bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Non-theory-driven Character of Computer Simulations and Their Role as Exploratory Strategies
Authors: Durán Juan M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this article, I focus on the role of computer simulations as exploratory strategies. I begin by establishing the non-theory-driven nature of simulations. This refers to their ability to characterize phenomena without relying on a predefined conceptual framework that is provided by an implemented mathematical model. Drawing on Steinle’s notion of exploratory experimentation and Gelfert’s work on exploratory models, I present three exploratory strategies for computer simulations: (1) starting points and continuation of scientific inquiry, (2) varying the parameters, and (3) scientific prototyping.
Association of hypothyroidism during pregnancy with preconception and early pregnancy exposure to ambient particulate matter
Authors: Sun Qi , Chen Yuanmei , Ye Fang , Liu Jing , Liu Die , Ao Bo , Hui Qin , Zhang Qi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Limited research has been conducted on the association between preconception exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) and hypothyroidism. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preconception PM exposure and hypothyroidism.

Methods
A retrospective case–control study at China-Japan Friendship Hospital was performed. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and inhalable particulate matter (PM10) were obtained from the China High Air Pollution Dataset. Buffer analysis methods were used to calculate the exposure of pregnant women to PM in a circular area of 250, 500, and 750 m in diameter at preconception and in early pregnancy. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between PM and hypothyroidism. Odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the effect of PM on the risk of hypothyroidism.

Results
A total of 3,180 participants were studied, and they comprised 795 hypothyroid patients and 2,385 matched controls. The mean age was 31.01 years (standard deviation: 3.66) in the control group and 31.16 years (standard deviation: 3.71) in the case group. Logistic regression analysis showed that exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 in the 60-day period before the last menstrual period month (LMPM), 30-day period before the LMPM, and LMP, across all distance buffers, was associated with an increased risk of hypothyroidism (all P < 0.05). The most pronounced effect was observed during the LMPM, with PM2.5 (OR: 1.137, 95% CI: 1.096–1.180) and PM10 (OR: 1.098, 95% CI: 1.067–1.130) in the 250-m buffer. Subgroup analysis in the Changping District yielded consistent results with the main analysis.

Conclusion
Our study shows that preconception PM2.5 and PM10 exposure increases the risk of hypothyroidism during pregnancy.
A simple framework to distinguish ‘individualistic’ from a ‘uniform rate’ of ageing within or between study populations
Authors: Degens Hans , Onambélé-Pearson Gladys L. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAgeing is accompanied by a progressive decline in physiological functions. It is often argued that the rate of ageing differs between people and is ‘highly individualistic’. This view is not unequivocally shared, and others have argued that the rate of ageing is rather ‘uniform’. Distinguishing conclusively between these views requires longitudinal data, but these are difficult to obtain as they require decades of data collection from individuals. Here, a simple framework is proposed to assess in cross-sectional data whether in a given population the rate is ‘highly individualistic’ or rather ‘uniform’. It is illustrated that an age-related decrease in the standard deviation (SD) of a certain parameter combined with a non-changing coefficient of variation (COVAR) reflects a ‘uniform’ rate of ageing, whilst an increase or decrease in COVAR with or without a concomitant increase in SD reflects a ‘highly individualistic’ rate of ageing. This framework is applied to some published data, focussing on muscle strength, power and physical function for the sake of illustration, and it is suggested that most studies do in fact show a ‘highly individualistic’ rate of ageing, perhaps apart from a ‘uniform’ rate of ageing in master athletes.
Value of serum free prostate-specific antigen density in the diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Zou Bing-Zi , Wen Hong , Luo Huan-Jia , Luo Wan-Chao , Xie Qi-Tong , Zhou Meng-Ting 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the value of serum free prostate-specific antigen density (fPSAD) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods
The data of 558 patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy were retrospectively analyzed. According to the pathological results, the patients were divided into a PCa group and a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) group. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted, based on which the sensitivity, specificity, Youden index, concordance, and kappa values of free prostate-specific antigen (fPSA), the free-to-total f/tPSA, prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD), the free-to-total (f/t)/PSAD ratio, and fPSAD were compared. The patients were divided into three groups by PSA levels (PSA < 4 ng/mL, PSA = 4–10 ng/mL, and PSA > 10 ng/mL), into three groups by age (age < 60 year, age = 60–80y, and age > 80 years), and into two groups by prostate volume (PV) (PV ≤ 80 mL and PV > 80 mL) to compare the sensitivity, specificity, and concordance of indicators.

