bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Graph Neural Networks for Optimal Pathfinding: Uncovering the Shortest Distances
Authors: Neyigapula Bheema Shanker 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The problem of finding the shortest path in a graph is of great significance in numerous domains, including transportation planning, network optimization, and social network analysis. Traditional algorithms such as Dijkstra’s algorithm and A* search have long been employed for this purpose, but they often encounter challenges when dealing with large-scale graphs or graphs with intricate struc- tures. In recent years, graph neural networks (GNNs) have emerged as a promising approach for learning representations and performing computations on graph- structured data. This research paper investigates the application of GNNs to the problem of optimal pathfinding by proposing a novel framework that combines the power of GNNs with efficient pathfinding algorithms. The framework lever- ages the expressive capabilities of GNNs to capture complex relationships and dependencies between graph nodes. A graph representation scheme is designed to encode both topological information and node features, enabling the GNN to learn meaningful representations that embody the underlying graph structure. These learned representations are then integrated into a pathfinding algorithm, facilitating efficient exploration of the graph to uncover the shortest distances. Extensive experiments conducted on various benchmark datasets demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach over traditional algorithms in terms of both accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, the interpretability of the learned rep- resentations is analyzed, providing insights into how the GNN effectively captures important graph properties. This research paves the way for future advance- ments in graph-based learning algorithms and highlights the potential of GNNs in solving optimal pathfinding problems across diverse domains.
Arctic warming from a high latitude effusive volcanic
eruption
Authors: Zoëga Tómas , Storelvmo Trude , Krüger Kirstin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The effusive Holuhraun eruption in Iceland emitted large quantities of sulfur into the troposphere during the fall and winter of 2014-15. Previous studies have shown that the resulting volcanic aerosols led to reduced insolation, and thus surface cooling, through increased cloud shortwave reflectance, mostly over the North Atlantic and Europe. Less attention has been paid to the Arctic, which at the time of the eruption received limited sunlight. Based on evidence from observations and model simulations, here we argue that increased cloud liquid water path following the 2014-15 Holuhraun eruption led to surface warming in the Arctic through trapping of longwave radiation. Our results show that sulfur emissions from the eruption led to extended lifetime of low and middle level clouds, reducing the longwave radiative cooling of the surface. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that an effusive volcanic eruption is shown to have this effect. Given the high level of volcanic activity in Iceland, these results have broad relevance for the Arctic, ranging from understanding the climate of the past to predicting its future under continuing climate change. Our findings demonstrate the need to further explore the climate impacts of high latitude effusive volcanic eruptions.
Predicting Damage in Single-Lap Composite Joints with Nonlinear CZM behaviour using FGM Concept in Fibre-Matrix Coupling Laws
Authors: Messabih Fatima Zohra , Mokhtari Mohamed , Bentoumi Mohamed , Slamene Amir , Abdelouahed Elamine , Benzaama Habib , GHomari Achwak , Merasli Youcef 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis work represents a novel and innovative numerical approach, which involves validating the results against experimental data to ensure reliability. This study focuses on incorporating the volume fraction of the FGM concept into the fibre-matrix mixing laws of unidirectional composites. Notably, a nonlinear formulation has been employed to account for the adhesive's ductility, and the CZM model has been integrated into the finite element analysis using the ABAQUS code. The CZM model in this study incorporates both shear and detachment modes, characterized by increasing adhesive stress in a trapezoidal shape. The proposed approaches introduce fibre presence in the matrix per layer, with concepts like C-1 having denser fibres in the middle of the thickness and others like C-2 and C-3 closer to the plate end. These concepts are designed to mitigate the transmission of loads to the adhesive joint and explore their influence on different responses and damage levels through adhesive plasticization. Additionally, due to the attached plates, the stiffness of the system significantly affects the overall response and resistance under mixed loading conditions.
Microbiome landscape and association with response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced solid tumors: SCRUM-Japan MONSTAR-SCREEN
Authors: NAKAMURA YOSHIAKI , Sawada Kentaro , Yamashita Riu , Sakai Shunsuke , Horasawa Satoshi , Yoshikawa Ayumu , Fujisawa Takao , Kadowaki Shigenori , Kato Ken , Ueno Makoto , Oki Eiji , Komatsu Yoshito , Chiyoda Tatsuyuki , Horita Yosuke , Yasui Hisateru , Denda Tadamichi , Satake Hironaga , Esaki Taito , Sato Taroh , Takahashi Naoki , Yamazaki Kentaro , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Nishina Tomohiro , Takeda Hiroyuki , Ohtsubo Koushiro , Ohta Takashi , Tsuji Akihito , Goto Masahiro , Kato Takeshi , Bando Hideaki , Tsuchihara Katsuya , Yoshino Takayuki 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Although the gut microbiome is associated with cancer development and progression, little is known about the effects of the gut microbiome landscape and the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) across cancers. We investigated the association between the microbiome, clinical features, and ICIs efficacy across cancer types in a large nationwide screening project for solid tumors (SCRUM-Japan MONSTAR-SCREEN). In the chemotherapy-naïve cohort (n=817), there was a high proportion of oral bacteria in the feces of patients who used proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or had upper gastrointestinal cancers, especially in those with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy. Among patients treated with ICIs (n=333), alpha diversity, such as the number of amplicon sequence variants in feces, was not a predictive marker of ICI treatment across cancers. Still, using PPIs and high levels of oral bacteria in feces attenuated ICIs efficacy. This study provides insights into the strategies for improving ICIs efficacy.
