bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved Query Expansion Using Relevance Feedback and Haar Wavelet Transform for Information Retrieval
Authors: Shukla Abhishek Kumar , Das Sujoy 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
As the web is growing day by day increasingly, retrieval of a document with high precision is becoming a challenging task for the search engine. Another problem that retrieval models suffer, is the vagueness of user queries. Query expansion is one of the popular methods used to improve the performance of the retrieval system. This technique suggests some additional terms and appends them to the original query so that the performance of the retrieval system gets improved. The proposed method uses relevance feedback (RF) and based technique which assumes top 'k = 30' documents are relevant then from this user selects the 'n'(n varies according to system response) most relevant documents as per his information need. The proposed method also uses wavelet transform to select the most informative terms from top 'k' documents. The proposed method improves both precision and recall. The MAP (Mean Average Precision) value of the proposed method is 0.3792 which is an improvement of 14.83%, 14.87%, 30.21%, 14.32%, and 27.29% on MAP value is observed with respect to Bo1-based query expansion, Bo2-based query expansion, Chi-Square based query expansion, KL divergence-based query expansion and original query respectively.
T cells expressing a HER2-specific chimeric antigen receptor as treatment for breast cancer
Authors: Xie Xinshan , Li Xiaobin , Liu Gang , Zhao Hui , Zhou Zhenlong , Xiong Sheng 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
HER2 is a member of the growth factor receptor family. It is very weakly expressed in the few epithelial cells in normal tissue. The HER2 gene and protein are overexpressed in many solid tumors. Thus, there are many advantages of targeting HER2 in tumor therapy. Tumor relapse can be prevented by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. The efficacy of CAR-T-cell therapy against tumors can be improved by adding a hinge region to the CAR structure. Here, we constructed a second-generation CAR with a high-affinity scFv derived from a humanized anti-Her2 antibody and a CD8 hinge region. The CAR was transduced into T cells by lentiviral transfection. The modified CAR-T cells specifically targeted Her2 + tumor cells in vitro and in clinically relevant syngeneic and xenogeneic mouse models of Her2 + breast cancer. The modified CAR-T cells specifically recognized Her2 + breast cancer cells. The effect of the CAR-T cells against Her2 + breast cancer cells in vitro was in line with their efficacy in xenogeneic mouse models. Thus, these modified CAR-T cells may be a therapy for Her2 + breast cancer.
The development of non-scarring alopecia in women who wear the hijab
Authors: Ceresnie Marissa S. , Mohney Lindsey , Seale Lauren , Fahs Fatima , Mohammad Tasneem F. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Little is known about hair loss associated with wearing the hijab, a religious head covering worn by Muslim women. We performed a single-center analysis to investigate the association between various forms of non-scarring alopecia and wearing the hijab. This study included 125 patients who wore the hijab and 40 race/ethnicity-matched women who did not wear the hijab. Among the 165 total patients diagnosed between January 2015 and March 2022, 71 had telogen effluvium, 78 had female pattern hair loss, and 16 had traction alopecia. We found patients who wore the hijab had a younger mean age of alopecia onset than patients who did not wear the hijab (31.5 vs. 37.3 years; P = 0.02). Our study suggests that vitamin D deficiency (OR 4.1; 95% CI 1.2–14.1; P = 0.02) and seborrheic dermatitis (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.1–8.1; P = 0.03) may significantly impact the development of telogen effluvium in patients who wear the hijab. Targeting these risk factors among patients who wear the hijab may be considered to prevent hair loss.
Simulation of Catalase-Dependent Tolerance of Microbial Biofilm
to Hydrogen Peroxide with a Biofilm Computer Model
Authors: Stewart Phil , Owkes Mark 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Hydrogen peroxide (HP) is a common disinfectant and antiseptic. When applied to a biofilm, it may be expected that the top layer of the biofilm would be killed by HP, the HP would penetrate further, and eventually eradicate the entire biofilm. However, using the Biofilm.jl computer model, we demonstrate a mechanism by which the biofilm can persist, and even become thicker, in the indefinite treatment with an HP solution at concentrations that are lethal to planktonic microorganisms. This surprising result is found to be dependent on the neutralization of HP by dead biomass, which provides protection for living biomass deeper within the biofilm. Practically, to control a biofilm, this result leads to the concept of treating with an HP dose exceeding a critical threshold concentration rather than a sustained, lower-concentration treatment.
