bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Example of a Convergent Mixed-Methods Analysis to Examine Food Security: The Case of Popokabaka in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Mbunga Branly Kilola , Mapatano Mala Ali , Egbende Landry , Strand Tor A. , Hatloy Anne , Engebretsen Ingunn S.M. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
A comprehensive analysis of food insecurity is needed to understand its burden and extent in a community before developing effective and long-term nutritional interventions. We measured food security at four levels of the food chain and suggest integrative pathways for transformative impact on hunger and malnutrition in Popokabaka, the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Methods
We designed a convergent parallel mixed-methods study with four-level data sources collected in Popokabaka: 1) a household food survey (using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), 2) a Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and the Food Consumption Score (FCS), 3) a market food census (assessing food availability and cost per 100 g), and an exit food market survey (assessing buyers' food choices and client satisfaction), and 4) on-farm qualitative study among food producers (exploring challenges and opportunities). Descriptive statistics from our quantitative data were triangulated with themes emerging from qualitative data.
Results
Popokabaka experienced severe food access insecurity (89%), poor food consumption (40.7%), and low dietary diversity (30.2%) at the household level. The quantitative findings at the household level were linked to market characteristics and farmer-reported themes under three pathways: poor diet quality, culturally grounded diet, and risk perception.
Conclusion
The focus should be on improving livestock development, developing adapted communications about nutrition to change established dietary habits, and engaging the government and all stakeholders to empower local communities for improved food security.
The effect of blepharoplasty surgery is that the skin and orbicular muscle are resected together on the eyebrow position
Authors: Mat Emrah 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of excision of the narrow orbicularis oculi strip in cosmetic upper eyelid blepharoplasty on eyebrow position and balance of muscles determining eyebrow position in favor of elevation.
Methods:
Present study evaluated the influence of skin and 3 mm orbicularis strip resection during cosmetic upper blepharoplasty on eyebrow position. This Retrospective study included a review of patients undergoing cosmetic upper blepharoplasty that skin and orbicularis strip were resected between September 2020 and March 2022. Patients with visual field complaints, a prior history of upper or lower lid blepharoplasty, browpexy surgery, or ptosis repair were excluded. Digital photographs were analyzed using NIH ImageJ software to measure preoperative and postoperative eyebrow height as the vertical distance from the center of the pupil to the lowest eyebrow hair. All patients were monitored for nine months after the surgical procedure. During the follow-up period, it was ensured that minimally invasive or invasive intervention was not made that can change eyebrow position.
Results:
According to the results, no significant change was observed in eyebrow height after the surgical procedure in patients who have undergone 3 mm orbicular strip excision during upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery. The mean eyebrow height was 17.78 mm prior to surgery and 17.67mm after surgery. The mean change was -0.11 mm, which was not statistically significant. (p=0.24)
Conclusion:
The present study implies that 3 mm orbicularis muscle resection did not cause any change in eyebrow position and suggests that orbicular resection may not cause any loss of function in the eyebrow depressor muscles.
Deep learning based algorithm for postoperative glioblastoma MRI segmentation: a promising new tool for tumor burden assessment
Authors: Bianconi Andrea , Rossi Luca Francesco , Bonada Marta , Zeppa Pietro , Nico Elsa , Marco Raffaele , Lacroce Paola , Cofano Fabio , Bruno Francesco , Morana Giovanni , Melcarne Antonio , Ruda Roberta , Mainardi Luca , Garbossa Diego , Morra Lia , fiaschi pietro 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objective: Clinical and surgical decisions for glioblastoma patients depend on a tumor imaging-based evaluation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be applied to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) assessment to support clinical practice. In a real-world context, the current obstacles for AI are low-quality imaging and post-operative reliability. The aim of this study is to train an automatic algorithm for glioblastoma segmentation on a clinical MRI dataset and to obtain reliable results both pre- and post-operatively.
Methods: The dataset used for this study comprises 237 (71 preoperative and 166 postoperative) MRIs from 71 patients affected by an histologically confirmed Grade IV Glioma. The implemented U-Net architecture was trained by transfer learning to segment the resection cavity (RC), the enhancing tumor volume (ET) and the whole tumor volume (WT) in post-operative images. The learning phase was carried out first on BraTS2021 dataset for preoperative segmentation. Performance is evaluated using DICE score (DS) and Hausdroff 95%.
Results: The overall mean DS are 91.09 (± 0.60) and 72.31 (± 2.88), respectively obtained in pre-operative and post-operative scenarios. The overall mean Hausdroff 95% is 8.35 (± 1.12) for preoperative segmentation and 23.43 (± 7.24) for the postoperative assessment. Remarkably, the RC segmentation obtained a mean DS of 63.52 (± 8.90) in postoperative MRIs.
Conclusions: The performances achieved by the algorithm are consistent with previous literature for both pre-operative and post-operative glioblastoma’s MRI evaluation. Through the proposed algorithm, it is possible to reduce the impact of low-quality images and missing sequences.
Myeloid zinc finger 1 knockdown promotes osteoclastogenesis and bone loss in part by regulating RANKL- induced ferroptosis of osteoclasts through Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway
Authors: Qu Zechao , Zhang Bo , Kong Lingbo , Zhang Yong , Zhao Yiwei , Gong Yining , Gao Xiangcheng , Feng Mingzhe , Zhang Jingjun , Yan Liang 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background: The overactivation of the osteoclasts is a key pathological factor in osteoporosis. Myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1) belongs to the scan-zinc finger family, which is involved in multiple processes of tumor malignant progression and is an important transcription factor regulating the expression of osteoblasts. However, the exact role of MZF1 in osteoclasts has not been determined. In this study, the purpose of our study was to elucidate the role of MZF1 in osteoclastogenesis.
Results: First, In vivo studies have shown that MZF1 defciency led to decreased bone mass and exhibited a low bone mass osteoporosis phenotype. Further, RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in vitro showed larger TRAP-positive osteoclasts and more complete sealing zone in the MZF1-knockout group. Mechanistically, the results showed that MZF1 deletion group promoted the expression of osteoclast-associated genes. MZF1 knockout can regulate RANKL-induced ferroptosis of osteoclasts by regulating Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway in the early stage of cell differentiation.
Conclusions: Our research revealed that MZF1 knockout promote osteoclast differentiation by regulating iron metabolism and exhibited osteolysis models. This may be a useful therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of osteolytic diseases.
Perspective of students on a blended learning approach to a physiotherapy degree, through the Covid-19 pandemic years
Authors: Belcher Suzanne , Larmer Peter , Christopherson Rory , Sampath Kesava Kovanur 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