Sustainable and Recyclable Polymers from CO2 and Lignin: Enabling Waste to Wealth Transformation
Authors: Chung Hoyong , Ghorai Arijit 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The fast expansion of the plastics industry has intensified the global crisis of plastic waste pollution, ecological imbalance, and greenhouse gas emissions. This work highlights the conversion method of chaining up greenhouse gas CO2 with biomass lignin to develop new sustainable, recyclable polymers from abundant and non-food based renewable resources. A CO2 and lignin-based cyclic carbonate monomer has been synthesized using a cost-effective, non-phosgene-based and greener approach under atmospheric pressure and room temperature. The fully controllable synthesis of CO2 and lignin-based polymers is accomplished via ring opening polymerization (ROP) by varying the catalyst [1, 8-diazabicyclo (5.4.0) undec-7-ene (DBU), and 1, 5, 7-triazabicyclo [4.4.0] dec-5-ene (TBD)], catalyst loading (0.5–5.0%) and reaction time (2–40 min). Among the polymers, the best polymer obtained in 1% TBD with a reaction time of 30 minutes. The structural elucidations of the synthesized cyclic carbonate monomer and polymer are established using various spectroscopic analyses including 1H, 13C, and 2D HSQC NMR, FT-IR, and GPC. The high molecular weights (Mn: 120.34–154.58 kDa) and excellent thermal stabilities (Td5%: 244–277 ºC from TGA and Tg: 33–52 ºC from DSC) of the polymers are advantageous for practical applications. Significantly, the CO2 and lignin-based polymers have successfully recycled to the monomer for a circular plastic economy by heating at 90 ºC for 12 hours in presence of DBU. This process yields original structure of monomers that can be used for another polymerization without unwanted change of chemical structures, making it a sustainable solution. Therefore, this work illustrates an innovative hybrid approach of both the synthesis of 100% biomass-based polymer and infinite closed-loop recycling of polymer-monomer using abundant renewable resources, that further leads to a sustainable circular plastic economy alternative to the linear petroleum-based polymers.
Eye disease screening in infants attending vaccination clinic in Butajira town, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebrekidan Gebreabzgi Teklay , Teshome Addisu Worku 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Timely and periodic screening of eye diseases in infants is critical for the detection of visual impairment and its etiology as well as to plan early intervention.The aim of this study was to identify infants with eye disorders who visited the vaccination clinic.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in infants visiting the vaccination clinic in Butajira town, Ethiopia, from August 1 to 31, 2022. Screening activities included parental reports of ophthalmic complaints, family history of childhood ocular illnesses, and risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The screening procedure involved assessing vision, adnexia, ocular motility, Hirschberg's test, pupils, red reflex, and anterior/posterior segments. Data collected were analyzed to determine the prevalence and types of eye disorders. The relationship between predictor variables and the presence or absence of diseases was assessed.
Results: Out of 244 screened infants, 51.2% were female and 48.8% were male. The mean age was 3.35 ± 2.95 months, with the majority falling into the 1-3 month age group (52.5%). Diagnoses were made in 41.4% of infants. The causes of eye diseases were bacterial conjunctivitis (24.6%), congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (5.7%), and epiblepharon (3.3%). A family history of childhood ocular illness in first-degree relatives was reported in 3.7% of infants. Risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity were identified in 2.4% of neonates. The findings showed that no predictor variable was statistically significant in predicting the presence of diseases.
Conclusions: Vaccination clinics could serve as important sites of eye screening in infants to identify common eye diseases and risk factors for ocular illness, such as risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity or family history of childhood eye diseases.