Comparison of Senhance and Da Vinci Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: Short-term Outcomes, Learning Curve, and Cost Analysis
Authors: Yuan Lun-Hsiang , Tseng Chi-Shin , Hsieh Tsung-Yi , Huang Yu-Wen , Huang Chao-Yuan , Huang Shi-Wei , Lin Yen-Chun 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
The Senhance® Robotic System is a new laparoscopy-based platform that has been increasingly used in radical prostatectomy (RP) procedures. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcome of Senhance RP (SRP) with da Vinci RP (DRP) cases.
Methods
From August 2019 to April 2022, we prospectively recruited 65 cases of SRP. We compared the peri-operative data, postoperative complication rates, short-term surgical outcomes (3-month postoperative undetectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and incontinence rates), learning curves, and cost analysis with data from 60 recent da Vinci Xi RP cases (rdRP), as well as an additional cohort of 60 initial da Vinci Si RP cases (idRP).
Results
There was no difference in operating time (231vs. 256 minutes), blood loss (180 vs, 165 ml), and postoperative surgical complication rate (Clavient -Dindo grade I-IV, 24.6 vs, 26.7%) between the SRP cases and the rdRP. Regarding the oncologic and continence function, there was no difference between positive margin rate (38.5% vs. 40.0%), rate of undetectable PSA level at postoperative 3 months (64.6 vs. 76.8%), and incontinence rate (15.4 vs. 16.7%) at postoperative 3 months between the two cohorts. The learning curve showed a quick downward slope for laparoscopic experienced surgeons. The median pocket cost for SRP patients in our hospital was $4170, which was lower than $7675 for the DRP patients.
Conclusions
Safety and short-term outcomes are comparable between SRP and DRP. For experienced LRP surgeons, using the Senhance system to perform RP is straightforward. With a more affordable price as its biggest advantage, the Senhance system may serve as a safe and effective alternative for robotic RP.
The role of plasma inflammatory markers in late-life depression and conversion to dementia: a 3-year follow-up study
Authors: Aarsland Dag , Young Allan , Engedal Knut , O'Brien John , Selbaek Geir , Idland Ane-Victoria , Watne Leiv-Otto , Borza Tom , Bocharova Mariia 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Late-life depression (LLD) has been linked to increased likelihood of subsequent dementia, although mechanisms responsible for this association remain largely unknown. One feature frequently observed in both LLD and dementia is elevated levels of plasma inflammatory markers.
PRODE (Prognosis of Depression in the Elderly) is a prospective naturalistic study of patients with LLD (N=152; aged 60+). Patients were followed up for 3 years; follow-up data was available for 138 patients, and 36 (26.1%) developed dementia by year 3. Plasma inflammatory markers data were available for 136 patients at baseline for the following range of cytokines and chemokines: IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17a, IL-18, IL-33, TNFα, CD40L, IFN-γ, CCL-2 and CCL-4.
Levels of plasma inflammatory markers were compared between 136 LLD patients and healthy controls (n=103), using first multiple linear regression (inflammatory markers as outcome) with stepwise adjustment, and then binary logistic regression with depression status (LLD vs controls) as outcome. Further, we explored whether inflammatory markers and clinical characteristics of LLD (age of onset, course) predicted progression from LLD to dementia using Cox regression.
Levels of IL-1ra, IFN-γ, CCL-2, CCL-4 and IL-17a were significantly higher in LLD patients compared to controls. However, none of the inflammatory markers predicted progression from LLD to dementia. Among clinical features, only poor response to treatment significantly predicted higher risk of progression to dementia.
