bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inverse Gini indexed averaging: A multi-leveled ensemble approach for skin lesion classification using attention-integrated customized ResNet variants
Authors: Efat Anwar Hossain , Hasan SM Mahedy , Uddin Md Palash , Emon Faysal Hossain 
Published: January 2025

Objective To improve the accuracy and explainability of skin lesion detection and classification, particularly for several types of skin cancers, through a novel approach based on the convolutional neural networks with attention-integrated customized ResNet variants (CRVs) and an optimized ensemble learning (EL) strategy. Methods Our approach utilizes all ResNet variants combined with three attention mechanisms: channel attention, soft attention, and squeeze-excitation attention. These attention-integrated ResNet variants are aggregated through a unique multi-level EL strategy. We propose an innovative weight optimization method, inverse Gini indexed averaging (IGIA), which is further extended to multi-leveled IGIA (ML-IGIA) to determine the optimal weights for each model within multiple ensemble levels. For interpretability, we employ gradient class activation map to highlight the regions responsible for classification dominance, enhancing the model’s transparency. Results Our method was evaluated on the Human Against Machines 10000 dataset, achieving a superior accuracy of 94.52% with the ML-IGIA approach, outperforming existing methods. Conclusions The proposed CRV-based ensemble model with ML-IGIA demonstrates robust performance in skin lesion classification, offering both high accuracy and enhanced interpretability. This approach addresses the current research gap in effective weight optimization in EL and supports timely, automated skin disease detection.
Enhance health evidence quality in classification tasks: A triangulation approach utilizing case-based reasoning and process features
Authors: Guo Ruihua , Smith Ross , Chen Qifan , Ritchie Angus , Poon Simon 
Published: January 2025

Objective Machine learning (ML) has enabled healthcare discoveries by facilitating efficient modeling, such as for cancer screening. Unlike clinical trials, real-world data used in ML are often gathered for multiple purposes, leading to bias and missing information for a specific classification task. This challenge is especially pronounced in healthcare because of stringent ethical considerations and resource constraints. This study proposed an integrated approach to enhance the quality of health evidence from a classification task for predicting Medicare's Diagnosis-Related Groups of ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients. Methods Eligible participants were identified from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC IV), a publicly available hospital database. Six ML models were selected for model triangulation. Sequential triangulation was employed via Local Process Mining (LPM) and Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). Results A total of 1545 IHD hospitalizations from 916 patients were identified from the MIMIC IV. Eight health process features were identified through LPM aligned with clinical knowledge. The correlation coefficients for process features, ranging from 0.24 to 0.42, are higher than those for non-process features ranged from 0.02 to 0.36. A total of 56 unique combinations were identified from the QCA, with 28 configurations having raw coverage lower than 1.0%. The overall model performance (i.e. weighted F1 and area under the curve scores) increased after adopting this integrated approach. The proportion of cases misclassified by any of the six models decreased by 47% after incorporating process features (from 5.29% to 2.91%) and further decreased to 0.0% after applying the QCA solutions. Conclusion The integrated approach demonstrates its ability to enhance quality of a classification task through its clinical relevance, improved model performance, and reduced case-level error rates. However, more scalable QCA methods are needed for larger datasets. Developing health process feature engineering for broader applications can be a future direction.
Factors Influencing Modern Family Planning Utilization and Barriers in Women of Reproductive Age in the Iringa Region, Tanzania: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Ngole Besha E. , Joho Angelina A. 
Published: January 2025