The replication-competent HIV reservoir is a genetically restricted, younger subset of the overall pool of HIV proviruses persisting during therapy, which is highly genetically stable over time
Authors: Shahid Aniqa , MacLennan Signe , Jones Bradley R. , Sudderuddin Hanwei , Dang Zhong , Cobarrubias Kyle , Duncan Maggie C. , Kinloch Natalie N. , Dapp Michael J. , Archin Nancie M , Fischl Margaret A. , Ofotokun Igho , Adimora Adaora , Gange Stephen , Aouizerat Bradley , Kuniholm Mark H. , Kassaye Seble , Mullins James I. , Goldstein Harris , Joy Jeffrey B. , Anastos Kathryn , Brumme Zabrina L. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Within-host HIV populations continually diversify during untreated infection, and members of these diverse forms persist within infected cell reservoirs, even during antiretroviral therapy (ART). Characterizing the diverse viral sequences that persist during ART is critical to HIV cure efforts, but our knowledge of on-ART proviral evolutionary dynamics remains incomplete, as does our understanding of the differences between the overall pool of persisting proviral DNA (which is largely genetically defective) and the subset of intact HIV sequences capable of reactivating. Here, we reconstructed within-host HIV evolutionary histories in blood from seven participants of the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) who experienced HIV seroconversion. We measured diversity, lineage origins and ages of proviral sequences (env-gp120) sampled up to four times, up to 12 years on ART. We used the same techniques to study HIV sequences emerging from the reservoir in two participants. Proviral clonality generally increased over time on ART, with clones frequently persisting across multiple time points. The integration dates of proviruses persisting on ART generally spanned the duration of untreated infection (though were often skewed towards years immediately pre-ART), while in contrast, reservoir-origin viremia emerging in plasma was exclusively "younger" (i.e., dated to the years immediately pre-ART). The genetic and age distributions of distinct proviral sequences remained highly stable during ART in all but one participant in whom, after 12 years, there was evidence that "younger" proviruses had been preferentially eliminated. Analysis of within-host recombinant proviral sequences also suggested that HIV reservoirs can be superinfected with virus reactivated from an older era, yielding infectious viral progeny with mosaic genomes of sequences with different ages. Overall, results underscore the remarkable genetic stability of distinct proviral sequences that persist on ART, yet suggest that replication-competent HIV reservoir represents a genetically-restricted and overall "younger" subset of the overall persisting proviral pool in blood.
Delays in Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis (DIMES): protocol for a multicentre, observational study of multiple sclerosis diagnostic pathways in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.
Authors: Kuri Ashvin , Henshall David , Chaudhry Daoud , Ooi Setthasorn Zhi Yang , Zhang Qiqi , Mathews Joela , Thomson Alison , Rog David , Hobart Jeremy , Dobson Ruth , (NANSIG) Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a leading cause of non-traumatic disability in young adults. Accumulating evidence indicates early diagnosis and early treatment improves long-term outcomes. However, the MS diagnostic pathway is increasingly complex, and delays may occur at several stages. Factors causing delays remain understudied. We aim to quantify the time taken for MS to be diagnosed, and characterise the diagnostic pathway and initial care provided, in the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland (ROI).
Methods and analysis: Delays In MultiplE Sclerosis diagnosis (DIMES) in the UK and ROI is a multicentre, observational, retrospective study that will be conducted via the Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group (NANSIG) collaborative network. Any hospital in the UK and ROI providing an MS diagnostic service is eligible to participate. Data on consecutive individuals newly diagnosed with MS between 1st July 2022 and 31st December 2022 will be collected. The primary outcomes are 1) time from symptoms/signs prompting referral to neurology, to MS diagnosis; and 2) time from referral to neurology for suspected MS, to MS diagnosis. Secondary outcomes include: MS symptoms, referring specialties, investigations performed, neurology appointments, functional status, use of disease modifying treatments, and support at diagnosis including physical activity, and follow up. Demographic characteristics of people newly diagnosed with MS will be summarised, adherence to quality standards summarised as percentages, and time-to-event variables presented with survival curves. Multivariable models will be used to investigate the association of demographic and clinical factors with time to MS diagnosis, as defined in our primary outcomes.
Ethics and dissemination: Formal ethical approval is not required as the project does not affect clinical practice and has been deemed a service evaluation. Participating centres are required to gain local institutional approval for data collection and sharing. The protocol will be disseminated through the NANSIG international network. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed presentations and publications.
Registration details: N/A
Vulnerability to the faecal contamination in the Thiaroye shallow aquifer, Dakar, Senegal
Authors: DIAW Mor Talla , FAYE Seynabou C. , GAYE Cheikh B. , NIANG Seydou , CAMPOS Luiza C. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In rapidly urbanizing low-income cities where the use of on-site sanitation facilities (septic tanks or latrines) is high, shallow groundwater is often vulnerable to faecal contamination. Here, we develop a multi-criteria modelling of the vulnerability to chemical and bacteriological faecal contamination of an unconfined aquifer of Quaternary sands in the Thiaroye area of Dakar (Senegal) using a model coupling GIS with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The approach includes the following factors (criteria): density of sanitation facilities, depth of water table, hydraulic conductivity, wetlands, potential recharge areas, population density and wealth inequality. Results show 11% of the study area with very high vulnerability, 20% of the area with high vulnerability and 69% of the area with low vulnerability.The vulnerability of the shallow aquifer was validated with monitoring of faecal contamination indictors (nitrate, E. coli) in groundwater carried out over a three-year period (2017-2019) using a network of 48 wells including dug-wells, piezometers, hand tubewells and boreholes. This validation showed a significant association (R2=0.7) between faecal contamination and the degree of vulnerability. Analysis of the results reveals that failures of on-site sanitation facilities in the area plays an important role in determining the quality of shallow aquifers in urban areas. It is, therefore, necessary to focus more on on-site sanitation facilities that significantly attenuate faecal contamination of shallow aquifers.