In 2019, Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) (Te Pūkenga) launched an innovative approach to the delivery of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree. The programme utilises a blended-block learning andragogy, of mixed face-to-face (block-week) and online learning. At the end of first 4-year cycle, it seemed pertinent to understand the students’ perspective of this new approach, whilst recognising possible effects of the COVID epidemic. An online questionnaire delivered to a convenience sample of students was distributed. Thirty-one (44%) of the 70-students completed the survey. Preference to continue with a block-week learning approach was split, with 32% of the students wishing to continue, 32% preferring discontinuation and return to full-time traditional campus teaching and 36% unsure. However, those that students preferring discontinuation predominately originated or moved to the Hamilton region during study. Those students that preferred block-blended learning were often from a population the initiative was originally meant to target and were unable to access the course in any other manner. To reduce fatigue and improve satisfaction, students also suggested mixing content delivery every week, for instance 2–3 days face-to-face sessions and 2–3 days online, moving away from block-learning but retaining blended-learning. Most students believed the course was well positioned to handle the effects of COVID-19 but recognised physical practical skills learning and clinical placement access was reduced. Future research would explore the specific benefits and barriers of blended/online-learning on physiotherapy specific content.
Comparison of Ionic Concentrations (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, NH4+, Cl-, SO42-, NO3-) and Water Quality Parameters of Bulk Depositions Among Three Sites in Kandy Area, Sri Lanka
Authors: Dharmapriya T.N. , Rathnayake I.M. S.K. , Deeyamulla M.P. , Liyandeniya A.B. , Madhushani L.S. , Priyantha N. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The chemical composition of atmospheric deposition changes over time due to a variety of physical, chemical, and biological conditions. The objectives of this study were to use statistical methods to compare the composition of cations, anions, and water quality parameters of bulk deposition. Three sampling sites of 7 km apart in Kandy District in Sri Lanka were selected for the study: The Kandy City Center (KCC) site represented an urban environment located in a valley, the University of Peradeniya (UoP) site and the Polgolla sites represented a suburban environment. Bulk depositions were collected weekly over eight months (from 03.08.2018 to 27.03. 2019). The chemical analyses of anions (Cl-, NO3-, SO42-) and cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, NH4+) in bulk depositions carried out using ion chromatography indicated that the volume-weighted mean (VWM) concentrations of cationic species in KCC, UoP, and Polgolla sites followed as, Na+> Ca2+> Cl-> K+> Mg2+> NH4+> SO42-> NO3-, Ca2+> Na+> Cl-> Mg2+> NH4+> SO42-> NO3-> K+, and Na+> Cl-> Ca2+> NH4+> K+> NO3-> SO42-> Mg2+ respectively. The VWA pH in KCC, UoP, and Polgolla sites were 6.93, 6.82, and 6.85, respectively, which are nearly neutral due to the neutralization effect. The VWA conductivity values of KCC, UoP, and Polgolla sites were 64.22 µS cm-1, 49.40 µS cm-1, and 42.66 µS cm-1, respectively. Average values of other water quality parameters (salinity, total dissolved solids, and hardness) were higher in the KCC site than those in the other two sites.
Sleep Disorders and Biliary Tact Disease: A Mendelian Randomization
Authors: tian maolan , ding haoran , li guanlin , lu shixin , Meng Xianzhi 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Sleep disorders can cause a wide variety of diseases, however, his relationship with cholelithiasis has not been proven. The importance of this study is further indicated by the fact that the population of insomnia is on the rise every year.
Aims: By understanding the causal relationship between sleep disorders and cholelithiasis through a Mendelian randomization method, we can better guide human work and rest to improve the quality of human life.