Results
tPSA, PSAD, (f/t)/PSAD, and fPSAD had high accuracy in predicting PCa with AUC values of 0.820, 0.900, 0.846, and 0.867. fPSAD showed lower diagnostic sensitivity but significantly higher specificity and concordance for PCa than tPSA, f/tPSA, (f/t)/PSAD, or PSAD. Thus, fPSAD had the highest accuracy in the diagnosis of PCa. In the groups with different PSA, age, and PV stratification, the concordance of fPSAD was significantly higher (88.61%, 90.74%, and 90.38%) than that of other indicators.

Conclusion
With the optimal cutoff value of 0.062, fPSAD has a higher diagnostic value for PCa than tPSA, f/tPSA, (f/t)/PSAD, and PSAD, and can well predict the risk of PCa, significantly improve the clinical diagnostic rate of PCa, and reduce unnecessary biopsy.
Opportunities to strengthen trade policy for food and nutrition security: an analysis of two agricultural trade policy decisions
Authors: Johnson Ellen , Thow Anne Marie , Nisbett Nicholas 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Food insecurity and the double burden of malnutrition have emerged as prevailing global health challenges of the twenty-first century. These have been influenced by trade policy decisions, particularly in relation to agriculture, which are highly political and can have large effects on global, national, and local food systems. The aim of this study was to analyse two multilateral trade policy decisions relevant to food and nutrition security, to understand the political and power dynamics in the spaces in which these decisions are being made at the global level, in order to strengthen trade-related food systems governance to improve population nutrition. This qualitative policy analysis drew on data from a targeted literature and policy review, as well as in-depth interviews with eight individuals with expert knowledge and/or involvement in the case studies. The analysis focussed on policy processes and power dynamics, drawing on two frameworks from political science. This study found that power dynamics were shifting, such that developing countries had more of a voice at these multilateral negotiations, and decisions reflected growing resistance from developing countries who were unable to protect their most vulnerable. Contextual factors such as level of food insecurity, socio-economic situation, and historical institutional processes at the World Trade Organisation, were influential in shaping actor agendas. The study suggests that engagement with the historical context of agricultural trade policy, the global spaces in which these policy decisions take place, and creating strong coalitions will be essential to create sustainable and equitable future food systems.
Anti-noise twin-hyperspheres with density fuzzy for binary classification to imbalanced data with noise
Authors: Zheng Jian 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis paper presents twin-hyperspheres of resisting noise for binary classification to imbalanced data with noise. First, employing the decision of evaluating the contributions created by points for the training of the hyperspheres, then the label density estimator is introduced into the fuzzy membership to quantize the provided contributions, and finally, unknown points can be assigned into corresponding classes. Utilizing the decision, the interference created by the noise hidden in the data is suppressed. Experiment results show that when noise ratio reaches 90%, classification accuracies of the model are 0.802, 0.611 on the synthetic datasets and UCI datasets containing Gaussian noise, respectively. Classification results of the model outperform these of the competitors, and these boundaries learned by the model to separate noise from majority classes and minority classes are superior to these learned by the competitors. Moreover, efforts gained by the proposed density fuzzy are effectiveness in noise resistance; meanwhile, the density fuzzy does not rely on specific classifiers or specific scenarios.
Characterisation and pathogenicity of Verticillium dahliae isolates associated with Verticillium wilt of tomato in the Limpopo Province of South Africa