Background Preventing unwanted pregnancies, achieving optimal child spacing, and improving quality of life are benefits of modern family planning (FP). This study aimed to assess modern FP use, identify the factors influencing its use and determine the barriers to FP use among women of reproductive age. Methods A mixed-methods approach was conducted in the Iringa Region between March and July 2022. Conveniently, 368 women of reproductive age were included in the quantitative study, and 48 were purposively selected for the qualitative study based on reported barriers to using modern FP. Interviewer-administered questionnaires and interview guides were used for data collection. The factors of modern FP use were determined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The p < 0.05 was considered to be significant. For qualitative data, all interviews were recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed manually through thematic analysis. Results The prevalence of modern FP use was 181 (49%). Being married (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.77–16.73, p = .003), parity of 6 and more (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.99–5.95, p = .052), availability of modern FP methods (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.03–2.85, p = .038), and women with primary education level (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.03–3.25, p = .001), women with secondary and higher education (AOR = 3.53, 95% CI = 1.41–4.38, p = .001), were predictors for modern FP utilization. Four main themes merged (1) individual barriers, (2) hospital barriers, (3) cultural barriers, and (4) knowledge of modern FP methods. Conclusion The use of modern FP increases with women's education. There is a need for the government to invest in women's education and raise awareness and knowledge of the benefits of modern FP methods.
Detection of Francisellaceae and the differentiation of main European F. tularensis ssp. holarctica strains (Clades) by new designed qPCR assays
Authors: Köppen Kristin , Rydzewski Kerstin , Zajac Julia , Al-Senwi Marwah , Evcimen Sema , Schulze Darius , Jacob Daniela , Heuner Klaus 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The zoonotic and highly infectious pathogen Francisella tularensis is the etiological agent of tularemia. Tularemia in humans is mainly caused by F. tularensis subspecies tularensis and holarctica, but Francisella species like F. novicida, F. philomiragia, F. hispaniensis and others are known to cause tularemia-like infections in immunocompromised humans. In addition to these Francisella species, further genera of the family Francisellaceae have been described, such as Allofrancisella, Parafrancisella and Pseudofrancisella, but less is known about the distribution and putative virulence of these genera. The methods currently available were not made for a fast and easy detection of all these strains and genera of Francisellaceae.

Results
We developed a multiplex quantitative real-time PCR assay that can accurately detect all genera of Francisellaceae, including Francisella, Francisella-like endosymbionts, Allofrancisella, Parafrancisella and Pseudofrancisella. In addition, we developed a qPCR assay to differentiate the major clades (B.4, B.6 and B.12 [B.71 and B.72]) of F. tularensis ssp. holarctica strains. Both primer sets were shown to work on isolated DNA out of human and tick samples.

Conclusion
Since the developed qPCRs are able to detect all genera of Francisellaceae tested, an easy and fast identification of opportunistic Francisella strains causing tularemia-like symptoms in humans or animals is possible now. The application of these qPCR assays will thus improve the capability for clinical diagnostics and molecular typing during epidemiological investigations.
Evaluation of maSSS/maSES-PEG2-RM26 for their potential therapeutic use after labeling with Re-188. Could their [99mTc]Tc-labeled counterparts be used to estimate dosimetry?
Authors: Kanellopoulos Panagiotis , Yu Quanyi , Abouzayed Abouzayed , Bezverkhniaia Ekaterina , Tolmachev Vladimir , Orlova Anna 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRPR)-directed radiopharmaceuticals for targeted radionuclide therapy may be a very promising addition in prostate and breast cancer patient management. Aiming to provide a GRPR-targeting theranostic pair, we have utilized the Tc-99m/Re-188 radiometal pair, in combination with two bombesin based antagonists, maSSS-PEG2-RM26 and maSES-PEG2-RM26. The two main aims of the current study were (i) to elucidate the influence of the radiometal-exchange on the biodistribution profile of the two peptides and (ii) to evaluate the feasibility of using the [99mTc]Tc labeled counterparts for the dosimetry estimation for the [188Re]Re-labeled conjugates.