In summary, this study replicated previous findings of an increase in inflammatory markers in LLD but did not find evidence they had increased risk of developing future dementia.
Morphological and temporal variations in the gametogenic development of the killifish Melanorivulus rossoi (Cyprinodontiformes, Rivulidae) in an area under crop influence
Authors: Cassel Monica , Severo-Neto Francisco , Mehanna Mahmoud , Ferreira Adelina 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Melanorivulus rossoi has a restricted distribution and, due to land modifications for agricultural use, may be on the verge of extinction. So, understanding its gametic development and reproductive cycle can expand the knowledge of the species and possible reproductive and/or ecological interventions. Specimens were collected in swamps adjacent to crop areas in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Individuals were fixed in Karnovsky's solution, gonadal samples were extracted and submitted to the histological preparation protocol. 221 individuals were analyzed, with the highest abundance of individuals collected from February to August. Larger fish were observed in the last months of the year, especially in November, while the smallest ones were collected in June. For females, all individuals presented ovarian follicles in different periods of maturation and gonadal differentiation. The same was observed for males, with constant proportions of spermatic cells. Thus, for M. rossoi, it has been found that the production of gametic cells in both male and female gonads is constant, characterizing a synchronous cell development in males and females. The data observed for Melanorivulus rossoi compared to M. punctatus, previously studied by our research group, showed that despite the species being related, the gametogenesis data have some differences.
Multiple Attribute Group Decision-Making Model Based on Single-Valued Neutrosophic Fuzzy Sets and VIKOR
Authors: Wu Meiqin , Zhao Tingting , Fan Jianping 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
As an extension of single-valued neutrosophic sets, Single-valued neutrosophic fuzzy sets can deal with uncertain and inconsistent information at the same time. Considering this advantage, this paper proposes some aggregation operators based on single-valued neutrosophic fuzzy environment and combines VIKOR method to study the multi-attribute group decision making problem. Firstly, we define the generalized distance measure for single-valued neutrosophic fuzzy sets, and propose the weighted arithmetic averaging operator, weighted geometric averaging operator, generalized weighted averaging operator, and generalized weighted geometric operator of single-valued neutrosophic fuzzy sets. Secondly, the proposed operators are combined with the VIKOR method to construct a multi-attribute group decision making model. Finally, the model is applied to the green supplier selection problem, and the feasibility of the model is demonstrated by comparative analysis.
Lightweight secure message transfer protocol based on Ecc in Internet of Things equipped with satellite communications
Authors: Jezehei Mahdi Baghaei , Olamaei Seyed Ahmad , Broumandnia Ali 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
With the expansion of Internet of Things (IOT) services and the use of satellite communications, according to the regional or continental extent of these services, the need for lightweight encryption has increased. In satellite communications, due to long distances, there are limitations in applying security, so heavy encryption algorithms such as RSA cannot be trusted for security. ECC elliptic curve cryptography provides a lighter alternative by invoking a mathematical problem called the ECDLP elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem that cannot be solved in sub exponential time. Here, we propose a new strategy for secure IOT data communication between a satellite link and a terrestrial link that uses the principles of ECC elliptic curve cryptography and the NIST P-256 standard for key agreement and encryption for transmitting messages over the satellite communication platform.
Effects of fiscal mechanisms on economic growth
Authors: fabien  
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In this article, we investigate the influence of corporate profit imposition on growth on the basis of an endogenous growth model. The preferred economic tool is the panel smooth transition model (PSTR), which is based on the composition of the fiscal structure. The study covers the period from 1970 to 2016 and focuses on six (6) Arab countries in the West African Economic. The findings show that the imposition of corporate profits has a beneficial effect on the economy when the rate of delayed imposition for a given period is increased. In this case, fiscal policy is effective. However, when the level of corporate profit taxation exceeds the critical threshold, the influence of taxation policy on growth becomes negative. To that end, we propose a tax system that is less distorting, disproportional, targeted, and democratic.