Authors: Retief Estianne , Lamprecht Sandra , McLeod Adele 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn the Limpopo Province of South Africa, the sustainable production of tomatoes is threatened by a soilborne disease known as Verticillium wilt. Limited information is available regarding the Verticillium species involved, their genetic diversity and aggressiveness. Therefore, a pathogen survey was conducted in the three major tomato production regions in Limpopo (six fields in the Lowveld and two fields each in the Highveld and Soutpansberg). Verticillium dahliae was identified as the only Verticillium species associated with Verticillium wilt of tomatoes. Conventional vegetative compatibility group (VCG) testing identified 38 isolates as VCG 4B and two isolates as VCG 2B. Pathotype-genotype specific PCR analysis indicated that all the isolates belonged to the non-defoliating pathotype, specifically genotype C. These characteristics allowed for the classification of almost all the isolates from the Lowveld, Highveld and Soutpansberg regions into clonal lineage 4B (38 isolates). The exception was for two isolates from the Lowveld that belonged to lineage 2B824. Based on a race-specific PCR analysis, all 40 isolates belonged to race 2. Sequencing of the race-specific PCR amplicon revealed the presence of two haplotypes namely I and II. Evaluation of seven inoculation methods (agar plug, millet, node-inoculation, root-dip, sand-bran, soil-drench and toothpick methods) using three isolates showed that the root-dip method was the only method that consistently identified all the isolates as pathogenic based on disease severity as well as an increase in plant height. Assessment of the aggressiveness of the 40 characterised V. dahliae isolates showed that the isolates varied in aggressiveness to the cv. Floradade.
Connection in Transnational Families. Face-to-Face and Digital Spaces in Portuguese Emigrants
Authors: Barros Carlos 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe use of new communication technologies promotes dynamics with presence between face-to-face and digital ways in transnational families. Relationships are perceived by migrants in these families as enriching, but also as points of contradiction and paradox. This study aims to explore, through the dimensions of the intergenerational solidarity (IS) model, how emigrants perceive the interaction with their parental figures in their country of origin and how the digital space impacts family dynamics. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with young Portuguese adults emigrating in the European space (N = 22), and thematic analysis was performed under a constructivist perspective, with the support of theN-Vivosoftware. The results suggest the need to understand family cohesion in a continuum between solidarity-conflict-ambivalence and, above all, how family dynamics are altered by the challenges of transnational dynamics. It is important to consider the experience of family rituals in person and digitally. Digital communication mitigates differences and isolation, since it promotes more contact, leading to less cultural shock, which can promote more connection.
Setting Dengue Fever Epidemic Thresholds Between 2016 and 2021 in the Central Health Region, Burkina Faso: An Ecological Study
Authors: Ouédraogo Jean Claude Romaric Pingdwindé , Ilboudo Sylvain , Ouédraogo Espérance , Ouédraogo Wendlasida Thomas , Ouédraogo Salfo , Samadoulougou Benoit Césaire , Kaboré Mikaila , Savadogo Léon G. Blaise 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Dengue fever (DF) is endemic in Burkina Faso, with 70% of its burden supported by the Central Health Region. Then, a single confirmed case can no longer mean an epidemic. This study aimed at describing trends and setting epidemic thresholds of DF in the Central Health Region.

Data and Methods
An ecological study was conducted using monthly data from DF surveillance between 2016 and 2021. Three methods were applied to set alert and intervention thresholds of DF monthly incidence rate: mean [mean + 2 SD], median [3rd quartile] and cumulative sum (C-sum) [C-sum + 1.96 SD]. These thresholds were plotted with the monthly incidence rates for 2021.