Results
Both peptides were successfully labeled with Re-188 and evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. In GRPR expressing PC-3 cells, both [188Re]Re-labeled peptides displayed high cellular uptake (8.5 ± 0.1% and 5 ± 0.3% of added activity, respectively), heavily GRPR-driven, while retaining the radioantagonistic profile with slow internalization rates. Both agents demonstrated high receptor affinity when loaded with natRe (7.5 nM and 8 nM, respectively). When tested in vivo in GRPR expressing PC-3 xenografts, both radioantagonists demonstrated high tumor accumulation (6.3 ± 0.5%IA/g and 5 ± 1%IA/g at 1 h pi, respectively), with good retention over time (4 ± 2%IA/g and 3.1 ± 0.1%IA/g at 4 h pi, respectively). In addition, their biodistribution profiles were closely mimicking their [99mTc]Tc-labeled counterparts. Statistically significant lower tumor uptake was found for both conjugates labeled with Tc-99m, which may result in underestimation of the dose delivered to the tumor.

Conclusions
All the results indicate that Tc-99 m could be used for dosimetry evaluation for the two [188Re]Re-labeled radioligands, with minimal alterations in their biodistribution pattern and tumor targeting capabilities.
Transethosomes: A Comprehensive Review of Ultra-Deformable Vesicular Systems for Enhanced Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Seenivasan Raagul , Halagali Praveen , Nayak Devika , Tippavajhala Vamshi Krishna 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The transdermal route is one of the effective routes for delivering drugs. It also overcomes many limitations associated with oral delivery. One of the limitations of this route is the drug’s poor skin permeability—stratum corneum, the skin’s outermost layer that also acts as a barrier for the drug to penetrate. Traditional liposomal formulation is utilized to overcome these limitations. However, these liposomes also have certain difficulty in delivering drugs across the barriers. Ultra-deformable vesicles are novel vesicular structures that are flexible and stable, they can easily bypass the skin barriers more efficiently and thus enhance bioavailability. These vesicles consist of ethosomes, transethosomes, and transferosomes. Transethosomes are more advanced than other vesicular systems because they contain ethanol, phospholipids, and edge activators, making them more deformable and easier to penetrate deeper skin membranes. These vesicular systems can be prepared by various methods, such as cold, hot, and thin film hydration. Characterization of transethosomes includes vesicular size, zeta potential, polydispersity index and encapsulation efficiency, stability, and drug release studies. These vesicular systems can be utilized to deliver a variety of medications transdermally, including analgesics, antibiotics, and arthritis medications. Despite their promising potential, ethanol-based formulations present several problems requiring additional study. This review aims to describe various vesicular structures that have been used to overcome the barrier for the transdermal delivery of drugs and also describe brief composition, method of preparation, characterization, mechanism of penetration of transethosomes, as well as highlighted various applications of transethosomes in medicine, clinical trials and patents.
Intestinal Distension Induced by Luminal D-allulose Promotes GLP-1 Secretion in Male Rats
Authors: Mizuma Shiori , Hayakawa Masaki , Hira Tohru 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is promoted by various nutrients, and glucose and fructose stimulate GLP-1 secretion via intracellular metabolism. D-allulose (allulose), a nonmetabolizable epimer of D-fructose, is also effective in stimulating GLP-1 secretion, although its underlying mechanism remains unclear. We previously observed intestinal distension after the oral administration of allulose, accompanied by increased GLP-1 secretion in rats, possibly because of the low or slow absorbability of allulose. In this study, we sought to determine whether intestinal distension caused by allulose and other factors gives rise to GLP-1 secretion in rats. We found that the oral coadministration of carbonated water enhanced allulose-induced GLP-1 secretion. Polyethylene glycol 1000 and D-mannitol, which are water-soluble and poorly absorbable, stimulated GLP-1 secretion. However, cellulose (insoluble), and tetra ethylene glycol (water-soluble and absorbable) did not. The secretion of GLP-1 increased as the absolute amount of allulose increased, independent of the concentration. The extent of the GLP-1 secretory response was positively correlated with the intestinal content volume and diameter after allulose administration. Furthermore, the intraileal administration of air expanded the intestine-induced secretion of GLP-1. Our results demonstrate that allulose promotes GLP-1 secretion, at least in part, via intestinal distension as a novel GLP-1 secretory mechanism. Physical stimulation may also contribute to postprandial GLP-1 secretion.
Critical Insights Into LEAP2 Biology and Physiological Functions: Potential Roles Beyond Ghrelin Antagonism
Authors: Perelló Mario 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) has recently emerged as a novel hormone that reduces food intake and glycemia by acting through the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), also known as the ghrelin receptor. This discovery has led to a fundamental reconceptualization of GHSR's functional dynamics, now understood to be under a dual and opposing regulation. LEAP2 exhibits several distinctive features. LEAP2 is released by hepatocytes and enterocytes, 2 cell types that lack classical regulatory secretory mechanisms and may respond differently to nutrient signals. LEAP2 is also found in higher concentrations in plasma than ghrelin, even under energy deficit conditions, and modulates GHSR by inhibiting both ghrelin-dependent and ghrelin-independent activities. Given these characteristics, LEAP2 appears to play a major role in regulating GHSR activity in vivo, extending beyond simple ghrelin antagonism and being crucial for the long-term regulation of energy balance. A deeper understanding of how LEAP2 functions may clarify the functional implications of GHSR in different physiological contexts and unlock new therapeutic strategies for treating obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
Stress Parameters of Horse Riders in Kök-Börü Games by Winning and Losing Situations
Authors: Rişvanli Ali , Şen İsmail , Canuzakov Kanat , Tulobayev Askarbek , Taş Abuzer , Salykov Ruslan , Ceylan Nezahat , Ceylan Alpaslan , Türkçapar Ünal , Alimov Ulanbek , Kazakbayeva Arina , Cunuşova Ayday , Uulu Nur Abdimnap , Yuksel Burak F. , Turanli Mert , Uz Muhammed , Bayraktar Metin 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Introduction
This study examined the effects of winning or losing situations on the stress, metabolic, and physiological aspects of horse riders in Kök-Börü, a traditional equestrian team game.