Der Polizeigewahrsam nach Zürcher Recht - Anmerkungen aus grundrechtlicher Sicht
Authors: Zumsteg Patrice Martin 
Published: May 2023

Die präventive Ingewahrsamnahme von Personen wird vermehrt auf der Bundesebene adressiert. Dabei kommt grundsätzlich den Kantonen die Polizeihoheit zu. Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht exemplarisch, wie der Kanton Zürich den Polizeigewahrsam geregelt hat und wie diese Regelung aus grundrechtlicher Sicht zu beurteilen ist. Ausgehend davon werden Erkenntnisse präsentiert, welche auch für die Rechtsentwicklung auf der Bundesebene beachtet werden sollten.
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La question de la détention préventive est de plus en plus fréquemment abordée au niveau fédéral. Dans ce contexte, la souveraineté policière revient par principe aux cantons. La présente contribution étudie, à titre d'exemple, la manière dont le canton de Zurich a réglementé l'arrestation provisoire et examine cette réglementation à la lumière des droits fondamentaux. Sur la base de cette analyse, l'auteur présente différentes conclusions qui devraient être prises en considération lors de l'élaboration du droit au niveau fédéral.
Entrepreneurial challenges facing female entrepreneurs in informal micro businesses: a case study of uMhlathuze municipality
Authors: Zwane Hloniphile Cleopatra , Zhou Sheunesu 
Published: May 2023

In low-income economies, large gender gaps suggest that fewer women engage in entrepreneurial activities. The quest for gender inclusion has been a relevant issue, contested among scholars investigating ways to alleviate poverty through economic growth in South Africa and the sphere of entrepreneurial studies.
The aim of this study was to investigate the obstacles that female entrepreneurs in small, medium, and micro-informal companies face in the uMhlathuze Municipality in South Africa.
Twenty-four (24) females who operate small and medium micro-informal companies were interviewed using a qualitative research methodology. Content analysis was used to examine the data.
Females confront various challenges, including criminality, draughts, non-conducive working settings, and intense competitiveness, according to the research. Lack of infrastructure, funding and information, education and training, and operational permission concerns are all obstacles to business development. The key issues that most of the participants faced were a lack of funds, infrastructure, and education and training, all of which were used to develop recommendations.
The municipality should establish training centres in each township to train and educate women who want to start or expand their companies.
The study seeks to contribute to the literature on women entrepreneurship in the informal sector by focusing mainly on challenges/barriers hindering female entrepreneur’s success in the uMhlathuze Municipality. They are limited studies that have conducted a similar research in this geographic area.
SADC'S transport infrastructure: enhancing the AFCFTA’s prospects through regional economic integration
Authors: Joseph Juliet 
Published: May 2023

There is considerable significance, associated with the fact that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) has the potential to lift 68 million people out of moderate poverty. If fully implemented, the AfCFTA is estimated to increase regional income by 7 % by 2035. Operationalizing and implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area strategy, including regulating the regional economies' transport infrastructure, requires a great deal of work. It is the purpose of this article to examine how Regional Economic Communities (RECs), such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), can contribute to the AfCFTA.
In comparison with other regional blocs, intra-SADC trade represents only 10 to 14 percent of member countries' total trade [1, 2]. Despite Southern African trade routes and infrastructure being among the best. In terms of infrastructure coverage, Southern African countries still lag behind the rest of the world, whether it's road and telecommunications technology (ICT), population density, or power generation. Whether at the national or regional level, these types of infrastructure weaknesses reinforce the infrastructure deficit and exacerbate unemployment, inequality and poverty in the region.
For the purposes of this article, a qualitative approach is being used to examine primary and secondary literature, including statistics, reports, and journal articles. According to the results of the study, the REC's infrastructure strategy will positively affect trade and, in turn, boost AfCFTA by improving trade among member states. To spawn structural transformation and create transnational growth corridors capable of driving economic growth and technological advancement, new transformative strategies are required.