Results
In total, 54,429 cases were reported between 2016 and 2021. Dengue cases increased biannually. The median annual incidence rate did not vary significantly across years [Kruskal–Wallis: χ2(5) = 9.825; p = 0.0803]. Within a year, the monthly incidence rate fell under 48.91 cases per 100,000 inhabitants between January and September and peaked in October or November. With the mean and C-sum methods, the 2021 monthly incidence rate remained below the intervention thresholds (Mean + 2 SD and C-sum + 1.96 SD). With the median method, the incidence rate exceeded the alert and intervention thresholds in July–September 2021.

Conclusions
If the DF incidence varied within a year due to the seasons, it was relatively stable between 2016 and 2021. The mean and C-sum methods based on the mean were subject to extreme values, giving high thresholds. The median method seemed better for capturing the abnormal increase in dengue incidence.
MRI-guided robot intervention—current state-of-the-art and new challenges
Authors: Huang Shaoping , Lou Chuqian , Zhou Ying , He Zhao , Jin Xuejun , Feng Yuan , Gao Anzhu , Yang Guang-Zhong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is now a widely used modality for providing multimodal, high-quality soft tissue contrast images with good spatiotemporal resolution but without subjecting patients to ionizing radiation. In addition to its diagnostic potential, its future theranostic value lies in its ability to provide MRI-guided robot intervention with combined structural and functional mapping, as well as integrated instrument localization, target recognition, and in situ, in vivo monitoring of the therapeutic efficacy. Areas of current applications include neurosurgery, breast biopsy, cardiovascular intervention, prostate biopsy and radiotherapy. Emerging applications in targeted drug delivery and MRI-guided chemoembolization are also being pursued. Whilst promising progress has been made in recent years, there are still significant basic science research and engineering challenges. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current state-of-the-art in MRI-guided robot intervention and allied technologies in actuation, sensing, new materials, interventional instruments, and interactive/real-time MRI. Potential future research directions and new clinical developments are also discussed.
Material design for oral insulin delivery
Authors: Ji Kangfan , Yao Yuejun , Wei Xinwei , Liu Wei , Zhang Juan , Liu Yun , Zhang Yang , Wang Jinqiang , Gu Zhen 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFrequent insulin injections remain the primary method for controlling the blood glucose level of individuals with diabetes mellitus but are associated with low compliance. Accordingly, oral administration has been identified as a highly desirable alternative due to its non-invasive nature. However, the harsh gastrointestinal environment and physical intestinal barriers pose significant challenges to achieving optimal pharmacological bioavailability of insulin. As a result, researchers have developed a range of materials to improve the efficiency of oral insulin delivery over the past few decades. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in material design that aim to enhance insulin protection, permeability, and glucose-responsive release. We also explore the opportunities and challenges of using these materials for oral insulin delivery.
A Rawlsian Solution to the New Demarcation Problem
Authors: Cabrera Frank 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn the last two decades, a robust consensus has emerged among philosophers of science, whereby political, ethical, or social valuesmustplay some role in scientific inquiry, and that the ‘value-free ideal’ is thus a misguided conception of science. However, the question of how to distinguish, in a principled way,whichvalues may legitimately influence science remains. This question, which has been dubbed the ‘new demarcation problem,’ has until recently received comparatively less attention from philosophers of science. In this paper, I appeal to Rawls’s theory of justice (1971) on the basis of which I defend a Rawlsian solution to the new demarcation problem. As I argue, the Rawlsian solution places plausible constraints on which values ought to influence scientific inquiry, and, moreover, can be fruitfully applied to concrete cases to determine how the conflicting interests of stakeholders should be balanced. After considering and responding to the objection that Rawls’s theory of justice applies only to the “basic structure” of society, I compare the Rawlsian solution to some other approaches to the new demarcation problem, especially those that emphasize democratic criteria.
Effects of topography on dynamics and mass loss of lake-terminating glaciers in southern Patagonia
Authors: Minowa Masahiro , Schaefer Marius , Skvarca Pedro 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCalving glaciers are highly sensitive to bedrock geometry near their terminus. To understand the mechanisms controlling rapid calving glaciers’ mass loss, we measured the lake topography in front of four lake-terminating glaciers in the southern Patagonian icefield. Using remotely sensed surface elevation data, we calculated flotation height and surface slope and compared those with changes in ice-front position, surface speed and surface elevation. Rapid retreat accompanied by rapid flow acceleration and ice surface steepening was observed at Glaciar Upsala from 2008–2011, and at O'Higgins and Viedma glaciers from 2016–present. Surface lowering in the lower part of Glaciar Upsala reached 30 m a−1 and was 18 m a−1 and 12 m a−1 at O'Higgins and Viedma glaciers, respectively. Near- or super-buoyant conditions were observed prior to these events, leading to gradual flow acceleration due to low effective pressure and decoupling from the bed. The super-buoyant condition and gradual acceleration imply full-thickness buoyant calving, which causes the ice front to retreat from the shallow bedrock topography with substantial flow acceleration. We conclude that the buoyancy force plays an important role in the rapid mass loss of lake-terminating glaciers in southern Patagonia.
Changsha Xiang Chinese
Authors: Wu Nankai 
Published: July 2023

