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) is a common cause of intraocular inflammation in Indonesia. As no accurate biomarker can confirm the diagnosis, ophthalmologists often rely on systemic findings, such as tuberculin skin test, interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), and chest X-ray (CXR) for TB suspicion. This study aimed to evaluate IGRA and CXR in classifying intraocular TB among patients with a clinically undifferentiated cause of uveitis.
METHODS This cross-sectional study included 116 patients (a total of 163 affected eyes) with a clinically undifferentiated cause of uveitis. IGRA and CXR were performed as part of the workup. Data on visual acuity, anterior chamber inflammation grade, and anatomical classification of uveitis were recorded. As there were no confirmed ocular tuberculosis (OTB) in our cases, eyes were classified into probable OTB, possible OTB, and unclassified.
RESULTS Overall, 93 patients (80.2%) with a clinically undifferentiated cause of uveitis had positive IGRA, whereas 10 (8.6%) had CXR results suggestive of TB. More than one-third of the patients were blind (visual acuity <3/60), and panuveitis was the commonest anatomical classification. A trend was identified in patients with panuveitis, who often showed ≥2+ cell anterior chamber inflammation (p for trend = 0.023), according to OTB criteria (probable OTB = 3/4, 75.0%; possible OTB = 44/67, 65.7%; unclassified = 2/9, 22.2%). Furthermore, the clinically undifferentiated uveitis cases were eligible to be stratified into probable (8.6%) and possible (75.0%) OTB categories after IGRA and CXR examinations.
CONCLUSIONS The combination of IGRA and CXR is valuable for classifying and diagnosing TB-related uveitis. A multidisciplinary approach is essential when the cause of uveitis is unknown.
Characterizing physician concerns with publicly supporting abortion at Wisconsin's largest medical school
Authors: Cutler Abigail S. , Swan Laura T. , Lands Madison , Schmuhl Nicholas B. , Higgins Jenny A. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo examine factors associated with physicians' level of concern and perceived consequences of publicly supporting abortion at Wisconsin's largest and only publicly funded medical school.MethodsWe surveyed physicians at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health about their knowledge, attitudes, and referral practices regarding abortion care. Among those who expressed support for abortion (N = 701), we analyzed perceived concerns about making their support public.ResultsNearly a quarter (22%) of respondents felt very or extremely concerned that taking a strong public stance on abortion would alienate patients and 17% felt very or extremely concerned that doing so would alienate coworkers. More than a quarter (27%) felt very or extremely concerned that publicly supporting abortion would lead to harassment or harm. Those with greater concerns about expressing public support for abortion were comparatively less willing to refer for or participate in abortion care themselves.ConclusionsMany physicians supportive of abortion reported concerns over publicizing their support for this common health care service. These concerns may render physicians less likely to refer patients for needed abortion care or weigh in on abortion policy.
Analysis of a photonic integrated circuit for passive optical network for 5G NR
Authors: Marciano Pablo Rafael Neves , Coelho Diogo Vieira Nogueira , Pontes Maria José , Segatto Marcelo Eduardo Vieira 
Published: January 2023

This work presents the performance analysis of a passive optical network (PON) proposal with photonic integrated circuits (PIC). The PON architecture was simulated on MATLAB, focusing on the main functionalities of the optical line terminal, distribution network, and network unity regarded its effects on the physical layer. We show a simulated PIC, implemented on MATLAB through its analytic transfer function equation, used to implement orthogonal frequency division multiplexing in the optical domain to enhance the current optical networks for the 5G New-Radio (NR) scenario. We analyzed the OOK and optical PAM4 compared with phase modulation formats such as the DPSK and DQPSK. All modulation formats can be directly detected for the case in the study, simplifying the reception. Consequently, this work achieved a maximum symmetric transmission capacity of 1.2 Tbps over 90 km of standard single-mode fiber with 128 carriers, 64 carriers for downstream and 64 for upstream, obtained from an optical frequency comb with 0.3 dB flatness. We concluded that phase modulation formats associated with PIC could increase PON capability and push further our current scenario to the 5G new era.
Terahertz phase modulator based on a metal-VO2 reconfigurable metasurface
Authors: Zhou Wen , Jiang Mingzhu , Hu Fangrong , Gong Yumin , Zhang Longhui , Zeng Lizhen , Jiang Wenying , Li Dongxia , Wang Hong , Liu Wentao , Lin Shangjun , Hou Xuehe 
Published: January 2023

Actively controlling the phase of a terahertz (THz) wave is of great
significance for beaming, tunable focusing, and holography. We present
a THz phase modulator based on an electrically triggered vanadium
dioxide (

V
O

2

) reconfigurable metasurface. The unit
cell of the device consists of two split-ring resonators embedded with
a