The role of information technology innovations on organisational performance: a case study of selected SMEs
Authors: Ogwu Kingsley , Naicker Visvanathan 
Published: May 2023

Information technologies have been widely recognised for their capability to add certain value to organisations in terms of strategy and operation. Studies regarding SMEs and IT in different contexts across the nations of the world have shown that SMEs are confronted with technological issues leading to a low adoption rate of IT. This research propounds that IT innovation is an indispensable tool for gaining a competitive edge over business rivals.
This research presents empirical evidence to validate the existence of a positive influence of adopting IT innovations to improve organisational performance. This will be achieved by measuring variables, such as organisational performance and information technology using the balanced scorecard.
Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used with multiple case study designs to attain the study objectives. Convenience sampling was used to select the participating SMEs, while purpose sampling was used to select the 47 participants that were interviewed. An interview guide was designed to have a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was transcribed, coded, analysed and interpreted using content analysis to provide transparency to the findings.
The findings of the study showed that SMEs rely on some IT innovations to manage and market their products and/or services. IT innovations bring about speed delivery and efficient communication, propagated by digital technologies
The role of IT innovations on organisational performance should not be discarded because non-usage of IT is tantamount to poor organisational growth
Urinary schistosomiasis: risk factors and symptoms among school adolescents in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Bishop Henry Gabriel , Inabo Helen Ileigo , Ella Elijah Ekah , Bello Mohammed 
Published: May 2023

Improper waste disposal, unsafe water and indiscriminate water-contact activities are major factors enhancing continuous spread of schistosomiasis in Nigeria. Many water bodies are prone to contamination with human wastes directly discharged into them or due to surface runoff, and are infested with parasites. Open defecation and discharge of household sewage into water channels is still practiced. Children conduct activities in these water bodies, thereby exposing themselves to infections with schistomes among other pathogens. Urine samples (10 mL each) were collected from 600 consented school adolescents across six Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Information on their water-contact activities were obtained by means of questionnaires. Urine sediment was examined for Schistosoma haematobium eggs by microscopy. No infection was recorded in adolescents who had awareness about the disease. Those who engaged in swimming (9.2 %, OR=2.2) and fishing (10.3 %, OR=2.1) were significantly more infected than those who did not (P≤0.05). Adolescents who worked on irrigated farms (9.0 %, OR=1.4), washed clothes in rivers (9.0 %, OR=1.6), or fetch water from rivers for domestic purpose (10.0 %) were more infected than others who did not engage in those activities. Therefore, swimming and fishing are important factors enhancing the spread of schistosomiasis among school adolescents in Kaduna State. Irrigation farming, washing of clothes in rivers or fetching water from rivers exposed the adolescents to schistosome infections. Widespread awareness campaigns, provision safe water to communities, and standard water-based recreational centers are paramount
Urban flooding resilience evaluation with coupled rainfall and flooding models: a small area in Kunming City, China as an example
Authors: Xu Tong , Xie Zhiqiang , Jiang Fengshan , Yang Shouquan , Deng Zhanting , Zhao Lei , Wen Guang , Du Qingyun 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Climate change and increasing urbanization have contributed greatly to urban flooding, making it a global problem. The resilient city approach provides new ideas for urban flood prevention research, and currently, enhancing urban flood resilience is an effective means for alleviating urban flooding pressure. This study proposes a method to quantify the resilience value of urban flooding based on the `4R' theory of resilience, by coupling the urban rainfall and flooding model to simulate urban flooding, and the simulation results are used for calculating index weights and assessing the spatial distribution of urban flood resilience in the study area. The results indicate that (1) the high level of flood resilience in the study area is positively correlated with the points prone to waterlogging; the more an area is prone to waterlogging, the lower the flood resilience value. (2) The flood resilience index in most areas shows a significant local spatial clustering effect, the number of areas with nonsignificant local spatial clustering accounting for 46% of the total. The urban flood resilience assessment system constructed in this study provides a reference for assessing the urban flood resilience of other cities, thus facilitating the decision-making process of urban planning and disaster mitigation.