Echogenicity unit: A mathematical formula based on grayscale imagery
Authors: Andrade Luis Jesuino de Oliveira , de Oliveira Gabriela Correia Matos , de Oliveira Luisa Correia Matos , Andrade Maria Helena Ferreira , de Oliveira Luis Matos 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Ultrasonography is a non-invasive imaging technique widely used in medical practice for diagnostic purposes. One crucial aspect of ultrasound imaging is the interpretation of the grayscale images produced, also known as the B-mode or 2D mode. The grayscale provides valuable information about tissue characteristics and aids in the accurate diagnosis of various conditions. Objective: To develop a mathematical formula for accurately calculates a unit of echogenicity based on the grayscale scale. Method: Data from grayscale images representing various levels of echogenicity were collected, ensuring coverage of both absence and maximum echogenicity. Each grayscale image was assigned a corresponding numerical value indicating its level of echogenicity. These echogenicity values were transformed into a normalized range from 0 to 100. A formula was derived to calculate the echogenicity unit. The derived formula was applied to a set of grayscale images with known echogenicity levels, and the resulting calculated echogenicity units were compared to the assigned values to ensure accuracy and reliability. Result: Based on the described methodology, the formula "Echogenicity Unit = (Echogenicity Value / 256) * 100" was derived. This formula assigns an echogenicity value between 0 and 100, where 0 represents the absence of echo and 100 indicates maximum echogenicity. The calculated echogenicity units were compared to the assigned values from the dataset to validate the formula's accuracy. Conclusion: This study developed a mathematical formula to create an echogenicity unit. This derived formula provides a standardized method to measure echogenicity levels in grayscale images, benefiting the field of medical imaging and enhancing diagnosis of specific conditions through objective assessment.
Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among Indian Migrants in Australia
Authors: Mevada Ritegn , Kaphle Sabitra 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are highly prevalent and growing concern globally and CVDs are associated with lifestyle risk factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, unhealthy diet patterns, and poor physical activity.
Methods
This study explored the lifestyle risk factors for CVDs among Indian migrants living in Australia and barriers they face in accessing the Australian healthcare system. In depth interviews were conducted using a qualitative approach, and data was thematically analysed.
Results
This study revealed that most Indian migrants had unhealthy dietary habits due to religious beliefs, limited vegetarian food options, and lack of awareness about the impact of fast food on health. Additionally, inadequate physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption were observed. Participants reported challenges in accessing and utilizing health services with experiences of language barriers, discrimination, longer waiting times, and high cost of care.
Conclusions
This study highlighted a critical barrier related to migration to accessing health services by Indian migrants in Australia. Recommendations to overcome these barriers included the use of English translators, cultural competency training for healthcare staff, and the establishment of accessible and culturally responsive health care options for Indian migrants settled in Australia.
“Lakshya” A Novel Virtual Laboratory based on Django framework to conduct experiments in the area of Machine Learning, Signal processing and Communication
Authors: Shivaprasad  , S Dinesha A 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Practical laboratories are essential for advancing students' professional aspirations because they allow them to learn by doing. The paper proposes creating a virtual lab(V-lab) to improve students' learning and observational skills and prepare them for the workplace. Excellent instructions on how to carry out experiments with legitimate client inputs are provided by V-lab. Students can perform experiments in the fields of machine learning, signal processing, and digital communication by visiting to the website https://lakshya.vcetputtur.ac.in. The intelligent web-server designed had been used frequently by third year Electronics and Communication students of VCET, Puttur to conduct Digital Signal Processing Laboratory and Advanced Communication Laboratory experiments. Final year undergraduate students pursuing projects in the area of ML found this website helpful, as it provided information about Classification report, Confusion matrix and Accuracy in one step. A Comparative study of various ML algorithms (Available in V-Lab) applied on Iris flower and Lung cancer dataset is provided in results and discussion section to justify the use of V-Lab in ML area. Results shows RBF based SVM classifier produced best accuracy when applied on iris flower dataset. Logistic regression classifier produced superior results compared to other ML algorithms when applied on lung cancer symptoms dataset. The website does not require sign-up credentials, free to use.