Changsha Chinese is a Xiang dialect (ISO 639-3: [hsn]) spoken in the city of Changsha (CN-430100), the capital of Hunan province (CN-43) in China. Changsha is the political, economic, cultural, scientific, and educational centre of Hunan. As of 2021, Changsha had a resident population of approximately seven million in urban areas. Figure 1 shows the location of Changsha on the map of China.
Region, religion, and locality: revisiting Punjab politics and the Unionist Party, 1923–1947
Authors: Talbot Ian 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis article revisits a series of articles published in the early 1980s on Punjab politics in the pre-partition decade that grew out of my thesis ‘The Growth of the Muslim League in the Punjab’ which was supervised by Francis Robinson. It initially locates the publications in the existing literature, before assessing the extent to which subsequent research has enriched academic understanding. The article concludes with some brief reflections on the conceptualisation of the Unionist Party's power-sharing as a form of consociationalism.
Paleo‐Pacific Plate Subduction and Basement Mobilization Triggered Large‐Scale Formation of Mesozoic Gold Deposits in the Northern Margin of the North China Craton
Authors: Xiao Tingting , Sun Deyou , Lehmann Bernd , Tian Zhendong , Gao Lingjian , Zhang Duo , Deng Changzhou , Luo Anbo , Xu Yang , Yin Runsheng 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe northern margin of the North China Craton (NNCC) hosts Mesozoic gold deposits of significant economic importance. The metal sources of these gold systems have long been debated with mainly magmatic‐hydrothermal versus metamorphic fluid models. Mercury (Hg) isotopes, which undergo unique mass‐independent fractionation, can provide important insights into the source of metals in gold deposits due to the close association between Hg and Au in such systems. Here, we investigated the Hg isotopic composition of six gold deposits of the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous age and potential source rocks in the NNCC. Variable ∆199Hg values were observed in bulk ore and pyrite samples (−0.28‰ to 0.34‰, n = 51) and coeval granites (−0.21‰ to 0.13‰; n = 25). The negative ∆199Hg values of bulk ore and pyrite samples mostly agree with that observed for metamorphic basement rocks (−0.37‰ to 0.11‰; n = 32). The positive ∆199Hg values of bulk ore and pyrite samples agree with those reported in marine sediments (0‰–0.3‰). So the data suggest binary mixing of ocean‐recycled Hg originated from the subducted oceanic slab, and terrestrial‐recycled Hg from the Precambrian basement in Mesozoic gold deposits. The contribution of Hg (and Au, by analogy) from both reservoirs varies depending on active continental arc versus intracontinental setting and is ultimately controlled by translithospheric heat flow driven by paleo‐Pacific plate subduction.