Methods
Blood samples were collected from the riders of four different teams participating in two separate Kök-Börü games, both before and after gameplay. The samples were examined for levels of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), beta-endorphin, adrenaline, noradrenaline, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) using species-specific commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The same samples were tested for biochemical and hematological parameters with an autoanalyzer.

Results
Post-game, the riders from the winning teams showed an increase in the serum levels of white blood count, granulocytes (GRA), percent GRA, mean corpuscular volume, platelet count, plateletcrit, creatine kinase, albumine, aspartate transferase, creatine, cortisol, and ACTH compared to their levels before the game. In contrast, the post-game serum levels of lymphocytes, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and T3 of the winning team were lower. When the pre-game samples of winning and losing teams were compared, it was observed that sodium and T4 levels were higher in the winners.

Conclusions
The data suggest that winning team riders put in more effort and experienced more stress. Conversely, those on losing teams exerted less effort and experienced less stress, as indicated by the parameter changes.
Managerial Ability and Labor Investment
Authors: Anderson Mark , Sherer Peter , Yu Dongning 
Published: January 2025

The capability of higher-ability managers to acquire and use resources more efficiently than lower-ability managers suggests a positive linear relation between labor investment efficiency (LIE) and managerial ability (MA). However, a puzzle emerges about how the best managers set themselves apart from their peers, calling into question the linearity of the relation between LIE and MA. We explore this puzzle by asking how the highest-ability managers achieve the highest performance levels. We then investigate this puzzle empirically by considering alternatives to a linear relation between LIE and MA. We begin with the distinction that managers achieve the highest performance when they combine efficient exploitation of existing products and services with successful exploration for innovations in products and services. This point is relevant to our puzzle because a firm’s labor needs for exploration are high and unpredictable. Thus, we expect the highest-ability managers to purposefully invest more than predicted by a model of optimal labor investment across firms. In contrast, we expect low-ability managers, who are less able to evaluate, forecast, and make efficient investments, to deviate more from predicted labor investment and vacillate between over- and underinvestment. We present evidence that supports our predictions of nonlinear relations between LIE and MA, with high-ability managers investing more than predicted and low-ability managers over- and underinvesting. We make and test related hypotheses about exploration (investment in research and development), and we probe further by relating future firm performance to over- and underinvestment in labor for different levels of MA. This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting. Funding: This work was supported by the CPA Alberta Education Foundation. Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2020.01932 .
Efficient monocular-vision-based dynamic calibration method for the
sensitivities of low-frequency linear and angular accelerometers
Authors: Chen Hongjiang , Zuo Shengnan , Cao Xiongheng , Wu Shanshan , Zou Yi 
Published: January 2025