V
O

2

ribbon. By electrically triggering
the insulator-to-metal transition of

V
O

2

, the resonance mode and resonance
intensity of the unit cell can be dynamically controlled. The
simulation results show that the structure can achieve a phase shift
of about 360° in the range of 1.03–1.13 THz, and the reflection
amplitude can reach 80%. The device has potential applications in THz
imaging, radar, broadband wireless communications, and array phase
control.
Effectiveness of mRNA boosters after homologous primary series with BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1 against symptomatic infection and severe COVID-19 in Brazil and Scotland: A test-negative design case–control study
Authors: Cerqueira-Silva Thiago , Shah Syed Ahmar , Robertson Chris , Sanchez Mauro , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal , de Araujo Oliveira Vinicius , Paixão Enny S. , Rudan Igor , Junior Juracy Bertoldo , Penna Gerson O. , Pearce Neil , Werneck Guilherme Loureiro , Barreto Mauricio L. , Boaventura Viviane S. , Sheikh Aziz , Barral-Netto Manoel 
Published: January 2023

Background
Brazil and Scotland have used mRNA boosters in their respective populations since September 2021, with Omicron’s emergence accelerating their booster program. Despite this, both countries have reported substantial recent increases in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. The duration of the protection conferred by the booster dose against symptomatic Omicron cases and severe outcomes is unclear.

Methods and findings
Using a test-negative design, we analyzed national databases to estimate the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of a primary series (with ChAdOx1 or BNT162b2) plus an mRNA vaccine booster (with BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273) against symptomatic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and severe COVID-19 outcomes (hospitalization or death) during the period of Omicron dominance in Brazil and Scotland compared to unvaccinated individuals. Additional analyses included stratification by age group (18 to 49, 50 to 64, ≥65). All individuals aged 18 years or older who reported acute respiratory illness symptoms and tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection between January 1, 2022, and April 23, 2022, in Brazil and Scotland were eligible for the study. At 14 to 29 days after the mRNA booster, the VE against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection of ChAdOx1 plus BNT162b2 booster was 51.6%, (95% confidence interval (CI): [51.0, 52.2], p < 0.001) in Brazil and 67.1% (95% CI [65.5, 68.5], p < 0.001) in Scotland. At ≥4 months, protection against symptomatic infection waned to 4.2% (95% CI [0.7, 7.6], p = 0.02) in Brazil and 37.4% (95% CI [33.8, 40.9], p < 0.001) in Scotland. VE against severe outcomes in Brazil was 93.5% (95% CI [93.0, 94.0], p < 0.001) at 14 to 29 days post-booster, decreasing to 82.3% (95% CI [79.7, 84.7], p < 0.001) and 98.3% (95% CI [87.3, 99.8], p < 0.001) to 77.8% (95% CI [51.4, 89.9], p < 0.001) in Scotland for the same periods. Similar results were obtained with the primary series of BNT162b2 plus homologous booster. Potential limitations of this study were that we assumed that all cases included in the analysis were due to the Omicron variant based on the period of dominance and the limited follow-up time since the booster dose.

Conclusions
We observed that mRNA boosters after a primary vaccination course with either mRNA or viral-vector vaccines provided modest, short-lived protection against symptomatic infection with Omicron but substantial and more sustained protection against severe COVID-19 outcomes for at least 3 months.
Gender differences in motor and non-motor symptoms in individuals with mild-moderate Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Abraham Amit , Bay Allison A. , Ni Liang , Schindler Nicole , Singh Eeshani , Leeth Ella , Bozorg Ariyana , Hart Ariel R. , Hackney Madeleine E. 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) affects both men and women with documented gender differences across functional domains, with findings varying among reports. Knowledge regarding gender differences in PD for different geographic locations is important for further understanding of the disease and for developing personalized gender-specific PD assessment tools and therapies.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine gender differences in PD-related motor, motor-cognitive, cognitive, and psychosocial function in people with PD from the southern United States (US).Methods199 (127 men and 72 women;Mage: 69.08±8.94) individuals with mild-moderate idiopathic PD (Hoehn &Yahr (H&Y) Median = 2, stages I-III) from a large metro area in the southeastern US were included in this retrospective, cross-sectional study. Motor, motor-cognitive, cognitive, and psychosocial data were obtained using standardized and validated clinical tests. Univariate analyses were performed, adjusting for age and housing type.ResultsAfter adjustment for age, housing, PD duration and fall rate, men exhibited statistically significantly greater motor (Movement Disorders Society (MDS)-Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS)-II) and non-motor (MDS-UPDRS-I) impact of PD, and more severe motor signs (MDS-UPDRS-III). Men exhibited worse PD-specific health-related quality of life related to mobility, activities of daily living, emotional well-being, cognitive impairment, communication, and more depressive symptoms. Men performed worse on a subtraction working memory task. Women had slower fast gait speed.ConclusionsIn the southeastern United States, men may experience worse PD-related quality of life and more depression than women. Many non-motor and motor variables that are not PD specific show no differences between genders in this cohort. These findings can contribute to the development of gender-sensitive assessment and rehabilitation policies and protocols for people with PD.
Determinants of household dropout from community-based health insurance program in northwest Ethiopia; A community-based case-control study
Authors: Wassie Gizachew Tadesse , Tadesse Getasew , Nebeb Gebeyehu Tsega , Melese Amare Alemu , Ayalew Agumas Fentahun , Bantie Getasew Mulat 
Published: January 2023

Background
Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) is an evolving program for delivering financial protection against the cost of illness and enhancing access to quality health services for low-income informal households.