Methods: We use exposure factors from UK Biobank and FinnGen consortia as well as outcome variables using Multivariate Univariate as well as Multivariate Multifactor Mendelian randomization methods to analyze the causal relationship between insomnia and cholelithiasis.
Results: The results show that Nap during the day can increase the risk of cholelith (OR = 1.55 (1.10, 2.18), P = 0.011, P FDR = 0.078)and broad cholelith(OR = 1.54 (1.09, 2.17), P = 0.012, P FDR = 0.085). And, after further tests of multi-factor Mendelian randomization, the same results were still obtained (Cholelith P =0.04,Broad Cholelith P=0.04).
Conclusions: Nap during the day can increase the risk of gallstone disease. This result was obtained by Mendelian randomization, and the present study was proved to be solid by sensitivity analysis.
The Simplest Assessment of the Possibility of Using Microgravimeters to Search for Unknown Voids inside the Khufu Pyramid
Authors: Ivashov Sergey , Bugaev Alexander , Razevig Vladimir 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The ancient pyramids keep a lot of mysteries and attract the attention of historians, archaeologists and just tourists from all over the world. Their assignment, construction methods and especially the discovery of previously unknown voids and structures inside them require further study using new technical solutions. The most famous of these structures is the Great (Khufu’s) Pyramid on the Giza plateau in Egypt. Since the middle of the last century, several non-destructive technical methods have been proposed for examining the internal structure of the pyramid. Electromagnetic translucence in the radio frequency range and the use of muon sensors are among them. Although the use of muon sensors has supposedly revealed two previously unknown voids within the Pyramid, independent confirmation of their presence is required. The article discusses the fundamental possibility of using gravimetry to examine the internal structure of the Great Pyramid, and analyzes combining it with other modern technical means including unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the implementation of this project. The paper proposes the simplest model that allows evaluating the required accuracy of a microgravimeter capable detecting the supposed voids in the Pyramid. The advantage of this approach, in addition to its simplicity, is the ability easily checking the presented in paper results. The main purpose of writing the article is to draw the attention of the scientific community to another method of non-destructive testing for the study of the internal structure of the Great Pyramid and discussion further needed steps in this direction.
Depth of drill dimple subpixel detection of aircraft skin rivet based on optimized Otsu algorithm
Authors: Ji Li , Zhang Hanli , Li Haiwei , Shen Lin , Zhang Xinxi , Zhang Yong 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
It is aimed to detect the drill dimple of aircraft skim rivet, a sub-pixel dimple depth detection method based on optimized Otsu algorithm is proposed. Firstly, the image is enhanced by gray transformation in point operation and smoothing and sharpening in neighborhood operation. After comparison, the optimal method is selected to enhance the collected dimple image.Then the histogram method is used for automatic threshold segmentation, the Prewitt algorithm is used for dimple edge recognition, the optimized Otsu algorithm is used for sub-pixel edge extraction to extract the inner and outer ring areas of dimple. Finally, the circle fitting is carried out combined with RANSAC algorithm to generate the circular contour and obtain the outer circle radius of dimple hole. Then the dimple depth is solved by inference method. Experiments shown that the detection method had strong sub-pixel accurate positioning ability, high accuracy, good stability and repeated measurement accuracy of ±15μm.
Gaining certainty out of uncertainty: Exploring the development of uncertainty experience in women with vulvar neoplasia – a longitudinal qualitative study
Authors: Eppel-Meichlinger Jasmin , Mayer Hanna , Steiner Enikö , Kobleder Andrea 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose

Uncertainty in illness is considered a significant psychosocial stressor, that negatively influences symptom distress, self-management strategies and quality of life in cancer patients and survivors. Women with vulvar neoplasia continue to experience uncertainty up to six months post-surgery. According to the Reconceptualized Uncertainty in Illness Theory, the appraisal of uncertainty changes positively over time in chronic illness. We aimed at exploring how the experience of uncertainty develops in women with vulvar neoplasia.

Methods

We selected a purposive sample of seven women diagnosed with vulvar neoplasia undergoing surgical treatment in four Swiss and one Austrian women's clinic. By means of a longitudinal qualitative study, we conducted 30 individual interviews at five points of time during one year after diagnosis. We applied Saldaña's analytical questions for longitudinal qualitative research.

Findings

First, participants experienced uncertainty as an existential threat, then an inherent part of their illness, and finally a certainty. When a new uncertainty arose, the experience of uncertainty changed even during the chronic course of the disease. Women initially associated the existential threat with a high risk for suffering from severe health deteriorations. Participants that could reduce their individually assessed risk by adopting health promoting behaviors, accepted the remaining uncertainty. From now on they reframed uncertainty into a certainty. This new mindset was based on a belief of promoting cancer recovery and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Conclusions

The long-lasting and oscillating nature of uncertainty should receive attention in supportive oncology care. Uncertainty concerning existential issues is of special importance since it can inhibit a positive development of uncertainty experience.
The geometry and combinatorics of an autocatalytic ecology in chemical and cluster chemical reaction networks
Authors: Gagrani Praful , Blanco Victor , Smith Eric , Baum David 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Developing a mathematical understanding of autocatalysis in chemical reaction networks has both theoretical and practical implications. For a class of autocatalysis, which we term stoichiometric autocatalysis, we show that it is possible to classify them in equivalence classes and develop mathematical results about their behavior. We also provide a linear-programming algorithm to exhaustively enumerate them and a scheme to visualize their polyhedral geometry and combinatorics. We then define cluster chemical reaction networks, a framework for coarse-graining realistic chemical reactions using conservation laws. We find that the list of minimal autocatalytic subnetworks in a maximally connected cluster chemical reaction network with one conservation law grows exponentially in the number of species. We end our discussion with open questions concerning autocatalysis and multidisciplinary opportunities for future investigation.
REACH: Robust Efficient Authentication for Crowdsensing-based Healthcare
Authors: Nikooghadam Mahdi , Amintoosi Haleh , Shahriari Hamidreza 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Crowdsensing systems enlist a group of people to contribute to sensor-based tasks. They involve people, also known as participants, who collect sensor data based on the task requirements specified by the requester, and send it to a server using an application. The sensor data can be either related to the participant and his/her daily activity or collected from the surrounding environment. The crowdsensing-based healthcare system is a sample of a crowdsensing system that provides smart healthcare-related services to patients and elderly people. In such a system, wearable sensors collect sensor data from patients and transmit them to the medical server across a public communication channel. Doctors can then access the data and prepare medical advice, resulting in a drastic reduction in hospital costs. However, patient data generally contain sensitive information that needs to be exchanged securely. Therefore, a significant security challenge is authenticating the sensor device (patient) and generating short-term keys for communicating medical data. Recently, Dharminder et al. and Gupta et al. designed authentication protocols for healthcare systems. In our paper, we show that these schemes are prone to a series of attacks including impersonation and stolen verifier attacks, and cannot provide perfect forward secrecy. We then propose a Robust and Efficient Authentication scheme for Crowdsensing-based Healthcare systems, called REACH. We prove that REACH supports perfect forward secrecy and anonymity and resists well-known attacks. We perform various formal and informal security analyses using the Real-OR-Random (ROR) Model, BAN logic, and the well-known Scyther tool. We also show that REACH outperforms the related methods in incurring the minimum computational overhead and comparable communication overhead.
Green Credit and Green Total Factor Energy Efficiency in Chinese Dual Carbon Context： Empirical study based on SBM-Malmquist-Luenberger
Authors: Zhao Hong-li , Wu Ming-hui 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
To achieve the objectives of carbon peaking by 2030 and neutrality by 2060, the pivotal approach to solving energy and environmental problems is to implement green credits by improving total green factor energy efficiency. With this background, this paper measures and analyses the trends and drivers of green total factor energy efficiency across 30 provinces in China from 2007 to 2020. First, this paper measures inter-provincial green total factor energy efficiency in China based on Porter's hypothesis using the Super-SBM model with non-desired outputs and analyses its trends. Second, it uses the Malmquist-Luenberger index to reflect the dynamics of the green total energy efficiency factors. In addition, a double fixed effects model is constructed to test the direction and transmission mechanism of the effect of green credit on energy efficiency. The results of this study indicate that the overall average value of total green factor energy efficiency in China is 0.464, which has more room for improvement. Green total factor energy efficiency of regions shows that the Eastern region > Western region > Central region, but the overall shows a slow downward trend. Secondly, by incorporating green credit and green total factor energy efficiency into the same measurement system, our results indicate that the promotion effect of green credit on green total factor energy efficiency is not significant in the short run. Commercial credit becomes an alternative means of financing to bank credit, but at a higher cost. Thirdly, by analyzing the decomposition point, green credit promotes green total factor energy efficiency mainly through improving green technological progress, and the ‘Porter hypothesis’ is verified.