The linear and angular
accelerometers are widely used to measure the basic dynamic parameters
in various aspects. However, the current calibration methods for
determining their sensitivities are quite independent. This study
investigates a monocular vision dynamic calibration method with a
linear and angular excitation generation device, which can
simultaneously determine the sensitivities. This method utilizes the
improved Lucy–Richardson edge enhancement and line segment detection
edge extraction methods to improve the calibration accuracy.
Comparison experiments with the conventional methods show that the
investigated method can obtain considerable accuracy in the
0.1–1 Hz and promote the unification of linear and angular
vibration metrology.
Application of fluid dynamics in modeling the spatial spread of infectious diseases with low mortality rate: A study using MUSCL scheme
Authors: Nnaji Daniel Ugochukwu , Kiogora Phineas Roy , Onah Ifeanyi Sunday , Mung’atu Joseph , Aguegboh Nnaemeka Stanley 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive mathematical framework that applies fluid dynamics to model the spatial spread of infectious diseases with low mortality rates. By treating susceptible, infected, and treated population densities as fluids governed by a system of partial differential equations, the study simulates the epidemic’s spatial dynamics. The Monotone Upwind Scheme for Conservation Laws is employed to enhance the accuracy of numerical solutions, providing a high-resolution approach for capturing disease transmission patterns. The model’s analogy between fluid flow and epidemic propagation reveals critical insights into how diseases disperse geographically, influenced by factors like human mobility and environmental conditions. Numerical simulations show that the model can predict the evolution of infection and treatment population densities over time, offering practical applications for public health strategies. Sensitivity analysis of the reproduction number highlights the influence of key epidemiological parameters, guiding the development of more efficient disease control measures. This work contributes a novel perspective to spatial epidemiology by integrating principles of fluid dynamics, aiding in the design of targeted interventions for controlling disease outbreaks.
La transdisciplinariedad como estrategia metodológica para la promoción de derechos con personas adolescentes, en el marco de un proyecto de acción social de la Universidad de Costa Rica
Authors: Artavia Fallas Cindy 
Published: January 2025

En el presente artículo se propone como objetivo, analizar los alcances y limitaciones de la transdisciplinariedad como estrategia metodológica para la promoción de derechos con personas adolescentes en el marco del proyecto de acción social TC-427 Equipo interdisciplinario para la promoción de derechos y desarrollo integral de los y las adolescentes, de la Escuela de Formación Docente de la Universidad de Costa Rica en el período 2019-2023. Este proyecto, trabaja desde una metodología cualitativa, orientada a la investigación-acción participativa, por lo que, en su desarrollo, integra fases de: exploración, planificación del proceso, experimentación y sistematización. De allí que, se realiza primeramente un recorrido por la historia del proyecto, con el fin de comprender su enfoque de trabajo a lo largo del tiempo, y la presencia de distintas disciplinas en el desarrollo de este. Después, se sistematiza e integran las acciones del equipo de trabajo (estudiantes y coordinadora) para promover derechos de las personas adolescentes, la población beneficiaria de este proyecto. Se sistematiza el trabajo llevado a cabo en los últimos años, con el fin de generar una reflexión en cuanto a los alcances y limitaciones que tiene la metodología de trabajo transdisciplinario en el marco de los proyectos de acción social. Se identifica que el trabajo transdisciplinario ha permitido el desarrollo de aprendizajes asociados al trabajo colaborativo por medio del intercambio de saberes del estudiantado, convirtiendo el proyecto en un espacio donde no solamente construyen conocimientos para el quehacer profesional, sino que se transforma la realidad social.