Objective
The study aimed to identify determinants of household dropout from a CBHI program in Mecha district, North West Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods
A community-based case-control study was conducted in the Mecha district from March 10 to June 10, 2018. The final sample was 634 (317 cases and 317 controls) determined by the two-population proportion formula, and these samples were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. The collected data was entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed using R version 4.0 software. Descriptive statistics computed. A simple logistic analysis was run (at 95% CI and p-value < 0.05) to identify the determinants for the dropout from CBHI.

Results
Poor perceived quality of care (AOR = 3.66; 95%CI: 2.35, 5.69), low knowledge of community-based health insurance (AOR = 6.02; 95%CI: 2.97, 12.26), no active community communication (AOR = 5.41; 95%CI: 3.29, 8.90) no chronic illness (AOR = 10.82; 95%CI: 5.52, 21.21) premium fee is not affordable (AOR = 2.35; 95%CI: 1.47, 3.77), and out of pocket money not reimbursed (AOR = 9.37; 95%CI: 4.44, 19.77) were the determinants for the dropout from CBHI.

Conclusions
Poor perceived quality of care, low knowledge of CBHI, no active community participation, no chronic illness, premium fees are not affordable, and out-of-pocket money not reimbursed were the determinants for the dropout from CBHI.
Expectations and attitudes towards medical artificial intelligence: A qualitative study in the field of stroke
Authors: Amann Julia , Vayena Effy , Ormond Kelly E. , Frey Dietmar , Madai Vince I. , Blasimme Alessandro 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionArtificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform clinical decision-making as we know it. Powered by sophisticated machine learning algorithms, clinical decision support systems (CDSS) can generate unprecedented amounts of predictive information about individuals’ health. Yet, despite the potential of these systems to promote proactive decision-making and improve health outcomes, their utility and impact remain poorly understood due to their still rare application in clinical practice. Taking the example of AI-powered CDSS in stroke medicine as a case in point, this paper provides a nuanced account of stroke survivors’, family members’, and healthcare professionals’ expectations and attitudes towards medical AI.MethodsWe followed a qualitative research design informed by the sociology of expectations, which recognizes the generative role of individuals’ expectations in shaping scientific and technological change. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with stroke survivors, family members, and healthcare professionals specialized in stroke based in Germany and Switzerland. Data was analyzed using a combination of inductive and deductive thematic analysis.ResultsBased on the participants’ deliberations, we identified four presumed roles that medical AI could play in stroke medicine, including an administrative, assistive, advisory, and autonomous role AI. While most participants held positive attitudes towards medical AI and its potential to increase accuracy, speed, and efficiency in medical decision making, they also cautioned that it is not a stand-alone solution and may even lead to new problems. Participants particularly emphasized the importance of relational aspects and raised questions regarding the impact of AI on roles and responsibilities and patients’ rights to information and decision-making. These findings shed light on the potential impact of medical AI on professional identities, role perceptions, and the doctor-patient relationship.ConclusionOur findings highlight the need for a more differentiated approach to identifying and tackling pertinent ethical and legal issues in the context of medical AI. We advocate for stakeholder and public involvement in the development of AI and AI governance to ensure that medical AI offers solutions to the most pressing challenges patients and clinicians face in clinical care.
Social burden of three major diseases in Japan: A time trend and future projections using the comprehensive cost of illness method
Authors: Hirata Koki , Matsumoto Kunichika , Hatakeyama Yosuke , Onishi Ryo , Seto Kanako , Hasegawa Tomonori 
Published: January 2023

Background
Three major diseases in Japan, cancer, heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) are the leading causes of death in Japan. This study aimed to clarify the social burden of these diseases, including long-term care (LTC), and to predict future trends.

Methods
The comprehensive cost of illness (C-COI), a modification of the cost of illness (COI), was used to estimate the social burden of the three major diseases in Japan. The C-COI can macroscopically estimate both direct and indirect costs, including the LTC. A new method for future projections of the C-COI was developed according to the method for future projections of the COI. All data sources were government statistics.

Results
The C-COI of cancer, heart diseases, and CVD in 2017 amounted to 11.0 trillion JPY, 5.3 trillion JPY, and 6.5 trillion JPY, respectively. The projected future C-COI in 2029 was 10.3 trillion JPY, 5.3 trillion JPY, and 4.4 trillion JPY, respectively. In 2029, the LTC costs accounted for 4.4%, 12.8%, and 44.1% of the total C-COI, respectively. Informal care costs are projected to be approximately 1.7 times higher, assuming that all family caregivers will be replaced by professional caregivers in 2029.

Conclusion
Indirect costs for all three diseases were projected to decrease owing to aging of the patient. In contrast to the other two diseases, the LTC cost of CVD accounted for a large proportion of the burden. The burden of CVD is expected to decrease in the future, but informal care by older family caregivers is suggested to reach its limits. In the future, the focus of resource allocation should shift from medical care to LTC, especially support for family caregivers. A method of future projections for the social burden based on the C-COI was considered effective for identifying issues for healthcare policy in the context of the times.